A purple Vroom

Here's a card from my last workshop.

The motorcycle stamp set is retired, but the image is still available in My Digital Studio.  I printed out a bunch of the motorcycles and then ran the image on the cardstock through the Big Shot with the new die. (The name of the die escapes me at the moment!)  (A side note: I am writing this from a  vacation I am on, and do not have my catalog with me. If the names of the items are a wee bit off, that is because my memory is always a wee bit off. Well, let's be honest here...there is more than just my memory that is a wee bit off about me.  However, a tilted personality makes for a unique one! Anyway,  please pardon my mistakes, as I know I will have some!  I'm trying to be brief here.  Successful there, huh! Not. I could look everything up online, but to be honest, I'm too lazy to do that today!!  Hey, I AM on vacation. *smile*)  See how shiny the motorcycle chrome is?  That shine was made using Pearl Ex and Future Floor Wax Finish.  I put the floor finish in an Aqua Painter and then just dip the tip into the Pearl Ex and paint.  Easy and not messy!  The Pearl Ex needs nothing else done to it because the floor finish has acrylic in it and the medium is set as it is applied.  Like I said...easy!  My hostess asked me to demonstrate the Pearl Ex since SU used to sell it, and she had a lot.  Always fun to revisit the past and use something again.  The silver panel of the card is aluminum foil.  Did you guess that?  I know, purdy!  We took heavy duty aluminum foil and cut it to size and ran it through the Big Shot using the new Fan Embossing Folder.  Here's a hint from me, your friend.  Do not apply adhesive to the back of the foil.  Apply it to the cardstock and then press the cardstock to the foil to adhere the foil.  The less you touch the foil, the luckier you'll be in not getting a rip.  We also ran the black strip of cardstock through the Big Shot using another new folder, the Argyle Embossing Folder.  I think it looks like faux leather.  Chrome and leather and a purple motorcycle.  Funny thing, most of the ladies had someone in mind that they wanted to give the card to.  The sentiment on the inside of the card says, "Well-behaved women seldom make history."  So true.  See the paper piercing around the motorcycle? That was done with the new Paper Piercing Pack.  Way cool.  Love the larger size of it.  If you get one new non-stamp thing from the new catalog...that's a great choice.  Don't forget to get the mat.

Okay, my friends, it's back to vacation.  Thanks for the stop in!
Kristine

Two shares

Long time no see!  So glad that you did not give up on me and came back for a visit.  Thanks!

Today I have two cards to share with you.  Both of them use the same color scheme, but have decidedly different feels--at least I think so.  The paper is a sneak peek at some of the DSP that you can receive FREE during the upcoming Sale-a-bration period, January 24th through March 31st.  I am telling you this...I LOVE this DSP. 

Here is the first card...

This card also uses the Enchantment Ribbon in Calypso Corral that you can receive free during Sale-abration.  I love the colors of Pool Party and Calypso Corral together.  Who'd a thunk?  Not my usual color combo.  But I was lead by the DSP.  See the Corral pearls?  Wanna know how I made those?  Simple!  Take our Basic Pearls and an orange Sharpie pen and color the pearls.  It is almost a perfect match for the Calypso Corral!  I was so excited when that happened. You, as a crafter, will understand the excitement.  My family, however, was non-plussed by the incredible luck of it.

There is something else I used that is pretty cool, but may not seem so at first glance.  The sentiment in this card is a retired set Friendly words.  But guess what! It is available in My Digital Studio (MDS) and can be made ANY size you want in that program.  Too cool.  So I used MDS to print out the sentiment in Calypso Corral (bigger than what it is in the real life stamp set) and then stamped the banner from the Occasions set Take it to Heart around the printed words. (Easy to do with a clear mount set.)  I cut the banner out and popped it up on dimentionals.  Take a look at the MDS.  The program is a wonderful tool for so many reasons. One of the coolest things about buying a download for MDS is that the brush sets, the DSP, the embellishments NEVER retire!  Never.  Nope, not even on December 21, 2012 when the Mayan calendar ends.  They will still be available. :-)  Finally, the heart is one of the images in the Take it to Heart set.  I wanted to highlight one of the images that might go unnoticed.  It is a very elegant little heart.

The second card...

