Corset card

One of my customers, who simply adores corsets and has asked that I actually sew one for her (I'm a costume designer), belongs to my very first Hostess Club. I thought it would be fun to try and design a Corset card in her honor for the month that she hosts. This is my first attempt and I would really love suggestions on what works, what doesn't work, what could be added or taken away. I've listed what I used and you can find the template here. Thanks for stopping by.

Ingredients:
Stamps: French Filigree
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White
Other: 14 Vintage Brads, Scalloped Oval Punch, Black Hemp Twine, Black Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, SNAIL, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer.

I also totally cased this card.

Ingredients:
Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral
Ink: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Other: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, 3 silver brads, White Taffeta Ribbon, SNAIL

A few more cards I've been playing with...

Okay, I've been playing some more...

This first card is compliments from a designer on Splitcoasters.

Ingredients:
Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral (113734), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
Ink: Going Gray, Pixie Pink
Markers: Garden Green, Summer Sun
Paper: Whisper White, Vellum, Pretty In Pink
Ribbon: Pretty In Pink Taffeta
Punches: Eyelet Border (113692), Modern Label, Word Window (105090), Double Rectangle (105088)
Other: Bone Folder, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Scissors, Big Shot, Backgrounds 1 (Small dots) Texturz Plate (114512), Standard Impressions Pad (114614), Standard Silicone Rubber

And can I tell you how much I LOVE this card. Who doesn't love pink, black and white. Okay, don't answer that. Another great design on Splitcoasters.

Ingredients:
Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral (113734), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
Ink: Whisper White, Basic Black
Paper: Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Basic Black
Punches: Word Window (105090), Modern Label (116630), Eyelet Border (113692)
Ribbon: Melon Mambo Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon
Other: Bone Folder, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals

This card was cased by Tracy's design.

Ingredients:
Stamps: Lovely As A Tree (115026), Holiday Best (115364)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Soft Suede
Markers: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede, Whisper White
Ribbon: ¼” Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Wide Oval (112082)
Other: Bone Folder, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Brayer, Rectangle Template, Scratch Paper

Technique Classes

Lately I've been spending time trying to learn new techniques to teach in my technique classes. Here are just a few cards using those techniques.

This is the Icicle Technique.

Ingredients:
Stamps: The More the Merrier (115322)
Ink: StazOn, Bashful Blue
Markers: Bashful Blue, Real Red, Glorious Green, Only Orange and Basic Black
Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Real Red, Glossy White
Punches: Word Window (105090), Modern Label (116630)
Other: Bone Folder, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals, Two-Way Glue, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter (102023), Wax Paper, Sponge
Technique: Icicles

Next, I worked on the Crayon Resist Technique. I really enjoyed making this card and can see myself making lots of these.

Ingredients
Stamps: Perfect Princess (115040 – Retired), Fifth Avenue Floral (113734)
Ink: So Saffron, Yoyo Yellow, Basic Black, StazOn
Paper: Glossy White, Yoyo Yellow, So Saffron DSP
Ribbon: Black and White Gingham
Other: Bone folder, SNAIL, White Crayon, Sponges, Tissue, Tape
Technique: Crayon Resist

Finally, I kept hearing about the shaving cream method. It was really fun. I think I probably need to spray it with a sealant, but I love how it came out.

Ingredients:
Stamps: Animal Stories (116716), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
Ink: Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip
Ribbon: Melon Mambo Polka Dot Grosgrain
Punches: Word Window (105090), Designer Label (107590)
Other: Bone Folder, SNAIL Adhesive, Dimensionals. Stam-a-ma-Jig, Wax Paper, Plastic Knife, Shaving Cream, pan, sealant.
Technique: Shaving Cream

Thanks for stopping by.

