Too Cool Stamping

Kathe's Secret Garden Emboss Resist Birthday Card

• Retired Accessories While Supplies Last!  Order Now!
• See The Complete Retired Stamps List 
  
• 25% Off MDS Kits & Print Products—Shop Now!

___________________________________________________________________

Hi Stamping Friends!

Today's birthday card project, courtesy of Kathe Madsen, is the last one from our Too Cool Demo Team shoebox swap featuring the new Color Refresh colors. 

I've shared birthday cards all week, so be sure to check out my other posts: Make A Wish Card, Vellum Swallowtail Birthday, Blue Ribbon Birthday, Gingham Garden Candy Cake, Cupcake Card & Votive, and Mosaic Madness Birthday!

 

Kathe's card uses the Emboss Resist technique and features a combination of several of the new Color Refresh colors: Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party, Calypso Coral and the new Smoky Slate!

The card base is the Smoky Slate color, which is a pretty, light gray.  This is going to be a fantastic new neutral...can't wait to pair it with other colors! 

The background of the card is so spectacular!  I love the Emboss Resist technique, but Kathe had us take it one step further!  First we inked up the En Francais background stamp with VersaMark Ink and stamped that on our 3-3/4" x 5" Whisper White card stock.  Then, we stamped the bold flower stamp from Secret Garden randomly over the top, also in VersaMark Ink.  I had never tried stamping multiple image layers before embossing—cool!  We sprinkled it all with Clear Embossing Powder and embossed it with the Heat Tool.

Next, we sponged on Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder and Calypso Coral inks randomly over the entire piece to bring out the clear image.  I never get tired of watching the image appear as more ink is applied!

We stamped more Secret Garden flowers in Calypso Coral onto Whisper White and die-cut them with the coordinating Secret Garden Framelits. We topped them with Pearl Jewels.

Last Chance Reminder—Bundle It!  Order the Secret Garden Bundle of stamps and framelits and it's 15% off, but only in the Spring Catalog thru May 31!  Although the stamps and framelits will be in the new catalog, the discounted bundle is NOT...save when you order the Secret Garden Bundle now!

The sentiment is from Itty Bitty Banners, which we stamped in VersaMark onto Wisteria Wonder card stock and embossed with White Embossing Powder.  The Bitty Banners Framelits makes cutting that out easy, as well!

Thanks so much for the awesome card, Kathe!

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Secret Garden or Secret Garden Bundle, Itty Bitty Banners, En Francais
  
• Ink—VersaMark; Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party, and Calypso Coral Classic Ink
• Paper—Smoky Slate (available May 31), Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, and Whisper White card stock 
• Accessories—Pearl Jewels
• Tools—Secret Garden Framelits or Secret Garden Bundle, Bitty Banners Framelits, Big Shot, Clear Embossing Powder, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Sponges, Dimensionals, SNAIL

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

That does it for our birthday card swap projects!  I hope you've enjoyed seeing some of the new Color Refresh colors in action! 

Angie

____________________________________________________________________

Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Class—May 30
• Demo Team Meeting—June 10 
• Wow Techniques Class—June 14

Promotions & New Arrivals Quick Links

• NEW Hostess & Starter Kit Promo—Earn $30 in FREE merchandise.
• Retired Accessories Are Going Fast!  Order Now!
• See The Complete Retired Stamps List
• Special Offers—See ALL of the current promotions!
• New Arrivals—See the latest NEW products!
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store. Ends May 31.

Sunday Showcase: Best of Retiring Stamp Sets Part 2

Hi Stamping Friends!

Today is Part 2 of highlighting a few of my favorite projects using stamps that will soon be retiring.  Be sure to check out Part 1 from last Sunday.  There are only a couple more weeks left to order the ones on your wishlist before they are gone for good!   

Retired Stamp Lists—Stamps available through June 3, 2013.

• Retired Stamp List PDF—Alphabetized
• Retired Stamp List Excel File—Searchable and sortable by Catalog Page Number

________________________________________________________________________

I had A LOT of trouble narrowing down to only one project from today's stamp sets, so I'm showing two cool, or even three cool, projects for each one!  These are definitely some of my favorites from the retiring list. 

All of these projects have been featured previously, so click on the link below each photo for complete details and supply lists. 

French Foliage Rainbow Masking

 

French Foliage Poinsettias

French Foliage—This a gorgeous set that is classic and timeless!  I love the realistic leaves and coordinating images that are so collage-friendly for layering!  This is a very versatile set for all kinds of occasions and techniques.  The rainbow masking was a great way to use the images as silhouettes.  And I simply adore the way you can adhere the leaves together to create a beautiful poinsettia flower!  VERY sad to see this one go!

 

Artistic Etchings French Patina

Artistic Etchings Emboss Resist

Artistic Etchings—This is another set that has wonderful collage components.  I've had so much fun using it for my Faux Patina cards and emboss reisist techniques, like the one shown above.  I've enjoyed the Parisian trend, but now it seems to be making its way out.    

Elements of Style Brag Book

Elements of Style Purse & Card Gift Set

Elements of Style—I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE every image in this beautiful set and THIS one is gonna hurt!  It's one set that I've never gotten tired of, and have been using consistently ever since it came out.  The flower image is way more versatile than I ever imagined it would be, and the vine flourish creates pretty backgrounds.  Even the "Life Is A Matter of Moments" works for so many special events.  I may not be able to let this one go.

Snow Much Fun Tic Tac Holder

Snow Much Fun Multi-Panel Card

 

Snow Much Fun Window Sheet Card

Snow Much Fun—As far as snowmen sets go, this is THE BEST one I've ever owned in my 10 years of stamping!  Fat snowman, skinny snowman, Christmas tree, fun sentiments—everything you need for a cute Christmas card!  I'll sure miss watercoloring that striped scarf!  It was snow much fun!

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

Thanks for stopping by today's Sunday Showcase!  Be sure to get your favorite retired sets before they are gone forever!  Check out the entire Retired Stamp List than order now!

Angie

Paper Pumpkin & Pretty In Pink Best of Flowers Resist

Reminder: Last Day To Sign Up For Paper Pumpkin This Month!

What can be more fun than a little paper-crafting surprise delivered right to your door every month!  You have through April 10 to sign up to receive your monthly subscription to Paper Pumpkin in April.

Each kit includes all of the stamps, paper, ink, and embellishments needed to create a fun stamping projects, and it is only $19.95, including shipping. 

See complete details at MyPaperPumpkin.com and make sure that you select me, Angie Leach, as your demonstrator!  I'll be receiving my kit right along with you!  Can't wait!

____________________________________________________________________________

Thanks & Congratulations!

Thanks so much to everyone who placed an order during the awesome FREE shipping promotion!  I appreciate it and hope you enjoy all of your new stamping goodies!   

Congratulations to Marie W. from Halifax, MA, who was selected as our Mystery Hostess Winner! 

Look for more Mystery Hostess Contest opportunities in the future!  You never know when I might throw one out there!  Woohoo!

_____________________________________________________________________________

I'm kind of CASEing myself today!  I created this card for a recent private class using the new Best of Flowers stamp set.  It's using the same basic emboss resist technique that I used on another card from last year's Reason To Smile set.  Here was last year's card...

Reason To Smile In Regal Rose Resist

I did the same technique on these two cool cards, but simplified them a bit for the purpose of our class and used the soon-to-retire Pretty In Pink card stock.

I stamped the flowers in VersaMark, embossed in White Embossing Powder, then sponged on Melon Mambo ink with a Sponge Dauber.

 

Those daisies are the exclusive new image from the Best of Flowers (all other images are favorites from the past) and they fit perfectly inside the 1-1/4" Scallop Circle Punch for an easy matching embellishment.

I added matching Melon Mambo Scallop Dots Ribbon, adhered onto Sticky Strip.  The Loving Thoughts sentiment is also embossed.

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Best of Flowers, Loving Thoughts
• Ink—VersaMark Ink
• Paper—Pretty In Pink card stock 
• Accessories—White Embossing Powder, Melon Mambo Scallop Dots Ribbon, Pearl Jewels
• Tools—Heat Tool, Sponge Daubers, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals, SNAIL

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

Angie

_____________________________________________________________________

Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• Wow Techniques Class—April 12
• Sale-A-Bration Celebration FREE Stamp Camp—April 20, 1-3pm
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Class—April 25

Snowflake Soiree In A Cool Color Combo

It won't be long until serene snowflakes will soon be softly falling around us in a winter wonderland.  Today's project is a colorful tribute to those wintery days ahead!

Inspired by Catherine Pooler at Create...Inspire...Imagine...

I can't help it.  I simply adore a Christmas card in unexpected colors, and this one totally fits the bill!  It features Elegant Eggplant and Pool Party in a refreshing, wintery combination!

This card also features my most favorite stamping technique: Emboss Resist!  

I inked the Snowflake Soiree images with VersaMark clear ink and stamped them on Whisper White card staock.  Then, I heat embossed them with White Embossing Powder and the new dual-temperature Heat Tool. 

I sponged in a circular motion over each embossed snowflake with Elegant Eggplant ink to make the image pop!  Pool Party ink was sponged in the spaces between the snowflakes.  More Elegant Eggplant was sponged around the perimeter for a nice framed effect.

  

My second card was sponged a bit differently with the Eggplant color coming in from the two opposite corners and Pool Party filling in the middle. 

I added sparkling Rhinestone Jewels in the center of the flakes, of course!

The embossed piece is layered on Brushed Silver card stock before adhering it to the Elegant Eggplant card base. 

TIP: Since so much of the Brushed Silver card stock is covered up, I die-cut a couple Apothecary Accents shapes from the center of the piece.  It all gets covered up, so you'd never know that there are holes in that layer!  Why waste it?

 

I used my Apothecary Accents die-cuts to layer underneath my Greetings of the Season sentiment.  I cut one of the die-cuts in half and adhered them peeking out from under the top and bottom here...

...or from under either side here.  What a classy, finished look!

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Snowflake Soiree, Greetings of the Season
  
• Ink—Elegant Eggplant and Pool Party Classic Ink; VersaMark
  
• Paper—Silver Brushed card stock; Elegant Eggplant and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—White Embossing Powder, Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—Apothecary Accents Framelits, Big Shot, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, 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!

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

Sunset Inspired Toxic Treats Halloween Bag

Sometimes, I get creative inspiration from nature and that's just what happened over the past weekend.  We had a storm blow through right before sunset and it left the sky a creepy shade of orange-ish pink...

To the East, I caught the tail end of a full rainbow that had all kinds of cool lightening streaking through it.  I wish I could have captured some of that electricity in my photos!

And to the West was the most brilliant, yellow-orange sunset peeking out from under gorgeous, smoky-orange clouds!  Weather is certainly Too Cool sometimes!

