Friday, May 31, 2013

Technique Tuesday Stampin Up! Blog

Technique Tuesday – Using an Embossing Folder to “Stamp”



I really love the patterns in our collection of Textured Impressions Embossing Folders (US/CAN). I was curious to play around with them to see what looks I could achieve by adding ink. Some of my results were better than others. I wanted to share my successes and some tips.


I used the Honeycomb Textured Impressions Embossing Folder for the first card I created. I gently dabbed VersaMark ink to the raised surface of the hexagon outlines. Don’t use too much pressure—just gently tap the pad onto the raised surface. Next, insert paper into the folder, then carefully close the folder. (Any shifting of the paper can smear the ink, so it is important to do this step very carefully.) Using either a Bone Folder or a Brayer, apply pressure across the embossing folder. Hold one end while you do this step to keep the paper from moving. Carefully open the folder. (On this card, I used Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder.) Remove excess powder before melting it with a Heat Tool.


The next card I created using two different embossing folders. Using the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, I added small white dots to the card base using Whisper White Craft ink. I also added a little faux stitch to the tag with the Needlepoint Border Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and Bermuda Bay ink.

Since the folders are clear, it’s easy to see when ink has been applied to other areas of the folder. Carefully wipe off excess ink before inserting paper into the folder.
I made the last project a little bit differently. I added ink to the raised surface of the Chevron Textured Impressions Embossing Folder before running it through the Big Shot. I used a brand new In Color—Strawberry Slush—for my ink and cardstock.  I really like the subtle variation in color created by tone-on-tone stamping.




Cleaning up the inked embossing folders is a breeze. I simply ran them under some water in the sink and dried them with a paper towel.
Although this technique can be a little tricky, I love finding new uses for tools I already have. So go ink up your embossing folders and have some fun!
Have you done any “stamping” with embossing folders? Tell us about it in the space below!
Jen C.,
Concept Artist
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NEW CATALOG OUT! ORDER NOW!

Brand-New Products



You can now order brand-new products from our 2013-2014 annual catalog! We have a variety of fantastic product suites and tons of other must-haves! Take a little time to devour the catalog and start your wish list—then pick your favorites and order some fun stuff for your first summer project.

Shop now.
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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Focus on the Negative?

Focus on the Negative?

Focus on the positive. That’s a wonderful perspective to maintain in our daily lives. But just for today, I’d like you to focus on the negative. Negative space, that is.
Leaving negative space on a project is a hot trend in the world of paper crafting right now. When you remove an image, you include the paper it was cut from. I know many of us have seen cards with text cut out and patterned paper peeking through from behind. That’s a perfect example of negative space.
I experimented with this technique today and I’d love to show you the results.


I love how easy it is to use the Secret Garden Stamp Set and the Secret Garden Collection Framelits Dies to create a bouquet of flowers. But do you notice how placing the flower over the negative space adds an interesting detail to this card?  Utilizing negative space is an exciting new way to create with all of your Framelits Dies.
Can you imagine the possibilities?
Punches are also fun to use for this technique. The negative image of the “butterfly”  looks as if it’s soaring among the clouds.

It took only a few minutes to create this card.
I know you’ll enjoy giving this technique a try! Let us know how it goes in the space below!
Cindy Beach
Artisan Design Team
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Thursday, May 23, 2013

Less IS More!

Another amazing post from the STAMPIN UP! BLOG


LESS IS MORE

I’ve been a paper crafter now for over 15 years but I still struggle with calling myself “creative.” I grew up with (immensely) creatively gifted siblings and artistically I always felt a bit inadequate. Nowadays, I work around some of the most talented people I’ve ever known, which added to the intimidation factor. So when it came time for me to put together this blog post, I procrastinated . . . a lot.

Finally, some friends here at the home office said: “Just do what it is you do!” They were referring to my “Jill cards.” That is the name that has been given to my own creations. I like simple and classic. From a standard PB & J, to my 9-year-old VW Beetle, to my long, straight hair, I’m a firm believer that less can be more. So I make really simple cards. From the time I was in grade school, I was always a card writer, and I always loved the look of a simple card with a heartfelt, handwritten greeting. And since I’m low on cards, for this blog post I decided to make some new ones.

I had quite a bit of Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla Cardstock on hand that I wanted to use, so here’s what I came up with:

I absolutely love the terrific art on our stamps and love to see it stand on its own. So for the first card, I just stamped the elephant image from the You’re Amazing Stamp Set in black StāzOn ink in the lower right hand corner of a piece of Very Vanilla Cardstock. From there, I colored his hat using Tangerine Tango, Pear Pizzazz, and Pretty in Pink Stampin’ Write Markers. Then I stamped “Happy birthday” from the Teeny, Tiny Wishes Stamp Set next to the elephant and simply adhered the Very Vanilla front to a Crumb Cake card. Simple. Classic. Done.



