Friday, March 29, 2013

Easter Chick Basket

One final post before Easter arrives!  How cute is this little chick??  Sharon White, a fellow Stampin' Up! Demo posted this little punch art chick a couple of days ago on her blog and I just had to make one too!  She has wonderful instructions on her blog to make this little chick, a bunny, and a lamb if you'd like to check them out.  I've changed a couple things on mine because I don't own all the punches she used but I still think he turned out pretty cute!  


Supplies:

Stamp sets: N/A
Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, Pretty in Pink Subltes DSP pack
Ink: Pumpkin Pie
Punches: 2 1/2" circle, 1 3/4" scallop circle, large oval, smallest oval from Oval Framelits, small oval, Owl punch, Build a Cupcake
Accessories: Sponges, Tombow, sticky strip

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Until next time...
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Thursday, March 28, 2013

Secret Garden Easel


I've taken a turn at making a few Easel cards and I must say I'm enjoying them.  It's nice for a card to have a little something extra incorporated into it besides just a layer or two.  I made this for my Mom for her birthday and have been anxiously waiting to post it.  Her birthday was almost a week ago but I wasn't able to give it to her until yesterday - oh the torture! LOL

Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Secret Garden, A Word for You
Cardstock: Watercolor Paper, Primrose Petals, Tea for Two DSP
Ink: Black Staz-On, Primrose Petals, Always Artichoke
Markers: Blue Flower - Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Island Indigo  Yellow Flower - So Saffron, More Mustard, Cajun Craze  Pink Flower - Pretty in Pink, Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple
Accessories: Labels Collection Framelits, Ovals Collection Framelits, Markers, blender pen, Flower Trim, Basic Pearls, Build a Cupcake punch, sponges, Tombow

Another view from the side

View when the card is closed

I made the base of this card using the largest framelit in the Labels Collection.  If you haven't attempted an Easel card there are great instructions on Splitcoast Stampers.  If you'd like to see a tutorial here let me know - if there's enough interest I will add it to my list :)

After creating the base I cut an Oval from the Ovals Collection framelits from watercolor paper.  I stamped the three flowers and stems (with a little masking involved) with Staz-On ink.  I then colored using the marker layering technique with markers and blender pen.  If you'd like to see more on this technique check out these posts.  I punched the top of the cupcake from the Build a Cupcake punch from scrap paper and used it as a mask to create the clouds surrounding the flowers.  All the leaves are cut by hand with paper snips - silly me didn't order the Secret Garden bundle which includes the matching dies.  Why did I do that again???  I will definitely be adding that one to my future list of must haves!  The flower trim (which comes white) was colored with a sponge dauber and Primrose Petals ink; don't they look so soft and pretty this way?

If you have any further questions I haven't touched on in this post, please email me or leave a comment below - I love hearing from you!

Until next time...
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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Little Boys Breeches


There are two cards you can never seem to have enough of in your stash in my opinion - birthday and baby cards - so I'm building my stock pile LOL.

I wish I could take credit for this idea, but I've seen it often in my Pinterest travels and fellow Stampin' Up! demo's work.  It's yet another use for that cute little Owl punch (really if you haven't added this punch to your collection yet - what are you waiting for???).  I've used it for little boys breeches on this card but without cutting the leg slits in the bottom and instead adding a small length of ribbon you've got a cute little girl skirt!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Take Care, Delightful Dozen
Cardstock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Pool Party, Lucky Limenade, Midnight Muse, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Basic Gray, Birds of a Feather DSP, Christmas Lodge DSP (retired)
Ink: Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Chocolate Chip, Garden Green markers, Ovals Collection Framelits, Brights Glimmer Brads, Basic Pearls, white gel pen, Lucky Limenade Bakers twine, Owl punch, sponges, dimensionals, Tombow liquid glue

Hope you enjoyed this one!  If you have any questions, please leave me a comment below!

