Apr 16, 2018 | Gallery, Hand-Crafted Cards |
A wonderful new suite from Stampin’ Up was named Nature’s Poem. It has trees and leaves, and a die set to match. Luckily, it was offered in the pre-order, so I’ve already had a chance to play with it.
This is the perfect suite for making masculine cards, and I was excited to create my first card.
Nature’s Poem-new from the 2018-2019 catalog
If you’ve been following my blog, you know I enjoy participating in challenges. Tic Tac Toe is one that gives me great inspiration. When I saw that “trees” was one of the squares, I knew I would commit to a row including “trees.” I decided to go diagonally with trees-kraft-square.
I inked up the large tree from the Rooted in Nature Stamp Set in Early Espresso Ink, and stamped it on Kraft Paper. I used its die from the Nature’s Roots Die Set for cutting.
TIP: To get a good print, I pressed the Kraft paper on top of the inked stamp, rather than the other way around.
I used the Layering Squares Dies to cut the square frame; one from Kraft paper, and one from Champagne Foil. After gluing the two together, I glued the edges of the tree to the frame.
I raised my framed tree on Adhesive Strips for interest. For a touch more Kraft Paper, I used a retired die from the Greetings set, and cut out the word, “thanks.”
I decided on a Crumb Cake card base with a layer of Share What You Love Specialty Paper for the background of my tree. This pack of paper is special, indeed. It’s heavyweight paper, 4 designs have a pearlized finish, 24 sheets of gorgeousness!
To add some more shine to my card, I cut a strip of Champagne Foil, and embossed it with some leaves from the Nature’s Roots Die Set. There are several leaves in the set for this purpose. Fun! Doesn’t it look pretty?
I see great potential with this suite, and believe it will grow (pun intended) to be a favorite. And, don’t worry, Lovely As A Tree is still in the new catalog.
As always, I appreciate you taking the time to come see what I’m up to. Have a great day!
Apr 15, 2018 | Gallery, Hand-Crafted Cards |
Today’s project includes current, new, and retiring Stampin’ Up products. First, I’ll show you how I turned this week’s CAS(E) this sketch challenge upside down.
Here is the sketch:
And, here’s my upside down project:
My sweet, little row of birds was stamped and colored weeks ago. The bird is from a current stamp set, Sitting Here, which is carrying over to the new catalog. Yay! I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to use the birds in a challenge sketch, and today is the day. The birds needed to be among the foliage at the bottom of the scene, so I thought it would be okay to turn the sketch upside down. Alice, a designer at CAS(E) this sketch, confirmed my decision, because I saw she did the same thing. You can see her project by clicking on the cts image above; it’s adorable!
The foliage is from the new stamp set, Enjoy Life. Don’t you love the foliage? This new stamp set has lots to love, and I’ll be using it for more sneak peeks in the near future. I stamped the foiliage in Always Artichoke. Sorry, I know it’s not a popular color, but I can’t help liking it. You’ll see I used Always Artichoke cardstock for layering also!
The card base is Marina Mist, another retiring color, but the top layer, Whisper White is here to stay. The Brick Wall Embossing Folder, however, will be retiring. The new catalog has 25 embossing folders, but I have a feeling I’ll still need to use bricks once in a while.
The graffiti on the wall will be carrying over to the new catalog. The heart and “love” are from Sunshine Wishes, and the “you” is from Celebrate You.
I decided to add some Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper to the “love” and “you.” I looked it up to make sure it’s in the new catalog, and it has a new name, Sparkle.
Finally, I covered the envelope flap with a piece of Designer Series Paper. It’s beyond retirement, but I like the way it goes with the card, and it makes me feel good to put my hoarded DSP to use. Can you relate?
Thank you CAS(E) this sketch designers for the inspiration. And, thank you to all of my visitors. No need to feel sad about retiring items, because they can be ordered until May 31st. You may not want Always Artichoke, but you may want some of your favorite colors, or a Brick Wall, or lots of other goodies. If you click on my “shop” button, it will take you to the information. You will see “Last Chance Products,” and the colors will be under “Everything Else.” Have a great day!
Apr 13, 2018 | Gallery, Hand-Crafted Cards |
This week’s color challenge at Paper Players made me think of lavender fields, and then, grapes. With colors like this, don’t you agree?
I just happened to have the perfect stamp set for the challenge, Tuscan Vineyard. It has a beautiful bunch of grapes that I stamped in Elegant Eggplant. Using my Blender pen, I colored in the grapes with Wisteria Wonder, and the leaves with Tranquil Tide.
I found the sentiment, “Thanks a Bunch,” in the Beautiful Bouquet Stamp Set. I’m very happy how the sentiment works with a bunch of grapes, as well as a bunch of flowers!
How do you like the circular frames? They are from a new set, Swirly Frames, and something I’ll be using a lot. The Layering Circles Dies fit perfectly for cutting.
The card base is Elegant Eggplant, layered with Tranquil Tide, and topped with Whisper White. I embossed the top layer with the Garden Trellis Embossing Folder, which seemed to go with grapes and vineyards. Besides, I like the deep, rich pattern it gives. The new catalog has 25 embossing folders, so those of us who like to emboss are thrilled!
