Sunday, February 24, 2019

All the Good Things

Today's card features Stampin' Up!'s All the Good Things stamp set.  This is the card we made at my table at yesterday's stamp camp at Rose Hill Grange.  Very quick and simple to make (once all the pieces parts are cut and embossed).

Click on image for closer look.

Materials

Stamp Set
* All the Good Things

Paper
* Fresh Fig card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; about 3-1/2" x 2-1/2" for oval die; 2-3/4" x 1-1/4" for sentiment)
* Whisper White card stock (5-1/4" x 4"; about 3-1/4" x 2-1/4" for oval die; 2-1/2" x 1" for sentiment)
* Sahara Sand card stock (5-1/8" x 3-7/8")
* Vellum card stock (6" x 1")

Ink
* Basic Gray Stampin' Pad

Accessories and Tools
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Layering Ovals Framelits Dies
* Layered Leaves Embossing Folder
* Subtle Embossing Folder
* Linen Thread
* Adhesives: SNAIL Adhesive; Mini Glue Dots; Stampin' Dimensionals

Instructions
(SNAIL Adhesive used throughout unless otherwise indicated)

1. Score 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Fresh Fig card stock at 4-1/4"; fold away from score line to create card.

2. Adhere 5-1/4" x 4" Whisper White card stock to card front.

3. Use Big Shot and Layered Leaves embossing folder to add texture to 5-1/8" x 3-7/8" Sahara Sand card stock.  Use Subtle embossing folder to add vertical texture to 6" x 1" Vellum card stock.  Wrap Vellum card stock over top and bottom edges of Sahara Sand card stock about 3/4" from left edge, and adhere in back.  Adhere Sahara Sand card stock to card front.

4. Use Big Shot and Layering Ovals Dies to cut a 3-1/4" x 2-3/8" oval from Fresh Fig card stock; cut a 3" x 2-1/8" oval from Whisper White card stock.  Stamp bonsai tree image on Whisper White oval; adhere to Fresh Fig oval.  Adhere ovals to card front over Vellum card stock as shown.

5. Stamp sentiment on 2-1/2" x 1" Whisper White card stock; adhere to Fresh Fig 2-3/4" x 1-1/4" card stock.  Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere to front of card slightly overlapping the ovals.

6. Make a 3-loop bow with the Linen Thread and attach as shown with a Mini Glue Dot behind the knot.

Don't forget the inside . . . .

I decided to keep the inside of this card fairly simple -- so I just stamped another sentiment from this stamp set, along with a few water lilies, on a 5-1/4" x 4" piece of Whisper White card stock.


I hope you enjoyed this card!

Cathy :D

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Gone Fishin' . . . .

Yesterday my husband and I celebrated 40 years of blissful togetherness.  Seriously?!

This is the card I made for him -- based heavily on a creation posted online from a recent Stampin' Up! conference in Orlando.

Click on photo for closer look.

DISCLAIMER:  Since this was a card for my own personal use and not one that I plan to do in a class, I have used a couple of retired Stampin' Up! punches and one retired Stampin' Pad.

Materials

Stamp Sets
* Best Catch
* Crackle Paint (background)

Paper
* Early Espresso card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; scrap for circle punch)
* Crumb Cake card stock (5-1/4" x 4")
* Mellow Moss card stock (scraps for weeds and circle die)
* Old Olive card stock (scrap for weeds)
* Very Vanilla card stock (scraps for dies and punch)

Ink
* Mellow Moss Classic Stampin' Pad
* Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
* Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad
* Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad
* Sahara Sand Classic Stampin' Pad
* Basic Gray Stampin' Pad
* Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker
* Black Journaling Pen

Accessories and Tools
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Catch of the Day Thinlits Dies
* Layering Circles Framelits Dies
* 1-1/2" Circle Punch
* Designer Label Punch (retired)
* Linen Thread
* 5/8" Burlap Ribbon
* Stampin' Sponge
* Bone Folder
* Paper Snips
* Adhesives: SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals; Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Tear 'n Tape

Other Items
* Kraft Handle Bag
* Cotton Swabs (Q-tips)

Instructions

1. Score 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Early Espresso card stock at 4-1/4"; fold away from score line to create card.

2. Use Crumb Cake ink to stamp Crackle Paint background lightly on 5-1/4" x 4" Crumb Cake card stock.  (NOTE:  Lay stamp face up on table and apply ink; then place card stock on stamp and lightly touch random areas with fingertips, rather than rubbing across entire stamp.  This will create the "hit or miss" look for the background on this card.)

