Friday, November 30, 2012

Embossed Snow Swirled Snowflakes

Card made with Stampin'UP! Stamp set: Snow Swirled
This card really looks like winter! The snowflakes (from a set called Snow Swirled) are silver embossed on a black background. These 3 snowflakes are from the same stamp set as yesterday's post with that gorgeous swirly tree.

The sentiment I used is from the same stamp set as the snowflakes.  But this card could easily be a thank-you or thinking of you or any other sentiment.

And every card needs some embellishments. As if the silver embossing wasn't enough! Stick a few random pearls on a few snowflakes and tie some white organza ribbon. Voila!
Card made with Stampin'UP! Stamp set: Snow Swirled

The lay-out of the card with the black on top and white on the bottom makes it look like a night sky with lots of snow on the ground. It reminds me of the song . . . ♪ "On a cold winter's night that was so deep". ♫  Now I have Christmas songs running through my head!

Its time to be thinking about Christmas anyway. Are there any Stampin'UP! items on your wish list?  If so be sure the Santa in your life knows enough to order early. Stampin'UP! recommends that Christmas orders be placed by Dec 10th to ensure timely holiday deliveries.

Be sure you get all the stamping stuff you want - its as easy as 1-2-3

►  and Make Your Wish List
screen bean list

Be sure your "Santa"
actually sees the wish list
screen bean computer  screen bean phone
and KNOWS HOW TO ORDER!

Enjoy!
Screan Bean love


Orders can be placed online HERE  - - at www.katiejohnson.stampinup.net
or - You can phone your order to 608-220-3450
Questions can be emailed to  StampLadyKatie@aol.com

And here is my Holiday Gift to you.  Ordinarily Customer Rewards Points are NOT transferrable. But if someone who is not a stamper buys your gift from me, I will transfer the Customer Rewards Points to you. Happy Holidays! 

Happy Stamping
--Katie

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Embellished Christmas Tree from Snow Swirled

card made with Stampin'UP! stamp set: Snow Swirled and rhinestones
Embellishments can add so much to a card! My local demo group met this week to stamp and do trades and this was my contribution. 

I wanted something very simple yet elegant. Something that would "wow" the demonstrators and yet looked easy enough for a beginning stamper to feel comfortable tackling.

This image from a set called "Snow Swirled" certainly gives that elegant look - and even more so when its embossed in white on a dark color.  This is Old Olive

To get that "wow" response I added some embellishments.  I started with the Rhinestone Basic Jewels.  I love the fact that they're self-adhesive.  It made mass producing go so much faster.

This Christmas tree image seems like it was just made for adding rhinestones.  There were 5 obvious little spots where the rhinestone was just the perfect addition.  

As I was working - and thinking how pretty and sparkly and swirly and lovely the cards were turning out - I got to thinking about other embellishments.  So I tried the self-stick Pearls.  

card made with Stampin'UP! stamp set: Snow Swirled and Rhinestones card made with Stampin'UP! stamp set: Snow Swirled and pearls

card made with Stampin'UP! stamp set: Snow Swirled
Oh My!  Equally stunning!  I love the white on white effect. Take all those adjectives above and add the word "classy".  I really couldn't decide which I liked better.  So I did half each way.

Do you send handmade holiday cards?  If so you know what I mean about wanting something without too many steps.  Check out my 3 Simple Rules for Mass Production.  And I should add a 4th rule:  Start Early.  You don't want to get stressed finishing at the last minute.

This really would be an easy card to mass produce.  The full list of materials used:
Stamp Set:  Snow Swirled (wood mount)  (clear Mount)
Paper: Old Olive and Whisper White
Ink: White Craft
Other:  White embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Basic Jewels or Basic Pearls
If you are ordering the clear mount set be sure you have the right size acrylic block (Block E)
And check to be sure you have enough envelopes!



Happy Stamping
--Katie

card made with Stampin'UP! stamp set: Snow Swirled and pearls





Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Wood Mount versus Clear Mount

Wood mount stamps or clear mount stamps: do you have a preference? Stamps are the basic tool of our craft so its important to understand the reasons for choosing one or the other.

