Mouthwatering Picnic

I had seen the idea (sorry, not sure where exactly!) to use the Stripes Embossing Folder to create a gingham looking pattern.  It's actually pretty easy, the basic idea is that you run your piece of card stock through the Big Shot twice.  The second time just turning the paper 90 degrees before you run it through.  So after two times through you have stripes in two different directions.   

I thought it was a cute idea, and it reminded me of a picnic. . . . So I paired that technique with the watermelon stamp from the Mouthwatering stamp set.  I also wanted to try out the new scented embossing powders--such a fun idea!  I used the melon sent over the entire piece of watermelon.  The embossing powder gives a really nice glossy finish to whatever you are embossing.  The seeds for the watermelon come from the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch. 

For the banner I just snapped a toothpick in half for the 'post' and added the ribbon with a glue dot.  Although I chose a birthday sentiment, I thought this could also make an adorable invitation for a BBQ or other summer party. 

Hope you are having a great summer! 

Stamps:  Mouthwatering, On Your Birthday (discontinued)
Ink:  Real Red, and Old Olive, Basic Black, and Real Red Markers
Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Black
Accessories:  Basic Black Scallops Dots Ribbon, Old Olive taffeta ribbon, Melon Scented Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Big Shot, Stripes Embossing Folder, Cutter Kit, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (for seeds, discontinued), toothpick, dimensionals

Blossom Pie

For me, the hardest part of keeping up with my blogging is actually writing each post.  This card is the perfect example. . . I created it for our April Stampers Club, took a picture, added the watermark and have had it 'ready to go' since then.  But for some reason I just don't actually take the time to post it to my blog.  Anyway, I'm going to try to be better (again!) about actually posting to my blog.  Most of the time I've already done all the hard part, it's just a matter of finishing.  :-) 

So, this simple card showcases the stamp set Bright Blossoms.  It is new to the catalog, but was a sneak peek during the month of April.  This is a fun set because you can interchange the various tops with the bottoms.  The pattern on the bottom of the card was created by repeatedly stamping one of the flower tops. 

The 'frame' is from the Designer Frames Folders textured impressions embossing set.  After I embossed with the Big Shot, I cut it out and then added a small slit along the right edge.  I took my Linen Thread and wrapped it around (through the slit) a couple times and then tied it off with the tag.  The effect was actually a little less 'visable' than I was thinking it would be.  :-) 

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Bright Blossoms, Tiny Tags
Ink:  Early Espresso, Old Olive, and Pumpkin Pie markers, Versamark
Paper:  Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie, and Whisper White
Accessories:  Jewelry Tag Punch, Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Cutter Kit, Linen Thread, Whisper White grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals

Stampin' Celebration #54

This month I missed designing for the May Stampin' Celebration challenge since my wonderful hubby and I were out of the country celebrating out 10th anniversary!  We had an absolutely wonderful trip, although it is good to be back home with the kids. 

Anyway, I still wanted to play along with the challenge this month, so here is my submission.  I used the bright colors from the fun inspiration piece, and several items that will be no longer available after the end of the month.  The layout is simple and could easily be changed up for a variety of different occasions.  I thought this birthday card could easily be used for a child's birthday, teen birthday, or even adult birthday. 

I used a couple strips of the Big Top Birthday Designer Paper (great way to use up those little scraps that are laying around!), some Daffodil Delight and Real Red 1/8" Taffeta ribbon, Whisper White grosgrain ribbon, and silver brads.  The sentiment is from the On Your Birthday stamp set which will be discontinued. 

And just a reminder to play along with us at Stampin' Celebration! You have until May 25th to create a card, 3D item, digital item, scrapbook layout, etc. using the inspiration piece above. Link your creation to the Stampin' Celebration blog so we can see your project. We will choose the "Pick of the Party" at the end of the month. We can't wait to see what Stampin' Celebration inspires you to create!

If you missed the original Blog Hop of the Design Team, you can see it here:

Candace Lawlor - cj lawlor designs

Cori Kozak - Creative Chat

Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroo Designs

Erin Gonzales -Hand Stamped Style

Krystal De Leeuw - Krystal's Cards

Marlene Peters - Hands On

Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge

Rockin' Tween Birthday

Back today with another one of the cards I've designed for my 'sending cards to family' goal!  (For more back story, see this post.)  For me, the second hardest category of cards is the teen/tween age.  I don't have any kids that age, so I have a hard time knowing what's 'cool' and what's not.  :-) 

Anyway, this was my try at a female tween card.  I inked up the Grunge Rock stamp set using Blushing Bride and went to work.  Note: The Fleur de Lis image is actually from the (coordinating) Extreme Elements stamp set.  I used the same layout as this card.  I used the Wonderfully Worn background stamp to add the 'splotchy' look, and inked the edges of the Whisper White layer.  Both the Whisper Whiter layer and the larger Blushing Bride layer are distressed with the Cutter Kit. 