Behind on Posting New Works

My camera is broken, the battery recharger just broke on my husband's camera this past week, so I had to wait until my daughter returned to Houston from her summer camp to use her camera. In the meantime, sorry for the masses of photos, but I've been making cards and having a ball. I have not listed where all of these were cased from and I will be going back to look for those and posting them as I find them. I thought I held onto them. In the meantime, if you know where the original design came from, please let me know so that I can give credit where credit is due.

First, the little Blushing Bride. You know how much I love punch art. This came from Kirsten's Stampin Korner. Because I was just trying to whip this up prior to a workshop this afternoon, I just grabbed some scrap paper I had in my scrap box which is not Stampin' Up! paper. I intend to make it again WITH SU paper, but at least you can see my first draft!

Ingredients:
Paper: Not SU:(
Punches: Small oval, Word Window, Round Scallop, 5-Petal Flower, Boho Blossoms, Round Tab, 3/4 Circle, 1/2 Circle, Crop-a-dile.
Laura Lipe posted her "Mountainscape" and I couldn't resist making one. I think this is such a beautiful card. It was probably a bit more time consuming that most of the cards I make, but it was definitely worth it.

Stamps: Good Friend, Inspired by Nature

Andrea Walford is definitely one of my favorite designers. I finally got in the rest of the punches I needed to make this adorable Geisha.

Stamps: Asian Artistry
These little flower pot pocket cards are everywhere, but Stephanie definitely has the best tutorial out there.


I love the entire Bloomin' Beautiful set and so the following cards all encompass that set. The first card was designed by Kay Kalthoff. Some of the following were also by designers that I can't remember offhand the original designers, but I'll come back and add those.





Okay, I finally got a chance to play with my new Stampin' Up! Color Spritzer. LOVE IT. I just love how it gives texture to the cards. Here are my two examples using it.



This was just recently cased from a competition, but rats I can't remember the name. I'll definitely add it once I find it.


Everyone has been making these little cupcake shop cards, and of course I had to jump on the bandwagon. I've been using this as a make-and-take at my hostess-sponsored workshops. They all seem to LOVE it.


This is the gift that I made for my hostess who sponsored a workshop for me. I'll also be teaching how to make this little card box and matching cards in my workshops. Remember, sign up for my workshops here.


Okay, and here is one more I've just been playing with.


Thanks for stopping by.

Baby Diapers - Thanks to Ilina!

Ilina Crouse has done it again! Go here to see her template and her original design of these adorable baby diapers. I had to literally drop everything I was doing and run to make it right away. So, so, so cute.


Of course, I just went crazy with the stamp sets. Here is my ingredient list!
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Itty Bitty Buds, Circle Circus, Goody-Goody Gumdrops, Puns from the Past, Lovely Labels
Ink: Regal Rose, Rose Red
Paper: Pretty In Pink, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Ribbon: Rose Red Double-Stitched Grosgrain, Whisper White Satin Ribbon
Punches: Horizontal Slot, Scallop Edge, 1-3/8" Circle, Scallop Circle, Heart to Heart

Join My Team Today!

While anytime is a great time to join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator, joining during July and August is especially sweet!

Starting your own Stampin' Up! business means free and discounted products, plus a little extra cash--and who couldn't use that? Plus, from July 15 - August 31, you can become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for only $85!


The special, limited-time Mini Starter Kit contains many of the items you need to get started in your new business, including

For All You Do stamp set
In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (6)
Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
Business forms and tools

Or if you want to buy the standard $199 Starter Kit, in addition to the supplies listed below, you'll get all six of the new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads and one pack of In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")--a $43 value! The standard Starter Kit includes


Five stamp sets
A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge
Stampin' Pastels
Card stock
Eastern Blooms Décor Elements and applicator tool
Five Classic Stampin' Pads
VersaMark Pad
Stampin' Scrub and Mist
Blender pens
SNAIL
Business forms and tools

These special offers--the Mini Starter Kit and the In Color add-on to the standard Starter Kit--are only available for a limited time, so you must act fast!

