Sunday, January 31, 2010

Black & White

Don't you just love the clean simplicity of a black and white card?  Or even a monochrome card?  I've had requests to do a "B&W" class, so I've been playing around with it.  This is one that I came up with.  Gotta love that XL 2-Step Bird Punch, again!

The black "DSP" on the bottom was made with with the Solid Stripes stamp in the back of the Occasions Mini.  I stamped the Basic Black cardstock with VersaMark ink, then just eyeballed it to line up the next set of lines.  Didn't want to get out the Stamp-a-ma-jig....too lazy rushed for time, lol!  It was then heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  Cool, huh?  Looks almost like the Groom Specialty paper.  (Hmmm, that gives me an idea for later.......)

Here's another one, which would also fit the Friday Funday Challenge

Best Wishes Card
Stamps: Solid Stripes, Oval All, Very Vintage Stampin' Around Wheel
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black
DP: Night & Day Designer Series Paper (I soooo wish is wasn't retired!!!)
Ink: Basic Black Classic, VersaMark
Accessories: XL 2-Step Bord Punch, Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Whisper White 1/4 inch Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, silver brads

Friends Card
Stamp: Vintage Vogue
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black
DP: Night & Day Designer Series Paper (I still wish is wasn't retired!!!)
Ink: Basic Black Classic
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch (FREE Sale-A-Bration item!),  Basic Black 1/4 inch Grosgrain Ribbon, Circle Clear Rhinestone Brads

Friday, January 29, 2010

FRIDAY FUNDAY CHALLENGE!

Greetings, friends and fellow stampers!  I have just now gotten around to starting up the Friday challenges for 2010....I know, I know, but better late than never, right?  I've decided to call this the "Friday Funday Challenge" , or FFC.  Fridays are my favorite day, since I have the whole weekend, with all its possibilities, ahead of me.  Plus, it's payday. :-)


For our first challenge of the year, I decided to keep it simple, so no sketch or color requirements this time.  The theme is FRIENDSHIP.  Go wherever your heart takes you with this one!


The challenge will run until next Friday, Feb. 5th, when I will post a new challenge.


Upload your link using Mr. Linky below.  I can't wait to see what you've made!

Edited to add:  I don't know why Mr. Linky isn't showing the links, but people ARE participating.  You have to click on the widget to be able to see the links to the lovely creations.





Stamps: Flowers in Silhouette, Vintage Vogue, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Pale Plum, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive Classic, Rich Razzleberry Classic
Accessories: Rich Razzleberry Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Wide Oval Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Designer Label Punch, Swarovski Crystals

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Sincere Appreciation


 
Finally, here is the card I made for the nurse that cared for me after my surgery last month.  I got my inspiration from Sally's card here (thanks, Sally!).  

I've been dealing with a dead desktop computer all week.  Apparently it picked up a VERY nasty virus, which has pretty much killed the hard drive.  My sweet husband, the resident computer expert, has been trying everything he can to salvage something, anything, on it, but I fear it may be a lost cause. 

Anyhow, almost all my card (and family) photos were on it, so let me be a shining example horrible warning for you.....BACK UP your computer at least weekly!  I never remembered to do it, and now I'm paying the price. :-(

Stamp: Thank You Kindly
Cardstock: Whisper White, gold foil (mfr. unknown)
Ink: VersaMark
Accessories: Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Finial Press Textured Impressions Die, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Spellbinders die, Ribbon from Sally (thanks again, Sally!)

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Lucky Stars


Operation Write Home has a new blog called Stars and Stamps, and this card was made for their first challenge! I'm adding it to the stack of cards I'll be sending in soon!


Stamps: Starring You (stars), Verve (sentiment)
Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White, Night of Navy
Ink: Night of Navy Classic
Accessories: Small Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, brad, Large Star Punch, Movers & Shapers Star Punch Window

Friday, January 22, 2010

TREAT CUPS SLIDER WINDOWS



There have been a few requests for how to make the slider window in the Valentine's Treat Cup card seen on the blog hop, so here is the tutorial.
Click on pictures to enlarge
Punch the main focal point cardstock with the Full Heart Punch.



If you are using a mat under it, fasten the mat to the card front.  Position the punched cardstock on the mat/card front wherever you want it, and trace inside the heart.

Follow the directions for using the Movers & Shapers Punch Window found HERE to make the opening in the card.

Stamp, emboss or decorate the main cardstock as desired.



Apply sticky tape to the edges of the main cardstock as shown.  Be sure to leave an opening for the slider, and don't remove the backing just yet.



Don't remove the backing from the adhesive on the treat cup.  Using 1/8" sticky tape, adhere the Heart Treat Cup to the underside of the main cardstock.

Now remove the backing from the sticky tape and adhere the main cardstock to the card front, making sure your hearts line up.  It doesn't have to be exactly centered inside, as long as you can access the the cup from the inside to fill it.