A little bit of Blushing Bride Stitched Poly-Ribbon and a silver Glimmer Brad finish it off.  I hand cut the banner, and although you can't see it from the photo, I put double-stacked half dimensionals under the middle of the banner (about where the 'B' is) to give the banner a little bit of a waving-in-the-wind look. 

Have a great weekend! 

Stamps:  Grunge Rock, Extreme Elements, Wonderfully Worn
Ink:  Blushing Bride, Basic Gray
Paper:  Blushing Bride, Basic Gray, Whisper White
Accessories:  Blushing Bride Stitched Poly-Ribbon, Basics Glimmer Brads, Cutter Kit, dimensionals

Sale-A-Bration Ending

I can't believe it has been almost 2 months since I last posted!  Where does the time go?  I guess part of it is having a curious crawling baby who gets into everything and keeps me on my toes.  :-) 

I've also been working on organizing my craft room with any spare time I can find. . . a scary and much needed project!  Although I'm not there yet, I am getting very close. 

Anyway, before Sale-A-Bration ends, I thought I would post a couple of my favorite cards that I've made in the last couple months.  Both of these were ones that we made at club in February and were inspired by other people.  The first one uses the Elementary Elegance stamp set and I got the idea from Shelli Gardner (CEO and co-founder of Stampin Up).  You can see her card HERE.  The only thing I changed was the center of the butterfly. 

Stamps:  Elementary Elegance (only available during SAB)
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Luck Limeade, Elegant Eggplant marker
Paper:  Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Very Vanilla, First Edition DSP, Every Day Enchantment DSP (only available during SAB)
Accessories:  Curly Label Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Big Shot, Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, Everyday Enchantment Brads (only available during SAB), Color Spritzer Tool, stapler

The second card uses the Fresh Vintage stamp set and was inspired by Debra Currier.  You can see her card HERE.  The only thing I changed up was that I used my new Labels Collection Framelits to cut out the main image (instead of a circle).   

Stamps:  Fresh Vintage (only available during SAB), Thank You Kindly

Ink: Soft Suede, and Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade and Pool Party markers

Paper:  Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Every Day Enchantment DSP (only available during SAB)

Accessories:  Framelits Labels Collection, Big Shot, Everyday Enchantment Brads (only available during SAB), pearls, cutter kit, sponge

So if you have still been meaning to take advantage of Sale-A-Bration, now is the time since it ends on Saturday the 31st.  With each $50 purchase you can choose an item from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog for FREE! 

Have a great day.  :-)   

San Antonio Regionals--Part 2

Finally back with some more samples from my presentation at the San Antonio Regionals!  I'll do a Part 3 (and final) later this week.  So, the second part of my presentation was showing that you can use the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets to add Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to just part of a stamped image.  

So for this card, I started by stamping an image from the new Apothecary Art stamp set.  I ran it through the Big Shot using the new Framelits Labels Collection to cut it out and used my markers to color the flowers.  Next I used my 1" Circle Punch to punch out a circle of the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet.  I used my bone folder to burnish the edges (making it easier to peel the back off) and peeled off the backing.  I face planted the sticky side of the adhesive sheet on top of the circle part of the stamped image.  I used an Embossing Buddy to help cut down on static, and then peeled off the other side of the backing.  Pour the Dazzling Diamonds Glitter over the top and brush off any excess.  Now part of your stamped image is sparkly.  :-)  

This is a 3" by 3" card.  To create the slits that I ran the ribbon through, I used the cutting blade on my Cutter Kit, and for the Whisper White layer I sponged and distressed the edges and used my Color Spritzer tool and Early Espresso marker to add the random 'dots' of color. 

Stamps:  Apothecary Art

Ink:  Early Espresso, and Riding Hood Red, Old Olive and Early Espresso markers

Paper:  Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Accessories:  Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Linen Thread, Framelits Labels Collection, Big Shot, Cutter Kit, Pearls, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Dazzling Diamonds, Color Spritzer Tool, sponge, dimensionals

This is another sample I had on my board, although it is a 're-do' of a project I've done before.  It's a little Valentine matchbox treat.  My daughter gave these out to her preschool class last year.  You can see more info, as well as cutting measurements HERE.  Pretty much the only difference was that I used my Small Heart punch to punch out a pieces of the Multipurose Adhesive Sheet to add the Pink Stampin' Glitter (from the Fine Supernova collection)--instead of using the Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue.  

