Stamp Happy

Versamark Dazzle!

I think I've mentioned, I have a big to-do at the store tomorrow evening, right?  I'm a little frazzled about it, and hope things run smoothly!  This evening is being devoted to showcasing new products.  I have a demonstrator (Hi Sherri!) that's going to show customers all the fun, new products from Just Rite Stampers with some awesome samples and projects.  And I have another demonstrator (Hi 'Nita!) who is going to be showing lots of neat new things from Stampendous for the upcoming holidays!  There's also a make-and-take, being headed up by my good friend Darlene (Hi Dar!) and her friend Sandy.

On Saturday at the stamp convention, I was able to buy new ink pads from Tsukineko.  They're called VERSAMARK DAZZLE!  And they're so pretty and sparkly!  I made up these two cards using the two different colors so customers can see these samples tomorrow evening.  I just LOVE how this first one turned out!

 

I stamped the branch (Penny Black) on the dark green cardstock first with Versafine Onyx Black.  Then I stamped it again, just slightly off using the Champagne Versamark Dazzle, and look how COOL that looks!  I did the sentiment the same way, but it doesn't have as much impact as the branch.  Believe me, it looks better in real life.  It almost looks like there's a piece of acetate over top of it, there's that much of a "shadow."  And you can kind of see the "dazzle" in this close-up picture, but it's better in real life... my camera doesn't do justice.

 

 

For this second card, I used a snowflake background from Great Impressions and stamped it on both the light blue and dark blue backgrounds with the Frost Versamark Dazzle.  Again, hard to tell from the photos but is really looks neat!  I hope customers will think so, too!

Thanks for stopping by!  I've been so busy this week, and am having trouble holding my head up so I must head off to bed!  To those of you whose blogs I try to visit regularly and leave comments... I'm sorry I haven't been around as much!  Lfe is just in my way a lot lately!  I hope to get back on track soon!

Happy stamping!

Listen Honey... I'm at the gym!

Continuing with my shopping-themed cards from my class at the store this week, here's another card that my customers made!  I decided to keep this one a little simpler, since they did so much coloring on the Style Shop and Friends are Priceless cards.  Also, these Emerson Quillin images from American Art Stamp lend themselves very well to just using black ink, as they end up looking like a comic strip, I think!  My customers just loved the humor of this one!

Here's a little close-up for my friend Anita who didn't "get" this card!  (She couldn't tell that the lady was on the phone!  LOL) 

I've got a busy morning of Kelsey's soccer game, and then taking Kaylie shopping to find shoes to go with her Homecoming dress!  I plan on lots of stamping time later on, though!  Hope your weekend is fabulous!  Thanks for stopping by!    

 

Stamps:  American Art Stamp
Cardstock:  black/white duplex (The Paper Cut), white (Gary Burlin), Festive orange (Bazzill)
Inks:  Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories:  Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, embossing border Frills (ProvoCraft), ribbon (Creative Impressions).

Good Friends are Priceless!

Ain't that the truth?  Good friends ARE priceless, and God knows I've leaned on all my good friends lately!  I dedicate this card today to everyone that I've leaned on lately!  I think y'all know who you are!

This is another card that was made for the stamping class I had at the store this past week.  And another card that I had to  borrow inspiration for to create something since I was so pressed for time.  I found this card in the SCS gallery by Frances/StampOwl and decided it fit the bill!  Like the Style Shop card from the other day, I let my customers use my Copic markers to color, and they all seemed to like the results a lot.

I have two more cards from the class I'll share with you soon.  One was a purse card made to hold a gift card, and I'd like to photograph a little bit of the creative process behind it for you to see, so maybe I'll get to that over the weekend.

Again, a HUGE thank you to my priceless good friends who've been so there for me lately, and another huge thank you to all of you who keep coming to visit me!  It's also very evident from comments and new subscriptions lately that I've gained some new readers, and to you all I also extend a huge thank you!  Your continued visits mean a LOT to me!  Thanks for stopping by!

 

Stamps:  Say Charge (My Favorite Things)
Cardstock:  Green Tea, Piglet, Berrylicious (Bazzill), white (Gary Burlin), designer paper (My Mind's Eye)
Inks:  Palette Noir hybrid ink (Stewart Superior), Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko), markers (Copic)
Accessories:  scalloped circle punch (Marvy Uchida), circle punch (EK Success), ribbon (May Arts).

