A Touch From the Heart

How to Assemble Clear Mount Stamps

1.  When you open the Clear Mount stamp case you will find the die cut rubber and image labels.

2.  Pop the die cut rubber out of the rubber sheet (do not remove the paper backing yet).

3.  Look at your label sheet.  The side with the slit in the middle of each image should face up.  Using this slit, carefully remove the paper backing from the label.

4.  Remove the paper backing from the stamp.  Place the stamp on the label sheet (making sure to match up the stamp and the label opening).  Press down.

5.  The last step is to lift off the stamp.  This is what it will look like. 

You are now ready to stamp.  It's easy!!!  Place the stamp on the clear acrylic block and press down with moderate pressure for a few seconds.  Ink up your stamp and stamp away!!!!

I am very excited about the Clear Mount option.  It allows me more storage room, and I love how I can get a better feel for where my image will be on my cardstock.  Love this!!!!!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.  I am here to help!!!

If you don't have a demonstrator and would like to order Stampin' Up! products, click HERE to place an online order. 

Experimenting with Shimmer Paint

This week's Bloggers Challenge was a fun one.....teach or link to a technique.

Well, I love to experiment so I thought I would come up with something different.  I'm going to call it Shimmery Stained Glass.  The traditional Stained Glass technique uses vellum and markers.  I thought a shimmery twist might be nice........

It's very easy to do.......simply take a few drops of Frost White Shimmer Paint and tint it with a drop of reinker.  For this flower, I used Ruby Red. 

I stamped the flower (from Fifth Avenue Floral) onto some Vellum Cardstock using Black StazOn ink.  Let it dry.  Flip the vellum over and paint the back of the image with the tinted Shimmer Paint.  Let it dry thoroughly and cut the image out. 

The Basic Black base card measures 4 1/4" x 4 1/4".

The next layer is Ruby Red cardstock that has been texturized with the Perfect Details Texturz Plate.  The edges are sponged with Ruby Red ink.  I added two lengths of Certainly Celery 1/4" grosgrain before adhering to my base card.

The bloom sits upon some Certainly Celery leaves that were cut with the Little Leaves Sizzlit die.  The Basic Black cardstock frame has been dotted with the Frost White Shimmer Paint and an embossing stylus.  I also used the paint and stylus to dot the center of the flower.

That's it....so easy, but oh so pretty.  The photo doesn't capture its true beauty.  You'll have to give the technique a try and tell me what you think.

I'll be back tomorrow with the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch.

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

Diorama Card

Are you looking to make a WOW card?

Well, look no further.........you just have to try a Diorama Card.  They are perfect when you want to build a scene.  It looks especially cute with a wintry scene and snowmen.

Here's a view from the top to help you with the assembly

Supplies Needed

Certainly Celery cardstock (8 1/2" x 3") - quantity 2

Whisper White cardstock (6 1/2" x 3")

Directions

1. On the 8 1/2" side, score each of the Certainly Celery pieces 2" from each end
2. For one piece of the Certainly Celery, place the 8 1/2" side as far into the 1 1/4" circle punch as it can go making sure to line up the left score line with the left edge of the punch.  Punch.
3. For that same piece of Certainly Celery cardstock, place the 8 1/2" side as far into the 1 1/4" circle punch as it can go making sure to line up the right score line with the right side of the punch.  Punch.  This will be your front panel.
4. Using that same 1 1/4" circle punch, punch a hole to connect the two holes from step 2 and 3 above.
5. On the 6 1/2" side, score the Whisper White piece 1" from each end.
6. Repeat steps 2 through 4 this time using the 1 3/8" circle punch and the Whisper White cardstock piece.  This will be your middle panel.
7. Decorate the three panels as desired.  I stamped the trees from Forest Friends on my back and middle panels.  The front panel is wheeled with the Cornelli Lace jumbo wheel.  I also stamped a bunny and owl and punched with the 1 1/4" circle punch.
8. Now, it's time to assemble.  For the back panel (the one with no holes punched in it), fold the side flaps towards you.  For the middle panel, fold the side flaps away from you.  For the front panel, fold the side flaps away from you.
9. Apply Sticky Strip to the outside edges of the small flaps on the Whisper White cardstock piece.  Remove red liner and line up the edge of the left side flap of the middle panel to the left score line on the back panel. 
10. Follow the same process for the right side panel making sure  to line it up with the right score line on the back panel.  It should now look like a box.
11. To attach the front panel to the box, place Sticky Strip on the back of both side flaps of the front panel.  Remove red liner and attach the left side flap to the left side of the box created in step 10.
12. Repeat for the right side.