I used the colors and creepiness of that sunset to inspire a Toxic Treats Halloween Bag, that is really anything but creepy!

  

I absolutely love the 3x5" glassine bags that come in the Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit, and while I want to try them with the contents of the kit, I knew they would be perfect for the project I had in mind. 

 

I started by decorating the bags with the Etruscan Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel inked in VersaMark, then heat embossed the designs with Clear Embossing Powder.  The new two-temperature Heat Tool is perfect for this project, because I could keep the heat low enough to avoid scorching the bag. 

Next, I sponged on some Tangerine Tango ink over the entire front...my favorite technique—Emboss Resist!  I did the same to the back, but left the sides plain. 

TIP: Like vellum, glassine is non-pourous, so be sure to let the ink dry for a bit before touching the bag or you'll leave fingerprints. The low setting of the Heat Tool helps with drying the ink faster.

 

The embellishment on the front is from the Toxic Treats stamp set.  I stamped in VersaMark onto Whisper White, then heat embossed this design with Black Embossing Powder. 

Using the Emboss Resist techinique once again, I sponged on three colors, blending them from lightest to darkest: More Mustard, Tangerine Tango and Rich Razzleberry.

The accent is die-cut with the matching Labels Collection Framelit dies, then layered with another die-cut in Basic Black, which I cut in half and adhered to the outer edges of the stamped piece.  It's adhered to the bag with Dimensionals.

For the finishing touches, I added a couple Rhinestone Jewels and I tied the bag closed with the new Striped Satin Ribbon from the Holiday Catalog. 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Etruscan Wheel, Toxic Treats
  
• Ink—VersaMark; More Mustard, Tangerine Tango, Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink
• Paper—Basic Black and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit, 1/2" Striped Satin Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder, Black Embossing Powder, Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—Labels Collection Framelits, Big Shot, Heat Tool, Sponges, 1/4" Hole Punch, SNAIL, Dimensionals

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

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

In other news, I'm still working feverishly on my 25th Reunion Favors!  Getting really close now!

I've got all the treat pouches die-cut, texture embossed, and adhered together.

I've got all the sentiments stamped, die-cut, and blinged out with Rhinestone Jewels.

And, I've got all the Nuggets stamped, wrapped, and put in cello bags.

Now, it's time for the final assembly and tying them all up and I'm done!  Woohoo!

Angie

Reason To Smile In Regal Rose Resist

Only one week left to purchase the limited-time-only Reason To Smile stamp set!  You can order it for only $5 with any purchase of $50 or more before 11:59 MT on July 31, 2012.  Get complete details on my promotions page.

Don't miss this ultra-versatile stamp set!  I've featured tons of ideas for this set this entire month...check out these posts if you missed them:

• Sunday Showcase: 14 Reason To Smile Ideas
• Island Indigo Reason To Smile
• Two Cool Reasons To Smile
• June Brings A Reason To Smile
• Triple Time Reason To Smile
• Still Finding Reasons To Smile

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

Here's another Reason To Smile...!

Wow!  Talk about pretty in pink!  I stepped WAY out of the box on these Two Cool cards, because I'm not really that into Pink, unless she's singing "Get The Party Started." 

But, I wanted to try the technique that I fell in love with back in May...

White Emboss Resist with Flower Fest. 

So, I white embossed the Reason To Smile line images onto Regal Rose card stock...

...then sponged on some Melon Mambo in the centers.  Voila!  The same terrific effect that I achieved with Flower Fest!  Love it!

Even better, this set has some smaller flower images that I had to try, too!

Tiny and cute!  I love these small flowers best!

For a matching accent, I used the Blossom Punch and Boho Blossom Punch to create a layered paper flower.  The bottom layer is white card stock, then there's a scrunched Regal Rose Designer Series Paper Patterns blossom, then Melon Mambo card stock small flower center.  It's topped off with a Melon Mambo button tied with White Baker's Twine.

I love the delicate scalloped pattern of the Whisper White Finishing Touches Edgelit border, embellished with the tiniest Pearl Jewels.

I finished off the card with a strip of Regal Rose Designer Series Patterns Paper with a greeting from Sassy Salutations in Basic Black.  This one has a Large Scallop Edgelit border, again adorned in Pearl Jewels.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Reason To Smile, Sassy Salutations
• Ink—Basic Black, Melon Mambo Classic Ink
• Paper—Brights Designer Paper Stack; Regal Rose and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—Bright Buttons, White Baker's Twine, Pearl Jewels, White Embossing Powder
• Tools—Finishing Touches Edgelits, Large Scallop Edgelits, Big Shot, Sponges, Blossom Punch, Boho Blossom Punch, Glue Dots, Heat Tool, SNAIL, Dimensionals

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

Angie

Transforming Natural Composition Designer Paper - Part 3

I didn't mean to, but I found myself playing with the Natural Composition Specialty Paper again today! 

This time I was trying a direct-to-paper technique.  I basically just wanted to experiment with how different colors of ink would look on this paper, so I cut a bunch of 3/4" strips of the "ugliest" pattern (the one that looks like a notebook—how boring, right?).  After playing around and adding some layers...

...I ended up with these Two Cool cards and I love how they turned out!  One is more masculine and the other more feminine. 

Direct-To-Paper Inking Tips: Although the new Firm-Foam Ink Pads are much too "juicy" to do a nice "sponging" direct-to-paper technique anymore, they are absolutely awesome for laying on overall color!  I simply swiped the pad over the strips a few times for beautiful, even coverage!  Wow!

If you do not have the Firm-Foam Ink Pads (you can get them at a discount with my Ink Pad Club), you can still get the same look, you'll just need to brayer on the color.  That will work much better than direct-to-paper with a felt pad, plus you won't fray the edges of your pad with the rubbing action.

 

Ya know, I thought those striped patterns would be boring, but I have to say I'm digging the pinstripe effect!  It's very masculine! I used a variety of colors from the Regals Collection: Always Artichoke, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Elegant Eggplant and Night of Navy.  I thought the deep rich tones in the Regals collection would hold up well against the brown background of this paper, and they did!

The pinstripes actually match the Soft Suede color the best, so that was a natural choice for my card base.  The new Chevron Texture Impressions Folder is also a very masculine pattern, and by adding fishtails to my strips with the 1" Square Punch, I thought everything was coordinating beautifully! 

Did you see the shimmery flecks?  I sprayed on my Shimmer Mist spray made from rubbing alcohol and Champagne Shimmer Mist and mixed in my brand new Stampin' Spritzer bottle.  Love it!

New Impressions Folder Tips: The new Impressions Folders offered in the Annual Catalog are slightly larger than the ones you may have used in the past.  The old patterns are still in the 4-1/2" x 5-3/4" size, and the new designs are now in a bigger 4-1/4" x 6-3/8" size.  They also seem to be a little more durable than the older versions. 

There are good and bad things about this new size.  The good being that now you can emboss a sheet that is longer than a standard card front.  No more weird grooves at the top and bottom where the pattern has stopped.  The bad thing is that the folders are now only able to go through the Big Shot short-way first.  They are too long to go through the wide-way. 

For example, for the Chevron Folder I used here, I couldn't open my card and run the card base through sideways to get the pattern pointing down.  I simply cut a second sheet of card stock at 5-3/8" x 4-1/8" and adhered that onto my plain card base. Not a big deal, just something to know about! 

I was using a standard 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" card stock sheet for my base.  If you cut your card base the skinny way, 4-1/4" x 11", then you can still emboss the actual card front without any problems. 

 

The sentiment is from Word Play, and I colored it with markers to mimic the colors in the background.  It's cut with the Apothecary Accents Framelits, then layered on two more Soft Suede die-cuts from the same Framelit. 

The second photo is showing how I added my leftovers from my fishtail banners on the inside!

 

I kept experimenting with more colors.  This card actually started with a combination of Brights like Daffodil Delight, Regal Rose, and Pumpkin Pie, but I quickly discovered that bright colors were not matching the underlying brown color of the Natural Composition Paper.  They were looking a bit garish and weird (why didn't I take a photo to prove it?). 

Instead, I pulled out some of the new In Colors.  With their muted tones, they actually blended much better than any of the brights I tried.  On this card, I used Primrose Petals, Gumball Green, Summer Starfruit and Tangerine Tango. 

I added the colors to the paper with the fleur de lis pattern, which coordinates wonderfully with the new Fancy Fan Impressions Folder.  So elegant! 

The rounded corners of the strips were punched with the 1" Circle Punch.  Simply weave the strip into the front of the punch and out of the bottom of the punch to only cut one end. 

I love the sentiments from the new Blooming With Kindness set—such a pretty combination of fonts!  I stamped in Soft Suede, then die cut with the Apothecary Accents Framelits and added Pearl Jewels.

Whoa!  Look at that background!  I love the way the light hits the glossy patterns—so stunning!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Word Play (card #1), Blooming With Kindness (card #2)
• Ink—Always Artichoke, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Elegant Eggplant and Night of Navy (card #1); Primrose Petals, Gumball Green, Summer Starfruit and Tangerine Tango (card #2) Classic Ink; Always Artichoke, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Elegant Eggplant and Night of Navy (card #1) Markers;
• Paper—Natural Composition DSP; Soft Suede, Very Vanilla (card #2) card stock  
• Accessories—Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint & rubbing alcohol (card #1), Pearl Jewels (card #2), Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon (card #2)
• Tools—Apothecary Accents Framelits, Chevron Impressions Folder (card #1), Fancy Fan Impresssions Folder (card #2), Big Shot, 1" Square Punch (card #1), 1" Circle Punch (card #2), Stampin' Spritzer (card #1), SNAIL, Dimensionals

Are you ready to play with the new Natural Composition Designer Paper?  Order it, and all of the supplies used on today's projects, at my Online Store!

______________________________________________________________

My HUGE Clearance Extravaganza Starts Friday, June 22, 5pm to 9pm and continues on Saturday, June 23, 8am to 2pm.  Don't miss it! 

See complete details.

Angie

Transforming Natural Composition Designer Paper - Part 2

Yesterday, I showed two cool projects using bleach and ink to alter Natural Composition Specialty Paper.  I was having fun experimenting with adding color to this awesome paper, so I have a couple more cards to show you today!

These Two Cool cards are colored with Markers, then brayered with a neutral color to bring out the glossy, embossed pattern of the papers. 

 

I used the brush tip ends of the Melon Mambo, Calypso Coral, and Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write Markers to color in the floral design. You'll notice that I colored outside of the lines, so the lines would stand out a little more as the ink was resisted.  I even drew Lucky Limeade color along the stems of the flowers. 