This actually points out one of the benefits of the Adhesive Sheets--you don't have to wait for anything to dry!  

Stamps:  I {Heart} Hearts, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink:  Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede and Pretty in Pink markers, Versamark

Paper:  Soft Suede, Whisper White

Accessories:  Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon, Fine Supernova Stampin' Glitter, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Heat Tool, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, stapler, candy

 

 

And another Valentine 're-do. '  :-)  To see the original of this one, click HERE.  The basic difference here is that instead of using the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet/Dazzling Diamonds on the hearts, I used it on the Designer Paper.  And I used the Designer Paper instead of fabric.  

 

This Designer Paper actually comes from the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper that is one of the free product options during Sale-A-Bration! 

Stamps:  Tiny Tags

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Distressing Essentials Kit, Victoria Crochet Trim ribbon, Antique Brad, Full Heart punch, Heart to Heart punch, Jewelry Tag Medium punch, linen thread, Dazzlig Diamonds, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by!  I'll be back again with the last 3 samples I had on my display board. 

Vintage Doilies

Normally I wouldn't consider myself a 'doily person', but I do love the Delicate Doilies set in the catalog.  I've had have fun playing with the set, and this is a vintage-ish card I came up with a while ago:  

This card uses the emboss-resist technique.  I stamped the doily image with Versamark ink onto Very Vanilla card stock.  Next I heat embossed with Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder and then sponged over the top with Soft Suede ink.  I sponged more in the middle (darker) and then faded out to the edges.  The embossed part 'resists' the ink and stays Very Vanilla in color.  A simple 'wow' technique!  

The middle of the doily has one of the Antique Brads.  On the larger Very Vanilla panel, I used my Color Spritzer Tool to add a little texture and then sponged and distressed the edges.  The ribbon is the Victoria Crochet Trim.  

For the tag, I used the Tiny Tags stamp set, Soft Suede ink and the Jewelry Tag punch.  I attached it to the ribbon using a bit of Linen Thread and one of the safety pins from the Vintage Trinkets embellishment set.  A close up of that:  

Thanks for stopping by!  

Stamps:  Delicate Doilies, Tiny Tags

Ink:  Soft Suede, Versamark

Paper:  Very Vanilla, Soft Suede

Accessories:  Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Jewelry Tag Punch, Vintage Trinkets, Victoria Crochet Trim, Antique Brads, Linen Thread, Cutter Kit, Color Spritzer Tool (and Soft Suede marker) sponge, dimensionals
 

Baby and Button Buddies

Well, first I want to thank anyone who is still reading/subscribing to my blog during my long absence!  I did have my baby--and she is already 7 months old!  It really is hard to believe how fast time goes.  :-)  

Here is a picture of my little cutie:   

So she's one of my excuses for not blogging. :-)  I've also been struggling with some post-pregnancy health complications, although I think I'm hopefully almost out of woods with all that now too. So, my goal is to get back into the habit of posting on my blog.  I have been stamping a little here and there--thanks to my clubs who keep my stamping!  

So here's a card for today:  

This is a card I made up to put as a 'thank you' into customer orders.  The flower image is from the set Button Buddies.  I inked with Daffodil Delight and then carefully rolled the edges of the stamp in Pumpkin Pie ink before stamping onto Whisper White paper.   I punched out with the 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch and then added the Pumpkin Pie Designer Button and Lined Thread bow.  The flower is also up on dimensionals.  

The other two flowers were stamped with Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry.  I distressed the edges of the Whisper White layer with my Cutter Kit and mounted it on a 3" by 3" Rich Razzleberry base.  

See you again soon!  

Stamps:  Button Buddies

Ink:  Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry

Paper:  Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories:  1 3/4" Circle Punch, Linen Thread, Brights Designer Buttons

Stampin' Celebration #51

It's time for this week's Stampin' Celebration Challenge!  This week the colors really drew my eye, so I pulled out Old Olive and Marina Mist (a suggestion from the Color Coach) and went to work using my new Summer Splash stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalog.  

