A Touch From the Heart

Snow Much Fun

I inherited something from my mom.......a love of snowmen!  I know...I know.....it's June!  Why in the heck am I making a snowman card this time of year?  My answer is.....because he's cute....and because he's a sneak peek from the new catalog!  I couldn't resist!!

The month before a new catty comes out (the big catty or one of the mini catalogs), demonstrators can preorder products.  This gives us time to explore them, come up with samples and heck, just have fun playing with new stuff!!!!!  Doesn't this want to make you sign up to be a demonstrator?  I'd love to have you on my stamping team!

On this card, I've played with a few new products.  Can you spot them?

• Snow Much Fun stamp set
• Lace Border punch
• Scalloped Ribbon (polka dot on one side, plain on the other)
• Lucky Limeade cardstock
• In Color markers (Lucky Limeade and Calypso Coral)

Remember, these fabulous products are available for purchase starting July 1st.  But, there's some fabulous products retiring this month.  I encourage you to check them out at my ONLINE STORE.

Card Recipe

stamps:  Snow Much Fun
paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, watercolor paper, Neutrals Patterns dsp stack
ink:  Black StazOn, Soft Suede
accessories:  Big Shot, Scallop Squares Duo Bigz die, Aquapainter, Stampin' Write Markers, 5/8" Neutrals Brad, Chocolate Chip Scalloped Ribbon, Color Spritzer Tool, Lace Border punch

Mojo? Where are You?

Hey stampers!  I am giving you fair warning.  While my body may be back from Maui, my stamping mojo is still somewhere on the beach.   I hope it's having a grand 'ol time because my body sure misses the beach!

This sketch is awesome, but I had the hardest time with it.  I am having a hard time adjusting to the time difference, and the creative side of my brain is completely shot!   I'm not in love with this card, but after three attempts, it's the best it's going to get.  So be gentle with me, okay?

 As you can see, I rotated the sketch for my card!

At Stampin' Up's Leadership Conference, everyone in attendance was given some fabric.  Can you believe this is the first time I've played with it?  I would love to say that I was hoarding it, but honestly, I was a little timid to put a new medium on my cards.  Now, that I've used it, I want to smack myself and say "what the heck were you waiting for?".   

My card starts with a Night of Navy base card. 

The next layer is Baja Breeze (the same color as the fabric I am using).  I inked up my Very Vintage wheel with Versamark ink and rolled it along my entire piece of cardstock.  I sprinkled on some Clear Embossing Powder and melted it with my embossing heat gun. 

My focal image uses my favorite flourish.  It's from Baroque Motifs, and it's hands down one of my most used stamp sets.  The flourish is inked with Night of Navy ink and stamped onto Whisper White cardstock.   I lightly sponged my edges with Night of Navy ink too. 

Now onto the fabric ruffle.  What's awesome about the Stampin' Up! fabric is that it rips straight.  So, I cut a little slice in the fabric and just tore it into a 3/4" strip.  I then ran a length of Sticky Strip on the bottom of my focal layer and ruffled the fabric strip by pressing it into the adhesive.  What a fun way to incorporate fabric onto a card!

My focal image is matted onto some Night of Navy cardstock.  I added a length of Whisper White Satin Ribbon and tied it into a classic knot. 

All that's left are my beautiful butterflies.  I would love to say that it was a lot of work to cut these babies out, but my Big Shot and my Beautful Wings Embosslit did all the work.  I glued them onto my card using Mini Glue Dots. 

Well, that's about it for this card.  Like I said, I'm not in love with it, but when the stamping mojo is still on vacation, I have to take what I can get, right? 

I am off to check out what the other Stamping 411 operators have done.  I am sure once I see their cards I will have a major "should've had a V8" moment.  LOL!

Until next time.....Happy Stamping everyone!

 

Labor of Love

Sometimes a card comes together so easy......and other times, it's like pulling teeth.

This was definitely a "pulling teeth" card.  I love the final result, but trust me, it took a long time for me to get something I was happy with.  

