Stampin-Style

Be My Valentine Mike's Minute

Stampin' Up! P.S. I Love You &
Scalloped Heart of Hearts

Today I'm going to share with you a project I presented at the Palm Springs Public Library.  This project is accompanied by a video that will walk you through the step-by-step process so for that reason they'll be no steps at the bottom of this posting.  I love the simplicity of this card AND the P.S. I Love You stamp set.  So many features - so little time!

Enjoy!

 

Stampin' Stuff: 

Don't forget!
Clicking on the Featured items will take you right to my store.
Clicking on the images will display a larger image.

Stamp Sets -

• P.S. I Love You Wood Mount (125460 - Occasions 2012 Mini) <-Featured item

Ink -

• Real Red Classic Ink (103133)

Paper -

• Whisper White Card Stock (100730)
• Real Read Card Stock (102482)

Accessories -

• Real Red 5/8'' Grosgrain Ribbon (Retired)

Tools -

• Modern Label Punch (119849)
• Word Window Paper Punch (119857)
• Full Heart Punch (119883)
• Scalloped Heart of Hearts (117332) <-Featured item

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PPA127 - Be Mine, Valentine!

Stampin' Up! Candy Conversations &
Sprinkled Expressions

Welcome to the Pals Paper Arts bi-weekly challenge.  This week it's a sketch challenge by our own Margaret Moody and I must say that with the New Year came a new batch of extraordinary sketches from Margaret.  You wIll love the wonderful new designs.  I decided to give you all a little preview of the new Sale-a-bration Mini coming up January 24.  The printed heart is from the Sprinkled Expressions set and I absolutely love it.  It has an image and a coordinating sentiment perfect for the inside of a card.  The sentiment for this one says “Love you just the way you are.”  Of course the Candy Conversations sentiment and embossed hearts are from the current Occasions Mini.  Enjoy!

Stampin' Stuff:

Don't forget!
Clicking on the Featured items will take you right to my store.
Clicking on the images will display a larger image.

Stamp Sets -

• Candy Conversations Single Stamp (125560 - Occasions Mini) <- Featured Item
• Sprinkled Expressions Wood Mount (125130 - Sale-a-bration Mini)

Ink -

• Melon Mambo Classic (115656)

Paper -

• Whisper White Card Stock (100730)
• Melon Mambo Card Stock (115320)
• Regal Rose Card Stock (105130)
• Brights Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack (117155)

Tools -

• Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (123130) <-Featured item
• Ovals Originals Big Shot Die ( 114525)
• Fashionable Hearts Embosslits Die( 125596 - Occasions Mini) <-Featured item
• Designer Sanding Block (124304) <-Featured item 

Putting It Together Tips:

• To get the framed heart I first die cut the medium oval from the Originals Oval die.  Then I positioned the Melon mambo Sprinkled Heart stamp in the center of the oval.  Finally I positioned the oval in the Designer Frames Embossing Folder and ran it through the Big Shot.  It fits almost perfectly.  I used my Paper Snips to trim the slight access away.
• I'm big on outlining my components where possible.  But I don't like the bold borders on most of my projects so I usually cut my mat 1/8'' larger than the item.  This gives me a scant 1/16'' mat around the edge.  This technique accents the item without overwhelming the composition.
• To get a nice, rich coverage in a solid image, use the sanding blocks to remove any residue from the stamp's creation.  Sanding the surface enables the ink to fully load and does not impact the stamps' surface.  Use the fine surface and gently rub the stamp.

 
Purchase the Stampin' Up!  Starter Kit.  
For $175 you'll receive product and business supplies valued at over $340.

PPA125 - With Love

Stampin' Up! PS I Love You 

This week's Pals Paper Arts challenge is an element of style - the tag.  Tags come in all shapes and sizes but I chose to stick with the traditional tag shape,  Add a piece of ribbon and anything can be a tag.   Here I selected to make the card also a giant tag.  Even used the Modern Label punch as a tag.  Your imagination is your only limitation.

Stampin' Stuff:

Don't forget!
Clicking on the Featured items will take you right to my store.
Clicking on the images will display a larger image. 