This is the 'card' and 'envelope' all in one.  This crimped envelope idea is one I learned a long time ago, and haven't used forever.  The best part is it's really simple.  :-)  Start with an envelope--here I used a Crumb Cake envelope--seal, and cut off one of the short ends.  I cut off 1 3/4" on mine.  Then take the bottom half of the envelope and run it through your crimper.  (When was the last time you pulled out your crimper?)  By crimping just the bottom half, it is now just narrow enough for the top section to slip over easily.  

To embellish my envelope, I sponged with Crumb Cake, tied around Marina Mist taffeta ribbon and Hemp Twine, and added some surfboards. When you take off the top section, it looks like this:  

I used my 1" Circle Punch to take out a little notch--that lets the recipient know there's more inside.  And here's a look at what's inside:  

 

So there it is!  I kept it pretty simple and didn't do a lot of embellishment.  I used my markers to color the surfboards different colors before I stamped.  I distressed the edges, sponged Crumb Cake, and matted onto Old Olive.  

I think this would be an adorable invitation idea for a summer birthday party!  It would also work great for almost any occasion such as birthday or 'hi'.  As a side note, this style of card also works really well as a way to give a gift card. 

Thanks for coming by!  Make sure to head over to Stampin' Celebration to see who the Party Guest Designer is this week as well as the work from the other Design Team members. 

Stamps:  Summer Splash
Ink:  Marina Mist, Old Olive, Crumb Cake

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Crumb Cake envelope

Accessories:  Crimper, Cutter Kit, 1" Circle Punch, sponge, Marina Mist Taffeta Ribbon, Hemp Twine

Stampin' Celebration #47

It's Thursday and time for another Stampin' Celebration challenge!  This week I had fun making a baby card for my take on the inspiration piece.  I've had a lot of friends having babies lately, and so my stash of baby cards is dangerously low! 

For more inspiration, I also used Sketch Challenge #327 over at Splitcoaststampers and the SU-Only Challenge #16.  I think that's the most challenges I've ever incorporated into a single card! 

Although I feel like my colors wandered a little bit from the inspiration piece, (and maybe ended up a little dark for a baby card?) I loved the elephants and stripes and went from there.  The stamp I used is another one of the single stamps that I earned for free during Sale-A-Bration--Baby Steps.  I even love the name of the stamp.  :-) 

I stamped the image with Basic Gray and then ran my ink pad along the edges of the Whisper White. I gave that a second to dry and then used my Cutter Kit to distress the edges.  To create the stripes, I used another single stamp--Solid Stripes.  I used my markers to color the stripes and then stamp.  I stamped twice--once at the top and once at the bottom.  The 'seam' is hiding behind the elephants. 

To finish the card I tied around some Baja Breeze Seam Binding and tied in the tag I made using the stamp set Tiny Tags and the Medium Jewelry Tag Punch.  I really like the seam binding found in the Occasions Mini Catalog because it is so easy to tie--I need to use it more often!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Head over to Stampin' Celebration to see what the other Design Team members have created this week.  You'll also want to see who the Party Guest Designer is for this week.  I hope you are inspired to play along with us! 

Stamps:  Baby Steps, Solid Stripes, Tiny Tags

Ink:  Basic Gray ink, Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze and Basic Gray markers

Paper:  Baja Breeze, Basic Gray, and Whisper White

Accessories:  Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Linen Thread, Medium Jewelry Tag Punch, dimenesionals

Stampin' Celebration #44

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I hope you are wearing some green.  :-)  Look at this pretty Stampin' Celebration inspiration piece!  There were a few different ideas that I had initially, but I finally went with the top right photo as my inspiration.  For some reason, it reminded me of the single stamp--Elizabeth.  It's a stamp I earned for free during Sale-A-Bration this year, but I hadn't used it yet. 

I inked up the Elizabeth stamp with Chocolate Chip craft ink and stamped on Naturals White card stock.  Then I heat embossed the image with Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder.  Next I used my blender pen to color the image with Old Olive and Blushing Bride ink.  I also wanted to incorporate a little gold (like in the inspiration photo) so I took a tooth pick and added some highlights with a little Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint.  

Here's a close up.  If you look very closely, you may see a hint of the Shimmer Paint--it's fairly subtle even in real life.  

I also had to use my new-to-me Eyelet Border Punch (yes it really has taken me this long to purchase it!)  After I punched the Naturals White card stock, I sponged the edges with Chocolate Chip ink and folded it back and forth to give a little bit more of a lace effect.  I also sponged and distressed the right edge of the Naturals White layer, and tucked a small strip of Blushing Bride card stock under. 