Isn't this a simple layout?  This was my thank you card for December orders.  I had a bunch to make (Thank you again everyone who bought in December!) and these were the perfect answer.  I have used the same DSP as in the above card.  Guess I'm just drawn to this one, huh?  The stamp set is Funky Four and the sentiment from Trendy Trees. 

Thanks for looking at my creations.  You're the best!

Kristine

Quilted Christmas Cards

I have been on a kick as of late using the same layout and creating multiple cards with varying materials.  For these cards, I went to my stash of Christmas Designer Paper.  I think each card has a different feel based on the DSP used as well as the ribbon.  I used the technique of embossing over the DSP to give the look and feel of a quilt.  I really like this technique!  I used the new Snowburst Embossing Folder on each of the cards.  You can really see it in the first and third samples.  I think the colors and design overwhelm it a bit on the middle sample.  I also used the White Gel Pen to create faux stitching on the card.  The Snow flake punch, a Rhinestone brad, and Basic Pearls embellish each card.  When I showed the finished cards to my family, my daughter Olivia and I both liked the first one best.  My son, Thomas, like the second one best, and my husband, Mitch liked the third best.  These cards will be sent as my contribution for the Open Swappers swap this month.  Each swapper will receive a different card!  I hope they like the one they get!

Christmas is coming

Last year I managed to have three different Christmas Card Stamp-a-stacks.  This year...well, I managed to have a class where I offered three cards.  Something is better than nothing!  I am considering moving into my van with all of my crafting supplies.  I spend  A LOT of time in the transport of my children.  Maybe I'd get more done if I just set the back up with supplies? Hmmm.

Anyway, the three cards below were the cards we made two weekends ago.  (Golly, I am far behind in posting!)  I had a lovely group of ladies join me for the day.

This card used the Stiched Stocking stamp set as well as lots of bling.  I was going for the idea of a mantel with the stockings hanging and some silver garland (I used Crystal Effects and Silver Glass to make the faux garland) across the top.  The DSP is from the Frostwood Lodge collection.  L-o-v-e that paper!  Add some Jingle Bells with some of the Cherry Baker's Twine and it is darling, even if I do say so myself.

This card is not my design.  I love the work of so many other paper crafters, and sometimes I want to make something I see.  So I make it and I love it even more, and it becomes a project in a class!  This traditional, country card is the brain child of Lee Conrey.  Beautiful, yes?  YES!  The DSP at the bottom of the card is once again my beloved Frostwood Lodge DSP.  Notice the stripe embossing behind the pinecone panel.  (Kinda hard to see in the picture, dang it!) How easy is that step up on the card to add the Stripped Embossing Folder! It just adds the right, finishing touch.  The ribbon is the Espresson Quilted Satin Ribbon from the Holiday Mini.  Yummy stuff!  You know when you put espresso, quilted and satin together the result is gonna be good. :-) Makes me think of a comfy bed with a cup of yummy coffee reading a wonderful book.  

The final card for the class is also a copied card.  My upline, Jill Olsen, made a card using the Silver Glimmer Paper but instead of leaving it silver, she used reinkers to make it pink!  I think that is just too cool for school!  I like using the blues and white in Christmas cards, so I used Tempting Turquois reinkers and painted the silver glimmer paper with the ink and an Aqua Painter.  When it dries, it is a very close match to Baja Breeze Cardstock, which is what is used as the main card.  This is just such a happy card! Think of all the colors you can use to make Silver Glimmer Paper into something!  How about pink hearts for Valentines, or a shimmery green shamrock for St Patrick's Day.  The hint with this technique is using the darker colors--think Concord Crush rather than Wisteria Wonder.  The inks do dry much lighter.

I have other items to post, but I have run outta time! I'm thinking I need to call my mom and thank her for all the transporting she did for me as a child. 

Kristine

Bright daisy

Reno weather has been sporadic lately.  80 degree day followed by snow the next.  Here's a bright card to remind us that summer IS on the way!  The technique is a basic reverse stencil.  I used the medium daisy on the Daisies#2 Die.  By placing it against the Glossy White Paper and sponging around the shape, I ended up with white daisies!  For the center, I used a Sponge Dauber and smudged (a very technical term) some So Saffron ink onto the paper for a bit brighter center to the flower.  Since the Die has three sizes of daisies, you could change up the sizes of the flowers, but I liked the one size.  I like the way the Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon offsets the orange.  This combo came from my Color Coach.  The color coach actually suggested Pacific Point for Tanagerine Tango, but I wanted a softer look.  After sponging all of the daises, I had a very tangerine daisy!  So I incorporated it into the inside of the card!  Look!