There you have it......a cute diorama card.  You can easily collapse it to fit into an elongated envelope.

Imagine the surprise when someone opens this cool card!!!!

Place Your Stampin' Up! Order Today

Card Recipe

stamps:  Forest Friends, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Cornelli Lace jumbo wheel
paper:  Certainly Celery, Barely Banana, Whisper White
ink:  Certainly Celery, Basic Brown
accessories:  Stampin' Write markers, circle punches (1 1/4", 1 3/8"), Word Window Punch, sponges, dimensionals, Sticky Strip

 

Watercoloring with Craft Ink

It's Sunday....which means lots of laundry....which also means I get to stamp since my Stampin' Studio is on the same floor as the laundry.

Today, I wanted to showcase a technique......watercoloring with Craft ink.  It's done the same way as watercoloring with classic ink.  Just squeeze the lid of the Craft ink pad (for these flowers I used Whisper White and Old Olive) and pick up what's on the lid with your Aquapainter.

I just love how I can have white flowers on colored cardstock.

Here's how I made the card:

The More Mustard base card is very lightly sponged with Close to Cocoa ink.

The next layer is Dusty Durango which is stamped with the French Filigree background stamp using Dusty Durango ink.   I also sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa ink.

I added a Chocolate Chip cardstock strip that has a length of "dirtied up" Very Vanilla wide grosgrain ribbon.  How do you dirty it up?  Just rub your sponge (that's already been loaded with Close to Cocoa ink) along the ribbon.  I used some Linen Thread to tie a knot on the left side which gives it that gathered effect.  I then added a small button from the Latte Designer Buttons pack (also threaded with Linen Thread).

Now, onto the focal image.  I cut a 3" circle from More Mustard Cardstock.  I stamped the flower with Basic Brown ink.  As I mentioned above, I watercolored the flower (from Friends 24-7) with Whisper White and Old Olive Craft ink.  I used my Pumpkin Pie marker to color the stamens of the flowers.  I sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa ink.  I also used a Chocolate Chip marker and the Color Spritzer Tool to spatter some ink on the image.

The circle is matted on a square of Old Olive cardstock which has it's corners punched with the Ticket Corner punch (also sponged with Close to Cocoa ink).  I used my Paper Piercing Tool to pierce along different areas of the circle.  The final touch is the addition of Vintage Brads.  This entire layer is matted on some Close to Cocoa cardstock.

I really love the Autumn tones of this card.  I am going to save this card for my sister-in-law's birthday.  She loves the warm colors too.  

If you've fallen in love with this project, all the items used can be purchased from Stampin' Up!  Simply click on my signature below to place an online order via my demonstrator website.  It's that easy!!!

Card Recipe

stamps:  Friends 24-7, French Filigree
paper:  More Mustard, Dusty Durango, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip
ink:  Basic Brown, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White Craft, Old Olive Craft
accessories:  Aquapainter, Color Spritzer Tool, Chocolate Chip marker, Circle Scissor Plus, Pumpkin Pie marker, Latte Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, Very Vanilla Wide Grosgrain, Paper Piercing tool, Vintage Brads, sponges, dimensionals

Video Tutorial: How to Use the Circle Scissor Plus

Happy Labor Day everyone!!  We had our family party on Sunday so all the kids could relax on their last day before school starts bright and early on Tuesday morning.  It's also my last day before I return to work......and I need to get all the laundry done as well as finish my designing for this week's Just Cards class.

I have a new video tutorial to share with you today.  My daughter Amanda is my cameraperson as well as my video editor.  She's been doing a fabulous job.  We've been learning new filming tips and techniques each time.....so please bear with us as we make these new videos.

Today's video is all about cutting circles with the Circle Scissor Plus.  I have some tips that I've found so helpful.  I hope you find them useful too.

