Simple Lay-out in Black and White

Beginning stampers often ask for card ideas using only black ink. 

Here is an idea featuring a feather image.

The card features a simple lay-out:  a horizontal strip containing the sentiment,
and a focal point off-set to the left.

Ink Color: I know I said this was only black and white . . . perhaps I cheated a bit. I did fill in the open space on the feather image with a little bit of gray ink, but the card would look fine with out that addition.

Focal point shape:  on this card its an oval.  It would be the same basic lay-out no matter what shape you used. Try it with a circle or square or rectangle. You could even try a heart or a star. Or a tree diecut - any shape offset to the left.

For the shape of my focal point I used Stampin'UP!'s new Layering Ovals Framelits. I really like the fact that half the ovals have a smooth edge and half have this sweet little scallop edge that you see on the black oval on this card.  Wow, what a deal too. This die set is both economical and practical. You get 14 dies with this set . . . can you imagine the cost of buying that many punches?!? Plus the storage space of so many punches versus just one thin package of dies.

 

Feather Together Photopolymer Stamp Set [141597]-$17.00

Layering Ovals Framelits Dies [ 141706]-$35.00

Big Shot Die Cut & Texture Emboss Machine  [143263]-$110.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730]- $9.00

Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045]-$8.00

Die sets versus punches: Do you have a die-cutting machine? In terms of both financial investment and storage space the die sets are absolutely the way to go. 

Especially right now during Stampin'UP!'s July Bonus Days.  Each $50 you spend in July earns you 10% back to spend in August for free (merchandise only, not shipping and tax) 

 

Thanks for Stopping by: Take a minute and browse previous posts. If you see anything you like I'm happy to help you get the product or just to consult and explain further how the project was made . . . its all about having fun with our hobby.

Deep Colors for Lighthearted Leaves

Fall is such a beautiful time of year, if only it could last a little longer so we could enjoy all the rich colors of the leaves.  

Here in Wisconsin most of the leaves are already gone. But my husband and I had a chance to spend last week in the Charlotte/Asheville area where we got to enjoy the colors all over again. 

This gorgeous shot was taken at a State Park by Lake Lure, NC called Chimney Rock.  Lots of stairs to climb to get this view, but absolutely well worth the hike.

Apparently I came home feeling very colorful.

I like using this lay-out and had wanted to play with the "4-square" design using a leaf stamp. I decided to use the colors for the background rather than the leaves themselves. What do you think?

The leaves are from the Lighthearted Leaves stamp set. They're designed for coloring, so I'm thinking of playing with this card and switching it up a bit, maybe stamp on white and color each leaf. 

There are lots of different colors of cardstock used on this project, but if you're like me I keep at least 1 package of every color on hand. That way when I'm feeling creative I don't get frustrated by a lack of basic supplies.

Here's the supply list for this card.

Lighthearted Leaves Photopolymer Stamp Set [139712] $26.00	Chocolate Chip 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [102128] $7.00	Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [120953] $7.00	Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100702] $7.00	Tangerine Tango 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [111349] $7.00
Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131199] $7.00	Rich Razzleberry 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [115316] $7.00	Pearl Basic Jewels Embellishments [119247] $5.00	Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [127821] $7.50

Thanks for Stopping by: Take a minute and browse previous posts. If you see anything you like I'm happy to help you get the product or just to consult and explain further how the project was made . . . its all about having fun with our hobby.

* * * View Available Product* * *
Up to 80% Savings  Clearance Rack Items	the Weekly Deals new product each Tuesday	2015-2016 Annual Catalog	2015 Holiday Catalog

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Playing with Lay-outs - This Versatile Lay-out Makes 2 Totally Different Cards

Here are 2 cards, both with the same lay-out, yet they look totally different. 

 

stamp set:  Open Sea                                                      stamp set:  Stippled Blossoms

                     

Both cards use the Chevron Embossing folder on the bottom half of the card front. I love texture embossing, its a great way to add some depth and dimension to a project. You can also add texture with ribbon or twine, like the Linen Thread on these 2 cards.

The sentiments on the 2 cards are both from a set called Teeny Tiny Wishes.  What a great set! 24 different sentiments to choose from and they all fit in the Word Window punch (the white piece on these cards). Then to make it look pretty I layered the sentiment on a colored piece that was created with the Modern Label punch.  FYI: The Modern Label punch is on the retirement list - boy am I going to miss that one. I use that punch a lot!