The slider itself is 2" x 3", with a Round Tab punched tab attached.


Start by sliding the candy cover between the main cardstock and the mat/card front.  Open the card and add the candy, then slide the cover closed.
 

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Pretty in Pink Classic, Whisper White Craft
Accessories: Heart Treat Cups, Full Heart Punch, Movers & Shapers Heart Punch Window, Round Tab Punch, Small Heart Punch, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Pretty in Pink 5/8 inch Satin Ribbon, Chocolate Chip 1/4 inch Grosgrain Ribbon, Sticky Strip, Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive, Paper Cutter

Thursday, January 21, 2010

USING PUNCH WINDOWS W/O THE MOVERS & SHAPERS PLATFORM

First of all, let me say that I love using the Movers & Shapers Curly Label Bigz XL Die.  It makes a perfect invitation (A2) size card, already scored for the fold, with a fancy-shaped window pretty much wherever I want it.  I use it not only to make windows in cards, but to make perfect little mats that fit the Stampin' Up! punches.

Now, having said that, I don't like the limitations of the magnetic platform.  You can only make an A2 size card (4¼"x5½"), AND the fold is along the short side of the card.  What if I want the fold on the long side?  What if I want to make an A6 card (4½"x6¼")?  What if I don't want to make a card at all, but some 3D project that needs a window?  What then?  Hmmm???

Well, I figgered out a way to use any of the Punch Windows or Holiday Windows without the magnetic Curly Label platform!  Here's how:

The cast of characters
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine
Texturz Impressions Pad (the hard black one)
Standard Cutting Pads (the hard clear ones)
Punch Window or Holiday Window die of your choice


The "sandwich"
Place the black Texturz Impressions Pad on the bottom.

Next, place your well-used clear cutting pad on top of the black pad. ;-)


Lay your cardstock or DSP face up on the clear pad.



Place the die face down on the paper, so the lavender foam is against the paper. (And yes, I know that's not the same die as in the first photo.  Sheesh, some people are too observant!)


Lay the second clear cutting pad on top of the die.


Now pick it up without disturbing the "sandwich" and run it through the Big Shot.


Voila!  That's all there is to it!!!  A nice little window wherever you want it, and a nice little mat for use with the matching punch.  Which, in this case, doesn't have a matching punch.  But you know what I mean.


You can thank me later. Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net

LOVE BIRDS


Aren't these little birds just the cutest thing?  I just got the new Extra Large 2-Step Bird Punch and the first thing I thought of was love birds.  Might have something to do with Valentine's Day being right around the corner.  Or not. :-)  
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net

This card reminds me a little bit of the Pennsylvania Dutch Hex signs you see on barns back in Pennsylvania.  There is some really beautiful folk art back there! 

Stamp: Well Scripted
Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel: Very Vintage
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Rose Red
Ink: VersaMark Jumbo Wheel Cartridge, Rose Red Classic, Brocade Blue Classic
Accessories: Certainly Celery 5/8 inch Satin Ribbon, Perfect Details Texturz Plate, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Scallop Oval Punch, Matchbox Bigz XL Die (label), Heart to Heart Punch, Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

VALENTINE VOTIVE TUTORIAL

The Valentine Votive has been very popular with the people I've given it to, so far.  If you want to make them for yourself, or to give as gifts, here's how I did it (and learn how you can use the Movers and Shapers Punch Windows without the Movers & Shapers platform!).  A complete list of materials and tools used is at the end.
Click on photos to enlarge.


1- On back side of DSP, score at 2 7/8", 5 3/4", 8 5/8" and 11½" from short edge.
2- Turn paper and score at 1½" from long edge.

3- Use Scallop Trim Border punch along top edge. (Yes, I know the photos below don't show it - I figured out after that it's better to punch the border first.)

4- Using the Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, cut the heart-shaped window (in the third panel from the fold-under tab) with the Heart Punch Window die.  Be sure to leave room at the top for the ribbon trim.  The sandwich I used is:
  1. Texturz Impressions Pad on bottom
  2. Clear cutting pad
  3. DSP paper with design facing up
  4. Punch window die facing down
  5. Clear cutting pad on top. 

5- Punch heart in one piece of the smaller Real Red CS using Full Heart Punch, going in from short edge.
6- Using Real Red Craft ink, stamp "Love You Much" sentiment on Vellum CS; emboss with clear embossing powder.  (Hold the Heat Tool about 5" away to prevent vellum from warping.)

7- Place Sticky Strip around edge of heart window and remove backing.  Center the embossed sentiment and adhere. Trim excess vellum.

 8- On inside of DSP, place Sticky Strip around heart window and remove backing. With sentiment facing up on work surface, center in DSP heart window and adhere.

9- Using Scallop Trim Border Punch, punch both long edges of the remaining Real Red CS. Trim scalloped strips with Paper Cutter, aligning flat side of punched semi-circles with edge of metal plate, as shown. (The scallops should be just barely past the ¼" mark on the plate.)
10- Adhere scallops to bottom edge along score line using Tombow adhesive. You'll need to cut a short piece to complete it, so make sure it's on the back where it won't show.

