Category Archives: Techniques

Simply Sunday: Quick & Easy Cards with the Dandy Designs Paper

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Quick -n- Easy, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’ll share a few Quick & Easy cards that I created with the Dandy Designs Designer paper in the Sale-a-bration Catalog. The idea behind these creations is to “cut” your designer paper and use it! lol

We begin by cutting 4″ strips from our 12 x 12 Designer paper … then cut it in half (6″). From there we trim it down to 5-1/4″. This gives us a nice border around our card base, and that little left over piece can be used to decorate the inside of your card.

All of my cards have been embellished with the Medium Daisy Punch ….

With this quick & easy cut pattern, you can create 6 cards per sheet ….

This is just a representation of the cut pattern and NOT “exact” measurements.

Next up we have a 4″ x 4″ cut pattern with results in 9 cards per sheet. There are more ways to use both of these cut patterns. I’m just sharing the most popular / simple card designs. Also note that the peek of paper behind the designs cut is the reverse side of the these designer paper sheets.

This is just a representation of the cut pattern and NOT “exact” measurements.

On this card we are creating a card with the 4″ x 4″ square with a twist … We cut the square piece of designer paper diagonally … from corner to corner. Then you attach to card at opposite ends to create the “Split Card Technique”. How cool is that!

You can use this fun and easy technique with any designer paper but with 48 sheets in the Dandy Designs package you will have an endless supply of fun, and so many card possibilities. Dandy Designs is one of the choices in FREE merchandise during Sale-a-bration.

My last card also uses the 4″ x 4″ piece, however we trimmed it down a 1/4″ off the top and side so we could have a nice border around it …..

These quick & easy cards were all created during my LIVE presentation yesterday for my Catalog Launch party. I go LIVE on Tuesday Nights at 6:30 with New Products, Fun Folds or Techniques … always a fun time and great projects! Hope to see you there.

Thank you for stopping by this Sunday. Have a wonderful day ~

Supply List for today’s cards ….

Sending Smiles with Embossed Designer Paper …

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Yesterday I shared some different ways to use our Embossing Folders, so today I thought I would share another use! I simply emboss my Designer paper! Using an embossing folder to compliment and add texture to your designer paper is a great way to elevate your card.

Today’s card highlights the upcoming Fancy Flora Designer paper and the Painted Texture Embossing Folder that is in our Annual Catalog ….

I love the texture that the Painted Texture embossing folder really highlights the brush strokes on our “painted” designer paper. I can’t wait for you to be able to order on January 5th … you will want this paper in your stamp room.

My cardbase is Soft Succulent and the mat for the designer paper is the Evening Evergreen. I used the Sending Smiles bundle for my greeting … it is stamped in Evening Evergreen onto the Soft Succulent cardstock. This bundle is in the Annual Catalog and this is the first time I’m actually playing with it. I popped up greeting with Mini Dimensionals and secured it over the Soft Succulent Open Weave Ribbon.

The card was finished off with 3 of the white Adhesive Backed Milky Dots that are in the new Jan-April Mini Catalog that will be available January 5th. These are the same embellishments and designer paper that I used on Wednesday’s Card …

Stop back tomorrow as I share an “elevated” take on today’s Soft Succulent card. Until then … Have a great day!

Thanks for joining me today ~

Here is a list of supplies that I used in today’s card. It does not show the Designer Paper or Adhesive Dots as they are not available until January 5th.

Embossing Folders: Discover the Possibilities

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’m sharing different ways to use your embossing folders. There are so many possibilities when it comes to using embossing folders. They are a special crafting tool that can’t be forgotten!

Concept artist Leana used the Elegant Eucalyptus Embossing Folder on white cardstock and colored in the raised embossed image with Stampin’ Blends. This technique gave her card a unique center piece!

Concept artist Christa used the Merry Melody Embossing Folder on gold foil. She then cut it into strips and made it an eye-catching accent on her card front!