 

For the final step, I brayered on River Rock over the entire piece.  This little bit of extra color gives the entire piece a yellowy hue and makes the embossed patterns emerge!  It also tones down the harsh colored lines, while still leaving an aura of color.  What a pretty effect!

  

I love how elegant the finished card looks layered on Early Espresso and Raspberry Ripple card stock!  I added a From My Heart sentiment on the banner and accented it with Rhinestone Jewels.

 

The blue card used Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, Pool Party and Soft Suede Markers for the coloring, and Crumb Cake for the brayering. 

You can see that the River Rock gives a much lighter background, while the Crumb Cake looks more like taupe.  Both are pretty!

   

The blue card is finished by layering on Early Espresso and Midnight Muse card stock. 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—From My Heart
• Ink—Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, Pool Party, and Soft Suede (midnight muse card); Melon Mambo, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, and Lucky Limeade (raspberry ripple card); Early Espresso Markers
• Paper—Natural Composition DSP; Early Espresso, Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple, Naturals Ivory card stock  
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—1" Square Punch (for banner), Brayer, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Gosh, I'm loving this paper already, and I've only used ONE of the patterns!  More please!

Angie

Goodbye Old Catalog & Tres Cool Inspired By Nature Cards

This Is It!

Today is your LAST CHANCE to order the Retiring Stamps & Retiring Accessories from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!  You can order at my Online Store until 11:59 MDT, or email your order to me by 5pm today and I'll include it with my order from my Last Thursdays Card Class tonight. 

Retiring Items Quick Links:

• Retired Accessories List PDF
• Retired Definitely Decorative Items PDF
• Retired Stamp List PDF
  

• Browse All Retired Products Online
• Browse Only Retired Ink, Paper & Accessories Online
• Browse Discounted Retired Accessories Online

   

CASEd from Tami White at Stamp With Tami.

For the final day of the catalog, I thought I'd go out with a bang!  So, instead of Two Cool cards...I did three!  I'm calling it Tres Cool!  Tee hee! 

All three cards feature the bold and beautiful floral image from the retiring Inspired By Nature stamp set. 

 

Click to enlarge photos to see detail.

I adore the beautiful distressed background of this card using the words from the retiring Charming set and the tea stain ink from the retiring Distressing Tool Kit.  You can see an awesome video tutorial on Tami White's blog, but I'll give you the steps of how I did my version.

Distressed Background How-Tos

• Start with a 3-1/2" x 4-1/2" piece of Very Vanilla card stock.
• Ink the Charming words with VersaMark and stamp three times, then heat emboss with Clear Embossing Powder.
• Ink the flat rubber stamp from the Distressing Kit with the Tea Stain Ink and gently rub over the embossed card stock.  I also rubbed the ink direct-to-paper for darker color around the words.
• You could also lightly spritz your card stock with water before inking for a different effect.

 

I tried another version of the distressed background with Watercolor Paper.  After embossing, and before inking, I spritzed the paper heavily with water and let the water soak in a bit.  Then, I stamped on the Tea Stain ink with the flat stamp.  You can see the background is a little more subtle in color, but still gorgeous!

Depending on where you emboss your words, you'll get a different look with the Inspired By Nature stamp.  The first card has very few words over the main flower, but this one has lots more words.

Watercolor Spritzed Flower How-Tos

• Color directly on the stamp with Always Artichoke, Not Quite Navy, and Early Espresso Markers.
• Lightly spray water, 2-3 fine mists at 15 inches away, on the colored stamp, then stamp it onto the card stock.
• Dab away excess water/ink.

I finished up the card by adding some flecks of Early Espresso ink with the Color Spritzer and a marker. 

Each card has a different ribbon using the retiring Chantilly Crochet Trim Ribbon.  One has a faux bow (tie & trim), one has a real bow, and this one is scrunched ribbon on top of a line of Sticky Strip. 

For more texture, I also added a layer of Very Vanilla card that had been run through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Impressions Folder.  Each one has a torn edge, but look what happened when I tore the last one...the "plus" shapes on the design made it easily tear into a pretty scallop shape!  Too Cool!

The sentiment is from the Fabulous Phrases set, double punched with the Word Window Punch.  I added retiring Mini Library Clips to two cards for a cute accent.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Charming (retiring), Inspired By Nature (retiring), Fabulous Phrases
• Ink—VersaMark; Tea Stain (from retiring Distressing Essentials Kit), Not Quite Navy Classic Ink; Not Quite Navy, Always Artichoke, Early Espresso Markers
• Paper—Watercolor Paper (retiring); Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip (watercolor paper card) card stock   
• Accessories—Chantilly Crochet Ribbon (retiring), Mini Library Clips (retiring, Clear Embossing Powder
• Tools—Distressing Essentials Kit (retiring), Word Window Punch, Heat Tool (retiring, being replaced), Color Spritzer, Big Shot, Square Lattice Impressions Folder, water mister, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Don't wait! Order retiring stamp sets and accessories today at my Online Store!

*  *  *  *  *

Be sure to check back tomorrow—The NEW CATALOG will be available!  Woohoo!  Talk about Tres Cool! 

Angie

Retiree Spotlight: Flower Fest & Sincere Salutations

I've been super busy today, so I wanted to create some cards that were fast, yet cute.  I found just the thing using the retiring Flower Fest and Sincere Salutations stamps sets!

 

CASEd from Mary Brown at Stamper Camper's Corner.

I still can't get enough of the white embossed look of Flower Fest blooms on any color of card stock!  But, then I discovered how much cuter they are when you added a bit of darker matching ink to the centers!  So simple, but it takes it to a whole other level!  Here, I used Island Indigo ink on Baja Breeze card stock, with a Baja Breeze Seam Binding accent.

I love this easy-peasy technique so much that I decided to have a Flower Fest-ival! 

EEEeeeee!  It's Two Cool cards multiplied by three!  Everytime I added the darker color of ink to the different colors of card stock it made me happy, Happy, HAPPY!  And, the best part is that it only took me 30 MINUTES to make all six cards!  You can't beat that for creative efficiency!  Fantastic!

Here is Marina Mist ink on Bashful Blue card stock, accented with White Organza Ribbon.

This is Regal Rose ink on Blushing Bride card stock, with Blushing Bride Pleated Ribbon (retired).

Here I used More Mustard ink on Daffodil Delight, with Daffodil Delight Seam Binding (coming soon).

Next, I tried retiring Poppy Parade ink on retiring Peach Parfait card stock, with retired Everyday Enchantment Sale-A-Bration ribbon.

Finally, I tried retiring Concord Crush on Wisteria Wonder card stock, with Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon.

 

Flower Fest may be one of those sets that I just can't part with yet!  And, I know that I'll have to save Sincere Salutations because it is the most versatile, prettiest, and all-emcompassing greeting set that I've ever owned!  That's no lie! 

You still have a chance to get your hands on both of these awesome sets, but not for long! 

Only 2 More Weeks! Order retiring stamp sets and accessories today at my Online Store!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Flower Fest, Sincere Salutations
• Ink—Island Indigo, Marina Mist, Regal Rose, More Mustard, Poppy Parade (retirng), Concord Crush (retiring) Classic Ink and VersaMark
• Paper—Baja Breeze, Bashful Blue, Blushing Bride (retiring), Peach Parfait (retiring), Daffodil Delight, and Wisteria Wonder card stock  
• Accessories—White Embossing Powder, Baja Breeze Seam Binding, White Organza Ribbon, Blushing Bride Pleated Ribbon (retired), Everyday Enchantment ribbon (retired), Daffodil Delight Seam Binding (coming soon), Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon
• Tools—Heat Tool

Angie

Retiring Items Quick Links:

• Retired Accessories List PDF
• Retired Definitely Decorative Items PDF
• Retired Stamp List PDF
  
• Browse All Retired Products Online
• Browse Only Retired Ink, Paper & Accessories Online
• Browse Discounted Retired Accessories Online

 

Retirees Spotlight: Medallion Emboss Resist & Sneak Peek

Can you believe that the Medallion background stamp is retiring? It is definitely one of my favorites—so elegant and versatile! I love combining it with the emboss resist techique. It is fun to do with the Clear Embossing Powder, so your background design shows through, but today, I tried using White Embossing Powder for a different effect on my Two Cool cards.

My first card reminds me of a beautiful sunset! I stamped the Medallion onto Whisper White card stock, then heat embossed with White Embossing Powder.

Next, I sponged on some of the retiring In Colors, beginning in the center and working outward: Concord Crush, Poppy Parade, and Peach Parfait. It's so bright and gorgeous!

The card front is embellished with retiring Concord Crush Poly-Stitch Ribbon, and a retiring brad from Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads.

Sneak Peek: Check out the "congratulations" sentiment! It's from a new stamp set called Bitty Banners and it coordinates with new Bitty Banners Framelits! OOooohh! Too Cool!

Here's another version of the same basic design, this time in all neutral colors and stepped up a bit!

After embossing the Medallion on white, I sponged on Early Espresso, Soft Suede and Crumb Cake ink for the resist. Next, I stamped the retiring French Filigree background in Chocolate Chip and wiped away the excess ink with a tissue.

The center of the medallion image is layered with a Soft Suede retiring Triple Blossom Bouquet Punch.

Paper-Wrapped Brad—I dressed up the center with a retiring 5/8" Jumbo Neutrals Brad that's wrapped with retiring Mocha Morning Designer Series Paper. Doesn't it look like a fabric button? Simply cut out a 1-1/4" square piece of decorative paper, mist with water and wrap around the front of the brad. It will dry and stay in place without adhesive!

I wrapped the card front with retiring Chantilly Crochet Trim.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Medallion (retiring), Bitty Banners (coming soon), French Filigree (card #2, retiring)
• Ink—VersaMark; Card #1: Concord Crush, Poppy Parade, and Peach Parfait (all retiring) Classic Ink. Card #2: Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
• Paper—Card #1: Concord Crush and Poppy Parade (both retiring), Whisper White card stock; Card #2: Mocha Morning DSP (retiring); Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Whisper White, Very Vanilla card stock
• Accessories—Card #1: Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads (retiring), Concord Crush Poly-Stitched Ribbon (retiring). Card #2: Pearl Jewels, Chantilly Crochet Trim (retiring), Jumbo Neutrals Brads (card #2, retiring), White Embossing Powder
• Tools—Sponges, Heat Tool, Bitty Banners Framelits (coming soon), Triple Blossom Bouquet Punch (card #2, retiring), Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

* * * * *

Don't wait! Order retiring stamp sets and accessories today at my Online Store!