I wanted to show my stamping clients how to omit areas using my Big Shot and embossing folders.  Can you see on the sample how everything on the Whisper White layer is embossed with the Square Lattice pattern except for the circle area?  It's easy to do.....just cut a shape into a piece of chipboard and use the following sandwich on your Big Shot:

from the bottom up

1.  Multi-purpose platform on Tab 2
2.  shim
3.  embossing folder with cardstock inside
4.  cardboard piece with shape cut out
5.  clear cutting pad

On my sample card, I used the 3" circle Bigz die.  I can't wait to try this technique with my Top Note die......it's my favorite! 

Card Recipe

stamps:  Blessed Mother
paper:  So Saffron, Concord Crush, Whisper White, Old Olive
ink:  Basic Black, Bashful Blue
accessories:  Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder, 3" circle Bigz die, Dotted Scallop Ribbon border Punch, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, Stampin Write markers (Concord Crush, Old Olive) 

Click HERE to place your order for your Stampin' Up! products

Holiday Tags Class

 

This year I sent an email out to my local ladies asking what kind of classes they wanted me to teach for the holiday season.  I want to make sure that I give them the best handmade holiday ever!!  I told you I like to give great customer service!!!

My stamping friends asked for a Holiday Gift Tags class.  Well, they ask......I deliver!  This week, we will be making lots of holiday tags.  In fact, we'll be making 10 holiday tags (5 designs.....2 of each design).

Here are the class "deets":

Date:  Wed. November 17th

Time:  1:00 or 7:00pm (choose which session works best for your schedule)

Place:  Patti's Stampin' Studio (Chaska, MN)

Class Fee:  $15.00 (class fee is only $5.00 if you place a $25 order at the class)

If you live near the Twin Cities and would like to attend, please email me by Tuesday morning so I can have your project pack prepared for you.

I hope to see you there!!!!!

Click here to order your Stampin' Up! products through my demonstrator website

 

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch

Do you remember when you were first "wowed" by stamping?  Was it heat embossing?  Was it Versamark?  For me, it was Poppin' Pastels.  It seems like so long ago when I was first introduced to this technique.   I still love to show people the magic they can create with Versamark ink and Stampin' Pastels. 

This week I thought I would play with the technique that first wowed me with stamping.

First, let me show you the Stamping 411 sketch that we were given.  It's another classic sketch to keep in your sketch layout book......to be used over and over again.

 

My card is very simple.  As much as I love an ornate holiday card, they aren't all that practical.   For me, the holidays are about family........not about making 50-100 labor intensive cards.   This week's card is a perfect card.....it's dramatic but not hard to make!

 

My base card is More Mustard (4 1/4" x 11"), folded in half. 

Layer #2 is Always Artichoke that has been sponged with Always Artichoke ink along the edges to add some contrast.

At the bottom of layer #2 I added two strips of Cherry Cobbler polka dot dsp from the Regals Patterns dsp stack.

The focal image (from Season of Joy) is stamped onto Whisper White cardstock using Versamark ink.  Now, it's time for the magic to happen.  I start with the lightest color first (in this case More Mustard).  I rub a sponge dauber onto the Stampin' Pastel and then pounce up and down.  The chalk will grab where the Versamark is.  Follow this same technique with the other two color pastels:  Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler.  You can use an eraser to clean up any excess, but I kinda like the imperfect look.

I sponged the edges of the focal layer with Chocolate Chip ink.  It's then matted on some Early Espresso cardstock followed by some More Mustard Cardstock.

All that's left is some of the yummy 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon.  I taped a length of it on the top seam of the dsp.  I then made a double looped faux bow.  A pretty Antique Brad secures the faux bow.

Oops....I forgot to mention the smooching.  There's a bit of Gold Lame Smooch Pearlized Accent ink on some of the images.  It adds just a touch of glimmer! 

Like I mentioned early, simple is a very good thing!  Simple need not mean boring or plain!  Simple means that you can still have a beautiful card without spending lots of time making it!