Stamp Sets -

• P.S. I LOve You Wood Mount (125460 - Occasions Mini available January 4) 

Ink - 

• Real Red Classic Ink (103133)
• Real Red Stampin' Write Marker (100052)
• Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker (100071)
• Garden Green Stampin' Write Marker (100080)

Paper - 

• Whisper White Card Stock (100730)
• Real Read Card Stock (102482)

Accessories -

• Real Red 1/4'' Grosgrain Ribbon (109034)

Tools -

• Extra Large Tag Punch (119866)
• Large Tag Punch (119876)
• Word Window Paper Punch (119857)
• Modern Label Punch (119849)
• Crop-A-Dial (108362) 

Putting It Together Tips:

• Using markers is the fastes way to create multi-colored impressions, but it's very easy to place color on the stamp where you don't want it.  Use a Blender Pen to easily remove unwanted ink from the rubber.
• Always stamp your image first, and then punch it out for perfect image placement every time!
• To thread the ribbon through the tag, fold the ribbon in half crosswise and then again lengthwise to create a nub that fits through a 1/8'' hole.  To get the look I have, feed the ribbon through the hole from the front of the tag. 

Purchase the Stampin' Up!  Starter Kit.  
For $175 you'll receive product and business supplies valued at over $340.

 

PPA79 - Upsy Daisy Hugs & Kisses

Stampin' Up! Upsy Daisy, Framed Tulips & XOXO

This weeks' Pals Paper Arts challenge is a color challenge and although I was sooooooo tempted to do the standard green leaves and red flowers theme, I just wanted to approach it a little differently.  So I pulled out my trusty heart punch and thought “What can I stamp and punch out.”  I was reminded of how much I love the 1st Level Hostess Set Punch Potpourri heart and thought I might take that approach.  AND I DID!

Stampin' Stuff:

Stamp Sets -

• Upsy Daisy (111710)
• XOXO Clear Mount (121973) <-Featured Item

Ink - 

• Riding Hood Red Classic Ink (111836)
• Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink (115658)

Paper - 

• Very Vanilla Card Stock (101650)
• Rich Razzleberry Card Stock (115316)
• Riding Hood Red Card Stock (111348)
• Certainly Celery Card Stock (105125)

Accessories -

• SNAIL Adhesive (104332)
• Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Tools -

• Full Heart Paper Punch (119883) <-Featured Item
• Small Heart Punch (117193)
• Scallop Rectangle Die (118872) <-Featured Item
• Scallop Heart of Hearts Die (117332) <-Featured Item
• Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (121809) <-Featured Item
• Brayer (102395) <-Featured Item

Don't forget the Featured Items have links directly to the Stampin' Up! store

Putting It Together Tips:

• I used Riding Hood Red Classic Ink to create the background xoxo for the hearts.  I stamped the Upsy Daisy image over the xoxo in Rick Razzleberry and then punched out the heart.
• The Framed Tulips color was done using a brayer.  This Sunday I'll have a Mike's Minute tutorial on how to do that so you have something to watch while hubby watches the Super Bowl! 
• Good design always features uneven numbers.  In this card I used three hearts for the focal point and three hearts for the accents.

Now is the time to make your buck count.  Sale-a-bration is here with over 75 free product offerings to entice you.  Stampin' Up! quality products for free.  What could be better?  I'll tell you!  Credit towards $50 in free merchandise from me.  Earn 10 credits and receive $50 in Stampin' Up! Merchandise.  Choose your free items from the 2010-11 Idea Book & Catalog, The Occasions Mini, Decor Elements, and Celebrando Creatividad.  REALLY make your dollor stretch.  If you have any questions, please email me.

 

 

3D Valentine - Part 3

Stampin' Up! Pillow Box Die and Full Heart Punch

As the holiday of love approaches, there may be many folks in your life that you care about, but let's face it.  You can't buy an expensive box of candy or flowers for everyone.  If you did that, you wouldn't have any money left for stamps!  But it would be nice to give them something just to show you care.  This 3 part/3D series will give you suggestions for a simple little remembrance that doesn't cost you an arm, a leg, OR a stamp set.

The third and final in this series features the Pillow Box Die and creates a delightful little pocket to fill just about anything - like a string of pearls (not my style) or gold doublooms (more my style**) and of course the perennial favorite, candy hearts.  But M&Ms or Reese's Pieces would work great too.  Let your imagination run wild!!!  
**Address available upon request!  ;-)

Today is the inauguration of my “Featured Item” link.  Key items used in my projects will have links to my online store to make it easier for you to obtain the stuff to make the stuff!

Stampin' Stuff:

Stamp Sets -

• Bella Toile (111598) <- Link to purchase featured item!
• Simply Said (115066) <- Link to purchase featured item!

Ink - 

• Melon Mambo (115656)
• Melon Mambo Stampin' Write Marker (121074)

Paper - 

• Very Vanilla Card Stock (101650)
• Melon Mambo (115320)
• Window Sheet Medium (114323)

Accessories -

• SNAIL Adhesive (104332)
• Glue Dots (103683)
• Sticky Strip (104294)

Tools -

• Big Shot (113439) <- Link to purchase featured item!
• Pillow Box (113466) <- Link to purchase featured item!
• Full Heart Punch <- Link to purchase featured item!

