Too Cool Stamping

Gently Falling Watercolor Spritz & Spotlight Trio

The Online Extravaganza is going on NOW!  There are dozens of items discounted from 20% - 50% off—now through Wednesday, November 28, 2012!

See the complete selection of sale items at my  Online Store! 

____________________________________________________________________

"Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class—Sign Up Now!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class—Nov. 29. RSVP by Nov. 28.
• 12 Days of Christmas Calendar Kit - Order by Nov. 26.
• Merry Moments Scrapbook Class-To-Go - Order by Nov. 30.
• Wow Techniques Class - December 14. RSVP by December 12.

___________________________________________________________________

Are you kidding me?!!! 

I had my yard entiredly cleaned up and leaf-free two days ago!  I thought I was caught up on raking leaves, at least for a little bit. Nope!  My three prickly pear trees finally decide it's Fall and dropped all their leaves practically overnight!  Back to raking and bagging for me...only now it's 25° and snowing instead of the 65° and awesome!  Dang!   

Oh well! If I have to deal with more leaves outside, I might as well have some fun with leaves inside, too! 

Today's projects feature two cool stamp sets and two cool techniques!  I used the Gently Falling and French Foliage stamp sets, as well as a combination of watercolor spritz and double-time spotlighting techniques.  It certainly is double the coolness!

  

My inspiration was a card created by Tami White at Stamp With Tami (shown at left), and a card displayed at the Lansing Regional (shown at right, contact me if this is yours!).  I love both of these designs so much!

I started with my 5" x 3-3/4" Very Vanilla layer by inking the French script image in River Rock and randomly stamping three times.  Then, I filled in the open spaces with the watermark image, inked in Baja Breeze and stamped off once before stamping. 

___________________________________________________________________

Create Your Own Watercolor Spritz Double-Time Spotlighting

• Start by punching three 1-3/8" Square Punches in Very Vanilla and temporarily position them with a dab of SNAIL onto the card front.  TIP: It helps to stamp the sentiment first for better positioning. Leave enough room for your layer that will eventually go underneath the square.

  

• Ink your bold image with a light shade of ink first. 
• Use the Rock & Roll Technique to add a darker ink to the outer edges of the stamp only. (shown above left)  TIP: So you don't have to worry about cleaning the edges of the stamp, you can simply dab the ink pad on the outer edges of the stamp, instead of "rolling" it.  Or, you could even use a marker!
• Fill a Stampin' Spritzer with water and mist the inked stamp several times until the ink is slightly pooling. (shown above right)  You don't want it to be dripping off the stamp, but misted enough that the colors are blending together.

• Stamp the image onto the square punch-out.  Part of the image will be hanging off the edge.  TIP: Once I place the image onto the card stock, I like to hold it there a few seconds to let the ink soak into the paper nicely.
• Remove the stamped punch-out, add another square layer underneath, then re-attach to the card permanently.

___________________________________________________________________

The River Rock layer underneath each square is hand-cut, but you could use a combination of "nesting" punches or framelits for the same effect. 

My leaf color combinations include: Baja Breeze/Not Quite Navy, More Mustard/Cajun Craze, and Certainly Celery/Old Olive. The Blooming With Kindness sentiment is inked in Not Quite Navy. 

The entire Very Vanilla stamped piece is mounted on 5-1/4" x 4" Not Quite Navy card stock, then attached to a River Rock card base. 

I had a little mis-stamp on this version, which caused one of my squares to be crooked, so I went with it and created a all-crooked, gently FALLING theme!  Serendipitous!  I love how it turned out! 

I added a little Champagne Shimmer Mist Paint spray (mixed with rubbing alcohol) for some sparkle and shine, too!  (click photo to enlarge it) Beautiful!

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Gently Falling, French Foliage, Blooming With Kindness
• Ink—Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Certainly Celery, and Old Olive Classic Ink
  
• Paper—River Rock, Not Quite Navy, and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Champagne Shimmer Mist Paint, and rubbing alcohol
• Tools—1-3/8" Square Punch, Stampin' Spritzer, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store!

Angie

___________________________________________________________________

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

November Promos Quick Links!

• Ink-redible FREE Ink Pads—For Hostesses & New Recruits!
  
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!
• Online Extravaganza—Now thru November 28!
  

 

Related articles

French Foliage Rainbow Masking

Sunday Showcase: 12 Online Extravaganza Projects

Colorful Wonderfall To Brighten The Day

The Online Extravaganza is going on NOW!  There are dozens of items discounted from 20% - 50% off—now through Wednesday, November 28, 2012!

See the complete selection of sale items at my Online Store! 

____________________________________________________________________

"Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class Is Next Week!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class—November 29.  RSVP by Nov. 28.
• Merry Moments 12x12" Scrapbook Class-To-Go - Order by Nov. 30.
• 12 Days of Christmas Countdown Calendar Kit - Order by Nov. 26.
• Wow Techniques Class - December 14. RSVP by December 12.

___________________________________________________________________

Somtimes, autumn looks a little like this...

This was the view from my back deck this morning...all foggy and eerie.  Which made today's projects all the more cheerful!

I don't know if you've noticed, but I seem to really like me some blue leaves.  Blue!  Have you ever even seen a blue leaf in real life?  Me neither.  Guess that's why stamping them is so much fun for me! 

I LOVE the Wonderfall set that I've featured here, and like usual, I never seem to use a set I love nearly enough before it's time to move on to the next season of stamps.  The good news is that the Wonderfall set will be carrying over after the Holiday Catalog is over!  That means it's got a fighting chance of making it into the Annual Catalog!  Yippee!

I started by texturizing a 5-1/4 x 4" piece of Very Vanilla with the Stripes Texture Impressions Folder.  Notice that I moved the folder up, so that the little strip at the bottom remained smooth.  Next, I added a 1" strip of my favorite Orchard Harvest checked pattern, and covered that with Raspberry Ripple Stitched Satin Ribbon before adding to my Old Olive card base. 

The Wonderfall leaves were die-cut from Very Vanilla card stock with the Autumn Accents Die first, then I stamped the Raspberry Ripple, Island Indigo and Old Olive images on them afterward.  See more on how this is done at my How To Stamp On Die-Cuts post.

The horizontal version is embossed with the Chevron Texture Impressions Folder.  I accented both cards with an Old Olive Bright Button, tied with some Island Indigo Baker's Twine.

I love, love, LOVE all the colors and patterns and textures on this card!  Between the Chevron embossing on the background, and the alphabet pattern on the leaf, and the dotted stitching of the ribbon...it's simply a delicious feast for the eyes! 

Last, but not least, I stamped a Sassy Salutation in Raspberry Ripple.  It's got a cheerful look, too!

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Wonderfall and Sassy Salutations
• Ink—Island Indigo, Old Olive, and Raspberry Ripple Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Orchard Harvest DSP; Old Olive and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Brights Buttons, Island Indigo Baker's Twine, Raspberry Ripple Stitched Satin Ribbon
• Tools—Stripes Impresions Folder (card #1), Chevron Impressions Folder (card #2), Autumn Accents Die, Big Shot, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store!

Angie

___________________________________________________________________

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

November Promos Quick Links!

• Ink-redible FREE Ink Pads—For Hostesses & New Recruits!
  
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!
• Online Extravaganza—Now thru November 28!
  

 

Related articles

Razzleberry Autumn Accents With A Leaf Texture Trick

French Foliage Rainbow Masking

Autumn Accents Thanksgiving Place Cards

Merry Moments Class-To-Go & One-Layer French Foliage

The Online Extravaganza continues on today with dozens of items discounted from 20% - 50% off—now through Wednesday, November 28, 2012!

See the complete selection of sale items at my Online Store! 

____________________________________________________________________

Merry Moments Scrapbook Class-To-Go Deadline Extended!

The December 2nd class registration is now closed, but I'm extending the deadline for the Class-To-Go option in case there are any other crafters that want to take advantage of this awesome kit! 

You'll get all the pre-cut supplies, ready-to-assemble into 20 beautiful, 12x12" divided scrapbook pages.  The kit comes complete with photos and tips for assembly.  Plus, you'll keep all the leftovers!

Order now and you'll be all ready to go as soon as you have your holiday photos taken!  Or, purchase a kit or two as gifts to make for grandparents, or to give to your scrapbook friends! 

Kit Includes:

• Pack of Divided Page Protectors ($7.00 value)
• Merry Moments Simply Scrappin' Kit ($25.84 value), pre-cut and ready-to-go!
  
• Pearl Jewels ($5.83 value)
• Additional ribbons and embellishments.

Cost: $45 pre-paid, or just $35 if you place a qualifying order.* Wow!  That's only $2.25 per page, or $1.75 per page if you place an order!

12x12" Linen Album Option: Add $30 if you would like to purchase a beautiful 12x12" Linen Album to hold your scrapbook pages!  Choose from Crumb Cake or Early Espresso ($35.26 value).

*To qualify for reduce Class-To-Go price, order must be placed at the time of registration via email, phone or in person.  Online, Club, other class, and workshop orders do not qualify. No refunds.  Minimum $50 order. Linen Album option does not qualify as part of the minimum order.  All orders will be shipped Priority Mail and billed at actual cost.  There is no additional shipping if the kit can be picked up at my Too Cool Stamping Studio in Fort Wayne, IN. 

Contact me today to register for your Merry Moments Class-To-Go!

_____________________________________________________________________

I've been showing lots of holiday cards, but I realized that I only have a few days left to focus on Fall and Thanksgiving!  Whoa!  How did that happen?  Well, I'm gonna sneak a couple leaf cards in under the wire...

I know you're not going to believe this, but I made a one-layer card!  ME!  ONE.FLIPPIN.LAYER.  It's an amazing feat, I know, but I am truly happy with the results of these two cool cards featuring the gorgeous French Foliage stamp set! 

I started by clear block stamping with my "H" Clear Block!  That's right!  Ink that block right up in some More Mustard Classic Ink, then lightly mist the block with water using a Spritzer Bottle, and stamp onto the Very Vanilla Card stock.  The new Firm-Foam Ink Pads work great for this technique! 

TIP: When stamping onto your card stock, if you press firmly and wait for a couple seconds for the ink to soak into the paper, you'll get a better block shape. 

Then, I simply stamped each of three French Foliage leaves in different colors: Midnight Muse, Old Olive, and Raspberry Ripple.  I like that they're not the traditional colors...it's a fresh, clean look!

My second card is done the same way, but I added in some additional background images to give it more of a collage look.

The water droplet image was inked in Old Olive, then stamped off once before randomly stamping over the card.

I also added the French script inked in More Mustard, and also stamped off once before applying randomly.  And, if you click to enlarge, you may be able to see some of the pretty Champagne Mist Shimmer spray that I spritzed over the entire card—so pretty!. 

The "Thank You" is from the Lacy & Lovely stamp set inked in Midnight Muse to match the card base.

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—French Foliage and Lacy & Lovely
• Ink—More Mustard, Midnight Muse, Old Olive, and Raspberry Ripple Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Midnight Muse and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, rubbing alcohol (for spray mixture)
• Tools—Clear Block H, Stampin' Spritzers, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store!

Angie

___________________________________________________________________

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

November Promos Quick Links!

• Ink-redible FREE Ink Pads—For Hostesses & New Recruits!
  
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!
• Online Extravaganza—Now thru November 28!
  

Related articles

French Foliage Rainbow Masking

Sunday Showcase: Five Fantastic Fall Projects

12 Days Countdown Calendar Kit & Class Reminders

Michelle's Toxic Treats Halloween Box

One last Halloween project to show you before the ghosts and goblins come out tomorrow...

 

My Too Cool Demo Team member Michelle Hoover created this cute box using the awesome tutorial from Tami White: Toxic Treat Window Box. I just LOVE it!

The main box is constructed from Howlstooth & Scaringbone Designer Series Paper with a Labels Collection Framelits die-cut window in the front.  That window is filled with a Window Sheet stamped with the Toxic Treats witch stamp in Black StazOn Ink. (I added a piece of white paper behind the window so you could see the image better.)

 

I love 7/8" Cotton Ribbon that's stamped with Wicked Cool images and wrapped around the top! 

The lid is texture embossed with the Chevron Impressions Folder and scalloped with the Large Scallop Edgelit. 

This is a great style of box for treats for any occasion, not just Halloween!  Learn to make your own at Tami White's tutorial: Toxic Treat Window Box.  Or, see written instructions here Toxic Treat Window Box Inspiration Project Sheet.

Thanks for introducing me to this Too Cool project, Michelle!  And, thanks to Tami White for sharing her fantastic project idea! 

Order all of the supplies used on today's projects at my Online Store!

Angie

*******************************************************************************
Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

October Promos Quick Links!

• FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack with Christmas Bundle purchase
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!

Upcoming Events!

• NEW WOW Technique Class - November 9
• Demo Team Holiday Shoebox Swap - November 12
• Holiday Stamp-A-Stack - November 18, details coming soon!

Sunday Showcase: Five Fantastic Fall Projects

It's a beautiful autumn day in Indiana and that inspires me to share some lovely Fall projects created by my stamping friends! 

Created by Deb Pott, Too Cool Stamp Club member.

Deb attended my Wow Techniques Class last week and did a purple take on the French Foliage Rainbow Masking cards we created.  I love purples, too, so I had to post her awesome variation!  Features: French Foliage, Perfectly Penned OR Perfectly Penned Happy Birthday single, Designer Bronze Buttons, Linen Thread, Woodgrain Texture Impressions Folder, and Rich Razzleberry Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon.

Created by Debbie Prante. Swap at Creative Convention.

I love the collage look of this card!  So much texture!  Each of the Autumn Accents has a different embossed pattern: the Cherry Cobbler oak leaf has Woodgrain, the smaller Green Gumball leaf has Chevron, and the Early Espresso acorn has the Argyle.  All of the accents are die-cut from the Core-dinations card stock, so the textures have been sanded to reveal the core color underneath. 

Also features: French Foliage stamps, Gumball Green Sweater Trim, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Jewelry Tag Punch, and Tiny Tags stamps.

  

Created by Jodi Geers, Too Cool Demo Team member.

Oooh!  I love this color combination!  It looks like Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Gumball Green, Summer Starfruit, Elegant Eggplant, and Midnight Muse.  Jodi used the Woodgrain folder on the background layer, then added Autumn Accents die-cuts stamped with Wonderfall leaves. Also features: Midnight Muse Stitched Satin Ribbon, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Word Window Punch, and Modern Label Punch. 

Created by Jodi Geers, Too Cool Demo Team member.

Here's a Fancy Favor treat box that Jodi created also using the Wonderfall leaves and Autumn Accents die-cuts.  I love the monogram with the Morning Post Alphabet.  Also features: Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder.