Angie

Retiring Items Quick Links:

• Retired Accessories List PDF
• Retired Definitely Decorative Items PDF
• Retired Stamp List PDF
  

• Browse All Retired Products Online
• Browse Only Retired Ink, Paper & Accessories Online
• Browse Discounted Retired Accessories Online

Retirees Spotlight: Ornate Blossom & Fine Flourish

I'm really going to miss many of the versatile a la carte stamps that will be retiring on May 31.  

 
Today's Two Cool cards focus on two popular single stamps that also work well together: Ornate Blossom and Fine Flourish. 

Inspired by Leena Girsa at A La Cards: Fond Farewell

I used my absolute favorite technique, emboss resist, for this simply elegant card design. 

See the beautiful Fine Flourish pattern peeking through the clear embossed Ornate Blossom image?  It's easy to recreate...

Emboss Resist Technique

1. Stamp the patterned image on Whisper White Card stock with a medium color ink.  I used Lucky Limeade here.
2. Allow the ink to dry thoroughly, using a Heat Tool if necessary to speed up the process. 
3. Stamp a bold image in VersaMark over the top of the stamped pattern, then heat emboss with Clear Embossing Powder. 
4. Brayer a dark color ink over the entire image.  You could also rub the ink pad direct-to-paper.  I used Concord Crush.
5. Finally, use a tissue to wipe off the excess ink that has been resisted on the embossed image.

If your original pattern is not dry, the clear powder may stick to it, which will give you a splotchy background, like the little green dots on the background above. 

Other Card Details: I added the soon-to-retire Clear Rhinestone Brads to the flourish for some sparkle.  Then, I used the Fine Flourish stamp to add Lucky Limeade patterns to my retiring Pear Pizzazz coordinating card stock on the card base.  The card is finished with a strip of the retired Pear Pizzazz Pleated Ribbon.

The sentiment is from the soon-to-retire Pocket Silhouettes, stamped in Concord Crush, then double-punched with the Word Window Punch to shorten the length of the shape. 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Pocket Silhouettes (retiring)
  
• Ink—VersaMark; Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade Classic Ink
• Paper—Lucky Limeade, Pear Pizzazz (retiring), Whisper White, Basic Black card stock   
• Accessories—Pear Pizzazz Pleated Ribbon (retired), Clear Rhinestone Brads (retiring), Clear Embossing Powder
  
• Tools—Word Window Punch, Heat Tool, Paper Piercer, Brayer, Dimensionals, SNAIL

*  *  *  *  *

Don't wait!  Order retiring stamp sets and accessories today at my Online Store!

Angie

Retiring Items Quick Links:

• Retired Accessories List PDF
• Retired Definitely Decorative Items PDF
• Retired Stamp List PDF
  

• Browse All Retired Products Online
• Browse Only Retired Ink, Paper & Accessories Online
• Browse Discounted Retired Accessories Online

Porcelain Teacup Joy Fold Card

One of my favorite stamp sets in the new Occasions Mini catalog is Tea Shoppe.  I don't even like tea, but the sweet images in this set are delightful!

We tried out some of the images on one of our Occasions Mini Kick-Off Party cards, which was a modified "joy fold" style card. 

 

 

The first flap large enough to accommodate the new Paper Doily die (card stock is 10" x 4-1/4", scored at 5-1/2" mark).  The second flap wide enough to hold the trio of teacup stamps (card stock is 8-1/2" x 3", scored at 4-1/4" mark).  TIP: Stamp the inside teacups before you embellish the front, or you won't get a clear image (as shown above—oops!). 

My favorite part of this card is the smooth, porcelain-like texture and colored details of the teacup!  Using white embossing powder, some sponging, and some markers, it really creates a delicate and dainty finish!  Here are the steps I took to achieve this emboss resist look...

• Stamp the image in VersaMark Ink onto Whisper White card stock.
• Cover the ink with White Embossing Powder, then heat with a Heat Tool until smooth and glossy
• Sponge Wisteria Wonder Ink over the entire background.

• Use Stampin' Write Makers to add color details where desired.  I used Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade, More Mustard, and Melon Mambo for this teacup.

• The resisted ink will pool on the embossed areas, so once you're finished coloring, gently dab off the excess ink with a tissue.

Before I adhered this image to my card, I punched a hole at the top of the cup with my Paper Piercing Tool and threaded some Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine through. 

Then, I and added a mini Decorative Label punch sentiment to mimic the look of a teabag tag daggling from the cup.

You can see how to do the double-punched mini Decorative Label shape at this post.

I love the intricate design created from the Paper Doily Sizzlits Die.  Isn't it gorgeous?! 

The scalloped image in the center of doily is colored on the stamp with Markers before stamping, then punched out with the Scallop Oval Punch.

Paper Doily Tips: All those little punch-outs are sometimes difficult to get out of the design, but I have two tips to make it much easier for you!

TIP #1: Add one card stock shim to your sandwich when running the die through the Big Shot.  So, it should be Multipurpose Platform open to Tab 1, Standard Cutting Pad, Sizzlit, material to be die-cut, Standard Cutting Pad, on sheet of card stock as a shim.  This will ensure the the cuts are deep and go all the way through over the entire design.

TIP #2: Use a Bone Folder to help pop out the little punch-outs.  Curling and bending your card stock with the Bone Folder will loosen up the pieces and many will fall right out.  Don't be afraid to bend the card stock...it is very pliable with all those cuts.  For smaller, more stubborn punch-outs, use the tip of the Bone Folder for more precise "bending." 

If you are still having trouble with a few areas, you can always try using the Paper Piercer or tweezers to get the remaining ones out.  If you do both of the TIPS above, you really shouldn't need to do this.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Tea Shoppe
• Ink—VersaMark, Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder, Melon Mambo, Old Olive Markers; Wisteria Wonder Classic Ink
• Paper—Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder, White card stock 
• Accessories—Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, White Embossing Powder
• Tools—Sponges, Heat Tool, Decorative Label Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Paper Piercer, Paper Doily Sizzlits Die, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Shop online for these and more new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

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!

Too Cool Stamp Club August Showcase - Part 1

Lots of fun projects were shared at Stamp Club last week! 

Several attendees used the beautiful Strength & Hope set that is only available through August 31, 2011.  Remember that when you purchase this set, $2 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  Learn more on my Too Cool Stamping website.

Created by Linda Cox.  Features the Strength & Hope and Sincere Salutations stamp sets, Elegant Lines Impressions Folder, Beyond The Garden Designer Series Paper, Rhinestones, and Bird Punch for the leaves.  I love the double layer of embossed background on this one. 

Created by Linda Cox.  Features the Strength & Hope stamp set, Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper, and Rhinestones.  The vibrant butterflies coordinate beautifully with the colorful paper.

Created by Peggy Tassler.  Features the Strength & Hope stamp set and Rhinestones.  I love how she layered the words over the butterfly image.  So many collage possibilities with this set.

  

Created by Linda Cox.  Featuring the Strength & Hope set, Beyond The Garden Designer Series Paper, Scallop Circle #2 Die, and Scallop Edge Border Punch.  I'm loving the color combination...so bright and cheery!

Butterflies were a popular theme this month...

Created by Peggy Tassler.  I recognize this as a CASE from a card in the Idea Book & Catalog.  Features the Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Decorative Label Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, and First Edition Designer Series Paper.  Did you know that the Beautiful Wings Embosslit is the #1 selling die?  It's easy to see why—the mini butterflies are SO cute!

Created by Vicki Luebki.  Another beautiful card featuring the Beautiful Wings Embosslit!  She used it with a vinyl-looking paper for a shiny butterfly!  Love it!

Created by Peggy Tassler.  Peggy modified a notebook using the emboss resist technique to qualify for two of our monthly Club Challenges.  Features the retired Bliss set, Rich Razzleberry Taffeta Ribbon (retired), Concord Crush Poly-Stitch Ribbon, and Rhinestones.

Created by Vicki Luebki.  Vicki also altered an spiral notebook for our Club Challenge.  Features Botanical Garden (retired), and Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.  With just a few stamps and punches, Vicky really dressed up a plain notebook!

  

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  She created her own notebook, binding the center fold of several pages of Whisper White card stock with some Hemp Twine.  Cover features the new Snow Much Fun stamp set, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, and retired Candy Lane DSP.  What a great idea!

Thanks for sharing your amazing projects, ladies! 

Angie

 

Last Day For Last Chance Retiring Stamps!

Today is the last day that the retiring stamps and what's left of the retiring accessories will be available for purchase—Don't miss it! 

Order your Last Chance items online today!

Last Chance Quick Links

• Last Chance Stamps List - PDF
• Shop Last Chance Wood Mount Sets
• Shop Last Chance Clear Mount Sets
• Shop Last Chance Accessories - available while supplies last only!
• Last Chance Definitely Decorative List - PDF
• Shop Last Chance Definitely Decorative - available while supplies last!
• Shop All Discounted Last Chance Items

*  *  *  *  *

Big Brothers Big Sisters Craft Night

I had a fabulous time at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Craft Night last night!  Wow—we had some VERY creative ladies there!  I gave them the basic instructions and they made the project unique to their own personalities!  Here's a sampling of some of the finished Altered DVD Journal projects...

      

     

    

Most of the Cupcake Punch Purse cards were very similar to my samples, but I really liked how LaTavia made cupcakes instead of purses...

Very cute!

Thanks to everyone who participated!  It was a fun night!

Angie

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters Craft Night!

I'm so excited to be sharing my love of stamping at a Big Brothers Big Sisters craft night event tonight!  I think the Big Sisters and Little Sisters are going to have a blast!  Thanks so much to my stamping friend, Debbie Groulik, for coordinating the festivities!

We'll be doing two projects, including a card similar to the Cupcake Punch Purses Card I posted about in May.  Here are the two versions I created for this event...

  

I have my original card shown to the right and the previous post has all the details.

In addition to creating a vertical card sample, I also took off the Tasteful Trim to simplify the card, and decided to use Cherry Cobbler instead of Riding Hood Red.  I like the bold, crisp richness of Cherry Cobbler with this design much better. 

And, if the girls don't like purses, they can always make cupcakes instead!

You may notice that the Create A Cupcake and You're A Gem stamp sets I've used are not currently available because they were in the Spring Occasions Mini, but they WILL be in the new catalog coming out on July 1!  Woohoo!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Create A Cupcake (in the new catalog!), You're A Gem (in the new catalog!), Bella Toile (retiring)
• Ink—Cherry Cobbler, Basic Grey Classic Ink.
• Paper—Love Letter DSP (retiring), Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Basic Grey card stock
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels, Basic Grey Taffeta Ribbon (retired)
• Tools—Build A Cupcake Punch, Small 1-3/8 x 5/8" Oval Punch (retiring, and already sold out), Large 1-3/4 x 7/8" Oval Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Medium 3/4 x 15/16" Oval Punch (sentiment), Dimensionals, SNAIL

*  *  *  *  * 

Our second project tonight is an Emboss Resist Altered DVD Case Journal.  Everyone will have a choice between making either the blue/brown floral "gratitude" version, or the purple/pink "rock on" monogrammed version.

