Stamping with Noel

Up A Notch: Greeting Card Kids NoteCard Gift Tags

Today I started taking a class, Holiday Card Making.  Those of you who follow me on Facebook know that I've said recently that I need to take a class and have things prepped for me ... well this class is not live, so I'm still missing out on my personal creative 'art sous chef' (is that what I am when you come to my classes?), but at least I'm receiving outside inspiration.  

Part of today's lesson suggested using stamps that require coloring on smaller 3x3 cards rather than large projects where the effort might prove too time consuming. Personally, I love to create 3x3 notecards to use as gift tags, so this idea definitely inspired me to craft.  The Greeting Card Kids Stamp Set from Stampin' Up! gives you 4 fun images to use for a variety of holidays all in a single stamp set.

Pair a stamped image from this set with a card base and a bit of designer series paper (I used scraps from the Festival of Prints Designer Series Paper Stack), and your card is ready to go!  But, don't stop there, it is also easy to take this set 'up a notch' for a bit more impact without much effort ... 

 

Here I've taken my card 'up a notch' with three simple changes:

1. Add faux stitching at the top and bottom of the focal image.
2. Offset your focal image, pushing it to one side of the card.
3. Fill the space opened up by step 2 with a few Rhinestone Basic Jewels.

So, next time you feel like coloring, why not give some 3x3 notecards/gift tags a go? You can create an entire set in the time it would take you to color a larger project!

Repetition Thank You Goes Up a Notch!

Did you think I'd forgotten all about taking my cards "Up a Notch"?  Yes, it has been a long time since I've shared a sample with you, but my simple Repetition Thank You card from two days ago (see here) was just screaming at me to take it "up a notch".

Here are the before and afters:

Remember, it really doesn't take a lot to add extra oomph to your paper crafts.  I have simply chosen to:

1. Cut down my card front and mount it on a coordinating card stock for a layered effect.
2. Rounded the bottom two corners of my layer with my Corner Rounder Punch. 
   Notice the added interest gained by only rounding two of the corners instead of all four?  This is a great tool tip to keep in mind when working on your paper crafts!
3. Added a Basic Rhinestone to the center of each of my punched flowers and a line from the Basic Rhinestone packet to add a visual break between the two sections of my card.  This seemingly tedious line of rhinestones is made easy as each of our rhinestone sheets includes three strips of connected lines of rhinestones in addition to three sizes of individual rhinestones.

None of these changes took long, but the overall impact on the card is powerful.

Why not take your next simple card "Up a Notch" and let your art shine - especially if you take it up a notch with a Basic Rhinestone packet!

Up a Notch Junior Legal Pad Covers

Today I want to share a few samples of the Junior Legal Pad Covers I've been creating for my craft fair in Santa Barbara, CA this upcoming Saturday (for more information see my calendar). Those of you who were tiring of the digital samples can heave a sigh of relief (although almost any project created in My Digital Studio could be replicated in paper and ink!).

Back in July I shared a picture of a Jr. Legal Pad Cover I had done in one of my classes (see blog post here). This is a simple project requiring only one sheet of 12x12 Card Stock and a sheet of patterned paper. This time around, however, I wanted to add 'something' to the original design to complete the project which has been created and recreated by so many crafty individuals.

My simple Up a Notch addition? A basic belly band/closure using a pony tail style head band snipped and threaded through a piece of Designer Series Paper which was squashed between two pieces of milk carton (all three layers were cut with the Big Shot and the Circles #2 die and punched with the Crop-a-dile). Yes, milk carton continues to be a go to supply in my craft room (see other milk carton craft projects here). This little recycled/green embellishment acts as a handmade button and adds just the right touch to the cover. This closure can also be reused later as a simple bookmark!

This just goes to show you that taking a project up a notch does not require big changes or a lot of work.

Are you in or near Santa Barbara and looking for some last minute holiday gifts? Why not stop by the December 3rd Holiday Boutique or attend my Last Minute Holiday Gift Class on December 10th or 11th? All information can be found here.

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Coordinating Roses go Up a Notch!

So a few days ago I shared with you a card made with a combination of three stamp sets - the Four Frames, Fifth Avenue Floral and Growing Green stamp sets. 

Today I am going to take that same card Up a Notch!

 

While I call it Up a Notch, you'll see that I'm actually taking it up quite a few steps! 

