Epsom Salt Webbing (also called Iced Crystal)

I received this technique in a swap from sweet SAer Kim Bolzenthal. She credits pawsitivelyhappystampin.blogspot.com. We'll be making this card at October Technique class...it is a lot of fun!

Ingredients:

Epsom Salt
Boiling Water
Paint Brush
Cardstock (doesn't seem to work on black-I had to try it for myself-and it didn't work.)

Put 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt in a hot tolerant bowl. Add 1/2 cup of boiling water and stir until the salt crystals are dissolved. Use a paint brush to paint the entire surface of the cardstock and cover well.

Do Not go back and try to add more after it begins to dry-it will ruin it. I think it is best to let it dry naturally and plan to make it the first thing we do at my upcoming technique class. We can then finish the card last of all. Be patient....and happy stamping!

Consider trying it for a crystalized ice look too.  But....don't use Bashful Blue-it DID NOT work. Marina Mist worked though.

Stocking Punch card with the Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Series Paper...

This card is fairly quick-it will even be one of the options for Stamp A Stack later this week, but I really enjoy this new dsp, Stitched Stockings stamp set and Stocking Builder Punch, so I thought I'd share. The Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder makes a clean crisp card just a little more fun as well.

Time for a Fall Card!

These loosely stamped 2-step leaves are from the Gently Falling set, and I used Stampin' Addicts Sketch Challenge 109 for the layout. We'll make this card at Quick Class on Thursday the 15th or Friday the 16th.

Streaking technique

I'm going to send this card to my 25 year old cousin who is undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma...She's a sweet and brave girl! The inside says "to make it better". The sentiments are part of the Perfect Pairs set from Stampin' Up!. I find the entire set so useful, and it really fills in some of my imagined sayings needs.

The streaking technique just involves dragging the stamp in the direction the stamped image has already traveled (figuratively) before lifting up the stamp.  Easy, but different.  The butterfly image is from the Creative Elements Stamp Set. I created my own embossed background of butterflies by stacking and gluing together 4 or 5 of three different butterflies from the Beautiful Wings Sizzlit Die onto a piece of the stiff backing sheet from our designer series paper and embossed it onto the Pear Pizzazz cardstock.  The Perfect Pennants Die has a perfect scalloped circle (in Soft Suede) to layer under our 2-1/2 inch circle punch. Add a little Pool Party sponging, the gorgeous matching Pool Party 3/8" ruffled ribbon and 3 sets of twin pearls, and you're finished. Quick and easy.

Stampin' Addicts 2011 Holiday Mini Blog Hop

Welcome Stamping Friends to the Stampin' Addicts 2011 Holiday Mini Blog Hop!

You've arrived at the first stop on our hop and you may continue through all 19 stops to see a variety of creations from the Stampin Up! Holiday Mini.  We're glad you're here!

You may begin at any point though and click through each stop.  At the other end of the hop Debra is beautifully highlighting the a la carte Stamp, Leaves of a Tree, on her Heartfelt Inkspiration blog, and should you get lost or want to chat about the blog hop, visit the Blog Hop Chat Thread on Stampin' Addicts for a list of all the participating blogs in order.


Today, I'm focused on the Holiday Mini Hostess set, Warmest of Wishes (page 5) with a few other stamps tossed in for good measure. This set consists of a leaf wreath, NOEL, Warmest of Wishes, Trick or Treating OWL and Heart pennant.  All but the Warmest of Wishes sentiment are designed to fit in one of our punches, and the set provides stamping fun for four Holidays.

One might think I'd go in time order, but I'm starting with the Christmas card!  Warmest of Wishes could be used any time in the winter since it just has snowflakes, but I think it combined nicely with the NOEL for this card which is a square cross over. I saw this on SA member Jennifer Timko's blog and thought it was a cute size.  I only diagonally cut the card front to create the pocket for the other side though.