  

I already posted about the first project, so you can see all the details on how to create it on this post: Floral Embossed DVD Case Gratitude Journal. 

The second version is created the very same way using the same emboss resist technique, different stamp images and an array of purples, including the new Wisteria Wonder!  

I used the retiring Lap of Luxury Designer Paper to cover the notepad top, and a sentiment from Word Play on the inside cover.

Which one do YOU like best?  I'd love to hear your comments below!

Supplies List - Gratitude Journal

• Stamps—Elements of Style, Extreme Elements, Clearly For You (in the new catalog), Favorite Thoughts (retired), Define Your Life (soon to retire!), Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel
• Ink—VersaMark, Crumb Cake or River Rock, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Soft Suede Classic Ink
• Paper—Whisper White, Not Quite Navy card stock Parisian Breeze DSP (retired)
• Accessories—Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Rhinestone Jewels, junior legal pad (trimmed), Clear Embossing Powder
• Tools—Sponges, Heat Tool, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Decorative Label Punch, Sticky Strip, Multipurpose Glue (for flowers), SNAIL

Supplies List - Rock On Monogrammed Journal

• Stamps—Extreme Elements, Grunge Rock, Extreme Guitar (retiring), Texture Jumbo Wheel
• Ink—VersaMark, Crumb Cake, Concord Crush, Perfect Plum, Wisteria Wonder, Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink
• Paper—Whisper White, Concord Crush card stock, Lap of Luxury DSP (retiring)
• Accessories—Concord Crush Poly Stitched Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels, junior legal pad (trimmed), Clear Embossing Powder
• Tools—Sponges, Heat Tool, Decorative Label Punch, Sticky Strip, SNAIL

Wish me luck!  I'll let you know how it goes!

Angie

 

Floral Embossed DVD Case Gratitude Journal

I'm doing today's project for a class at the end of the month hosted by my friend Debbie Groulik for some Big Sisters and their Little Sisters. 

I've been wanting to do this project ever since we did one as a Make & Take at Leadership in January.  It's so easy to alter the DVD cases.  Just slide a piece of Designer Series Paper into the cover, or create your own Too Cool background.  Plus, the hard cover is a nice way to protect your notes.  (Note: currently, you can get the package of four DVD cases for $4.95, but they are going up $1 in the new catalog—get yours before June 30th!)

I'm giving the girls a choice of two different styles that they can create...this is one of them!

  

Emboss Resist is the bomb!  I am so in love with this background, and it's even more spectacular in person because you can feel the embossed texture (even through the DVD plastic!). 

Have you tried emboss resist?  It's so much fun!  Basically, it's creating at least three layers beginning with some ink, then some clear embossing, then more ink.  The real fun comes when you experiment with sponging and randomly stamped images. 

Emboss Resist Layering: To create the look I achieved here, take these steps:

• Start with a piece of 7" x 10-1/2" Whisper White that's scored along the 10-1/2" side at 5" and 5-1/2".
• Using the Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel inked in Soft Suede, roll on ink all over the background in short strokes and in every direction until you cover most of the card stock.  (I stamped the inside of the cover the same way and it's pictured below).
• Next, I randomly stamped the floral flourish from Elements of Style in VersaMark and Clear Embossed it.
• Add some sponging!  I randomly sponged on Baja Breeze and Crumb Cake, and Soft Suede.  The more color you add, the more your embossed design will pop! 
• The edges are all sponged even more with Soft Suede (even the spine edges).
• Add some stamping!  I used the beautifully coordinating images from Extreme Elements.  The big ink spot image was stamped in Baja Breeze.  The fleur de lis was stamped in Not Quite Navy, and the dots were stamped in Soft Suede. 
• Once all the sponging and stamping is done, be sure to wipe off the sheet with a tissue to remove any ink residue from the embossing powder and make the designs nice and bright!

The plastic that holds the cover on the DVD case is open at the top and bottom, so it's easy to wrap some Seam Binding around it.  I tied on a scrap of Crumb Cake Seam Binding and Chantilly Crochet Trim (save those scraps!)

I used the soon-to-be-retiring Define Your Life stamp set to create a label for the front of my journal.  I liked the idea of each girl selecting a word that best described them.  (I'm gonna miss unique this set!). 

I layered Not Quite Navy Decorative Label Punches behind the sentiment (see how on this post). 

The flowers are punched from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack...two curled layers with a Rhinestone Jewel center.

The back of the embossed piece will show through to the inside, so make sure you decorate that, too!  You can see my rolled texture here.  I wanted to keep it more plain on the inside, but I did add a Favorite Thoughts (retired) sentiment, with a crown from Clearly For You (not available at the moment, but it's in the new catalog—yay!).

Notepad Info: You can purchase these 5" x 8" junior legal pads at any office supply store, many times in bulk packs.  They won't fit in the DVD case as is, so they will need to be trimmed down about 1" off the bottom.  Your office supply store should be able to do that for you for a reasonable price.  I got 24 pads cut down for under $2.

I attached my notepad to the case with Sticky Strip, then added a small strip of coordinating designer paper to the top.  TIP: if you do your emboss resist on a full sheet of paper, then trim it down to fit your case, you'll have enough coordinating scraps to cover the notepad binding.

FYI—A pencil or really skinny pen will fit inside, but the decorated RSVP pens are too bulky (too bad, I would have loved to make a matching pen). You could dress up your pen with by tying some scrap ribbons to the end.

Complete Supplies List

• Stamps—Elements of Style, Extreme Elements, Clearly For You, Favorite Thoughts (retired), Define Your Life (soon to retire!), Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel
• Ink—VersaMark, Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Soft Suede Classic Ink
• Paper—Whisper White, Not Quite Navy card stock Parisian Breeze DSP (retired)
• Accessories—Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Rhinestone Jewels, junior legal pad (trimmed), Clear Embossing Powder
• Tools—Sponges, Heat Tool, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Decorative Label Punch, Sticky Strip, Multipurpose Glue (for flowers), SNAIL

Order the supplies to make this project at my Too Cool Online Store!

Hope the Big Sisters and Little Sisters love it as much as I do!  Can't wait for the event!

June 30th Update: Check out the other DVD journal that the girls could choose to make on this later post.

Angie

Retiring Sense of Time - Emboss Resist Card

So, here I am again, looking at my pile of soon-to-retire stamp sets and wondering, "Why, oh why, didn't I use these babies more?!"  Seriously!  Some of these sets I simply "had" to have, and here they sit, barely mounted and never used!  That has to be some sort of stamping sin I've commited!  Are any of you guilty of this?  Please tell me I'm not the only one! 

Take the retiring Sense of Time set, for example.  I saw SO many adorable cards created with this set that I absolutely LOVED.  It was a must-have!  I finally pulled it off my shelf for the first time this week.  So very sad.  It's not that I didn't love it...it is just that Stampin' Up! has way too many awesome stamp sets from which to choose! 

I decided I had better start inking this set up, so I chose it to create a birthday card for my husband, Andy...

  

OOoohhh! Now I remember why I wanted this set so much!  It does "collage" really well!  And, it coordinates with The Open Sea for even greater collage possibilities!  And, they are both great sets for masculine cards—like Father's Day!

Both versions of this card are pretty similar, but you'll notice that I used the Game Spinners for the clock hands on the second card.  They don't really spin; I glued them in place.  The second hour hand was trimmed shorter with the Craft & Rubber Scissors.

It's the background that I think is amazing on this card.  (Have you noticed that fun backgrounds are kinda my thing?)  This one was created using my most favorite background technique—Emboss Resist!

Background Layering How-Tos

• Randomly stamp gears image in Night of Navy ink onto Very Vanilla card stock.
• Randomly stamp travel log image from The Open Sea with VersaMark and Clear Emboss it with Clear Embossing Powder and the Heat Tool.
• Sponge on Crumb Cake and Early Espresso ink randomly over entire piece to "age" it and make the clear image "pop."
• Sponge Night of Navy around the edges.
• Distress the corners of the piece by tearing a corner, folding down a corner, or roughing up the edges.  Crumpling looks great, too, but I didn't do that here.

Other Card Details

• I cut out the clock dial and sponged around the edges with Night of Navy.
• I used the travel log clear-mount stamp from The Open Sea to dab on partial images onto the clock face using Crumb Cake ink.  I really like this look!
• I stamped the inner dial in Night of Navy and popped that with Dimensionals.
• I cut the Early Espresso Striped Ribbon (retiring) lengthwise for a skinnier, frayed-looking ribbon.
• I stamped the "love" image from Tiny Tags onto a Vintage Tag and either tied it around the sentiment or glued it underneath it. 

Here's the inside!  Whoa!  I actually decorated the inside...I'm so proud of myself!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Sense of Time (retiring), The Open Sea, Tiny Tags, Curly Cute
• Ink—Versamark; Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Night of Navy Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso card stock 
• Accessories—1-1/4" Early Espresso Striped Grosgrain (retiring), Vintage Tags, Game Spinners, Antique Brads, Clear Embossing Powder
• Tools—Craft & Rubber Scissors, Heat Tool, Distress Tool, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Order the supplies to make this project at my Too Cool Online Store!

*  *  *  *  *  

Don't miss out on this beautiful Sense of Time stamp set, and be sure to check out the Complete Last Chance Retiring Stamp List and order online before June 30, 2011.

Stay Cool!

Angie

 

Michelle's Bliss Card & Treat Holder

I'm going to be so sad when the Bliss set is gone.  It's only available for 11 more days (March 31, 2011)...and it's FREE when you place a $50 order during Sale-A-Bration!  Order online today—don't miss out on this beautiful stamp set (or many other choices from the Sale-A-Bration Flyer)!

Michelle Hoover created this beautiful card and treat holder combination with the Bliss set as a project for one of her recent events—isn't it simply fabulous?!  I love, love, love it!

Bliss Card Details: She used the emboss resist technique by clear embossing the flourish on Elegant Soireé Designer Series Paper, then brayering Not Quite Navy Classic Ink over the top.  The edges are roughed up with the Distressing Tool from the Cutter Tool Kit, and sponged with Soft Suede ink.

The randomly stamped Soft Suede background is also distressed and sponged, adding to the antiqued look of this vintage card. 

The butterfly is stamped in Baha Breeze, but out and popped up with Dimensionals, then topped with a single Pearl Jewel.

The Victoria Crochet Trim dresses up the card, and I love the little Jewelry Tag Punches with the Tiny Tags images on them.  Absolutely darling!