I can't wait to see what the other Stamping 411 operators have made with this week's challenge.

Until next time....Happy Stamping everyone!

Card Recipe

stamps:  Season of Joy
paper:  More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Regals Patterns dsp stack 
ink:  Versamark, Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke
accessories:  Stampin' Pastels, sponge daubers, 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Antique Brads

 

Shadow Stamping

Many of you have heard of a "bucket list".  Basically, it's a list of things you want to experience before you die (aka "kick the bucket").

 

I have a stamping "bucket" list.  One of the items on this list was a technique called Shadow Stamping.  Well.....no more!!!!  I can officially scratch this one off the list.

What was I waiting for?  This technique is so much fun.....and so incredibly easy when you use your Stamp-a-ma-jig. 

Here's how to "Shadow Stamp":

• stamp your solid image using the same color ink as the cardstock you are using
• clean your stamp
• using the Stamp-a-ma-jig, offset the image a little bit below and to the right.....ink up the stamp with Whisper White Craft ink and stamp onto your cardstock
• let the image dry completely to reveal a shadow-like and faux embossed look.

My base card is Early Espresso.

Layer #2 uses my favorite Direct-to-Paper technique.  Click HERE to watch my video on this technique.

In addition to the Shadow Stamping, I also experimented with my Victoria Trim to make a faux bow.  They are so much fun to make.....just loop your ribbon and secure with a brad.  I used one of my favorite Antique Brads. 

So....what's on your stamping bucket list?????????  Don't be afraid....pull out your stamping goodies and try something new!!!  You'll be glad you did!!!!

Card Recipe

stamps:  Upsy Daisy, Sincere Salutations
paper:  Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake
ink:  Baja Breeze, Whisper White Craft
accessories:  Victoria Trim, Antique Brad, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Scallop Trim Border Punch

All of the items used on today's card are available for purchase through my demonstrator website.  Thanks so much for choosing me as your demonstrator!

 

Stamping 411: Saturday Sketch

 TGIF!!!  This week was my first day back at work.  Let me tell you, I miss staying in my jammies 'til mid-morning.

The one thing I do look forward to on Friday is posting my project for the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge.

As soon as I saw this week's sketch, the idea for my card popped right into my head.  I knew I wanted to use a snowflake for my shaped element.

Here's the card I designed:

 

My base card is Night of Navy (5 1/2" x 8 1/2", folded in half)

Layer 2 is Marina Mist that has been run through my Big Shot using the Northern Flurry embossing folder.

Layer 3 is a strip of patterned paper from the Deck the Halls dsp pack.  It measures 1 1/4" x 4".

Layer 4 is a Whisper White snowflake cut with the Snowflake #2 Bigz die.

Layer 5 (my focal image) is so cute!  I stamped the snowman onto Crumb Cake cardstock using Basic Black ink.  I punched the image out with my 1 3/4" circle punch. 

I grabbed a cotton swab and colored his snow parts using my Whisper White Chalk Pastel.

The rest of his body is colored with Stampin' Write Markers (Marina Mist for the hat and mittens......Cherry Cobbler for the scarf and band on the hat....nose is Pumpkin Pie).  His buttons are dotted with Silver Fox Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink.  The ground is colored with my Illuminate Top Coat Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink.

I sponged the edges of the circle with Chocolate Chip ink to soften it up a bit.

The last element of the sketch is the sentiment.  I cut a strip of Crumb Cake cardstock and stamped the sentiment (in Basic Black ink).  To cut the banner edges I use my Photo Corner punch.  It makes a perfect edge...every time!!!  I also sponged the edges of this with Chocolate Chip ink.

Here's another helpful hint.......to make the curve of the banner, run a bone folder along the back edge (just as if you were curling ribbon for a gift).....it breaks down the fibers of the paper. 

I plan on using the sketch quite a bit.....there's so many images I own that will work within this snowflake.   I can imagine penguins, polar bears, Santas........oh the possibilities!!!

