A Touch From the Heart

Twitterpated

Hey everyone!  How's your week going?  Today I had the wonderful opportunity to stamp with a group of retired teachers.  We made four beautiful projects, and I thought I would share one of them with you today.

I've made this design before (with the Spice Cake paper from the Holiday Mini Catalog), but I thought I would update it with some amazing new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  

The box portion of this project is simply cut with the Box #2 Bigz XL die using Pear Pizzazz cardstock.  

The wrapper portion all starts with a 2 3/4" x 10 1/2" piece of Island Indigo cardstock.  Using my Simply Scored tool, score at 4 1/2" and 9".  Punch both short edges with the Scallop Edge Border Punch.  Fold on the two score lines.

Now, for the patterned paper.  First of all, isn't this paper gorgeous!!!  It's from the Twitterpated dsp pack in the Occasions Mini.  I just love the fresh color combinations!!!!  You will need two pieces of this dsp, and they should measure 2 1/2" x 4".  Adhere these dsp pieces to the Island Indigo base.  Make sure that the bottom edge of the dsp sits flush on the score line.  

The box nestles into the center of the Island Indigo piece.  Pinch the two scallop edges together and punch two holes about an inch apart using the Cropodile.  Feed in a length of Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon through the holes and tie into a bow.

Stamp the "friends" (from Tiny Tags) onto Whisper White cardstock and punch with the Jewelry Tag punch.  Make a hole at the top of the tag using your paper piercing tool, and feed through a length of White Baker's Twine.  Before tying into a bow, feed each string into one hole on a Twitterpated button.  

Now, onto the carnation!  Carnations are my favorite flower because they don't drive my allergies nuts, and they last a really long time.  Don't get me wrong....I love getting me some gorgeous roses, but they just seem to die so quickly.  If you keep changing the water with carnations, they can last two weeks!  Love that!!!!

It's hard to see on this photo, but the flowers are make with the Faux Suede technique.  

How to make the flowers:

1. using the Blossom punch, punch two flowers from Blushing Bride cardstock
2. for each flower, wad the flower into a tight ball and smooth back out
3. repeat this 3 or 4 times until you see each petal starting to separate into two separate layers
4. VERY CAREFULLY peel the two layers apart.  If one petal isn't separating, just ball that petal up again until the layers come apart.  This step takes a lot of patience, but it's truly worth the wait!
5. after you've separated each of the flowers, you should now have four flower pieces.  
6. making sure the fuzzy side (i.e. Faux Suede) is up, pile the flowers on top of each other, making sure to offset the petals on each layer.  
7. poke a hole in the center of the pile of flowers and secure with a brad
8. now that your flower is contructed, squish the upper flowers and squish less as you work down to the last layer.  This makes the carnation!

Attach the flower to the box using Mini Glue Dots.  

If you've read through this entire post, I really appreciate it!!!!  I know it was a long one, but I wanted to teach you how to make this adorable project!!!

All of the items used to make this project are available from my ONLINE STORE.  Thanks for choosing me as your demonstrator!!!

If you make one, let me know how they turn out!!!

Until next time.....Happy stamping everyone!!!

Project Recipe

stamps:  Tiny Tags
paper:  Pear Pizzazz, Island Indigo, Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Twitterpated dsp
ink:  Black StazOn
accessories:  Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, Twitterpated Designer Buttons, Scallop Edge border punch, Jewelry Tag punch, White Baker's Twine, Blossom punch, Silver Brad, Box #2 Bigz XL die

 

 

How Did She Do That?

Do you like making cards for someone that makes them think "how did she do that?".  I sure do.....especially for Dennis.  He tilts his head to the size while analyzing the "cool" element of the card.

For this "cool" card, I chose to make a diorama card.  I just love how it looks like the ship is sailing in the choppy sea.

How to make a Diorama Card:

1. Cut two pieces of cardstock to 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
2. Score each of those pieces of cardstock at 1/2", 1", 4 1/2" and 5" 
3. Use a punch, Framelits, Big Shot die to cut the window from the front cardstock piece (I used the 2 1/2" circle punch)
4. Place the two cardstock pieces on top of each other and mark the center of the circle using a pencil
5. Stamp the image you want in the diorama using the pencil dot to help you figure out placement
6. Fold on the score lines.  The first fold should be a valley fold, the second fold should be a mountain fold, the third fold should be a mountain fold, and the last fold should be a valley fold
7. Attach Sticky Strip to the back cardstock piece along each side
8. Adhere the two cardstock pieces together

I've made diorama cards where I've stamped a tree line on the back cardstock piece and added little cutout animals to the front cardstock piece.  

There's no limit to what you can come up with!!!

I'll leave you with the card recipe in case you want to make my sailing the open sea card.

All of the items used to make this card are available for purchase from my ONLINE STORE.  Thank you for choosing me as your demonstrator!