 

Created by Jodi Geers, Too Cool Demo Team member.

OK, it's not exactly a "Fall" card, but it is made with a Fall stamp set!  Jodi used the patterns found on the Wonderfall leaves in combination with various punches to created these cool, patterned flowers!  The large maple leaf stamp was punched with the retired 5-Petal Flower; the polka dotted leaf was punched with the 1" Circle Punch, and the checked leaf image was punched with the 1/2" Circle Punch.  What a fun and versatile way to use that set! 

Also features: Polka Dot Parade DSP, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Modern Label Punch, and Daffodil Delight Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon.

Thanks for visiting today's Sunday Showcase! 

Angie

 

More Preserved Pears, Please!

Just as I feared...I'm having WAY too much fun playing with the Perfectly Preserved Bundle!  And, so far, I'm only on the pears!  I still have apples, cherries, flowers and corn cobs to go!  Haha!

I love the color combination on these two cool cards!  It's straight from the Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper (I love how Stampin' Up! makes it easy like that!).  The base is Raspberry Ripple (unexpected and fun), which goes so well with the Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade and More Mustard colors.  Sweet!

CASEd from Mindy Backes at Bada-Bing Paper-Crafting.

Like yesterday's Perfectly Preserved Pears cards, I like the combination of the Orchard Harvest gingham pattern paper with the lid of the jar. 

The charming Perfectly Preserved images are easily die-cut with the matching Cannery Set Framelits (and the Bitty Banners Framelits for the sentiment).  Save 15% when you purchase them together in the Perfectly Preserved Bundle.

Lately, I'm really liking the Window Frame Framelits as a fresh and decorative layer on my cards.  It really gives a lovely frame to the focal images.  Plus, don't forget to add paper-piercing with the coordination Festive Paper-Piercing Pack.

FREE Christmas Gift Bonus: You can earn that template set for FREE this month only when you purchase the Ornament Keepsakes stamps or bundle, along with the Candlelight Christmas Designer Series Paper.  Hurry!  Offer ends October 31, 2012.  See details: FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack Christmas Gift Special.

Notice how both the scallop Finishing Touches Edgelit border and the Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon play off of the "ruffle" on the jar lid.  Once again, it's the little details that bring it all together!

  

The second card mixes up the same elements, and exchanges the pinking Finishing Touches border along the edge of the Orchard Harvest DSP. 

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Perfectly Preserved or Perfectly Preserved Bundle
  
• Ink—Early Espresso, More Mustard, and Island Indigo Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Orchard Harvest DSP; Raspberry Ripple, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon
• Tools—Cannery Set Framelits, Bitty Banners Framelits, Finishing Touches Edgelits, Window Frame Framelits, Festive Paper Piercing Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Piercing Mat, Big Shot, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store! 

Stamp With Me!  Today's two cool cards will be one of the designs featured in next week's "Last Thursdays" monthly card class on October 25 at 6:30pm!  Space is limited, so contact me today to sign up!

*******************************************************************************

New Clearance Items Added!  Check out more than 70 new items just added to the Clearance Rack! 

Angie 

*****************************************************************************

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

October Promos Quick Links!

• FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack with Christmas Bundle purchase
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!

Upcoming Events!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class - Oct. 25.
• NEW WOW Technique Class - November 9
• Demo Team Holiday Shoebox Swap - November 12
• Holiday Stamp-A-Stack - November 18, details coming soon!

Perfectly Preserved Pears

I tried.  I really tried. 

I swore up and down that I'd never buy that Perfectly Preserved stamp set with the weird-shaped Cannery Set Framelits to match.  I had purchased so many Holiday Catalog stamp sets already, I had to put my foot down on this one.  I mean, just because I'm from Indiana doesn't mean I want to stamp a damn corn cob!  Right?

Right??!!!!!!!

Oh, crap!  Who am I kidding?  This set is too cute and it goes so perfectly with the Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper and it's a very unique Fall stamp set.

Plus, did I mention it's...So. Stinkin'. Cute!

The wonderful thing about the Perfectly Preserved stamp set and Cannery Set Framelits combo is that it makes designing your projects fast and easy!  Nearly every image in the set has a coordinating Framelit, so there's very little, if any, cutting involved!  

TIP: Save time by stamping all of your images first, then die-cutting multiple images with the matching Framelits at one time.  For example, there's enough room on the Multipurpose Platform to die-cut the jar, lid, pear, stem, and sentiment in just one run through the Big Shot!  Awesome!

Oh, and did I mention, you can save 15% by purchasing the combo as a Perfectly Preserved Bundle.

CASEd from Darlene McCallum at Dreaming About Rubber Stamps.

I started with an Early Espresso card base, then added a layer of Crumb Cake.  Before adding my Orchard Harvest pear-patterned paper, I punched a border with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch and adhere it to the back.

Once all my Perfectly Preserved parts and pieces were stamped and die-cut, I assembled them using Dimensionals to highlight the lid and Lucky Limeade pear.  An Early Espresso Baker's Twine bow looks like it's tied around the More Mustard lid. 

The sentiment is also from Perfectly Preserved, but you'll need the Bitty Banners Framelits to die-cut that shape.  I layered it on a strip of Cotton Ribbon for added texture.

The second card uses all of the same elements as the first.  On this horizontal card, I used the flip-side of the Orchard Harvest paper and adhered the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border on top.

Plus, I added some stamped flowers in Early Espresso ink on the Cotton Ribbon.  Isn't that a cool look! 

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Perfectly Preserved or Perfectly Preserved Bundle
  
• Ink—Early Espresso, More Mustard, and Lucky Limeade Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Orchard Harvest DSP; Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Lucky Limeade and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Cotton Ribbon
• Tools—Cannery Set Framelits, Bitty Banners Framelits, Big Shot, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store! 

Stamp With Me!  I'll be featuring a Perfectly Preserved card in next week's "Last Thursdays" monthly card class on October 25 at 6:30pm!  Space is limited, so contact me today to sign up!

Angie 

*****************************************************************************

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

October Promos Quick Links!

• FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack with Christmas Bundle purchase
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!

Upcoming Events!

• Ornament Keepsakes Class - Oct. 20
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class - Oct. 25.
• NEW WOW Technique Class - November 9
• Demo Team Holiday Shoebox Swap - November 12
• Holiday Stamp-A-Stack - November 18, details coming soon!

French Foliage Rainbow Masking

Stampin' Up! has some fabulous Fall stamp sets available right now!  I love the new Wonderfall with the matching Autumn Accents die.  The two-step Gently Falling leaf set is so fun and versatile.  And, I still adore the lovely leaves and collage elements in French Foliage!  So many great sets to choose from—why not get them all?!

CASEd from Kay Kalthoff at Stamping To Share.

I hadn't yet used my French Foliage set this season, so when I saw this card design from Kay Kalthoff, I couldn't wait to try it with these pretty leaf images! 

These two cool cards feature a blended sponging technique with a mask. 

I started by masking the Very Vanilla card stock with some a couple of torn pieces of scrap card stock.  I used Dotto repositionable adhesive to temporarily tack down the mask. 

Next comes the sponging!  Beginning with the Old Olive, I sponged on heavy amounts of color, feathering it out a little lighter where it transitioned into the next color.  I blended More Mustard ink into that, then added Cajun Craze on the opposite side.

TIP: Don't be afraid to keep applying more and more ink to the area.  You want the color to fully saturate the card stock for rich, complete coverage. Sponge until no white spots are showing through. 

Once your rainbow is completely blended, stamp your French Foliage (or other sets) leaf images in Early Espresso.  You can do this with the mask still in place, or without the mask, which I preferred.

I tried some blue tones on my second card. I began with Old Olive again, but this time blended it into Tempting Turquoise and Pacific Point! 

OOOhhhh!  I love how this one turned out!

After sponging and stamping leaves, I added a Perfectly Penned sentiment (hey, that's one of those sets that's now being offered as Single Stamps!)

When the stamping was done, I ran the entire piece through the Big Shot with the Woodgrain Texture Impressions Folder. 

TIP: The Woodgrain folder embosses very deeply, so Kay recommended adding a piece of Vellum Card Stock to the inside of your embossing folder (the side with the logos) to eliminate any possible tearing of the card stock.

Both cards are embellished with some Victoria Crochet Trim and a Designer Bronze Button, and this card has a Linen Thread bow.

Created by Carmen DeBruce, Too Cool Demo Team member.

Carmen DeBruce saw the same awesome card by Kay and this way her take on it!  I really like the use of the script, and the vertical positioning!  Also includes Fabulous Phrases sentiment and Summer Starfruit Stitched Satin Ribbon.

Talk about versatile!  These cards could be used for masculine birthdays, thank yous, sympathy, get well wishes and more!  I think I'll have to make a bunch of these up to have on hand! 

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—French Foliage, Perfectly Penned OR Perfectly Penned Happy Birthday single (card #1), Perfectly Penned Get Well single (card #2)
• Ink—Old Olive, More Mustard and Cajun Craze (card #1), Tempting Turquoise and Pacific Point (card #2), Early Espresso Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Early Espresso and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Victoria Crochet Trim, Designer Bronze Buttons, Linen Thread (card #1)
• Tools—Woodgrain Texture Impressions Folder, Big Shot, Sponges, Dotto (retired), Glue Dots, Sticky Strip (card #2 for ribbon), Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store! 

Or, come and make this project and two others at my Wow Technique Class on Thursday, October 18th!  Contact me today to sign up! 

Angie 

*****************************************************************************

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

October Promos Quick Links!

• FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack with Christmas Bundle purchase
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!

Upcoming Events!

• NEW WOW Technique Class - rescheduled to Oct. 18!
• Ornament Keepsakes Class - Oct. 20
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class - Oct. 25.
• Holiday Stamp-A-Stack - November 18, more details coming soon!

Autumn Accents Thanksgiving Place Cards

Yesterday, I showed you step-by-step how to create some realistic-looking fall leaves created from kraft paper and the Autumn Accents Die. 

Today, I've got the projects that I created with those leaves!

CASEd from Shannon West at her Convention 2012 presentation.

I made these pretty place cards for the attendees of my Demo Team Meeting.  I thought they turned out great!  

Here's a better view of this 2" x 3-1/2" stand-alone place card. 

The base is created with a Window Sheet cut to 4" x 3-1/2" and run through the Big Shot in the Woodgrain Texture Impressions Folder. 

I used StazOn White Ink to highlight the woodgrain texture.  Shannon added the ink directly to her Woodgrain folder before running the Window Sheet through, but I didn't want to have to deal with the cleanup.  So, instead, I simply rubbed my pad in the direction of the grain over the embossed Window Sheet for a "weathered" type of highlighting.  It actually worked pretty well. 

TIP: Unlike StazOn Black, StazOn White take a bit of time to dry.  I was impatient, so I simply folded the Window Sheet so that the ink was to the inside of the place card.  That way I could complete the project without smearing the ink or getting it on the other accents.

After adding a 1/2" x 3-1/2" strip of Early Espresso Neutrals Patterns DSP, I started decorating!  I used my "real" leaf as a base, then layered on another leaf die-cut from Champagne Glimmer Paper. I really love the way the sparkly paper dresses up the project!  The last leaf was stamped with the coordinating Wonderfall image in Cajun Craze (learn How To Stamp On Die-Cuts).  I topped it off with a sweet Linen Thread bow.

The final step was to add the name of my guest.  I just used a piece of scrap Very Vanilla, and after writing the name with the fine tip of the Early Espresso Marker, I fish-tailed the end with a 1" Square Punch.  

This is a heartwarming way to make your guests feel welcome at your fall festivities and Thanksgiving dinner celebration.  Or, simply use one side as a pretty gift tag idea!  Too Cool!

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Wonderfall
• Ink—StazOn White Ink; Early Espresso Marker; More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Window Sheets; Neutrals Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack; Champagne Glimmer Paper; packing paper or kraft paper, Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Champagne Shimmer Mist (mixed with rubbing alcohol for a spray), Linen Thread
• Tools—Autumn Accents Die, Woodgrain Texture Folder, Big Shot, Stampin' Spritzer, 1" Square Punch, Multipurpose Glue, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store! 

Angie 

*****************************************************************************

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

October Promos Quick Links!

• FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack with Christmas Bundle purchase
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!

Upcoming Events!

• NEW WOW Technique Class - rescheduled to Oct. 18!
• Ornament Keepsakes Class - Oct. 20
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class - Oct. 25.
• Holiday Stamp-A-Stack - November 18, more details coming soon

Realistic Autumn Accents Leaves With Kraft Paper

I showed you some really cool, real-looking leaves that Sandi Dailey shared with us at Creative Convention last month, and I've had several people asking for more details on how to make them.  They are really easy...and definitely Too Cool! 

If you're a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, you probably recognize this!  It's the packing paper that comes in our Stampin' Up! shipments and it makes AWESOME leaves!  If you don't have this, you can use a thin weight kraft or butcher paper, or even a lightweight brown bag (not the heavy grocery store ones, the thinner kind).

 

You can run several layers of this paper through the Big Shot, so I folded my packing paper back and forth about 8 times, then ran it through with the Autumn Accents Die.  You can crank out lots of leaves very quickly like this!

Now, we're going to color the leaves to make them all Fall-like!  I started by sponging on some More Mustard ink randomly over the entire leaf.

Next, I sponged on Cajun Craze ink, mostly around the edges.

Then, I crumpled up the leaf and pushed it onto the top of a Crumb Cake Firm-Foam Ink Pad.  If I remember right, Sandi was using Early Espresso but it was one of the old felt ink pads.  That dark of color will look fine with the old pads, but the new ones have way too much juice and it ruins the effect.  I liked the results better when I used the lighter Crumb Cake Ink with the Firm-Foam Pads.

Click on photo to see the details better!

For the last step, I added some Shimmer Mist Spray (made from Champagne Shimmer Mist Paint and rubbing alcohol mixture) with my Stampin' Spritzer. 

Repeat.  Repeat.  Repeat...

...and you'll have a whole pile of autumn leaves to use on projects or scattered around a table as decorations. 

Wow!  I love how they look so realistic!  Well...kinda realistic...

I decided to see just how realistic they were, so I gathered up some of the leaves that I didn't mow over today and took a photo. Most of the real ones were still very yellow, but there were some fun red and green ones, too. 

I should have gathered these beforehand and used them as a color reference!  I definitely could have added more color and I think the key is actually adding more distressing to them.  Next time I'll crinkle and tear the edges and dip the edges in darker ink.  I could even add some flecks with the Color Spritzer!  That would be perfect! 

Still, I think they turned out great and they look awesome on the projects I was making them for...you'll see those tomorrow!  Stay tuned!