• The single layer of grosgrain ribbon has been replaced by a layer of Cherry Cobbler cardstock punched with the Scallop Trim Border Punch (on both sides!), as well as a 1/4" strip of Cherry Cobbler cardstock.  I love the depth this layered look provides to the card.
• The rose label from the Four Frames stamp set has been inked with three colors with Stampin' Write Markers, rather than a single inking with Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink.
• The rose label has also been matted - this is simple, but takes a little magic (I will share the steps for this simple tool tip tomorrow).
• After stamping, all of the images (except the greeting and the border to the label) have been treated with a techniqe from my Beginning Explorations in Watercolor class.  The basic premise of this technique is that after you stamp your image (either with Classic Inks or with Stampin' Write Markers direct to stamp), you take your Blender Pen and draw color from the stamped lines.  

The true effect of these upgrades is best seen when you place the two cards side by side:

     

If you would like more information on the watercolor technique seen here, or on an additional 13 watercolor techniques, the class guides from both my Beginning and Advanced Explorations in Watercolor classes can be purchased in my Handmade by Noel Store here (or click on the link at top of this page). 

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Supplies:

Cardstock - Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler
Ink - Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green Classic Ink Pads and Stampin' Write Markers
Stamps - Growing Green, Fifth Avenue Floral, Four Frames
Accessories - Decorative Label Punch, 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon*, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL, Stamping Sponges, Blender Pen, Scallop Trim Border Punch
(I've used retired Chocolate Chip Grosgrain as I was out of the Early Espresso which would have been my preference!)

  

The new catalog is here and it is time to combine old and new!

One of the advantages of purchasing stamps from Stampin' Up! is the fact that our stamps come in sets.  When you sit down to create, you can take out just one stamp set and create a unified project with coordinating images.  But, when I find two stamp sets which coordinate well with each other, there is nothing that makes me happier! 

 

When the new catalog tease came out in April and I was able to purchase the Four Frames stamp set, I knew immediately that I would use the rose label with my Fifth Avenue Floral and Growing Green stamp sets.  These two sets already coordinate so well, allowing you to mix match your line drawing florals and greenery.    The rose label from the Four Frames stamp set just gives one more look!

Oh, and don't for get to check back throughout this week as, in addition to other pieces of inspiration, I'm going to take this same card 'Up a Notch'!  It has been too long since I've shared one of these samples with you - have you been waiting?  My post will include a cool tool tip as well.

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Supplies:

Cardstock - Early Espresso, Very Vanilla
Ink - Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green
Stamps - Growing Green, Fifth Avenue Floral, Four Frames
Accessories - Decorative Label Punch, 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon*, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL, Stamping Sponges
(I've used retired Chocolate Chip Grosgrain as I was out of the Early Espresso which would have been my preference!)

Up a Notch: the End of a Plus One Adventure

Have you been following my Up a Notch Plus One Adventure (original post here)? 

Here is the final card in this series:
(I wish the clear embossing showed up better in this image!)

 

And for those of you who missed the live Facebook makeover, here are the step by step itemized changes:

 

1.  Addition of Silver Brads.

2.  Addition of dangling tag (uses level 2 Cute by the Inch Hostess Stamp Set).

3.  Addition of Silver Eyelets to reinforce tag.

4.  Addition of heat embossing to cupcake frosting (uses Versamarker and Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder).

5.  Addition of heat embossing to greeting (again uses Versamarker and Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder).

6.  Addition of the Basic Rhinestone Jewel.

At the end of this adventure, I had 7 birthday cards to send to friends and family, and a better understanding of my own creative process!  And using my Facebook Fan Page to share my day to day experience with my Fans was a lot of fun.  If you haven't already, Fan my page here - don't miss out on my next shared adventures!

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Up a Notch: a Plus One Adventure

Taking it Up a Notch is a regular feature of my blog, and I am ready to share yet one more variation to this creative design tool with you! 

April is a busy birthday month for my calendar, and my birthday card stash is running quite low.  When I sat down to create some cards, I wasn't certain where I wanted to start.  In addition, Stampin' Up! is currently in the midst of a +One campaign for company growth.  This campaign's basic premise is that any growth (both in your personal life and business) begins with one simple change.  What a simple and effective message!  And, as I thought about this campaign and my need for a large number of birthday cards, I had an idea ...

An Up a Notch Plus One Adventure!

The concept for this project was to start with one very simple birthday card.  Every day for the rest of the week, I would make one simple addition to this base card.  On the seventh day I'd have my final Up a Notch Card ... along with an additional 6 cards for giving!

