Author Archives: Linda Schnabel

Simply Sunday: Say BOO and Scary On!

Posted in Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today we are taking a bewitching turn, a peek into some Halloween fun. The Glitter Washi Tape was sitting in my newly opened box from my Mini Catalog order and it was “just calling my name”!! Grab your June – December Mini and open it to page 56 and check out this cute bundle … Scary Cute to be exact! These cute little trick or treaters are going to make such fun cards, gifts and scrapbook pages!

We’re starting with a card today as I create a little flying fairy ….

I began with my “Washi Tape” and used it as my color inspiration: Black, Highland Heather, Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie. I opted for Gorgeous Grape cardstock and used my Blending Brush to add some color on color which creates that soft “spooky” kind of look. This technique of brushing on color is easy and adds no cost to your project!

Now it was time to add my Glitter Washi Tape!! I decided to use the Pumpkin, Olive and Black and a slight diagonal and trimmed the edges to soften the look. I gave myself plenty of room to stamp my image and greeting.

This is the second card I created with the bundle, my first card highlighted the dies. (See it here) So today, I knew I was going to stamp the little girl with the wings so I could turn her into a little fairy and let her fly! Of course she was going to by high on the card, so the greeting went in the lower right-hand corner.

It looked OK … but I knew I had the Adhesive Backed Stars that came from the “Santa Express Suite” and I thought they would look perfect with my little fairy … and well, what do you think?? Cute right? The cute iridescent stars worked perfectly with my brushed background, it truly looks like a spooky Halloween starry night!

I wanted to bring the colors of my Washi Tape into the rest of my card so I layered it onto Parakeet Party (instead of Olive) the Pumpkin Pie and then I mounted it onto the Black card base. I layered and glittered my inside too!!

If you are a Halloween fan like I am, I think this is the perfect fit for your stamp collection … it is different that what we’ve had before and the dies are so much fun too. You’ll see much more of this bundle from me, but don’t wait to get yours … you’ll want to start playing right away!

Thank you for checking out my blog post today, it’s appreciated.

Have a great Sunday!

Here are the links to the products I used on my card today. Adding the “Washi Tape” to your bundle will get you a FREE Sale-a-bration item! If you’re not sure what that is … message me.

Sending Hugs

Posted in Uncategorized by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I have a special card I’d like to share with you. I belong to a Artistic Design Group and we create for different challenges each month, this month we were to highlight the New In-Colors so here is my creation of Sending Hugs ….

Since I have been highlighting “Watercolor Techniques” I thought I would add it to my card for the design group as well. My In-Colors are Tahitian Tide and Parakeet Party and are blended on the watercolor paper. My background is also Tahitian Tide and embossed with the Fern 3-D folder to create a beautiful texture, and lets face it … it’s much prettier to the eye.

This photo will show how I die cut the scallop circle to put a spotlight onto our stamped and die cut images, and how they are layered …

The stamped images, greeting and die cuts all come from the Splendid Thoughts bundle. I used the Double Oval punch to punch out my greeting. I introduced this bundle to my Stamp Club Party … it was a hit!! I picked this bundle because it is so versatile and you can use it any time of the year and for so many occasions.

The black mat and card base really makes my colors pop and with the greeting stamped with the Tuxedo Black Momento ink … it ties everything together. A little Wink of Stella on my stamped image creates a nice focal point to the card. I finished it off with a few Iridescent Rhinestones.

I hope you enjoyed the combination of my watercoloring techniques with the new Splendid Thoughts bundle … and two of our new In-Colors. The purchase of this awesome bundle will reward you with a FREE Sale-a-bration item and a virtual rewards point from me.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend ~

Here is a list of supplies I used to make my card…. Click on any item for more information or to begin your shopping spree.

Watercolor Wonder Butterflies …

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’m excited to share one more way to use the watercolor backgrounds … I’ll show you how to make Watercolor Wonder Butterflies. Who said these beautiful backgrounds can only be used as backgrounds? Today I’m going to pull them up center stage on our card ….

I’m using the Brilliant Wings Dies to create these fun looks … On the small butterfly, I just cut it out of the watercolor background created in the video. The larger butterfly was die cut, and the background was trimmed to accent the butterfly and give it a 3-D look. I popped up the butterfly by cutting a small piece out of the Stampin’ Dimensonals.