I've owned many circle cutters over the past twelve years of stampin' and scrappin'.  I can honestly say that the Circle Scissor Plus gives me the most perfect circles of any circle cutter I have owned.  Is there a bit of a learning curve?  Of course there is, but that's the point of this video.........so you can cut perfect circles the first time you use it!!!

If you've fallen in love with the products featured in this video, they are available for purchase through my demonstrator website.  Simply click on "Shop Now" to place your online order.  If you are uncomfortable with placing internet orders, you can always email me.  I will be happy to place your order for you in the traditional way.  I'm here to help!!

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

New Video Tutorial: Gift Card Holder

I am very excited to announce that I am now venturing into the land of video tutorials.  I've made a few here and there, but now I plan on making this a regular feature on my blog.

Today's video is all about making this adorable gift card holder.

I hope you enjoyed this video

Project Recipe

stamps:  Snow Swirled
paper:  Certainly Celery, Real Red, Whisper White
ink:  Real Red, Certainly Celery
accessories:  Word Window punch, 1 1/4" Circle punch, Wide Oval punch, Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain, sponges

Happy Stamping everyone!!

 

Have You Tried This?

I love to ask my stampers that question before we start my "Totally Techniques" class.  Of course, I want them to say "no" because the whole point of the class is for me to teach new stamping techniques.

Last Wednesday I taught my stampers the Impression Wax Resist and Reinker Spread techniques.  Oh my my......they thought I was a stamping goddess.  They loved them both, but the reinker technique had them all super-dee-duper-excited.

Both techniques are really easy.....

Impressions Wax Resist - run a piece of wax paper through the Big Shot using one of the Impressions Dies (I used the Finial Press Impressions Die for my project).  Place the wax paper on top of a piece of Glossy White cardstock, place a piece of copy/printer paper on top and iron (set at the Cotton setting).  Remove the layers and brayer ink all over the Glossy White cardstock.  The ink will resist where the wax paper melted onto the Glossy White cardstock.

Reinker Spread - stamp a line art image (I used the rose from Fifth Avenue Floral) using Versamark ink on Shimmery White cardstock, sprinkle with white embossing powder and heat with heat gun.  Using a fine mist water spritzer, spritz water onto image until pools of water fill the embossed areas.  Using an Aquapainter and reinkers, touch pools of water with the ink.  The ink will spread.  Allow image to dry (use heat gun to speed this process up).  Cut out image with paper snips and adhere to project.

I try to hold a Totally Techniques class each month.  If you live in the Twin Cities area, I would love to have you take a class with me!!! 

If you don't live in my area, I am still here to help you.  As your demonstrator, I am here to help you with your questions.  Are you unsure about your project?  Take a picture and email it to me.  We'll discuss it....together.  If you don't know to use something you've purchased from me, I'll provide you with a photo or video tutorial.  The last thing I want is your stamping purchase sitting in the box it arrived in......collecting dust!!!! 

I know there are thousands of demos out there to choose from.  For top notch service, I think you'll be really happy that you  chose me.

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

To order your Stampin' Up! Products.....Click HERE

Card Recipe

stamps:  Fifth Avenue Floral, Teeny Tiny Wishes
paper:  Barely Banana, Basic Black, Shimmery White, Pretty in Pink, Mellow Moss, Glossy White
ink:  Basic Black, Barely Banana, Versamark, reinkers (Pretty in Pink)
accessories:  wax paper, Finial Press Impressions Die, brayer, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, White Organza Ribbon, white embossing powder, Aquapainter, Little Leaves sizzlit

Marker Storage Tip

I am in love with my Stampin' Write markers.  In fact, they were on my first order as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  So, when I heard that Stampin' Up! was offering In Color markers this year.....well, I was jumping up and down!!!

I have this handy tip to keep all my markers together. 

I have my In Color markers and Neutral markers attached to my marker case so I have all my markers together...in one place....ready to use at any time!! 

The neutral markers were sold individually when I first bought my markers.  So they are sitting in a box the blender pens came in.  Now, the neutral markers are sold as a set....so they come in a box of their own. 

Make sure to use Sticky Strip to attach the boxes to the RIGHT side of your marker case.  Don't put them on the left side as that is the side with all the marker color guide.

