STAMPIN' UP! FRINGE SCISSORS CONT.

How about another use for those new Stampin' Up Fringe Scissors!!!  I haven't done a vintage card in a long time, so this was a real joy to design and stamp this card making another type of flower using my Fringe Scissors.  So here is what I came up with:

The card base is Crisp Cantaloupe Cardstock with a layer of Sale-A-Bration Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper stamped with the En Français  Background Stamp in Soft Suede Ink.  Then a layer of Soft Suede Cardstock run through the Big Shot using the Hexagon Hives Framelit.  (Hint:  Use Wax Paper between the Framelit and cardstock so your cardstock just pops out of the Framelit.)  Next, for the large flower, I used all but the smallest six Circles Collection Framelits (so you have only five circles) using Pool Party Cardstock.  Cut each using the Fringe Scissors, mist with water and squash together.  Gently open back up and let dry (or use your Stampin' Up Heat Tool).  Layer the five pieces, using Tombo Glue between each layer and insert Antique Brad.  On the bottom layer I used a Circles Framelit to cut a circle from the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets to keep my fringes from ripping and to adhere the flower to the card (I used one size smaller circle than the bottom petal layer).  The smaller fringed flower layers were punched out using two different circle punches.  The tiny flowers with Basic Pearls were punched using the new Petite Petals Punch, misted, squashed, and sponged with Pool Party Ink, and adhered with Dimensionals.  I used Pistachio Pudding Cardstock and the Bird Builder Punch for the leaves.  And finally, used Soft Suede Ink, Perfect Pennants Stamp, and Banners Framelits for the banner tag.  

And here is an awesome swap card received from a fellow RubberQueen, Kim Vogel, which I then added the inside sentiment.

Next to vintage, I just love GRUNGE!!  Kim even had the back of the card stamped in the same grunge pattern (using the Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set).

Here is what I did with the inside of the card:

The card was for my granddaughter, which I was a little late getting in the mail.  I carried Kim's theme to the inside using the same background design.  Then stamped using Countless Sayings I and II Photopolymer Stamp Sets.  I love using the Photopolymer stamps because I was able to mount all these sentiments on one Clear Block F!!

Until next time,
Sandi

"Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on his faithfulness."

--  Psalm 37:3

STAMPIN' UP FRINGE SCISSORS: SPRING IS IN THE AIR!!

Are you getting tired of all the snow and cold yet?  Well, I am!  Today I'm going to get you in the mood for Spring with these adorable projects featuring the new Stampin’ Up! ^© Fringe Scissors.  These were our make'n take projects at our monthly RubberQueen meeting -- designed by Ronda Wade.  This is just another reason why I love being a demonstrator -- being able to attend Ronda's monthly meetings for training, doing beautiful make'n takes, and sharing time and fun with other stampers -- and you can too by joining Stampin’ Up! ^©.

Now if these projects don't make you think SPRING there is no hope for us:  

I love the cute little fringe on the bottom of the new Scalloped Tag!



And of course what are flowers without some fringe grass!

  

How about a flower as a cute pencil topper!!

Here is a close-up of the fringe flower.



This has nothing to do with the Fringe Scissors, but I wanted to show you our new 2014 Calendar all the RubberQueens received as a gift from Ronda Wade, which I took home and decorated.  The design on the bottom-half is Ronda's, and I added the top half to distinguish it from all the others when we are at our meetings.

This was not one of Ronda's make'n takes.  I was just playing with my Fringe Scissors before the meeting and came up with this card (for someone who is experiencing unexpected challenges in life).

I hope these projects perked up your day by thinking Spring!! 

Until next time,
Sandi

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."  --  Mathew 5:5

STAMPIN' UP! SALE-A-BRATION IS HERE!!

That's right, the once-a-year Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration (SAB) Party started this week!!  What does that mean?  FREE (that's right, I said "FREE") product for every $50 you spend!!  Contact me if you want more information -- but don't delay, the party ends March 30st.  Here is a card sample using some of the free product you can own:

This card features the Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper and Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack that coordinates with the Petal Parade Stamp Set.  The sentiment is the You're Lovely Stamp Set.  All 4 of these SAB products can be yours free!!  The tags in the pocket were created using the new Scalloped Tag Topper Punch from the new Celebrate the Everyday Mini.

I even had time to do a little bit of scrapbooking this weekend.  I'm still working on my heritage album (there is no end to this -- the family is huge!!).  I used all Stampin' Up! product, but the majority is now retired (just like the pictures are).  Right-click on the pictures for a larger view.

Yes, I did use the new Angled Tag Topper Punch on this page.

All retired Stampin' Up! product except the new Scalloped Tag Topper Punch and Antique Brads.