Matching Bliss Treat Holder Details

The basic treat box is created from the Fancy Favor Big Shot Die in Pacific Point card stock.

Michelle decorated it in a similar style by using the same colors and images, without the emboss resist. 

Along with distressing and sponging the edges, she even dog-earred the corners for a well-worn, tattered look. 

What a cute little ensemble to give to a friend! Thanks for sharing your projects with us, Michelle! 

New House Adventures Update

Well, everyone keeps asking if I'm all moved in yet...

Hahahahahahaha! 

I feel like I haven't even made a dent in my ever-growing To Do List!  I forgot how much work it is to get things put away and organized.  And, I'm trying to "spring clean" the house as I go, so it's all shiny and sparkly!   Cleaning has been about as much fun as watching paint dry.

In other painting news...As of last night, after a week-long painting hiatus, I finally got my last coat of paint on the basement walls!  Woohoo!  So, today, I've been moving stuff around in my studio and trying to visualize how I want it all laid out. I'm also ready to pack up my old Not Cool Stamping Studio...

Here it is in all of it's post-hurricane glory.  Some of my cubes are already at the other place.  Remnants of my solitary March stamp event are scattered across the floor.  It's an embarrassing site, but I thought it would be good to have a last photo for nostalgic purposes.  Now I'm off to pack it all up and say goodbye to my cramped and chaotic crafty area.  Yay!  Can't wait to spread out in the new digs!  

Also, we finally got internet at the new place, so I'll be packing up the office and moving that soon.  And, I'll be sure to let you all know my new email address as soon as I have that set up! 

Slowly, but surely...things are moving along!

Angie

Order Stampin' Up! Items Online—You'll find all the supplies to create the projects on this post, and much more, at my Too Cool Stamping Online Stampin' Up! Store. 

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

3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50 —For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $300 and earn fone FREE Sale-A-Bration item of your choice, in addition to the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive 15% off your Starter Kit!  Plus, get a bonus product bundle filled with more than $50 in FREE products!  Sign up today!

More Stamp Club Project Showcase

More fun projects from my Stamp Club members...

  

Kathy Kolb created this gorgeous watercolored card with the Thoughts & Prayers stamp set. This was for our Single Layer Challenge—create a card using only one layer on your card front.  Try it!  It's a lot more difficult than it sounds.  Great job, Kathy!

  

Kathy also did the Organize It challenge to create a stamped project to help your organize for the new year.  This is a pencil (or in this case marker) holder created with the French Foliage (no longer available) stamp set.  I would love to have this on my craft table!  Beautiful done!

 

Here is a very elegant embost resist birthday card created by Carmen DeBruce.  She embossed the flourish from Baroque Motifs in gold, then sponged various browns over the top.  See complete instructions at Card Scraps.

  

Carmen also made this very elegant wedding card with the Elegant Lines Impressions Folder and a dangly greeting from Word Play.  It's very shimmery, too, with a couple sprays of Shimmer Mist Spritz.  Learn how to make it in this post: Shimmer Mist Spritz.

Carmen created a quick thank you card for Christmas gifts with a Snowflake Punch. 

  

Carmen also made a basic "cream cheese" inspired box, decorated for the holidays with Candy Cane Christmas DSP and A Cute Christmas stamp set (both retired).  See the Holiday Treat Box Tutorial by Yvonne Metz for details.

  

Another pretty one by Carmen using the Vintage Vogue and Curly Cute stamp sets, and Bird Punch branch.

This a pretty card by Peggy Tassler.  The Asian Artistry stamp set is retired, but this is such a pretty template to use with a similar floral set for Spring.  The Scallop Trim Corner and Decorative Label punches are perfect accents.

Wow!  My Club members have impressed and inpired me again!  They are SO creative! 

Stay tuned for updates from Leadership, coming soon (after I get some sleep!)

Angie

 

 

Artistic Etchings Emboss Resist

I love to do Emboss Resist, and the new Artistic Etchings set has the perfect "collage" style of images to showcase this Too Cool technique!

  

Doesn't the background look like a piece of decorative paper?  Sometimes I like to do a whole sheet of card stock with this technique, then cut it up to use on several projects for a pretty, coordinated set.

Try Your Own Emboss Resist Background

It's all about the layers with this technique, so I'll give you the step-by-step breakdown:

• Random stamp images in a dark color.  I used the key and crown with Always Artichoke on Very Vanilla card stock.
• Random stamp another image (I like a frilly flourish or background stamps) in VersaMark, drizzle with Clear Embossing Powder, then heat emboss with the Heat Tool until smooth and glossy.  I used the round medallion.
• Apply a light color of ink over the background with a sponge or brayer to bring out the embossed pattern.  I sponged River Rock randomly around the card stock in small circular motions.
• You can continue to add more layers of color as desired to deepen the contrast of the embossed images.  I usually add two or three colors, beginning with the lightest and working toward darker colors.  In this example, I sponged Always Artichoke to the medallion centers, around the edges and in a few other random areas.
• Finish your background with some flecks of color from the Color Spritzer or Smootch Spritz.  I used the Color Spritzer with a Cajun Craze marker.  TIP: Be sure to practice spritzing on scrap paper before applying to your project, so you are aware of what distance gives you the coverage you want.  For best results with the Color Spritzer, pump the bulb quickly like you would a blood pressure cuff.  

Have fun experimenting with this technique—different background images, different embossed patterns, different colors—no two pieces are ever alike!

Other Card Details: Eiffel Tower and "Amour" are stamped in new Cajun Craze and the edges are sponged with River Rock.  Punched with Small Oval.  Embellished with Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon.

Angie

10 Days Left: Goodbye Embrace Life

The bittersweetness is sinking in.  There's only 10 days left before the Last Chance retiring stamps sets are gone forever!  Today's post is in honor of Embrace Life, a pretty Asian floral set that helped me create many a lovely card.  Oh, how I have enjoyed you!

  

The overlapping, cut-out flower border on this card was fun to create!  I used the masking technique to stamp the line of flowers in retiring In Color Dusty Durango.  Flower centers were colored with Pumpkin Pie (left card only), retiring Apricot Appeal and Chocolate Chip markers.  After I cut the edges off, I applied adhesive with a 2-way Glue Pen on all the colored areas and sprinkled on some Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. 

I got my inspiration from KEA2004 at Splitcoast Stampers.  Although I attached my white stamped piece to a full card front, you could easily cut the border from the entire card front for a different look.  I didn't want to give up any space for writing on the inside.

Other Card Details: I stamped the background with images from the same set in Dusty Durango.  Sentiments are from Embrace Life and the retiring Warm Words sets.  Ribbon is Chocolate Chip Twill, no longer available (can you tell I'm trying to use up my old stuff?).

And, speaking of old stuff...this is an oldie, but goodie, from when I first purchased Embrace Life back in 2006.  The colors are soon-to-retire Mellow Moss and then In Color Cranberry Crisp.  Man, how I loved that Recollections Designer Series Paper (but it was only one-sided back then).  I used an emboss resist technique on the floral stamp: embossed in white and outlined with Mellow Moss and Bravo Burgundy markers.  Detailed with paper piercing, burgundy buttons with Linen Thread, and retiring Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon.

I'll certainly miss using this set.  But, you don't have to...order it today!

Angie

Shimmering Wood & Twisted Ribbon Are Trés Chic

Are you ready for something a little different?  I was!  So, I challenged myself to "branch" out of my comfort zone.  I pulled out my never-before-used Wood Sheets, my Log Cabin Smooch Spritz, some ribbon..and I got creative! 

 

Ta-Da!  I think I succeeded in breaking out of my proverbial box on this one!  I even got to use my very most favoritest stamping technique—emboss resist—in a whole new way!

OK—I admit, I did get some helpful guidance from Pat Bombyk at PaperPatty.  She created a very pretty Shimmering Wood card using the same Trés Chic background stamp.  It's true...I may not be very original, but I can take an idea and use it as a springboard for my own Too Cool card. 

We interrupt this post for a shameless recruiting message:

See, all you would-be demonstrators, with your "I'm not creative" and "I can't come up with any ideas" hesitations...and you know who you are!  You too can do this, even if you can't come up with ideas on your own!  Just CASE it—Copy And Share Everything!  The $99 Starter Kit is available for only 2 more weeks. Don't doubt yourself!  You can do this!

Now back to your regularly scheduled blog, already in progress...

Texture Cuts Wood Sheets

These were new to the catalog last year, but they've been in my drawer for nearly a year.  Sad really, but true.  Texture Cuts are ultra-thin sheets of real wood on a white card stock backing.  You can stain them, die-cut them, paint them, emboss on them, or use them with their natural finish.  They measure 5-3/4 x 13-3/4" and come in a package of four sheets.  Their unique size, sturdiness, and flexibility work well for creating boxes and other 3D creations.

Shimmering Wood Emboss Resist

I stamped my wood piece with the retiring Trés Chic stamp that was inked with Brocade Blue Craft Ink.  The sticky formula of the Craft Ink is perfect for "color" heat embossing!  I used Clear Embossing Powder, so the color could show through.  (Be sure to get your favorite colors of Craft Ink Pads before they are gone June 30.  Only white, black and vanilla will be available in the full-size pads; all other colors will be in the Stampin' Spots only.)

Once I had heat set my powder, I sprayed on a few mists of Log Cabin Smooch Spritz, then rubbed it into the wood grain with a paper towel.  This also wiped away any excess from the embossed areas.

I wanted the edges to look more like splintered wood, so I bent the edges back, then cut along the ragged edge with scissors.  Although you can tear the wood, when you do, you can see the paper backing.  Using scissors allowed me to keep the jagged edge, yet trim the paper backing away so it wouldn't show.

Rolled Ribbon Flowers

I've seen these pretty ribbon flowers everywhere, but had never tried making them myself.  They are really very easy to do.  The basic steps:

1. Punch out a circle of card stock to use as a base.
2. Cover the punched circle with Sticky Strip Tape.
3. Cut your ribbon. The length needed depends on the width of the ribbon, how tight you twist it, and how close each layer is as you go around.  You'll need more than you think...I used about 18" on my 1-1/4" flower and 12" for my 1" flower.
4. Tie a knot in the end of the ribbon and attach it to the center of your card stock base.
5. Twist the ribbon as your wrap it around the center, making sure that it adheres to the base.  Always twist in the same direction.
6. Trim any card stock edges that are showing, and adhere the end of the ribbon on the back of the flower.

I used retiring Sage Shadow 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon and some old Blue Bayou stitched ribbon.  Flowers are layered over retired Sweet Pea Stitched Felt leaves.

