Stampin-Style

Sending Smiles - Birthday Wishes

Stampin’ Up! Sending Smiles and Sun Prints Designer Series Paper 

It’s the last day of my Sending Smiles series.  And in my humble opinion I’ve saved the best for last. This card uses the die cuts for the flowers and the handwritten Sending Die. Although both “Smiles” are cut from Whisper White card stock, I blended Polished Pink, Pale Papaya, and Soft Succulent together before I cut out the word.  In fact, those are the three colors I used for the flower.  The Designer Series Paper is a beautiful subtle print in Gray Granite with handwriting. I used Iridescent Rhinestones to embellish the sentiment frame and for that elusive “i” dot.  See Wednesday’s post.

Sending Smiles - Thanks

Stampin’ Up! Sending Smiles and Artistically Inked

Thursday’s Sending Smiles card is here.  This card was exciting for me.  I found that the Sending stamp works great with the “thanks” from the Artistically Inked stamp set.  I simply stamped the Sending in VersaMark and heat embossed it in White Embossing Powder.  Then repeated the process with the 'thanks".

Another set that would work well together with this design is the “Nothing Better Than” stamp set and the “Love You More Than” dies.  The flower is Old Olive, Sweet Sorbet (one of the new In Colors), and Pale Papaya.

Sending Smiles - Sunshine To Brighten Your Day

Stampin’ Up! Sending Smiles and Daffodil Afternoon Designer Series Paper 

Welcome to my Sending Smiles series of cards for Wednesday.  Today’s card features the Sending Smiles Bundle and Daffodil Afternoon Designer Series Paper. But the star of this card is the die cuts from the Sending dies - part of the Sending Smiles Bundle.  One of the other features I love about this set is the frame dies that accommodate the small sentiment stamps.  Just be careful when you cut out the handwritten word.  The dot of “i” is really elusive.  I must have die cut that “i” five times for the dot!

Sending Smiles - Comfort & Strength

Stampin’ Up! Sending Smiles and Sun Prints Designer Series Paper 

It’s Tuesday and this is my second installment in using the Stampin’ Up! Sending Smiles stamp set from the new 2022-23 Annual Catalog.  All of these cards rely a lot on the Designer Series Paper used in them.  My first post highlighted using only the Sending stamp.  The Designer Series Paper does all the talking.  

For today’s post I’m using the sympathy sentiment Comfort & Strength.  It could also be a get well card or a ”Hang In There” card.  The Designer Series Paper featured in this card is Sun Prints from the current Annual Catalog.  It is matted on one of the new In Colors called Orchid Oasis.  Although this color is not listed in the color list for the Designer Series Paper, it highlights the Designer Series Paper.  night of Navy ink was used for the sentiment.

Stamp Review Crew - Sending Smiles

Stampin’ Up! Sending Smiles Bundle

It's the third Monday of May and that means it's time for the Stamp Review Crew.  We are a group of Stampin' UP! demonstrators sharing a ton of ideas focused on a single stamp set. This week we're featuring the  stamp set Sending Smiles from the new 2022-23 Annual Catalog. You have likely come from Nikki Spencer's blog on your way through this amazing hop. If you get lost, simply click on the banner for a list of participants and get back on track.

This is one of those stamps sets that I just couldn't stop making cards.  In fact, this whole week - through Friday - I'll be featuring cards from this set. Some people may say "The set is 'only' a sentiment set!"  But having the "Sending" in a huge font lends itself to not only using different words not in the set, but not using any other words at all.  Such is the case with my card for the hop.  I decided to let the single word do all the talking.  Can you guess what the other word is?  

   

Next stop on the Hop is Jay Soriano's blog where he'll

wow you with her beautiful design skills.

Stamping For The Manly Man

Stampin’ Up! A Million Thanks Kit

Say “thank you” in style and dazzle with layers of dimensions with the versatile A Million Thanks Kit! This kit has everything you need to create beautiful, all-occasion cards to express your gratitude. Mix and match card bases, sentiments, pre-cut die pieces, and embellishments to create expertly crafted cards with ease. It’s never been so easy to show how seriously grateful you are! Also available in French.

Kit Includes:
* A Million Thanks Photopolymer Stamp Set
* Acrylic Stamp Block
* Classic Stampin’ Spot: Evening Evergreen
* Predesigned projects
* Step-by-step instructions
* Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
* Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs
* UV coating on card bases (looks like clear embossing)
* Folded card size: 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" (14 x 10.8 cm)
* 9 preprinted envelopes
* Enough adhesive to complete projects
* Printed die-cut sheets
* 1 sheet of adhesive-backed black dot embellishments
* A 9-7/8" x 6-1/2" x 2-3/4" (25.1 x 16.5 x 7 cm) printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go

Product colors: Basic Black, Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake, Evening Evergreen, Mossy Meadow, Pale Papaya, Pear Pizzazz

Kits by Stampin’ Up! Are perfect for new crafters, busy crafters, or crafters who want quick and easy projects. All-inclusive project kits have everything you need in one box! Give as a gift or try them yourself. Kits are while supplies last. Order today!