Here is my starting point:

 
 

What do you think?  It is a bit basic compared to my normal work, but I am actually working on adding more simple cards to my repetoire.  Simple cards are great starting points for taking a card Up a Notch, and help you get a card in the mail quickly!  This card is completely useable and has already been sent to someone on my April Birthday list.  

What next?  Would you like to follow me on my Up A Notch Plus One Adventure?  First, become a Fan of my Facebook Business Page (click here).  Starting tomorrow, I will be posting each of my additions to my Facebook Fan Page on a daily basis.  Meet me back here in a week to see the final product!  It's that easy. 

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Supplies Used:  Baja Breeze Cardstock, Very Vanilla Cardstock, French Filigree Background Stamp, Something to Celebrate*, Baja Breeze Classic Ink

* Something to Celebrate is a Level 2 Hostess Set from the 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog.  This catalog expires April 30, 2011.  If you would like an opportunity to earn this stamp set, please contact me today!  Hosting a workshop (live or VIRTUAL) can earn you this stamp set and more.

Up a Notch - Sale-A-Bration Style

I wanted to share a card with you that I used for both my February Stenciling Class and for my Sale-A-Bration workshops. 

The original version:

 

Since we were highlighting stenciling in my class, I wanted to keep the card simple.  I always think a single layer card is a great way to simplify. 

Step by Step Instructions:

1. We used the Stampin' Up! Exclusive Beautiful Butterflies die (available here) and the Big Shot to create a stencil for our first layer (stenciled with Rose Red Classic Ink).  This is a great big shot project idea, so easy and yet it adds another layer to your project! 
   
   
2. The second layer is my favorite stamp from current SAB mini Catalog, from the Bliss set, stamped in Crumb Cake Classic Ink. 
   
   
3. The top layer is a monogram using the Lovely Letters Alphabet set, Versamark Ink, and gold Stampin' Emboss Powder. 

I loved the original card, but decided to take it 'Up a Notch' for my workshop demonstrations (however, the workshop attendees created the original card):

 

As you can see, I've added layers to the card.  The base is now Soft Suede Cardstock stamped with the French Filigree background stamp in Versamark Ink.  The focal image from the original card has been enhanced with Stampin' Up! Jewels Basic Rhinestones, matted in Rose Red Cardstock, and mounted with Stampin' Dimensionals. 

I hope these samples inspire you.  Maybe to create a single layer card of your own?  or to use the Big Shot (or our punches!) to create a stencil?  or maybe to take a creation you've made 'up a notch'?  But if you are eyeing the Bliss SAB set, you need to act fast!  Sale-a-Bration ends March 31st.  For more details, see the SAB promotion details here (or click the promotions tab at the top of this page) or shop now at my store here.

Happy Crafting,

Noel 

Up a Notch, In Reverse!

Back in November I introduced you to the idea of taking a card 'Up a Notch' using past cards for inspiration.  I hope the samples I provided motivated you to revamp some of your favorite cards from the past to give them new life.  And, if you haven't given it a try yet, I challenge you to do so.  I think you will find it is a lot of fun! 

Today I want to share another way to use this concept.  I'm calling it "Up a Notch, in Reverse".

Have you ever found a sample of a card online or in a magazine that you absolutely loved, but worried that you didn't have the time or the supplies to recreate all of the details in the card?  Why not take that card and recreate it with just the basics?  You might be surprised that the simpler card is just right for the occassion at hand. 

In my case, often the original card of an 'up a notch, in reverse' makeover is the result of hours puttering away in my craft room, trying out new and old techniques and playing! The final results are often either difficult to recreate, or I decide that I want to recreate them for mass production or use in a class and the process is just too lengthy. 

In the example below, I have taken one of my over the top creations and simplified it for a quick dash to the mailbox.  

 

While the original card was fun to make, the process was time consuming.  The background was stamped (Artistic Etchings) fairly quickly, but required a close eye to stamp placement - not easily done in a rush.  And the flower detail was distressed (wet, crumbled and flattened - then left to dry), die cut (Daisies #2 Die), curled (each petal curled around a pencil), lacquered with Crystal Effects, and beaded in the middle.  In choosing to throw together a quick card for a friend based on this original, I knew that I needed to simplify.  

 

I chose to use patterned paper (Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper) instead of stamping the background.   I quickly made the decision to simplify the flower choosing to only briefly curl the petals against my nail and to use a build-a-brad DSP center.  Then I added a punched white circle tag to give the eyes a place to rest from the busy background paper I had chosen and to deliver my message (Matchbox Messages). 