For the next one, I stayed with the elephant, only this time I just stamped him, colored his hat, cut him out, and popped him off the card using Stampin’ Dimensionals. Then I stamped “Happy birthday” under him. Again, really simple but visually appealing. And NOT intimidating. I love that part!



On the third card, I used the cupcake image from the Easy Events Stamp Set. I colored it with Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler, and Summer Starfruit Stampin’ Write Markers and used a Blender Pen to lighten the Cherry Cobbler ink. I brightened up the image with a 2-Way Glue Pen and some Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter, then cut it out, popped it up off the card again with Stampin’ Dimensionals, and stamped the card front with the “Happy birthday” sentiment.


Next, I moved on to other sentiments besides birthday. I did a simple “Thinking of you” card with the flower from the Fabulous Florets Stamp Set, Raspberry Ripple ink, and a Rhinestone Basic Jewel.




And finally, I made two cards using the From My Heart Stamp Set—which happens to be one of my favorites.

For the Thank You card, I used the Owl Punch for the Rose Red Cardstock heart and added two small Rhinestones Basic Jewels.



For the Secret of Life card, I stamped the image once on the Very Vanilla card front and again on Baja Breeze Cardstock; then, using Paper Snips, I cut out the word “Enjoying” and adhered it to the original image. I finished this one off with Rhinestone Basic Jewels, as well. Nothing like a little bling to finish off a simple card!



Just remember: with making and sending a card, an appealing image and a sincere, personal sentiment are all you need. Less really can be more!

Jill L.
Demonstrator Support
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Monday, May 20, 2013

Make your own stencil technique

MDS Hybrid: Create Your Own Stencils

I love making hybrid projects of all types using My Digital Studio. Besides making awesome digital projects with the software and digital goodies, you can also use the punch shapes and other SVG files with an electronic cutter for all kinds of additional fun.
Today I wanted to share how to make your own reusable mask for your paper craft projects. I started with the 1-1/4" Circle Punch, copied it several times, and adjusted the sizes in My Digital Studio. I moved them around randomly in an 8" x 8"-sized project. At this point, it looks somewhat like Swiss cheese . . . but I promise, it’s more useful than that!

I exported the image in SVG format. Then I cut an 8" x 8" piece from a Window Sheet and ran that through my electronic cutter to cut the pattern above. Voilà . . . I had a reusable mask waiting to be used on paper projects.

Next, I cut some pieces of Naturals White Cardstock to 5" x 5" and tested several different techniques with the mask. First, I sponged on a heavy layer of ink. Second, I sponged and tapped a lighter layer of ink and outlined the circles with a Stampin’ Write Marker. Third, I spritzed the circles using first the Stampin' Spritzer with a mix of Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill and rubbing alcohol, and then the Color Spritzer Tool with a Stampin’ Write Marker in the same color. Fourth, I used an Aqua Painter to watercolor using Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill in the circles. The first three techniques are pictured below.

Here are the end results! To complete my projects I used Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper, the Carry On Clear-Mount Stamp Set, and the Designer Buttons Brights Collection. These items are all on the retirement list, so hurry and get them while you can!

I also used the 1-3/4" Circle Punch, the 1" Circle Punch, and the 1-1/4" Scallop Circle Punch.

The colors I used were Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, and Rich Razzleberry.

You can see a close-up of the two splattering techniques here.

The largest button has White Baker’s Twine added, and the greeting, small stamped image, and small buttons were popped up using Stampin’ Dimensionals. The greeting is stamped with Jet Black StāzOn ink.

Here is a close-up of the watercolor technique. The edges aren’t crisp with this technique, but it works well for watercolor.

So, I hope you enjoy thinking about what other awesome hybrid projects you can make using My Digital Studio and the rest of Stampin’ Up!’s coordinating products. Have fun creating!
Marisa Gunn
2012-2013 Artisan Design Team
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Best of...

Stampin' Up! Best of 25 Years 
May: Brides & Babies
 
 
 
 
Every month during 2013, Stampin' Up! is combining some of our all-time-favorite stamps with a new, never-before-seen stamp to create a monthly “Best of” stamp set.
 
 
Shop:
 
Get a Free Stamp Set!  
As a special incentive to collect the "Best of" stamps:
  • Starting in February we're including a collector's card and 25-year proof of purchase sticker with every "Best of" set.
  • Collect six stickers
  • Send it in to redeem a FREE set of your choice valued up to $14.95! 
  • Free sets must be redeemed no later than April 30, 2014.
 