Card Recipe

stamps:  The Open Sea
paper:  Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Rich Regals Patterns dsp stack 
ink:  Early Espresso
accessories:  2 1/2" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, Stampin' Write Markers, Vintage Brads, white gel pen, sponge 

 

Coffee Filter Magic

Good morning everyone! 

It feels good to be back!!!  Now that the holidays are over, my goal is to get the Stampin' Studio back in order.  As I've come to the realization that Stampin' Up's Leadership Conference is less than two weeks away, the cleaning needs to be put on hold and serious swap making needs to begin.   I guess the craziness is going to continue until after I get back from San Antonio. 

While organizing my cards, I realized that I never shared this project with you.  Well, there's no time like the present, huh?

Now, if you're looking at the title of this post and asking yourself "what in the heck is Patti talking about?", let me you in on some information.  When we purchased our Keurig machine last year, we've been left with a collection of coffee filters.  Naturally, rather than taking up room in the cupboard, I decided to play with the Faux Silk technique instead. 

Faux Silk Tutorial

1. flatten out a coffee filter on your stamping surface
2. stamp your images onto the coffee filter using your Classic ink pads
3. roll the coffee filter up in your hand to make a ball
4. flatten out the coffee filter somewhat (you want to have some wrinkles in it)
5. cover the entire surface of your cardstock (light colors work best) with your Anywhere Glue Stick
6. press the coffee filter into the glue-covered cardstock (make sure not to smooth out too many of the wrinkles as the wrinkly look is what you are looking for
7. using a scissor or your paper trimmer, trim the coffee filter to the edges of your cardstock

Now, isn't this the best way to use those leftover coffee filters?  I just love the silk look!!!

For my card, I used the Delicate Doilies stamp set.  I thought it worked well with the Faux Silk motif.   It reminds me of a wrinkly handkerchief my great grandmother might have used.  My great grandmother would've ironed it, but honestly, who has the time to iron anymore? 

The doilies are stamped in Island Indigo, Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade ink. 

I just love the whimsical font on the sentiment.  It comes from the Cute and Curly stamp set (I think that's the name of it...I don't have my catalog in front of me).  This is also stamped in Island Indigo ink.

The card is embellished with the fun Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon and a small doily that's been stamped onto Whisper White using Lucky Limeade ink.  I punched the doily using the 1 1/4" circle punch and matted it on a 1 3/8" circle punched from  Calypso Coral cardstock.  The center of the doily is embellished with a Basic Rhinestone.  I was careful with my embellishments due to all of the pattern with the doilies. 

Well, I hope I have inspired you to play with your coffee filters.  Drop me a note or comment with a link to your project so I can check out your creations.  I love when you inspire me too!

Thanks for stopping by!  As always, if you need to place to shop for your favorite Stampin' Up! products and don't have a local demonstrator, I hope you'll shop at my ONLINE STORE.

Remember, today's the last day of the Holiday Blitz at the Clearance Rack.  Check out the fabulous deals......up to 80% off on some items!!!

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!

 

New Video Tutorial: Making Mats with Your Punches

The kids and I have been busy making a new video tutorial for you.

It features the new Decorative Label punch in the Holiday Mini Catalog. 

We hope you like it........

 

 

Wanna Little Smooch?

If you've taken a peek at the new Idea Book and Catalog, you must've noticed all the exciting Smooch products on page 195.

I thought I would give you a closer look at the Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink. 

This pearlized accent ink comes in 3 oz. bottles.  The bottles actually resemble nail polish bottles, but this ink is WAY cooler!  When you open up the bottle, there is a foam applicator.  It's quite small so you can rest assured that you can add accents of ink to the tiniest of places or to add dots of color!

On the photo above, I've added squiggles as well as dots.  I do not recommend coloring in an entire image with this ink.  It's more for adding accents.....let your image shine with the little added something that makes you say "wow"!

The ink comes in 4 colors:  Silver Fox, Gold Lame, Moonlight and Illuminate Top Coat.

Silver Fox, Gold Lame and Moonlight are opaque......that means that you cannot see through them.  These inks are perfect for adding touches of color on your images.  For example, I can picture using Gold Lame and Silver Fox on Christmas bells, ornaments, Santa's belt buckles, etc.......

Moonlight looks fabulous dotted on snowflake images.  It will also be quite fun to add to your Halloween cards......how about accenting your clouds or moon.......the finishing touch on baby cards, etc..... 

The Illuminate Top Coat is translucent.....that means you can see through it.  It has a subtle sparkle......not as sparkly as Dazzling Diamonds, but so pretty!  I can SO imagine this being used on bubbles, candle flames, snowflakes......wherever you need just a touch of glimmer!

Although the bottles resemble nail polish, it dries very quickly!

If you love sparkle but hate the mess of traditional glitter, I suggest you give these beauties a try!  They'll add the glimmer you love without the mess! 

The Illuminate Top Coat (item 121084) sells for $5.50.