The NOEL is only attached at the top with dimensionals so that the bottom slips over the pocket sleeve when inserted in the card.  I used a diagonal from the Letters to Santa dsp....I hope it doesn't make you dizzy....and then, added our polka dot scalloped edge ribbon (inside out) and a few bits of rhinestone bling.

A what is it? moment....This is a covered napkin ring that I hope you like. I used a paper towel roll (cut to size) and attached the Spice Cake fabric (page 18) to it (sticky strip on the inside).  I then stamped the Leaf Wreath in a variety of fall colors on Pool Party cardstock, punched it with the 2-3/8" scalloped circle punch, punched the center with the 1-1/4 punch and placed it over the circle found in the fabric.

Next is this fall sign...I went simple--Surprise! (Not really I know.) I used the Big Shot with the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet in More Mustard and of course the Perfect Pennants Die....The Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (page 17) provided most of the inspiration for this banner....I really enjoy that paper-beautiful colors and patterns! (Maybe because the colors match my blog?)  The ends of the banner are our giant Spice Cake Buttons in More Mustard (page 18).

I'm...Batman!  WHOOOOO's gonna give me some candy or a Moon Pie in a ribbon slider? The Adam West version (with boots) in really dark blue instead of black I guess.... :).....and his little sister in her fairy costume. (She's wearing a leotard) I just thought it was strange that the owl was trick or treating without a costume, but with a mask, so I couldn't resist. 

They are campy, but my girls love them. The Moon Pie Slider features the Haunted Forest a la carte stamp from page 43 of the Holiday Mini.  The butterfly punch fairy's wings were coated in our new Dazzling Details glitter glue (page 41)....Easy and FAST.....I just had to wait for it to dry.

Now it is time to continue to Heidi's Blog, Running with Scissors Stamper to see her adorable creations with the super cute stamp set, Out on A Limb. The scenes she created definitely make me want this set! Thanks for stopping by!

 

Blog Candy Card Challenge & Pennant Parade Baby Card

I'm ready for some football! Fans, would you like to win a roll of 1/8 taffeta ribbon in your choice of Stampin' Up! color?  Just create a card for your favorite fellow fan using the colors of your alma mater (college or high school) and the Pennant Parade stamp set or punch.  Upload it online (to your blog or Stampin' Addicts) and link to it here in the comments.  A winner will be drawn at random from the entries, and the roll of ribbon will either be mailed to you by First Class mail or given to you if you are local. Contest ends September 2nd at noon, one entry per person, demonstrators are eligible to enter and win. Please include your ribbon color choice with your comment/entry. Winner's name will be posted here. Please allow two weeks for delivery. Good luck and happy stamping!

I went to my sorority sister Tara's wedding last night, and today is sorority bid day at OSU. I was thinking of my friends, chatting with them on FB and made this Orange and Black card.

I love that the Pennant Parade set has so many uses....What a fun set to combine with the Billboard Alphabet Big Shot strip die! If the child has a name with four letters or less, it would be perfect for a birthday card too.

Another card for class next Thursday or Friday... Retired Stampin' Up! Sets for Sale

I CASE'd Lisa Young again....just changing the colors and designer series paper and changing it to almost no embellishments....just to show it could be done.

This hostess designer series paper is so easy to use--I really enjoy it for a quick and striking card.

If you're interested, I have some retired sets available for sale.  Here is a link to them for your shopping enjoyment :) :  http://thestampinbunnyprojects.blogspot.com/2011/08/retired-stamps-available-for-sale.html 

Coloring with Pastels...Quick Class August 18th & 19th

Here's a card we'll make at quick class this next week....trying to show off all you can do with Stampin' Up!'s pastels....Coloring with an aquapainter or blender pen is an easy one.

It uses MOJO203 from the Mojo Monday sketches, and an unusual color combination for me. This is also Tech96 for the technique challenge on Stampin' Addicts. I like the homespun look of pastel coloring with this set, so I hope you all will too.