Putting It Together Tips:

• When positioning the heart punch on the pillow box, be sure you allow approximately 1/4'' from all edges to accommodate the SNAIL adhesive necessary to hold the Window Sheet in place.
• After you punch the heart shaped hole in the box, fold the box and you'll see that the tab use to hold the box together shows through the hole.  Simply draw a light pencil line on the flap outlining the heart and then open up the box and trim with Paper Snips.
• Use Sticky Strip to secure the Pillow Box seam.  SNAIL will not be strong enough to hold the box together when you get candy in it.  Also for a more finished look position the Sticky Strip as close to the score line as possible.
• The use of Melon Mambo ink on Melon Mambo card stock gives a very rich tone on tone effect that is subtle while still adding texture.

Now is the time to make your buck count.  Sale-a-bration is here with over 75 free product offerings to entice you.  Stampin' Up! quality products for free.  What could be better?  I'll tell you!  Credit towards $50 in free merchandise from me.  Earn 10 credits and receive $50 in Stampin' Up! Merchandise.  Choose your free items from the 2010-11 Idea Book & Catalog, The Occasions Mini, Decor Elements, and Celebrando Creatividad.  REALLY make your dollor stretch.  If you have any questions, please email me.

 

 

 

 

PPA78 - Birds, Blooms, & Bows

Stampin' Up! Aviary & Valentine Defined

I hate bows!  I'm not good at making them.  I don't use them.  I wear slips-on shoes.  Are you getting the picture?  So you can just imagine how excited I was to see this week's Pals Clean & Simple Elements of Style challenge.  BOWS!  Okay, I'm sure y'all are saying I need an attitude check.  Or maybe a time out!  I'll just stop whining (no cheese) and get to it!

Stampin' Stuff:

Stamp Sets -

• Valentine Defined Clear Mount (123057 - Occasions Mini)
• Aviary Clear Mount (120462)
• Grateful Greetings (116511) 

Ink - 

• VersaMark® (102283)
• Basic Black Classic Ink (101179)
• Real Red Classic Ink (103133)

Paper - 

• Whisper White Card Stock (100730)
• Real Read Card Stock (102482)
• Basic Black Card Stock (102851)

Accessories -

• White Stampin Emboss Powder (109132)
• SNAIL Adhesive (104332)
• Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
• Glue Dots (103683)
• Real Red 1/8'' Taffeta Ribbon (119251) 

Tools -

• Full Heart Punch (119883)
• Scalloped Heart of Hearts (117332)
• Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)

Putting It Together Tips:

• Said it before - say it again.  The Stamp-a-ma-jig is a God send.  I use a small piece of vellum to create the bird cage images on and then position them over the pre-stamped flowers and bird.  Perfect every time!
• Tying these bows was a - well let's just say it's starts with the same letter as bows!   I found if I tied the bows first and then cut the ribbon from the roll I saved a few inches.  Cost savings but doesn't make it any easier!
• Because any time you do two step stamping, you are risking not getting the image in the exact spot, I cheated and did the images on separate piece of Whisper White card stock.  That way if I messed up one image, I didn't mess up the whole card.
• Design Tip:  For a nice clean look, limit your color choices.  This card has only three colors - two if you don't count white as a color.  The vast white space coupled with the bright color and black as an accent really makes this puppy pop!  You could use any bright color in place of the Real Red with equally dramatic results.
• For those of you that asked - here are the measurements:
          Bird cage - 1 1/4'' x 2 3/4''
          Bleeding Heart cage - 2“ x 1 1/2”
          Sprouting Hearts cage - 1 1/2'' x 3''

Now is the time to make your buck count.  Sale-a-bration is here with over 75 free product offerings to entice you.  Stampin' Up! quality products for free.  What could be better?  I'll tell you!  Credit towards $50 in free merchandise from me.  Earn 10 credits and receive $50 in Stampin' Up! Merchandise.  Choose your free items from the 2010-11 Idea Book & Catalog, The Occasions Mini, Decor Elements, and Celebrando Creatividad.  REALLY make your dollor stretch.  If you have any questions, please email me.

 

 

3D Valentine - Part 2

Stampin' Up! Top Note Die & Large Decorative Label

 
As the holiday of love approaches, there may be many folks in your life that you care about, but let's face it.  You can't buy an expensive box of candy or flowers for everyone.  If you did that, you wouldn't have any money left for stamps!  But it would be nice to give them something just to show you care.  This 3 part/3D series will give you suggestions for a simple little remembrance that doesn't cost you an arm, a leg, OR a stamp set.