I made two tags that pull out of a transparent pocket.  The pocket is super easy to make.  I took a Clear Translucent envelope (pg 171 of the idea book 102619 $4.95 for 50) which people often miss in the catalog, and cut off the top.  I adheared it to the card inside which actually gives you TWO pockets.  The backside of the envelope creates one pocket, and the envelope itself creates a second pocket.  The tags could hold gift cards, or maybe pictures or little notes.  The main panal on the right inside could have a sentiment, or maybe a larger picture.  I think this layout would make a great card to send to a grandparent.  Pictures of the kids on the pull-out tags, and a family picture on the right!  Good Christmas card idea!

Thanks for stopping in. 

Kristine

Two ribbon tricks!

Today's cards both use ribbon.  I have a trick to share with you for each.

Number one is a card that mimics a store front window.  I'd like this store since it sells cupcakes!  For awhile, I saw awnings on cards.  Haven't seen any lately, but I wanted to give it a try.  I think it's cute! I used the Word Window Punch to create the stripes.  Simply punch and adhere to a strip of cardstock.  Fold the ends in opposite directions and adhere to your project.

This card qualifies as a punch art card.  The only stamping on the card is the sentiment, from the set in the last Occasion Mini Bring on the Cake.  That set is no longer available, but I'm a hopin' that it makes it into the new 2011-12 Main Idea Book and Catalog coming out in July.  It's a great set.  I hope you purchased it!  If not, cross your fingers along with me for the July release of the new catalog!  I did offer Glimmer paper to the ladies at the workshop, but my sample has just basic Real Read hearts and cherry.  I used the Cupcake Punch to make the cupcakes (uhhh, yeah duh Kristine).  The paper wrappers of the cupcakes are crimped using the Paper Crimper.  Just crimp a strip of paper before you punch it with the Cupcake punch.  Super easy.  I think this is the kind of card that has a wow effect, but really is simple to put together.  The bow is a "Stay Put Bow" taught to me by a wonderful demonstrator, Mary Fish. 

Here is a picture tutorial for the stay put bow.  It really is simple and keeps your bow from loosening and sliding off the project.  First, place a hole in your cardstock where you want the bow to be.  I have punched a 1/8" hole.

Take your ribbon and pull both ends from the back to the front side of the project.

Take the loop hanging from the back and bring it around the sides of the project to the front.

Pull the two ends tight and place one end on each side of the ribbon you looped around.  No need for someone else's finger.  You can now easily tie the two ends!

I did a simple knot and then trimmed the ends!  Waalaaa!!

The next card is striking in its simplicity. 

The card is a CASE from my upline Linda Gutierrez   She made a bunch of samples using the Four Frames Stamp set and the DSP Paisley Petals.  These two items are not available right now, but will be in the new catalog. (They were a promotion in April)

 I want to show you how to make the bow on this card without having a HUGE lump due to a knot.  The larger ribbon can be hard to use for this reason.  I never want a huge knot, and bows can be ginormous with 1 1/4" ribbon!  So, here's what I did.  First, wrap the ribbon around the card to get the length you want.

Next, figure out how long a ribbon "tail" you want and snip a hole into the center of the ribbon.  I gave myself  about 2" from the end before I snipped.  This is a small snip.  Don't get all crazy and make a big hole! :-)

Now, pull the other end of the ribbon through the small hole.

I used an Antique Brad on this card, so I opened the brad's legs and wrapped them around the ribbon.  (Is it just me, or did that last sentence sound...ummm...naughty?) Trim the ends of the ribbon, and another Waaa laaaa!!!

  It's not bulky at all! You could even mail this!

Well, thanks folks for stopping in.  I hope you find a opportunity to do a ribbon trick or two! 

Kristine

Voila

Today's fun card uses the retired set Viola.  I did a technique called Paper Piecing.  I stamped the chef onto DSP and then cut out the pieces I wanted.  That is how his pants are herringbone and his chef coat polka dot!  He seems such a happy guy!  Can't you just hear him singing?  His raised eyebrow makes me smile.  So much attitude in that one detail.