My greeting comes from the Peaceful Moments stamp set and is stamped with the Rock -n- Roll technique. I inked up the stamp with Parakeet Party first, and then rolled the stamp in the Bermuda Bay. I choose that color because the Parakeet Party and Bermuda Bay used in the watercolor background change color a little when blended together.

The greeting has a Basic Black mat as do the butterflies and were mounted onto my Coastal Cabana front that I embossed with the 3-D Fern embossing folder. I added Wink of Stella to my butterflies before mounting onto the black mat. To complete my card I added the Mat Black Dots to create additional depth and texture and to draw your eye around the entire card.

Funny, but I always think of my Mom when I use or stamp with butterflies … she loved them and had them all over her house ❤

Thank You for hanging out with me today … CLICK HERE if you would like to watch the Watercolor Background video again.

Have a great day ~

Here is a list of ingredients that I used to create today’s card. NOTE: All orders of $50 will receive a FREE qualifying Sale-a-bration item of your choice.

Watercolor Background & Silhouettes

Posted in Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I have another card highlighting the multicolored watercolor background I shared with you, but that’s not the best part … I’m going to pair it with a brand new bundle!! It’s also a great way to show you another use for those beautiful watercolor backgrounds you’ll be creating … because once you get started, you are going to create a lot of them because it’s so much fun.

Let’s take a good look at the new Scary Cute bundle and how it allows me to use my background in a new way ….

First, this cute bundle has this fun frame … I chose to “pop it up” with dimensionals. It is an open frame so you can put your scardy cat in it, the cute little house or stamp any one of the kids to fit inside (so many options!). I also have enough of my watercolor background left to die cut a moon and a greeting! Three different ways to use your creation … sweet!

You may also see a bit of tomorrows watercolor paper behind the windows of the house ….

All of these dies (except the moon) come in the bundle … I haven’t even played too much with the stamp set yet, just used it to stamp my greeting today. I hope that you liked the different ways to use your “watercolor background” and the first peek into the Scary Cute bundle. I have more Scary Cute to share with you in future posts.

Thanks so much for joining me today.

Have a great day ~

Watercolor Wash Backgrounds

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, TUTORIALS (How To), VIDEO by

Hello Stampin’ Friends!

Welcome to my blog and to today’s Watercolor Wash Backgrounds post where I will share some great tips for easy watercolored backgrounds. I’m using the Wet on Wet technique with our everyday ink pads!! You are going to marvel at how easy this is, and what amazing results you get!

I will have last nights replay of my Facebook LIVE to share with you, along with two cards created with our watercolor backgrounds.

Don’t you just love how easy that was … just a few simple tips:

  • Keep your watercolor paper wet (nice sheen) but NO puddles.
  • Have your colors ready and some water to clean your brush.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Here is the card I shared in the video. I used the Splendid Stems dies to frame my greeting… and you all know how I love my greetings!!

The measurements for both cards are the same except the double color card has and extra mat. The base is 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ with a Starry Sky front (4″ x 5-1/4″) that was embossed with the Painted Texture Embossing Folder. The watercolor paper is 4″ x 3″ so the mat is 4-1/4″ x 3-1/4″.

The greeting comes from the Flowering Tulip stamp set and is stamped in Starry Sky and die cut with the layering circles die. The greeting is adorn with the die cut leaves from the Splendid Thoughts Bundle and the card was completed by embellishing it with the Iridescent Rhinestones.

My next card highlights the dual color watercolor wash …

I used the Melon Mango and Calypso Coral inks. Measurements for the card are the same as above except for the second mat of Flirty Flamingo which measures 4-1/2″ x 3-1/2″. The palm tree and the fun border are both die cut using dies from the Palms dies.

The greeting is stamped directly onto the watercolor paper. This card is more stunning in person, the colors are much more brilliant. This card was so simple and easy to create!

I want to thank you for joining me today on my blog … I hope you enjoyed the video and the samples. I will be back tomorrow with another of of the backgrounds we created.

Take good care ~

Here is a list of the ingredients that I used for one or both of the cards. Remember, every $50 purchased, is rewarded with a exclusive Sale-a-bration item.