Until next time...
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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Flirtatious Flower Pin


I'm sure I've mentioned more than a time or two how versatile Stampin' Up! products really are.  Today's little project is created with the Fun Flowers die for the Big Shot machine and Stampin' Up! exclusive fabric. I've created a quick tutorial for you to follow along with but before I begin I need to let you know about a great SALE happening for one week only!  


ALL yes I said all fabrics in the Stampin' Up! collection are on sale for this week only!  There is no minimum purchase but quantities are going to go fast so act quickly is you want in on this special!  And if your wondering how you can incorporate fabric into your projects I have a couple of ideas, besides today's tutorial, HERE.  Let's get started!

Supplies:

Big Shot: Fun Flowers die
Accessories: Flirtatious Fabric, Sweet Stitches brad (retired, from my stash a couple years back), hot glue gun, small round of felt, brooch pin or safety pin

Begin by cutting out 4 of each size flower found in the Fun Flowers die.  The Big Shot will cut up to 8 layers of fabric at one time so don't be afraid to run all the layers through at once to save some time.  It's also best if you can iron all pieces flat (as you can see I haven't done that part yet)

Fold your pieces in half, wrong sides together.  Layer the second flower on top of the first flower as pictured and glue down with hot glue.  You can also sew the pieces together.

Continue in this manner, just like the first step.

For the last flower, glue down to the third flower in the same manner as the last two steps.  Then take the first flower and bring it out from behind the fourth flower and glue it on top.  This is what creates the interweave pattern.

Complete the above steps for all three flowers.

 
Glue the 3 flowers together from largest on bottom to smallest on top.  Glue a button or brad to the center of the flower.  Finish by adding a small round of felt onto the back and add a brooch pin or safety pin.

I've seen this flower attached to bracelets, hairbands, hair ties and clips, and even as embellishment on a card front that also acts as a gift for the receiver.  Possibilities are endless!  And don't forget that Stampin' Up! carries more than one flower die for you to try this out with.  Check out my online store for more options!

And don't forget about the Late Night Stampers Treasure Hunt!  When you find the 50 clues email them directly to me @ mmp12_98@yahoo.com to be entered for the $150.00 Stampin' Up! shopping spree!!

Until next time...
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Monday, March 25, 2013

Spring Snowfall


U Stamp With Dawn & Friends Bigshot Roundup is officially underway as of Friday!  Yeehaw!  This is the first of four projects I've created for this event.  My assignment?  Figure out a way to use the Northern Flurry embossing folder in a way that didn't shout winter.  Thinking cap on...

The first thing that came to mind was this; a soft Spring Snowfall.  One that dusts all the trees and early blooming flowers with snowy glitter.  One that makes everything still and quite and peaceful.  One that makes you want to take a little walk down a little path to take it all in and enjoy in the beauty of it.

If you are interested in how I created this scene, and would like to give it a try, head over to U Stamp With Dawn & Friends to sign up today!  We've used every that can be used in the Big Shot this round so you'll never run out of ideas or possibilities with this one!  I've already had a sneak peek at what's coming and trust me you don't want to miss out on this one!

Until next time...
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Friday, March 22, 2013

Oval Framelit Bunny Basket


Morning!

It's been a long couple days around my house - both boys have managed to catch a cold AGAIN so its been sleepless nights and limited stamping time.  Hopefully they improve over the weekend and I can get back into the swing of things!

Until then, I found this cute little bunny basket on the Stampin' Up! blog that I just had to share!  Carrie designed this project and if you'd like to check out how she did it along with a list of supplies, click HERE to be re-directed to the Stampin' Up! Blog.

And don't forget - today's the first day of U Stamp With Dawn & Friends Bigshot Roundup!  There is already a few projects posted with tons more to come!  I'll be sharing the projects I made for this suite as they are posted to the site.  I can't wait to share!

I've also updated the Participant List for the Late Night Stampers Treasure Hunt if your still on the hunt for clues.  Remember its as simple as locating 50 clues for your chance to win a $150 Stampin' Up! shopping spree!!