3. Scrape edge of scissors blade along all edges of Crumb Cake card stock to roughen them up.  Use Bone Folder to curl corners of card stock.  Use SNAIL Adhesive to adhere to card front.
(NOTE:  Use Bone Folder like you would use scissors when curling ribbon, curling alternately from front to back until paper starts to become pliable and separate into layers -- this may require several passes.  Then shape and curl edges with your fingers.)

4.  Use Big Shot and Dies to cut three weed shapes -- one from Mellow Moss card stock, one from Old Olive card stock, and just the top part from Early Espresso card stock.  Use Early Espresso marker to color tops of cattails on Mellow Moss weed, and then use liquid glue to adhere to front of card as shown.

5. Cut 4" length of Burlap Ribbon; pull out edges at each end and then trim individual threads to give the ends an uneven and worn look.  Adhere across card over weeds with Tear 'n Tape.

6. Cut tops of cattails from Early Espresso weeds and use Liquid Glue to adhere them to tops of Old Olive weeds.  Apply Stampin' Dimensionals to back at top and bottom and adhere to card over ribbon.  (NOTE:  Cut thin strips of Dimensionals to adhere behind cattails and upper parts of weeds.)

7.  Remove handle from bag; cut three pieces approximately 2-1/4" to 2-1/2" in length; bundle the pieces together, wrap linen thread around several times and tie in a knot in the front.  Adhere to card with Liquid Glue at the weeds end and Stampin' Dimensionals at opposite end.

8. Use Basic Gray ink to stamp fish on Very Vanilla card stock; use Q-tip and Stampin' Pads to apply color.  Adhere to card between front and back weeds with Stampin' Dimensionals.  (NOTE:  To make the rainbow trout pictured, start with Mellow Moss at the top; then Old Olive; then Daffodil Delight; and then Calypso Coral.  Underbelly is lightly colored with Sahara Sand.  Fins are Mossy Meadow near body; Old Olive near tips.  Use Journaling Pen to trace over eye after coloring to make it stand out.)

9. Punch 1-1/2" Circle from Mellow Moss card stock; use Big Shot and Layering Circles Die to cut 1-3/8" circle from Early Espresso card stock.  Use Basic Gray ink to stamp sentiment on Very Vanilla card stock.  Punch out sentiment and use Stampin' Sponge to apply Early Espresso ink to edges.  Use SNAIL Adhesive or Liquid Glue to layer these pieces, and then adhere to front of card with Stampin' Dimensionals.  (NOTE:  The punch I used for this sentiment is now retired, but you can use any punch you have in your stash.  I would have centered it better from top to bottom, but I originally had planned to attach a fishing fly at the bottom -- when I added the fly it didn't look quite right, so I left it off.  I would have stamped and punched it again to center it, but I had already loaned my stamp set to a friend, so I just went with it.)

Inside

With a card like this, you really need to finish the inside as well, so here's what I did on mine.


Additional Materials
* High Tide stamp set; Petal Palette stamp set
* Very Vanilla card stock (5-1/4" x 4"; 2" x 2")
* Copper Foil Sheet
* Baked Brown Sugar Classic Stampin' Pad (retired)
* Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad
* Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
* Angled Tag Topper Punch (retired)

1. Stamp fisherman image (Best Catch) as shown with Pear Pizzazz ink.

2. Stamp weeds images (High Tide) with Pear Pizzazz ink; use Black Journaling pen to lightly draw lines defining edge of hill in foreground.

3. Stamp creel and hat on Very Vanilla card stock with Basic Gray ink.  Color with Baked Brown Sugar, Old Olive and Real Red ink using a Q-tip.  Use Liquid Glue to adhere to card stock as shown.

4. Use Angled Tag Topper Punch to cut one edge of 2" x 2" Very Vanilla card stock.  Stamp sentiment (Petal Palette) with Early Espresso ink.  Use Stampin' Sponge to apply Early Espresso Ink to edges of tag.  Cut 3 pieces of Linen Thread about 3" in length; hold together and thread through hole in tag; tie in a knot.  Adhere to card with SNAIL Adhesive.

5. Use Big Shot to cut fishing fly from scrap of Copper Foil.  Adhere to tag with Liquid Glue.

My husband and I are both fly fishing enthusiasts (whenever we can find the time, that is), so he really liked this card.  Cheers to another 40 years (of course, by then he will be 111 and I will be 107,  so . . . hmmmm . . . maybe not?!)

Enjoy!

Cathy  ;D

Creativity with Acrylic Blocks

My sweet grandson Finn spent a few days with us over the Presidents Day weekend.  He loves to build things with my acrylic blocks.  He's now almost 8 years old and has been creating structures with my blocks for years, beginning with simple one-layer outlines.