Reasons to Choose Clear Mount
  1. Storage:  they take up less space
  2. Cost: they cost less
  3. Ease of stamping: you can see through the clear block to position your image
Disadvantages of Clear Mounts
  1. They don't always stay on the block

    TIP: I solve this by using a little re-positionable tape on my block to hold on the stamp. It does not damage the stamp and easily comes off the block
  2. Make sure you have the right size block for the image. If its too small you'll miss inking something that hangs off the edge of the block. See the block chart to the right.
Here's another tip:  The images in the Stampin'UP! catalog are all printed life size.  So just hold your clear block over the picture of the stamp to see if it will work.
Reasons to Choose Wood Mount
  1. Missing Blocks: You never have to worry about finding the right size block. Or traveling somewhere and realizing you forgot to bring any blocks! (yep, done that)
  2. Total Accuracy: (when using a stamp positioner like the Stamp-a-ma-Jig).

    TIP: I always buy wood mount for my sentiments. Even with being able to see through the clear blocks, I find that I'm better able to get a level image by using a stamp-a-ma-jig. 

    Not sure how to use this amazing tool?  Check my how-to video explaining how to use the Stamp-a-ma-Jig
Are you thinking of switching over from wood to clear?  You can purchase the blocks individually as you need them, or you can save money by purchasing the entire group as a bundle.  And TODAY ONLY (Wed 11/28/2013) they are on sale for 20% OFF.  And the storage caddy is also on sale. I also have a video explaining why I like the storage caddy.

If you've been thinking about getting the Blocks you'll save money by getting them today.
You earn Customer Rewards Points for all orders over $25

Making the move to clear mounts 
might be a smart idea for you

Saving money by getting them today is very smart.

But do it now, because 
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY OF THIS SALE!


Happy Stamping
--Katie

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Quick and Easy Punched Snowman Card

Looking for easy(ish) cards?  This one is pretty easy.
  • Stamp the snowman and punch with the 1-3/4" circle punch.
  • Color with Cherry Cobbler and Baja Breeze markers or use Blender Pens to pick up ink from the ink pads
  • Punch the 2-1/2" Scallop Circle
  • Punch the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border strip
The punches really add to the special look of this card.  I could have layered the snowman on square pieces, but the circle fit with the "theme" of a snowball.  And I could have made the background plain, but again, all the little polka dots again suggested snowballs.  

See the sparkle on the snowball?  Thats Dazzling Details, Stampin'UP!'s glitter glue.

Can you also tell that the buttons are raised up?  Those are our self-stick Rhinestones which I colored with a Sharpie Marker.

STAMPING TIP: our rhinestones can be colored with Sharpie Markers, which are a permanent ink. The Stampin'UP! markers are water based and will not stick to the plastic.

This cute little snowman is from a stamp set called Snow Much Fun. And I'm excited to tell you that right now its on sale for 50% OFF!  

The rhinestones are on sale too, along with some ribbon, buttons, glue sticks, brads and lots of other items. There are some PUNCHES on sale too! 

They're all on sale as part of Stampin'UP!'s 10-day Extravaganza

Download the Sale Flyer now to see what else is on sale.
Do it NOW because this sale ends Wednesday.

If you are placing an order
  1. Check the Holiday Extravaganza Sales Flyer for 20-50% off (sale ends the 28th)
  2. You can see the Main Catalog and the Holiday Mini Catalog online. Spanish Version Here
  3. Also check the Clearance Rack for additional savings
  4. And remember that all orders over $25 earn Customer Rewards
Happy Stamping
--Katie

Monday, November 26, 2012

Come to Bethlehem

Card made with Stampin'UP!'s stamp set: Come to Bethlehem
Christmas in Desert colors!  I really like the soft look of this color combination:  Baja Breeze and Crumb Cake.  

The stamp set is Come to Bethlehem and is one of the sets on sale during the 10-day Holiday Extravaganza SaleCheck the sale flyer here to see what might be on your wish list.  Some of the items are 50% off, including this stamp set.

To get this look you'll be sponging on the color. So to avoid smearing the stamped image it should be heat embossed.  Stazon ink is great when you are coloring with markers, but it won't stand up to a sponge. Oh, and I always cut my sponges into sections for easier handling.

And here's a tip, when I emboss in black I use Black Craft ink and Clear embossing powder. That avoids any little stray black speckles where the black powder landed on my project and didn't get brushed off.

Remember to check the sale flyer. The sale ends Wednesday.

