Friday, November 30, 2012

Christmas Lodge Luminary



Here we are at Friday yet again!  Anyone else feeling like this year has flown by at lightning speed?!  I'm already beginning to feel the panic mode that always comes along with Christmas preparations - I'm usually done Christmas shopping by now and this year I haven't even started yet!  EEK!!

This morning as I was re-organizing and dusting my stamp room (yet again...) I found this little luminary I made last year.  I thought it would be a perfect project to share with you on a Friday, so I'm holding off what I was going to blog about today until next week and sharing this instead!  This way you'll have lots of time over the weekend to make a few to display around your home for the Holidays!  The only warning I have about this project is one I'm sure your all very familiar with - Dazzling Diamond Disease (hahaha).  If you've ever used this beautiful product you know that once your project is complete your usually covered in the stuff!  After using it on a project last week, I walked by the window into a patch of sunlight and had a brief moment when I thought I could stand in as an Vampire extra on a Twilight movie! (I know, I know...I just admitted I love Twilight.  Please don't hold it against me! LOL)

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Christmas Lodge
Cardstock: Vellum Paper, Lucky Limenade (or any color that suits your decor)
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, sticky strip, Simply Scored tool, paper snips, battery operated tealight

1.        Cut a 8 ½” x 11” piece of vellum to 4 ¼” x 11”
2.      Score vellum at 2 5/8”, 5 1/4", 7 7/8", 10 1/2".  A small tab will be left at the end, this will be used to attach the piece together.
3.      Using image of your choice, stamp all four sides using Versamark.  Cover with Dazzling Diamonds. 
4.      Cut a piece of cardstock to 3 ½” x 3 ½”.  Score in at 3/8” on all sides and fold inward.  Clip the corners so they fold over and adhere with sticky strip.
5.      Fold vellum on scored lines.  Apply sticky strip to the tab and join together to form a box.
6.      Place a battery operated tealight in the base and place vellum box within the base.
Here's a photo of what the Luminary looks like lit up

Have a great weekend everyone!  Until next time...
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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Elements on the Edge


Howdy!

Today's card is quite simple but by using the Adorning Accents Edgelits along the bottom of the card, it still has a little interest to make it special.  The stamp set is a favorite of mine; Elements of Style.  It's so pretty and I love that it gives me a chance to play around with my coloring skills.

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Elements of Style
Cardstock: Watercolor paper, Island Indigo, Raspberry Ripple
Ink: Black Staz-On
Accessories: Assorted Stampin' Write markers, blender pen, Adorning Accents edgelits, Raspberry Ripple stitched ribbon, snail, sticky strip

I'll be back tomorrow - I have a ton of cards awaiting to be blogged, if I could just get time to blog!  Our Christmas tree is now up and its a full time job keeping my "elves" out of it!  I have a feeling I could find my 1 year old perched on top with the star one day if I'm not careful! LOL

Until next time!  Thanks so much for looking!
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Monday, November 26, 2012

Snowmen and Top Hat Box


Hello All

Today I would like to share one of the two projects I created for this month's Project Suite; Wrapping up the Holidays for U Stamp with Dawn and Friends.  These little snowmen are so simple and so much fun to make - so much fun in fact that I bet you can't make just one!

The tutorial that I created for this project includes how to make the adorable little snowmen, the greeting card and envelope, as well as the Snowman Top Hat Box; which is a perfect way to gift your little snowman to a loved one!  If you are interested in purchasing this tutorial or one of the 40+ others, please head over to http://ustampwithdawnandfriendsbloghop.ning.com/ for full details.  I will be sharing my second project along with a few others from talented designers over the next few days.  I hope you enjoy!

Just a reminder that there are only 3 days left in the Online Extravaganza where you can save 20-50% on select items.  Click on the Online Extravaganza button to the left to be redirected to the sale list.

Until next time...
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Friday, November 23, 2012

Rock Salt Background Christmas Card


Happy Friday!

Today's card is one of the techniques I showed this month; Rock Salt Background.  I also had a chance to demonstrate the new Illuminate Glimmer pad - a new favorite of mine I must say!  On dark backgrounds it looks a stunning shimmery silver and on light backgrounds a beautiful pearly opalescent.  Its almost like two inks in one!

