Friday, September 27, 2013

Baby Stats Punch Art


Happy Friday!

Today's share is a little unique.  I found a company through my Pinterest travels that had a wonderful idea to create wall art for new parents reflecting details of their babies birth.  The images were created via computer software (if I had to guess I'd say similar to My Digital Studio) but I thought it would be fun to try it the good ole fashioned punch art way!

A girlfriend had a baby boy a little over a month ago so I jumped on the chance to put the idea into use.  I wanted the image to reflect his room as closely as possible and I think I came fairly close.  His room is painted a Smoky Slate color, his furniture is white and his bedding is a multi colored neutral Chevron pattern - pretty neat huh?

The view in the window reflects the time of day he was born, the clock on the wall shows the exact time he was delivered, and the calendar is turned to the month, day, and year he was born.  The little floating balloon is stamped with his weight and the little giraffe height chart marks his length.  As a finishing touch I added a stuffed "Yoshi" in the corner of the room to represent his very first gift from his big brother.

I absolutely love making things like this - it let's me be really personal and a little challenged at the same time (let me just say that the Chevron quilt was a labor of love and patience LOL) plus its such a great keepsake that can be framed in a shadow box and kept out on display in the baby's room.

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Zoo Babies
Cardstock: Smoky Slate, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Basic Gray, Basic Black, Blushing Bride, Midnight Muse, Pool Party, Tempting Turquoise, Gumball Green, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Sweater Weather DSP
Ink: White Craft, Smoky Slate, Chocolate Chip, Crisp Cantaloupe, Gumball Green
Punches: 1 1/4" circle, Cupcake Builder, Owl Builder, Small Oval, Large Oval, Modern Label, Window
Accessories: Oval Framelits, Window Frame Framelits, Chevron embossing folder, white gel pen, Stylus Tool, Tombow adhesive, Tempting Turquoise baker's twine, Mini Brads, Markers, Sponges, My Digital Studio

Hope you enjoyed this one!  I'll be back on Monday with the promised 'Minion Love' tutorial so check back!  Have a wonderful weekend!
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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Fall Blossoms


I love bright colors but I really feel in my element when we get to this time of year and I begin designing with Autumn colors.  When I sat down to design this card I envisioned an old stainless steel bucket full to the brim with blooms - one I'd love to have sit at my front door.  Only problem? No bucket stamp!  So I did the next best thing - punch art!  Can you guess what I made the pot out of??

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Stippled Blossoms, Truly Grateful, Wetlands
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Smoky Slate, Baked Brown Sugar, Sweater Weather DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Baked Brown Sugar, Tangerine Tango, Pumpkin Pie, Smoky Slate, Basic Gray, So Saffron, Crushed Curry
Accessories: Labels Collection Framelits, Small Oval punch, Large Oval punch, Woodgrain Embossing folder, Stamp-a-ma-jig, white gel pen, Tombow glue, Stampin' Dimensionals, sponges

So have you figured out what I used?  I used one of the medium size Label Collection framelits cut from Smoky Slate cardstock then cut the rounded edges off each end of the label.  I then cut strips of Smoky Slate to add a little dimension to the container.  Before attaching the strips I sponged Basic Gray on both the container and the strips to add depth and shadow.  The handles are made from slivers of the Small Oval punch, also cut from Smoky Slate cardstock.  All pieces were assembled using Tombow glue.

All the flowers and leaves were stamped onto Very Vanilla cardstock.  The larger of the flowers were stamped with Pumpkin Pie first then overlayed with Tangerine Tango.  The smaller flowers were stamped with So Saffron first then Crushed Curry.  The leaves are done with Baked Brown Sugar then Chocolate Chip.  The little acorns from the Truly Grateful set were stamped onto Baked Brown Sugar cardstock with Chocolate Chip ink.  Highlights were added to all the flowers and acorns with a white gel pen.

After all the images were stamped I cut each out carefully with paper snips.  They were adhered to the card base and pot with dimensionals.  The card base, made from Crumb Cake cardstock, was embossed with the Woodgrain embossing folder.  To make the wood grain really pop I lightly sponged the edges with Chocolate Chip ink.

Hope you're being inspired by the all beautiful Fall colors too!  Have a great day!
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Monday, September 23, 2013

Bleached Fine Feathers


Happy start to the week!

I had an extremely productive weekend of card making!  I feel a little more caught up than I did a couple weeks ago and can't wait to share what I've been up to.  I even managed to film 3 technique videos!  Now to just begin the editing process...

Today's card features a bleaching technique I taught at this month's card class.  It's such a simple technique and the best part is that the outcome changes depending on what color cardstock you use; sometimes even the same color of cardstock can end up with many color variations depending on how much bleach is applied.  If you aren't familiar with the process its as simple as 1-2-3.  Fold a piece of paper towel into a square and place inside a glass baking dish.  Moisten the towel (do not soak the towel) with household bleach.  Use this wet paper towel as your ink pad - lightly press the stamp into the towel and stamp on colored cardstock.  For a stamped off look continue stamping without "re-inking".  It creates a soft, pretty effect.