Did you ever think of using an embossing folder as a sentiment for your card? Our concept artist Rebecca used the Thanks & Hello Embossing Folder and a sponge dauber to highlight the embossed words. She then chose her favorite part of the folder, fussy cut her sentiment, and made it the center of her card.

Most people think embossing folders are only good for card backgrounds, but they hold so much more potential! How will you transform an embossing folder into something new? Share in a comment below!

Thanks for taking time out of your day to stop by! Enjoy your day ~

Daisy Garden: Spotlighting Technique

Posted in Birthday, HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Tired of the cold? I’ve got the perfect card to warm you up … bright and colorful highlighting the Daisy Garden Stamp set and the Spotlight Technique! This little cutie will make you yearn for Spring!

*** I love this technique – It’s a great way to add a pop of color to images that one would think needs the entire image to be colored, so it’s quick and easy and still beautiful.

Measurements: 

  • Parakeet Party:  5 ½” x 8 ½”, scored at 4 ¼” 
  • Polished Pink: 4” x 5 ¼”  
  • 2 pieces of Shimmery White: 3 ¾” x 5”

Instructions:

  • Stamp the Daisy Garden Stamp on 2 separate pieces of Shimmery White cardstock. (Use the Stamparatus to ensure that you have a nicely stamped dark image. If a part of the image is not stamped nicely on the cardstock, you can re-ink and stamp it again.)
  • Use the 3 smallest sizes of the circle dies from the Stylish Shapes Dies cut out pieces from the 2nd stamped Shimmery White cardstock.
  • Colour the flowers and leaves that are in the cut-out circles using Stampin’ Blends. (Tip: I used the Light Pool Party Stampin’ Blend to fill all the “white space” on the circles.)
  • Use the Wink of Stella Glitter Brush to add shimmer to the flower petals.
  • Add a piece of ribbon to the fully stamped Shimmery White cardstock. Take a smaller piece of ribbon and tie a knot on the right hand side of the card.
  • Add the Stitched Circles on top of the cardstock using Dimensionals.
  • Adhere the Shimmery White cardstock to the Parakeet Party cardstock.
  • Add the layers to the card using Stampin’ Seal Adhesive.
  • Stamp the greeting from Sweet Songbirds stamp set on a small piece of Shimmery White cardstock using the Polished Pink ink. (I cut the cardstock to the correct size after stamping it)

I hope this card inspires you to try out this technique … it really is quite simple, and can really add a pop of color! What a great way to warm someones day when it’s so cold outside (at least it is where I am) lol

Thanks for joining me today, hope your day is a good one.

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

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day 9 / Twisted Ribbon Technique

Posted in Christmas, Techniques, VIDEO by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I am so excited to share my cards and video with you today. Christmas is full of pretty paper and ribbons, and today I’m thrilled to show you the “Twisted Ribbon” Technique. In the video, you will also learn two different tips to creating this technique with ease.

Let’s watch the video and then I will share the cards with you …..

How fun is this technique!?? Oh my gosh …I am addicted!! And with the use of my template, it makes creating these cards fast and simple. Let’s talk “Core” dimensions / What you need to create the card. The punches or dies you can add for greetings and such are endless!! Just have fun with it.

  • Card Base: 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ then score at 4-1/4″.
  • Panel for ribbon technique: 5″ x 2″ … this allows you to add a mat and still layer!
  • Ribbons (Designer Paper): 3″ x 1/2″ (Sorry I said 1/4!)

I’ll begin with the card that I demonstrated in the video ….

This card highlights the “Boughs of Holly” Designer Series paper. I complimented that with Real Red and Mossy Meadow cardstock. My greeting comes from the Sweet Candy Cane Stamp Set and Real Red ink.

On this card I used the Framed Florets bundle and the Framed & Festive Stamp Set. The designer paper to create the “Twisted Ribbon” is the Fitting Florets! I also used the Timeworn Type Embossing Folder to add some texture to the card.