Angie

From The Archives: Night Owl Silhouette

The beautiful full moon we had recently reminded me of this card that I created back in 2010.  I still love it SO much!  Thought I'd share it again, since so many of my readers weren't visiting my blog back then.

From the Too Cool Stamping archives: Night Owl Silhouette. 

This is Jasper Owl, sitting above the roof on a starry, starry autumn night. 

I used a Pumpkin Pie card base, then added a Night of Navy layer that I had textured with a retired Texturz Plate.  You could use Perfect Polka Dot or Woodgrain Texture Impressions Folders for a similar effect. The Rhinestone Jewels in a variety of sizes simulate the twinkling stars in the night sky.

The roof is created with Rich Razzleberry scalloped strips cut from the Tasteful Trim Die, then layered to look like shingles. 

The moon is a 2-1/2" Circle punch of Daffodil Delight card stock, sponged with Pumpkin Pie around the perimeter.  Then, add a Basic Black Owl Punch and some Basic Black branches with the Bird Punch for the awesome silhouette. 

The Teeny Tiny Wishes sentiment is also stamped on Daffodil Delight, sponged with Pumpkin Pie ink, then punched with the Word Window Punch.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Teeny Tiny Wishes
• Ink—Night of Navy and Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Pumpkin Pie, Night of Navy, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight and Basic Black card stock  
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels, Rich Razzleberry Taffeta Ribbon (retired)
• Tools—Owl Punch, Bird Punch, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Word Window Punch, Tasteful Trim Die, Big Shot, Texturz Plate (retired), Sponges, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store! 

Angie

*****************************************************************************

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

October Promos Quick Links!

• FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack with Christmas Bundle purchase
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!

Upcoming Events!

• Ornament Keepsakes Class - Oct. 20, register by Oct. 9
• NEW WOW Technique Class - Oct. 12, details coming soon!
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class - Oct. 25.

Razzleberry Autumn Accents With A Leaf Texture Trick

CASEd from Connie Babbert from Inkspired Treasures.

Today's two cool cards were featured at my class last week and it's a perfect time to share them here, not only because it's Fall, but because one of the sentiments is now being offered as a Single Stamp.  Find out more about the Single Stamps promotion from yesterday's post. 

 

They may not be typical "Fall" colors, but I think they are fun and refreshing!  I used Midnight Muse, Rich Razzleberry, and Gumball Green on this birthday card featuring a Bring On The Cake sentiment. 

The pretty leaf collage is created with two images from the Wonderfall set stamped onto coordinating Whisper White Autumn Accents die-cuts.  Check out my Stamping On Autumn Accents Die-Cuts post to learn the some tips on how to stamp on these die-cut leaves.

My favorite part features a little trick I learned to make faux veins in the leaves!  Isn't it fantastic...so real-looking!  Too Cool!

How To Make Die-Cut Leaf Veins

• Use the Simply Scored tool to create a score line down the center of the die-cut.
• Fold the die-cut in half.

 

• Place the folded leaf in the Woodgrain Texture Impressions Folder, positioned so the veins will be "pointing" in the right direction. 
• Run through the Big Shot with no tabs on the Multipurpose Platform.

Even though one side is embossed, and the other de-bossed, it still looks cool! 

This one features the Word Play sentiment that's available individually for a limited-time: In My Thoughts.

The Midnight Muse card base is layered with a Rich Razzleberry sheet from the Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper.  I used the White Baker's Twine for a triple bow on the leaves.

It's the first project that I've used the new Designer Ribbon Slides from the Holiday Catalog!  They are sweet!  The Stitched Satin Ribbon slides through perfectly, but it can be used with a variety of widths for different looks.  It really dresses up the card! 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Wonderfall, Bring On The Cake (card #1), Word Play set or In My Thoughts Single Stamp (card #2)
• Ink—Midnight Muse and Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Polka Dot Parade DSP; Midnight Muse, Gumball Green and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon, Designer Ribbon Slides, White Baker's Twine
• Tools—Autumn Accents Die, Woodgrain Impressions Folder, Big Shot, Simply Scored, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store! 

Angie

*****************************************************************************

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

October Promos Quick Links!

• FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack with Christmas Bundle purchase
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!

Upcoming Events!

• Ornament Keepsakes Class - Oct. 20, register by Oct. 9
• NEW WOW Technique Class - Oct. 12, details coming soon!
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class - Oct. 25.

"Last Thursdays" Class & Dazzling Gently Falling Leaves

"Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class

Just a reminder that my "Last Thursdays" card class is coming up this week, Thursday, September 27, at 6:30pm at my Too Cool Stamping Studio in Fort Wayne, IN.  Make 4 cards for $10 or the class is FREE with an order* placed at the event. 

If you're a new stamper, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn some basic stamping skills!  If you're a stamping enthusiast, it's a fun night of stamping and chatting with friends, and adding to your card stash!  Either way, it's a night you won't want to miss!

This month, we'll be using a lot of the Stitched Satin Ribbon in honor of the Back To Spool promotion (receive a free spool with every $40 order):

• Dazzling Gently Falling Leaves (posted below)—Try two-step stamping and Dazzling Diamonds!
• Wonderfall Autumn Accents—Try out the Wonderfall leaves with matching Autumn Accents Die.
• Spotlight on Pleasant Poppies—Create a spotlight by coloring part of the image with ink and a Blender Pen.
• Glimmer Ornament Trio—Use the Silver Glimmer Paper with Stitched Satin Ribbon for sparkling holiday ornaments!  Learn tips on using Edgelits and matching texture embossing folders.

Want to join us?  Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 26, at 5pm.

*Minimum order is $20 for the FREE class.  Workshop, private class, Stamp Club and Ink Pad Club orders do not qualify.

Class-To-Go "Last Thursdays" Class Kit

Can't make it to my class?  Class Card Kits are available to purchase!  I include all the pre-cut, pre-punched, and pre-die-cut card supplies, plus embellishments, for all four cards. The Kits do not include pre-stamping, per Stampin' Up! policy.  Please note: You'll need to add your own stamped images, inks, and adhesives to complete the cards.  Kits available while supplies last.  Available in the US only.

Class-To-Go Card Kit Price:

•  $10, plus $5.15 for shipping (or pick it up at my Too Cool Stamping Studio in Fort Wayne, IN). 
• FREE with a $50 order placed at my Online Store from now thru September 30. (Plus, earn a spot on my 50/50/50 Board, and this month only, earn a FREE spool of Stitched Satin Ribbon, too!)
  

Contact me today to order!

*****************************************************************************

One of the "Last Thursdays" projects for September is this sparkly autumn card featuring the Gently Falling two-step stamp set. Although you can't see it well here, the two cool cards are VERY sparkly because the entire image panel is covered in Dazzling Diamonds glitter! 

I love this color combination!  It's so fresh and unexpected for a Fall card.  I borrowed it from last year's Gently Falling Treat Box Card using the retired Spice Cake Designer Paper.  Man, oh man, I adored that paper!

I kept the Pool Party card stock base plain (that's tough for me!), except for the Bring On The Cake birthday sentiment in Soft Suede.  As far as two-step stamp sets go, this one is pretty forgiving when you are trying to line up the images.  They're not meant to line up perfectly, so it's much easier to "eyeball" them into position.  If you like perfection, simply use the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig for accurate alignment every time.

OK, now you can see the sparklies a bit!  I covered the entire piece with a Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet cut to the same size, then poured Dazzling Diamonds over the top until all the sticky places were gone. 

OMG—The Glitter Is EVERYWHERE!

I know!  Now, don't be scared.  You are going to get glitter everywhere—all over the table, on your face, on the dog—and it's OK!  Here are some tips to help contain it!

• TIP #1: I like to keep my Dazzling Diamonds (and embossing powders) in a wide-mouthed, plastic storage container, so it's easy to scoop up with a plastic spoon and dump back into the container without a lot of spillage.
• TIP #2: After all the Dazzling Diamonds are in place, I cover the piece with a sheet of copy paper and burnish the glitter down, then a flick the back of the card stock over my glitter container to remove the excess. 
• TIP #3: Sometimes it helps to use a firm, dry paint brush, or old toothbrush to brush off excess glitter.  
• TIP #4 The new Core'dinations Dust Buddy is perfect for glitter cleanup!  Its tacky surface will pick up loose glitter from your work surface (and face, not sure about the dog), and you can gently run it over the bedazzled card stock to get any of the remaining loose glitter.  It's a large cloth, so I recommend cutting a smaller piece from it to dedicate to glitter, so it doesn't contaminate your non-sparkly, Core'dinations creations.

My second card is pretty similar, except the sentiment is from Sassy Salutations.

And, I popped up a second layer of the center leaf.  Well, it appears that I should have used the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig on the those leaves after all!  I certainly didn't get my stems lined up!  Ooops!  Instead of the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, I covered the hand-cut leaf with a 2-Way Glue Pen to adhere the Diamonds.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Gently Falling, Bring On The Cake (card #1), Sassy Salutations (card #2)
• Ink—Soft Suede, Pool Party, More Mustard and Lucky Limeade Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Pool Party, Lucky Limeade and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—Dazzling Diamonds, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon (card #1), Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon (card #2)
• Tools—Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, 2-Way Glue Pen, Core'dinations Dust Buddy, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, SNAIL

You can find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store! 

Or, bring a friend and join us at the "Last Thursdays" Card Class on September 27th.  RSVP by September 26 at 5pm.  

Angie

*****************************************************************************

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

September Promos Quick Links!

• FREE Stitched Satin Ribbon With Every $40 Order

Sunday Showcase: Sandi Dailey's Fall Projects

Well, it's officially Fall and it sure feels like it all of a sudden...brrrr!  It's my favorite time of year!  I love the smells of a firepit, hoodies & jeans, apples & pumpkins, the crispness of the air, and especially the beautiful autumn colors!  Unfortunately, this year I think we're gonna get cheated on the colors because of the summer drought.  But, we can still create colorful leafy projects!

Today's Sunday Showcase features some amazing projects that Sandi Dailey shared during her presentation at Ronda Wade's Creative Convention earlier this month!  She had some fantastic ideas and tips on making your Fall projects fabulous!  You can check out more about her projects at her blog, Another Chance To Stamp: I Am Fall.

 

Let's start out with Two Cool note card boxes featuring the autumn colors from the Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper decorating a Kraft Gift Box. 

 

Photo by Sandi Dailey from Another Chance To Stamp.

Here is a close-up of one of the Orchard Harvest Designer Fabric flowers...so pretty!  Looks like she scrunched this torn fabric around the top of a Jumbo Sticky Rounds adhesive circle and topped it with a Naturals Designer Button.  The other fabric flower is twisted as it's adhered and it's topped with an Antique Brad. 

She's got some beautifully sponged and embossed Autumn Accents Die leaves peeking out from the flower.  More on those in a bit.

Photo by Sandi Dailey from Another Chance To Stamp.

We didn't get to see the lovely notecards with Mini Envelopes that fit inside the box, but Sandi has them on her I Am Fall blog post.  What a pretty 3x3" notecard set created with the French Foliage stamp set!  An awesome gift idea! 

So let's talk about leaves!  These are Too Cool!  Sandi used the Autumn Accents Die to create a pile of leaves that she had spread about her display table and used as embellishments on several projects.  It's a super fun idea for decorating for Fall festivities! 

Some leaves are embossed with the Woodgrain Impressions Folder, then inked, spritzed, sponged and crumpled.  Other leaves are die-cut from more Orchard Harvest paper and scrunched.  But, my absolute favorites, and the ones that look most realistic, are the ones she created with the packing paper that we receive in our Stampin' Up! orders.  It's thin kraft paper, or butcher paper!

Make Your Own Kraft Paper Leaves

• Die-cut several layers of leaves with the Autumn Accents Die.
• Sponge with oranges, greens, yellows and reds, as desired.
• Crumple, then ink the scrunched piece by running it lightly over an Early Espresso Ink Pad.
• You could add Clear Embossing or a clear spray sealer for a glossier look.

Sandi added some of these awesome leaves to her Orchard Harvest Thanksgiving place setting.  I love how she made Orchard Harvest Designer Fabric napkins, topped with a Labels Collection tag silver embossed with the Silver Setting ala carte stamp.  What a beautiful way to set a Thanksgiving table!

I can't wait for her to blog more about this super-cool project!  I can't tell if she used tiny leaf punches, or maybe leftovers from the die-cutting, but these mini leaves make fun accents for this seasonal scene.  I see images from Lovely As A Tree, Forever Young, and Serene Silhouettes.  Wow!

Sandi used a Reverse Masking Technique and Wonderful Watercolor Crayons to make this lovely watercolor card.  It's featured on her blog: Wonderfall. Also features Early Espresso Baker's Twine, and an Antique Brad.

She used a Clear Mount Block to stamp a colorful block background for more Autumn Accents die-cut and Woodgrain Folder embossed leaves.  Also features: Midnight Muse Stitched Satin Ribbon and Blooming With Kindness stamp set. 

Remember the Triple-Time Technique?  Sandi used a variation of that technique with the French Foliage set on this multi-panel card.  So pretty!  Also features: Always Artichoke Seam Binding, Loving Thoughts stamp set, and Brushed Bronze Buttons.

A special thanks to Sandi Dailey for sharing her Fall-tastic projects with us!  Wow!  So many great ideas!  Looks like this autumn will be pretty colorful after all! 

Angie

Michelle's Wonderfall Stamped Candle

Michelle Hoover shared a beautiful homemade gift idea at our Demo Team Meeting last week, and it's surprisingly easy to create! 

 

Check out her gorgeous decorative candle!  This 6" vanilla candle is stamped with the En Francais background stamp in Early Espresso, then embellished in a lovely autumn theme.

      

She added Champagne Glass Glitter to the bottom of the candle by painting on Crystal Effects with an Aqua Painter, then rolling it in the glitter. 

 

Then, she adhered a collage of Autumn Accents die-cuts stamped with images from the Wonderfall stamp set in Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, and Early Espresso.  See my previous Wonderfall post for some tips for stamping on die-cuts.

Michelle finished off the candle with an Old Olive Bright Button tied with Linen Thread. 

Please note: Because of the card stock accents, this candle is basically for decoration, but you could still use it if you removed the leaves.  Not sure how the Glass Glitter would hold up around the heat, but you'd have a lot of burning time before that! 

Make Your Own Stamped Candles: It's easy!  You simply stamp your images on tissue paper, lay your tissue on the candle, wrap wax-paper around the whole candle, then heat the wax paper and tissue paper with a Heat Tool until it melts into the side of the candle.  Visit Splitcoast Stampers for a complete tutorial: Stamping On Candles.

Look for all the supplies to create your own stamped candle at my Online Store!

Thanks for sharing your fabulous autumn gift idea, Michelle!