If you haven't heard of the Rock Salt Background technique, here's a quick description:
Begin with a piece of glossy white or Whisper White cardstock.  Sprinkle coarse salt randomly on the cardstock.  Run through the Big Shot; using Tab #2 and both cutting plates.  Discard the salt and brayer.  Viola! A beautiful snowy winter sky!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Lovely as a Tree, Snowflake Soiree, Dasher (retired)...Christmas Deer set would work well for this scene as well
Cardstock: Glossy White cardstock, Basic Gray, Basic Black
Ink: Basic Black, Midnight Muse, Illuminate Glimmer pad
Accessories: Silver brads, coarse salt, brayer, sponges, snail adhesive

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!  I'm hoping to work on my stack of Christmas cards now that my projects for U Stamp with Dawn and Friends are complete.  This month I created two projects for the Wrapping Up the Holidays suite, which kicks off today!  I'll share both projects I created with you next week; hopefully along with a few other gals amazing work!  If your interested in becoming a member of this project suite, head on over to Dawn's site at http://ustampwithdawnandfriendsbloghop.ning.com/ to sign up - there are 40+ one of a kind projects to check out!

Until next time...
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Thursday, November 22, 2012

Grandpa's Fishing Buddies



Happy Thanksgiving to my American readers!  (I've always found it odd that Canadians and Americans celebrate Thanksgiving over a month apart on the calendar...oh well, two days to be Thankful for Family and Friends and even more importantly two days of a yummy meal!) 

Today I have another project instead of a card that I'd like to share with you.  Just like creating masculine cards, I almost always struggle with buying masculine gifts...thank goodness for the invention of gift cards!  This year I really want to focus on personalizing gifts, instead of just pulling out my wallet.  My Father-in-Law's birthday was this past weekend and this was the framed drawing I drew for him; meant to represent our two boys enjoying a favorite pass time with their Grandpa. 

I wanted to share this with you today to show you the versatility of Stampin' Up! products.  This drawing was created entirely with Stampin' Up! products.  I line drew the picture on watercolor paper then colored in the silhouettes with a Basic Black marker.  The skyline and water were sponged using a combo of the following colors:
  • Baja Breeze
  • Island Indigo
  • Not Quite Navy
  • Midnight Muse
  • Daffodil Delight
  • Cajun Craze
  • Perfect Plum
  • Rich Razzleberry
Hope this has inspired you to think outside the box with your Stampin' Up! products - they aren't just for cardmaking and scrapbooking!  Have a wonderful day and whether your celebrating Thanksgiving today or not, take a moment to give thanks for whom and what you have :)

Until next time...
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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Really Faux...



Hi Everyone!

Today post isn't a card, but it's still uses Stampin' Up! product in a totally unique way.  At first glance, does this not appear to be a real bouquet of flowers?  Well let me let you in on a little secret...its all paper!  The whole thing!  When I found this tutorial by fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Leigha Rock, I knew I had to have it.  Let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed.  Her tutorial is wonderfully done with tons of pictures and step by step instructions for even the most novice of crafter's. 

I had a blast making each and every petal, and have plans to make a few more for both myself and for gifts.  I parted with this one as an anniversary gift to my in-laws but now I need one at my desk to brighten my day too!

If your interested in making your own fabulous bouquet, head on over to Leigha's blog at http://www.diaryoftwocraftygirls.blogspot.ca/ ,she has quite a few tutorials to choose from.  Due to the fact that this is a purchased tutorial, I cannot share a list of supplies used on this project.  Thanks for understanding!


Thanks so much for looking!  Have a wonderful day!
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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Nautical Birthday


Today's card plays this a few techniques, some new to me, some tried, tested, and true.  It's always hard to come up with masculine cards so for my Father-in-Law's birthday I decided to go nautical with a little Old World mixed in.  I seen a similar card to this made by a fellow demonstrator and tweaked it to suit the look I was going for.  Overall, I love the tea stained look I achieved - I think I'll use it again on another upcoming card.