Benefits of Becoming a Demonstrator
Whether you just love to stamp, or you want to grow a successful, thriving business, the Stampin' Up! opportunity is the right fit for you. Stampin' Up! demonstrators enjoy many benefits, with just a few listed below:

Product discount. Demonstrators get a 20 percent discount on all Stampin' Up! products, including stamp sets, paper, and accessories. It's a great way to support your love of stamping and paper crafting.

Extra income. You'll earn extra income based on your sales and recruiting--how much extra income is up to you. Maybe you just want enough income to pay the electric bill every month, or maybe your goal is bigger--the monthly payment for your new car--it's your decision!

Flexible schedule. This is your business, so you can put in as much (or as little) time as you'd like.

Support from Stampin' Up! We love our demonstrators and it shows through our demonstrator support materials, including a monthly magazine, workshop ideas, and audio and video trainings on all kinds of topics available on the Demonstrator Web Site.

So what are you waiting for? Contact me TODAY to join my Stampin' Up! family!

Experimentation

I was watching the tutorials on the SU Demo site last night and thought I'd whip out this card. I actually had quite a bit of problem using my circle cutter and ended up just drawing the circle and then hand-cutting it out. I think the problem is that I just don't have any Dotto to secure the paper down to the surface so I have it ready to place on my next order. I'll revisit this card at that time.

I saw another card that was punch out like this one, but unfortunately I can't remember where. I think it is just ingenious, using the scallop border punch, but not all the way through the edges. Give it just enough decoration.

Then finally, I wanted to revisit this card again. I embossed it with the Manhattan Flower Embosser, and then used aqua painters and three different ink palettes. I want to try it again but with the crayons, and then again with the chalk and see which one I like best. I'll see if I have time to do those other two later tonight.

Workshops Scheduled Through October!

Because I can see that my upcoming schedule is going to get CRAZY what with teaching afterschool drama and performing at Main Street Youth Theater, I decided I'd better get busy and go ahead and schedule some workshops to fit within my schedule. I've scheduled workshops through the end of October. Go to my Meet-Up Group here to see what card and projects we will be making at which workshop.

I also wanted to post the cards I made not only at my Upline's Open House today, but some of the other cards I've been having fun playing around with.

I made these two projects at my Upline's Open House:


Then I ran across this adorable little fish card and couldn't resist making it. It was designed by Jen Sannes.

Ingredients:
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Pacific Point, Whisper White
Paper: Whisper White, Summer Sun, Pacific Point, Only Orange, Real Red
Punches: 1-1/3 Circle, Scallop Edge, 5-Point Flower, Trio Flower, Word Window, Modern Label, Crop-A-Dile, Heart to Heart
Other: 1/2" Library Clip, Cuttlebug Tiny Bubbles Embossing Folder, Brayer
Then finally, I am addicted to my Stamp-a-ma-jig. I admit it. It is just so much fun and I feel so confident in that I can easily line up my double stamping perfectly. This card was originally designed by Sara Reyner. She has some other adorable cards she made using the same technique so I fully advise you check out her blog.

Ingredients:
Stamps: A Rose Is A Rose, Sincere Salutations
Ink: Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink, Certainly Celery, Old Olive
Paper: Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink Pretty In Pink DSP, Whisper White
Ribbon: Pretty In Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: Wide Oval, Horizontal Slot, Scallop Edge
Other: Big Shot, Texturz Impressions Pad, Texturz Silicone Rubber, Flourish-Backgrounds 1, Stamp-a-ma-Jig, Circle Cutter

411 Sketch Challenge

I decided to try my hand at entering into a Sketch Challenge as it really makes me think outside the box. The organizer of this Sketch Challenge is called 411 and they are a high energy bunch of individuals who are constantly cranking out great ideas and issuing challenges. I haven't had the nerve to do a challenge until now.