If given a choice between the two cards, the recipient might have chosen the original version - however, having never seen the original,  I'm certain she enjoyed the simple card.  And best of all, I had the card in the mail box within 10 minutes of deciding to make the card.

If you hesitate to take a card Up a Notch, or if you find your creative reserves on low, I urge you to try it out Up a Notch, in Reverse.  And remember, you can always view all of my Up a Notch posts here or by clicking on the Up a Notch category in the right hand column of this blog for more inspiration. 

If you give this process a try, please share your creations with me!  I'm always looking for inspiration of my own. 

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Up a Notch - Golden Anniversary

I was recently asked to design a Golden Anniversary Card (traditionally the 50th anniversary in the United States).  In trying to decide where to begin, I went through some of my old cards and came across a simple one I made when I first purchased the Medallion background stamp. 

Nothing in the original card said 'golden' or 'anniversary', but something about it resonated with me.  So I took it to my workspace and decided to transform it.  With an extra layer (En Francais Background Stamp), Brushed Gold cardstock, quite a bit of heat embossing (Versamark Ink with Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder), a new embellishment image (Always Stamp Set), a bit of ribbon (Whisper White 5/8" Organza) and a new greeting (Teeny Tiny Wishes and Word Window Punch)... I soon had an appropriate card I was proud of and my customer appreciated.  Click on the image below to see a larger version.

 

If you wish to read about the 'Up a Notch' concept or see other examples of this process, you can always view all of my Up a Notch posts here or by clicking on the Up a Notch category in the right hand column of this blog.  This will be a growing category as I seek to inspire each of you to update one of your own cards.

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Up a Notch!

One of the trends I have seen in card making is for a stamper to share two samples of the same card, with one sample copied and enhanced to make the second.  This is an opportunity to take a solid simple card, and add to it to create something wonderful.  The addition might be some bling (Stampin' Up's Basic Rhinestones and Basic Pearl Jewels immediately come to mind), some embossing or other special technique, a dimensional embellishments or two ... anything that takes that card "Up a Notch".   

The first example I am going to share may be familiar to you in one version or the other.  Several months ago I was teaching a techniques class on background masking.  In this class we created a simple layered holiday card (card on the left).  A few weeks later I was doing a similar class highlighting various masking techniques and I decided to take that same card 'Up a Notch' (card on the right).  While the card layers and stamps remained the same, I chose to emboss the central image in silver (and change the coloring of the background stamp to coordinate better), use silver brads in the four corners, and punch through the four layers of the card to tie a ribbon around the right hand side.  Although I had been pleased with the first card, I feel the simple changes to the reworked card popped!

       

For another example, you might create a simple card for a friend .  The first card you make could be a beautiful card, and a treat to any recipient, but you then realize that this is a very special occassion for your friend and you want something spectacular.  Instead of starting from scratch, look back to the first card you created (or even to other cards that you have made in the past - you keep a copy of your favorites, don't you?), and look at it with a new eye.  What could you do to the card to take it just one step further, or "Up a Notch"? 

Remember, "Up a Notch" does not have to mean over the top!  In the sample below, I decided that the original card (again the card on the left below) didn't have enough elegance for the recipient and occassion at hand.  I added silver embossing to the background stamp, upgraded the ribbon from Whisper White 1/4 inch Grosgrain to Whisper White Organza, and upgraded the button from the middle of the daisy (a folk style decoration) to a Vintage Brad for more elegant appeal.  I like both cards and they are both simple enough, but I definitely feel that the reworked card has a more elegant flair that was needed for the occassion at hand.

        

I hope you will come back and look for more "Up a Notch" posts in the future.  Hopefully you will be inspired and enjoy the chance to take something you've already done and recreate it!

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Supplies Set #1:  Real Red, Baja Breeze, and Whisper White Cardstock; Dasher stamp; En Francais Background Stamp; Early Espresso, Crumb Cake and Baja Breeze Classic Ink; Versamark Ink; Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder; Heat Gun; Ticket Corner Punch; Silver Brads; Real Red 1/4 Inch Grosgrain Ribbon; Crop-a-dile

Supplies Set #2:  Baja Breeze and Whisper White Cardstock; French Filigree Background Stamp; Baja Breeze Classic Ink; Versamark; Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder; Heat Tool; Whisper White 1/4 inch Grosgrain; Whisper White Organza; Big Shot; Daisies #2 Die; Playground Buttons (retired, but see our current Designer Buttons for a similar effect); Vintage Brad