Are You Ready??

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends!

And welcome to my blog. Are you ready? Ready to see the last of my watercoloring techniques? For the past 3 weeks I have been celebrating World Watercoloring Month. I began with a simple “Waterwash” background.

If you would like more information about this card CLICK HERE to view the original post.

The second card highlights the dual color watercolor wash where you start one color from the top and the second from the bottom and let them meet in the middle … gives you a brand new color there!

The next week we added the Emboss Resist technique to our watercolored background … this really looks so nice together with that fun surprise of the embossed image / greeting!

If you want to read more about this card CLICK HERE for more information.

The fourth card takes the heat embossing in a bit of a different direction. Instead of resisting the watercolor like our card above … you use the embossed image more as a guide to help highlight your watercoloring.

I want to invite you to join me tonight for my Facebook LIVE where I will be showing you a beautiful watercoloring technique that is going to blow your mind … it creates a stunning image! You won’t want to miss this one, so ARE YOU READY??

Join me for the No Line Watercoloring Technique! I’ll be using one of your favorite stamp sets.

Thank you for hanging out with me … see you tonight!

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.

Amazing Scottie Dog Card …

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! It was a stormy Saturday by me, but my craft room is in the basement … so I was safe! lol Hope you were too.

I’m thrilled to share today’s card with you. If you are a puppy lover … then you are going to love this simple, fun Amazing Scottie Card! It was created by one of the design team members in the group that I belong to and I just fell in love with it …

We start with our cardbase in the landscape / horizontal position. You’ll attach the Gingham Cottage Designer Series paper onto the black mat, and then secure that to your cardbase. Using the “Deckle Rectangle” die, cut out a piece in Basic White for our greeting.

Stamp the sentiment from the Amazing Phrasing stamp set on the rectangle using Calypso Coral ink. Bend the stamp so that it curves before adding it to the clear block. Then, add the white rectangle to the card front as shown …

Punch a dog using the black cardstock scrap and the Scottie Dog Punch. Cut a small piece of gingham ribbon and add it to the dog’s neck using mini glue dots to hold it on the back. Add the dog to the card using black Stampin’ Dimensionals, and one little gem to the collar for our scottie dog!

You can find the Christmas Scottie Bundle in the July – December Mini Catalog and the Amazing Phrasing stamp set in the Sale-a-bration catalog. See … just because it’s in the mini doesn’t mean it’s just for Christmas! It’s a mission to show you how to maximize the value of your stamping supplies!

Thank you for stopping by this Monday. Have a wonderful week.

Here is a list of the products that were used to create the card. Don’t forget … It’s Sale-a-bration, and you can earn FREE products with qualifying purchases.

Simply Sunday: Easy Gift Idea

Posted in Gift Giving ideas by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I have an easy breezy gift idea for you … it’s fun and inexpensive! Perfect for Birthday parties, Baby Showers, Office Gifts, Thank You gifts … even a Wedding! Let’s take a look at the cute Stars Treat bags ….

There are 10 bags per package which makes them very cost effective. They are stampable … dyeable … and food safe. I used mine as a “Thank You” gift ….

I simply slid a piece of the Starry Sky Designer paper into the bag … and then I sparkled them with Wink of Stella! My greeting comes from the Flowering Tulips stamp set and was die cut using the Layering Circle die, that is also how I cut my mat for behind the greeting.

There are so many ways you could use and decorate theses little cuties … I will be sharing more with you at a later time, so make sure you are “Following” my blog so you won’t miss a thing!

Thank you for joining me today!

Have a beautiful Sunday ~

Here is the supply list of items I used in today’s project. Click onto any image for more information or to grab some of those bags for yourself! I’ll send you a special “Hand Stamped” card with your order.

The Best Remedy …because sometimes life stinks!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

The latest addition to the Kits Collection is here! Use The Best Remedy Kit to make cards that comfort and encourage others during times of trouble. The cute critters in this set are sure to bring a smile!

I just had to share this one … Just look at all the bright fun colors, patterns and critters, it’s just so stinkin’ cute! What a wonderful way to cheer someone up … the world needs “happy” now.

You can breeze through these cards easily with the color instructions included, or go bold and change them up a bit. I tend to just go with the flow and enjoy the creativity without any stress at all. That is why we buy the kits in the first place … right.

The Kits Collection by Stampin’ Up! makes creativity easy with a variety of projects, styles, and designs to choose from. Each kit offers simple steps, beautiful designs, and a fun creative experience…. and this one, is just too cute to pass up.

Thanks for poppin’ in today.

If this is your style and you’d like to get started (it’s great to have get well and cheer cards on hand). I’ve got the link for you below. Enjoy your weekend.

Free Tutorial Friday: Amazing Phrasing

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Welcome back for another Free Tutorial Friday. Today we’re showcasing the Amazing Phrases stamp set and Rings of Love Designer paper … both are FREE items in our Sale-a-bration Catalog! This simply cute card was created by one of the fabulous artists from the design team that I belong to. Enjoy!

Your list of ingredients are found below … you can click on them for more information or to begin purchasing the items you will need to make this card.