This is what I came up with.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip, Dusty Durango
Paper: Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Bermuda Bay, Summer Sun
Die Cuts: Top Note, Birds & Branches
Other: Brayer, Dimensionals, Word Window Punch
On another note, I was glad to hear the good news from my Upline that she landed an awesome job. I wanted to send her something to mark the occasion so I thought that I would send her an unusual card.


Stamps: Congrats, Crazy for Cupcakes, A Little Birdie Told Me, Circus Circle
Then finally, a card that I cased from Denise Jorgensen that I liked so much I just had to whip one out.

Stamps: Asian Artistry
Ink: Whisper White, Bermuda Bay, and Bermuda Bay and Crushed Curry Markers
Paper: Whisper White, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry
Ribbon: Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain

Manly Card

I've been trying to think up not only a way to make a more "Manly" card, but also a way to use my new Designer Series Paper - "To the Nines". I just love the colors. Okay, so here is my first stab at it. I was originally going to color in the stamp to make it more colorful, but then decided I liked it just the way it is.

Ingredients:
Stamps: Thoughts of Father, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Basic Brown, Sage Shadow, White Uni-ball pen
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand, Sage Shadow, To the Nines DSP, Very Vanilla
Punches: Word Window, Modern Label, Ticket Corner
Other: Stamp-a-ma-Jig, Dimensionals

Christmas in July?

Christmas in July? Well, among crafters it is. And without the pressure of having to get holiday cards completed in a particular amount of time takes the pressure off so that the mojo flows. Here is the ornament card I made. This was totally inspired by Joyce Wowczuk. I just made it the lazy way. I'm not really big into hand cutting a great deal -- but I LOVE punches. I'd love to hear what you think, or any ideas you would care to share to spruce it up. Okay, I've made the card again, but added the Inspired by Nature in the background. Which do you like better?

Stamps: Holiday Best, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White, scrap of Metallic Gold Origami Paper (for ornament top)
Ink: Real Red, Blush Blossom, and Real Red, Old Olive and Black Markers
Punches: Wide Oval, Modern Label, Word Window, Eyelet Border
Additional: Stamp-a-ma-Jig



This next project is the new little surprise Peek-a-boo Box that is flying around online as a free tutorial today. I needed a gift to give a guest at an upcoming hostess-sponsored workshop and this is perfect.


You can find the tutorial here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/peekaboobox/.

Busy, busy, busy

I have been a busy, busy girl. I have had so much fun getting inspiration from others and making my own cards either from casing their ideas or altering them to suit my own. I'm especially excited about the card box holder that I've learn to make. I received this template from fabulous Deanna Wolfe. Isn't this adorable! These are (for the time being) going to be my hostess gifts.

And I love, love, love this adorable BBQ card that I cased from Connie Babbert.

Connie also gave me the idea for this Morning Glory card below.

Finally, these last two cards were inspired (and originally designed by) Heidi Sorg. Now I'm not as excited about the first rose and pink card. Heidi's is beautiful, but mine didn't come out quite right and I'm not exactly sure why. I think I'm going to try it again, but try painting it on the backside to give it a stained glass effect. We'll see.

I think the strawberries are just so cute -- and so easy to do. My husband thought it looked really complicated. If he only knew.

Finally, a card I made to concentrate on the technique called "Spotlighting" for my Technique classes I will be offering.

Have a great week!

Developing Technique Week Cards

One of the things I plan on beginning in my workshops is a specific technique. What this means is that I will teach a technique, we will make a template technique card that each guest will keep on an ongoing Technique ring that I will supply, and then we will make a card using the specific technique we just learned. We, of course, will make several other cards as well. Anyway, I was playing around card making this weekend and came up with these:


This first card was actually made for my husband as it was his birthday. He loved it.


Man I love this Circle Circus set. There is just so much you can do with it. I love using the new colors on this card, but I don't think it will really matter what colors you choose as it is just such a fun look. Very versatile!


This is a card I will be featuring in my "Spotlighting" class. I believe it will be Workshop No. 4.