If you are placing an order be sure to
  1. Check the Holiday Extravaganza Sales Flyer for 20-50% off from now through Nov 28th
  2. Also check the Clearance Rack for additional savings
  3. And remember that all orders over $25 earn Customer Rewards

Happy Stamping
--Katie


Saturday, November 24, 2012

A Good Sale is "Snow Much Fun"!

card made with Stampin'UP! stamp set: Snow Much FunA good sale is "snow much fun"! And this one is no exception.  OK, sorry.  The bad puns are leftover from my classroom days.  Yes, I know there's no snow on the ground yet. We did have a few flurries yesterday so one can only hope.  Wisconsin has often been white this time of year.  But me, I always have "Snow Much Fun" in my stamp room that I don't miss the real snow.

So why am I gabbing on about snow?  Because the stamp set: Snow Much Fun is one of the sets on sale for the Holiday Extravaganza

The card to the right was made by Lori Verdon.  Lori is one of my "sister demonstrators".  We are part of a group that meets once a month to trade ideas and cards and this was one of her trade cards. 

Here are some other trades I've gotten made with Snow Much Fun. Christine Schmidt is another demonstrator in our group. She made the cute nugget container on the left. It is so super easy. And I'm sorry but the card on the right had no name in it so I don't remember whose trade this was.
Nugget container made with Stampin'UP! stamp set: Snow Much Fun Nugget container made with Stampin'UP! stamp set: Snow Much Fun  card made with Stampin'UP! stamp set: Snow Much Fun

card made with Stampin'UP! stamp set: Snow Much Fun

And here is one of my own using this set.  The background is texture embossed with the Northern Flurry embossing folder.  Those self-stick rhinestones really add something special to this card.

You can see more samples in these older posts. Check out this Shaker Card and this  interactive scrapbook page both made with Snow Much Fun.



I love a good sale and this one has some of my favorites!  
20% - 50% off of selected products like these
(note: these links show the regular price, but through Nov 28th you'll get them at half OFF)



Fabulous Florets


Come to Bethlehem

Button Buddies
Crosses of Hope
25 and Counting
Snow Much Fun
You are Loved
It's a Wrap
 
Patterned Party


So - its Time to be like Santa and Check those lists:

Happy Stamping
--Katie

Friday, November 23, 2012

Thanksgiving Placecards

Did you do placecards for Thanksgiving?  I really love how these turned out. I love the colors and layered look and all the texture. We used the new Autumn Accents Leaf Die and the Designer Frames Embossing folder - the square frame from this set. You can see a card made with the oval frame here.

Are placecards a tradition with your family?  They're kind of a tradition with ours.  Come to think of it, it was always the kids job to make them.  Maybe it was just a way to keep us busy and out of the way of the adults.  Oh well.  Its a tradition now.


The Process:  I'd been planning all along to do something like this . . . but I confess it didn't get done until the day before Thanksgiving. I'm so glad I had help, my mom is here for the holiday.

The Inspiration: When she asked how I come up with my ideas I started to say, "Oh, the ideas just come to me". But then she pointed to my centerpiece on the dining room table.  I guess we are influenced by things and don't even realize it.

For colors we used: 
  •  Summer Starfruit (the big maple leaf)
  •  More Mustard (the oak leaf)
  •  Cajun Craze and Always Artichoke (the other leaf)
  •  Crumb Cake embossed with the Square Lattice Folder for the acorn
  •  Champagne Glimmer paper the acorn cap
TIP:  Note, when cutting the leaves you can easily do 3 at a time. But with the glimmer paper I only did 2 at a time because the back side is slippery and the papers slipped off the cutting edge. I placed the 2 glimmery sides together and sent it through that way.

The distressed look on these leaves is the same as our technique of the month for October (for those of you who stamp with me). 

I wanted the leaves to look somewhat realistic so we folded the leaf in half to create a center rib.

Then we crinkled and folded the paper to get lots of wrinkles.  It was funny to watch some of my stampers when I said to wrinkle the paper.  We have this fear of messing up a project and it seemed wrong at first to make wrinkles on purpose.  But you want them there for this look.

Then we sponged brown ink on the wrinkles.  Use a light touch because you can always add more ink but you can't take it off when you have too much.

Actually this is not hard. Thats my 83 year old mother's hands doing the distressing.

The base for these place cards was a 5-1/2" x 5" piece of Ivory Naturals Paper, folded in half. I embossed the square frame and then we wrote in the names by hand.

And the bottom photo shows the finished project.  A dozen place cards all ready for the table.

Are you doing any shopping today? Don't you just love being able to browse the catalogs digitally and order on-line. It totally saves fighting the crowds on Black Friday. And Stampin'UP!'s "Black Friday" sale lasts for 10 days! See the sale flyer here.