Supplies:

Stamp sets: The Open Sea, A Word for You
Cardstock: Watercolor paper, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Brights Designer DSP pack
Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Midnight Muse
Accessories: Modern Label punch, Island Indigo Baker's twine, Versamark, clear embossing powder, Midnight Muse marker, snail adhesive, Stampin Dimensionals

The background is a mix of layering techniques.  The true success of this card lies in the paper used for the stamped images - watercolor paper.  Sometimes it just offers so much more flexibility than regular cardstock can give when it comes to color blending. 
I Versamarked and clear embossed the globe in the upper left hand corner.  Then came the fun part.  I sprayed a light mist of water over my paper.  While the paper was still damp I began sponging Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip, and Early Espresso over the entire piece.  I then inked the Captains log image and anchor image in Chocolate Chip by stamping off once on scrap paper then stamping on the watercolor paper.  This helps the image to appear slightly faded into the background.  Next I stamped the ship image in Midnight Muse ink.  Finally I wrapped the watercolor paper in Island Indigo baker's twine a few times and tied in a bow then adhered this layer to the base layers with Stampin' dimensionals.  As a last touch I added the sentiment stamped on Baja Breeze cardstock in Midnight Muse ink punched out with the Modern Label punch.

That's all for today!  Don't forget about the Online Extravaganza on right now until the 28th!  Do miss out on some incredible deals!!
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Monday, November 19, 2012

Stylish Anniversary


Hi Everyone!

Before I get started on today's card I just wanted to remind you of the Online Extravaganza that begins today!  There are incredible discounts from 20-50% and TODAY ONLY you can purchase the Big Shot, Big Shot Doctors Bag, and Simply Scored Diagonal Plate at 20% off the regular price!!  Click on the Online Extravaganza image to the left to be redirected to the full list of reduced product.

This weekend was my in-laws anniversary as well as my Father-in-law's birthday.  I decided this year not only the cards would be handmade, but the gifts as well.  Stay tuned throughout the week as I will be sharing all of them with you.  I really wanted to make an anniversary card that offered a bit of a WOW without being too fussy or heavily layered - in other words a clean and simple or a CAS card.  I combined marker layering and some tone on tone embossing; overall I think its simple but effective in achieving the WOW factor!

Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Elements of Style, A Word for You
Cardstock: Watercolor paper, Basic Black
Ink: Black Staz-on, Versamark
Accessories: Stampin' Write markers, blender pen, clear embossing powder, Cherry Cobbler ribbon (retired), Sticky Strip, Snail adhesive

Have a great day!
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Saturday, November 17, 2012

Exciting New Stampin' Up! Offers!


Wow!

Stampin' Up! has released so many fabulous offers at the same time I thought I would devote an entire blog post just to help keep it all straight!

To me the most exciting news is the Online Extravaganza taking place from November 19th until November 28th.  There are amazing discounts from 20% to 50% - including products like the Big Shot! In addition, there will be three products 20 percent off for 24-hours only on both the first and last days of Online Extravaganza!  The full list of products and the adjusted prices can be found HERE or visit my online store.



Due to Stampin' Up!'s partnership with Sizzix, they are offering a test run of the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine in the North American markets.  They have 4,000 available to be sold only while supplies last - so act quickly is you'd like one!  Please note: this machine embosses ONLY, it is not a die cutting machine like the Big Shot.

Texture Boutique Bundle
Item 132700
$45.95 (a $56.85 value)
Includes:
  • Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, 1 Pair of Standard Embossing Pads, 1 Mylar Shim
  • Flower Garden Textured Impressions Embossing Folder-Stampin' Up! exclusive
  • Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder-Stampin' Up! exclusive
Texture Boutique Embossing Machine
Item 132657
$36.95
Includes:
  • Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, 1 pair of Standard Embossing Pads, 1 Mylar Shim
What else is new? Well, if you have an Iphone and are always looking for new apps, have I got one for you!

This iPhone app allows customers to create an e-card-from a template or completely on their own-and send it via e-mail or post it on Facebook. And it's free!

Here's something you should know about this app: it's not My Digital Studio on a mobile device, not even close. This scaled-back version will only give you a taste of what you can create when you buy MDS. Download it from iTunes or the App Store, share it with all your friends, and post a review! The more positive reviews it gets, the more prominent place it takes in the iTunes store. 

I downloaded the app immediately when I found the news and now can't stop playing!  Here's a couple of examples:


Sticking with Iphone Apps, here's another that lets you connect with Friends and Family in a totally unique way; its called Talking Tag.

With Talking Tag, you can send a gift that is uniquely you. Talking Tag is a message label you can attach to cards, invitations, gifts . . . anything! Personalize birthday cards, Christmas gifts or even record quick instructions for a project. Now your pictures really can say a thousand words!

How to Buy Talking Tags:
Buy 'em by the sheet! You get 10 tags for just $9.95 (item 129723).