The Style Shop

I have a class at the store this week that was planned about 2 months ago.  I knew what stamp sets I wanted to use, and had them all ordered or in stock.  Last week would have been my normal time to begin working on the card designs for the class, but being sick with that stinkin' cold brought everything in my life to a screaming halt.  So on Sunday I knew I needed to sit down and get serious about coming up with these card designs!  Then Hurricane Ike showed up, and the lights went out!  So yesterday was crunch time, and I needed help!  So I headed over to Splitcoast to look for some inspiration, and found this adorable design by Linsey Rickett!  I loved her idea with the little scored/scalloped awning, so I took the inspiration and ran with it!

 

I know my customers at class tonight are just going to love this!  They're also going to think it's difficult, but it really isn't!  I love it when they're surprised by how easy a card is to complete!

For the awning, I simply cut my piece of designer paper 1 1/2" wide, then scalloped the edge by cutting with a long scalloped rectangle Nestabilities.  Then I scored 1/2" from the straight edge.  I glued it to the top just slightly, then attached 4 brads every 1/2".

 

I can't wait for class tonight!  Linsey, if you're reading this, thanks for the inspiration!

Happy stamping!

 

 

 

Stamps:  Retro Boutique (Rupe Shevde design for Gina K Designs)
Cardstock:  Berrylicious, Parakeet (Bazzill), white (Gary Burlin), designer paper (Scenic Route)
Inks:  Palette Noir hybrid ink (Stewart Superior), Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko), markers (Copic)
Accessories:  long, scalloped rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), scoring tool (Scor-Pal), white brads (Gary Burlin).

Can you resist?

Since my week has been kinda' crazy so far, I thought I would share with you today the other two cards that my customers made in stamp class last month.  The class featured four cards using different resist techniques.  This card used the Versamark Resist technique.  The stamps were inked with Versamark and stamped on glossy cardstock.  Then we simply brayered ink from a Kaleidacolor pad in Autumn Leaves over the flowers.  This card measures 5" square.

This second card uses the technique called Emerging Color.  (Tutorial can be found here.)  This one was the most intimidating to my customers but once they got started the technique made more sense, and this card ended being a favorite.  That cherry blossom branch stamp from Impression Obsession has become one of my most favorite stamps... I doubt I'll ever part with it!

Stay tuned until tomorrow for another great Stamp Simply challenge, and be prepared to join in the fun and winning as the Stamp Simply team helps Sharon celebrate her blog anniversary all week long!

Thanks for stopping by, and happy stamping!

 

Wildflower Card
Stamps:  Nature's Moments (Tim Holtz/Stampers' Anonymous)
Inks:  Versamark, Kaleidacolor Autumn Leaves, Versafine Vintage Sepia (Tsukineko)
Cardstock:  Honeycomb, Java, Pickle (Bazzill), cream, glossy (The Paper Cut)
Accessories:  jumbo rick-rack (Creative Impressions), scalloped rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders).

Bird Card
Stamps:  branch, bird (Impression Obsession), circular sentiment (Hero Arts)
Inks:  Memories Soft Sage (Stewart Superior), Versamark (Tsukineko), markers (Tombow)
Cardstock:  Aqua, Cinnamon (Bazzill), designer paper (My Mind's Eye)
Accessories:  Nestabilities (Spellbinders), ribbon (May Arts).

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Just a little update on the volleyball situation...we met with the coach and athletic director last evening.  We don't feel that this accomplished anything, and unless something changes throughout this season I think it is safe to say that Kaylie's passion for volleyball is gone.  Being left to sit and made to feel like she's more of a bother than a team member has greatly diminished her desire for the game, and her respect for the coach.  I can't say that I blame her.  You don't need to be bored with the details, but if you want to know more feel free to email me.  I appreciate all of you who took time to write and show support!  It helped us go into this meeting with our heads held high, and to leave the meeting with our heads held high.  It never hurts to fight for what you believe in, and if you can't get someone to see it your way it's best not to lose sleep over it and move on.  Thank you again!