I can't wait to see what the other Stamping 411 operators have decided to use for their shape.  They always inspire me with their creativity.  I am so proud to call each of them my friend!

Now it's your turn to play!!!  If you decide to play along, we'd love to see your project.  Just use the Linky Tool at the bottom of the Stamping 411 blog post to link your project's URL to our post. 

Until next time....Happy Stamping everyone!

Holiday Mini Now Available

 

It's September 1st, and the Holiday Mini Catalog is now available for your viewing pleasure!  Do you know how hard it is to have access to a wonderful catalog like this and not be able to show it to you page by page? 

What I was allowed to do was show it to anyone in person!  So, my ladies who have attended my classes and workshops have been oogling over it for a month now!  Then, they all let me know when they received their very own copy in their mailbox.  Now, they have their own copies to drool over!

For all of you.......my online stamping friends.......that posed a different problem.  I can't show the pages of the catty itseld.  So, I showed you lots of projects using the products I had pre-ordered.  Click HERE to view my "sneak peek" projects.

Over the past month, I've fallen in love with many of the products including:

• Midnight Raven single wood stamp
• Waffle Paper
• Raven 1/2" Black Lace Trim
• Merry Crittermas stamp set
• seam binding
• and so much more........

I look forward to sharing many more projects highlighting this wonderful mini catalog.

Truly, there is something for everyone!  If you love vintage/shabby chic, there's lots for you in here!   There's adorable traditional Santas, snowmen, poinsettias, bells, angels and a wonderful Holy Family too! 

Let's not forget about Halloween, Thanksgiving and a first look at Valentine's Day too!

Then, we'd need to talk about all the accessories!  There's new Big Shot items and FABRIC too!!!!

Well, I could talk about the Holiday Mini all day!  I think the best thing to do is to take a peek at the Holiday Mini catalog online.  If you would like a copy to drool over in person, just let me know.  I'll be happy to mail one to you......as long as you don't have a demonstrator. 

If you would like to place an order for Stampin' Up! products, you can easily do so through my demonstrator website.  Just click on "Shop Now" to enter the online store!  While you're there, check out the Clearance Rack too!  There's lots of wonderful retired stamping goodies on sale for a spectacular price!!!!

Oh well, I am off to stamp today!!!  The house is quiet....so that sounds like doing laundry mixed with a lot of Holiday Mini stamping!!!!  It's going to be a GREAT day!

Until next time.....Happy Stamping everyone!

 

Wickedly Cool

It's getting to be about that time...........

I get all excited just thinking about it...........I can show you lots and lots of Halloween projects!  You all know how much the Cheskys love Halloween.  None of the gory stuff.......just the spooky, wacky, candy-filled fun of All Hallow's Eve!

For this week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge, we were given this sketch to work with:

That sketch can be kinda scary in itself.......but once you break down the components, this sketch is SO much fun to work with.

Here's my spooktacular card........

 

Believe it or not, this card all started with the Old Olive circle element.  It was cut using my Circle Scissor Plus........then it was run through the Big Shot using the new Spider Web embossing folder.  Using the Direct-to-Paper technique with an Old Olive ink pad just emphasizes those webs even more.

The haunted house (from House of Haunts) was stamped with Basic Black ink onto Shimmery White paper.  I sponged different parts of the house with Daffodil Delight and Rich Razzleberry ink.  I then cut the image out with my paper snips.

The house sits upon a Rich Razzleberry rectangle.  It's been sponged with Rich Razzleberry ink and spritzed with a Basic Gray marker (using the Color Spritzer Tool).

I layered two ribbons for the vertical element.  First is Daffodil Delight 5/8" grosgrain with some of the Raven 1/2" Lace Trim on top. 

All that's left is the sentiment.  It comes from the All Holidays stamp set.  It's stamped onto Daffodil Delight cardstock and punched with the new Decorative Label punch.  Only a small portion of this punch is used....the rest is tucked under my layer. 