Before I leave you I wanted to show you just what Spring looks like in my neck of the woods at the moment.  The Canadian Prairies have recorded record amounts of snowfall this year along with terrible winds to help "disperse" it.  Many highways were closed yesterday because they became simply impassible with huge snow drifts.  Our acreage is located in a wide open flat with little trees - this is how I found my car this morning!  Anyone interested in some shoveling?? 

Thanks for stopping by - be back next week!
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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Candy Washed Spring Flower Tutorial


Today is the first day of Spring, even though it hardly looks like it here!  Oh well, I know soon enough the snow will melt and we'll be patiently awaiting bright blooms like these.  I promised last week I'd do a tutorial on the Color Wash technique, so here it is!  I thought I'd try a couple of different colors this time around and I think they really turned out quite pretty - it reminds me of a sweet candy shoppe!  Let's get started!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Secret Garden, Bloomin' Marvelous
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Sycamore Street DSP (Sale-a-bration)
Ink: Versamark, Craft Whisper White, Island Indigo
Markers: Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple, Wisteria Wonder, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Night of Navy, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Gumball Green
Accessories: White Embossing powder, Aquapainter, Sycamore Street Ribbon and Button Pack, Top Note die, Scallop Edge punch, Large Oval punch, blender pen, Snail, mini glue dots

Stamp images on Crumb Cake cardstock with Versamark ink.  Sprinkle with white embossing powder and heat set.

Dip the tip of the aquapainter into the pad of Whisper White Craft ink.  The goal is to have the tip of the aquapainter moist.  If the tip is too wet it will over saturate the cardstock with water, making it impossible to achieve the opaqueness were aiming for.

 Color in each image with the White Craft ink and Aquapainter.  It may take more than one coat depending on how opaque you'd like the image to look.  Let fully dry before moving onto the next step!  It can be helped along with the aid of a heat gun if you are impatient (like me).

Choose 2 or 3 shades in the same color family and begin coloring with the lightest (with this flower I used Pool Party, Island Indigo, and Night of Navy). You'll be following much the same method as you follow with Marker Layering.  Begin in the center of the flower and add a small amount of color.  Blend outwards with a blender pen.  For a truly soft look leave some of the white areas of ink peeking through.  Keep in mind that less is more when it comes to blending with a blender pen on cardstock.  If the cardstock becomes too wet the paper will pile - take your time and use a light hand.

Add the next darkest color.  Again, focus placing the ink in the center most portions of the flower and work outwards, blending outwards.  

The darkest color is added sparingly to add depth and dimension, again focusing on center outward.

That's all there is to it!  You will find it can be a bit of a time consuming technique depending on how many flowers and colors you use but the results always seem to be worth it.  Its the most soft and dreamy technique I've stumbled on and its addicting!  I find it quite relaxing to color, blend, color blend...

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial!  I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!  

Just a quick reminder that Sale-a-bration is over for another year on Friday if you want to get in on the free stuff quick; but there is also some good news that day!  The Bigshot Roundup begins at U Stamp with Dawn and Friends!

The first project suite will be posted March 22 at 12pm EST and the fun will officiallybegin!  If your interested in signing up to check out all the projects suites, click on the blinky in my left sidebar to be re-directed to the site.  EVERY SINGLE BIG SHOT ITEM in the catalog will be used throughout the session - talk about inspiration!!

I've also added a few more sites to visit to collect your clues for the Late Night Stampers Treasure Hunt.  Just click on the tab at the top of my blog to find the list of all participants and get collecting your clues today!  For more info on the Treasure Hunt, click HERE.

Until next time...
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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Late Night Stampers Treasure Hunt!


Feel like going on a little Treasure Hunt?  One that sees the Grand Prize winner with a $150 Stampin' Up! shopping spree??  Thought that might peak your interest!!