I got a bit more creative with this card … I cut 2-1/4″ off the front flap of my card and placed my “Twisted Ribbon” on the right side of the card. Now it shows with the card is open or closed!! My designer paper of choice is the “Santa Express” full of fun and whimsy!

To create the texture on the front flap, I used the Wintery 3-D embossing folder. My greeting comes from the Very Best Occasion stamp set and was punched out using the “Label Me Lovely” punch. Cardstock colors are Poppy Parade and Shaded Spruce.

My last card I shared also used the Santa Express Designer paper ….

I also used the Wintry on this card but I embossed the beautiful White Glimmer paper! I centered my “Twisted Ribbon” to give it another different look. The greeting comes from the Sweet Candy Cane stamp set and fits this card perfectly.

I had so much fun making these cards and I hope I inspired you to grab some of your designer papers and try out this technique.

Thank you so much for joining me! Have a wonderful day.

Here are some of the supplies used to create my cards. Don’t forget that there are many beautiful designer papers on the Clearance rack at low, low prices!

Designer Paper: From Drab to FAB!!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I am sharing the video replay of my Facebook LIVE last night. I shared how you can take your Designer paper from Drab to FAB!! Watch while I show you several card featuring different techniques used to enhance your designer paper.

Let’s begin with the video …

Here is the finished card featuring the pumpkins…. All cards featured in the video were using the Rustic Harvest Designer paper.

Now I loved this paper because of it’s versatility but when I started coloring it … well, I flipped head over heels!! Isn’t the transformation amazing! I really liked the paper before but adding that color totally transforms it to another level.

NOW … it’s time to share the finished floral card ….

WOW!! How stunning are our flowers. As I compare my two floral cards … pretty before, but simply stunning afterwards. These designer papers were created for those of us who love to explore and discover new dimensions in our paper crafting. By the way … the dimensions for this card are the same as the pumpkin card and they are shown in the video.

Thank you for hanging out with me and checking out today’s blog post.

Have an amazing day!

I have a list of supplies used for the two colored cards show here today. You can click on anyone of them for more details about the product or to begin shopping.

Autumn: Most Wonderful Time of Year

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

If you missed my LIVE presentations on World Cardmaking Day, I have one of the video replays for you today. I shared the Sweet Candy Cane Christmas Bundle and demonstrated how to turn it into a bright and colorful Autumn card … to maximize your investment. We’re thinking “outside” the holiday and create with your stamp sets all year long!

Let’s take a look at the replay ….

The video explains what you need to do to get the cross hatch design and also shares the dimensions with you so you can easily recreate this card.

I think you could have a lot of fun with this pattern to celebrate many occasions: Red, White & Blue for 4th of July, shades of pink or blue for baby cards, your school colors … you get the idea! Here I used Cajun Craze, Old Olive and Crushed Curry.

I also used the dies for the “mistletoe” and turned them into Oak leaves. This was an easy and fun card to make.

Thank you for joining me today. Have a great day!

Here is a list of supplies that I used for my two cards today ….

Simply Sunday: Linen Paper & Alcohol Spritz Technique

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I just want to give a shout out to all the amazing ladies who took time out of their day yesterday to spend World Cardmaking Day with me … what a FUN day!! And as I promised them, I would share my Linen card right here on my blog.

On my first Linen card, I used the “Masking Paper” to create the card front. I cut out butterflies from Brilliant Wings out of the Masking paper and then adhered it directly onto the Linen paper.

Then with alcohol in my Spritzer and about 5 drops of Bermuda Bay ink … I spritzed the color onto the Linen paper. The alcohol helps to dry the ink faster, and what it leaves behind when you remove the “butterfly masks” is a soft beautiful “dyed” Linen paper.

For the second card, I used the Stampin’ Write Markers in Flirty Flamingo, Coastal Cabana and Highland Heather and laid down the ink directly onto the block … then spritzed it with alcohol until wet … then stamped that onto the Linen paper.