How to send a voice message:
  1. Download the FREE TalkingTag App on your smartphone from talkingtag.mobi, iTunes® or Google Play.
  2. Adhere the message tag to your card or gift.
  3. Open TalkingTag App and scan the code.
  4. Record your message (recording starts immediately, so make sure you're ready!).
You will have the opportunity to listen, re-record, cancel, or confirm your message after you've completed recording it. Each label allows up to 60 seconds of a greeting, song, or product message.
To play the message, recipients will need to download the app and scan the code.  Messages are saved for two years, so they can listen to it over and over.

Whew, see what I mean? Tons of new and exciting things coming your way!  Hope you can take advantage of one or all of them!
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Friday, November 16, 2012

Night Lights in Paris - Tutorial




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Howdy All!

Here is the promised Northern Light tutorial :)  Its a couple days later than I wanted to post it but dang life got in the way of completing it!  Can you imagine - the very nerve of the Fairy that normally does my house cleaning, laundry, and cooks my meals didn't show AGAIN and I was forced to do it! (hehehe).  Anyhow, here it is; hope you enjoy it and have fun with it.  It can be a technique that requires a little practice at first but just remember every time you try it you'll have a different result - no two will ever look the same which makes it such a special technique!  If you would like to see a few past examples of ones I've done you can see them all HERE.

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Artistic Etchings, Lovely as a Tree
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Grey, Baja Breeze
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Lucky Limenade, Tempting Turqouise, Rich Razzleberry, Not Quite Navy, Basic Black, White Staz-on
Accessories: Labels Collection Framelits, Square Lattice embossing folder, sponges, white gel pen, Dazzling Diamonds, stampin dimensionals, 2 way glue pen, Illuminate Glimmer Pad, Gray ribbon


Begin by cutting the second largest frame from the Framelits Labels Collection out of Whisper White cardstock.  With post it notes torn along the edges, mask off the bottom of the cardstock.
Sponge Daffodil Delight ink randomly across the top portion of the cardstock.  The best way I can describe to apply the ink is to not pounce the sponge but rather RUB the ink across the paper.
Sponge Old Olive ink next, following the same pattern you created with the Daffodil Delight.  Apply above and below the Daffodil Delight - remember random is best!

Add a small amount of Lucky Limenade to help brighten areas, once again following the same pattern as with the previous colors.

Now it starts to get colorful :)  Add Tempting Turquoise over some of the previous colors but now also add into some of the areas of white space  surrounding what you have previously done.

Rich Razzleberry is your next stop.  Fill in a good portion of any white space that remains while randomly adding over some of the other areas that already have color.  I know at the moment your probably thinking "Wow, it looks like a clown just lost his lunch", but hang in there it gets better...

We'll now sponge on the Not Quite Navy.  This is where you really see the Lights beginning to take shape.  I begin by adding color in any white spaces that still remain.  By first doing this it will help you to begin to establish and form the pattern your lights will take.  Make some areas darker, leaving the brightest areas untouched.  The whole point is to make the Northern Lights appear as though they are 'dancing'. 

I find this step the hardest to leave simply because I want it to be perfect; but then I have to remind myself that this is supposed to be inspired by nature, and by nature nature is imperfect, and blah blah blah...Melissa quit being anal and move on...LOL
The final step (yes, finally!) is to add Basic Black ink.  This step is easy peasy if you've followed by advice in the last step ;)  Add the Basic Black to all the areas where you just added the Not Quite Navy, leaving some of the Not Quite Navy still showing.  This step is really just to add further depth and really pop the lights off the page.
Remove the post it masks and move them down the cardstock, sponging with Not Quite Navy ink on the very edge.  When the masks are removed you've created beautifully highlighted snowbanks.

Stamp the Eiffel Tower image from the Artistic Etching set in Basic Black where the skyline and snowline meet.

With a white gel pen add snow to the Eiffel Tower where snow might naturally collect when it falls.  Add snow falling to the sky with some larger dots scattered throughout.  I also used a white gel pen to camouflage the base of the tower so it appears to really be sitting in a snowbank.

With White Staz-on ink and a cotton swab, dab over some of the bigger snowflakes.  This will give them a slightly 'glowing' look.

I added a few trees from the Lovely as a Tree set to add a little more punch to the foreground. 

