*******Stamped Sentiments*******

"Hearts A Flutter" shamrock ...

Just because Valentine's Day has passed, doesn't mean the end of using your Hearts A Flutter Framelits ...

Stamps:  Occasions Alphabet

Paper:  Cardstock - Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Whispher White

Ink:  Classic - Old Olive

Tools & Accessories:  Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine; Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder; Framelits - Apothecary Accents, Hearts A Flutter; Bird Builder Punch; Stamping Sponges; Adhesive - 2-Way Glue Pen, SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals

Sponging the "hearts" with ink gives the shamrock a realistic look.  And the 2-Way Glue Pen is the perfect choice for adhering the narrow stem.  To get your Stampin' Up! supplies ...

 

A butterfly swap share ...

Just as was done with last week's Sunday Swap Share found here, fellow demonstrator Molly Martin used an embossing folder for texture plus embossing powder to add shine ...

Be inspired!

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

2012 Sale-A-Bration - Projects here (thru Mar 31st!)

2012 Occasions Mini - Projects here (thru Apr 30th!)

The Stamped Sentiments Store - Shop here

Clearance Rack - Shop here

My Online Store - Shop here

My Current Specials - View here

My Current Events - View here

Book a Workshop - Info here

My "All 4 Stamps" Team - Join here

A birthday bird swap share ...

For this elegant birthday card, fellow demonstrator Cindy Stokes went over the top with embossing by using an embossing folder for texture plus embossing powder for shine ...

And since she provided a supply list, I'll share it with you ...

Stamps:  Elements of Style, Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess)

Paper:  Cardstock - Tangerine Tango, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla; Designer Series Paper - Paisley Petals

Ink:  Classic - River Rock, Tangerine Tango; VersaMark

Tools & Accessories:  Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine; Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder; Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder; Heat Tool; Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim; SNAIL

All of the supplies for this project can be purchased at my online store, or contact me at padrybala@fuse.net for personal assistance with your order.  Be inspired!

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

Sale-A-Bration - Begins Jan 24th!

2012 Occasions Mini - Projects here (thru Apr 30th!)

The Stamped Sentiments Store - Shop here

Clearance Rack - Shop here

My Online Store - Shop here

My Current Specials - View here

My Current Events - View here

Book a Workshop - Info here

My "All 4 Stamps" Team - Join here

Occasions Mini sneak peek ...

With the launch of the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog just days away on January 4th, I'm skipping today's Sunday Swap Share in favor of sharing this card featuring a number of new products (all marked with an "*" in the list below) ...

Stamps:  P.S. I Love You*

Paper:  Cardstock - Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Real Red; Designer Series Paper - Twitterpated*

Ink:  Classic - Rich Razzleberry

Tools & Accessories:  Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine; Fashionable Hearts Embosslits Die*; Punches - Full Heart, Small Heart; Paper-Piercing Tool; Mat Pack; White Gel Pen; Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine; Adhesive - SNAIL, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stampin' Dimensionals

Does this card look familiar?  It should since it's an updated copy of this card.  Stay tuned to Stamped Sentiments for more! ...

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

Occasions Mini Catalog - Coming soon!

Holiday Mini Catalog - Projects here (only thru Jan 3rd!)

Clearance Rack - Shop here (save up to 80% now thru Jan 5th!)

The Stamped Sentiments Store - Shop here

My Online Store - Shop here

My Current Specials - View here

My Current Events - View here

Book a Workshop - Info here

My "All 4 Stamps" Team - Join here

Summer Mini product suites ...

Did you see the product suites in the Summer Mini Catalog?  Each one has a distinctive look and style, with stamps and accessories.  These collections of products are designed to coordinate together so you can spend your time creating instead of coordinating.  And they're not just in the mini catalogs; they appear throughout the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog, too!

I just love the masculinity of the Nautical Expedition Suite, don't you?  This card* would be perfect for any man in your life ...

*Card handcrafted by Stephanie Luman

The ship image, from The Open Sea Stamp Set (Wood - #123030; Clear - #123032), was stamped on Vellum Cardstock (#101856) then a stylus was used on the backside to add "wind" to the sails.  The Nautical Expedition Designer Series Paper (#122343) and Cherry Cobbler/White Baker's Twine (#123125), two other products from the suite, were also used.