I used the Honeybee Blooms dies in Basic Black to create my silhouettes which were adhered to the Linen paper using the Multipurpose Liquid Glue … it holds best on the Linen paper. I mounted the card front onto Basic Black. I then added Pool Party Shimmer Ribbon and made a simple bow. My greeting comes from the Charming Sentiments stamp set and was stamped with Momento Ink.

To complete my card I added 3 Iridescent Rhinestones … I love that they pick up the color of the pink and blue hues. You will be able to view the replay on my Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.

I am grateful to my stampin’ friends for the fun day we had yesterday, and I thank you for joining me today. Have a beautiful Sunday.

Here is a list of supplies that I used for my two cards today ….

Reveal the Fun with the Torn Window Technique

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques, VIDEO by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I’m thrilled to share today’s cards and technique with you … I have been playing around with the “Torn Window” technique and really had fun creating different looks. In the video I demonstrate how to do the “tear” on both the designer paper and cardstock. Take a look at the video … It is a replay of last nights LIVE and can be found on YouTube as well.

This is just the tip of the iceberg … there are so many different variations that you can create using the technique. The video shares the basic “how to” and I can’t wait to share more with you this weekend … I hope you plan on joining me for the Summer Sale-a-bration Mini Catalog Celebration Party!! Now let’s take a closer look at the cards …

Card Base is 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored and folded at 4-1/4″. The designer paper or mat will measure 4″ x 5-1/4″ … the white cardstock that you will tear will measure 1/8″ less than the mat; 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″. The designer paper you tuck inside can be measured based on your opening.

Just a reminder to join me for my party this weekend to see more samples using this technique, plus LIVE demonstrations on some of the amazing products found in these catalogs… games, much FUN and prizes. CLICK HERE

I hope you enjoyed seeing this fun and easy technique, I love the fun that unfolds with this card… either a beautiful sentiment of a beautiful scene!

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy your day ~

No Line Watercolor Technique Card & Video

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques, VIDEO by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I’m thrilled to share the No Line Watercolor Technique with you today. It was scheduled for my Facebook LIVE yesterday but I had technical difficulties … well, it took me to more chances but I finally got my video!! It is too cool and pretty not to share.

I’m using the Daffodil Daydream stamp set, it is such a beautiful flower to illustrate and do this technique with.

I invite you to watch the video along with me … I can’t wait to show you the simple steps it takes to create such a gorgeous card. You are going to fall in love with this technique because it’s going to make you look like a real artist! I’m no paint pro, but I sure like the way this looks.

As simple tip is too keep your darker colors in the recesses of your image. I also kept my water painter on the dryer side … it still has water but it easier to control your color when it’s not over wet, and the results are amazing. The dimensions for this card are also simple; Old Olive Card base is 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ … the front is a piece of watercolor paper measuring 4-3/4″ x 3-1/2″. The watercolor piece I stamped on measures 3-1/2″ x 2-1/4″ so my Old Olive mat was 3-3/4″ x 2-1/2″. I just used scrap pieces for my greeting.

The greeting comes from a brand new bundle … the Very Best Occasions Bundle! That is also where the triple edge punch comes from that I decked out my daffodil with. It’s a great addition to my stamp & punch collection – I’ll be using them both many, many times.

I hope you enjoyed the video, especially those who joined me last night to support me LIVE before the internet went down.

Have a wonderful day! Thank you

Here is a list of the supplies I used in creating this card …

Watercolor & Embossing = WOW Cards!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques, VIDEO by

Hello Stamping Friends ~

So happy you joined me today for my Watercolor + Embossing card techniques. I have two cards for you today along with the replay video of last nights Facebook LIVE presentation. You’ll see how easy it is, and more importantly … FUN!

Let’s take a look at the video and then I will present the cards along with the ingredients and any dimensions you may need.

I hope you are falling in love with this beautiful technique, and as I stated in the video … using ink from your stamp pads on your blocks is a simple way to start. AND less messy!! For the Watercolor Wash Resist technique, I am using the “Shimmery White” Cardstock which is cut to a quarter sheet … 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ to start. I like to keep it simple.