 

Stamp Review Crew - Grassy Grove

Stampin’ UP! 

It's the first Monday of May! (Can you believe it?). And that means it's time for the Stamp Review Crew.  We are a group of Stampin' UP! demonstrators sharing a ton of ideas focused on a single stamp set. This week we're featuring the  stamp set Grassy Grove. You have likely come from Kristie Wilson's Blog on your way through this amazing hop. If you get lost, simply click on the banner for a list of participants and get back on track.

This set on page 47 of the January - June Mini Catalog has a matching set of dies that create the most beautiful silhouette picture frame.  Layered this bundle can create a gorgeous diorama of spring, summer, or even fall with the right colors.  But I chose to use it in a more untraditional, less obvious way.  I've created a simple unisex card with a minimum of supplies.  Let me tell you how it was created.

• I started with a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of Gray Granite card stock.  I stamped it using Gray Granite ink to give it a sort of watermark look.  And then I matted it on a 4 1/8" x 5 3/8" piece of Basic Black card stock.
• The tree is stamped on a 1 1/2" square of Pear Pizzazz using Pear Pizzazz ink.
• The deer is stamped on a 1 1/2" square of Balmy Blue Card stock using Memento Black Ink.
• The grass is stamped on So Saffron card stock using Crushed Curry ink.
• The sentiment is also stamped using Memento Black Ink.
• The three squares are mounted onto the card face using Dimensionals.  
• The card face was mounted on a Balmy Blue card base.

Next stop on the Hop is Cindy Elam's Blog where she'll

wow you with her beautiful design skills.

   

 

Change Is Beautiful - Stampin’ Up! Paper Pumpkin April 2022

The Change is Beautiful kit contains enough supplies to create 9 stunning cards with a unique folding technique to commemorate moments of change. The designs are inspired by the natural cycles of change found in nature.

Kit Includes:

• Number of projects: 9 cards; 3 each of 3 designs
• 9 envelopes
• Change is Beautiful Photopolymer Stamp Set
• Melon Mambo Classic Stampin’ Spot® 
• Printed card bases
• Printed envelopes
• Printed shaped die cuts
• Iridescent sea glass
• Dimensionals

Card size: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" (10.8 x 14 cm)

Coordinating Stampin’ Up! colors: Balmy Blue, Basic Black, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Evening Evergreen, Granny Apple Green, Melon Mambo

Click here to learn more about the kit that could be the next package to be delivered to your door.

Stamp Review Crew - In The Moment - Pajama Morning

Stampin’ UP! Stampin’ Blends and Designer Series Paper.

It's the third Monday of April and that means it's time for the Stamp Review Crew.  We are a group of Stampin' UP! demonstrators sharing a ton of ideas focused on a single stamp set. This week we're featuring the  stamp set In The Moment. You have likely come from Kristie Wilson on your way through this amazing hop. If you get lost, simply click on the banner for a list of participants and get back on track.

    

I originally was not intending to participate in this hop.  I didn’t have the stamp set and couldn’t really envision a project using the set.  But while preparing for my April Stamp Class I revisited the set.  I was focusing on feminine cards (Birthday and Mother’s Day) and suddenly was inspired - paper piecing!  I hope you like the finished projects.  Leave a comment and let me know!

• I started by stamping the image in the lower left corner using Memento Ink.
• Using Blends Alcohol Markers I colored the image avoiding the clothing.  You can color the clothing but it will only be covered by the paper piece.  Why waste time - and ink!
• I used Designer Series Paper that had small patterns.  This really looks the best as larger patterns are lost in the detail of the stamped image
• I stamped the image on the patterned pieces, cut them out and glued them in place.
  Note:I cut right on the image line, not on one side or the other.  That way no detail will be lost when you glue the paper piece in place. The only time I would cut on one side of the image line is when I am butting two paper pieces next to each other. 
• I used a lighter Blends color to shade the crease lines in the cloth image.

That’s all there was to it and I love the results.  So did my class!

   
Next stop on the Hop is Jay Soriano where he'll

wow you with his creative design skills.

My True North

Stampin’ Up! Sailing Home and Birch

I thought it was time to finish this card and post it before the stamps retire. And that’s exactly what will happen on May 2nd.  I also thought it was the perfect time to follow up my previous post where I used a water background stamp (Gentle Waves) as a plant background and use a plant background stamp (Birch) for water.  It’s all in your point of view!

• I started with a piece of Bermuda Bay cardstock.  I stamped the Birch stamp using VersaMark ink and heat embossed it using White embossing powder
• Using a Blending Brush I applied Night if Navy ink heavily on the top of the card and gradually lightened it about two thirds of the way down.
• I added Bermuda Bay ink where I left off with the Night of Navy ink in the for a more intense Bermuda Bay color.
• I added more Night of Navy along the bottom of the card. 
• I used a tissue to wipe the ink off the clouds/waves.  The neat thing is that you can’t tell where the sky ends and the sea begins.
• The lighthouse was stamped in Bermuda Bay.  I cover the whole lighthouse except the windows with a Smoky Slate Blends.  The light is So Saffron.  Cut it out with the coordinating die.