Speaking of retiring, the flower stamp set is on the retirement list too. Its a 2-step stamp set called Stippled Blossoms. If you look close you can see the 2 images stamped to make the flower: The solid lighter body of the flower and the darker detail on the petals.  

For Stampin'UP! fans the catalog transition time is always exciting. We know there's going to be some amazing, wonderful new stuff coming - but we also want to make sure we have everything from the retiring catalog before its gone for good.

Check out the complete list of retiring product here.

Stamps are guaranteed to be available through May 26th.

Everything else is available only while supplies last

In my experience I suggest checking the list sooner rather than later

and if there's something there you want, I'd get it now before its gone

and the good news is - more than half the stuff is also on sale

anywhere from 15% up to 50%

	Find something you like? I'll be happy to help you place your order
	Or if you're ordering on-line then use this Hostess Code   to be registered for my Customer Rewards Program 2AXK3K9Q  (good thru - April 30)

Thanks for stopping by.

---

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**Up to 80% Savings on Clearance Rack Items

**Don't miss the Weekly Deals  new product each Tuesday

Punch Art Leaf from a Circle Punch

Circle punches have so many uses.  

The 2 large circles on this card were made 

with Stampin'UP!'s 2-1/2" circle punch.

Using circles for background layers is so quick and easy. You don't have to measure anything, just punch and put the card together.

The leaves were also made with a circle punch.

In fact, this card was our
Technique of the Month for March.
 

• We punched a 1" circle
• Then, we put the circle piece we'd just cut BACK into the punch to trim off part of the edge. That's how you get the "football" shape for the leaf.
• You can make any width: wide or narrow
• The technique works with oval punches too.

If you like learning new techniques and if you're local to the Madison Area, then check out my class listings. I teach daytime classes at 4 area community centers: Verona, Monona, and Oregon. And will be starting a new group in Fitchburg this month.

I'm also available for private classes.  Contact me to reserve a time for your group.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you've been inspired

 

QUICK LINKS:

• Special Savings: Deal of the Week  . . . Click here to see The Deal of the Week 
  - New items post each Tuesday

• Reduced prices on Retired product  . . .  Check the Clearance Rack HERE

• View our Catalogs On-Line
  -The Annual Catalog (expires May 31) . . . also in Spanish
  -The Occasions Catalog (January - May)

Hey There Friend Geometric Card

What kind of shapes do you favor when stamping?  Current fashion is trending towards the more geometric images like banners and arrows. 

The stamps and trim on this card are from some of the My Paper Pumpkin Kits. If you're looking for pumpkins you can stop.The name "My Paper Pumpkin" is Stampin'UP!'s name for the craft kits - which do not actually make pumpkins.

The kits are a great intro experience into stamping and paper crafting.  Each month you get a few stamps and an ink spot along with all the paper and embellishments needed to make super cute projects.  

The projects are always a surprise, they may make cards or mini albums, or home decor or something else.

And you'll always have leftovers like I used on this card. The arrow stamps and the blue and gray strips of paper came from the December Kit. The yellow Starfruit ink came from one of the summer kits and the sentiment came from the Welcome Kit.

The Welcome Kit comes with the sentiment used on this card and a clear block. You save the block to use with all future kits. Each kit comes with a little 1" ink pad - which you can use with big stamps too! and as time goes on you'll find yourself accumulating quite a collection of different colors. 

And speaking of colors, check out this sweet deal.

 

Special Promotion
Through March 31st
Get a FREE set of the 2012-2014 In-Color Markers!
when you sign up for the
"My Paper Pumpkin" Monthly Craft Kits

These colors are right "on trend". Just listen to these names:
Gumball Green, Midnight Muse, 

Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple and Summer Starfruit

And now you can get the whole pack (a $14.95 value) for FREE.  

What a sweet deal!  