Other Card Details: Not Quite Navy card base, with retiring Sage Shadow accent.  Old Olive Satin RibbonEmbrace Life sentiment is from the retiring set of the same name; punched with Modern Label punch. 

Angie

is used under the flowers. 

 

Wedding Bells Are In The Air!

The RSVP to my cousin's wedding read something like this:

• __ We'll be there with bells on.
• __ We'll be there without the bells.
• __ We'll be there, but are undecided on the bells.
• __ We're unable to attend with or without bells.

Everything about this wedding has been unique.  I can hardly wait to attend to see what other delightful details are included!  And, of course, I responded that I'd be there with bells on.  Well, I won't actually be wearing them...but, my aunt (the mother of the groom) was a little concerned that guests would really bring bells and ring them throughout the ceremony!  She said one gentleman had already threatened to come armed with a cow bell.  Guess that is the risk you take with such a charming invitation!  :-)

Anyway, congratulations to Scott and Devin!  I hope that, bells or no, their day is filled with much love and happiness!  I've been experimenting with a couple of wedding cards in their honor...

  

Unfortunately, I found out that white cards don't scan (or photograph) very well, but you get the basic idea!  They look much prettier than the harsh, hospital-white photos you see here.

With a color palette of Whisper White and Sahara Sand, I tried to create a card that was both simple and elegant.  The background is appropriately layered with Bride Specialty Paper, with the striped piece sponged in Sahara Sand ink.  (Can you tell I love Bride paper?!  I think it must be featured in 75% of my posts!  What more can I do to convince you it is Too Cool?!  Buy it!)

White Organza Ribbon and half-back pearls (from the Pretties Kit) were used as accents.  (This is somewhat of a sneak peak, because the new catalog has self-adhesive, half-back pearls available individually!  No need to buy a large kit for these awesome embellishments!) 

Card #1 Details: The flower from the retiring Bella's Bloom set was embossed in white on Whisper White card stock, then sponged with Sahara Sand and punched with the Wide Oval punch.

Card #2 Sneak Peak: I used the Congratulations stamp from a brand new stamp set (from the new catalog!) called Perfect Punches.  This set is awesome!  In true Stampin' Up! style, all of the sentiments coordinate with different punches!  Love it!

Well, soon I'll be off to the grand affair!  Did I mention the groom is wearing flip flops?!  Yep!  Should be fun!  Have a great weekend.

Angie

Get Inspiration From A Store-Bought Card

Have you ever walked down the card aisle at your local store and thought to yourself, "I could make that card...and it wouldn't cost me $4!"  I love getting fresh, new ideas for cards, courtesy of Hallmark, without the Hallmark prices!

A while back, I challenged my Stamp Club members to create their own version of a store-bought card they received or purchased.  Here was the example that I created to show them:

     

I received the first card for my birthday last year and used the basic design and color palette to make a similar card.  

Card How-Tos

The trick to this card was going to be how to get light-colored flowers on a colored background.  One option would be to stamp with White Craft Ink and use Stampin' Pastels to color in the flowers and stems.  But, I wanted to try something a little different.

I colored an old floral stamp from the retired Garden Silhouettes set with markers, using no ink where I wanted the white flowers to be.  Then, I stamped that onto Glossy White Card Stock.

Next, I inked the same stamp with VersaMark and, with the help of the handy Stamp-A-Ma-Jig for perfect alignment, I stamped directly over the same images. 

After Clear Embossing these images, I brayered on Gable Green Classic Ink (retiring)—the embossing over the image resists the ink, so the flowers show through. 

Card Details:  Card layers are made from the retiring Glorious Green and Gable Green card stock.  I used Garden Green, Lovely Lilac, Regal Rose and Summer Sun (all retiring) markers to color the flowers.  "Birthday Wishes" sentiment is from the Sincere Salutations set. Regal Rose 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon to accent.

My Computer Issues Are Resolved!

Finally, after a week without the ability to scan or upload photos of my projects, I'm back in business!  Woohoo!  Look for some new projects on tomorrow's post!  

Angie

Baja Baroque Emboss Resist Cards

  

Another old card from my stash using my favorite stamping technique: Emboss Resist (see my other emboss resist projects).  Although the big, bold Baroque stamp is retired, I think this would be a fun one to try with the Medallion background stamp. 

Emboss Resist Details: First stamp a background on your Whisper White card stock.  Card #1 uses Baja Breeze ink on the Sanded background stamp.  Card #2 uses Old Olive ink on the Bella Toile background stamp.

Next stamp a bold image stamp over the top of your background with clear VersaMark Ink.  Heat emboss with Clear Embossing Powder and the Heat Tool.  Then, Brayer on Baja Breeze ink over the top of it, and the bold image resists the ink, so only the under image is revealed.  Wipe off excess ink with a tissue.

Other Card Details: Warm Words sentiments on Large Oval and Designer Label punches.  1/4" White Grosgrain Ribbon.

Angie

Elements of Style Purse & Card Gift Set

Today is the finale to my four-part series on the special Mother's Day present I created for my MIL, Nancy.  I created six cards (two each of three card designs), and you can see the details of each of those cards in my previous posts: Embossed Vine, Shimmery Hummingbird and Embossed Stencil.

All of the cards fit nicely in a cute little stationery kit in the shape of a purse.  I love to create purses!  (Funny, that I only have one real-life purse that I've been carrying for four years!)  So, without any further adieu...

  

Here is the front and the back of the purse.  And, can you believe that I did not even CASE this one?!  I used some basic techniques I had picked up in a Tote-Ally Awesome Tote tutorial by Becky Roberts at Inking in Idaho, but I started from scratch.  So not like me, I know!

   

The inside of the purse holds three cards and envelopes on each side, and a decorated pen.  Plus, the little pocket on the back of the purse holds postage for the six cards!  

I had SO much fun making this set, and I'll admit it, I had a little trouble parting with it!  There's something about a little organized set of cards (or anything that's organized, really) that makes me happy, happy, happy! 

Basic Purse Cover How-Tos

I used the Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper throughout the entire purse, and I used the chipboard backing in the package to create a more durable purse cover. 

• Cut 2 chipboard pieces that are 5-1/2 x 7".  To create the taper, I cut a diagonal line from the bottom 7" corner, in 1/2" to the 6-1/2" mark on the top.  Do the same 1/2" diagonal cut on the opposite side. (click to enlarge the diagram)

• Cover each side of the chipboard with DSP.  I used A LOT of SNAIL to adhere it, but I would highly recommend using a spray adhesive to avoid buckling in the paper when you emboss it.  I added adhesive to the cut chipboard, then laid it on the paper and trimmed it.  If you cut the paper out first, you run the risk of it not covering the chipboard properly.

• Once all sides are covered, you can use a Sanding Block on the edges to get rid of the excess paper.

I used a Sahara Sand Marker to color the white edges of my chipboard and sponged all edges of the paper with Sahara Sand ink.  Then, I used the Mostly Vintage Stencils with VersaMark to clear emboss the designs on the front, and sponged the whole thing with Sahara Sand.

Handles, Accents & Latch How-Tos

• Cut four pieces of 1 x 1-1/4" card stock for the handle accents (I used the retiring Bordering Blue).  Trim the bottom corners of each with the Ticket Corner Punch, then adhere on the outsides of the purse cover, about 1/2" in from each edge.
• Cut two 12" pieces of 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon.  For a nice, unraveled edge, fold up each end of the ribbon about an inch and adhere it with SNAIL (fold in on the same side of the ribbon).  Add more SNAIL to the folded edge and adhere each end to the insides of your cover, so they look centered against the accents.  You could have the ribbons attach to the outside of your purse, for a different look. 
• Use the Crop-A-Dile (it really is the only punch that will go through chipboard and ribbon) to punch a 1/4" hole for the eyelet in each accent.  Be sure that your hole is centered over your accents, and that it catches the ribbon correctly to secure it.  You may need to re-adjust your ribbon to make this line up properly. 
• Attach an Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelet to each punched hole.
• Cut another piece of card stock for the latch: 2" wide and 4" long.  Score the 4" side at 1-1/2" and 2-1/2".  Use the Ticket Corner Punch on the end corners.  Decorate your latch with paper or stamping.
• Add a Chocolate Chip Corduroy Button, or something similar, to the latch.  You want to use something that goes through the card stock, like a brad of some sort (you don't want it coming off, do you?).  The button I chose did not have prongs, so I punched holes with my Paper Piercer and tied it on with Natural Hemp Twine.
• Adhere the back panel of the latch onto the back cover of the purse.  Use Sticky Strip for a secure hold.
• Use a Velcro Dot or a 1/2" Velcro Strip for the closure.  They will line up correctly if you keep the Velcro together, attach one side to the latch.  Then, peel off the paper liner of the other side of the Velcro, and close the latch to adhere the other side. 

  Postage Pocket How-Tos

• Cut a piece of 6 x 4" card stock.  Score at along the 6" side at 2" and 2-1/2".
• Cut a notch out of the end of the 2" panel with the Large Oval Punch.  This will allow you to pull out the postage easily.
• Ticket Corner Punch the corners of the flap.  
• Adhere the outside edges of the 2" panel with Sticky Strip.
• Decorate as desired. I used more Corduroy Buttons and Bella Bleu paper (I covered my brad prongs on the underside, so they don't show). 
• Attach to the purse back with Stick Strip.
• Add Velcro to each side of the notch for the closure.

 
Inside Pockets How-Tos

• Cut a piece of 8 x 3-1/2" piece of card stock. 
• Along the 8" side, score at 1/2", 1", 7" and 7/12".
• Along the 3-1/2" side, score at 1/2" and 1". (see dotted lines on diagram)
• Cut off the outside three squares on the corners as shown in the diagram. Then along the 3-1/2" sides, make a cut along the 1" score line up to where it intersects the other 1" score line.  This makes a little flap on each side. 
  
• Decorate your pocket with paper or stamping.
• Fold at all score lines and adhere the corners with SNAIL to create the pockets.  The inside of the pocket should look like the next diagram.
• Add Sticky Strip to each of the edges BUT DON'T ADHERE IT TO THE COVER YET.
• Cut another piece of card stock: 1x6" and score along 1" side at the 1/2" mark.  This will be the connector piece that brings the two sides together. 
• Cover the outside panels of the "V" fold with Sticky Strip, without putting tape right on the fold (you want it to move).  Attach the bottom of the pockets to this hinge (pockets should be front-to-front...the insides of your pockets, shown in the diagram, should be facing outward...you'll be attaching these to the sides).
• Attach one pocket to the inside cover, centering it along the bottom and keeping it flush with the bottom of the purse.  Attach the other pocket to the other inside cover.