The stamped image comes from the Good Feelings stamp set which is full of happy! You can check out all the sayings included in the set at the bottoms of my post.

Once dried, I used the 2nd scallop frame from the Scallop Contour dies to die cut our design out. I used the small die from the same set to create the pop of color around our large die cut image. These were then layered onto a 5-1/4″ x 4″ piece of Basic Black and then layered onto the Basic White card base. While I had the White cardstock out, I punched two daisies and layered them onto my card … to finish it off, I used the Glossy Dots to tie it all together.

Now let’s take a look at the card that I designed from my second demonstration using the Splendid Thoughts bundle …

Embossing with the white emboss powder highlights your watercoloring and creates a soft beautiful look … watercoloring within an embossed image is easy and makes YOU look like the artist!! The soft look just pops against this stunning Fresh Freesia foil specialty paper from the Splendid Day Designer Paper. This was attached to the Basic White base is 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored and folded at 4-1/4″.

I used a medium scallop die to cut the Vellum cardstock on which I layered our watercolor images and die cuts from the beautiful foil paper. Layering the vellum onto the foil creates almost an iridescent look which just highlights the greenery even more.

Let me introduce you to the Charming Sentiments bundle … oh, I love this one!! So many greetings for so many occasions and they have coordinating and accent dies!! I love the way the greeting pulls my entire card together.

Thank you for hanging out with me today.

Here is the list of products I used on both of my cards. The bundles were selected just for you because they are so versatile and can be used year round … plus, either one will qualify you for a FREE Sale-a-bration item!! Let me know if you need any help with your order.

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.

Throwback Thursday: Easy Shaker Cards

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Just the other night my Stampin’ Club and I were talking about a great way to make Easy Shaker Cards!! Today I’d like to bring back one of my favorite videos showing you how easy it is to create using this cool technique!

Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join me for a few minutes and check this out …

Cool right … and you even got to see how I dye my white ribbons!! Just think of all the beautiful designer papers there are in the catalog, and which many of you have at home! Try out this technique … you will fall in love with it and your card recipient are going to be all shook up with excitement!!

Thank you for taking a small step back in time with me … I hope I inspired you to create your own shaker card (if so, I’d love to see it).

Have a great day ~

Here are a few of my suggestions for Designer Paper, “shakeables” and ribbon I think would work great with this technique! Click on any of the items listed below to shop with me. Thank you!!

Spotlight Technique with New Horizons

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques, VIDEO by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’m going to share a twist to the SPOTLIGHT Technique with the New Horizons Designer paper. You can catch a replay of last nights Facebook LIVE where I showed “how” I cut and then let my guests choose which one they wanted to see put together. The great thing is … today you will see both cards finished off and ready to send!

Let’s begin with the video …

Now that you’ve seen the video, let’s take a closer look at those cards. I’ll start with the initial and simple SPOTLIGHT card. Here we just cut out a piece of our designer paper, and then the coordinating Blackberry Bliss cardstock as a mat.

The greeting comes from the Peaceful Moments stamp set … I think this is a must in your collection, so many amazing greeting for so many occasions. I put the link for you below.

Now we are going to “step it up” a bit or adding a twist to the SPOTLIGHT Technique by adding another layer (or two) ….

On the video I showed “how” I put this together but what I didn’t say is that the reason I used the Basic White as a mat, was to highlight the white that I used when heat embossing the greeting. Besides … it really does make the “SPOTLIGHT” pop!!

Did you notice the addition to the vellum? It’s the Layering Designs Vellum and can be found in the Annual Catalog. I think it really adds to the card … especially if you are sending this card “across the miles”!!

I love highlighting techniques that were used many years ago and we tend to forget … obviously they were popular for a reason. I love the SPOTLIGHT Technique and with the New Horizons paper.

Thank you for stopping by today, I hope it’s a good one.

Here is a list of the ingredients used for today’s cards … excluding the New Horizons paper as it has already retired.