A close-up (I loved this designer paper from Stampin' Up!).

 Even though these album pages use retired product, I hope they inspire you to get out your scrapbook and preserve your memories!!

Until next time,
Sandi
"He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness."  --  Psalm 107:9

CELEBRATING THE EVERYDAY WITH VALENTINES & ROSES

I have been having so much fun getting ready for my Open House/Customer Appreciation day this weekend.  I just wish I had another week to create samples of all the awesome product in the new "Celebrating The Everyday" mini catalog.  But even if I had another week, I would still want another one, as I have so many ideas/projects I want to create.  My goal was to create a sample of every product I had from the new mini catalog (which was just about everything so that didn't happen!!).

Today I have some Valentine's cards that they will be making and a 3-D project for my show & tell table.  I thought they were the cat's meow when I made them, but not sure now as I have looked at them so many times it took away the "WOW factor."   So I will let you be the judge by leaving me some feedback -- I still have time to make something different.



I think I need a new camera, as the Real Red is showing up orange in this picture.  I purchased the Best of Snow Stamp Set (one of the Best of 25 Years Stamp Sets), back before Christmas, just so I could get this stamp.  I love the little hedgehogs so I had to make a "love" card.  Product:  Best of Snow & Perfect Pennants Stamp Sets; Whisper White, Pool Party Core'dinations, & Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack; Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Crumb Cake, Island Indigo, Pumpkin Pie, & Basic Black Markers; Decorative Dots Embossing Folder; Banners Framelits; Retro Fresh This & That Washi Tape; Sanding Block; Burlap Ribbon; and Dimensionals.



Here is the inside of above card.

A little "retro" love card that can be used for Valentine's Day also.  Product:  Love You to the Moon & See Ya Later Stamp Sets; Tempting Turquoise & Whisper White Cardstock; Red Glimmer Paper; Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack; Real Red, Basic Gray, & Sahara Sand Ink; Starburst & Hearts Framelits; Angled Tag Topper & Owl Punches; Red Taffeta Ribbon; Brights Candy Dots (Turquoise); Candy Dots Brad Bases; and Very Vintage Designer Buttons.



Inside of above card.



And of course I had to play with my new Spiral Flower Big Shot Die again!!  Janet Wakeland had a picture on her blog of a bouquet of the spiral flowers in a salt shaker.  I chose not to go out in the cold and just recycle a jar on hand to decorate.  I love using the Core'dinations Card Stock to make my flowers so I can sand it and get the variations in the color.  I used some old electrical wiring for my stems and wrapped SU's Washi Tape around the stems -- worked perfect (doesn't everybody keep old electrical wire in the craft cabinet???)

Here is an up-close and personal picture of the flowers.  My goal was to create different sizes of the flowers so my clients have an idea of what they can make (determined by how tight you roll your flower).

If you leave a comment (or some "love"), make sure you provide your e-mail so I can write you back.

Until next time,

Sandi
"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You."  --  Psalm 56:3

STAMPIN' UP! WATERCOLOR WONDER

Happy Thursday everyone!!  Thursday has been my favorite day of the week for as long as I can remember.  That is one of the reasons I always try to keep the day free so I can stamp all day and/or work in my studio.  Today I did a little of both.  I'm so in love with all the new product in the Celebrate the Everyday Mini Catalog (aka, Occasions Mini).  The Watercolor Wonder Suite is so "sweet" (no pun intended).  Here are two of the cards I made today using the new Watercolor Wonder Designer Notes Cards (what a deal, for $12.95 you get 20 cards and envelopes on watercolor paper -- 4 each of 5 designs!!).

You don't have to spend a lot of time with this kit to create beautiful cards.  Besides the Watercolor Wonder Designer Note Card, I used the Vivid Vases Stamp Set; Tangerine Tango, Gumball Green, Island Indigo, Crushed Curry, Daffodil Delight, and Basic Black Ink Pads; Aqua Painter; and Silver Glimmer Paper.

Another easy, peasy card!!  Again using the Watercolor Wonder Designer Note Card; Blessed Easter Stamp Set (I cut off the sentiment and mounted it on a separate wood block to maximize my use of this single stamp set) and Nature's Hello Hostess Stamp Set; Primrose Petals, Gumball Green, Island Indigo, , and Basic Black Ink Pads; Aqua Painter; and Rhinestone Basic Jewels.

I will be posting more finished cards using the Watercolor Wonder Designer Note Cards in future posts.