Before attaching my framed circles with dimensionals, I wound Whisper White Baker’s Twine around the top layer, and added a triple bow. You can also see the Wisteria Wonder heart. Love those Enamel Shapes!
Last, but not least, I covered the envelope flap in Designer Series Paper. It’s Tranquil Tide from the Fresh Florals Designer Series Paper Pack. It’s fun choosing a paper that goes with the card, and knowing it’s ready to send. You may have noticed, I’m using another pattern beneath my card for photographing. These 12X12 inch sheets are the right size, and you’re able to see how Stampin’ Up coordinates everything.
Thanks so much for stopping by my vineyard. Have a great day!
Apr 12, 2018 | Gallery, Hand-Crafted Cards |
Are you ready to see the debut of Baby Rhino from the Animal Outing Stamp Set? This stamp set is one that the demonstrators who attended OnStage received. It comes with dies, which I haven’t received yet, so Baby Rhino is standing in a Layering Square. I don’t think he minds, because he is surrounded by pretty, Peekaboo Peach Designer Series Paper. Isn’t he cute?
Animal Outing Baby Rhino
The sentiment, “thank you Big Time” is also in the stamp set, and I used layering ovals to coordinate. I used Basic Black Ink for stamping, and decided to let him stay black and white, and let the color be elsewhere.
Speaking of color, there’s a big color revamp going on at Stampin’ Up! Some colors will be discontinued, and a bunch of new colors will be added.
Retiring Colors
On May 31, 2018, thirteen colors are retiring.
Always Artichoke
Chocolate Chip
Elegant Eggplant
Island Indigo
Marina Mist
Perfect Plum
Pink Pirouette
Rose Red
Soft Sky
Tangerine Tango
Tempting Turquoise
Wild Wasabi
Wisteria Wonder
The retiring 2016-2018 In Colors are:
Dapper Denim
Emerald Envy
Flirty Flamingo*
Peekaboo Peach
Sweet Sugar Plum
*Please note that while Flirty Flamingo is retiring as an In Color, it will continue to be available as part of our core color collection.
This is all very exciting to us crafters. Some will mourn the loss of colors, while others will rejoice. The colors in today’s project were chosen by the designers at the TGIF Challenge. These are three of the five “in colors” from 2016-2018. Traditionally, they get to be “in colors” for two years, and then are retired. For those who love pink, you’ll be delighted to know that Flirty Flamingo is being carried into the new catalog as a permanent member of the “Brights Collection.” But, after May 31st, it’ll be “bye bye” to Sweet Sugarplum and Peekaboo Peach.
The GOOD NEWS is, you have until May 31st to stock up on your retiring favorites. Just click on my “shop” button to go to my store.
For now, we will celebrate our retiring “in colors” along with Flirty Flamingo. The card base for today’s project is Flirty Flamingo, layered with Peekaboo Peach, striped Designer Series Paper, topped with Thick Whisper White. I embossed this white layer with the Petal Burst Embossing Folder, liking the way it mimicked the leaves on the tree branch I was planning to use.
I’ve heard that rhinos like to sit under trees, and I chose a branch from the Best Birds Stamp Set to make him happy. I stamped it in Sweet Sugarplum ink, and used the die from the Birds & Blooms Die Set for cutting. I double layered the branch, so it would be sturdy when placed on dimensionals.
I just love Enamel Dots, and the three challenge colors fit perfectly along the scalloped edge of the square.
To complete the sentiment on the inside, I found just what I wanted to say in the Thankful Thoughts Stamp Set, “If you could see my face, you’d see the smile you put on it.” The writing even matches the “thank you” on the front.
I went ahead and finished the envelope too. Using the Leaf Punch is quick and easy, and a great use of scraps!
Thanks so much for paying me a visit. I know Baby Rhino enjoyed showing off for you.
Apr 11, 2018 | Gallery, Hand-Crafted Cards |
Welcome to the Pals April 2018 Blog Hop. Join us while we put “Families First” in our hop this month. The Stampin’ Pretty Pals will inspire you with family related projects like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation or Family Vacations. You may be just starting or hopped over from another Pal. In either case you’ll find the line-up toward the end of my post to help you move along.
Thinking of this month’s theme, “Families First,” I chose Mother’s Day. First of all, because my mother-in-law deserves a special card, and secondly, because I wanted to make a feminine project using flowers. I even had the specific flowers in mind. Once I discovered the Heartfelt Blooms stamp set, I couldn’t stop stamping!
Heartfelt Blooms Mother’s Day for Pals April Blog Hop
I adore the crisp look of navy and white, so I grabbed the Night of Navy Ink, and some Whisper White cardstock. Remember the Floral Boutique Designer Series Paper in last year’s catalog? The Floral Boutique DSP was a favorite, and Stampin’ Up! even used some of the patterns when creating this year’s Fresh Florals DSP for the “in colors.” I used the stripe for decorating my envelope, and another pattern for background in my pictures.