The second in this series is a bit more complicated, but could also be changed out for just about any occasion.  This project includes some basic stamping and features a very clever way to use the Top Note Die.  I wish I could take credit for this idea, but it was Gwen Gibson from Stampin' Up! who first gave me this item At Convention last July.  Enjoy, and thanks again, Gwen!

Stampin' Stuff:

Stamp Sets -

• I {Heart} Hearts Clear Mount (118571 - Occasions Mini)
• Baroque Motifs (113490)

Ink - 

• Real Red Classic (103133)

Paper - 

• Real Red Card Stock (102482)
• Whisper White Card Stock (100730)
• Cherry Cobbler Card Stock (119685)

Accessories -

• 1/4'' Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon (109034)
• Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) 

Tools -

• Paper Cutter (104152)
• Bone Folder (102300)
• Decorative Label Punch (120907)
• Full Heart Punch (119883)
• Crop-a-dial (108362)

Putting It Together Tips:

• I scored the Top Note die cut using my paper cutter ridge and the bone folder.  This made it really simple to fold the 1/4'' bottom to hold the candy bar.
• The Top Note die cut was accented with the Baroque Motifs scroll to give the plain card stock some interest.  I masked the 1/4'' bottom and stamped the front and back separately.
• Although it's not easily visible in the picture, I used the Decorative label punch to mat the stamped heart.
• The top is secured by first folding a 7“ piece of ribbon in half and then folding it lengthwise to make it 1/8'' wide.  Then I passed it through a 3/16'' hole from the back through the front.  A different look can be achieved by passing it from the front to the back.

GO TO MY STAMPIN' UP! WEBSITE TO PURCHASE
ALL THE SUPPLIES FOR THIS PROJECT!

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Check out Mom's Attic for specials on retired Stampin' Up! Stamp Sets!

 

 

 

3D Valentine - Part 1

Stampin' Up! Matchbox Die & Jolly Holiday DSP

As the holiday of love approaches, there may be many folks in your life that you care about, but let's face it.  You can't buy an expensive box of candy or flowers for everyone.  If you did that, you wouldn't have any money left for stamps!  But it would be nice to give them something just to show you care.  This 3 part/3D series will give you suggestions for a simple little remembrance that doesn't cost you an arm, a leg, OR a stamp set.

This first idea is really simple.  It uses a minimum amount of supplies and could easily be made for a whole classroom full of kids.  The idea is simple enough that the colors and paper could be swapped out for any number of color combinations for any number of holidays.

 
Stampin' Stuff:

Stamp Sets -

• None 

Ink - 

• None

Paper - 

• Real Red Card Stock (102482)
• Jolly Holiday DSP (117159)

Accessories -

• 18” Very Vanilla 1/4” Grosgrain Ribbon (109026)
• SNAIL Adhesive (104332)
• 8 Hershey's Nuggets (the extra 4 are for me)

Tools -

• Big Shot (113439)
• Matchbox Die (114890)
• Extended Cutting Pad (113478)
• Extended Premium Crease Pad (117630)
• Bone Folder (102300)

Putting It Together Tips:

• The first  tip I have is to buy a Big Shot - preferably from me - if you haven't already done so.  Make that your New Year's resolution.  This is an amazing tool that really does pay for itself in the long run.  And it allows you to do so many different techniques.  All three of my 3D projects use the Big Shot.
• You don't really need the extended pads for this project because the bottom of the box is cut separately from the box wrap.  I opted to do the bottom in Real Red because  doing the whole project in Cherry Cobbler just seemed like too much Cherry Cobbler and the Real Red is a nice slightly lighter option that gives the project a bit of interest. 
• I fold the long sides of the bottom in first and firm all my creases with a bone folder.  That gives the box a nice sharp shape.
• I know you're wondering why I used Christmas DSP for this project.  It doesn't say Christmas anywhere on the DSP, it says Holiday.  And Valentine's Day is a holiday!  Plus this is a great opportunity to use up some of that Holiday paper!
• One spool of ribbon will do 30 of these boxes.  Talk about a bargain!

GO TO MY STAMPIN' UP! WEBSITE TO PURCHASE
ALL THE SUPPLIES FOR THIS PROJECT!

Become a StampinStyle Fan on Facebook for advance Notice on All Promos

Check out Mom's Attic for specials on retired Stampin' Up! Stamp Sets!

 

 

PPA76 - Three Little Words

Stampin' Up! Three Little Words & Bella Toile

The challenge for PPA76 is a photo inspiration themed Lady in Red.  And although I did not use a lady in my card anywhere, I tried to get that same kind of sultry elegance that the photo so vividly encapsulates.  Here's lookin at you, kid!