This is also a different fold.  I made a 1 1/2" lip to fold over the card.  The card is held closed by the scallop oval.  Here's the inside of the card.

Stamp: Viola

Card stock: Wild Wasabi, Basic Black , Whisper white, Night and Day DSP

Inks: Stazon, Wild Wasabi marker, Basic Gray marker, Daffodil delight marker, Blush Blossom marker

Punches: Scallop Oval, Medium oval, small oval, ticket corner

Accessories/Tools: black brads,dimensionals, Blender pen, Stamp-a-majig

I really like the Wild Wasabi and the Basic Black together.  It did take some time to cut out his pants and jacket, but I really like the way he turned out! 

Thanks for stopping in.  Happy wishes for you!

Kristine

The cards I'm sharing today are from my last workshop.  My hostess wanted an Easter card, so the following is what I came up with. 

The card uses a technique that I think is such a simple WOW called faux letterpress.  Using an embossing folder (in this case the Vintage wallpaper Embossing folder), you rub ink onto the folder on the side that is bumpless.  (Is that a word?)  Then place your card stock into the folder and run it through the Big Shot and the paper will be embossed, but the color you rubbed onto the folder will be laid down around the embossing.  It is just too cool!  I also found the very pretty ribbon technique on the Paper Crafters Sampler site and added that the center of the cross.  It looks hard, but it really is not.  Trust me...I'm all about being easy. (Okay, that didn't sound right, but you know what I mean.)  Then added to the center of that gor-jus ribbon is one of Stampin' Up!'s new Vanilla Rosettes.  Notice how I said vanilla, but mine isn't?  I'm too clever!  I daubered blushing bride ink onto the rosette to change its color!  Vanilla with white ribbon looks...well, puky.  So by adding color I get ahhhh, not eewwwehh.  Using Versamark ink I stamped the leaf image from the stamp set Just Believe onto the bottom.  I wanted the cross to stand out, so I didn't do any other stamping.  Now for the inside...

Using the same set, Just Believe, I used markers to color in the image and then stamped.  Pretty!  Isn't the sentiment perfect for Easter? :-) Yup!

Next up is a simple, elegant card which was inspired by a similar card designed by Sarah Wills.  Love her stuff.  Rich Razzleberry Satin Ribbon and ink on white.  Good combo! Three pearls from the Basic Pearls gives the butterfly a body. Look!

And finally another stamp you can earn free during Sale-a-bration called Tiny Teacup.  The colors remind me of a delicious cup of coffee.  This card is a direct CAS of Lisa Young. Isn't is wonderful?!  I think the Love Letters Designer paper and the Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon are so complementary to each other.

That's it!

Here's a question for you...I have no idea how many readers I have out there in blog land.  I can see that there are some of you since my counter at the bottom of the page is going up, and that cannot possibly be just my mom and daughter and friends who kindly look at my cards!  So, the question...would it be helpful to you, my kind reader, if I include a recipe of my cards?  Leave me a comment.!  You have no idea how excited I get when I receive a comment. I do a little happy jig and SMILE!

Have a great day, and if the mood strikes you, do your own happy jig! 

Kristine

Details on Greenhouse Garden and Concord crush post and a birthday card

First, I want to share a birthday card I sent to a customer.  A sun flower for a sunny person! 



Next, on my last post, I was left a comment asking for the details on the card below.  Thanks for the comment!  I adore getting comments!  Another picture of the card, and then the specifics for making the card:

Stamps used: Greenhouse Garden, Afterthoughts (Hostess set in main IBC)
Inks: Early Espresso, Wild Wasabi (for the flower stems) and Concord Crush (To make the flowers, ink your stamp, then stamp off once on a scrap paper before stamping on the project.  When adding the flower detail, that is inked and directly stamped.  It makes it look like two colors, but both are Concord Crush, one is just lighter than the other due to amount of ink on the stamp.)
Card stock (CS):
Early Espresso, 4.25x11, 2x2.75, 3x2, 1x5.25
Crumb cake: 4x5.25, 1.5x2.25
Concord Crush DSP from the Hostess level 1 paper pack. 2 7/8 x 1 7/8
Whisper white punched with the XL Decorative Label Punch found in the Holiday Mini on page 25.