Ooohh....I almost forgot about the spider.  I found a bag of punched spiders (non-SU) when cleaning the stamping room.   He wanted to make his new home on this card.

It still needed something.....what to do?  what to do?  Ah....a good spritzing of Silver Foil Smooch Spritz was called for.  I wonder if werewolves could touch my card?  You know how much they can't stand silver!!!  Sorry.....couldn't resist (that's just the Halloween freak in me).

Well, it's time for me to place this card on Fall display.  I can't wait to show you when I get it all set up!!! 

Are you ready to take the challenge?  The operators at the Stamping 411 certainly hope so!  If you make a project using our sketch, please link it to the Stamping 411 blog using the Linky Tool at the bottom.  It's easy to do.....just copy and paste your project's web address into the tool.  It will create a thumbnail of your project with a link for all to see!

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Upon my first glance of the Holiday Mini catalog, I instantly fell in love with the Merry Crittermas stamp set.   When I first started stamping I was attracted to "cute" stamps.  Do you remember "Fishy Friends"?  That was one of my first ever Stampin' Up! purchases.  It still sits proudly in my private stash of stamp sets to be used for my personal cards. 

I still love a good dose of "cute" stamps even though my style seems to have changed over the years. 

I had a vision of this card in my head as I was waiting for my box of pre-order goodies to arrive.  Do you know how hard it is to sit and wait?  I felt like a kid at Christmas-time. 

Well, my box finally arrived......and I got stamping....and tearing....and glittering! 

The base card is Cherry Cobbler.  If you haven't tried this new yummy-licious red, what are you waiting you?  Oh!  It's so gorgeous!!!!

The next layer is Whisper White.....it breaks up the red/blue a bit!

The main layer is Bashful Blue.   The top layer measures 3 3/4" x 5".  I then added torn strips (making sure the top one looked like a sledding hill).

Now for the glitter.  I ran my Two Way Glue Pen along the torn edges and sprinkled with Dazzling Diamonds.  This photo can't even capture the bling-i-ness of the sledding hill. 

Now, onto the bunny.  I inked him up with Black StazOn ink and stamped him onto some Whisper White cardstock.

Now, I am an Aquapainter girl, but you could do this with a Blender Pen too!  I scribbled my markers onto a plastic stamp set case and picked up the ink as needed.

Here's the colors I used:

• Bunny fur - Sahara Sand
• Bunny cheeks/paw pads - Pink Pirouette
• Shirt - Cherry Cobbler
• Pants - Certainly Celery
• Sled - Pacific Point
• Scarf - Cherry Cobbler and Certainly Celery colored with the marker directly
• Background (behind ropes) - Bashful Blue

I carefully cut him out and added him atop the sledding hill with a dimensional.

The greeting is stamped with Pacific Point ink, cut with the Small Oval punch, sponged with Pacific Point ink and matted onto a Pacific Point Modern Label punch.  I added a tiny Basic Pearl to finish it off perfectly.

Now, I am a wicked girl.  Mom loves "cute" even more than I do.  So, I made this card and didn't tell her about it.  She attended a private class with one of my new stampers (hi Joni) the other day, and I had this card on display.  I didn't say anything......I waited for her to scan the room for all the new stuff I made since she visited last.  Then I heard the gasp.  She LOVED it!!!!   You didn't hear the squeals of delight at your house?  I'm surprised!

Now, she's really itchin' to buy this stamp set come September 1st. 

Now, she's gonna feel like a kid at Christmas-time.........

Until next time......Happy Stamping everyone!

Did you know that you can order Stampin' Up! products anytime from my demonstrator website?  Just click on "Shop Now" to enter the online store.  You can do searches and check out the Clearance Rack.  There's also projects you check out!!!

I appreciate your online orders.........I LOVE being your Stampin' Up! demonstrator!!!

P.S.  Do you need a copy of the Holiday Mini Catalog?  If you do not have a demonstrator, please email me......I would be happy to send you a copy.