Stamping with Noel

5 Minute Mondays: Tea Shoppe Get Well Card

I've been fighting a horrible flu/cold for weeks, and struggling to keep up with everything on my plate - so today I sat down and made myself a get well card with the retiring Tea Shoppe stamp set:

 

The inspiration for this card?

I've been drowning myself in thyme tea from my garden (thank you Jennifer, Natural Herbalist, for the suggestion!).  It is straight from my garden, free, and replaces all of the store bought teas - which, by the way, I had already exhausted!  And, best yet, I found I like the taste.

Technique:

I guess the only 'technical' detail on this card is the tea bag tag itself. To create this simple element:  

• I simply folded a piece of cardstock in half, stamped the front of it with a portion of the tea cup stamp, then cut to a square to make the tag.  
  (It would be a rectangle if unfolded!)
• To make it appear that it came out of the cup, I pierced a tiny hole through the top of my cup, as well as the center of my tag, through which I inserted my baker's twine.
• Lastly, I used a Stampin' Dimensional under both layers of my tag to give it more dimension.

The multiple stampings of my Teeny Tiny Wishes get well sentiment are not aligned, but this is 5 Minute Mondays afterall - if it bothers you, take a few minutes longer and get out your Stamp-a-ma-jig!

Oh, and I'm feeling better already ... well, I'm smiling as I always am when I finish a project. 

Shop the retiring stamps and accessories - CLICK HERE!

Happy Monday!

Featuring Nature's Pace Grapes & the Big Shot

As I continue to highlight my favorite sets from the retiring stamp list, I realized that I had never used the grapes from the Nature's Pace stamp set!  In all honesty, I purchased the set for the bee stamp.  And I knew that I could use the thistle stamp for scrapbooking my Edinburg Scotland trip, but the lovely grapes have just sat there unnoticed ... until now!

Technique Tips:

Stamps like this one scream to be colored with the Stampin' Write markers!  I don't think the image would be near as successful if stamped in a single color - and you try lining your green and purple ink pads up just where you want them (although it can be done if you are careful and use the corner of the pad). Also, the marker technique allows you to add a little shading, as I've done in the leaves using two separate green markers. 

Just remember to huff on your stamp after coloring and before stamping.  The hot moist air will revive any ink that has started to dry on your stamps.

To shop the retiring stamp collection - click here!

5 Minute Mondays: Digital and Hybrid Graduation Cards

A friend stopped by the other day and wanted to create a quick graduation card for her niece - very quick, as she was just picking something up and needed to run to an appointment.  I had to admit that I don't own any graduation stamps - but I do have digital graduation images in MDS! 

So we sat down and in just a few minutes we had this quick and easy card:

It is simply a sheet of paper from Love Letters Designer Series Paper Digital Download, matted in Basic Black on Going Gray card stock, with a greeting stamp from the You Go Grad Stamp Brush Set Digital Download. 

While she was satisfied with the card, I thought it would be fun to print it out and take it Up a Notch as a hybrid card:

It is now mounted on a Basic Black card stock card base and I've added just a few Basic Rhinestone Jewel Accents to brighten it up! Are there any young ladies in my life graduating this year?  For some reason I don't think this feminine card will work for my son graduating 8th grade. 

When looking for quick and easy projects, don't forget My Digital Studio!  Your finished product can be printed out or even used as an e-card for those informal occasions. 

Take the MDS FREE TRIAL today!

And, to make it even more fun, some of our select digital content is currently on sale for 25% off - shop the digital sale here!

Font Stamp Sets, Don't Miss Out on a Craft Room Staple!

There is something about the release of the retiring stamp sets each catalog year that makes me dig deeper into my retired stamp collection!  Throughout the catalog year, I try to share with you samples with current product - it hardly seems fair to share a project and then tell you that I'm sorry, but the stamp set just isn't available. Yet, during this time of year, I feel a loosening of the rules ... I guess the 'fairness' factor seems to go away as I urge you to take heed and recognize those sets that you just can't live without.

To shop the retiring stamp collection - click here!

And, planning ahead for June, here is a Father's Day card done with a long retired stencil alphabet set and Father's Day greeting stamp:

And, if you are a fan of font sets as I am, I recommend that you don't miss out on the Lovely Letters Alphabet stamp set - after May 31st, it will be long gone too!

Lovely Letters Alphabet Set in store!