Dry embossing using the Backgrounds Texturz Plate #1 on page 215 of the IBC.  I took a sponge and lightly highlighted the raised portion of the paper with Early Espresso ink.  Use a light touch.
The scallop down the right side is the Scallop Trim Border punch done in Early Espresso CS.  I then added the smallest pearls from the jewel package of Basic Pearls on page 188. I wrapped a piece of 1/2" Concord Crush ribbon over the punch strip and tucked it under the scallop strip and Crumb Cake piece.

To finish the card, use a Corner rounder punch on the small piece of Crumb Cake, add Silver brads to the centers of the flowers and pop the flower image up on Dimensionals.  To make the faux brads in the left corner, punch three 1/4" circles out of Concord Crush CS and adhere to the front with Mini Glue Dots. The VERY LAST THING you should do is add some Crystal Effects to the little circles to add the shine.  These will need to dry, for a bit, but when they are dry, they look like brads!

There you go!

Thanks for stopping in.  I appreciate your time.

Kristine

Catching up

I have a few items to show you that have been sitting in my work area.  The first card was for a demonstrator swap.  I decided to forgo the usual fall colors.  The front squares are popped up on dimensionals.  This card uses the Days of Gratitude set as well.  Such a versatile set!

Next up is a card for fall using the masking technique. 

The next card was one I did for the last Christmas card class.  It uses the letterpress Season on Joy.  I'm not a natural at using a letterpress, but some of my customers were pros!

My next share was a club card for Halloween.  It is almost a direct CAS from Paper Crafts Magazine.  It is the same layout and colors, but I used SU only stamps and materials.  The technique is faux letterpress, which I like MUCH better!

And my final share is of my constant companion, Simon.  He was all dressed up for Halloween. :-)

My daughter decided he should wear her outfit.  He doesn't look too pleased does he? lol.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Happy Fall!

Kristine

Some of my favorite sets...going

June is a bitter sweet time in the Stampin' Up! world.  It's the time when stamp sets are retired.  For me as a demonstrator, that means I can no longer use the set in my workshops and clubs.  So this month for club, we made cards using three of my favorite sets that are going away.  I can still use them for my personal cards, but I just LIKE these sets so much, I have used them many times in workshops and events.  So here they are in their glory.

This first card uses one of my all time favorite sets, Embrace Life.  I also used the retiring color, Sage Shadow.  My thanks to Flutterby Atomic Butterfly for the layout.

Next up is a very versatile set called Tue Friend.  I have always liked the sort of western feel to this set.  The sentiment is from another retiring set called Wow Flowers. Colors are Always Artichoke and the retiring In Color, Dusty Durango.  This is a direct CASE from Nancy Riley.  L-o-v-e Love her work.

And the final card for the club was a red, white and blue tribute using the technique of faux buttons.  The ladies loved punching out all the circles for the six buttons (hehehe).  This card uses the retiring set Celebrate Everything.  I also used the new Square Lattice Embossing Folder available in the Summer Mini catalog.  A little texture is good. :-)  (This card also uses the retiring color of Brilliant Blue.  I'm gonna miss you Brilliant Blue.  You were truly a brilliant color. {sniff})  Thanks to an unknown artist (If this design is yours, please let me know, and I'll give you credit!)  I tweaked mine just a smidgen adding the texture and a brad-held bow.  Love that way of making a bow--easy peasy!

That's it for today.  If you would like any of the retiring materials used in the cards, you can place an order for these items through June 30th through my Stampin Up website.  After June 30th, retiring items will no longer be available for purchase through Stampin' Up.

Thanks for stopping in today.  I appreciate you giving some of your time to me!

Kristine

Welcome baby and some club cards

One of my dearest friends just had a baby.  This is a page for his scrapbook.  Isn't he just too cute!

 

Next are the club cards from last month.  Yikes, am I behind on posting things!

 
This card was inspired by Selena Kempton's work.  I used the Emboss reinker floater technique.  I love this technique!  The flowers have some dazzling diamonds in the center, but that isn't showing up in the photo.

















  This next card was inspired by Mary Fish.  She made a similar card for fall.  I changed it up for Easter.