Delicate Doilies Colorful Emboss Resist

This set begs for Emboss Resist I think, and I didn't want to wait to do a blue on white emboss resist card at Christmas time (though that will be lovely too.).  So I used Versamark ink to emboss on Very Vanilla cardstock with Clear Embossing Powder.  So Saffron, Ridinghood Red, Baja Breeze and Pear Pizzazz made rich sponged on colors, and I like the look of the lace ribbon over Ridinghood Red taffeta ribbon to coordinate it a little.

CASEing my friend Missi Roeber...Raining Flowers Stampin' Up! Set Crimped Pocket Card

This card uses an envelope to create a pocket or gift card holder card.  It is so easy to make a quick card this way.  My friend Missi gave us Magnets at convention in a similar holder, and I thought it would be perfect to show for class.  Our smooth Stampin' Up! envelopes work much better than store-purchased envelopes when you are stamping on them. I'm usually not that adament, but it really matters when you are stamping on the envelope.

First you seal the envelope. Then, you cut the envelope at 4-1/2 inches on the long side.  Next, stamp your image or images or scene on the large portion of the envelope.  Then run just that piece through your crimper.  Following Missi's lead, I added a 1/4 inch strip of designer series paper (I used the hostess paper Cheerful Treat.)  I used the stamp set we were given at Convention, Raining Flowers and created a little flower for the topper much like Missi did though she used a different set.  Add an insert (you can use a punch to create a slot for a gift card) so that you can sign your card. The sentiment is from the new Perfect Pairs set.

The topper will go all the way on, but you do have to take a minute and work it down over the crimped portion carefully.  My customers also asked about mailing it.....yes the top is still the size of an envelope...it would not fit in the same size envelope. I imagined one make take this card to a birthday party.

Distressed technique card

This is one of the cards we made at Stamp Club/Technique class this week. It used the Best Friends Forever set that Stampin' Up! convention attendees received with a color scheme and feel I CASE'd from Lisa Young.  Lisa's Kindness Matters card on Stampin' Addicts.

Stripes Big Shot Folder Basketweave/Gingham technique

We learned this technique at Stampin' Up! convention from Janine Tinklenberg....It is such a great way to get another fun look from the Stripes Big Shot Folder and is this week's technique challenge on Stampin' Addicts. Happily for my customers, we'll make this card at technique class/stamp club this week. The sketch I used for this card was MOJO201 from MOJO Monday.

Cut your card stock into a cardfront size piece (5-1/2 X 4-1/4). Whisper White provides a nice summery contrast, but I bet it would be lovely on colored cardstock for a different look.

Ink up the larger side of your embossing folder with a classic inkpad. Do try to avoid getting it down into the opposing stripes--stay on the raised portion, but do a nice job of inking it completely.

Place your cardstock as close to totally parallel to the striped on the folder as you can, and run the folder and cardstock through your Big Shot.

Next, carefully remove your cardstock and reink your embossing folder.
Now, place the cardstock perpendicular (90 degrees) to the stripes and run the folder and cardstock through your Big Shot. (It won't be completely covered.)

Carefully remove it from the folder, and give it a moment to dry.

Finally, you can fussy cut the cardstock along the lines of the folder to even up your gingham a little, and then finish your card.

Such a "why didn't I think of that?" idea, but that's why she's Queen Tink!

Stampin' Addicts New 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! Catalog Blog Hop

Welcome Stampin' Friends!  I hope you enjoy this Stampin' Addicts hop featuring all new stamp sets!  We have 18 stops for you to peruse as you add to your new catty wish lists!  If you've been following the hop in order, you've enjoyed Trina's cute creations with the Many Mustaches set. (How Cute that her blog is called Stamps and Whiskers too-even though the name is in relation to her cats!) If not, keep hopping and you'll reach it, or if you are lost, go to the chat thread on Stampin' Addicts to find your way.

There's also a huge 5th Saturday Stamp Jam going on over at Stampin' Addicts in conjenction with this Blog Hop. Feel free to check it out and join in the fun!