To order your Stampin' Up! products, visit my online store or contact me at padrybala@fuse.net for personal assistance.  And don't forget the "Buy 3 Get 1 Free" Designer Series Paper sale currently in progress (ends August 31st).  It includes Nautical Expedition as well as many other designs so it's a great time to stock up on your favorites!

More "Awash With Flowers" ...

As promised, here's a card of my own design using the Awash With Flowers Stamp Set.  But it's not just one card, it's a set of four!  I purposely left them without a sentiment so they could be used for any Spring occasion ...

Stamps:  Awash With Flowers

Paper:  Cardstock - Regal Rose, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Whisper White; Designer Series Paper - Brights Paper Stack

Ink:  Classic - Early Espresso, Regal Rose, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie

Tools & Accessories:  Punches - Eyelet Border, 2-1/2" Circle Extra-Large; Adhesive - SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals

Awash With Flowers is one of Stampin' Up!'s two-step stamps.  Two-step stampin' is a simple technique.  Here's all you do ...

1. Stamp the base image.
2. Position and stamp the overlay image.

 

OR 

1. Stamp base image in VersaMark ink on any neutral cardstock.  Sponge Stampin' Pastels over solid image.
2. Stamp overlay image in VersaMark ink over solid image.  Sponge pastels in a darker coordinating color, or even the same color, over the second stamped image.

 

OR

1. Color directly on the solid stamp image with a Watercolor Wonder Crayon.
2. Spritz the stamp with water.
3. Stamp the image on cardstock or watercolor paper.  Wait for base image to dry, and stamp overlay image with coordinating color of ink.

 

Quick Tips:

• Use lighter ink for the base image and darker ink for the overlay image.
• Re-stamp the image one or more times without re-inking the stamp to get several shades of color from a single ink pad.
  

 

"Awash With Flowers" can be found on page 99 of the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog and is available in both wood mount (item #117062) and clear mount (item #120549).  Visit my online store to purchase yours or contact me at padrybala@fuse.net for personal assistance with your order.

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

Special "Grab Bags" - Details here (only while supplies last!)

May 2011 Monthly Card Kit - Order here (only thru May 12th!)

Summer Mini Catalog - Download here (only thru August 31th!)

The Stamped Sentiments Store - Now open here

2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog - Download here 

Book a Workshop - Info here

My Digital Studio - Info here

Clearance Rack - Shop here

My Online Store - Shop here

My Current Specials - View here

My Current Events - View here

My "All 4 Stamps" Team - Join here

Dry Embossing: Sympathy for dog ...

As we continue the dry embossing focus begun with this post, today's card utilizes the Big Shot and the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder to create the Marina Mist embossed cardstock ...

Stamps:  D is for Dog

Paper:  Cardstock - More Mustard, Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, Very Vanilla, Poppy Parade

Ink:  Classic - Early Espresso; VersaMark

Tools & Accessories:  Big Shot; Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder; Kraft 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (Retired); Punches - Curly Label Extra Large, Heart-to-Heart Extra-Large; Paper Snips; SNAIL; Stampin' Dimensionals

The benefit of using a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, or a Texturz Texture Plate as featured in this post, for dry embossing is obvious; with very little preparation, you can create a dry-embossed background in seconds.  Both the folder and plate are sized for card fronts so you get maximum coverage with minimum effort.  Simply run your paper or cardstock through the Big Shot with one of the plates and you have an instant background.  Plus, the double-sided Texturz Texture Plates give you twice the options, therefore double the value ... and who doesn't like a good value!

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

School Days Mini Scrapbook Class - Details here (RSVP by July 23rd!)

The Stamped Sentiments Store - Now open here

2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog - Download here

Summer Mini Catalog - Projects here (order product thru August 31st!)

Book a Workshop - Info here

My Digital Studio - Info here

Clearance Rack - Shop here

My Online Store - Shop here

My Current Specials - View here

My Current Events - View here

My "All 4 Stamps" Team - Join here

The Stamped Sentiments Store - Now open here

2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog - Download here

Summer Mini Catalog - Projects here (order product thru August 31st!)