This card makes use of the sweet treat cups.  We all enjoyed eating the M&Ms while we made the cards.  I'm sure some of the candy didn't make it all the way home in the card for some of the ladies. :-)

And the final card is almost a direct CASE from the Stampin'  Success Magazine.  Simple, simple, simple.  A good child's card.

Thanks for taking the time to stop and look today.

Kristine

Club cards

It seemed appropriate to me that I did a red card in honor of the Chinese New Year. This is one of the three cards that I had my Ladies complete at the last club.  It uses one of my favorite sets, Asian Artistry (man, I'll be sad when that set retires. {sigh}) The image was embossed with Versa Mark and Gold embossing powder and then colored in with markers.  It's a sparkly card!  Love that.

This next card also has an Asian feel and uses the same set.  (Gotta get my use outta it before I can't use it to demonstrate anymore. {sob}) 

It also uses that To the Nines DSP, which I think is great.  That DSP pack grows on me every time I look at it.  I also like that it has a heavier feel and a textured "softness" to it.  The paper just feels good to the touch.  I can only describe it a s a softness.  It's a good pack for "manly" cards.  My husband and son always like the cards when they have some of this DSP on it.  Go figure, huh?

The last card of the club was the technique card.  We did the Herringbone technique using a piece of card stock run through the Xryon machine and then 1/4" strips of DSP from the Autumn Traditions.   It's a little time intensive, but I like the finished look.

I hope you found something to inspire you.  Thanks for stopping by today.

Kristine

A few things

I have been a little busy lately.  It's always nice to have workshops! Unlike many in the blogging world, I don't seem to be able to prep for workshops and blog at the same time!  Ah well, "we all have our strengths" as my daughter (a very wise 9 year old) likes to remind me.

I want to share a bunch of things today.  First is something that just made me giggle.  I love to laugh, and this was too cute not to share.  I had a huge order come from Stampin' Up!, and on the top of the largest box is this Caution notice.  I thought, "Gee, I wonder why the caution notice?  Is there something flammable in there?"  Then I took a closer look, and started laughing right there on my porch.  I love the sense of humor!

It's true.  I love getting my deliveries.  I like seeing all the stuff that others have ordered and if the box is full of my stuff, well,... it's just like an extra birthday! 

This card was part of a club workshop.  It is an easy peasy card.  Great way to use up extra scraps of DSP.

I really do like the Well Scripted stamp set.  As a young girl I used to experiment with different types of writing.  Curly, really straight, hearts for an "i", etc.  This reminds me of those times when I wrote with a very curly, flowing writing.  When I was teaching, I noticed lots of girls experimenting with their writing.  Always good to know I'm not alone in a strangish behavior. :-)

The next card is also from the club workshop.  It uses a technique called colorwash batik.  The card design is a direct CASE from Lisa Sommerville.  She uses lots of techniques in her work, and this set, Friendship 24-7 is one of my favorites.  Many times I have wondered what's up with all the birds and butterflies in the SU catalog, but I like this bird. 

It's hard to see in the picture, but the flourish on the left side has an old olive color to it.  Batik is an art form, generally using cloth, in which color is added in steps, using wax to block color from covering an area of cloth already dyed.  So, using watercolor paper, you wash a mix of water, alcohol and reinker to create a color spray.  Spritz the watercolor paper and let dry.  Then, using versamark and clear embossing powder, add an image. The embossing powder acts as the wax.  Then the next color is added--in this case regal rose.  Then the Friendly words wheel is rolled over that using Chocolate chip ink.  You could continue adding images and embossing powder, but I did just the three colors.  When everything is as you like, you melt the embossing powder off using clean copy paper and a craft iron.  The color comes through from underneath and without the shiny embossing, it gives it a really cool look.  But, I warn you, it is a messy technique.  (If you want more specific details on colorwash batik, leave a comment with your email and I'll send some directions to you.)

Here is the same card using Bravo Burgundy and So Saffron.  The bird is stamped once on the oval and then again on a scrap piece and popped up on a dimensional.

The final project I have to share is made by my daughter, Olivia (same wise soul as mentioned above).  When I went back to North Carolina, I picked up this quilting square for her.  This is her first try at sewing.  I think she did great!

 

That's it for now.  I have a few more things to share, but I'll post those separately.  Thanks for popping in today.

Peace.

Kristine