Angie

*****************************************************************************

Birthday Week Special! 

Place an Online Order of $40 or more by midnight on Saturday, September 22, and I'll send you a FREE Four Seasons Post-It Note Holder in the season of your choice! 

     

Win A Four Seasons Hostess Set!  Plus, you'll be automatically entered to win a Four Seasons Hostess clear-mount stamp set, so you can make your own Four Seasons Note Pads!  I'll select a winner out of all of the entries on Sunday.

FREE Ribbon!  And, don't forget...for every $40 you spend you'll be able to select a free Stitched Satin Ribbon with the Back To Spool Promotion!  That's an $8.95 value!

See my Birthday Week Special post for more details.

Place your $40 minimum order at my Online Store anytime before midnight September 22, 2012 to qualify!

Sunday Showcase: 8 Polka Dot Parade Projects

Do you love creating matching projects as much as I do?  Last week, at Ronda Wade's Creative Convention, we made some cute & simple matching make & takes using the bright & cheery Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper.  Let's take a look at the projects we created...

It's a fabulous collection of projects that show just how versatile the paper can be for any occasion! Ronda designed four coordinating pairs of projects, each with a 3D gift holder and matching card. 

  

All of the projects use the Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper and the Brights Brads that come in all the same colors!

 

I started with the adorable Fancy Favor Die gift box, which features Marina Mist polka dot paper and the I Dig You stamp set.  Add some Marina Mist brads inside the bull dozer wheels.  What a fun party favor for a little boy's birthday! 

 

Here's the matching card.  I love how the back of the Polka Dot Parade paper is larger, toned down dots that have more of a masculine feel.  The designer paper is actually folded down at the top to show he back of the designer paper like a rolled sleeve cuff.  Coordinating color is Old Olive.

 

The next project was a 2-4-6-8 Box that was 9" tall.  We wrapped the box with Pumpkin Pie polka dot paper and a Scallop Edge border.  It's decorated with a polka dot flower made with the new 1-1/4" Scallop Circle Punch, the flower from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack, and Daffodil Delight brads.  The two-part sentiment is from Petite Pairs.  Also features: Decorative Label Punch, and Bitty Banners Framelits.

Make Your Own 2-4-6-8 Box: You can do them at any size height, but the card stock width needs to be 8-1/2" wide, and you score it along that side at 2", 4", 6", and 8" as the name implies.  The extra 1/2" becomes the tab that you use to adhere the box together.  You score the other side at 2" and cut slits at each score line making the tabs that fold in to make the bottom of the box.  Check out these 2-4-6-8 Box Instructions for a better visual.

 

Use the Extra-Large Oval Punch to create a simple punch-art pumpkin.  Sponge the edges of the ovals with Early Espresso ink to add some dimension, then add a hand-cut Old Olive stem and Old Olive brad.  Cute!  Also features: Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon and Friendly Phrases sentiment.

 

We used the Flower Folds XL Die to die-cut flower layers from the Rich Razzleberry polka dot paper and card stock.  Adhere the layers with Dimensionals and add a contrasting center for a beautiful and easy-to-make box topper!  It's a great alternative to a bow!  Adhere the flower to the 3/8" So Saffron Ribbon and tie it around so that you can slip it off easily to open the box.  Also features: Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, and Word Window Punch.

Make Your Own Box: The box is another easy one!  The lid is 6x6" designer paper, scored on each edge at 1".  The box bottom is 8x8" and scored on each side at 2".  Cut tab slits on the two score lines on one side, and then the other, add adhesive to the tabs and assemble. 

 

The matching flower card showcases the Daffodil Delight polka dots!  The flower is made with three Blossom Punch layers with the Rich Razzleberry polka dotted paper, a Circle Circus stamp punched with a 1" Circle Punch, and a Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon stem!  Also features: One In A Million stamp set and Modern Label Punch.

 

We created an easy mini Christmas Stocking with the Real Red polka dotted paper die-cut with the Holiday Stocking Die adhered around a die-cut Petite Pocket.  It could hold candy canes, pencils, thin candy or even a gift card inside.  Also features: White Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon and Real Red Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon.

 

Our final project was a matching Christmas card using the Embellished Events stamp set and Real Red polka dots.  Also features Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon, the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, and the Scallop Squares Duo Die.

You can order all of the supplies to create these projects at my Online Store!

What a fun ensemble!  As you can see, you can use these delightul polka dot prints for LOTS of occasions, so it's a great paper to keep on hand! 

Thanks so much to Ronda Wade for sharing her fabulous collection of Polka Dot Parade projects! 

Angie

******************************************************************************

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

September Promos Quick Links!

• FREE Stitched Satin Ribbon With Every $40 Order
• FREE Howl-a-Ween Printer's Tray - with Starter Kit purchase. LAST DAY!

All Four Seasons Sticky Notes Holders

One of my current favorite projects is the super-cute Post-It Notes Holder that Carmen DeBruce showed our Demo Team how to make in July. 

  

I re-created the project that Carmen showed us, this time adding some Rhinestone Jewels to the medallion embellishment, and adjusting some of the sizes to make the Be of Good Cheer Designer Paper pieces fit a bit better.

You can find more information on my Four Seasons Post-It Pad Holder post.  And, here are the adjusted measurements that I used on today's projects. 

Updated 3x5" Post-It Pad Measurements:  Changes from previous instructions are in italic.

• Card stock measures 7-3/8" x 5-1/4"
• Score across long side at 3-1/8", 3-1/2", and 3-7/8"
• Bottom Wild Wasabi card stock layer on front is 2-7/8" x 5"
• Very Vanilla layer is 2-5/8" x 4-3/4"
• Designer paper sections are each 1-1/8" x 2-1/8"

3x3" Post-It Pad: This idea came from Dee Slater, who has a video tutorial for a similar 3x3" Four Seasons Post-It Pad Holder.

I'll be presenting this easy-to-make project at Ronda Wade's Creative Convention this weekend as a fun and and functional holiday gift idea! 

While I was gathering up my supplies, I couldn't help by try the project in the rest of the seasons from the Four Seasons Hostess stamp set!  Check them out!

  

Spring Season—Created with Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper (sshhh, I know that it's for Fall, I'm showing its versatility!  *wink*).  Base is Island Indigo, with Early Espresso and Very Vanilla card stock layers.  Island Indigo and Early Espresso inks.

  

Summer Season—Created with the Floral District Designer Series Paper.  Base is Daffodil Delight, with Rose Red and Whisper White layers.  Stamped in Tangerine Tango and Rich Razzleberry inks.

   

Fall Season—Created with Comfort Café Designer Series Paper.  Base is Cajun Craze, with Midnight Muse and Very Vanilla card stock layers.  Stamped with Cajun Craze and Midnight Muse inks.

See!  It's a fabulous gift idea for ANY season of the year!

Angie

*****************************************************************************

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

September Promos Quick Links!

• FREE Stitched Satin Ribbon With Every $40 Order
• 31 Days of 31% Off Digital - Thru September 14
• FREE Howl-a-Ween Printer's Tray - with Starter Kit purchase

Orchard Harvest Owl Window Cards

You may have noticed that I have a tendency to create elegant, vintage or flowery cards, but I enjoy a little whimsy now and then!  Like today's two cool cards design that we'll be creating at my "Last Thursdays" card class on August 30...

The new Core'dinations card stock and Woodgrain Impressions Folder create the perfect background for these adorable, punch-art owls!  Meet Oliver and Sebastian! 

I started with a strip of my favorite pattern from the Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper pack—love that color combination!  I used a Lucky Lime card base with a Cherry Cobbler Scallop Border accent (it's actually Raspberry Ripple in that plaid...oops, I just realized!).

I punched the 1-3/4" Circle from the Early Espresso Core'dinations card stock first, then ran it through the Big Shot in the Woodgrain Impressions Folder.  Using the new Stampin' Sanding System, I very lightly sanded the embossed pattern.  Careful!  The Core'dinations card stock will tear easily after being embossed.

Once all the background pieces were adhered to the card front, I punched the complete window from the card base, using the previously punched window as a guide. 

The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes, inked in Island Indigo, and punched with the Modern Label Punch.

   

Oliver Owl was punched from Soft Suede card stock, then dressed in a matching Orchard Harvest vest.  I used Crumb Cake for the outer eyes (and should have tried some Googly Eyes for even more personality!).  He also has a More Mustard heart beak and Cherry Cobbler heart embellishment. 

When you open the card, Oliver is sitting on a branch from the Bird Punch!  Cute!

Sebastian is a little more laid back...and he's in love, as noted by the Tiny Tags sentiment in Island Indigo ink and punched with the Little Labels Punch.

I added some sleepy, half-circle eyelids to him, and he seems older and wiser.  You can really see how awesome the popped up eyes look here! 

See, he really is in love!  Awwwww!

Make This Card With Me!  Join us at my "Last Thursdays" card class on August 30 and make your own Orchard Harvest Owl Window Card!  RSVP by Wednesday, August 29, at 5pm by contacting me.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Teeny Tiny Wishes (card #1), Tiny Tags (card #2)
  
• Ink—Island Indigo Classic Ink
• Paper—Orchard Harvest DSP; Early Espresso Core'dinations Card Stock; Lucky Limeade, Cherry Cobber, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, More Mustard, Basic Black, and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—None. What?!
• Tools—Woodgrain Impressions Folder, Big Shot, Stampin' Sanding System, Core'dinations Dust Buddy, Owl Punch, Bird Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Modern Label Punch (card #1), Little Labels Punch Pack (card #2), 2-Way Glue Pen, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Order supplies used on today's projects at my Online Store!

Angie

*********************************************************************************

FINAL DAYS For A FREE Howl-a-Ween Printer's Tray Kit!

If you're a stamping enthusiast, you'll love all of the tips, techniques, and project ideas that Stampin' Up! shares with demonstrators!  Don't miss out!  Order your fully customizable $99 Starter Kit today and join in on the fun! 

Plus, this month only, when you purchase a Starter Kit, you'll receive a FREE Howl-A-Ween Printer's Tray Project Kit, which features Toxic Treats stamps, valued at $60!  What a bonus! 

Learn more, contact me for more details, or order your Starter Kit now!

*********************************************************************************

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

Masking With Autumn Accents Die-Cuts

When I was cutting supplies for my Autumn Accents Stamp Club project last week, I had a bunch of leftover pieces that had been die-cut and I thought, why not put those to good use...

So, I created Two Cool cards using the die-cut Autumn Accents windows as a mask.  I sponged with the same colors that I used in my previous Wonderfall card...love this combination!

 

Simply lay your die-cut windows on a piece of Very Vanilla card stock and sponge in a small circular motion.  TIP: Start your sponging on the mask and work toward the card stock to avoid an abrupt ink smudge on your card stock.

Continue adding more sponged leaves, overlapping some of the edges.

I added my sponged leaves to a layer of Cajun Craze card stock with a Finishing Touches Edgelit Border, then adhered it to my Midnight Muse card base.

I stamped Wonderfall leaf for the bottom of the card (learn tips on how to stamp on die-cuts), then added some Not Quite Navy Taffeta Ribbon tails for some added color.  The Itty Bitty Banner sentiment is die-cut with the Bitty Banners Framelit, then attached with a Vintage Trinket brad.

For the second card, I tried stamping Wonderfall leaves over the top of the sponged leaves. 

Probably should have used a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig for more accurate positioning, but I still like overall look!  Beautiful, rich colors!  Finished with more Not Quite Navy Taffeta Ribbon and a Sassy Salutations sentiment.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Wonderfall, Itty Bitty Banners (card #1), Sassy Salutations (card #2)
  
• Ink—Midnight Muse, More Mustard, Cajun Craze Classic Ink
• Paper—Cajun Craze, Midnight Muse and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Vintage Trinkets (card #1), Not Quite Navy Taffeta Ribbon
• Tools—Autumn Accents Bigz Die, Bitty Banners Framelits, Finishing Touches Edgelits, Big Shot, Sponges, Glue Dots, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Order supplies used on today's projects, at my Online Store!

Angie

******************************************************************************

The Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

 

Wonderfall, Autumn Accents & How To Stamp On Die-Cuts

I'm not trying to hurry Summer along (since it's slipping by quite rapidly on its own), but I LOVE Fall!  It's my favorite season!  Unfortunately, with the drought we've had, it's highly doubtful that our autumn colors will be very spectacular. 

Guess I'll have to make due with some colorful leaf stamping using the new Wonderfall set!

Oh my!  I absolutely love the color combination on these Two Cool cards for Fall!  The Midnight Muse, combined with Cajun Craze and More Mustard is so rich and striking!  I got the colors from the Comfort Café Designer Series Paper, even though I didn't use that paper here.  Sshhh!  Don't tell!

  

The background of the card consists of pieces of both Orchard Harvest and First Edition Designer Series Papers.

I wasn't sure I was going to like the Orchard Harvest paper with all the fruits and vegetables, but colors are scrumptious, and the back sides have beautiful checks and patterns that are more my style. 

I wrapped some Linen Thread around the piece before attaching it to the Cajun Craze card front.  Then I started adding some Wonderfall leaf accents, and finished it off with a Naturals Designer Button!

I was so excited that there was a coordinating Autumn Accents Bigz Die that perfectly matches the shapes of the Wonderfall leaves.  Yay!  We don't have to hand-cut the leaves! 

Since it's a Bigz Die, we'll be able to die-cut leaf shapes out of ANY material, including fabric and chipboard, and cut multiple layers at one time. 

But, hmmm...  How do you line up the stamped image with a Bigz Die?  Similar coordinating products have had Framelits, which are easier to line up after the stamping is done.  Lining up the stamped image with a regular die is nearly impossible!

Well, you know there's always an exception to every rule, so this time we'll have to go against my "stamp first, die-cut/punch next" rule, and stamp after the die-cut is made.  Here's how...

How To Stamp On Autumn Accents Die-Cuts

• Start out by die-cutting the shapes you want to stamp with the Autumn Accents Bigz Die.
• Ink up your Wonderfall leaf image, then lay the stamp rubber-side-up on the table.

• Carefully lay your die-cut shape on top.  This is similar to how I like to stamp with background stamps.

• Rather than burnishing with your fingers, which could cause the small piece to shift and smear, gently lay another Clear Mount Block on top of the card stock and firmly press without rocking.
• Lift up the block slowly...the card stock may be stuck to it and you don't want it to fall back onto the stamp. 

You'll be amazed at how easy it is to get the image pretty-darn-close-to-centered when you stamp them this way!  It's much easier than trying to stamp down onto the die-cut. Try it!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Wonderfall, Blooming With Kindness
  
• Ink—Midnight Muse, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso Classic Ink
• Paper—Orchard Harvest and First Edition DSP; Cajun Craze, Midnight Muse and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Linen Thread, Naturals Designer Buttons
•  Tools—Autumn Accents Bigz Die, Big Shot, Glue Dots, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Order supplies used on today's projects, at my Online Store!