Sweet Treat Tags With Retiring Stamp Set

The Every Little Bit stamp set is another retiring stamp set that I will be holding onto long after the end of the 2012-2013 Idea Book & Catalog on May 31st.  This set includes 28 small images that can be combined with the Teeny Tiny Wishes greeting stamp set for a card or tag for ALL occasions.  

I've used it for:
(click on the links to see individual samples) 

• Match Games for Kids
• Masculine Thank You Cards
• New Baby Cards
• Simple Christmas Cards

Just to name a few!  And now I've created these little sweet treat goodie tags (die cut with the Ovals Collection Framelits Dies and my Big Shot) for end of the year treats for my kiddos (the treats themselves are still to be baked!).

Take a peek at all of the images you receive with this set:

Do you want to miss out on such a versatile set?

Order yours today!

5 Minute Mondays: Washi Tape Sneak Peek!

Using washi tape on cards is one of the easiest ways to add color quickly!  Since it is self adhesive, you simply tear and adhere.  A few strips, a stamped greeting - which can be punched and mounted as shown above - and your card is ready to go.

But, don't forget the little extra detail inside:

The three washi tapes I've used on this card are a sneak peek of things to come (Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape collection). They will be sold as a set in the upcoming 2013-2014 Idea Book & Catalog.  But, if you are looking for some Washi Tape to try out now, Stampin' Up! is currently selling another set of three as part of our This and That Collection.  

See it here:  Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape

Happy Quick and Easy Crafting!

Noel

Romantic Anniversary Card Using Artistic Etchings

If you are a romantic at heart, or if you simply love Paris, then the Artistic Etchings stamp set used for this anniversary card has to be on your shelf! 

Paris was part of my first European vacation. Later my hubby and I honeymooned in France, starting in Paris.   And, more recently (ok, 7 years ago already!), we vacationed in France with our children.  I have to admit, whenever we begin vacation planning, my first thought is always of France.  Life, budget, family interests ... so many things can get in the way, but France (and, of course, Paris) is always in my heart. 

Today is my 15th wedding anniversary, and the collage stamped card above is handmade for my hubby.  Now that Stampin' Up! releases many of their stamp sets in French, I can add French greetings to my cards - for instance by using Voeux Mignons, the French version of Teeny Tiny Wishes.  Unfortunately, while this set includes "Bon anniversaire" (Happy Birthday), it does not include "Bon Anniversaire de Mariage" (Happy Wedding Anniversary). However, for those of you looking, this set also includes "Vive les maries" for the happy newlyweds!  

Tip: 

If you can't find the perfect greeting for inside your handmade cards, you can readily add any greeting of your choice with your computer and printer.  Even printers that don't take thick card stock will often take our Whisper White card stock.  

When creating a greeting for inside my cards, I use a 4 x 5 1/4 inch layer to fit inside a standard half sheet card.  Just be certain to add a bit of stamping (to coordinate with your card front) to tie the card together!

Actually, it is always nice to coordinate the inside of your card with the card front - here I've used an extra section of my original collage stamping to add detail:

 

Purchase your copy of the Artistic Etchings stamp set by June 3rd - once it retires, it will never be made again!

Oh, and if you're reading this, Happy 15th (Wedding) Anniversary Tom!

5 Minute Mondays: Highlighting Retiring Nature Stamps with Stippled Watercolor Splotches

Perhaps this week's 5 Minute Monday project should go under the Artistic Endeavors category ... but, no, my fingers didn't officially get dirty - and you won't believe how quick and easy this technique is! 

"Stippled Watercolor Splotches" Technique:

• Choose a variety of lined stamps (bold images don't work as well with this technique).
• Heat Emboss your chosen images on Whisper White card stock with Basic Black Stampin' Emboss Powder.
  (Remember, this is 5 Minute Mondays, and with clear mount stamps you can mount all of your stamps on a single block and stamp/emboss once per card!) 
• Open three classic ink pads of your choosing giving access to your inside lid - I've used Pool Party, Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade.
• Put one drop of ink refill into each lid and spritz with water (just one pump should be enough).
• Using a separate stipple brush from your craft store, pounce color onto your stipple brush from the lid and pounce onto your project.

Technique Tips:

DO NOT OVER THINK THIS!  When pouncing on your color work quickly and don't over think the placement of color - this is a quick and easy technique, not detailed coloring. GO OUTSIDE THE LINES ... GET A LITTLE MESSY ... HAVE FUN!

I always recommend that my customers purchase their ink refills at the same time as the stamp pads ... not only does this prevent you from working with a dried out ink pad, but it opens up new techniques!  

Purchase your Classic Ink Pads and Refills here.