Book a Workshop - Info here

My Digital Studio - Info here

Clearance Rack - Shop here

My Online Store - Shop here

My Current Specials - View here

My Current Events - View here

My "All 4 Stamps" Team - Join here

Dry Embossing: A note of thanks ...

Did you know that the Big Shot, in addition to being the perfect die-cutting tool, is also an ideal tool for dry embossing?  Yes, it's true!  You can make a dry-embossed image using almost any of Stampin' Up!'s Big Shot dies to create a dry-embossing template, as we did here on this patriotic thank you card ...

Stamps:  Thank You Kindly

Paper:  Cardstock - Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Night of Navy

Ink:  Classic - Night of Navy

Tools & Accessories:  Big Shot; Star #2 Originals Die; Thick Window Sheets; Stylus; Punches - 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Extra-Large, 1-3/8" Circle Large, Star Small, Star Extra-Large; SNAIL; Stampin' Dimensionals

Here's how ...

1. Choose a Big Shot die such as the Stars #2 Originals die that we used.  Use the Big Shot and die to cut the images from a thick window sheet.  Set aside the die-cuts and use the remaining background as a template.
2. Secure the template to grid paper or a table with a small piece of tape or other temporary adhesive.
3. Place the paper or cardstock face down over the template, positioning it so that you'll have the image where you want it.
4. Using the stylus tool, press the paper through the open areas of the template to produce your raised image.

Here are a few additional tips ...

• Rub waxed paper on the back surface of the cardstock so the stylus will glide more smoothly and to help prevent tears in the paper.
• When dry embossing a large open area, press only around the edges of the template, not the entire open area.
• If a colored raised image is desired, re-place the template on the raised side of the cardstock.  It will act as a mask to protect the un-raised surfaces.  Apply color from ink pads or Stampin' Pastels using a small sponge or sponge dauber.

It's so easy!  Would you like to learn more?  Then stayed tuned to Stamped Sentiments for another, even simpler approach to dry embossing.  Until then, happy stamping!

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

The Stamped Sentiments Store - Now open here

2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog - Download here

July 2010 Monthly Card Kit - Details here (order by July 12th!)

Summer Mini Catalog - Projects here (order product thru August 31st!)

Book a Workshop - Info here

My Digital Studio - Info here

Clearance Rack - Shop here

My Online Store - Shop here

My Current Specials - View here

My Current Events - View here

My "All 4 Stamps" Team - Join here

The Stamped Sentiments Store - Now open here

2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog - Download here

July 2010 Monthly Card Kit - Details here (order by July 12th!)

Summer Mini Catalog - Projects here (order product thru August 31st!)

Book a Workshop - Info here

My Digital Studio - Info here

Clearance Rack - Shop here

My Online Store - Shop here

My Current Specials - View here

My Current Events - View here

My "All 4 Stamps" Team - Join here

Elements of Style engagement ...

Close friends recently announced their daughter's engagement, the perfect occasion for handcrafting a card using the "Elements of Style" stamp set (though this card would also be suitable for many of life's other significant events) ...

Stamps:  Elements of Style

Paper:  Cardstock - Always Artichoke, Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Confetti White

Ink:  Classic - Always Artichoke, Riding Hood Red; StazOn - Jet Black; VersaMark

Tools & Accessories:  Aqua Painter; Designer Label Punch; Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware; Paper-Piercing Tool; Mat Pack; SNAIL; Stampin' Dimensionals

If you look through our past projects you'll find that the watercolor technique is one we seldom use.  We're not sure why this is because it's so easy, especially with an Aqua Painter ... just fill the reservoir with water or water-soluble liquid with the consistency of water (do not place liquid acrylics of shellac-based ink in the reservoir) and you're ready to "paint."

We used the smaller of the two Aqua Painters (you get a 12mm and 15mm brush size) with our Always Artichoke and Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin' Pads; simply press the lid of your ink pad before opening it to create a spot of ink.  Then carefully squeeze the barrel of the painter to wet the tip (if too much pressure is applied, liquid may come out too fast), then dip it in the ink spot.