******************************************************************************

The Holiday Catalog Is Now Available!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

Don't wait!  Start planning your holiday cards and crafts now! 

Want a copy of the Holiday Catalog?  Simply place an order with me, or attend one of my events for your FREE copy! 

Schedule a Private Holiday Class!  I'm now offering private classes with Halloween, Fall and Christmas themes that we can customize especially for you!  You'll be able to choose the types of projects you want to create, like cards, treat holders, scrapbook pages, or holiday gifts. We can go simple, or try more elaborate projects, depending on your comfort level.  We can even plan multiple classes, so you can work on bigger holiday projects, like getting all those Christmas cards done...a little at a time! 

Contact me today for more information and we'll design a fun & festive seasonal class that's personalized just for you and your friends! 

Angie

Sunday Showcase: Holiday Catalog Sneak Peeks

The new Holiday Catalog will be available on August 1st and you're going to LOVE it!  It's packed with fun and festive seasonal items for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas. 

The Holiday Catalog isn't "mini" anymore!  It's 40 full-size pages with more than 100 new items!  You'll find a entirely new selection of stamps, designer papers, Big Shot items, punches, embellishments, and much more!  And, because it now begins in August, you'll have plenty of time to plan, purchase and create your handmade stamped holiday projects, cards, tags, and gifts!

If you are a current customer of mine, you'll be receiving your copy of the Holiday Catalog in the mail very soon. If you'd like a Holiday Catalog, simply place an order with me, and I'll send one out to you as soon as they are available.

Sunday Showcase Sneak Peek

This month, Stampin' Up! demonstrators are allowed to pre-order Holiday Catalog items.  I'm already seeing a few projects made with the new items floating around the internet!  We aren't allowed to show you actual product, but there's no harm in sharing some of the creations from my fellow demonstrators to give you a little sneak peek of what is to come! 

Here are some awesome projects I found, in no particular order, with new products highlighted in red.  For details, please click on the link below the photo to go to the original post.

Created by Sharon Cheng at Sharing Creativity & Company.

Featuring the new Wonderfall stamp set with beautiful patterned leaves, and the coordinating Autumn Accents Framelits to perfectly die-cut the leaf and acorn shapes!  Also features Curly Cute and Summer Starfruit Stitched Satin Ribbon.

  

Created by Sharon Cheng at Sharing Creativity & Company.

Featuring the new Scentsational Season stamp set with the matching Holiday Collection Framelits, layered on strips of the Be of Good Cheer Designer Paper already available in the Annual Catalog.  There are also some yummy Peppermint and Sugar & Spice Scented Embossing Powders that you can use on the candy cane and gingerbread man!  Also uses Petite Pairs for the greeting.

Created by Cindy Elam at Heart's Delight Cards.

Featuring the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set, with seven different gorgeously decorated ornament shapes, and die-cut with the coordinating Holiday Ornaments Framelits.  Also features the new Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Folder and Champagne Glimmer Paper.  Sentiment from More Merry Messages.

Created by Michelle Sturgeon at Come Stamp With Me.

Featuring the new Snowflake Soiree stamp set.  I'm so relieved that there is another beautiful snowflake set to use and this one comes with the words "believe" and "merry," as well as three coordinating Builder Wheels. Also uses Scallop Trim Border Punch.

Created by Bensarmom at Trusting in the Lord For All Things.

Featuring the Holiday Frame Textured Impressions Folder and Joyous Celebration stamp set that works in combination with the oval from the Designer Frames Impressions Folders.

Created by Lee Ann at Greyt Paper Crafts.

Another project featuring the new Holiday Frame Textured Impressions Folder.  It looks fantastic with the Everything Eleanor stamp and Apothecary Accents Framelits.  The sentiment is Word Play.

Created by Beth McAlexander at Crafty Creations By Beth.

Featuring the Owl Occasions stamp set, the Woodgrain Textured Impressions Folder, and the Window Frames Collection Framelits.  Also uses the Itty Bitty Banners stamps and Bitty Banner Framelits already available.

Created by Kimberly Van Diepen at Stampin By The Sea.

Featuring Howlstooth & Scaringbone Designer Series Paper, Toxic Treats stamps and Etruscan Elegance Stampin' Around Wheel.  Also uses Labels Collections Framelits and Antique Brads.

Created by Diana Gibbs at Stampin' With Di.

Featuring the Googly Ghouls stamp set and the Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit that comes with glassine bags, double-sided pre-printed tags, Pumpkin Pie Baker's Twine, and Googlies Eyes!  Fun and easy-to-create spooky treats!

Created by Mindy Backes at Bada-Bing Paper Crafting.

Featuring Perfectly Preserved stamps with matching Cannery Set Framelits, plus Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper.  The Window Frames Collection Framelit is detailed with the Festive Paper-Piercing Pack.  Also uses the Itty Bitty Banners stamps and Bitty Banner Framelits, Finishing Touches Edgelits and Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon already available.

Created by Andrea at Snippets.

Featuring Merry Minis stamp set and matching Merry Minis Punch Pack.  Tiny always equals cute! Also uses Postage Stamp Punch, 1" Square Punch and Sweet Essentials sentiment.

Created by Cindy Major at Encre, Papier, Ciseaux.

Featuring the Make A Mitten stamp set with coordinating Mitten Builder Punch, and accented with the Whisper White 1/4" Sweater Trim yarn. TheLabels Collections Framelits layer is pierced using the Festive Paper-Piercing Pack and the background is textured with the Fancy Fan Impressions Folder already available. 

This card is by a French demonstrator, so the Petite Pairs greeting is with the French version.  Did you know that many sets are available in Spanish, French, or German languages?  You'll find the appropriate product numbers in your catalogs. Or, ask me if you want more details.

*************************************************************************

So, there you have a very small sneak peek of some of the amazing seasonal products coming in the Holiday Catalog on August 1.  I've only shown a glimpse of about 1/3 of all the items available—there's so much more to see, so stay tuned!

Angie

Autumn Oval Scallop Gate Fold Cards & FREE Stamp-A-Stack Class!

I saw the most awesome card the other day, and I had to make some myself! 

 

Oh, these are so pretty with their Spice Cake Designer Series Paper, and Gently Falling leaves, but there's more!  Check out how this Too Cool gate fold opens up...

EEEEEeeeee!  It uses the Oval Scallop Frame Die. One side has the scallop frame, and the other has the inside oval, and they intertwine to close!  Brilliant! 

I CASEd these cards from Dawn Griffith, who has a fabulous video tutorial: Scallop Oval Gate Fold Card. 

Scallop Oval Gate Fold How-Tos

• 4-1/4"x 11" card stock, scored along the 11" side at 2-3/4" mark and 8-1/4" mark.
• Cover each gate panel with 2-1/2" x 4" pieces of DSP
• Run two pieces of card stock through Scallop Oval Frame Die; one for frame, one for center oval.
• Line up scallop frame die-cut on front, then hold frame in place as you open one gate. 
• Add SNAIL to the other side and fold the rest of the card onto the adhesive side.
• Position the center oval on the front, then hold the oval in place on the frame that's adhered, open that gate.
• Add SNAIL to the other side of the oval, then close the card onto that adhesive-up side. 

TIP: The Oval Scallop Frame Die is not perfectly symmetrical, it's a bit narrower on one end, kind of like an egg.  Keep this in mind as you adhere your frame, and as you stamp on your oval, making sure both are positioned on the side you intended.  If you use a DSP pattern (or stamp randomly on the background), and if you don't care which side the frame opens up, it won't be an issue because you can always turn it upside-down.

Card Details: I stamped the 2-step oak leaf stamps from the Gently Falling set on the oval and on scrap paper.  I stamped the line image first in Early Espresso, then filled it in with the bold stamp in More Mustard.  After cutting out the scrap one, I sponged the leaf in Cajun Craze.  

The oval edges are sponged in Soft Suede. And, the sentiment from Perfectly Penned is also in Soft Suede.  Pearl Jewels and four spritzes of Shimmer Mist spray to finish it off!  Click on the image to see all the shimmer!

I enjoyed making these so much, I went a little crazy!

18 cards!  Whew!  Took just a couple of hours.  The most difficult part was cutting out all the leaves.  I would cut a little, sponge a little, cut a little, sponge a little, so it wasn't bad at all.

Gosh, I'm gonna miss using this beautiful Spice Cake Paper when it's gone after the holidays!  One of my favorites this year, for sure!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Gently Falling, Perfectly Penned
• Ink—Soft Suede, Early Espresso, More Mustard, Cajun Craze Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Spice Cake Designer Series Paper, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla card stock 
  
• Accessories—Champagne Shimmer Mist (rubbing alcohol mixture), Pearl Jewels
• Tools—Oval Scallop Frame Die, Big Shot, spray bottle, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can purchase all the supplies to create this card at my Stampin' Up! Online Store!

*  *  *  *  *

   

#4 Card to be revealed on Monday, November 28!

FREE Holiday Stamp-A-Stack Class!

What?!  Yes, it's true!  I'm looking for MORE stampers to stamp with me at my premiere Holiday Stamp-A-Stack event on November 30.  So, I'm pulling out all the stops! 

I'm giving away a FREE Stamp-A-Stack class to the first 12 people who place a $35 order with me starting today and before end-of-day November 28. 

Regular Class Price: $30, or only $15 with your $25 order! 

First 12 Stampers Starting Today: FREE class, with your $35 order!  

Create 12 beautiful holiday cards & envelopes (3 each of 4 designs), plus receive $35 in stamping supplies, for only the cost of the supplies!  It's an amazing value!  See complete class details here.

Contact me to sign up before end-of-day November 28 to reserve your space and place your order. 

Fine Print: Open to the first 12 people (first come, first served).  Local Fort Wayne area residents only.  One FREE class per person.  $35 merchandise order does not include shipping and tax. Online orders qualify, but this offer cannot be combined with my Online Extravaganza Bonus Gift offer, or any other current Too Cool Stamping offers.  Club and workshop orders do not qualify.

Can't wait to stamp a stack with you all next Wednesday night!

Online Extravaganza is going on now through November 30!  Don't miss it!  Visit my Online Store now!

Clearance Rack—Many of my online customers are taking advantage of the awesome Clearance Rack deals going on right now, too!  Check out the Clearance Rack!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! 

Angie

Spotlight on Dazzling Details - Part 2

Yesterday's post introduced you to the little bottle of inexpensive, must-have sparklies called Dazzling Details.  This easy-to-use glitter glue is perfect for adding wintery accents to snow images and holiday cards.

But, when I was at the Louisville Stampin' Up! Regional, I discovered how fun it can be to add color to Dazzling Details!  Well, duh. Why didn't I think of that? 

Just add a drop of any color Classic Refill Inks, onto a small dollop of Dazzling Details, and you're ready to paint on some shimmer to match any of the Stampin' Up! 50 exclusive colors!  Oh yeah!  Look at this...

  

I love the vibrant Fall colors on these Two Cool cards featuring the Gently Falling stamp set. It makes me miss all the gorgeous leaves that are now gone, gone, gone.  *sniff*  I used Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, Old Olive Refill Inks to color the glue.  It's difficult to capture all the glitters on camera, but here are a couple close-ups:

 

Oooooh!  It's so pretty, pretty, pretty in person!

Coloring Dazzling Details

I used an old embellishment container as a palette, and added a small dollop of Dazzling Details glue.

TIP: Always save your embellishment jars for mixing up different colors of Re-Inkers with Dazzling Details, Shimmer Paint, White Craft Ink Refills, and diluted watercolors. Not only is it a great size, you can store your mixtures with the lid on to keep them fresh for days!  And, the kind with dividers is perfect for mixing different colors.

Next, add just one drop (it doesn't take much) if the Refill Ink of your choice and mix together with a brush.  I used an Aqua Painter, but any watercolor brush will work.

  

Then, stamp your images in StazOn Black permanent ink, and start painting them in...simple as that! 

Cleanup Tips:  This is glue we're working with, so clean all your brushes thoroughly with warm water, or all the bristles will be stuck together the next time you try to paint.  I wouldn't want you to go off on a cussing fit when you have no clean brush to use.  I speak from experience.  If it does happen, soaking them in warm soapy water or Brush Flush will get out the remaining glue.  Lay them down to soak (I lay them in an old plastic stamp case), don't rest them on the bristles, or you'll cuss even more when you're brush tip won't come to a point anymore.

Hope you love this technique!  Try it out for yourself!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Gently Falling, Perfectly Penned
• Ink—Black StazOn Ink; Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, Old Olive Classic Refill Inks; Basic Black Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Old Olive, Basic Black, Whisper White card stock 
  
• Accessories—Dazzling Details, 1/8" White Taffeta Ribbon (retired), Old Olive Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Spice Cake Designer Buttons (card #2),
• Tools—Aqua Painter, Decorative Label Punch (card #1), Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can purchase all the supplies to create this card at my Stampin' Up! Online Store!

Angie

*  *  *  *  *

Last Chance!

Registration Extended Until Thursday For The Christmas Lane 6x6" Album Class...

• Christmas Lane 6x6" Holiday Album Class—Contact me to register by November 17.
• Holiday Stamp-A-Stack—November 30.  Register by November 28.
• $35 Extra Hostess Benefits—When you host a $350 or more workshop through Dec. 15.

Frostwood Autumn Leaves Notecard Set

I love to give out sets of cards as gifts and today's project is perfect for a quick and thoughful present.  We created it at the Creative Convention I attended a few weeks ago.

This is the whole ensemble: four matching cards with different sentiments, and a pretty holder.

 

The front cover of the holder is decorated with a panel of bark-like Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper.  You could use one sheet of paper and cut it into pieces to use for each of the matching cards. 

The colorful leaves were die cut from the Leaves #2 Die.  We used one piece of each color of card stock (Cajun Craze, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive) then divided up different combos of the leaves for each card.

We also stamped leaves from Autumn Splendor, added some Espresso Quilted Satin Ribbon and a cute Mini Clothespin.

When you open the holder, you find two sides holding two cards and Crumb Cake Envelopes.  The folder is super easy to make!  Start with a 10-1/2" x 6-1/2" sheet of Crumb Cake, then use your Simply Scored Tool to score along the 10-1/2" edge at the 5" and 5-1/2" marks. 

We used trimmed down Medium Cello Bags as the pockets!  What a cool and simple idea!  They are adhered by SNAIL adhesive with the openings toward the center of the holder.  I love that they show-off the card fronts! 