I am a subscriber myself and here's what I like about the kits

• They are only $19.95 a month (+tax . . . . and shipping is already included in that price)
• The kits have everything for the project except adhesive
  its all pre-cut, and pre-scored;  ribbon, buttons, stickers and brads are all included
• Its fun that the project is always a surprise: it could be cards or an album or something else.
• I can put the subscription "on-hold" if I ever want to quit for a while
• There are no minimums and no contract - I can quit anytime. 
• Its super easy to subscribe - just grab a credit card and subscribe here!

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you've been inspired
 

QUICK LINKS:

• Reduced prices on Retired product  . . .  Check the Clearance Rack HERE
• Special Savings: Deal of the Week  . . . Click here to see The Deal of the Week 
  - New items post each Tuesday
• Sale-a-bration 2014: Jan28-Mar 31 . . . Read the Details HERE
  Download your Wish List and Start Sale-a-brating!
• View our Catalogs On-Line
  -The Annual Catalog (expires May 31) . . . also in Spanish
  -The Occasions Catalog (January - May)
  -The Sale-a-Bration Brochure (Jan 28-Mar 31)

Small Stamp Lay-out: Halloween or . . .

Do you ever feel challenged by your small stamps on cards?  Its easy to create a card with a large stamp because a large image makes a great focal point. But sometimes the small stamps are too small to use alone. Here's an easy lay-out that works well with small stamps.

The top card uses a small flower image and sentiment from a set called Lacy and Lovely found on 117 of the Annual Catalog.  

The Halloween images on the second card are from a new stamp set called Halloween Hello on p 20 of the Holiday Catalog

Do you like that little dotted scallop trim piece on these cards?  That was made with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch. Its a subtle touch - I could have just edged it with the straight paper, but that dotted scallop really adds a nice finished look. 

 Another good finishing touch is to add some sparkle.  The sparkle on the flowers on the top card was done with Stampin'UP!'s glitter glue: Dazzling Details.  This stuff is so easy to apply from the squeeze bottle. 

The squeeze bottle application of the Dazzling Details gives you really good control. You can make fine thin lines or you can "mound it up" in a dot. What I did here was use the tip to spread in out in a thin layer on the petals. 

Another way to add an extra touch is to color the images with a marker.  The candy corn on the Halloween card is obvious. But if you look closely you'll see I colored the candle flames too.  Its a small thing, but it adds a subtle, more finished look.

And this photo also give a good close-up of the Dotted Scallop Trim. 

The Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch is one of my favorite punches.  Have you seen my video on how to use this punch to make a medallion?

 Thanks for stopping by

Easy Lay-out with Simply Sketched Hostess Set

Here is an easy lay-out, done with one of the new Hostess Sets.  This set is called Simply Sketched - and don't you think these simple sketches are simply gorgeous?   

This set has three beautiful images and 3 sentiments in a beautiful script font.  Its so pretty.

And notice how versatile this set is . . . birthday, sympathy and thanks.  Here is the same card made with each of the three sentiments.

There's one other small difference on these cards.  On the Sympathy card I used a marker to add black dots to the center of the flower. Its one of those easy to do things that makes a subtle but effective difference.

This set is a Hostess Set. Which means its not available for sale, it can only be purchased with "Hostess Dollars".  So, you ask: . . . how do you get these marvelous things called Hostess Dollars?

You have 2 ways to earn Hostess Dollars:

1. Have a Party that generates at least $150 worth of sale
   **This can be a gathering where people see demonstrations and play with product   
   **Or it can be a "Book Party" where you show the catalog to friends and collect orders
2. The other way to earn Hostess Dollars is to place an order yourself for $150 worth of product.  You'll still earn the Hostess Benefits just like it was a workshop/party.

Are you wondering what other Exclusive things are available only with Hostess Dollars?

• Check out the  exclusive Hostess Products in the Annual Catalog on pages 202-205
• And you'll see 2 more exclusive Hostess Sets in the Holiday Catalog on page 39

And be sure to check the Hostess Benefits chart on page 201 of the Annual Catalog.  If your event sales are over $400 you get to choose an item at half-price - ANY item, even the Big Shot!

Sound good? Liking the idea of FREE STUFF? 

Book a $250 party during October 

and get and extra $25 of product FREE - woohoo!

Check your calendar and contact me today (608)220-3450 to schedule your event. 

Or place your $150  free order on-line here. (order ships directly to your house)(or $250  in October and get the extra $25 of FREE hostess benefits)