 
Shop the "Best of 25 Years" stamps
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Get your storage boxes while they last

Stampin Up Plastic Playcon Storage Box SALE
Posted: 14 May 2013 12:02 AM PDT

Shop Online Anytime for Stampin' Up! Supplies

Get your new 2013 Stampin' Up! Catalog by attending a class and placing a $50 order

--------------------------
Stampin' Up! will have a new design of plastic storage boxes for the wood mount stamps starting on May 31 when the new catalog goes live, (you can see them on pg 197 if you have the NEW catalog).
So...we have specially packaged the following current style plastic storage (placon) boxes in packs of 10 at a great price.
Plastic storage box sale 2 Storage box sale 1


 Item  Description Price
 134676  Stamp & Supply Boxes (10 Pack) 3-3/8" x 2"  $2.95
 134677   Stamp & Supply Boxes (10 Pack) 4-1/4" x 3"  $3.95
 134678   Stamp & Supply Boxes (10 Pack) 5-1/4 x 4-1/4" $4.95
 134679    Stamp & Supply Boxes (10 Pack) 6-1/4" x 4-1/2" $6.95
 134680  Stamp & Supply Boxes (10 Pack) 8" x 5-1/4"  $7.95
 134681   Stamp & Supply Boxes (10 Pack) 8" x 5-1/4" with tray  $7.95
 134682  Stamp & Supply Boxes (10 Pack) 10-1/4" x 5"  $8.95
 
 
 be sure to "sign in" then type the ordering codes into the "search the store" box to add to you cart!
click here to DOWNLOAD .pdf file for retiring Stamps
click here to download .pdf for retiring ACCESSORIES
 

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My Digital Studio Updates

My Digital Studio Updates

Newest Digital Downloads
I just wanted to give you a FUN UPDATE on My Digital Studio...  the MDS online shopping page has been reorganized and has a whole new look.. with 26 Occasions categories added for ease of browsing and shopping for your downloads.  CHECK IT OUT HERE!
  • See the NEW Downloads for this month HERE. 
  • Try MDS FREE for 30 days HERE,
  • or purchase the entire program with over $500 worth of downloads for only $19.95 HERE!
Happy Digital Creating!

Shop online for Stampin' Up! Supplies 24/7

 
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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Stampin Up Technique Tuesday Post

Technique Tuesday – Piercing Pattern

Are you a fan of our paper-piercing tools? I know I am. I love that the templates are a quick and accurate way to add a bit of pattern and texture, and that they are designed to coordinate with so many of our punches and Framelits Dies.
The Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack has all of the basics. I used the template with the straight lines and the scallops to make my project, but I didn’t want just straight lines or scallops. I wanted the background of my card to be circles.


I could have used the template with the circles on it, but that would have been tedious and a bit more difficult getting the same circle lined up over and over again. Instead, I used the biggest scallop to make my circles.
Here’s how I did it:


  1. Draw a line down the center of your cardstock with a pencil, then line up the holes at the tips of the scallop along the line and pierce the scallop.


 2. Rotate your paper 180 degrees and line up the scallop on the template with the pierced scallop on your paper. Pierce the scallop to complete the circles.


 3. Line up the pierced holes with the template as shown above and pierce the scallop to start the next row of circles. Rotate your paper 180 degrees again and line up the template as shown in step 2. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you’ve filled the entire piece of cardstock with pierced circles.



4. Your cardstock should look like this when you’re done. Erase your pencil line and attach it to a card base; embellish your project as desired.
Have you created any other patterns with the piercing templates? Share a link to your projects. I’d love to see what you’ve been creating!
Melody H.
Concept Artist
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Monday, May 13, 2013

Yummy MDS Project


Download Dish—Good Food Galore



I love to cook! I just love to find new recipes and experiment with new combinations and styles. Nowadays with it being so easy to share recipes with friends, family, and let's be honest . . . everyone, I constantly find (and love!) new recipes. I wanted to document some of my newfound faves so I turned to the Compilation of Recipes Designer Template (AU/NZ).

This board book was the perfect template. I copied and pasted my recipes and added photos. Then I decided to make some tweaks and change some colors and borders. I added tea cups instead of flowers as the border since I love tea cups!



In the Table of Contents, I added soups instead of beverages. To do this I just cropped the letters I needed out of the other word stamps.


Then, I grouped them together (Control G/Command G) and right clicked to "Align, Right" to make sure it lined up with the other categories.


What a fun and easy way to document your recipes. This template could make a great gift for family members with all your family faves. The board book opens up nice and flat as well, and the pages are sturdy—just what you need in a recipe book.

Have fun with your recipe books and I can't wait to hear the number one recipe that will go in your book!