 

 

Each card is stamped with a different sentiment from the Perfectly Penned set, making it a versatile, all-occasion set.  

Looking back, I think it would have been fun to either stamp or texture emboss the leaves, but we didn't have the time at our make & takes that day.  Still a really fun project to make and give! 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Autumn Splendor, Perfectly Penned
• Ink—Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Early Espresso Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Frostwood Lodge DSP, Cajun Craze, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Whisper White card stock 
  
• Accessories—Crumb Cake Envelopes, Linen Thread, Mini Clothespins, Espresso Quilted Satin Ribbon, Medium Cello Bags
• Tools—Simply Scored Tool, Leaves #2 Die, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can find all the supplies you need to make this project at my Online Store!

Angie

Too Cool Demo Team Autumn Showcase

More beautiful autumn-themed projects from my Team...

Created by Darla Eigenschink.  The base of the card is made from the Scallop Square Die.  Not Quite Navy layer is embossed with the Finial Press Impressions Folder.  The Leaves of A Tree stamp is inked in VersaMark and colored with Stampin' Pastels.  The Teeny Tiny Wishes sentiment is layered on two altered punches: Word Window and Decorative Label.  I love the cute, shortened versions of these two shapes! 

 

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  This is a hand-sanitizer holder CASEd from a post at Inspiration Ink.  The flower is created by combining layers from the Daisies #2 Die, the Blossom Party Die, and the Boho Blossom Punch.  So pretty!

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  She used the same flower to create a fantastic 1x8" Cellophane Bag Topper! 

Created by Jodi Geers.  This sweet Triangle Box is made with Spice Cake Designer Series Paper and some More Mustard Scallop Dots Ribbon.  The image from Easy Events stamp set looks like it's colored with ink and a Blender Pen. 

Created by Darla Eigenschink.  What a beautiful thank you card using the Days of Gratitude set.  She used a variation of the Rock & Roll technique for the colored image.  Background is embossed with the Finial Press Impressions Folder.  The Antique Brad looks great in the center, and the strip of Spice Cake Designer Fabric pulls the whole thing together!

 

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  Here is another gorgeous card using the Days of Gratitude set.  This time Carmen Gold Embossed the leaves image on colored card stock, then cut out the branches.  Background is embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder. 

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  Here's a great masculine style birthday card using the Etched Engravings (retired) set, the Scallop Trim Corner Punch, the Houndstooth Impressions Folder, and Well Worn Designer Series Paper.  What looks like brads is actually two circles of Not Quite Navy card stock topped with Crystal Effects to make them dimensional and shiny. 

Thanks so much to Jodi, Darla and Carmen for allowing me to share their projects! 

You can find all the supplies to make any of these fun fall creations at my Online Store!

Angie

FREE Big Shot Promotion—Learn how you can receive a FREE Big Shot or $100 in FREE product when you sign up to become a demonstrator by October 31.

Gently Falling Clear Mount Block Stamping

Have you ever used your Clear Mount Blocks to stamp a background?  It's really a beautiful effect!  Check out my Two Cool cards using this technique...

 

I CASEd this design from Ann Clemmer at her StamperDog blog.

Clear Block Stamping: See those three square backgrounds behind the Gently Falling leaves?  Those are made with the A Size Clear Mount Block!  The blocks ink up surprisingly well and lay down a lot of color, even though it doesn't seem like much ink is sticking to the block. 

I can't wait to try this with larger sized blocks! 

Inked Impressions: The other panel is embossed with the Houndstooth Impressions Folder.  I tried inking it in two ways. 

The first card I embossed the card stock first, then lightly rubbed my Pool Party Ink Pad over the top of the texture.  That worked very well on this bold design, and I got a deeper saturation of color.

The second card was made by inking the Impressions Folder, then running the card stock through the Big Shot (you can get a FREE Big Shot when you sign up to become a demonstrator this month!). You can see more details on how to do this technique at this post.

If you look at the closeup, you can see that my inked, embossed image is a little smeared.  The card stock moved a bit when the pressure was applied to it. 

I was reminded by Darla Eigenschink during our Team meeting, that there is a tip to avoid the blurry-inked look.  TIP: Run your Impressions Folder sideways through the Big Shot, that means the long side goes in first.  There is less "play" in the folder when it's pushed side-to-side. 

Oh, now you tell me!  See, I'm really not qualified to do this job! 

Complete Supply List

• Stamps—Gently Falling, Perfect Punches
• Ink—Spice Cake DSP, Pool Party, Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso, More Mustard Classic Ink Pads 
• Paper—Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso, Whisper White card stock
  
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels (card #2)
• Tools—Clear Mount "A" Block, Scallop Oval Punch, Extra-Large Oval Punch, Houndstooth Impressions Folder, Big Shot, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Order all of the supplies to create this project at my Online Store!

Angie

*  *  *  *  *

You Can Have A FREE Big Shot!

Inked Impressions is just one more of the gazillion cool thiings you can do with the Big Shot.  How about getting a Big Shot for FREE (with no shipping)!  You can with this month's Big Shot Promotion! 

Buy the Starter Kit this month, and you'll get a FREE Big Shot, or $100 in FREE product!  You only have until October 30th, so ACT NOW!  The Kit contents are already at 40% off retail, plus you'll be able to enjoy at least a 20% discount on your orders for at least 6 months!  You could even use the opportunity to start your very own crafting business for super cheap! 

Contact me today for more details.

Spice Cake Crumpled Leaves Card

Another pretty card we made at the Creative Convention last weekend...

 

Talk about simple and pretty!  The leaves on this card are die-cut from Spice Cake Designer Series Paper with the Leaves #2 Die.  I crumpled them up, then tacked them down with some SNAIL in a few places to keep them very textured. 

And speaking of texture...I love the Houndstooth background textured emboss pattern.  Sentiment is from Hand-Penned Holidays, topped of with a couple Silver Mini Brads! 

Complete Supply List

• Stamps—Hand-Penned Holidays
• Ink—Spice Cake DSP, More Mustard Classic Ink Pads 
• Paper—Pool Party, Early Espresso, Whisper White card stock
  
• Accessories—Silver Mini Brads
• Tools—Houndstooth Impressions Folder, Leaves #2 Die, Big Shot, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Order all of the supplies to create this project at my Online Store!

*  *  *  *  * 

A Big Deal That's "To Die" For!

Have you ever noticed that I use the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine on nearly every project that I create?  It is hands-down my favorite stamping tool (well, aside from stamps!). 

Shelli Gardner, co-founder of Stampin' Up! agrees.  Her she is telling you how you can receive a Big Shot absolutely FREE when you sign up to become a demonstrator in October:

 

Even if you already have a Big Shot, you can choose to select $100 worth of free stamping products when you join my Too Cool Stamping Demo Team!  Don't miss it!  See complete details on the FREE Big Shot Promotion! 

Find out more about the benefits of being a demostrator: Join My Team!  Or contact me today and I can answer any questions you may have about this unbelievable opportunity!

Angie

 

Simplifying—Razzleberry Striped Gently Falling Card

It's really a preference...more or less.

Many of you know that I don't do "simple" very well, because of my OCED—Obsessive Compulsive Embellishment Disorder.  There's always one more thing that my project needs for it to "look right" for me.  I find it difficult to stop!

Today's card is one of the make & takes we made at Creative Convention last week.  It was a sample of what Maggie Patterson would do at her workshops.  It's simple.  It's easy.  And, surprisingly, I love it!

The Rich Razzleberry card base has a second layer of Razzleberry that's texture embossed with the Stripes Impressions Folder (FREE Big Shot promotion!).  This layer was wrapped in Chantilly Crochet Trim. 

We used the Gently Falling two-step stamp set for the Pumpkin Pie & Rich Razzleberry leaf.  (Notice how I did not stamp this perfectly?  You don't have to and it still looks lovely!)  The sentiment is from Pursuit of Happiness. 

Now, usually, I would have to throw on a couple of Rhinestone Jewels, some Vanilla Smooch Spritz, or some new Dazzling Details Glue before I'd call this done, but I'm learning to appreciate that "less is more!" 

Complete Supply List

• Stamps—Gently Falling, Pursuit of Happiness
• Ink—Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink Pads 
• Paper—Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Whisper White card stock
  
• Accessories—Chantilly Crochet Trim
• Tools—Stripes Impressions Folder, Big Shot, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Order all of the supplies to create this project at my Online Store!

Simplify!  What a concept! 

Which way do you tend to go, simple or more complex?  I'd love to hear in the Comments Section below!

Angie

• FREE Big Shot, When You Join My Team!   Sign up to become a demonstrator anytime in the month of October and receive a Big Shot for FREE (or $100 in FREE product of your choice)!  See all the details here: FREE Big Shot.  Learn more about joining my team.

• FREE Stamp Set, When You Purchase Two Simply Sent Kits   Details here: Simply Sent Promotion.

More Multi-Panel Cards & October Specials!

Remember the Field of Flowers Multi-Panel Card that I did for my Club last month? 

Well, I wanted to show you a few more examples of that fun style courtesy of a couple of my downline members...

  

Created by Linda Cox.  Linda combined the Creative Elements stamp set with the Big Top Birthday Designer Series Paper.  She also colored in the background flourish with markers, like we did on this post. 

Created by Michelle Hoover.  Michelle used the Gently Falling stamp set with the Spice Cake Designer Series Paper, and finished off with Chantilly Crochet Trim.  I can't get enough of this suite of coordinating products!  I simply LOVE it!

  

Created by Michelle Hoover.  This one features the Field of Flowers images stamped directly on First Edition DSP.  The two-step flowers, in Pool Party and Island Indigo, are cut out and popped up.  The side panels are covered with Patterns Designer Series Paper in Pear Pizzazz.  What a strikingly beautiful color combo!

Thanks Linda & Michelle for allowing me to share your projects!  There are so many fantastic ways to dress up a Multi-Panel Card.  Learn how to make your own at this post.

Order supplies to make any of these projects at my Online Store!

*  *  *  *  * 

Unbelievable October Specials!

Stampin' Up! has some unbelievable specials for the month of October...check out all the details at these links:

• FREE Big Shot, When You Join My Team!   Sign up to become a demonstrator anytime in the month of October and receive a Big Shot for FREE (or $100 in FREE product of your choice)!  The Starter Kit already contains more than $310 worth of supplies (that can be customized), throw in the $99.95 Big Shot, and you are getting an UNBELIEVABLE value for only $175!  See all the details here: FREE Big Shot.

Learn more about joining my team.

• FREE Stamp Set, When You Purchase Two Simply Sent Kits   Good for October only.  See complete details here: Simply Sent Promotion.

Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps Now Available!  Now you can stamp on shortbread cookies with the new Cookie Stamps from Stampin' Up!  Each set includes three interchangeable presses (jack-o-lantern, snowflake & heart shapes) with one solid wood handle.  Comes with a shortbread cookie recipe that you can use to make the best impressions!  

See more details and a better photo of the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps, then order online today!

 

Angie

 

 

 

 

Easy Cello Bag Treats

Have you seen the new Cellophane Bags in the Holiday Mini Catalog? 

These skinny, clear, 1" x 8" bags are perfect for filling with a row of colorful treats.  The top, resealable flap keeps everything inside the bag.  Then, add a punch, die-cut and other embellishments, and you have a quick treat, party favor, or gift topper!

    

I created three cute treats, one for each of the coming holidays, filled with M&M's.  It only took me a few minutes to make them (it took me longer to sort M&Ms colors and get those in the bags—haha!).  You could also use Skittles, licorice, Nerds, Tiny Tarts, a pen or pencil, a bracelet, anything that's narrow and small!

Best of all, there are 50 cello bags per package for only $2.50!  Fast, fun, and inexpensive!

After closing the cello bags, I folded a 2x4" piece of card stock over the top, adhered with one line of Sticky Strip down the center (going length-wise, not on the fold).  I wanted it to stick well, but still come off easily when the recipient wanted to try out their treats!

I especially love the layered snowflake look of the Doily Triple Layer Punch.  Three different shapes from one punch!  You can see a quick tutorial of how to use this awesome punch from MyStampLady.com.

Triple Layer Punch Tips

• Unlock the punch (on the bottom) before selecting your desired shape with the lever on the back.
• Lay the punch on a sturdy table to punch it, rather than holding in your hands.
• It won't feel like you've punched all the way for the first two shapes.  Listen and you'll know.  You'll hear 1 clunk when you punch one layer, 2 for the second layer, and 3 for the third layer.   
• Slide the lever to the far right (most intricate shape) before locking the punch.

Spooky Treat Supplies

• Stamps—Wicked Cool
• Ink—Basic Grey, Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Whisper White card stock 
  
• Accessories—Raven Lace (retired), Cellophane Bags
• Tools—Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Sticky Strip, SNAIL

Thanks Treat Supplies

• Stamps—Pretty Postage
• Ink—Wild Wasabi, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler Markers
• Paper—Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso, Whisper White card stock 
  
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels, Cellophane Bags
• Tools—Postage Stamp Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Mini Glue Dots, Sticky Strip, SNAIL

Merry Treat Supplies

• Stamps—Tiny Tags
• Ink—Pacific Point Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Island Indigo, Whisper White card stock 
  
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels, Cellophane Bags
• Tools—Doily Triple Layer Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, Sticky Strip, SNAIL

You can order any of the supplies used to create these projects at my Online Store. 

Congratulations & Welcome!

I've got a new Too Cool Demo Team Member...Vicki Luebke!  Woohoo!  Congratulations, Vicki, and welcome to the the Stampin' Up! team! 

Are you interested in learning how you can save at least 20% on EVERY order you place?  Or, maybe you'd like to earn some extra cash doing what you love to do—stamping!  Learn more on my Join The Fun page, or contact me today and I'll tell you all about the benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Angie

Autumn Leaves Bleaching & Pastels

One of my Too Cool Demo Team members, Connie Forrester, recently showed me a beautiful card she made using a Bleaching & Pastel Technique.  She had CASEd the card from France Martin at FrenchieStamps.com. 

Here is Connie's card:

I loved the look of this technique so much, I had Connie demonstrate the technique at our Too Cool Demo Meeting last night.  It's so easy!

Bleaching & Pastels Technique

• Create a bleach palette on a small dish with a few layers of folded paper towel.  The towel should be heavily saturated with bleach, but the bleach should not be pooling on the towel. 
• Gently tap your rubber stamp on the bleach pad and stamp on card stock. 
• Once the card stock is completely dry (I used a Heat Tool to speed up the drying process), apply your choice of Stampin' Pastels colors with a cotton ball. 
• When finished coloring, use a towel to wipe the remaining pastel residue off your card stock.

FrenchieStamps.com has a wonderful video tutorial: Bleaching & Coloring With Pastels.