I'm featuring the Polar Party set....Yes, it is a long time until Christmas, but I just couldn't wait to take the plunge with these record breaking temperatures in Oklahoma this year!

First, I have this Candy Bar Holder...A regular size Hershey Bar fits inside, and I used the cute new Letters to Santa blue plaid designer series paper for the tabs.  Just some stamping and coloring of the set...(I can't wait to Dazzling Details glitter glue in the Upcoming Holiday Mini for snow, but I used the Smooch Accent ink to add shimmer in this example.)  On the little tree, our Cherry Cobber Twine made a perfect little accent rope and tied in a little more red.  I think the peppermint candy makes a surprising addition and adds more Candyland style interest under the candy cane (also a stamp in this set) cut out.

Next is this tiny gift tag....My penguin-loving daughter thinks it might make a better tree ornament...Either way-I'm glad she likes it. The picture makes it look a little flat, but the Four Frames border is popped up on dimensionals (edges so they will be narrow enough), and the little penguin is walking out of the frame. His banner is just a toothpick cut easily with our craft and rubber scissors with "Merry" from the Teeny Tiny Wishes on it with a Basic Rhinestone.

Finally, I have this Wiper Card using Black White and Pool Party with Island Indigo (Antarctica is an island after all ;)) and Pear Pizzazz....

The little penguin lifting his foot is perfect for the wiper portion I think....and I'll never tire of SU!'s super-faceted and shiny rhinestones!

Now, it is time to Hippity Hop to Sara's Lily's Ink Pad blog to see her fun creations with the Easy Events set....

 

Rhonda's Stampin' Up! New Catalog Girls Evening Out

I’m excited to share all the new ideas we learned at convention, fun swaps cards as well as the Holiday Mini catalog with you all! I hope you are ALL able to join me on Thursday the 28th of July for a come and go anytime from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. for two FREE Make and Take cards and root beer floats.


The projects will be simple but fun and similar in style to these two cards, so it is a perfect time to bring friends who may not have stamped before as well:

I love this new In Color Wisteria Wonder…we’ve needed a light purple! All the new ribbons are lovely too, and I’m excited for you all to use them. This will be July’s Stamp Club meeting as well if you are a part of that, and as always catalogs are free for stamp club members/hostesses or with a $25 order. If you aren’t ready to order, the big catalogs are $5 which is refundable with a $25 order (just remind me when you order).

I hope you are ALL able to drop by for some fun!

Stampin’ Up! has a great $99 starter kit promotion (with two brand new stamp sets-you could also choose new In Colors for your ink pads if you’d rather) through the end of July as well. If you are at all interested, be sure and talk to me about it soon. My downline may attend Technique Classes for only $5 instead of $10, and Stampin’ Up! is giving away a free Holiday Memento box kit! For the first person to sign directly under me, I am offering the awesome Convention 3-ring binder ($25 value) which includes tabs and the complete supply list for all the projects in the catalog. Here’s a link to the list of the Starter Kit contents , and here are pictures of the lovely Binder:

I also didn't swap....

This little spider from the super cute Kidoodles set....I used a Stampin' Addicts Technique challenge which is also found on page 69 of the new catalog, but I was afraid I would not have time to finish several of them in time.

I actually swapped this on Thursday...

This was my card for the Stampin' Addicts Meet and Greet on Wednesday.  I used marker to stamp to ink this nice large background stamp in Concord Crush and Always Artichoke.  The Sweet Floral stamp is really large so I put it to one side of the card and also used a blender pen to create the Wisteria Wonder color in the light spaces on the flower. I did not use Wisteria ink...that is the Concord Crush ink which makes for a fairly quick card.  I used the Tasteful Trim die and the new Artichoke Denim ribbon for the embellishment at the bottom and some pearl bling at the top.

There are two pictures because I first used the new Family Reunion set to create the "to my Mom" sentiment, but I switched to the Happy Birthday sentiment from the new Petite Pairs set because the former required the use of the stampamajig :).