Category Archives: HANDMADE CARDS

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 ….

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.

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!

Storybook Gnomes …

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’d like to highlight the NEW Storybook Gnomes Suite in the new July-Dec Mini Catalog. Being part Norwegian I fell in love with these cute gnomes. You’ll find them on pages 42 and 43 … but I have a video here for you so you can get a better look at this suite.

Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and join me for this quick video …

Put the charm in charming with the adorable Kindest Gnomes Suite Collection! Create whimsical cards, tags, and more with designs you can mix and match. Don’t forget to add a dimensional touch with the Snow Accents Puff Paint.

Aren’t they just the cutest! You can have so much fun and for any occasion. There is so many fun suites… and gorgeous suites in this Mini, I wasn’t sure where to start!! I hope you got your catalog, if you don’t have a demonstrator, I’d be happy to serve you.

Thank you for dropping by on this holiday weekend!

Be Safe … Have fun!

Here is a list of products from the suite, plus I’ve included the entire suite if you’re like me and have to have all the coordinating products! Don’t forget … It’s SALE-A-BRATION and you can pick FREE Product for each $50 you purchase (before ship/hdlg)

Cup of Tea …

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I have a cute card made from the fabulous Cup of Tea Suite. Sit a bit and enjoy a cuppa while you create cards and more with products from the Tea Boutique Suite Collection.

If you like tea, you’ll love creating tea-themed projects. The Cup of Tea Bundle has stamps and coordinating dies for making cards and scrapbook pages.

Sit and stay awhile with a friend and share the Cup of Tea Bundle! ☕

This bundle includes stamps and dies to create a perfect cup! Add a little (or a lot) of love, a slice of lemon, and a heart-felt sentiment for cute cards and crafts that will make everyone smile.

Thank you for stopping by!

Welcome July … Welcome NEW Catalogs!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

The day we have been waiting for is here!! The New July-Dec Mini and the Sale-a-bration Catalogs go LIVE today!! I’m so excited … I also have a sweet card to share with you today! It’s made with the NEW Very Best Occasions Stamp Set … You all know I love my sentiments, and this one was created so you can use them on the front or the inside of your card … LOVE it!!

You’ll find the Very Best Occasions Stamp Set in the New MINI Catalog on page 68.

Can you believe another Sale-a-bration … I love that we now have two of them, if you’re like me … it’s a bit more cost effective, PLUS we get more choices and I hope you’ve been lookin’ it over. There is such a great diversity of stamps and paper … something for everyone.

OK, let’s get to today’s card …. Our base is Basic White and is layered with 2 patterns from the beautiful new Splendid Day Specialty Designer paper. The beautiful die cut piece comes from the Artistic Dies.

The greeting from our Very Best Occasions stamp set is stamped in Soft Suede onto So Saffron card stock … and before we attach it with dimensionals, we are going to add some of the green ribbon from the Real Red & Garden Green Combo Pack. The card is finished off by embellishing it with those cute little Brass Butterflies!

I hope you enjoyed my little kick off to the New Catalogs, and I thank you for joining me today.

Save Your Scraps & Create …

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

I have a bright and fun card to share with you that highlights the new In-Colors and shows you how to use up some of those scraps … even the thinnest ones.

We’re using two 1/8″ strips of Sweet Sorbet, Parakeet Party, Tahitian Tide, Starry Sky, and Orchid Oasis. These are applied at an angle and then the edges are trimmed off. For the greeting, you’ll mask off the unused part of the stamp before inking then remove the mask to stamp and stamp the sentiment.

Then, die cut “Thanks” from Thick Basic White and shadow with Starry Sky.  Glue together and attach to card front.  Attach card front to the card base using dimensionals. Thick Basic White was used for the card base and front.

To complete the card attach Matte Decorative Dots above and below the greeting to draw your eye around the card. I love the color and dimension that it adds as well.

Thank you for stopping by today! Have a great week.

Simply Sunday: Biggest Wish Birthday Card

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I have a cute birthday card for you that highlights the Biggest Wish Stamp Set and is accented beautifully with the Hues of Happiness Designer Series paper. This simple layout makes card making quick and easy … and very pleasing!

The card bases is Basic White as is our hand stamped area. The card front is Night of Navy and the Hues of Happiness and stamped white are both secured to it. The ink used is the Night of Navy for the “Birthday” and Daffodil Delight for the “happy, happy, happy” … these two colors compliment each other and coordinate with our designer paper.

The pink Adhesive Backed Hexagons were used to draw your eye across the card and to balance the color of pink from the Hues of Happiness Designer paper. So cute … so easy! Birthday cards are probably the most hand-made and sent cards and what a wonderful way to celebrate someone you love!

Thank you for joining me today. I hope your day is a good one.

Free Tutorial Friday: Birthday Brew

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Tutorials by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

It’s another FREE Tutorial Friday and if your from Wisconsin that also means it’s time for a Friday Fish Fry … and what goes better with your Fish Fry than a nice cold brew!! Today’s card tutorial features the Brewed for You stamp set.

Measurements: 

  • Card Base: Crushed Curry 5 ½” x 8 ½”
  • Cardstock #2: Basic White 4” x 5 ¼”

Instructions:

  • Cut a 5 ½’ x 8 ½” Crushed Curry card base. Fold in half.
  • Cut a 4” x 5 ¼” Basic White panel.
  • Stamp (3) large and (4) small Watercolor Circles onto the Basic White panel using Crushed Curry ink.
  • Lightly spritz a little water to soften the edges. Let dry completely.
  • Using a Water Painter, add Crushed Curry ink to the brush and tap to speckle ink all over the panel as desired. Let dry completely.
  • Adhere the panel to the card front.
  • On a scrap piece of Basic White, stamp the glasses and foam using Jet Black Stazon ink.
  • Color the glasses using Crushed Curry ink and a Water painter. Cut.
  •  Cut a ¾” x 2 ½” strip of Basic White cardstock.
  • Stamp the sentiment using Jet Black Stazon ink. Cut the right edge to form a banner.
  • Adhere the sentiment to the top of the card using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
  • Cut a 2 ¾” Crushed Curry circle.
  • Cut a 2 1/8” Basic White circle.
  • Stamp the sentiment onto the circle using Jet Black Stazon ink.
  • Adhere the sentiment to the Crushed Curry Circle.
  • Adhere the circle to the card front.
  • Adhere the glasses to the card front using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

I think this is a perfect card for a Friday FREE Tutorial, Oh, Ale Yes!! Enjoy your Friday and enjoy your weekend.

Thank you for hanging out with me for a cold one today!

Here is a list of supplies used to create this card ….