Cuttlebug Crayon Resist

My class at the store this month is featuring different resist techniques, and here is another card that my customers are making in the class.  When I planned this class, Crayon Resist was going to be one of the techniques I was going to use.  You know... stamp the image, highlight certain areas with a white crayon, apply ink and you're done.  Well, I just wasn't feeling inspired by that technique... couldn't find a stamp I liked to use for the card, etc.  So I went to the online Bible of stamping (Splitcoast!) and searched the gallery under "crayon resist."  Well, thanks be to the stamping Gods that I stumbled upon this card by Stephanie Severin!  (Check out Stephanie's awesome blog, too!)  Not only was this technique the coolest, but Stephanie also used my favorite blossoms from Creative Impressions, too!  So with her permission, I pretty much just CASE'd her card to prep for my class (and yes, my customers know that!  I'll take a little help wherever I can get it when things are crazy-busy!)  What was really fun during the class was that I put out all the Cuttlebug folders and let customers choose which one they wanted to use.  I think only one person used the Paisley like I did!  Be sure to check out Mel Stampz blog who is the original "inventor" of this cool technique!  In fact, you should grab a cuppa whatever your favorite drink is and plan to sit for awhile to check out her blog... this chick has got some awesome ideas up her stamping sleeves!  Stephanie did something a little different on her card and used Memories Mists inks instead of sponging on ink, so I did the same and found it to be a great alternative to sponging color all over the piece.  I love those Mists, too!  I plan to get more colors soon!

So, go steal some crayons from the kids and give this a try!  You will LOVE it!

Here are direct links to the techniques on Mel's blog, but I highly recommend you check out all her work!

Cuttlebug Crayon Resist

Cuttlebug Crayon Rub

Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

 

 

Stamps:  sentiment (Inkadinkado)
Cardstock:  Parakeet, Lemonade (Bazzill Basics), white (The Paper Cut)
Inks:  Colorbox Scarlet pigment ink (Clearsnap), Orange Juice, Mango Lemonade Memories Mists (Stewart Superior)
Accessories:  Perfectly Paisley Cuttlebug embossing folder (ProvoCraft), flowers and brad (Creative Impressions), corner rounder (EK Success), crayon

Tie-dyed Tee

Somewhere along the postal route between Wisconsin and Smithville, Ohio there may possibly be a postal worker who likes Gina K stamps as much as I do because they're missing!  Thankfully Gina is a huge sweetheart, and sent another package with the stamps I ordered last week and they arrived on Thursday!  I've been so anxious to play with Melanie Muenchinger's new stamp set Little Tees because of this idea I had!

How do you like my cool Tie-dyed tee?  I just couldn't wait to get these stamps and give this idea a try!  I created this effect using the Wax Paper Resist technique, and a Kaleidacolor pad in Spectrum.  It was so much fun to do!  My customers will be making this card in class this coming week, as I'm doing 4 cards with different resist techniques.  Stay tuned, and I'll show you the rest of the cards over the next few days.

I linked Gina K's site above for you to find the Little Tees set, but of course if you're in Northeast Ohio, remember you can get this at Toyrifix, too!  :)  I'm so anxious for class tomorrow, and I hope my customers will like this card as much as I do!

Have a great day!

Stamps:  Little Tees (Melanie Muenchinger design for Gina K Designs); Cardstock:  Squash, Limeade, Cupcake, Black OP (Bazzill), glossy cardstock (craft supply); Inks:  Kaleidacolor Spectrum ink pad, Jet Black Staz-On, Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko); Accessories:  brayer (Ranger), silver brads (Gary Burlin), Nestabilities label die (Spellbinders), ribbon (craft supply).

Seize the Cupcake!

Here is a card I designed for a class at the store last month.  The focus of my class was little tricks and techniques... little "extras" that add Wow! to your card. 

So for this card, I showed customers how to punch out circles from cardstock and designer paper and apply crystal lacquer to create their own faux brads and page pebbles.  (I actually made them up a few days before so they'd be dry enough to use on the cards in class, but had all the supplies available so everyone could give it a try!)  We just punched out 1/4" and 1/2" circles, applied a glue dot to the back and stuck them down on wax paper.  Then put the tip of your crystal lacquer bottle in the center of the circle, and squeeze and swirl the lacquer around until the circle is covered.  Let them dry overnight.  Or instead of wax paper, save the paper that your glue dots come on and use it!  I read about this technique on someone's blog, but unfortunately I didn't "star" it in my Google reader to know who to give credit to.  (If you know who I'm referring to, please let me know!)  Another little accent idea that I showed customers (and often don't remember to do!) is to stamp one word from the sentiment on a scrap, as seen here with the word "seize."  And a third little "extra" on this card is the green scalloped border along the edge of the designer paper.  Instead of cutting each of those scallops with a corner rounder, or decorative-edge scissors (I NEVER get a straight line with those things!) I showed customers how to use the large rectangle Nestabilities to cut a border.  (Credit to Sharon Johnson for that great trick!)

Here are a few close-ups of the faux brad and page pebbles!

This was one of the most fun cards from our class!  One of my customers had a great time teasing me about the fact that this card has no ribbon!  (They know me so well!)