Measurements: 

  • Starry Sky
    • Card Base 4-1/4” x 11”, scored and folded to 4-1/4” x 5-1/2”
    • Punch: scrap
  • Poppy Parade
    • Punch: scrap
  • Basic White
    • Layer: 4” x 5-1/4”
    • Sentiment: Scrap
  • Rings of Love
    • Layer 1: 4” x 5-1/4”
    • Accent Strip: ½” x 4”

Instructions:

  • Adhere the Rings of Love accent strip to the Basic White Layer with Multipurpose Glue.  Then, adhere the Basic White layer to the inside of the card base with Multipurpose Glue.
  • Adhere the Rings of Love layer to the card front with Multipurpose Glue.
  • Stamp the Amazing Phrases sentiment in Starry Sky on a scrap of Basic White and cut out with the plain oval from the Double Oval Punch.
  • Use the Double Oval Punch scallop to cut Starry Sky. Adhere the sentiment to the scalloped oval with Dimensionals.
  • Use the Bough Punch to cut two sets of leaves from Starry Sky and one bud from Poppy Parade.  Then adhere to the card front with Multipurpose Glue.
  • Cut a 4” strip of Starry Sky Metallic Ribbon and double it over.  Add it to the card front with Mini Glue Dots.  Then, fray the ends.
  • Adhere the sentiment with Dimensionals.

LIST OF INGREDIENTS ….

Thank you so much for stopping by today! Hope you were inspired to make some quick & easy cards this weekend with some adorable designer paper.

Enjoy your weekend ~

Craft for a Cause

Posted in Card Kits by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

With all the struggles in the world today, have you ever felt like you needed to do something? Be a part of something bigger than yourself to help others? Let me share how we can make a difference … Craft for a Cause with the Nourish & Flourish Kit

Help us make a difference with the Nourish & Flourish Kit! Food scarcity is an issue facing communities across the globe. And with your help, we hope to make a difference. With every Nourish & Flourish kit purchased by you, we’re donating $3 to organizations fighting to end food scarcity.

The Nourish & Flourish Kit is made of your spring picnic dreams. With a deliciously bright color palette you’ll love creating the springtime cards while knowing your crafting is making a difference!  Here is what is included in this kit ….

  • Kit includes 9 embossed card bases—3 each in 3 designs—and 9 coordinating envelopes
  • Includes sticker sheets, die cuts, and die-cut labels
  • Includes an insulated 9″ x 6-1/2″ x 6-1/4″ lunch bag
  • Finished card size: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″
  • Coordinating colors: Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Petal Pink, Pool Party, Shaded Spruce

Food scarcity is an issue facing communities across the globe. Each year, Stampin’ Up! supports a designated cause through special limited-edition products or promotions. This Year we have chosen to support organizations that are working to end food insecurity by releasing a special Nourish and Flourish Kit (item 160230).

We all know that Making a Difference by helping others makes us feel good. And we know you will want to get behind this great cause. Click HERE to get your kit now. This kit is available July 1, 2022 through the 4th of January … but don’t wait, good things don’t last forever. This kit would make a beautiful Birthday, Graduation or Christmas gift for the crafters in your family … even beginning crafters!

I’ll be honest … I love how Stampin’ Up! tied in the “fighting food scarcity” with a beautiful insulated lunch bag, a sweet reminder that we have helped in making a difference in the lives of others.

I am putting the link below for you to make it easy for you to join in the cause and to help in making a difference.

Thank you for hanging out with me and for helping out.

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.

The Beauty of Watercoloring

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

Hello Stampin’ Friends!

And welcome to my blog as we take a look at the Beauty of Watercoloring today. I would like to share the replay of my Facebook LIVE that shows you step by step how to create 4 different Watercolor Wash backgrounds. With that I will share the cards I created with those backgrounds. Here is the video ….

Here is the card I shared in the video from the first background I created. This technique reflects the Ombre look as the color fades from dark to light. I used the Splendid Stems dies to frame my greeting… and you all know how I love my greetings!!

If you would like more information about this card CLICK HERE to view the original post.

The second card highlights the dual color watercolor wash where you start one color from the top and the second from the bottom and let them meet in the middle … gives you a brand new color there!

The third card is a blending of multiple colors! If you’re not sure what colors go together … let nature be your guide! Here I used the colors of an early sunset, when the skies are pink and blue with a few shades of purple. I framed part of the background and used it for my moon!

If you want to read more about this card CLICK HERE for more information.

The fourth card I made had multiple colors and I added Sea Salt which pulled up some of the color which created some “spots”. This time I die cut my background … this technique is not just for backgrounds but can be used in many ways!

Full details for my butterfly card can be found HERE.

I want to thank you for joining me today on my blog … and invite you to join me tonight for my Facebook LIVE where I will be showing you an easy & beautiful technique watercoloring heat embossing images.

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.

Fresh Cut Flowers for You

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I want to share a beautiful card created by one of my fellow artists from the design team I am on. The Fresh Cut Flowers stamp set is the focus on this card …

We begin with our Tahitian Tide card base and the coordinating designer paper. The Basic White cardstock was cut with the Scalloped Contour Dies to create a dramatic statement to draw your eye directly to the Fresh Cut Flower image. What a great use of the dies!!

To get that look you’ll die cut the white using the large scallop frame and turn it so that the corner is facing down, then attach to the Plaid Tahitian Tide Designer paper creating a triangle apron.

The flower image is stamped with Memento Ink and colored with the Flirty Flamingo and Parakeet Party Stampin’ Blends … time to fussy cut out the flower image and mount to front of card.

The sentiment is stamped with the Memento Ink on Parakeet Party cardstock. To finish off the card, you’ll add a few of the Brushed Butterflies around your Fresh Cut Flower bouquet.

I hope you enjoyed this card as much as I did, and were inspired to think outside of the box when using your dies! I love this look.

Thank you for stopping by today.

Here is the supply list for the card shared today …

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!