Thanks so much for visiting today!  Make sure to head over to Stampin' Celebration to take a peek.  You can see who the Party Guest designer is this week, as well as the new inspiration piece and Design Team samples.  And please make sure to play along!  We love seeing what you create! 

Stamps:  Elizabeth, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink:  Chocolate Chip craft ink, Old Olive, Blushing Bride

Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Blushing Bride, Naturals White

Accessories:  Blender Pen, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Heat Tool, Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, Embossing Buddy, Eyelet Border punch, sponge, cutter kit, dimensionals

Vintage Razzleberry

Remember the Color Renovation announcement? I'm so excited about the Color Renovation, partially because we have several In Colors returning! One of these colors is Rich Razzleberry--one of my all-time favorite In Colors. Of course I do love purple, so it's not too surprising. :-) I created this card using the stamp set Vintage Vogue from the Occasions Mini Catalog.

For the background paper, I started by using my Big Shot and my Lattice Die to cut a lattice out of scrap paper. I layered the lattice over my Very Vanilla card stock and sponged. I lifted the lattice off, and then repeatedly stamped the vine image from the stamp set. Next I lightly sponged over the top of everything. After I did all of my stamping and sponging (with Rich Razzleberry), I cut the card stock into 4 pieces and distressed all the edges with my cutter kit.

For the sentiment panel I stamped all the flowers and leaves and then cut them out--not the type of detail work I usually do, but I occasionally make an exception. :-) The centers of the flowers have Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds glitter, and then the flowers are popped up with dimensionals.


Stamps: Vintage Vogue
Ink: Rich Razzleberry (and marker), Old Olive, Summer Sun marker
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Stampin Up Lattice Die, Big Shot, cutter kit, sponge, dimensionals

Bella Bird

Today I have a 3x3 card to share with you. I try to keep 3x3 cards on hand, not only to place in customer orders, but also to add, for example, to a gift big or plate of cookies. I find that when I have 3x3 cards ready to go, I find lots of reasons to use them. :-)

For this card, I used the adorable new Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch from the Occasions Mini Catalog. All in one punch you get the bird, the wing (also doubles as a leaf or petal!), and a branch with leaves (not shown on this card). Too much fun! I punched the bird from the Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper. The tag was made using the Medium Jewelry Tag punch and the set Tiny Tags.

Just a reminder that there are only a few days left to take advantage of Sale-A-Bration! For each $50 purchase you can earn a free item! To shop, visit http://www.allison.stampinup.net/ and click on 'shop now' in the top right corner. Thanks!

Stamps: Tiny Tags
Ink: Bordering Blue
Paper: Bella Bleu DSP, Bordering Blue, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch, Medium Jewelry Tag punch, Linen Thread, Cutter Kit, dimensionals

Extreme Birthday

This card was so much fun to design. It was one of the cards we made at my March Clubs (per a request for masculine cards). I hadn't worked much with my Extreme Elements set, but it was SO easy to use! I think it helps that you don't have to line anything up or worry about stamping straight. :-)

The Extreme Skateboarder (you can earn him for free during Sale-A-Bration!) and the sentiment are both stamped with Chocolate Chip Craft ink. For the sentiment I crumpled the Creamy Caramel card stock to distress it a bit, tore the end, and then I stamped the words.

To add a little more texture, I used my color spritzer tool to splatter the Chocolate Chip layer.

Happy Weekend!

Stamps: Extreme Elements, Extreme Skateboard
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Creamy Caramel, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip Craft
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Whisper White
Accessories: Color Spritzer Tool, Cutter Kit, Not Quite Navy brad, dimensionals

Happy Sale-A-Bration

The Sale-A-Bration countdown has begun! There is only a little over a week left to take advantage of this great opportunity! What's Sale-A-Bration? The best Stampin Up Promotion of the year! ;-) You can take advantage of Sale-A-Bration by:

1. Spend--With each $50 purchase you can choose a Sale-A-Bration product of your choice for FREE! See the brochure HERE. To shop online, visit my website www.allison.stampinup.net and click on "shop now" in the top right corner.

2. Join--Have you ever thought about becoming a Stampin Up demonstrator? Whether you are looking for a business opportunity, or a discount on your crafting supplies, Stampin Up has a place for you! If you join the Stampin Up family before the end of March, you not only receive a 15% discount off the starter kit (already a great value!) you can also choose a FREE stamp set from the Idea Book and Catalog! Contact me today so we can chat about the wonderful support and opportunities that Stampin Up provides for its demonstrators.