Here Comes the Sun(flower) …

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Paper Pumpkin by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I am thrilled to share this beautiful floral … Sunflowers with you today.

Are you like me and just love the beauty of the Sunflower? I find it amazing that this flower actually turns it’s head towards the sun … I think we should all do that more often!! Stop, tunr your head towards the sun, take a deep breath and relax. Take time to bask in God’s beauty.

I want to share with you the Sweet Sunflowers Paper Pumpkin Kit … This month’s kit includes watercolor designs inspired by nature, two Classic Stampin’ Spots for a Two-Step stamping experience, and an all-new twist technique.

As a bonus, this month’s kit includes a FREE gift that will add the perfect golden accent to any of your projects. Time to make smiles bloom!

THIS KIT INCLUDES …

  • All the supplies you need to create 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs; and coordinating envelopes.
  • An all-occasion stamp set to express words of gratitude, friendship, greetings and beautiful wildflower designed images.
  • Specialty Vellum honeycomb shape pre-cut pieces.
  • 2 Classic Stampin’ Spots (Crushed Curry and Soft Suede) for a Two-Step stamping experience with a twist!
  • Paper pieces and embellishments with watercolor designs and images.
  • Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals.
  • FREE GIFT: 8 Gold Foil Honeycomb Sheets

I can’t wait for this kit! If you want to these beautiful sunflowers too … you can subscribe now by clicking on the subscription of your choice. I also want to let you know we are in our Summer Sale-a-bration so any purchase over $50 (before shipping & handling) will reward you with a FREE Sale-a-bration item!!

Woot Woot … a FREE Gift in your Paper Pumpkin and a Sale-a-bration Gift … YES Please! Here is graph to show you your rewards level.

Here are those links I promised … you will note they match up with the rewards above.

I want to thank you for hanging out with me today. I would love to invite you to hang out with me during my Facebook LIVE tonight! You’ll find me at 6:30 pm Central Time on my Linda’s Stampin’ Escape Facebook Page. See you there!

Cheer Up My Friend …

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I have a special card to share with you …. Did you know that July 11th is Cheer Up the Lonely Day. My card features the Hand-Penned Petals stamp set and the Soft Pastels, plus I used the Blender Pens to add the color to the petals.

Whether it’s a close friend, family member, old neighbor, new classmate, parent, child, or anybody else in your life, if you know anyone who is lonely or going through a tough time, surprise them today with a visit, a hug, or a card! A small act of kindness can make a big difference.

A close up of my card to show the Wink of Stella … because we all like a little sparkle every now and then to lift the spirits. Today’s soft colors and simple layout will be easy to recreate and will touch the heart of your recipient. We are all in this world together, yet going through things most don’t even know about, so lets all reach out today … you know they say that a card is a hug, folded in the middle ❤

Use this day to also express gratitude to anyone who’s ever reached out to you while you when struggling.  I wish you a wonderful day.

Thank you for joining me today ~

Here are the items that I used to create today’s cards ….

#nationalcheerupthelonelyday

SIMPLY STUNNING Celebration …

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’d like to share one of the cards that we made at my Stamp Club party yesterday. I hosted this gathering to “Thank” my group for their support of me and my business by committing to join for the year. We made cards with the new Splendid Thoughts bundle, ate lunch …. too much dessert, and a little “thank you” gift.

It is a little more involved than what I post for Simply Sunday but there are simple techniques that elevate the card …

Our basic A2 card base is Early Espresso and was stamped with Early Espresso ink to create dimension to the card. I used the beautiful Copper foil designer paper (4-1/4″ x 3″) and a white mat behind it to bring out the white in the designer paper.

I used Early Espresso ink to stamp the greeting on Basic White and then cut out the detailed leaf dies (one done in Early Espresso). Then we attached the leaves to the back of the die cut greeting and then popped the entire piece up with Stampin’ Dimensionals to create a more dramatic effect.

I left some of the cut areas in the leaf to create an impressive detail that adds more color distinction against the foil. Worked out very nice.

So even though we are using the die cutting tools, I think this card is fairly easy to make, even for my newer stampers. This bundle is so pretty, and the specialty paper … SIMPLY STUNNING!

Thank you for hanging out with me today, I hope you try out some of these stamping technique like the color on color background.