Stampin' Stuff:

Stamp Sets -

• Three Little Words (113254)
• Punch Potpourri Clear Mount ( 120124 - Level 1 Hostess Set)
• Bella Toile (111598)

Ink - 

• VersaMark® (102283)

Paper - 

• Real Red Card Stock (102482)
• Cherry Cobbler Card Stock (119685)
• Brushed Silver Card Stock (100712)

Accessories -

• Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder (109131)
• Basic Rhinestones (119246)
• SNAIL Adhesive (104332)
• Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
• 1/4'' Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon (109034)

Tools -

• Full Heart Punch (119883)
• Modern Label Punch (119849)
• Punch Windows (115953)
• Movers & Shapers Curly Label (114506)
• Scalloped Heart of Heart Embosslits Die (117332)
• Paper Snips (103579)

Putting It Together Tips:

• I really went nutso with the paper snips.  I cut out “Three little words” after I heat embossed it on Real Red card stock and then I mounted that on Cherry Cobbler and did it all over again.  But I loved the look.
• So I repeated it on the ”...You, you, you“ through the Modern Label punch and the same Movers & Shapers die.  That was MUCH easier!
• Because ”Three little words“  had three dots after it, I replicated it in rhinestones before the ”you, you, you.“  
• Everything on this card seemed to be running so horizontal, so I opted to run some Real Red ribbon vertically for interest.
• Don't you love how Silver embossing powder looks on Brushed Silver card stock?  And I love Bella Toile for a background.  (You know I do because I'm using the heck out of this stamp!)

GO TO MY STAMPIN' UP! WEBSITE TO PURCHASE
ALL THE SUPPLIES FOR THIS PROJECT!

Become a StampinStyle Fan on Facebook for advance Notice on All Promos

Check out Mom's Attic for specials on retired Stampin' Up! Stamp Sets!

 

 

 

January Pal's Paper Arts Hop

Stampin- Up! Love Impressions Rub-Ons & Valentine Defined

Welcome to the January PALS HOP!  This month, we're featuring Valentine’s themed projects for your inspiration!  If you've hopped over from Angela Richwine, Stampin Away With Angela, I'm stop number 1 on the PALS HOP and I'm glad you hopped in!  I'll help you "hop along" from blog to blog where you'll find great ideas for papercrafted creations from the Stampin' Pretty Pals!  Should you hop off course, simply click on the PALS HOP LINE-UP and you'll see the list of hoppers and you'll be back on track!

I've never used Rub-Ons.  I always felt it was sort of cheating.  After all I consider myself a stamping artist.  What's artistic about placing a piece of paper on top of a piece of card stock and rubbing with a popsicle stick!  That's just the easy way!  Then the light bulb came on!  That IS the easy way.  WOW!!  Okay, I'm sold!  Multi color images with the stroke of a stick.  Of course there is no popsicle, but I can make concessions!

The card design is from a card I received from my Pal Carla for my birthday!  She is also on the HOP.  Be sure to check out her blog. 

Stampin' Stuff:

Stamp Sets -

• Valentine Defined Clear Mount (123057 - Occasions Mini) 

Ink - 

• Cherry Cobbler Classic (119669)

Paper - 

• Cherry Cobbler Card Stock (119685)
• Very Vanilla Card Stock (101650)

Accessories -

• Love Impressions Rub-Ons (121886 - Occasions Mini)
• SNAIL Adhesive (104332)
• Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) 

Tools -

• Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (119976)

Putting It Together Tips:

• If you've never used Rub-Ons before this is vital.  Be thorough and take your time.  Make sure you rub completely over the image and then SLOWLY lift the mounting paper away from the card stock.  Check the image to make sure none of it is remaining on the mounting paper.  If so, simply lay the paper back down and rub the area to transfer it to the card stock.  
• The hearts border from the Valentine Defined set is not quite long enough to reach across the entire card to make sure that where you piece it is behind the rectangle.  Measure twice, print once.  (well, actually print twice for this project!)
• I had to use the Square Lattice for the background as it added some much needed texture and if you look losely, the image is covered with “kisses!”  Perfect for Valentine's Day! 

Hop along for more inspiring ideas from Mary Fish, Stampin Pretty, stop number 2 on the Winter Holidays PALS HOP!  Thanks for "hopping" by!

GO TO MY STAMPIN' UP! WEBSITE TO PURCHASE
ALL THE SUPPLIES FOR THIS PROJECT!

Become a StampinStyle Fan on Facebook for advance Notice on All Promos

Check out Mom's Attic for specials on retired Stampin' Up! Stamp Sets!