Hope you're having a great Saturday!  Happy stamping!

 

 

Stamps:  Cupcakes (Hero Arts); Cardstock:  Pomegranate Smoothie, Parakeet, Lemonade (Bazzill), white (The Paper Cut), designer paper (Basic Grey); Inks:  Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko), markers (Tombow); Accessories:  1/4" and 1/2" circle punches (EK Success), Crystal Lacquer (Sakura), Nestabilities (Spellbinders).

More JustRite samples and Blog Candy!

On Tuesday I posted that yellow, green and blue baby card that I made using my new products from JustRite Stampers, remember?  And I said "stayed tuned later tonight or tomorrow and I'll show you what else I made!"  Remember?  I'm so lazy, I know!  I'm finally getting around to it today!  Here are the other items I made for the in-store demonstration with the JustRite Stampers!  (My apologies to my customers who've been waiting for these pictures!)  I was really pressed for time to prepare for this demonstration, and didn't feel like I did a very good job on these samples.  However, I sold out of everything I had in stock, and even had to sell the set of Small Letters that I used for the demo to a lady who came the next day from out of town, so I must have done something right!  :)

This is just a loaf of homemade zucchini bread, wrapped in Saran.  (I gave it away as a door prize at the demo!)  I cut strips of Cosmo Cricket paper and taped them around the loaf, and added the "From the Kitchen of" tag!  What a perfect new neighbor gift, or welcome-to-our-church gift for someone!  In fact, the rental house beside our home has been empty for awhile so I'm anxiously waiting for someone to move in so I can take them a loaf of bread with my stamped design!  (We really need someone NICE to move in there, too!  It's been a long string of really bad neighbors in that house!)

And what could be better to include with that loaf of homemade bread than a set of personalized recipe cards?  These of course, are cards for me but with that JustRite Stamper you can make some new ones in a jiffy!  I used some more of that sweet Cosmo Cricket paper to make up these cards... it's so homey-looking!  These measure 4 1/2" x 6" so they're a little bigger than a standard recipe card, but have plenty of room to write on them.

I also created a set of 10 mongrammed cards and packaged them in these clear boxes.  If I hadn't rushed myself getting ready for this demo, I could have taken the time to create a belly-band for this box, too.  I just love these clear boxes, though... what a great little gift to present to someone, and these were quick and easy to make.  Here's a sampling of some of the cards in the set.  These were made with Bazzill cardstock and designer paper from Fancy Pants.

I've been so busy lately that I didn't even notice until yesterday that my blog counter went past 100K this week!  Thank you so much to everyone who contributes to that counter climbing just a little more each week.... it makes me smile to know how many of you visit and like to see what I'm doing!  To celebrate, I would like to give someone their choice of 2 new Cuttlebug embossing folders (or an embossing border set with a new folder!)  Zucchini is always in abundance in our garden at this time of the year and since there's zucchini bread featured in this post, please tell me what your favorite recipe is that uses zucchini.  If you have time, I'd love the recipe but don't feel like you have to do that.  Of course, if you hate zucchini and your favorite thing to do with it is throw it away, then that's OK, too!  :)  Leave a comment by Sunday at 9:00 p.m. ET and I'll draw a winner using Random.org!

THANK YOU!!!

JustRite Baby Card

I'm doing a demo at the store today on the JustRite Monogram Stamper, so I made up this baby card to show how neat the Small Letters set is to use for super personalization!  Now my first thought when I saw the Small Letters set was that it was going to be difficult to use!  C'mon... it comes with tweezers!  I figured if I had to use tweezers with it, we just weren't going to get along!  Wrong!  Once you play with it a little bit, it's easy to use.  I was able to quickly make up this personalized card for my cousin to send with a gift for her newborn adopted son!  (To protect privacy however, I blanked out the baby's name... I hope you understand!)

Stay tuned later today and I'll show you all the other things I made for the demo, and don't forget week #6 of the Color Throwdown tomorrow!  It's gonna' be a doozy!  :)

 

Stamps:  C-45 stamper, Small Letters set (JustRite Monogram Stampers); Cardstock:  Green Tea, Sea Mist (Bazzill), white (Gary Burlin), yellow designer paper (Bo Bunny); Inks:  Brilliance Pearlescent Sky Blue (Tsukineko); Accessories:  Nestabilities scalloped long scalloped rectangle, standard circle, scalloped circle (Spellbinders), Argyle Cuttlebug embossing folder (ProvoCraft), ribbon (Creative Impressions).