Enjoy your Sunday,

I have a list of the items used to create the card today ….

It’s a Celebration …

Posted in Sale-a-bration by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

The last couple days I have shared some cute cards created with some awesome stamps & dies like the Blessings of Home bundle ….

and the “Nothings Better Than” stamp set and the “Love You More Than” dies ….

And yesterday you saw the Sweet Songbirds … Any of these will get you close or at the qualifying Sale-a-bration Sales, so what does that mean? You get to pick out FREE product when you achieve those qualifying sales ($50 before ship/tax)

So let’s take a peak at all the cool stuff in the Sale-a-bration Catalog ….

It’s time for one of the most exciting promotions (and parties) of the year—Sale-A-Bration! From 1 July to 31 August, you can earn exclusive, FREE products by shopping, joining, or hosting.

Tell me how I can help you get some of the FREE exclusive products…. Wish List, Host a party (in-home or on-line) or join my fabulous team! And keep your eye out for a “party” I’ll be hosting LIVE on Facebook! There will be fun, LIVE Demonstrations and prizes!!

Happy Saturday …

Thanks for hanging out with me today!

FREE Tutorial Friday: Sweet Songbirds

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today’s FREE Tutorial not only showcases a new item but our NEW In-Colors. Enjoy!

Measurements: 

  • Card Base: Basic White 5 ½” X 8 ½” score at 4 ¼”
  • Cardstock #2: In Colors Designer Series Paper 4” X 5 ¼”
  • Cardstock #3: In Color cardstock 4” X 5 ¼”
  • Cardstock #4: Basic White 3” X 4 ¼”
  • Cardstock #5: Basic White 3” X 4 ¼”
  • Cardstock #6: Pumpkin Pie ¾” X 4”

Instructions:

  • Score your card base and fold in half.
  • Attach the In Color Designer Series Paper #2 to your card front.
  • Using the large Fabulous Frame die cut the In Color cardstock #3.
  • Attach your frame to your card front using dimensionals.
  • Using the 2 ¾” X 4” stitched rectangle die cut the Basic White cardstock #4.
  • Stamp your sentiments using the In Color ink. (Stamp Music Notes in Black ink.)
  • Stamp the nest using Early Espresso Ink.
  • On the Basic White cardstock #5 stamp your bird and wing using coordinating In Color ink.
  • Stamp the bird eyes using Black Memento ink.
  • Punch out your birds.
  • Attach the little wing using a dimensional.
  • Using the bird punch; punch a piece of Pumpkin Pie cardstock #6 for the bird beak.
  • Attach to your bird as shown using liquid glue.
  • Attach your birds to your card front as shown using dimensionals.
  • On the inside of your card stamp a bird image using the coordinating inks or attach a strip of the coordinating designer series paper.

Thank you for checking out my blog post today. I hope you are inspired by the card or the in-colors!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Here is the list of supplies to create this card …

Nothing’s Better Than Chocolate …

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Well, well, well … Did you know today is World Chocolate Day? I don’t know about you, but I have chocolate in my Stamp Room at all times! Permission to indulge …

I have the perfect pairing to go with our chocolate today! It’s the “Nothings Better Than” stamp set and the “Love You More Than” dies ….

This is such a cute combination when you want to send some sweet thoughts to a friend or family member. Check out these cute projects that were created using these two items …

I see some Chocolate Chip cookies and some chocolates all decked out to gift to someone. These stamps and coordinating dies are so versatile and fun to use. Are you inspired to make cards or hungry for chocolate … Lucky thing, you can have both!!

Thank you for stopping by today, and Happy World Chocolate day!!

Here are the links to the stamp set and dies …

Watercolor Pencils Tips & Techniques

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I’m excited to share not just one … but two cards with you today! And the replay of last nights Facebook LIVE. It features tips & techniques using the Watercolor Pencils and highlights the Blessings of Home bundles. You are going to love the three different layouts I used for my cards.

So here is yesterday’s card along with my second card that used the dies to highlight the flowers …

So the coloring techniques will be shown in the video but I wanted to share how I layered the flowers on my second card. This was done my cutting 2 Basic Black shapes from the die that cut the flowers out. Then you layer them on the back shifting one to the right side and the other to the left to create a full mat behind the flower … and no need for dimensionals because you just created some nice thickness too!