If you are placing an order be sure to
  1. Check the Holiday Extravaganza Sales Flyer for 20-50% off from now through Nov 28th
  2. Also check the Clearance Rack for additional savings
  3. And remember that all orders over $25 earn Customer Rewards

Happy Stamping
--Katie

Do you want to save even more? If you are thinking of buying the Starter Kit now is a GREAT time!
First:  you get $125 worth of product for only $99, and NO SHIPPING charges
Second: you'll get the sale price on all the Extravaganza merchandise
Third: you'll get a set of ink pads for FREE (either the brights, the subtles or the regals), thats another $50 value.




Click HERE on the words "JOIN NOW
on the left side of the page


Thursday, November 22, 2012

I'm thankful for YOU

HAPPY  THANKSGIVING

Today is a day to reflect on all the blessings in our lives and to find meaningful ways to express our gratitude.

Here is my top 5 things I'm grateful for:
  1. I'm thankful for my family: especially my husband,  and my children,  and my granddaughter.
  2. I'm thankful for our family's health
  3. I'm thankful that I don't have to struggle to meet my physical needs for food, shelter and clothing.
  4. I'm thankful for the personal freedoms we have as citizens of the United States  and I'm grateful to the men and women who help us maintain that freedom 
  5. And I'm grateful to Stampin'UP! and the many blessings that my association with this company have brought to my life. And you are part of that, so I'm thankful for you.

In fact here is my thank-you card to YOU for being part of my life.

This card is so easy to make.  Just gold emboss the leaves and the sentiment. The ribbon is held in the shape of a bow by the legs of the antique brad.

Include some strands of gold cord in with the ribbon to add to the richness of the project. Voila! A quick easy and elegant Thank-you.


Back to counting blessings: I don't mean to sound "sappy" but Stamping has truly enriched my life - in many ways.  And when I start listing things many of you will know exactly what I mean.

Friendships: My circle of friends has expanded so much.  I've met so many wonderful people that I would never have met had I not been involved in the stamping world.

Finances:  Yes, being a demonstrator has improved my financial life. This is a job - and a totally fun one at that. I don't pay for my hobby anymore, now it pays me.

TravelI've traveled to places I might never have been to if there had not been a Stampin'UP! event there.

Outlook on Life: I believe I'm a happier person for doing what I do . . . so thank-you to you. Thanks for being a customer, thanks for stamping with me, thanks for following this blog and leaving comments.

Has stamping and crafting blessed your life?  Here are a few stamping related things you might be thankful for. 

1.  You may be grateful to know that Stampin'UP! is having
      a 10-day Holiday Extravaganza.    Nov 19-28th.
      You'll find 20%-50% off  of selected items.  See the list of sale items here.

2.  You may be grateful to know you can purchase Stampin'UP! products on-line
      from the comfort of  your own home - no need to battle the crowds.

3.  You may be thankful to know the INK-credible special is still on,
      now through  Dec 16 when you buy the Starter Kit you'll get
     10 FREE ink pads! thats 1 full color set
     (Choose either the Brights, the Regals or the Subtles)

Buying the Starter Kit and becoming a demonstrator can enrich your life too.  Call me at 608-220-3450 with questions about how this could bless your life. Click HERE to join now.

Buying the Starter Kit is also a smart move for a Hobby Demonstrator.  For only $99 you get to choose $125 worth of product and if you buy it before Dec 16 you'll also be getting $50 worth of ink pads for free. And there is FREE SHIPPING on the Starter Kit. And you'll get a 20% discount on all your personal purchases even if you don't do workshops or teach classes.  Buy the Starter Kit Now.

 Don't miss out on this 10-day sale. Check the sale flyer - get in on these deals while they're here.  

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Stamping
--Katie

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Crystal Effects Gives a "Wet" Look

Remember this card from a few days ago? In that post I used this card to show a simple way to vary a lay-out


   

For this post notice the difference in the coloring on the leaves.  For the card on the right the colors are much more intense.  And if you look closely they almost have a "wet" look. Thats because I added some Crystal Effects to the leaves.

Crystal Effects can make a dramatic difference in a project.  The down side is that it takes time to dry. But the benefits include:
**it adds texture
**it intensifies color
**it adds shine

And, Crystal Effects is also a very strong adhesive. This is the perfect adhesive if you make 3D gift items for the Holidays.


And remember that all orders over $25 
earn Customer Rewards Points
 Happy stamping
--Katie