This was his latest creation.  I almost feel bad when I have to deconstruct them to use the blocks.  But I guess that's what cameras are for, right?!



Apparently Finn has suddenly become camera-shy . . . .

Always fun in my craft room with Finn!

Cathy  ;D

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Three New Items Added to Sale-a-Bration

Good morning, stampers!  I know everyone is excited about Sale-a-Bration (that's when you receive free merchandise for every $50 catalog order)!**  And now three new free gifts have been added!

** Some of the free items require a $100 catalog order.


NOTE:  Sale-a-Bration ends March 31, so be sure to place your orders now and receive your free merchandise!

Click HERE to view all Stampin' Up! current catalogs, including the new Sale-a-Bration brochure!

Cathy :D

Monday, February 11, 2019

Cards from Stamp Camp North (2/9/2019)

On Saturday I shared a photo and instructions for the card we made at my table at Stamp Camp North that day.  Today I'm sharing photos of all the cards we made -- a nice variety of cards created by another group of really talented Stampin' Up! Demonstrators!

Click on images for closer look.


This is the camp organized by my friend Juli Whitfield at the Westminster Elks.  We always have a good time and have great cards.  The next camp is scheduled for Saturday, March 9.  Registration forms for this and other stamp camps in the area are always posted on my Upcoming Events page as soon as they are available.

Cathy 😀

Saturday, February 9, 2019

Best Catch

This is the card we made at my table at Stamp Camp North today.  As you can see, I'm kind of over my "girly-girl" stage for the time being.  This is a more manly card with rich, bold colors and no bows or butterflies!  😁

Click on image for closer look.

Thanks to Lynn Starzl for the basic design of this card.  Lynn's card also featured the large jumping fish, but since I was doing this card in a stamp camp I opted to use just the smaller fish dies so it could be made quickly.  Click HERE to view the original card on Lynn's blog.

Materials

Stamp Set
* Best Catch Cling Stamp Set

Paper
* Mossy Meadow card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2; 4-1/4" x 1-1/8" (3); about 2-3/4" x 2-1/4" for weeds; 1-3/4" circle)
* Merry Merlot card stock (5-1/4" x 4"; scraps for fish; 1-5/8" circle)
* Soft Sea Foam card stock (5-1/8" x 3-7/8")
* Tea Room Specialty Designer Series Paper ("DSP") (4-1/8" x 1" (3))
* Very Vanilla card stock (1-1/2" circle)

Ink
* Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories and Tools
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Catch of the Day Thinlits Dies
* Layering Circles Framelits Dies
* Subtle Embossing Folder
* 1-1/2" Circle Punch
* 1-3/4" Circle Punch
* Adhesives: SNAIL Adhesive; Stampin' Dimensionals; Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Instructions
(Unless otherwise noted, SNAIL Adhesive used to assemble card.)

1. Score 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Mossy Meadow card stock at 4-1/4"; fold away from score line to create card.

2. Adhere Merry Merlot 5-1/4" x 4" card stock to front of card.

3. Use Big Shot and embossing folder to add horizontal texture to 5-1/8" x 3-7/8" card stock; adhere to front of card over Merry Merlot card stock.

4. Adhere 4-1/8" x 1" DSP to 4-1/4" x 1-1/8" Mossy Meadow card stock (3 pieces); adhere to front of card as shown on sample.

5. Use Big Shot and fish dies to cut one large and two small fish from Merry Merlot card stock; use Liquid Glue to adhere both small fish to card; use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere large fish to card (refer to sample for positioning).

6. Use Big Shot and weeds die to cut weeds from Mossy Meadow card stock; adhere as shown with Liquid Glue.

7. Punch 1-3/4" circle from Mossy Meadow card stock; use Big Shot to and Layering Circle die to cut 1-5/8" circle from Merry Merlot card stock; stamp sentiment on Very Vanilla card stock and punch out with 1-1/2" Circle punch.  Adhere circles together with Mossy Meadow on the bottom; Merry Merlot in the middle, and Very Vanilla on the top, and adhere to card with Stampin' Dimensionals.

And that's it!  If your sweetheart is a fisherman (like my husband), this would make a perfect Valentine's Day card!

Cathy  😉

Thursday, February 7, 2019

"Love to Stamp" Camp in Longmont (2/2/2019)

Yesterday I shared with you the card we made at my table at Sassy Chic Stampers Stamp Camp in Longmont this past Saturday.  Today I'm sharing photos of the cards made at all of the tables.  A very talented group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators participates in this camp!

Click on images for closer look


Hope you find some great Valentine's Day ideas among these great cards!

Cathy :D