Bleaching TIPS:

• Make sure your rubber is well "inked" with bleach for best results.
• Connie randomly stamped a whole sheet of card stock, then cut it down to use on several cards (a One-Sheet Wonder).
• If using Clear Mount Stamps, be extra careful that your bleach-inked stamp doesn't fall off your clear block and into your lap!  Eeeep!
• Test your card stock to see how it reacts to the bleach.  You will get varied results depending on the temperature, humidity, and color of card stock.
• Make sure your bleach is fresh.  If your bleach has been setting out for a while, it may not work as well.  Bleach from one of my old bottles had no effect on the card stock at all. 
• Wash your rubber stamps with water and light dishwashing detergent immediately when done to prevent damage to your stamp.
• If you are stamping off the edge of your card stock, be sure to wipe up your workspace before working on other parts of your card or you may accidently get bleach in unwanted places.

 I also created Two Cool cards of my own in the same design:

  

The first card features the Gently Falling stamp set from the Holiday Mini. The second uses the French Foliage leaf set, which I liked a little better.  

I couldn't resist adding a little Shimmer Mist homemade spray to it for a little more shine!  Click to enlarge the closeup image to the right.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Gently Falling (card #1), French Foliage (card #2), Curly Cute 
•  Ink—Pear Pizzazz (background), Early Espresso Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Old Olive, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze card stock 
  
• Accessories—Champagne Shimmer Mist (homemade spritz), Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon (card #1), Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding (card #2, Connie's card), Stampin' Pastels
• Tools—Modern Label Punch (Connie's card), Distress Tool (Connie's card), Eyelet Border Punch (card #1), Scallop Trim Border Punch (card #2), Heat Tool, SNAIL

Purchase supplies for this card right now at my Online Store!

Angie

 

Too Cool Stamp Club September Showcase

Here's a look at some of the projects that were shared at our September Stamp Club event...

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  Featuring the Owl Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Circle Scallop Punch and the retired In Color Patterns Paper Stack.  Love the Concord Crush and Pumpkin Pie color combination...reminds me of Halloween!

Created by Kathy Kolb.  Featuring the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set, Because I Care (retired hostess) set, and Decorative Label Punch.  I especially love the multi-looped bow!

Created by Peggy Tassler.  She created a multi-panel card using the retired Patterned Pines set.  I love the horizontal version of this fancy folded card!

  

Created by Vicki Luebke.  This matching set features the Butterfly Punch and Rhinestones on the card, and the Beautiful Wings Embosslits on the bookmark.  So pretty!

     

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  This is a Top Note Gift Card Holder featuring the Top Note Die and Cheerful Treat Designer Series Paper (hostess).  The card opens to hold a gift card pop-up.  You can see a video tutorial by Stamper Dog for details: Top Note Gift Card Holder Tutorial.

The button in the center of the scallop circles is actually made with paper, and even tied with a card stock "thread."  Carmen punched out several 3/4" Circles, adhered them stacked on top of one another, poked two holes through the stack, then coated the top with Crystal Effects—it looks like a real button!  Here's a tutorial to show you how: Stampalooza's Paper Buttons Tutorial.

Created by Kathy Kolb.  Featuring the beautiful French Foliage stamp set with an En Francais background.  What a gorgeous collage (and another pretty bow!).

Created by Peggy Tassler.  Featuring the Autumn Days stamp set and punch layers with the Modern Label, Medium Oval, and Curly Label punches. What a pretty Fall-themed card!

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  She CASEd a quick and easy card by Leeann Greff.  These two-toned, square blooms are made with the Build A Blossom Punch.  The card also features the Scallop Edge Border Punch, and Curly Cute sentiment.  I've been wanting to make one of these ever since I saw it on Leeann's blog last month!

Created by Kathy Kolb.  Another autumn-themed card featuring the Trendy Trees and En Francais stamp sets.  Love the punched corners framing each tree!

  

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  This cute pumpkin basket is made from multiple Pillow Box die-cuts adhered together around a circle bottom.  See the complete tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers: Pillow Box Basket Tutorial.

  

Created by Peggy Tassler.  A simple gift card holder with an inside pocket.  Stamps are retired, but it also features Subtles Patterns Paper Stack paper, and several punches: Modern Label, Medium Oval, and Scallop Oval.

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  Did you know that you can make a candy bar holder with the Candy Wrapper Die?  With a couple specific folds, the short die can be made long enough to hold a Milky Way or Three Musketeer size bar.  See the regular Candy Wrapper Die in action: I Teach Stamping tutorial.  Here's more info on the Extended Candy Wrapper Die from Stamping To Share.

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  Featuring the retired Great Friend set and the Houndstooth Impressions Folder. 

Created by Peggy Tassler.  Featuring 1-1/4" Circles, the Square Lattice Impressions Folder, and the Embedded Embossing technique.  Very colorful and fun!

Wow—once again a fabulous selection of projects from my stamping friends!  Thanks so much for allowing me to share your creations!

Angie

 

 

Gently Falling Treat Box Card

Tomorrow night is my September Stamp Club, so I've been busy preparing Holiday Mini Catalog projects!  I'm kinda on a Gently Falling theme this week (have you noticed?), so it was a MUST to use that set on one of the Club projects...

    

These Two Cool Nugget Treat Box Cards were CASEd from Lisa Martz's Get Your Stamp On blog. 

Basic Treat Box Card Info

You can find complete instructions, template, and a video tutorial at Splitcoast Stampers: Treat Box Card, so I'm not going to elaborate much here.

Start with a 6-1/2" x 11-3/4" (or 12") piece of cardstock. Score your 6-1/2" side at 3/4" and 5-3/4". Score your 11-3/4" side at 3-1/2", 7", 8-1/2", 9-1/4", 10-3/4" and 11-1/2". 

Updated Tips* (10/24/2011): To make the back more stable, I recommend eliminating the 7" score line above...it's really not needed. 

Also, I made a changed the way I did the tabs.  The tutorial link shows leaving only three flaps on each end of the box to fold in, but I left one additional tab, so four flaps folded to close each end.  It looked a lot cleaner to me.*

I trimmed the wide panel at a diagonal from the 2-1/2" center point to create the pocket.  The nugget window is created with two punches from the Modern Label Punch.  The tutorial linked above shows you how to punch it perfectly by using a punched Post-It template.

  

Decorating The Treat Box Card

My Crumb Cake card base was decorated with the pretty new Spice Cake Designer Series Paper and Pool Party striped paper from the In Color Patterns Paper Stack.  Nugget panel is 1-1/4" x 4-3/4".  Outside pocket is 3-1/4" x 4-3/4" cut diagonal at the 2-1/2" center point to corner. Inside pocket is 2-3/4" x 3-1/4". 

I stamped and cut three different leaves from the Gently Falling two-step stamp set.  The two-color leaves are colored with markers on the rubber before stamping, then I stamped the Soft Suede outline image over the top. 

I collaged the leaves with a torn strip of Spice Cake Designer Fabric, either scrunched or tied in a bow.  Then, I gave it the perfect finishing touch by adding a Jewelry Tag Punch with words from the Tiny Tags stamp set. 

Pocket Card

Inside pocket card dimensions are 4-1/4" x 2-1/2".  I stamped another maple leaf and added a Round Tab Punch tab in More Mustard card stock.  TIP: Use Sticky Strip on the tab or it will come undone.

Nugget Wraps

I alternated wrapping my Hershey's Nuggets with a coordinating pieces of Spice Cake DSP, and stamped images from the It's A Wrap Holidays stamp set.  Have you seen this awesome set?  I wish I would have had this set, or the It's A Wrap Occasions set, when I was working on my friend's wedding favors in June!  They were made with nugget-wrapping in mind! 

TIP: I recommend using Designer Series Paper or any other lightweight paper cut to a 1x3" size for your wraps. Card stock doesn't want to stay wrapped very well, it's a bit too thick.  Plain white copy paper is great and inexpensive for stamping the It's A Wrap images. 

Warning: Whatever you do, DO NOT use any self-adhesive 1x3" mailing labels for nugget wrapping, even if they are easier to apply, because The Hershey Company does not allow anyone to adhere anything to their candy labels due to it possibly damaging their name recognition and/or creating a liability for peanut allergy sufferers who may not know what they are eating.  Consider yourselves warned! 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Gently Falling, It's A Wrap Holidays, Tiny Tags  
•  Ink—More Mustard, Cajun Crazy, Soft Suede, and Pool Party Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Spice Cake DSP, In Color Patterns Paper Stack, Crumb Cake, Pool Party, More Mustard, and Whisper White card stock 
  
• Accessories—Spice Cake Designer Fabric 
• Tools—Modern Label Punch, Round Tab Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, Simply Scored, Dotto (for Post-It template), Dimensionals, Sticky Strip (for box and scrunched fabric), Glue Dots (for bow) SNAIL

Simply Scored Scoring Tool

But wait!  I saved the BEST for last!

My favorite part of this whole project is that I got to feature my new Simply Scored Scoring Tool from Stampin' Up!

If you've been looking for a nice, competitively priced scoring tool with all the best features—this is IT!  

• Scores full 12x12" size cardstock
• Scoring grooves every 1/8"
• Movable pegs to mark which line to use for repeated scoring
• Dual-tipped stylus locks in place and scores with either a small-tip for card stock or large-tip for thinner papers
• Ball-tips won't wear down with repeated use like plastic "bone" folders
• Rulers are marked every 1/8" and coated so measurements won't wear off
• Both sides have left-to-right rulers; top ruler also has a zero centering ruler
• There's a hidden compartment along the top to store extra Scoring Markers and Stylus
• Ultra-sturdy base has non-skid, non-marring feet

Simply Scored is AWESOME, and it's priced at only $29.95, so it's very competitively priced with other similar scoring tools on the market.  If you make lots of cards, and especially if you create lots of boxes and 3D projects...you NEED this tool! 

Purchase supplies for this card right now at my Online Store!

*  *  *  *  *

Two Cool On The Grow Contest Winner

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Two Cool On The Grow Contest!  The winner, selected by Random.org is...

Michelle Hoover!

Woohoo!  Congratulations, Michelle!  You will receive a brand new Scallop Trim Border Punch! 

For those who were playing along, the differences I came up with are:

1. Vertical v Horizontal
2. En Francais v Open Sea backgrounds
3. Houndstooth v Square Lattice Impressions
4. Scallop Trim Border on card base v on focal point
5. Ribbon on focal point v card base
6. Ribbon tied in knot v bow
7. Focal point background Pool Party v Daffodil Delight
8. Paper piecing whole image v a few flowers
9. Basic Pearls v Rhinestones
10. Jewels on flowers v jewels under sentiment

*  *  *  *  *

Too Cool Moment: Today, my sister-in-law and I walked 8 miles in 60° temps, with wind and pouring rain...just because we can!  Oh yeah!

Challenge yourself today to do something just because you can!

Angie

 

 

Gently Falling Watercolor Crayon Spritz

Today's Two Cool cards highlight a variation on the Marker Spritz technique from my previous post: Gently Falling Marker Spritz.  This time, we are trying out the same thing with Watercolor Wonder Crayons!

  

Watercolor Crayons Spritz

Once again, I used the bold maple leaf from the Gently Falling two-step stamp set in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Instead of coloring the rubber stamp with markers, I colored it with Watercolor Wonder Crayons...yes, directly on the stamp!

I used More Mustard, Garden Green and Cajun Craze crayon colors to cover the entire image, then I misted very lightly with a couple spritzes of water.  Even though the water-soluble color goes on dry, the moisture from the mist allows you to transfer the image to paper. 

When you compare the Marker Spritz vs. Watercolor Crayon Spritz, you'll find that the misted crayon stamped image comes out much lighter than the marker image.   It's just a different, more subtle look.

I used a VersaMark marker (after stamping) to color over the entire leaf in order to clear heat emboss it.  I love the glossy look it gives the leaf. 

Spotlight Masking

At first glance, you may think the leaf is stamped on a circle-punched piece, but it's all on the same layer.  I used a technique called Spotlight Masking.  I punched a 2-1/2" Circle Punch out of cardstock (or use a Post-It), added a dab of repositionable Dotto adhesive, then covered my stamped image. 

Then, I stamped the French Filigree background stamp over the top in Sahara Sand.  I finished by sponging more Sahara Sand in a tiny circular motion all around the edges of the circle punch.

  

Lift up the mask and you've got a cool, faux spotlight!  Sweet!

Textured Backgrounds

I tried to mix it up a bit with my texture embossed backgrounds.  Each card features two different textures on four rectangles.  I added some VersaMark to the textures of the first card to bring out the dimension a little more.  Click to enlarge the photos to better see these subtle, raised backgrounds.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Gently Falling, French Filigree, Teeny Tiny Wishes 
•  Ink—VersaMark Ink, Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand Classic Ink, VersaMark marker
  
• Paper—Cajun Craze, More Mustard and Whisper White card stock, 
  
• Accessories—Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Clear Embossing Powder
• Tools—Water mister bottle, Sponges, Heat Tool, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Modern Label Punch, Houndstooth Impressions Folder, Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder, Square Lattice Impressions Folder, Big Shot, Dotto, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Purchase supplies for this card right now at my Online Store!

*  *  *  *  *

Too Cool Moment: Yesterday, I came across a wonderfully inspiring phrase in my latest favorite self-improvement book: Steering By Starlight, by Martha Beck.  She says that in order to find your true purpose in life (your North Star, as she calls it), you should always try to do what feels "most delicious." 

Mmmm.  Delicious!  That's a word I don't typically associate with tasks on my To Do List.  How interesting!  In this context, delicious is something you can't wait to taste, something you fully savor while your tasting it, and when you're done, you're looking forward to the next time you can experience it.  A post on the 7-Layer Living blog talks about living a delicious life in more detail.  Yum! 

Stamping is certainly one of my most delicious moments!  What are yours?

Wishing you a day that is most delicious!

Angie

Gently Falling Marker Spritz With Emboss Resist

Gosh, is it sure feeling like Fall in Indiana today!  Just a few days ago, we were melting in the sweltering 98° sun.  Today, it's barely going to reach 67° for the high.  I woke up this morning with a chilly breeze coming through my open window, and it was very refreshing.  It feels like autumn!

The change in weather makes today's cards all the more appropriate.  They feature the gorgeous, Gently Falling two-step stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog. 

I'm only using one of the 12 beautiful autumn images today, but with the fantastic variety of leaves, acorns and seedlings, not to mention the dual bold and lined images, I can already tell that this stamp set is packed with versatility!

  

Today's Two Cool Cards feature Two Cool techniques: Marker Spritz and Emboss Resist. 