11- Cut bottom flaps along short score lines and remove excess ½"x1½" tab. Place Sticky Strip along fold of remaining tab and assemble votive holder.  Adhere bottom flaps with Snail or Sticky Strip.

12- Stamp hearts using Real Red Classic Ink on Very Vanilla CS twice.  Using Small Heart Punch, punch out "Love" hearts.  Using Heart to Heart Punch, punch out remaining hearts.  Punch again (twice) from remaining small Real Red CS. Adhere as desired on sides using Tombow adhesive.

13- Use Snail to adhere 13" strip of ribbon to top of votive holder, with ends finishing on back. Trim so raw edges butt together. Tie loose knot in 6" ribbon and adhere to front with glue dots. Trims ends.

Materials:
Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper #117153, half sheet (6"x12")
Real Red Cardstock #102482, 2 pieces 2½"x3", and one piece 3"x11"
Very Vanilla Cardstock #101650, 3"x4"
White Vellum Cardstock #101856, 2¼"x4"
Real Red ¾" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon #115608, 13" and 6"
Accessories and tools:
I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set #118571 (plus Clear Mount Block C #118486, if CM stamps used)
Well Scripted Stamp Set #118601 (plus Clear Mount Block C #118486, if CM stamps used)
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad #103133
Real Red Craft Stampin' Pad #101190 (I used a Spot, since that's all I had)
Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder #109130
Heat Tool #100005
Scallop Trim Border Punch #118402 free with qualifying purchase through Sale-A-Bration!
Heart to Heart Punch #113694
Full Heart Punch #113693
Small Heart Punch #117193
Paper Cutter #104152
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine #113439
Texturz Impressions Pad #114614
Heart Die from Punch Windows Movers & Shapers #115953
Snail Adhesive #104332 
Mini Glue Dots #103683
Sticky Strip #104294
Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive #110755

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop!


Greetings, stamping enthusiasts!  Thank you so much for joining the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration blog tour, where 21 creative, talented people each showcase a different item from the new Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration Catalog.  The hop should be fully linked by noon Eastern time Saturday, and runs until midnight Monday, so tell all your friends!

What is Sale-A-Bration, you ask?  Only the biggest, bestest Stampin' Up! event of the year, where you can get fabulous freebies (with a qualifying purchase)!

I am number 8 on the tour, and if you've been following in order, you just arrived from Marie's blog, From Boots to Stamps, where she showcased Whimsical Words.  Don't you just love her creations? I love what she made for her daughter!!!


For my projects, I'll be showing you a few things you can do with the uber cool Scallop Trim Border Punch.  First up is a card, perfect for showing a friend how much you appreciate them. I layered the Scallop Trim Border on the side, and used it at the bottom of the mat under the image, as well.  Simple and easy-peasy.

For my second project, I just had to use the adorable Sweetheart Treat Cups.  I think the lacy border is just right for this little confection of a card!  You'll note the corners are punched, too.  There's a matching Scallop Trim Corner Punch in the Occasions Mini Catalog! A little slider window behind the candy makes for easy access without destroying the card. ;-)


The final project is a little votive candle holder.  What a great way to set a romantic mood for you and your honey, and it was quick and easy to make!  (Note: Use battery powered LED flicker lights to reduce fire danger.)  CLICK HERE FOR TUTORIAL


Next stop on the hop, is the lovely and talented Holly, of InkPaperStamps.  If her dog hasn't eaten her one of projects (it happened last hop!), she'll be showing you her creations using Bella's Bloom.  The cottage is to die for!

Thanks again for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed your stop here, and continue to be inspired by the other stops along the way.  Card ingredients are listed below.


Friends Card
Stamp:Vintage Vogue
Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Orchid Opulence, Whisper White
Designer Paper: Cottage Garden Designer Series Paper
Ink: Rich Razzleberry Clasic Stampin' Pad
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Rich Razzleberry Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Stampin' Sponges, Circle Clear Rhinestone Brads


Sweet Valentine Card
Stamps: Vintage Vogue (image), Teeny Tiny Wishes (sentiment)
Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White
Inks: Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad, Real Red Stampin' Write Marker, Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Sweetheart Treat Cups, Full Heart Punch, Small Heart Punch, Modern Label Punch, Round Tab Punch, Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Perfect Polka-Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Stampin' Sponges


Valentine Votive
Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts (image), Well Scripted (sentiment)
Cardstock: Real Red, White Vellum Cardstock
Designer Paper: Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper
Inks: Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad, Real Red Craft Stampin' Pad
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Full Heart Punch, Small Heart Punch, Heart Punch Window Die, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Paper Cutter w/ scoring blade, Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat tool, Sticky Strip, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (to make shimmer spray), Real Red Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots