Category Archives: Techniques

Create Stunning Watercolor Pansies

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Have you ever wondered “how they did that”? Today’s video shows you how to Create Stunning Watercolor Pansies!! Sometimes it’s a good teacher to look back at some of the things we’ve done in the past. I am so excited these did not retire and are still in the catalog for us to create with. I have combined an old technique with our new Pansy Petals and the results are stunning!

I have created a video for you from my Facebook LIVE last night so you can watch step by step how easy it is to create these beautiful flowers …. They almost look real don’t they?

Isn’t that cool … I am in love with this technique! In the past I made pansies from the butterfly punch but this is more realistic!! It creates so much texture and depth when you “scrunch” your petals.

Those little white specs you see are actually the “shimmer” paper making a statement… now we have our Wink of Stella if you like that bling! It really is so pretty and you can do these in any color you’d like! Here is what I whipped up quickly last night after my LIVE demo ….

Not bad for a 2 minute card!! You can use any designer paper for your background and just added the flowers and my greeting … simple!

Thanks for joining me today! Hope your day is an awesome one ~

TODAY’S STAMPIN’ SUPPLY LIST … If you liked the products used in today’s projects, I have links for you below. Some maybe substitutes for original product used. Just click on the item you would like more information on, or to begin your shopping. It will take you directly to my website. Thank you ♥

Parade of Pansies …

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I have several cards to share with you today … I have some quick & simple pansy cards that highlight Pansy Petal Stamp Set & Dies …

This card shows how easy it was to use the layering of the pansy images to create pretty hand stamped pansies ….

Many of you have used Two-Step stamp sets, and the Pansy stamps are no different. They are designed to layer color to create a beautiful flower. CLICK HERE to view the entire post.

If you like texture on your flower, then you’ll love the layered die cuts to create you pansy …

The dies not only cut but they emboss as well … amazing!! The layering of the die cuts gives you some fun texture on your cards, but that didn’t stop me from embossing the background with the “Painted Texture” embossing folder! I also added the cute little Elegant Faceted Gems to draw your eye around the card.

I have fallen in love with this bundle, join me as I share a video of the watercoloring technique demonstrating how to create this amazing pansy ….

The Pansies are on the discontinued list … if you have them or not, I hope I inspired you and brightened your day with this pretty flowers.

Thanks so much for hanging out with me today.

I hope your day is a beautiful one!!

TODAY’S STAMPIN’ SUPPLY LIST … If you liked the products used in today’s projects, I have links for you below. Just click on the item you would like more information on, or to begin your shopping. It will take you directly to my website. Thank you ♥

Happy Easter

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I’d like to wish all of you a very Happy Easter, and hope you are with family and / or friends on this beautiful day.

I am re-sharing one of the Easter Cards that I made earlier … please know that you can use this technique with any shape, I just love how this one turned out.

To VIEW how this card was made; CLICK HERE

Beautiful Thistle using Stampin’ Blends 3 Ways

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’m sharing a video “replay” of last nights Facebook LIVE where I shared tips on coloring the Beautiful Thistle bundle with Stampin’ Blends. Then see how I took these tips and colored on 2 more stamping mediums – Heat embossed and the Fine Shimmer paper.

The results are stunning, so grab a coffee and join me ….

I got rave reviews from those who watched LIVE last night, and I am offering the same deal to you. When you purchase the Beautiful Thistle bundle before it retires (or sells out) I will send you the PDFs for these beautiful cards.

Here is a SHOPPING LINK for your convenience:  https://www.stampinup.com?hostcode=BAPEANG2

Thank you for joining me today and I hope you find something beautiful in every day.

Magically turn Framed Florets Dies into Easter Egg Cards!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, HOLIDAYS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I’m so excited about this fun technique, turning the Floral Dies into Easter Egg Cards. I think the cards turned out so cute / lovely … yes, I have 2 cards for you today along with a video – a replay of my Facebook LIVE from last night.

Let’s take a look at the video …

As promised, I have the dimensions for our Easter Egg card. My cardstock base is Flirty Flamingo and measures 7-1/4″ x 5-1/4″ … Score at 4-1/4″ on the 7-1/4″ length. This will give you a front “flap” and exposes a portion of the inside. You need 2 pieces of Basic White (and one scrap to die cut greeting). Front measures 5-1/4″ x 2-3/4″ … emboss with the “splatter” embossing folder and the inside measures 5-1/4″ x 4″ … add a strip of the designer paper.

The designer paper I’m using on this card is the Rain or Shine Designer paper. The patterns I picked look great as Easter Eggs … the splatter one reminds me of how your dyed eggs always end up with “some” spots! lol The greeting for both cards come from the Charming Sentiments stamp set and die cut from the Stylish Shapes.

Our next card has an easy layout / dimensions and boasts the Floating Element Technique … I love this technique. Let’s begin with your Petal Pink card base measuring 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored and folded at 4-1/4″.