Sara Wyman, Stampin’ Up! Digital Product Specialist


Get ALL the products you need for this project or one like it at my online store @ lisacoffey.stampinup.net
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Friday, May 10, 2013

Post It Notes

I have another project to share with you for the upcoming event that I am having a table at with items for sale. It is so simple and quick to make but everyone seems to love them. All you do is pick your favorite stamp and you have personalized post it notes! Come check out my table and attend the conference.


 
 
 
Would you like me to make you some? Contact me today or better yet go to my online store to order supplies today and make your own...they are great little gifs to give to people.
lisacoffey.stampinup.net
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Thursday, May 9, 2013

Pinwheels on parade simply stampin kit!

Another STAMPIN UP! blog post

Hello All!

I’m Bonnie T. At Stampin’ Up!, my main job is working with teams that educate and spoil our demonstrators—the Demonstrator Training team and the Special Events team. I’m also a demonstrator.
I love working at Stampin’ Up! because there’s so much energy here;  I love being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator because I feel that energy when I share my ideas with customers. I hope you love your job, too!


I wanted to share some cards I put together last night. The annual catalog ends this month and I love the Pinwheels on Parade Simply Scrappin’ Kit, so I thought I’d use it as inspiration. For only $21.95 USD/$26.95 CAN, you can make 16 cards with lined envelopes! I hope you like the cards—if you do, make sure you order online (or from your demonstrator) right away—there are only two more weeks to get this kit.
Oh, and tell her (or him) that Bonnie loves her (or him).
Happy crafting!   
Bonnie T.
Demonstrator Training and Special Events Director
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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Plan a Party and make all the decorations and invitations yourself!

Party Planning . . . the Digital Way!May 7, 2013

Planning a birthday? Or perhaps an unbirthday? The new Wonderland Party Ensemble comes complete with invitations, a banner, a framable, food flags, treat toppers, and thank you notes. All you have to do is invite the Mad Hatter and March Hare. Check it out, along with our other new downloads (PDF).

You can all this done from the comfort of your own home...you never have to leave...oh maybe to get the snacks for the party but we cant help with that tee hee.

Once you have decided you want to do this...go to my online store to purchase the downloads today!
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Quick Mothers Day Gift

Mother’s Day Mini Album

Mother’s Day is right around the corner! Have you thought about what you will get the mothers in your life? This time of year, I start to panic! My mom and I are very close and I know what she likes, but I always want my gift to be meaningful. Now that I have my own kids, I also want them to be a part of her gift. This year, I came up with a quick mini album to showcase her family.

I chose to use Tea For Two Designer Series Paper as my inspiration. I love this paper and its vintage feel. It was a perfect choice!

I started with Crumb Cake Cardstock and created a simple accordion binding. I added Crumb Cake pieces for the covers, as well. To decorate the cover, I used two different pieces of Tea for Two. I created embellishments using the Honeycomb Embossing Folder. To cut these out, I recommend embossing your cardstock using a shim over the top cutting pad. This squishes the cardstock almost enough to punch them all the way through! I clean them up around the edges with my Paper Snips, and voilà! Tiny little hexagons!

For the title I stamped “Mother” (from the Amazing Family Stamp Set) in VersaMark ink and embossed it using Pool Party Stampin’ Emboss Powder. Then I layered it over a few flags on top of a label image (from the Everything Eleanor Stamp Set) stamped in Calypso Coral ink. It’s finished off with a flower created using my favorite Natural 7/8" Cotton Ribbon.

Inside the album are what I call “pocket pages.” The pockets are created by simply folding pieces of Crumb Cake Cardstock in half and adhering them within the accordion binding. I covered each of them with more Tea for Two Designer Series paper.

I kept each page very simple. I could easily get carried away and take days and days to embellish. But, this paper speaks for itself. I really didn’t want to take away from its cute pattern.

To create the opening of each pocket, I laid an Oval Framelit Die over just half of the edge and ran it through the Big Shot. The pocket is so thick, now, that it only cut through the top two layers! Exactly what I needed!
The flaps open up to hold picture inserts. I punched 1/2" circles in each flap to accommodate the buttons on the inserts.

I printed my pictures in sepia so I didn’t have to worry about clashing colors. I also printed them in a smaller size so that I didn’t have to crop them.

There are enough pockets for each of my mom’s grandkids.


To involve my kids, I had each of them write her a little note on the back of their respective insert. I also think these would be great gift card holders! Maybe the last pocket could be reserved for that!

When you’re in a pinch and need a gift, look at your stash! What can you make? This gift cost me only the paper I had on hand. Most people would be so touched to see something handmade and from the heart. I know I would! I hope my mom does, too!
Now get busy and show your mom how much you care!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Erica Cerwin,
2012–2013 Artisan Design Team
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