A Stampin' Up! group by the name of Late Night Stampers, is hosting a Treasure Hunt from March 1st - May 12th.  So how do I play, you might be wondering?  Here's how it all works:

  • Click on the Tab at the top of my page titled Late Night Stampers Treasure Hunt Participants.
  • Visit each of the blogs listed, looking for the Treasure box (like the picture above) and their clue.
  • Make note of each blog you visit and what the clue on each blog was.
  • Once you've located 50 clues, email ME at mmp12_98@yahoo.com listing each clue and which blog you found it on.  Be sure to include your full name, email address, and blog address (if you have one)
  • All entries will be verified for correctness and then submitted for the Grand Prize drawing.
  • You have from Friday, March 1st until Sunday May 12th (midnight CST) to collect 50 clues and email them to myself to be entered into the contest.
  • The winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 15th on all participating blogs.
  • Demonstrators are currently signing up to fill all 50 spots so check back often to the Participant Page for new additions and clues!
THIS IS MY CLUE:
Designer Series Fabric - add a whole new world of possibilities to your projects!

So what are you waiting for??  Get started hunting today for your chance to be the GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF $150.00 STAMPIN' UP! SHOPPING SPREE!

GOOD LUCK!

Until next time...

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Monday, March 18, 2013

Bunny Bum Easter Treat Holder


I've seen a few of these bunny bums on projects around the web lately so I decided to feature one at this month's card class on a 3D project.  Cute, right? They are super quick to make, especially using the milk carton die - what a great little Easter gift just to let someone know your thinking of them.  I'm pretty sure my boys will be delighted to get one of these Easter morning with a few little treats inside!

I made a simple recipe sheet for my gals so they could have a reference and thought I'd share it with you so you could whip up a few of these cuties yourself!  (The only variation is I actually used a retired punch called Triple Flower on my example but I list current punch called Boho Blossoms in my recipe sheet and the punch for the body should read 1- 1 1/4" circle punch).


Supplies: 

Stamp sets: Everybunny
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Calypso Coral, Summer Silhouettes DSP, Brights DSP Pack
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Punches: Large oval punch, small oval punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 3/4" circle punch, 1/2" circle punch, Build a Cupcake punch, Triple Flower punch (retired)
Accessories: Lucky Limenade Ruffled ribbon, Window Sheet, hole punch, Tombow adhesive, Sticky Strip

Hope you enjoy this one!  Until next time...
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Friday, March 15, 2013

Welcoming Light


Today is kinda like 'if ya can't beat 'em, join 'em' kinda day.  It's literally snowing bucket loads and really doesn't look like its going to stop anytime soon.  So, even though I'd love to make something Springy today it just wasn't going to happen.  Sometimes you just have to work with what you have around you for inspiration!

This card is similar to a prior post Twilight in the Park in the way I created the lamp post.  However this time I thought I would try put it into a winter setting, glowing in a soft snowfall.  Looks a bit welcoming and inviting, I think.  

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Artistic Etchings, Elements of Style, Serene Silhouettes
Cardstock: Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Midnight Muse
Ink: Versamark, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Clear embossing powder, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sponges, Basic Black marker, white gel pen, Basic Pearls

I began by stamping the flourish in Versamark then re-inking in Versamark and Basic Black and stamping slightly lower than the first image, with the help of a Stamp-a-ma-jig.  This will give the look of accumulating snow once the images are sponged.  I continued in this same manner for the lantern (which is a portion of the Eiffel Tower turned upside down) as well as the birds.  I then sponged Daffodil Delight around and inside the lantern before masking off the snow banks with post it notes and sponging with Not Quite Navy.  The sky is sponged in varying depths with Not Quite Navy and the snowfall was later added with a white gel pen.

I'll be back next week for a few Spring creations and a Color Wash tutorial - see you then!  And don't forget, Sale-a-bration is over in just one week!  Don't miss your opportunity to stock up for this once a year event!

Until next time...
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Thursday, March 14, 2013

Newspaper Egg Wreath


With more snow to come in our forecast I can't help but think Spring is never going to get here!  I'm posting this today in the hopes that maybe Mother Nature reads my blog in her spare time and will take pity on me and make the snow melt over night (HA!).