Gold Lame (item 119968), Silver Fox (item 119967) and Moonlight (item 119969) sell for $4.95 each.

They are available for order on my demonstrator website!  Let me know what you think!!!

Place a Stampin' Up! order through my demonstrator website 24/7........I truly appreciate your business

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

Chesky Convention - Day One

Welcome to Day One of Chesky Convention!!!  I am unable to attend this year's Stampin' Up! Convention in Salt Lake City, but that's not going to stop me from having a little convention of my own with all of you!!!!

Today let's show you a technique I've been using A LOT!  It's called Direct-to-Paper.  I've been getting some emails asking me to show you this technique.  It's a great way to add "texture" to your project without adding any bulk.  It's economical too.....just needing ink pads and cardstock!!!  Love that!!!

The video features all Stampin' Up! products (Marina Mist cardstock, Marina Mist ink pad and Newspring designer series paper). 

Stampin' Up! products can be ordered through my demonstrator website.  Just click on "Shop Now" to enter the online store. 

P.S.  A big thank you to my children Christopher and Amanda.  Amanda films my videos.  Christopher edits and uploads them for me.  I think they did a fabulous job!!!

I'll be back tomorrow with Day Two of Chesky Convention!!!!  See you then........

Tutorial: Magic Chalkboard

Today I am going to show you a fun technique that uses watercolor pencils.  Honestly, I don't use watercolor pencils to watercolor with.  I am a matchy-matchy person, and the watercolor pencils do not exactly match the Stampin' Up! colors like the watercolor crayons do. 

But, the watercolor pencils are perfect for the Magic Chalkboard technique.

Let's explore this technique......shall we?

Step 1:  stamp a solid image using Whisper White Craft ink onto Basic Black cardstock (this already gives it away why it's called Magic Chalkboard).  Make sure you let the ink dry thoroughly before moving onto step 2.

For my project, I am using the Vintage Vogue stamp set.  It's perfect for this technique!!!

Step 2:   Using watercolor pencils, color over the images stamped in white. 

That's all there is to the Magic Chalkboard technique.  Easy peasy!

Here's the card I made with this technique.........

Once again, I used my Direct-to-Paper technique for the base card.  It just gives some extra "oomph" to an ordinary piece of cardstock (for my card I used the new amazing Marina Mist).

The card is very easy to figure out.....so I will give you the card recipe.  If you need any help figuring anything out, just leave a comment or send me an email.  I'm here to help!

If you've fallen in love with this project and would like to order some Stampin' Up! products, you can easily do that through my demonstrator website.  Just click on Shop Now to enter the online store!!!! 

Card Recipe

stamps:  Vintage Vogue
ink:  Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White Craft ink
paper:  Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Certainly Celery, Basic Black
accessories:  watercolor pencils, Basic Rhinestones, Photo Corner punch, Small Oval punch, black brad (Neutrals pack)
 

Tutorial: Tunnel Card

 

During the last Stamp Club meeting, the girls learned how to make a Tunnel Card.  It looks like an ordinary card on the outside, but on the inside.............

Isn't it cool? 

Here's how to make one.

You need two pieces of 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" cardstock.

The first piece (which will be the outside of the card) is scored at 4 1/4".

The second piece (which is the inside of the card) is scored at 2 1/8", 4 1/4" and 6 3/8".  I cut the 3" circle window using my Circle Scissor Plus. 

Make sure you tie your ribbon to the inside cardstock piece before adhering to the base card.  

Notes about my sample card

• I ran the inside piece through my Big Shot using the Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder
• I stamped the base card with the grass image from Inspired By Nature (using Old Olive ink)
• the sentiment (from Whimsical Words) is stamped on the fold line
• the butterflies are embossed and cut at the same time thanks to the Beautiful Wings embosslit
• the large butterfly on the outside of my card is adorned with some clear rhinestones from the Eggcellent Egg Kit

Card Recipe

stamps:  Whimsical Words, Inspired by Nature
paper:  Certainly Celery, Barely Banana, Whisper White, Sweet Pea DSP pad
ink:  Old Olive, Certainly Celery (sponging), Basic Black
accessories:  Beautiful Wings embosslit, Eggcellent Egg Kit, Scallop Trim Border Punch (Sale-a-bration freebie), Whisper White Satin Ribbon, Circle Scissor Plus

All Stampin' Up! products used on this card are available for purchase through my demonstrator website

  

Video: How to Use the New Border and Corner Punches

Stampin' Up! announced a new video tutorial.

It's all about the new punch design specifically focusing on the border and corner punches.

As much as I would like to teach each of you how to use these in person, so many of you live so far away.  I don't think Dennis would approve of my travel budget to teach everyone how to use the punches.  LOL!!!!

I hope you find these videos helpful and informative....

Remember, be patient.  They are different that anything we've ever offered before.  So, there is a little bit of a learning curve!!!  I know you'll do great!!!

As always, if you have any questions, just send me an email.  I'm here to help.