It doesn't show very well in this picture, but Dazzling Diamonds have been added below the tower and along each snowbank ridge. 

I've rolled a few steps into one in this photo.  Cut out the largest frame from the Labels Collection from Basic Gray cardstock.  Emboss with the Square Lattice embossing folder and highlight with the Illuminate Glimmer pad by simply pressing the pad over the embossed area.  With a hole punch, punch a hole at the top of the Basic Gray frame and with ribbon create a loop with a bow on top for hanging.  Assemble with Stampin' dimensionals.

On the back of the card I added a piece of Baja Breeze cardstock cut from the second to largest frame, stamped on a sentiment and added a personal greeting.

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial - if you have any questions, please just ask!  I would love love love to see what you create with it!  Please leave me a comment with a link to your creation so I can take a peek!

Until my next post...have a wonderful weekend!
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Window View


Hi Everyone!

Well after a snowy long weekend I think I may be on the road to getting caught up in my card room!  November is a busy month of birthdays, anniversaries, classes and the like.  I have some great projects to share with you in the upcoming days; including a tutorial on Northern Lights as seen in my last post.

Today's card was inspired by one I found on Pinterest.  The card I found posted was a punch art cat looking out the window at an ocean view.  That didn't fit for what I had in mind so I changed it to be a winter view and for an added punch, used the glitter window technique.  I made this card on Friday and I think I'm STILL covered in Dazzling Diamonds as is my stamp room, and my children...LOL.

If you've never tried this technique, its quite simple and delivers stunning results.  Cut two pieces of cardstock the same size, one being neutral colored.  On this neutral colored piece, stamp your image or images.  On the colored cardstock, cut your window or windows.  On the backside of your window cardstock apply packing tape sticky side up.  Flip over and apply Dazzling Diamonds.  Adhere the two pieces of cardstock together and voila a beautiful glitter window!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Snowflake Soiree, A Word for You
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Basic Grey, Subtles Collection DSP
Ink: Basic Grey, Midnight Muse
Accessories: Owl punch, small oval punch, 1 3/8" square punch, packing tape, Dazzling Diamonds, sponges, snail, Stampin dimensionals

Thanks so much for looking!  Until my next post...
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Friday, November 9, 2012

Victorian Night Lights


Happy Friday!

We are getting a full blown blizzard here in my neck of the woods at the moment - a perfect time to stay safe and bundled up with a cup of tea inside if you ask me!

Today's card is how I love to imagine winter; serene and calm with gently falling snow and colorful Northern Lights dancing in the sky.  Now mind you, I have no idea whether you would actually see the Northern Lights while its snowing but I took some artistic license and made it so.  I was also able to play with the new Illuminate Glimmer Watermark ink pad on this card - the picture doesn't really show it well but the embossed section behind the stamped scene absolutely shimmers in real life!  Hope you enjoy!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Lovely as a Tree, Christmas Lodge
Cardstock: Perfect Plum, Whisper White
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Lucky Limenade, Rich Razzleberry, Tempting Turquoise, Not Quite Navy, Basic Black, White Staz On, Illuminate Glimmer Watermark (Holiday Mini)
Accessories: Lacy Brocade embossing folder, Framelits Labels Collection, Perfect Plum Taffeta ribbon, sponges, white gel pen, Dazzling Diamonds, 2 way glue pen, snail, sticky strip

Thanks so much for looking today, have a wonderful weekend!
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Thursday, November 8, 2012

Blessings Wreath


Hi Everyone!

It was such a warm day yesterday I just couldn't make myself work on a Christmas project so I decided to do something a little more Autumn inspired.  The wreath from the Full of Blessings set in the Holiday Mini catalogue is the only stamped portion of this image; the fence is hand drawn.  I think I may be over the punch art stage for a bit LOL - I've really been missing spending time on landscapes and such so I think I'm going to focus my attention there for a few upcoming cards.  I find there sure is something therapeutic about using markers for me; its nice to get lost for a little while :)

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Full of Blessings, Take Care
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Pool Party, Watercolor paper
Ink: Black Staz on, Baja Breeze, More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Soft Suede
Accessories: 3 1/2" circle die, 3/16" corner punch, various Stampin' Write markers, blender pen, white gel pen, Pool Party Taffeta ribbon, Square Lattice embossing folder, sponges, snail, stampin' dimensionals

Hope you enjoy your day!  If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear from you!
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