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Fine Feathers, Wetlands
Cardstock: Midnight Muse, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Midnight Muse
Accessories: Household Bleach, paper towel, Markers, Basic Rhinestones, Large Oval punch, Antique Brads, Lucky Limenade ruffled ribbon (retired), Dazzling Diamonds, Two way glue pen, Tombow glue, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals, paper snips

The feathers were stamped onto Whisper White cardstock before being cut out with paper snips.  The multi-colored look of the feathers is achieved by coloring various areas of the stamp with markers before stamping.  Once stamped and cut out I used a two way glue pen before sprinkling with Dazzling Diamonds - it looks so much prettier in real life than what the camera can capture!  As a final touch I added a rhinestone into the center of the feather for a little more sparkle.


If you follow my blog you will have seen that a few posts back I did a Mickey and Minnie Mouse shoe card. A few of you asked if I had a template and I'm happy to report that I have added one for each into my tutorial store (click on the tab at the top of my page) today if you are interested in re-creating either of these cards for yourself!  They also come with a step by step picture tutorial on assembling each card along with a few tips and hints.

Have a wonderful day!  Until next time...
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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Fine Feathered Friend


Eek!  It's just about been a week since my last post!  I'm trying to collect my bearings and get into a routine now that our oldest son has begun Pre-Kindergarten.  I've been fortunate to have been able to stay at home with our children but there is one huge disadvantage - routine.  He attends in the mornings so now it matters when they wake up, eat, and get dressed.  It's definitely a learning curve that I hope to master within the next couple weeks.  Until then my posts will probably be a little off balance so please bear with me!

Today's card is for my husband's birthday.  This 'Walk in the Wild' set was the first set in the new 2013-2014 catalogue that I ordered.  He loves pheasants (I have a truly lovely figurine in my living room to show for it - can you sense my sarcasm??) so I knew this set would come in handy for Birthday and Father's Day. On second thought, perhaps I shouldn't complain about that figurine; after all, he was my inspiration for coloring the image ;)

I found a card on Pinterest that used both these sets in a similar way and I was completely inspired.  I'd been looking at my Fine Feathers set adoringly for quite some time but was stuck in a rut as to what to do with it - these long feathers are perfect pheasant feathers and add an interesting finishing touch!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Walk in the Wild, Wetlands, Fine Feathers
Cardstock: Watercolor Paper, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Crushed Curry, Sweater Weather DSP
Ink: Black Staz-On, Cherry Cobbler
Markers: Cajun Craze, So Saffron, Smoky Slate, Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Gumball Green, Tangerine Tango, Always Artichoke, Soft Sky
Accessories: Oval Framelits,  Chevron Embossing Folder, Antique Brads, Large Oval punch, blender pen, White gel pen, Tombow adhesive, Mini glue dots, paper snips

Initially I stamped the pheasant on Whisper White cardstock then colored the image.  I was unhappy with the way the colors were blending so I ended up re-stamping the image onto watercolor paper with Staz-On ink then used the marker layering technique to color it in.  I'm much happier with the result and the shading of light/dark I was able to achieve.  I used the same technique to do the feathers.  I ran a line of So Saffron marker down the center then blended Cajun Craze from the center outwards, with a little Soft Suede in areas for shading purposes.  I cut each feather out and with paper snips cut small sections towards the center of the feather to make them appear a little more life like.

I think this is the beginning of my autumn color inspired cards - I love these color combos!  I'm working on a couple of flower image cards using similar colors that I'll share later on this week - have you left the summer "Brights" behind yet for the autumn "Regal" tones??

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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Mickey & Minnie Inspired Shoe Cards


Even though I'm in between finishing up projects I found a little time to whip up these Mickey and Minnie Mouse inspired shoe cards to share with you!  I found the idea for the sneaker on Pinterest originally designed by Aussie demonstrator Tanya Bell.  I sketched up my own template for the Mickey Mouse sneaker then modified it slightly to create the Minnie Mouse shoe.  I think these would be fun cards to use for Birthdays, Baby, or even party invitations, what do you think?

Supplies for Mickey Mouse Shoe:

Stamp sets: none
Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Daffodil Delight
Ink: none
Punches: Crop-a-Dile, 3/4" circle, 1/2" circle
Accessories: Chevron Embossing Folder, Basic Black Marker, 3/8" Black Taffeta Ribbon (retired), Tombow liquid adhesive


Supplies for Minnie Mouse Shoe:
Stamp sets: none
Cardstock: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Basic Black
Ink: none
Punches: Large Oval, Owl punch, 3/4" circle, 1/2" circle
Accessories: Polka Dot Embossing Folder, White gel pen, Tombow liquid adhesive, Mini Glue dots

Don't forget about the Late Night Stamper's Fall Treasure Hunt!  Collect all 50 clues for your chance to win a Stampin' Up! shopping spree.  The list of participating demonstrators can be found at the top of my blog in the tab section.  Once you've collected all your clues don't forget to email me your list @ mmp12_98@yahoo.com so I can have your name entered into the draw!  Good Luck hunting!