And don't miss out on these Retiring Stamp Sets (used on my cards above) - only available through June 3rd:

Nature's Pace Stamp Set

Kindness Matters Stamp Set

Nature Walk Stamp Set

5 Minute Mondays: Peacock Fever!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful 11 year old daughter!

While today is my daughter's actual birthday, we celebrated yesterday so that school didn't disrupt her day of fun.  With all of the running about prior to this event, I had limited time to create birthday cards - but knew I had to create some peacock fun in her honor.  Here are two of the quick and easy cards I created:

 

Despite the additional work involved in coloring the stamps with Stampin' Write markers (Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, Garden Green and Daffodil Delight) each of these cards came together in less than 5 minutes.  

Technique Tip:

The key here? Let your perfectionism go to the wayside when you are coloring! Once you mist your stamp with water before stamping, the colors will run a bit - virtually erasing any perceived coloring 'errors'.

Also, for the feathered card, ink the stamp with your lightest Classic Pad color (Daffodil Delight in this case) and add color highlights with the Stampin' Write Markers.  This minimizes the amount of coloring you have to do! 

Looking to create your own Peacock art?  

Check out these products:

Fine Feathers Stamp Set

World Treasures Stamp Set

International Bazaar Photobook Template Digital Download

 

Dolled-Up Birthday Kit Available for Purchase

Do you like dress forms?

Do you have fashionable friends you need to send birthday cards?

Do you want to start making your own cards but don't have the supplies?

Have you been eyeballing Dress Form Pop 'n Cuts or Dress Up Framelits Dies in the spring catalog, but aren't quite ready to commit?

Introducing the Dolled-Up Birthday Kit:

This kit includes everything you need to create 6 lovely birthday cards - but don't hesitate to change it up!  Use a different greeting stamp from your stash to change it to a thank you card or add a Pearl Basic Jewels necklace to the dress form.  The kit gets you started, but the final project is up to you!

Purchase yours today - click here!

5 Minute Monday Goes Up a Notch with Color!

Today I wanted to take my simple 5 minute card from Monday "Up a Notch" or two with multi-color stamping.  While the original card had a clean crisp look, adding variation in color adds depth to your images.

Additions to this card:

• Multicolor petals on the flower:
  
  Stamp into So Saffron Classic Ink Pad, then add shading in flower center and petal edges with Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Write Marker before stamping.
  
  
  
• Leaf veining:
  
  After inking stamp with Wild Wasabi Classic Ink, add simple (or branched if you choose!) veins to each leaf with the Garden Green Stampin' Write Marker. Use a light touch, and clean your after each stamping.
  
  
  
• Butterfly & Card Base:
  
  The newcard screamed for just a bit more detail, so I added the butterfly from the Nature Walk Stamp Set and mounted my stamped piece onto a Wild Wasabi card base

Look back at all of my 5 Minute Monday cards (search 5 Minute Mondays in my right hand side bar).  Are there any that you would take "Up a Notch"?  Why not use them as the base for a more detailed project?  And, make certain to have fun while you are at it!

5 Minute Mondays: Oh, Hello & Summer Silhouettes Card Trio

 

Today, instead of a single card, I am sharing a quick trio of simple cards using the Summer Silhouettes and Oh, Hello stamp sets - all three of which can be completed in 5 Minutes!  

I recently noticed that I was using the lattice and the dandelion type stamps from Summer Silhouettes a lot, and wanted to create something without them ... but, in creating the set, I couldn't resist just one dandelion!  I did, however, manage to hold back on the lattice - but just barely.  Grin.

These would be great starter sets for a new stamper.  They work well together, and, while I've chosen to use only one greeting, the Oh, Hello stamp set actually gives you three greeting options!  

Why not get started?  (or help a friend get started)
Check out both complete stamp sets:

Oh, Hello - click here!

Summer Silhouettes - click here!

And, don't forget:

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR FREE SHIPPING - SHOP NOW!

5 Minute Mondays: Masculine Open Sea Card With Tools

 

Today's 5 Minute Monday project is a masculine card.  And, in honor of our 'boys with their toys', it just felt right to pull out a couple tools of my own!

1. Simply Scored Scoring Tool
   
   Ok, I admit, this isn't the most manly of tools ... but, just a few swipes of the stylus along your card front and you have some great texture and interest in just seconds! 
   
   
2. Essentials Paper Piercing Pack
   
   Sharp objects qualify as manly tools, right?  Oh, wait, I didn't actually use the Paper-Piercing Tool - instead, I simply used the piercing template and a Stampin' Write Marker to create a fun line of dots.