Now lets take a look at the video and check out those coloring techniques ….

I did find my Melon Mambo Watercolor Pencil shortly after I ended the video … but I really loved the way the flowers turned out on our next card. I finished it off by added a Basic Black base and Pear Pizzazz background which I ran through the die machine using the Stitched Greenery dies.

I used Scalloped Contours dies to cut my flower piece out and that is layered over the Layering Designs Vellum. I used the edge of the largest die from the Scalloped Contours to create the design scallop under my greeting. You have to check out the shimmer on this Shimmery White Cardstock, goes so good with our Wink of Stella … don’t you think?

I hope you were inspired to pull out your Watercolor Pencils or get some for the very first time. Again, they are perfect for beginners because you have so much control for a watercoloring project, so versatile even our seasoned stampers will have fun with them!

Thank you for dropping by today. Enjoy your day.

Here are the list of supplies used in today’s card. Don’t forget our Summer Sale-a-bration has begun and you can earn FREE goodies for your qualifying sales.

Watercoloring Technique Card

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’m sharing a card I made with the Blessings of Home Bundle and some “watercoloring” techniques. July in World Watercoloring Month so I’ll be celebrating by hosting a series of Watercoloring Classes each Tuesday night on my Facebook LIVE!

I invite you to join me tonight on my Linda’s Stampin’ Escape Facebook page when I go LIVE at 6:30 pm Central time and I’ll show you all the tips and techniques used to create this card.

First, let me say that I am using the Watercolor Pencils for this card ….

I’ll share my first tip with you right now … When using the Watercolor Pencils you should use StazOn as your base ink for your stamped image, this will eliminate bleeding. I used the black & white background to really draw your eye to Watercolored image … and the layering brings it to life!!

I hope you plan on joining me tonight LIVE … I’ll share the replay tomorrow but tonight is your chance to ask any questions you may have about the Watercolor Pencils or the techniques I share with you.

Till then, have a wonderful day!

Here are the list of supplies used in today’s card. Don’t forget our Summer Sale-a-bration has begun and you can earn FREE goodies for your qualifying sales.

Happy 4th of July

Posted in Uncategorized by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I am sending warm wishes on this Fourth of July ….

May we help in the guidance to oversee our nation prosper and grow for a brighter tomorrow. This begins with respecting and treating each other with kindness and understanding.

I love the stamping community we have built together, may we be an example to others.

Have a blessed holiday weekend. Thank you for stopping by!

Stampin’ Hugs, Linda

Simply Sunday: Sending Hugs Card

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Sale-a-bration by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I have a pretty little card to share with you that highlights the NEW Splendid Thoughts Bundle, and I’m doing it in Soft Sea Foam. My Sending Hugs card is easy to make … besides this gorgeous bundle, you will need a Blending Brush, Wink of Stella and the Soft Sea Foam Marker, Cardstock and Ink. It sure makes life easy when everything coordinates.

Oh yes, and speaking of coordination … I’m using the Pool Party & Soft Sea Foam Cards & Envelopes packet you can get FREE during Sale-a-bration!!

The pretty patterns you see on the card base and envelope … it comes like that! And it coordinates with the Splendid Thoughts Bundle, so with the purchase of the bundle, you can choose the cards & envelopes for FREE!

I layered my Soft Sea Foam with Basic White … the first thing I did was brush a little Soft Sea Foam onto the White using my Blending Brush … it is done ever so lightly so you have a soft glow instead of a big color impact. Then I stamped my image directly over the brushed ink. I did everything in the Soft Sea Foam ink, including the greeting.

I colored the leaves in with the coordinating marker (not the Stampin’ Blends). I left some white space to create highlights and then I added my Wink of Stella. I punched out my greeting with the Double Oval Punch and tied a pretty bow before adding dimensionals to the back of my assembly and popped it up onto the card base.

I love this time of year … when a NEW Mini catalog comes out, and a Sale-a-bration catalog with it. Who doesn’t love getting FREE Stuff!! I do 🙂

Thank you so very much for taking time out of your holiday weekend to join me today.

Be Safe … Have fun!

Here is the list of products that I used for today’s card, including the FREE Sale-a-bration item!