I decided to make my own navy and white pattern with the Heartfelt Blooms stamp set. Once stamped, I cut “my DSP” with a recently received die set, Lots of Labels. My only question was, why did I wait so long to get the Lots of Labels Die Set? I used four of the Lots of Labels Dies; two for the pattern, one solid Night of Navy and one solid Whisper White.
It was very easy to assemble: Thick Whisper White card base, layer of Night of Navy cardstock, larger pattern, Night of Navy, pattern, and Whisper White on top. “Thinking of You” is also from the Heartfelt Blooms Stamp Set. Isn’t the font pretty? The inside says “Happy Mother’s Day,” which I found in the Dragonfly Dreams stamp set.
I added a row of tiny pearls along the bottom. And, it seemed to call for the gingham ribbon, as the finishing touch.
I knew my mother-in-law would like this card, because she is fond of navy and white dishes. She and my father-in-law were teachers, and loved to travel, especially after retiring. Upon returning from a trip to Denmark, they gave us this beautiful, Royal Copenhagen bowl.
Like I said, I couldn’t stop stamping The Heartfelt Blooms, and I stamped six pieces (1 3/4″ X 1 3/4″) to decorate this Window Box. This pretty, little hexagon box is on page 216 of the annual catalog. By cutting a piece of Thick Whisper White cardstock exactly in half at 5 1/2″, you can die cut the two pieces to make this adorable six-sided box. I used Tear Tape to fasten it together securely.
I decorated the top of the box with a daisy, using the Daisy Punch. After punching two flowers from Whisper White cardstock, I stamped them with the Heartfelt Blooms stamp once again! I used the Leaf Punch and the 1/2″ Circle Punch also, using the same stamp, but with Emerald Envy Ink.
The Window Box is just the right size for holding a small gift. I hope you will have as much fun as I have with the Heartfelt Blooms stamp set and the Window Box.
Thank you so much for hopping with the Stampin’ Pretty Pals today. Please take a minute to mark your calendar for our next hop on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 when we all “Step It Up with Textures or Techniques”. Now hop along using the Blog Hop Line-up below. Don’t forget to leave us a comment. We really like that. Please click to leave a COMMENT HERE.
- Mary Fish at Stampin’ Pretty
- Wendy Klein at Doggone Delightful Stampin’
- Jennifer Michalski at Stamping Serenity
- Pamela Sadler at Stampin Pink Rose
- Sara Hicks Stuart at Sentiments by Sara
- Beth McCullough at Stamping Mom
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
- Karen Hallam at Karen’s Stampin’ Habit!
- Nina King at Ink Paper Sequins
- Denise Hoepfner at The Mountain Magpie
- Su Mohr at Aromas And Art
- Mary Hanson at Up North Stampin’
- Stesha Bloodhart at Stampin’ Hoot!
- Rachael Shedeed at Bluebonnet Stampin
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
- Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
- Linda Suarez at All Night Stamping
Apr 10, 2018 | Gallery, Hand-Crafted Cards |
Welcome to April Highlights. This month’s theme is “babies.”
I love pastel colors and stuffed animals, so my idea developed quickly.
This adorable bunny from the Sweet Little Something Stamp Set looks like she was photographed, doesn’t she?
This was done with a 3-step stamping process. That just means you have three stamps that you ink in three colors, and stamp one on top of the other. I started with the most detailed bunny stamp in the darkest color, Chocolate Chip. Next, the medium detailed stamp in Crumb Cake, and last, the stamp without detail, in Sahara Sand. Magically, a fuzzy bunny appears!
I cut her out by hand, which is called fussy cutting, and she was ready for her stage.
Sweet Little Something
Every baby needs soft, pretty quilts, so I thought of the Quilt Top Textured Embossing Folder, and embossed a piece of Thick Whisper White cardstock. Prior to embossing, I cut a peek-a-boo hole with a Layering Circle Die. I really like how half of these circle dies have scalloped edges.
For the background, I found a pretty, Powder Pink piece of Fresh Florals Paper to layer on the Thick Whisper White card base. Then, I raised the white, embossed quilt on top, using Adhesive Strips.
The precious, little flowers are from the Beautiful Bouquet Stamp Set, and cut with the Bouquet Bunch Die Set. I stamped 3 flowers in Daffodil Delight, 4 flowers in Blushing Bride, and 14 leaves in Pear Pizzazz. After die cutting and gluing, I embellished the flowers with tiny, little pearls, because Bunny made a special request. She also said she wanted to say, “hello,” and the Beautiful Bouquet Stamp Set had the perfect, little tag.
I decorated the envelope with another Powder Pink print from Fresh Florals Designer Series Paper. And, I photographed it on another, so you are seeing three of the four.
I wanted to complete the inside, so this baby card would be ready to welcome a baby girl into the world. The Sweet Little Something Stamp Set has the perfect pun for a sentiment, “Sweet little somebunny.” The little bow is from the Beautiful Bouquet Stamp Set, and cut with it’s die from the Bouquet Bunch Die Set.
In case you didn’t know, this bunny likes boys too, and here’s a card to prove it. He fit within this Layering Circle Die, so no fussy cutting needed, and I made his blanket with the Cable Knit Embossing Folder.
I hope you enjoyed seeing my projects.
I’m so happy you paid me a visit. Thank you!