If you do not own the Stampin' Write markers yet, I can sure help you with that.  I have two spots remaining in a Marker Club that I am currently trying to fill. 

Marker Club is the best way to affordably purchase the markers over a period of 4 months.  Each month you will receive a color family of markers and its matching 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock pack.  You will also be the hostess during one of those four months.  As the hostess you will receive a copy of the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog for FREE, the marker case, earn a level 1 Hostess set for FREE and get $15 in FREE catalog merchandise.  Marker Club is only $46 a month if you live near me to pick up your order or $51.00 a month if the items need to be shipped to your home.

If you would like more information about my marker club, please send me an email.  I would be happy to speak with you!!!

New Tutorial: Conversation Heart Purse

I have been inspired by Lauren Meader to package ordinary things in extraordinary ways.  While at the grocery store I picked up a box of conversation hearts.  I really don't like the taste of the little candies, but I do enjoy reading their cute little sayings.  The box cost me a whopping 33 cents.  BUT if I present the box in a really cute way, the recipient will appreciate so much more than a little box of candy hearts.

 

Would you like to learn how to make one of these candy boxes?  Well, read on for full instructions:

Step 1:  I cut a piece of 12x12 Rose Red cardstock to 4 3/4" x 11 3/4"

Step 2:  Score the 4 3/4" side at the following measurements:  1/4" and 1 1/8".  Rotate the cardstock so you still have the 4 3/4" side against the bottom and the score marks you just made are on the right side.  Score the cardstock at 1/4" and 1 1/8".

Step 3:  Score the 11 3/4" side at the following measurements:  2", 2 7/8", 6 7/8" and 7 3/4"

Step 4:  Use the following picture as a guide.  Cut away the side strips as shown.

Step 5:  Cut the two little squarish tabs at an angle (this helps the sides to lay flat during assembly).

Step 6:  Add a strong adhesive (i.e. Sticky Strip works great) to the 1/4" x 2" strips.

Step 7:  Assemble the box

Step 8:  Decorate the front of the box however you like.  I used my Love You Much stamp set and Candy Lane designer series paper. 

Step 9:  Use an adhesive backed velcro dot to keep the front flap closed.

Have fun making your own Conversation Heart purse.

Until tomorrow.....Happy Stamping everyone!!!!

Tutorial: Scallop Envelope Box

Yesterday I showed you a gift box that was constructed using the Scallop Envelope die and the Big Shot. 

Rather than holding candy like yesterday's box, this little box holds a selection of 3"x3" note cards and envelopes.

I did not come up with the design of this box.  I'm not exactly sure who was the first, but this project is just too cool not to show you how to make.

Step 1:  Take a 12"x12" piece of cardstock.  For this project I used Rose Red.  Cut the cardstock into four equal 6"x6" pieces.

Step 2:  Run the Scallop Envelope die with each of the four pieces of cardstock through the Big Shot.  Here's the sandwich I used (from the bottom up):  clear cutting pad, 2 shims (come with the crease pad), Scallop Envelope die, cardstock, Crease Pad.

Step 3: Cut the both side flaps off of two of the die cuts.  You should have two full Scallop Envelopes and two with both sides cut off.

Step 4: Fold on each of the score lines.  The envelope tops should face you when folded down.  On each of the side flaps place a length of Sticky Strip.

Step 5:  Remove red liner and adhere the side flap to the back of the die cuts that had their side flaps cut off.  Repeat this process until you have made a box.

Step 6: Your box should look like this

Step 7: Fold two of the bottom pieces down.  Place Sticky Strip on the remaining two flaps and secure down to complete the box.

Step 8:  The box will look like this from the top view.  Now you have a choice.  You can leave the flaps open like shown above or you can tack them down with more Sticky Strip like I did.

Now it's time to decorate the box.  Add strips of patterned paper (like yesterday's project) or tie a length of ribbon.

If you have any questions about today's tutorial, please leave me a comment, and I will get back with you as soon as I can!!!

Tomorrow I will show you the little 3x3 cards that I tucked inside this cute little box.

Happy New Year!!!!  If you are heading out tonight, have fun but be safe!!!!!  See you in 2009!!!!!