Trim down the 6″ x 6″ Fancy Flora Designer paper to 5-1/4″ to 4″ and adhere it directly to your card front. I use a 4″ x 3″ piece of Window Sheet to die cut my oval /egg and then I attach the 1″ strips which were embossed with the Quatrefoil Tile Embossing Folder. Don’t you love the elegance of the embossed egg?

The greeting for the card comes from the Charming Sentiments stamp set and die cut from the Stylish Shapes. The butterfly is die cut using the Brilliant Wings Dies … and we finished off with the Opaque Adhesive Backed Gems.

You can used any designer paper to create your Easter Eggs and / or use it as a background like I did on this card. So fun and versatile.

Thank You for hanging out with me today, I hope I inspired you to try this fun technique. You can also do it with circles!!

Have a great day ~

No Line Watercolor Technique Card & Video

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques, VIDEO by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Ready for Spring? I’m thrilled to revisit the No Line Watercolor Technique with you today. Daffodils always remind me of spring and with the temperature hitting 40 degrees today, it will feel like spring for many of us.

I love this watercoloring technique and it is much easier that you think. It’s not a quick card but it is very relaxing and you will fall in love with the No Line Watercolor technique as well.

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 this beautiful card, and the video will inspire you to try out this No Line Watercoloring technique.

Have a wonderful day! Thank you

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

Amazing Silhouettes Card in Watercolor

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’m sharing the last of the 3 images in the Amazing Silhouettes stamp set. I’m using a touch of watercoloring with this one. I began by stamping the leaf image on to one of the watercolor patterns in the Dainty Flowers Designer papers in Old Olive. Yes, I stamped my image onto designer paper.

I added water to the middle size Water Painter and I used it to activate the ink and give it a more watercolor look. Then I added a little more ink to the image using the Water Painter giving it more depth of color…..

Once dry, I added a Mossy Meadow mat to it and wrapped the corner with the 3/4″ White Frayed Ribbon and then some of the natural Bakers Twine. These add so much texture to the card and create a framed edge for our foliage.

Using another pattern from the Dainty Flowers I cut into two pieces and used one side to highlight the green and the other to highlight the freesia that is found on the original piece that I stamped on. I layered these three pieces together and mounted them onto my cardfront.

I used Mossy Meadow for my card front and then embossed it with the Stitched Greenery Die. It gives the project some texture and a touch of greenery! You’ll love how the intricate detail dresses up the card perfectly.

No bling on this card because I wanted to keep it more natural. I added the card front to my base in Mossy Meadow … I love layering color on color, it’s such soft and subtle look.

Hope you enjoyed the three different looks / techniques that showcased the Amazing Silhouettes. I have to “Thank” my friend Karen who booked a workshop and asked to see this stamp set. It totally changed my mind … I love it! It’s unique and lends itself to many different techniques.

Thanks for popping in today, I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

Here is a list of ingredients used in today’s card. You can click on any one for more information about the product, or to begin shopping at my OnLine store. Thank you for your support ❤

Amazing Silhouettes Faith over Fear Card ….

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I have another card to share from the Amazing Silhouettes stamp set and a fun technique that really showcases the silhouette aspect of this stamp set. There are three different images in this stamp set and it’s when you add ink that they really come to life.

I’m going to be using a type of “Emboss Resist” technique on my card today. Starting with the VersaMark pad … ink up the butterfly image and stamp it onto your card front (I’m using a 3-3/4″ x 5″ sheet of Basic White) re-apply ink and stamp a second and repeat. Pour White embossing powder over the butterfly images and heat until the powder turns smooth and shiny.

Next I pulled out my Blending Brushes along with Highland Heather, Flirty Flamingo, and Coastal Cabana ink pads….

Pull the Blending Brush across the ink pad to ink up and then using a rotating motion beginning “off” your cardstock bring it in and color in your butterflies. I used a different brush for each color. Then grab a tissue and wipe excess ink off of the embossed area.

Once the excess ink is wiped off, I added the White Glittered Organdy Ribbon between two of the butterflies attaching the ends to the backside of the card front. Once secure, I tied another piece onto the ribbon to create a bow. This is when I layered the Flirty Flamingo mat behind my card front.

Using the same Charming Sentiments bundle I used on yesterday’s card, I stamped the “Faith over Fear” sentiment in Highland Heather and then die cut it with the coordinating dies in the bundle.

I then embellished the card using the Iridescent Rhinestones. I love how they pick up the colors of the ink I used and just twinkle on this card … it gives you a soft, warm feeling like a hug, and pairs perfectly with our sentiment.

Such a beautiful card with a soft touch of color, and pretty darn easy to make too! Embossing is what actually attracted me to the world of stamping, with a few simple steps you can elevate your card to the next level. What inspired you to begin stamping?

Thank you for visiting my blog today, hope yours is a good one.

Here is a list of ingredients used in today’s card. You can click on any one for more information about the product, or to begin shopping at my OnLine store. Thank you for your support ❤

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 ….