Maple Leaf Marker Spritz

The bold images in this set are perfect for this technique!  Simply color directly on the rubber with the brush-tip end of the markers, then mist it very lightly with water before stamping. I colored most of the leaf with Pumpkin Pie or More Mustard, then added some random spots of Garden Green and Rich Razzleberry.

TIP: When using multiple marker colors on a stamp, start with the lighter colors first, then add darker colors last to keep the darker ink from transferring onto your lighter colored brush tips. 

TIP: Mist lightly!  You want a light "dusting" of small water droplets over the rubber, not completely saturated with pooling water.  The water gently blends the ink colors and gives a subtle "watercolor" effect.  Too much water makes the colors muddy and the image will "run."  I was using an old pump-style hairspray bottle, and held it about 15 inches away from the stamp, misting twice.

Emboss Resist Backgound

After I stamped once for my focal point, I immediately random-stamped the same image (without re-inking) over my background Whisper White piece until I ran out of color.  You can just barely see remnants of colors fading into the background. 

Next, I stamped the piece with the French Filigree background stamp in clear VersaMark ink and Clear Embossed it with the Heat Tool.

Finally, I sponged on a combination of Sahara Sand and More Mustard inks to bring out the embossed pattern, wiping off excess ink with a tissue.

Card Base & Accents

The base of the card is also stamped with the French Filigree stamp in VersaMark. 

I tried something a little different with the Victoria Crochet Trim...simple draping it over the emboss resisted piece and tacking it down with a couple of Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads.

The sentiments are from Fabulous Phrases.  Ooops!  I wanted both greetings to be on the same layer as the leaf, but when your first attempt is crooked (I hate it when that happens!), then you have to add a second, popped up layer!  (There is always some way to salvage nearly any mistake you make!)

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Gently Falling, French Filigree, Fabulous Phrases
• Ink—VersaMark Ink, Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, More Mustard Classic Ink Pumpkin Pie (card#1), More Mustard (card #2), Garden Green, Rich Razzleberry Markers
  
• Paper—Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White card stock, 
  
• Accessories—Victoria Crochet Trim, Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads, Clear Embossing Powder
• Tools—Water mister bottle, Sponges, Heat Tool, 1/8" Hole Punch (retired) or Crop-A-Dile, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Purchase supplies for this card right now at my Online Store!

Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend! 

Angie

Check out the 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog—Now Available!  Order Holiday Items Online today!

Spice Cake Sneak Peek & Last Day For $99 Starter Kit

How about some Holiday Mini sneak peeks today?!! 

These Spice Cake Suite projects were presented at Convention by Pam Morgan, one of the Stampin' Up! training crew.  The quality of the photos is not the best because they were taken from the Jumbotron (thanks Darla Eigenschink for taking photos!).  I think you'll still be able to get an idea of some fabulous products coming on September 1. 

Click to enlarge to see them better.

This card features three strips of the new Spice Cake Designer Fabric (which will match the Spice Cake Designer Series Paper, of course!).  I love this fresh, Fall color combination of Soft Suede, More Mustard, and Pool Party. 

The beautiful "Give Thanks" sentiment is from the new Hand-Penned Holidays set, and that cute little acorn is from the new Gently Falling set.

The leaf is another image from the Gently Falling set.  And, check out the embossed background...it's a new Impressions Folder called Snow Burst!

The Gently Falling set is a two-step stamp set, so there are bold and outline images to use for easy color layering.  I love the way Pam used the two styles for this free-form collage of leaves. 

 

I love the background she used.  If I remember right, she misted the card stock, crumpled it up into a little ball, then flattened it again with a bone folder.  Stamp the images on the damp card stock, or mist your inked stamp, for the watercolor effect on the leaves.  A cute little fabric bow is the perfect matching touch!

  

What a cute and easy-to-make fabric gift bag with a hemp pull-string. 

Look at that huge button!  The new Spice Cake Designer Buttons are a full 1-1/2" in diameter!  They are so big that I wasn't quite sure how I could use them!  I think they'd be fun on the top of a gift box, or as embellishments on a pillow. 

Do you have any fun ideas to use extra big buttons?  I'd love to hear your ideas in the comment section below!

Congratulations & Welcome!

A shout out to my new recruit, Cindy Owens!  She couldn't pass up the amazing $99 Starter Kit Promotion (see below for more details)!  Congratulations, Cindy!  I'm so happy you decided to be part of the Too Cool Demo Team! 

Don't miss your last chance to sign up...

Last Day For The $99 Starter Kit!

Today is your last chance for a awesome deal on the $99 Starter Kit Promotion! 

Don't let this fantastic opportunity (and huge value!) pass you by!  Contact me, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you have and set your mind at ease! 

Or, if you're ready to sign up...click on the Join Now on my Too Cool Stamping Website, and start using your 20% discount today!

Plus, join in July and get a FREE Christmas Keepsake project kit—a $40 value!

And, if you join my team by July 31st, I'll let you choose a FREE STAMP SET (valued at $25 or less) from the 2011-201220 Idea Book & Catalog, 2011 Summer Mini, or the upcoming 2011 Holiday Mini as my exclusive gift to you!

Learn more on my $99 Starter Kit post!

Angie

A Lucky Day & Michelle's Autumn Luminary

Happy Halloween weekend!  I have a special Halloween treat for you at the bottom of my post, and it involves FREE stamping stuff!  So, even if you don't have time for dogs and luminaries, scroll down for the Happy Halloween Treat details!

Now for a funny story.  Yesterday, I was trying to get a good photo of my dog's cute dog-butt (yes, I like my Lucky's cute dog-butt, and do you know how difficult it is to get a picture of it when he is following my every move?). 

Anyway, yesterday, he happens to lay down in my office, cute dog-butt positioned perfectly, and I happen to have my camera right there, so I quietly open it up and...click...

Got it!  :-)  See it IS pretty cute!  (Or, maybe it's only a dog-butt a mother can love?)

I uploaded the picture to my computer, and as I turned off the camera, it made a horrendous noise...  Some (apparently very important) part of it broke, the screen went blank, it locked up...Dead.  Ugh.

So, what does this have to do with Luminaries?  Well, with no camera, I can't show you the awesome projects I've been working on this week!  Until I can get my photography issue resolved, I'm gonna get by with a little help from my friends!  Thankfully, they have awesome projects I can show you!

Michelle Hoover recently sent me some photos of a lovely luminary project she created. 

  

Wow!  She put a lot of work into this one!  The sides are created from thin chipboard (she used the backing that comes in the Designer Series Paper packs), and each side is covered with a different pattern from the Autumn Spice DSP. 

Michelle decorated panels of Vellum Card Stock to cover the windows on each side.  I love that she made each of the stamped panels different, so you can get a new look depending on which side you display. 

This side was stamped with the Autumn Harvest set using the masking technique to create the scene.  She used ink and Blender Pens to watercolor the images.

This side uses the French Foliage stamp set with a pretty collage look.

It looks like she brayered a multicolored background on this pane before stamping the silhouette image from the Just Believe set.

The Lovely As A Tree stamp, over a sponged background, finishes off the last pane.

To assemble, Michelle punched two holes in each side with the Crop-A-Dile, then laced some ribbon through them.  Add a battery-powered tealight, and you have a lovely illuminated decoration for your Fall festivities! 

Thanks so much for allowing me to share your beautiful project, Michelle!  (If it were anyone else, I would certainly be apologizing right now for pairing a stamping project with dog-butts.  However, I know Michelle loves dogs, she has two of her own, and can appreciate my affection for their cute rear-ends.)  

Happy Halloween Treat

$10 in FREE merchandise for every $50 order—This weekend only!

Turns out it is YOUR Lucky Day!  Place an online order for at least $50 before October 31, 2010, at 11:59pm, and you can select $10 in additional free merchandise on that order!  It's like a mini, pre-holiday, bonus shopping spree!  Oh, and did I mention, that's $10 for EVERY $50 purchase! 

Plus, if you order $150, not only can you select $30 more with my special, you will automatically earn Hostess Rewards (FREE Level 1 Hostess Set and $15 in FREE merchandise)—that's more than $60 in FREE goodies! 

It's your chance to stock up on all your holiday craft supplies!  Or, get together and combine your order with a friend!  This weekend only!

Fine print: You must order online through my demostrator site (you get the preferred pricing and lowest shipping that way!)  For every online order of $60 or more (before shipping and tax), I will send you a rebate check for $10. This is my own Too Cool Stamping special, so Stampin' Up! will not reimburse you automatically.  Once I have confirmation of your $60+ order, I will mail a $10 rebate check to you within 1 business day.  Workshop and Club orders do not qualify for this special.  Valid on online orders only.  Expires October 31, 2010 at 11:59pm. 

Happy Halloween!

Angie

Halloween & Fall Triangle Boxes

For a simple and easy-to-make treat holder, you can't go wrong with the Triangle Box!  It's like the little black dress of treat holders—its basic shape is SO versatile and fun to accessorize!  From cute to elegant, you can adjust the shape or dress it up to take on many different identities for any holiday or special event! 

You can find the basic Triangle Box Tutorial at Splitcoast Stampers.  Check it out, then play around with the sizes and embellishments to fit whatever theme you're trying to achieve.

Here are some fun ideas for this time of year...

Batty Triangle Box

  

Darla Eigenschink brought this Batty Triangle Box to our Demo Meeting.  I love the way punches are used to create the details.  You can see more details at Samantha Parisi's Rubber Stamping Diva blog.  Here are some helpful details she mentions in her instructions:

This one was made from a quarter sheet of cardstock (4.25" x 5.5") if you can believe it!  His ears are petals from the 5-Petal Flower punch.  His nose, toes and fangs are also petals from the Boho Blossom Punch.  For his wings I used my Coluzzle and cut the largest circle I could from a quarter sheet of cardstock.  I cut the circle in half, then used the Scallop Circle punch to take "three bites" out of his wings.

You can see in the second picture how the box opens from the back.  This size is smaller than many I've seen, but it shows how versatile the design really is.  She also tied the 1/8" Black Taffeta ribbon closure with into a hanger, so the bat became a flying ornament. 

Falling Leaves Window Triangle Box

    

This is a project we made at my Stamp Club last year using the Falling Leaves stamp set.  I wheeled over the background with the Friendly Words Stampin' Around Wheel (but I'd recommend the Bright Blessings wheel that coordinates with the set!). 

After making my initial score lines, I ran the box through my Big Shot with the Movers & Shapers Die and the Punch Windows oval scallop shape.  I added a Window Sheet to my window to keep the contents safely inside (we don't want to lose any Hershey's Kisses or Reese's Mini Cups).

Find my complete instructions and dimensions for this project here.

Other Fun Seasonal Triangle Box Ideas

   Candy Corn Triangle Box - Samantha Parisi

  Ghost Triangle Box - Samantha Parisi

  Fang-tastic Triangle Box - Samantha Parisi

  Witch Hat Triangle Box - Sincerely Babette

  Elegant Acetate Triangle Box - Creative Cucina

  Dracula & Frankenstein Triangle Boxes - Stamp My Day

Brayer & Wheeled Triangle Box - Stamp 'nScrap

See what I mean?!  There are lots of ways to jazz up this box!  And, this is just for the Fall season!  There are more ideas for other holidays and events—and wait until you see some of the Christmas versions!  I'll share some of those next time...

Angie 

 

Too Cool Demo October Showcase - Part 1

We saw a whole lot of awesome projects at my Demo Team Meeting this week.  I'm so proud of my team—they are so enthusiastic and creative!  I love, love, love seeing, and being inspired by, their creations!  I'm saving a couple of their projects for some separate posts, but here are some of the others they have shared.

Michelle Hoover used a layered embossing technique on this pretty leaf card.  After die-cutting the shapes with the Leaves #2 Die, she added veining with the Spider Web Impressions Folder.  Then, she used the Embedded Embossing technique by running the whole sheet through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Impressions Folder.  She finishes the card with the Elegant Thank You stamp on a layered Decorative Label punch with a button accent. 

  

Darla Eigenschink created similar leaf card using the leaves in the Paisley Prints set.  She colored the stamps with markers for a multicolored look, then cut them out and used the Embedded Impressions technique with the Lattice Folder.  The Early Espresso border is created with the matching Paisley Party Stampin' Around Wheel.  I thought it was interesting that her Decorative Label Punch layer was on the horizontal edges, while Michelle had layered the vertical edges.  You can learn how to make the layer in this post.

Tammy LaFaucia created this card images from both the Friends Never Fade set and the Silhouette Sentiments Hostess set.  She colored some of the images with markers, but it looks like she used the Rock & Roll technique to color the flowers. 

Tammy also tried her hand at the Ink Wash technique using the Snow Swirled set.  She added a strip of Deck The Halls DSP, and spritzed the whole piece with Vanilla Shimmer Smootch Spritz.

Darla used the Ink Wash technique for this card, too, combining the Medallion with the Top Note Die and finishing with Smootch Spritz and 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon for great look. The background is embossed with the Elegant Lines Impressions Folder.

Fantastic cards, ladies!  Thank you so much for sharing them!

More demo projects next time...

Angie

 

Thoughts & Prayers To My Friend

Forgive me as I get a little emotional in this post. 

A very close friend of mine lost her dad yesterday.  I have to tell you that, although I didn't really know her father, his death brought back so many recent emotions of my mom's death in 2008.  It was her passing that led me to pursue my passion of stamping at a new level. 

I like to think of it as her last gift to me, and probably one of the most important and precious gifts (lessons/challenges/adventures) that I'll receive in my lifetime.  The gift of wanting to live every day to the fullest.  To be my best self.  To rejuvenate and improve my physical, mental and emotional well-being.  To rediscovering what makes me happy and enjoying those pieces of happiness. 

I know the heavy loss of losing a parent, how it changes you forever.  If you've experienced it, you know what I'm talking about.  I hope my friend can find strength in her grief and that it leads to incredible, positive, life-changing experiences for her, as well. 

Have you told your parents how much you love them today?  Don't wait.

I stamped this quick and easy sympathy card with the Thoughts & Prayers set.  Using markers in Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Bravo Burgundy and Early Espresso, I colored on the stamp, huffed on it to moisten it, and stamped on a die-cut Top Note in Whisper White card stock.  I trimmed the edges of that piece and layered it onto a Cajun Craze Top Note die-cut.  The 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon was tied through two holes punched with the Crop-A-Dile.

The background decorative paper is from the Autumn Spice Specialty DSP (I loved that the leaves matched the tree image).  This paper is heavier weight than traditional Designer Series Papers, and lightly textured like watercolor paper—superior quality! 

You can barely see it, but I added a Scallop Edge border in Burgundy to the bottom, and adhered more ribbon along the top edge of the DSP.

A simple and quick card, filled with thoughtfullness and love...exactly what you need sometimes.

Angie