Decorative Pen

You're almost done now, but don't forget to add the decorated RSVP pen.  I know you can find these at Office Depot and Wal-Mart, but they are probably also at Target, Meijer and Staples.  Just make sure it is the RSVP brand.

•   Cut a 1 x 3-1/4" piece of Designer Series Paper. 

• Unscrew the end of the pen and pull out the ink barrel. 
• Add Sticky Strip along the long side of the paper, then attach along the barrel right below the end piece. 
• Roll the paper around the barrel tightly, then insert into the pen and screw it back together.  

To attach the pen to the purse...

• Cut three strips of the grosgrain ribbon, adhere them end-against-end with Sticky Strip.  Make sure you wrap the ribbon around the pen as you adhere, and that you have enough room for the width of the cap to pass through. 
• Attach them along the inside top of either side of the purse with Sticky Strip.

I hope you enjoyed this fun set!  Looking at it now, I probably should have added a pretty flower to the front—that would have made it looked more finished.  But, I think that Nancy really liked it, especially the pretty cards! 

Angie

Elements of Style Embossed Stencil Card

The third installment of my Elements of Style Card Set ensemble features an embossed stencil technique (I love this technique!).  You can see the first and second card designs in my previous posts: Embossed Vine Cards and Shimmery Hummingbird Cards. 

    

Embossed Stencil Details

I began with a piece of decorative Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper.  Then, I tried out the new Mostly Vintage Stencils from the Summer Mini.  These stencils come with both a positive and negative stencil, for even more versatility (I used the "positive" one here).  Ink over the stencil, keeping it firmly in place, with VersaMark, then add Clear Embossing Powder and heat until smooth.  I sponged on Sahara Sand ink to reveal the clear stenciled pattern.   

Other Card Details: Flowers were colored with Watercolor Crayons and a Blender Pen, then layered on Chocolate Chip card stock.  I used two Rose Red Curly Label punches to create the curvy border.  It's finished off with a Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon and a sentiment from Tiny Tags punched with the Jewelry Tag Punch (both still available to purchase).

Tomorrow, I'll show you the Purse Tote that holds all the cards, and you can see the whole ensemble!  Or, maybe I should consider holding off until next Fall to show you the To-Be-Continued finale!  It is almost May sweeps week, right?  Nah...

Angie

Cottage Wall Butterfly Tri-Shutter Card

The last of my triple birthday cards was created for Cassie, who turned 9.  Again, I wanted to keep the butterfly theme, but since she was older, I thought Cassie would appreciate a Too Cool card that was pretty and had some fancy folds.  Time for a Tri-Shutter card!

  

Once again, I've decorated throughout the card with the Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die and Beautiful Wings Embosslit.  This time, I cut the large butterfly out of some card stock that I decorated with the emboss resist technique. I've used the Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper throughout the card and coordinating colors of Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Pale Plum and Perfect Plum.

Embossed Butterfly & Card Front Details

I wheeled the Baroque Border in Old Olive ink onto Whisper White card stock. Then, I randomly stamped with the flourish from the Wings of Friendship set in VersaMark and embossed the designs with Clear Embossing Powder and a Heat Tool.  Next, I brayered Perfect Plum ink over the entire piece.  After die-cutting the shape, I sponged on some Rich Razzleberry ink and wiped off the excess ink from the embossed images.

The smaller butterfly on the top was also cut out of the same embossed paper (with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit), but I didn't sponge any Rich Razzleberry on this piece.  I added three rhinestone brads for the butterfly body.

I layered the butterfly onto a Scallop Circle #2 Die, which I had run through the Big Shot with the Elegant Bouquet Textured Impressions Folder.  The greeting is from the Upsy Daisy set and is punched from the Scallop Oval punch.

Pull open the card to reveal a cool array of fancy foldouts!  I love this card style and it's much easier to make than it appears. 

Tri-Shutter Card How-Tos

You can find fantastic print instructions and a video tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers: Tri-Shutter Tutorial.  See lots of other examples in their gallery.

Essentially, you start with a 5-1/2" x 12 piece of card stock, scored at 2, 4, 8, and 10".  Then make two horizontal cuts from the 2" score line to the 10" score line.  In this card, my cuts were 1-1/2" from the top and bottom of the card.  Accordian fold the three sections in opposite directions and decorate.

There are so many possibilities when it comes to decorating a card like this.  I love using Designer Series Paper, so you can have coordinating panels with the same color palette.  You could also add pictures to make it like a mini scrapbook card. 

I'm pleased to report that Cassie liked her card, but again, not as much as Marcus!  He was fascinated with the "engineering" of the card!  Haha!  Anyway, I'll take a 2 out of 3 success rate for this birthday run.  It's admirable, while leaving some room for improvement (and maybe even sound effects!).

Here's Cassie with her birthday chocolate cheesecake—awesome choice! 

Not only does she love dance and gymnastics (see the little gymnast on her cake), she also loves to draw (all of my nieces and nephew do).  She made me her model at the end of the party, so she could try out her new drawing pad, pencils and markers.

 
I think it's a pretty good likeness of me!

Angie 

Fleur De Lis Emboss Resist

Yes, I'm still playing with my stencils today, and no, I haven't moved on to the other two designs in the Elegant Trio Set! 

Isn't this card striking?  The Dusty Durango color pert near gathers dust in my stamping studio, but I wanted create something with paper from the Designer Series Paper Stack and I chose a bright striped pattern.  See that dot in the center of the fleur de lis?  That's the paper I wanted to use and the one little 1/2" punched circle, housed inside a Build-A-Brad, is what makes the design for me! (I love how you can customize your own brad with ANY color paper or card stock!)

That's the one thing I adore about using patterned papers...they inspire me to use color combinations that I wouldn't normally choose. It's the Designer Series Paper that can pull the whole project together!  The Dusty Durango and Taken With Teal work very well together here, and that really should be no surprise considering they are complementary on the color wheel.

Speaking of which, I've had a sneak peak of the brand new Color Coach that will be available after the New Color Renovation in officially introduced on July 1.  Man oh man, is it Too Cool!  Rather than being a wheel like the current Color Coach, it has swatches of each color on a book ring, and the backs of each have information on complementary and coordinating colors.  It will be a fantastic way to play with different combos and find just the right colors for your stamping projects.  Can't wait for this!

Version #2  I used a similar design for this second version, swapping out the bold colors with Bordering Blue and Sahara Sand.  My little circle was punched out of Bella Bleu DSP this time.  I also tried something different with the double-sided 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon by only showing a knot.  I like the results!

Card Stamping Details

1. Brayer Soft Suede ink onto the En Francais background stamp.  Remember the easiest way to stamp with a background stamp is by turning it upside down and laying your card stock on top of it.  Hold it in place while you burnish over the entire thing, making sure to do the edges.
2. Use VersaMark with the stencil, then heat emboss with Clear Embossing Powder.  TIP: Don't forget to use the Embossing Buddy before you ink to remove the static.  I didn't and embossing powder stuck where I didn't want it to.  You can see the specs near the top point of the design.
3. Brayer over the entire piece with either Dusty Durango or Bordering Blue.
4. Sponge Soft Suede around the edges and around the embossed design.  Wipe off the excess ink.

Time To Play

I'm SO excited!  I just received my pre-order for items from the upcoming Summer Mini Occasions Catalog (available May 1).  It's time to play with my goodies—I'll be sure to give you some sneak peaks.  If you're on my mailing list, you'll be receiving your new flyer in the mail in a couple weeks.  If you're not on my mailing list, why aren't you?  Email me your address and I'll send a flyer to you when it's available.

And, while you're emailing me, be sure to send your answers for my blog contest.  More details at the bottom of this post. 

Hope your day is filled with an Elegant Trio of love, laughter and peace!

~Angie

Vintage Vogue Emboss Resist

The vintage look is all the rage right now for cards and scrapbook pages, and the new Vintage Vogue set has some fantastic images to achieve this look!  I was inspired by the colors of Shelli Gardner's vintage scrapbook page (see my previous post) when I made this workshop card.  I wanted to use some of the techniques she used, so I tried layering images, clear embossing and ink sponging.  What do you think?

I began by wheeling both the card background and focal image in Soft Suede with the Very Vintage wheel.  The flowers from the Vintage Vogue set were stamped with VersaMark and clear embossed.  Coordinating inks—Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink and Creamy Caramel—were sponged over the top, and the excess ink wiped off with a tissue.  The clear embossing resists the sponged ink to reveal the flowers!  I love how the background is still visible through the sponged inks—great layered stamping effect!

By adding the Scallop Trim Border punch edge and the Vintage Labels greetings, I completed my vintage look.  Did I mention that these two items can be earned for FREE with any $50 purchase?  Only a few days left for Sale-A-Bration!

Stamp with you soon!

~Angie

Stamp Club Fun

Thanks to everyone who attended the March Stamp Club event last night!  We had a few guests attend *waves to Debbie, Becky and Jerrica* and we welcomed Hollie as our newest Club member.  I had SO much fun sharing the fun project ideas I had been exploring this week.  So, I thought, what a great way to start my brand new blog...with some of the exciting things I discovered...

Custom Coloring Bride & Bridesmaid Designer Series Paper

Recently, I learned that you could ink the beautiful white Bride or ivory Bridesmaid Specialty paper and the shimmery, satin designs would show through!  Too Cool!  I had no idea! The easiest way is to brayer on your ink, which I did on my Kind & Caring Thoughts card.  But for this Club card, I decided to sponge on Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue and Almost Amethyst.  Perfect for Spring!  This was definitely a big hit with the stampers last night!

This card also uses an embossed marker resist technique.  Those of you who have stamped with me for a while know that I love me some clear embossed resist—it's such a versatile technique!  This time, we clear embossed the cute images in the Happy Moments stamp set (which you can get for free with any $50 order), then colored over the design with Stampin' Write Markers.  Coloring outside the lines, then wiping off the excess ink with a tissue, really makes the image pop!  This technique is especially pretty with flower images.  

We finished off the card with a piece that was dry embossed with the new Polka Dots Embossing Folder (in the Mini Catalog).  I love the crisp textures you can get with these folders, and the Polka Dots pattern works with many different styles.   

 

 I like to do several versions of my projects to give my stampers more ideas of how they can assemble their projects.  For the one above, I used the striped Bridesmaid paper colored with markers, and the last one is vertical and I added a matching envelope...

Embossing Envelopes

OK—so the other exciting discovery I made was how fun it was to dry emboss envelopes!  I haven't spent much time decorating envelopes in my stamping years, but I was inspired by an embossed envelopes video that another demonstrator, Mary Fish, had posted at her Stampin' Pretty blog.  It was another Too Cool moment for me!  I started experimenting and I had to take it to the next level!  I'll show you what I came up with next time! 

Angie