And now back to the card. :-) This card shows off two of the items that you can earn for free during Sale-A-Bration--The stamp set Happy Moments, and the Scallop Trim Border Punch.

I used my Blender Pens to color the flowers, my Cutter Kit to distress the edges of the white layer, my Scallop Trim Border punch to add the decorative edge on the Rich Razzleberry layer, and a bit of Organza Ribbon to a touch of elegance to the card. So simple!

Stamps: Happy Moments

Ink: Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum, Certainly Celery Marker

Paper: Pale Plum, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White

Accessories: Blender Pens, Cutter Kit, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, dimensionals

Textured Birthday

Last week was my husband's birthday, and this is the card I made for him. Now I find male cards difficult to make in general, but for some reason making a card for my hubby is the hardest! Not really sure why. . . but this one did get the stamp of approval. . . . pun intended. :-)

Anyway, I used my texture plate from the Texture Plates Kit #4 to get the wood grain look. I started by inking the texture plate with Chocolate Chip ink. Then I carefully placed my 4 1/4" by 4 1/4" Close to Cocoa paper on the texture plate, placed a piece of typing paper over the top, and then ran it through the Big Shot.

Next I accessorized with Hemp Twine and a Very Vanilla Jumbo Brad. The Happy Birthday is from a now retired set called More Thoughts--I used it because it is the most masculine Happy Birthday stamp I own. :-) I used my cutter kit to distress the edges of the Very Vanilla layer and then popped it up on dimensionals.

Note: If you don't have the Big Shot, you could also make a very similar card by using the Woodgrain Background stamp.

Stamps: More Thoughts
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Texture Plates Kit #4, Big Shot, Corner Rounder punch, Hemp Twine, 5/16" Very Vanilla Jumbo Brad, cutter kit, dimensionals

A Little Pizzazz

Good morning everyone! My stamp room is still somewhat chaotic, but I found this card in my files that I hadn't shared before. This is another card that uses the Kissing Technique. To do this, I took the solid flower from the set Petal Pizzazz and began by inking it with So Saffron. Next I ‘kissed’ with the Sanded background that I had inked with Chocolate Chip. Then you are ready to stamp on your paper! If you haven't tried this technique before, you need to as it is really pretty easy. By varying the background stamp that you use, you can get a variety of looks. Here are two other examples of cards using the kissing technique: Flower Card and Butterfly Card.

I stamped the middle of the flower again (inked with Chocolate Chip) and then used my circle punches to punch out the center and the Chocolate Chip layer. The center is up on dimensionals and I used Crystal Effects to give the very center a little shine and dimension. I used the Cutter Kit to distress the edges of the square Chocolate Chip layer.

After I stamped the Always Artichoke layer with the Sanded Background, I used the Mat Pack and Paper-Piercing Tool to create the row of paper piercing along the top edge. Then as the close up below shows, I took one of the Wire Clips from the Clips Assortment and carefully threaded it through one of the holes from the paper piercing. Then to finish it off, I tied on a bit of 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon.

Stamps: Petal Pizzazz, Sanded BG
Ink: So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke
Paper: So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Whisper White
Accessories: Mat Pack, Paper-Piercing Tool, Clips Assortment, Circle Punches, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Cutter Kit, Crystal Effects, dimensionals

Breezy Polka Dots

Do you like free stamps? :-) The stamp set (Polka Dot Punches) featured in the card above is one of the products you can earn for FREE during Stampin Up's Sale-A-Bration promotion. The promotion is already underway, but you still have until the end of March to take advantage. You can earn a free Sale-A-Bration product with each $50 purchase! Click HERE to see the brochure.

This is a card that we made at a workshop last night. I saw THIS adorable card by Kylie over on Splitcoaststampers and knew that I wanted to do my own version.

I stamped the flower image on Cameo Coral and then again on Kiwi Kiss card stock and punched both out with the 5-petal Flower Punch. The Kiwi Kiss flower I cut into pieces so that it could become the leaves. The Chocolate Chip brad is one of the new 5/16" jumbo brads. The edge of the Cameo Coral layer was distressed using the Cutter Kit. The flower and the Cameo Coral layer are up on dimensionals.

Stamps: Polka Dot Punches, Thank You Kindly

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Paper: Baja Breeze, Cameo Coral, Kiwi Kiss, Very Vanilla

Accessories: 5/16" Chocolate Chip Jumbo Brad, 5-Petal Flower Punch, 1/8" circle punch, Cutter Kit, dimensionals