If you don’t already have these stamps, you have until May 2nd to complete your collection!  And the dies are on sale at 20% off!

Stamp Review Crew - Gentle Waves

Stampin’ UP! Bamboo Beauty

It's the first Monday of April and that means it's time for the Stamp Review Crew.  We are a group of Stampin' UP! demonstrators sharing a ton of ideas focused on a single stamp set. This week we're featuring the  background stamp Gentle Waves from the 2022 January - June Mini Catalog. You have likely come from Betty Traciak's blog on your way through this amazing hop. If you get lost, simply click on the banner for a list of participants and get back on track.

Gentle Waves is a completely serene design which normal people would think of as a water theme, right?  So here's the thing.  If you always go with the obvious - Gentle Waves - then you'll run out of creative ideas fast for using this gorgeous stamp.  Many background stamps can be used as a detailed texture pattern using a variety of inks.  I chose to use it vertically to mimic the growth of bamboo.  Bamboo Beauty is one of many stamps that flew under my radar as a beautiful set.  I’ve always loved Asian themed stamps and even though I purchased it when the 2021-22 catalog first came out, I didn’t use it until now!

This project is a simple one to reproduce.  It uses only 3 colors.  I think the use of white (or in this case, tan) space keeps the card Clean and Simple.

• Stamp the background using Sahara Sand card stock and ink
• Stamp the bamboo stalks and sentiment using Early Espresso ink
• Stamp the leaves using Old olive ink and mat it on Old Olive cardstock

 

   

Next stop on the Hop is Holly Krautkremer's blog where she'll

wow you with her beautiful design skills.

Stamp Review Crew - Amazing Silhouettes

Stampin’ UP! Artistic Dies and Expressions In Ink Designer Series Paper 

It's the 3rd Monday of March and that means it's time for the Stamp Review Crew Hop.   We are a group of Stampin' UP! demonstrators sharing a ton of ideas focused on a single stamp set. This week we're featuring the Amazing Silhouettes Cling Stamp Set from the 2022 January-June Mini catalog. You have likely come from Lou Kitzelman’s blog on your way through this amazing hop. If you get lost, simply click on the banner for a list of participants and get back on track.

I don't know why, but my first impression of this set was for Sympathy cards.  In fact, the image below was the first image I stamps with this set.  But it was a bit, well - Meh!  So my mission was to create a few projects that brightened it up a bit.  

My first project took the card base from the above card.  I used the Sale-a-bration Designer Series Paper Beautifully Penned.  I stamped the the image in VersaMark ink and heat embossed it with Basic Black Embossing Powder.  Then I colored the image using both the Light and Dark Old Olive Blends.  I really liked the effect.  The gray in the Designer Series Paper created additional shadows which, I think, gave the image more depth.

 

My second project is similar.  But this time I used Memento Ink instead of VersaMark to stamp the image.  Then I used the Light and Dark Mint Macaron Blends.  I avoided the flowers to look like the tree was flowering.  The trunk was the Light Soft Suede Stampin' Blends for both cards.  I took a scrap of the same Designer Series Paper and turned it over to give me a base for the Easter die cuts created with Highland Heater, Gorgeous Grape and matted in Gorgeous Grape card stock.

   

Next stop on the Hop is Cindy Elam’s blog where she'll

wow you with her beautiful design skills.

Wishing You A Wonderful Birthday

Stampin’ Up! Expressions In Ink Designer Series Paper and Artistic Dies

I love this card design.  It uses one each of 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Designer Series Paper and card stock.  This layering design really creates a card with pizzazz!

• The technique is easy.  Cut both your card stock and Designer Series Paper 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• Using Stitched Rectangles, center the #4 rectangle in the middle of the cardstock and die cut it.
• Place the #7 Stitched Rectangle in the center of the above die cut and cut it out.
• Place the #1 Stitched Rectangle on the piece of Designer Series Paper and cut it out.
• Place the #5 Stitched Rectangles in the center of the above die cut and cut it out.
• The sentiment (Elegantly Said) is stamped on Simply Marbles Designer Series Paper and cit out using the #8 rectangle.
• The gold foil leaves are die cut using thew dies from the Artistic die set.

Simply Marbleous Moments

Stampin’ Up! Color & Contour and Simply Marbleous Designer Series Paper 

I wish I could take credit for this card’s design.  But the fact is it was CASEd from one of the Stampin’ Pretty Pals.  I saved the pic but now I realize there was no watermark with a name on the pic.  If this is your design, please let me know so I can give you credit.  I opted to do it in shades of pink, some Simply Marbleous Designer Series Paper and an embossing folder.

I really love the layers in this card.  The stitching in the dies really finishes the card off.  And the 2-step stamped image couldn’t have been easier.

• To stam the image I first stamped the flower outline in Smoky Slate using the Stampin’ Up! Stamparatus.  Then I added the pink blossoms.
• I reinked the flower outline with VersaMark ink and heat embossed it using Silver Embossing Powder.
• The sentiment was added using VersaMark and Silver Embossing Powder.
• The Magenta Madness crd stock was embossed using the Stripes and Splatters Embossing Folder.