I actually made this wreath last year, after finding a similar one on Pinterest.  If I'd have known the ENORMOUS amount of time it would take to make this I may have thought twice...then again...probably not cause I'm just that crazy.  I began by wrapping a wreath form with strips of printed paper.  Any old book will do - just make sure the paper isn't too heavy so it can be easily wrapped and formed around the wreath form and eggs.

Then I began wrapping plastic eggs that I purchased from a Dollar Store.  This is where the time consuming part comes in and tons of trial and error.  I thought a paper mache technique would work - NOT.  I couldn't get a thing to stick no matter what I did.  So, in the end, I used a paint brush and white glue watered down slightly to apply each and every 1/4" strip to each and every egg.  I believe there's 8-10 strips on each egg and roughly 60 plastic eggs.  After all the eggs were dry I hot glued them to the wreath form.  I added rolled flowers made from Stampin' Up! paper and added a couple of butterflies from the Beautiful Wings embosslit.



I don't suggest putting a wreath like this outdoors unless its sprayed with some sort of clear coat sealer.  I have mine hanging inside my patio door - perfectly pretty place to help welcome Spring and hopefully watch some snow melt away!

Until next time...
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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Color Washed Birthday


Another card today to showcase a couple of my favorite stamps and a color wash technique that is simply beautiful (and addictive).  This card took me way way way too long to make but I wanted to squeeze in as many flowers as possible so I could play around with the technique. :)

I'll be demonstrating this color wash technique at my stamp class this month and am working on a tutorial for the blog I'll post sometime next week, in case you aren't familiar with the process.

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Swallowtail, Secret Garden, Apothecary Art
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Island Indigo
Ink: Versamark, White Craft
Accessories: White Embossing powder, aquapainter, markers, blender pen, dimensionals

Just a quick reminder that there are ONLY 10 DAYS LEFT in Sale-a-bration!  With a minimum $60 purchase there are a multitude of FREE items to choose from...don't miss out on the opportunity to stock up!!  Click on the catalogue in the left sidebar to be re-directed to my online store.

Until next time...
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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

'Deema' Bubble Guppies Cupcake


Morning!

As I mentioned in my post at the end of last week, Saturday my niece Sasha turned 1.  She is more than a little taken with the Bubble Guppies (and that's putting it lightly LOL) so I thought making a portion of her gift Guppy related might be a hit!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: none
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Midnight Muse, Basic Black, Summer Smooches DSP
Ink: Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive
Accessories: 2 1/2" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1/2" circle punch, large oval punch, Owl Builder punch, 1 3/4" scallop circle punch, Adorning Accents Edgelits, Basic Black marker, white gel pen, Tombow liquid adhesive, Sticky Strip


Until next time...
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Monday, March 11, 2013

Everybunny Birthday


Before I purchase a stamp set I always try to evaluate whether or not I can use it for more than occasion or whether its going to be a limiting set.  I've actually used three different sets to make this birthday card - two in very different ways than what they were designed for.

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Everybunny, Up, Up and Away, I Dig You
Cardstock: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Birds of a Feather DSP
Ink: Baja Breeze, Tempting Turquoise, Lucky Limenade, Old Olive, Basic Black, Black Staz-On
Accessories: Pool Party Taffeta ribbon, brayer, markers, dimensionals, snail

I began by brayering Baja Breeze at the top of Whisper White cardstock followed by Tempting Turquoise.  I then sponged Lucky Limenade followed by Old Olive along the bottom of the cardstock.  With Basic Black ink I added the birds in the sky and with Baja Breeze added the clouds.  Next I stamped the bunnies from the Everybunny set on Whisper White cardstock and colored in with markers.  I carefully cut them out with paper snips, omitting the basket on the girl bunny and the Easter egg on the boy bunny then added them to the card front with dimensionals.  Stamp a balloon from the Up Up and Away set and the presents from I Dig You on Whisper White and cut out.  Adhere with dimensionals.  Finish by adding the balloon string and flowers from the Up Up and Away set.

How do you use stamp sets in unique ways?  I'd love to hear your ideas!

Until next time...
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