While my tools may not have actually hit the masculine mark, I think you'll agree that the card did with it's clean lines, nautical theme (Open Sea Stamp Set), and general simplicity.

Want to see Stampin' Up!'s take on masculine cards? 

Have you checked out the Dude You're Welcome Kit designed for the male stamper?

Here is a video of the kit at work:

What will they think of next?

TIP:

Remember, just because you are creating a simple quick and easy card, it does not mean you can't use your tools - often they actually help you create your card faster than ever!

Artistic Endeavor: CASE of a Store Bought Card

 

It's time to get your fingers dirty with another Artistic Endeavor - this time around with crystal effects and glitter!

Before I tell you how I created this card, I wanted to share the store bought card I CASE'd to create this look.  My hubby is always so happy to receive my handmade cards, that he no longer feels comfortable buying me a basic printed card.  Instead he seeks out cards that "look like you made them".  I think that is pretty sweet.  And, better yet, I often take creative inspiration from them too!

Here is the comparison of the card he gave me for our anniversary a couple years ago and my card:

Store Bought Card

My CASEd Copy

Some notes on my creation:

• Textured Frame:
  
  I love how the textured frame of the original focal piece sets it apart from the same colored card base.  I decided to use the Big Shot both to create my frame (with Ovals Collection Framelits) and to create my texture (Textured Impressions Embossing Folder). And, while I was at it, I decided my card base needed a little texture too - a great way to pull in the dots from the original frame!
  
  I decided I wanted a bit more differentiation from my background, and added a layer of Crystal Effects to create a laquered effect.  Simply run a line of Crystal Effects over your frame and use your finger to smooth it into a thin layer to coat.  You could use 'finger gloves' or a piece of saran wrap if you don't like to get dirty, but you know that I don't!
  
  
• Ribbon Rose Buds and Leaves:
  
  While I could have created ribbon rose buds, the original buds immediately reminded me of our new 5/8" Flower Trim.  Why not use something that is already preformed?
  
  Oh, and when creating, I like multiples of 3 or 5 better than a pair!
  
  For my leaves, I used a retired organdy ribbon for a subtle look, but you could use any green ribbon.  Just twist the ends together and glue with Mini Glue Dots.
  
  
• Sparkly Pink Patterned Background:
  
  This is the time to dig through your Designer Series Paper scraps!  If you need new paper, check out our collection here!  My paper choice comes from a Sale-a-bration paper (I think) from several years ago.  I stuck with the pink floral motif, but chose a smaller scale. I think it gets a little lost under my glitter, so you might want to try bolder! 
  
  TOOL TIP:  If you cut your frame using ovals that are two sizes apart, you can cut an oval with the framelit that fits between the two you have used for your art piece.  This will keep the edges from showing when you mount your pieces on your card!
  
  The sparkle comes by adding a layer of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter over a layer of Heat & Stick Powder. 

So, if you receive a card you appreciate, why not take some creative inspiration from it and make it your own?  I think you'll enjoy the process! 

5 Minute Mondays: Color Selection Made Easy

Many of my customers have shared with me that the hardest part of rubber stamping is color selection.  They start a project with an idea in mind and just don't know where to start when selecting coordinating colors.

Stampin' Up! offers you several options to help with your COLOR SELECTION:
(alternatively, use my quick tip at the bottom of this article!)

1. Color Coach -
   
   If you are looking to enhance your color knowledge, then this tool is made just for you!  This swatchbook includes a card for every color in our collection, color theory information, and suggested color combinations.
   
   Click Here for our color coach.
   
   
2. Designer Series Paper -
   
   This is one of my best tips for color selection!  If there is a Designer Series Paper that inspires you and catches your eye, simply copy the color selection from that paper!  Our catalogs include information on exactly which colors are included in each of our patterned papers.
   
   Click Here to see Stampin' Up! papers.
   
   

3. Project Samples -

   Throughout our catalogs you will find project ideas using our products and color lines.  When you see a project that catches your eye, you can go to our online resources to see exactly which colors and products are used in that product.  Then you can go play with the same color palette! 

   Click Here for the link to our online catalog supply listings!

My Quick Color Selection Tip:

Alternatively, you can always do what I've done with my 5 Minute Monday card above ... simply grab all of the colors from a single In-Color collection (I've chosen the 2011-2013 collection), or 5 random colors from a larger color collection, and use them all! 

Learn more about our color collections here!