Until next time...

UPDATE: 9/27/13 - you can now purchase each of these tutorials in my online store (tab located at the top of this page)
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Monday, September 9, 2013

Stay Calm & Hug a Boston Layout


Hope your having a great start to your week!  Things have been pretty busy around my house the last while - hopefully once the fall yard work and the freezing of garden veggies are done I can get back into a proper creating/blogging routine.

Because outside life has been keeping me on my toes I haven't been able to complete many projects/cards lately.  I have no less than 5 projects started and at least 4 on the back burner ready to go - unfortunately none are completed to share with you (including that promised Minion tutorial).  But hang in there folks, this week WILL be a productive one!

In the meantime I thought I would share with you a scrapbook page layout.  I'm probably not unlike anyone else who has a pet - I truly love my dog.  He was a birthday present from my husband before our first son was born and I'd be lying if I said I don't occasionally call him the oldest child.  He is what I assume every Boston Terrier is...hyper, loving, great with kids, can beat a grown man in a snoring contest, and is a tad bit flagellant; ok, ok a lot flagellant (if your a fellow Boston parent you know EXACTLY what I mean LOL). Even though he has his faults I love him just the same; he is a constant companion who will be the first to sense when my mood changes and first in line for cuddles to make it all better.

Supplies: 

Stamp Sets: Best of Love Collection
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Real Red
Classic Ink: Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Brights Designer Buttons, Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine
Markers: Basic Black
Punches: Large Oval, ¾” Circle, Build a Cupcake
MDS: Background Paper Fill – Basic Black Small Polka Dot, Frames With a Flourish, Font color changed to Real Red

Additional: Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Stylus Tool, White Gel Pen, Paper Snips, Sponges, Sticky Strip, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Tombow

Most of this layout was completed with traditional methods but I did use My Digital Studio to print the pictures and the banner in the center of the page.  I sketched the grass line onto Old Olive cardstock with a pencil then carefully cut it out with paper snips.  The dog house was not created with punches, rather a ruler and pencil then cut out with paper snips.  "Siding lines" on the house were added with the Simply Scored tool and a Sylus tool.  Details, like the nails heads were added with a white gel pen.

Just a reminder that the Late Night Stampers Fall Treasure Hunt is well under way - have you found all 50 clues yet?  I've added a few new demonstrators who have hidden clues on their blogs to my tabs page - for full information on the hunt, along with my clue, CLICK HERE.




Are you ready to push the envelope?  This brand new envelope punch board from Stampin' Up! will make up to 66 different envelope sizes in a jiffy!  Imagine never being limited to having to make a standard size card ever again!  I know this one is a keeper and a must have - get yours today for only $24.95!  I've already seen some amazing things done with this board and can't wait to get my hands on one to give them a try for myself!

If you would like to see the envelope punch board in action, check out this video:

That's all for today!  I'm off to get a little creatin' done; wish me luck!
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Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Minion Love


Hello!

I hope you had a wonderful long weekend!  Mine was a busy one - we celebrated my MIL's birthday on Friday, my hometown had a get together on Saturday, football on Sunday which gave my team a win (GO RIDERS!), and Monday was spent in my over productive garden!  Whew, what a way to end summer!

Anyhow, onto today's card.  I made this for my sister and brother-in-law for their anniversary tomorrow. They LOVE the little Minions from the Despicable Me movies (what can I say, they're a tad weird LOL) so this was a perfect card idea!  Last year I created this Mickey & Minnie punch art card for them, but this one suits them soooo much more!  I took pictures as I went of the process, but haven't had time to turn it into a tutorial to share with you yet - if it's something that might interest you, please let me know and I'll get moving on it ASAP!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: none
Cardstock: Midnight Muse, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Primrose Petals, Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Gumball Green, Gingham Garden DSP, Subtles DSP Paper Stack
Ink: Gumball Green, Crushed Curry, Elegant Eggplant, Craft Whisper White
Punches: 1/2" circle, 3/4" circle, Owl, Build a Cupcake, Triple Blossom (retired, replace with Itty Bitty Shapes)
Big Shot: Oval Framelits, Finishing Touches edgelits, Floral Fusion sizzlits
Accessories:  Markers, white gel pen, Rhinestones, sponges, Tombow adhesive, Stampin dimensionals, Stylus tool and foam mat, paper snips

Before I sign off I thought I'd share the birthday "cake" I made for my MIL.  I was searching my favorite resource Pinterest and came across Cupcake Bouquets.  I had so much fun making it!


Have a fun filled day!  Until next time...

Oh!!  I should mention that I'm having issues getting my page list of participating demo's in the LNS Treasure Hunt updated.  I'm working on resolving the issues so check back later today for the updated version so you can keep on hunting for clues!  Thanks for your patience!
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