Aqua Painters are great for use with the Watercolor Pencils and Watercolor Wonder Crayons, too.  And cleaning the painter is simple ... just pass a couple strokes on scrap paper to remove color.  You won't need multiple pens for all your colors!

Our card also features a returning In Color, Riding Hood Red.  We're so excited to welcome it (and several others) back as part of Stampin' Up!'s Color Renovation coming July 1st.  Aren't you?

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

Last Chance Accessories List - Updates here (while supplies last!)

July 2010 Monthly Card Kit - Coming soon!

Mini Starter Kit Just $99 - Details here (thru June 30th)

Summer Mini Catalog - Projects here (order product thru August 31st!)

It's a Color Renovation - Info here (coming July 1st!)

Book a Workshop - Info here

My Digital Studio - Info here

Clearance Rack - Shop here

My Online Store - Shop here

My Current Specials - View here

My Current Events - View here

My "All 4 Stamps" Team - Join here

Last Chance Accessories List - Updates here (while supplies last!)

July 2010 Monthly Card Kit - Coming soon!

Mini Starter Kit Just $99 - Details here (thru June 30th)

Summer Mini Catalog - Projects here (order product thru August 31st!)

It's a Color Renovation - Info here (coming July 1st!)

Book a Workshop - Info here

My Digital Studio - Info here

Clearance Rack - Shop here

My Online Store - Shop here

My Current Specials - View here

My Current Events - View here

My "All 4 Stamps" Team - Join here

Bargello: Not just for needlepoint ...

Bargello, a form of embroidery that is created through a series of upright flat stitches laid out in interesting patterns, is the perfect technique for showing off Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Paper.  Yes, it can be done with paper, too! ...

Stamps:  Trendy Trees

Paper:  Cardstock - So Saffron, Old Olive, Whisper White; Designer Series Paper - Tall Tales

Ink:  Classic - Soft Suede, Old Olive

Tools & Accessories:  Scallop Edge Punch; Tabletop Paper Cutter; Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon; SNAIL; Stampin' Dimensionals

To create the beautiful pattern on our Thinking Of You card, we started with a striped pattern from the retiring Tall Tales Designer Series Paper (Tip: the bargello technique works best with striped papers).  Once you've selected your striped pattern ...

1. Cut Designer Series Paper into strips of varying width (we chose to cut our strips all at 3/4").
2. Align colors into desired pattern and adhere to Whisper White Cardstock with SNAIL.
3. Using the Tabletop Paper Cutter, cut patterned cardstock unit to desired size.
4. Adhere bargello piece to card (or other project).

Are you wondering where you can learn about new and exciting techniques to create your own unique cards and paper projects?  From your Stampin' Up! demonstrator, of course!  And where does he/she learn them?  From the fabulous resources Stampin' Up! provides their demonstrators (the bargello technique was featured in June's Stampin' Success, an exclusive monthly magazine for Stampin' Up! demonstrators)!

Now you can enjoy the many benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator by joining my "All 4 Stamps" team through June 30, 2010, for as little as $99!  Click here to read more about it.

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

Last Chance Accessories List - Updates here (while supplies last!)

July 2010 Monthly Card Kit - Coming soon!

Christmas Jingle in July Class - Details here (RSVP by June 24th)

Mini Starter Kit Just $99 - Details here (thru June 30th)

Summer Mini Catalog - Projects here (order product thru August 31st!)

It's a Color Renovation - Info here (coming July 1st!)

Book a Workshop - Info here

My Digital Studio - Info here

Clearance Rack - Shop here

My Online Store - Shop here

My Current Specials - View here

My Current Events - View here

My "All 4 Stamps" Team - Join here

Last Chance Accessories List - Updates here (while supplies last!)

July 2010 Monthly Card Kit - Coming soon!

Christmas Jingle in July Class - Details here (RSVP by June 24th)

Mini Starter Kit Just $99 - Details here (thru June 30th)

Summer Mini Catalog - Projects here (order product thru August 31st!)

It's a Color Renovation - Info here (coming July 1st!)

Book a Workshop - Info here

My Digital Studio - Info here

Clearance Rack - Shop here

My Online Store - Shop here

My Current Specials - View here

My Current Events - View here

My "All 4 Stamps" Team - Join here