Until next time,
Sandi

"Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works."  --  Hebrews 10:24

GRATEFUL ART JOURNAL (MIXED MEDIA)

Wow, it sure has been "WINTER" around here in Michigan!!!  I know Michigan isn't the only state experiencing the cold and ice, but I am so ready for Spring.  So what does a girl do when she hasn't gotten her new products from the new Celebrate the Everyday Mini Catalog?  This stamper decided to get out her Grateful Art Journal and play/experiment with new techniques.  I'm so glad I did this because not only was it uplifting, but just as I was finishing today UPS delivered my overdue new product (weather conditions prevented earlier delivery) so I could add the final touch using the new Spiral Flowers Original Big Shot Die -- what fun!! 

I have posted pictures from my Grateful Art Journal in the past, but for those who don't know, it contains pages of things I am grateful for using art and anything I desire for that page.  It's so much fun because it isn't meant to be "beautiful or perfect" -- just feelings!!  So these two pages are dedicated to my oldest grand-daughter, Emily, who I am so very, very grateful to have in my life.

How was it done?  See the end of this post.

 

Close-up of the flowers made with the new Spiral Flower Original Big Shot Die.

My grand-daughter Emily.

 

SUPPLIES:

Stamps:  Loving Thoughts

Cardstock:  Primrose Petals Core'dinations Card Stock and Print Poetry (retired) DSP Pack.

Ink:  Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals, Old Olive, Crumb Cake

Accessories:  Large Pearls, Burlap 1-1/4" Ribbon, Antique Brads, Sanding Block, Sponge Daubers, Spiral Flowers Original Die, Tombo Glue, and Artisan Embellishments Kit (retired).

 

You will notice my Spiral Flowers look a little different.  I wanted a more vintage look, so I squashed them after forming the flower and then applying Tombo on the bottom to adhere.  The center flower was sanded (Core'dinations Primrose Petals Card Stock).

 

To get the texture in the background behind Emily's picture, I applied Gesso to the whole page, put down the flower masks, and then made some homemade texture paste and applied it over the whole page with an old charge card (I don't have a painter's knife).  I then used the sponge daubers to color before removing the flower masks.  I used a leaf stencil on the other page applying the texture paste also.  So here is the recipe for the texture paste:

 

Texture Paste Recipe:

• 1 tablespoon White All Purpose School Glue
• 1 Tablespoon White Craft Paint
• Some Water
• 1/4 cup Talcum Powder or (Johnson’s Baby Powder to make it smell good

Instructions:

Combine talcum powder, glue, white paint with disposable chopsticks or plastic spoon in an airtight container.  Add water to get it to the consistency you are looking for.  You want a nice thick texture much like toothpaste.  The mixture will keep perfectly for many months.

I love it when I can create using all Stampin' Up! product without going to a high-priced craft store to get the effect and technique I want.  I hope you try something new on your next creation!!

 

Until next time,

Sandi

 

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever . . .."

--  1 Chronicles 16:34

 



HAPPY NEW YEAR -- 2014!!!

It's a new year and I'm so ready for it!!  Last week I put in a huge order for all new Stampin' Up! product going on sale January 3, 2014, from the "Celebrate the Everyday" mini catalog.  I rarely ever do "sneak peeks" of new product just because it would be like opening Christmas presents before Christmas morning -- I love surprises and don't want to spoil it for you or me!!  I can say, you will love everything in the new mini, so get ready to "Celebrate."

I have been so busy with Christmas preparations and family visits (let alone not having electric for a week due to the ice storm) that I haven't done much creating.  I do have some pictures of my table decorations for Christmas dinner.  They were fast, easy, but perfect for my table.  What do you think:

Each Craft Bag was filled with chocolates and candy cane; envelope made with Stampin' Up's Envelope Punch Board and cash gift enclosed.  The names were stamped on using the Designer Typeset Photopolymer Stamp Set, punched with Word Punch, and attached with Dimensionals on the 2 ends so I could tuck the envelope flap under and keep it closed.  The tag was stamped using VersaMark and the Chalk Talk Stamp Set and then heat embossed with Whisper White Embossing Powder, then cut with the Chalk Talk Framelits.

 

Napkin rings for my dinner napkins.

 

 

Of course I recycled empty toilet paper rolls (doesn't everybody???) by cutting them in one-inch heights, then gluing on one-inch strips of Season of Style Designer Series Paper, sponged the edges with Cherry Cobbler Ink (see picture above), and finally applied a coat of Mod Podge to protect and make them sturdier.  I used the Very Merry Tags Stamp Set, the1-3/4" Circle Punch, a dab of Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details for Rudolph's nose, and Dimensionals to apply the circle to the ring.

 Even though Christmas is over, I hope this gives you some ideas for maybe adding some table decorations for your next holiday dinner (change the stamps and paper for an awesome Easter dinner party).

Until next time,
Sandi

"All things work together for good to those who love God."  --  Romans 8:28