Stampotique Guest Designer - All About Pets Card

Happy Meow Day, friends! (I'm not sure that's an actual holiday...but it should be!) I'm back for week three of my Stampotique guest designer spot and am excited that we're continuing last week's theme of All About Pets. One cat is good, but it's not as fabulous as 50 cats! And while I don't have a video for you today, I am going to share step-by-step photos of today's card, which is super simple to create and includes a fun technique. So let's go!

I'm starting out with my Mini Misti, Neenah Solar White cardstock, Post-in Note tape, and Wendy Vecchi Archival Ink in my all time favorite color, Watering Can. While you don't need to have a Misti for this technique it is helpful. You will also want to use Archival Inks if you intend to watercolor as this ink is water proof. Lastly, the Stampotique stamps are wood mounted stamps, which would normally be impossible to use with a Misti. However, you can remove the red rubber from the blocks and simply use double sided tape to hold them on your stamping block. Easy peasy!

I started by stamping one row of cats and them stamping a second time (without re-inking) on to the Post-It Note tape. Next, I fussy cut out the row of cats, use the mask to cover the first row of cats, and re-stamp the next row of stamps. Notice that I only masked off the heads of the cats because that's all I needed.

Once you're done, you have an entire card full of cats!! I did trim down this piece of cardstock a bit so that there wasn't as much white space around the edges. Now to get working on my focal point image.

I stamped another row of cats on a second piece of cardstock, and used Distress Inks to watercolor one cat image. (I am using watercolor paper for this project!) To use Distress Inks for watercoloring, simple smoosh some ink from the ink pad onto a non-stick craft sheet and use a water brush to pick up the color. I'm a big fan of the water brushes with the water in the barrel, makes coloring super simple.

I fussy cut out the cat, die cut a large circle out of gray cardstock, and repeatably stamped the Purfect sentiment on the circle. I also stamped this hysterical sentiment on white cardstock and individually cut out the words.

To finish my card, I added a 2" piece of vellum to the cat card background, which was mounted to a dark gray card base. I then attached the circle, cat, and sentiment using foam tape. A few sparkly gems added the finishing touch to this sassy kitty card. (And my cat is painted like our cat, Sasha.) Super fun project, I hope you enjoyed! Happy Crafting!

Products:

-Kitty Squad stamp (how great is that stamp name!)

-Phrase Cube

-Salutations 2 stamp

-Distress Inks

-Water Brush

-Watercolor Cardstock

-Wendy Vecchi Archival Ink

-Wendy Vecchi Perfect Adhesive

-Vellum

Distress Emboss Resist - Take Two

Hello strangers! My apologizes for the long spacing in between posts. My job has been in overdrive for the past few weeks and having time to craft has been a challenge. This is a project I actually created almost a month ago! It's taken me that long to have some time to upload the video and get a blog post written. Goodness...mama needs her life back! LOL!

Today's project features new products from Sweet 'n Sassy (and one older set), which were released earlier this month. The new stamp sets are the alphabet set you see in the background along with the "bring Him glory" stamp shown next to my photo. Those darling bees are from an older set. My video below will take you through all of the steps I took to create this page. This was a super easy project, using my favorite emboss resist technique. You could use this same technique with any stamps you have in your stash. Enjoy!

PS - I still have not heard from my last prize drawing winner so if I don't hear from Nancy Bilton in another week, I select a new winner.


Supplies:
-My Minds Eye (Follow Your Heart)
-Distress Oxide Inks
-Bring Him Glory
-Sweet as Honey
-Skinny Minnie Alpha
-Detail Blending Tool
-Mat Minis (Words)
-Hickory Smoke Distress Ink
-Enamel Accents
-Stickles 

Warmest Wishes

Hi friends! I'm sharing a card and technique over on the Sweet 'n Sassy blog today. Head on over for more photos and all of the details! Happy Crafting!

Joggles Itty Bitty Stencil Project

I'm sharing a super fun project on the Joggles blog today, featuring Itty Bitty Stencils. Itty Bitty stencils are the perfect ATC size, 3" x 4". Just think...tiny stencils! What could be better?!

My project features three unique stencil designs as well as a embossing resist technique. Visit the Joggles blog for a full step-by-step picture tutorial. Happy crafting!

Wendy Vecchi Inspired Creativity Tag

Hello crafty friends! I'm back with a brand new project, featuring products from Wendy Vecchi. Let's call this a "Wendy Vecchi Wednesday" post that's a few days late.

I've been a busy bee these past few weeks, filming a new class for Big Picture Classes, which should be announced in mid-May. I love filming the classes, but it's a lengthy project that dominates my free time and studio space for close to a month. The process is long, but enjoyable. And it's such a relief when the final video has been edited and uploaded for proofing. Stay tuned for more details on the exact class dates.

In other news...I've accepted a full-time job! WHAT!? I know...I've been an independent consultant for almost 16 years and while I'll continue in the short term as a self-employed person, I am now going to be only working for one company. The good news is that I'm going to be able to continue working from home. That is huge and one of the reasons I couldn't say no to the offer. (I'll still get to craft on my lunch breaks! LOL!)

In even more exciting news...I've joined the Joggles Design Team! It's just a six month term, but I'm thrilled to be working with a store. It kind of makes me feel like I'm working at a store again...sigh...I sure do miss working at a craft store. The pay isn't great, but it is the best job in the entire world! And I wish there were still independent craft stores in our area, but if you don't have a store near you, definitely check out the Joggles store. It's filled with all kind of amazing mixed media and vintage pieces, along with all of the regular products you'd expect to find in a craft store. Stay tuned for more news on my Joggles projects...

OK, on to today's project! It's a tag that features a fun water color technique using a Mini Misti and Distress Inks. And...I'm doing a giveaway of some of Wendy's Mat Minis! Just leave a comment to be entered into the drawing. The winner will be announced next week, 4/22. Leave your email in the comments if you'd prefer to be notified via email.

No more chatting...let's get to the video! Happy Crafting!

A Friend Loves - Script Alpha Card

Hello friends! Welcome to this week's card...one featuring the Rebecca Script Alpha set that I used on last week's card. This week I used the set to create a custom sentiment and combined the saying with a cluster of flowers that was created using the Scribble Flowers stamp set. I also created a new video demonstrating how I created today's card. You can see the video and supply links below. Happy Crafting!

And don't forget...Sweet 'n Sassy is offering a deal on all of their alphabet sets. Buy 2, get 1 FREE (equal of lesser value) from now until December 15. This is a great deal! Hop on over to this page and check out all of the great sets.

Supplies:

Rebecca Script Alpha

Scribble Flowers

Distress Inks

Water Brush

Water Color Cardstock

Wink of Steller Glitter Pen

Archival Ink

Sweet 'n Sassy Release Day - Capture the Moment

Can this stamp set be on my list of most favorite sets ever!? Oh my, the tiny selfie frame is darling! So many possibilities!

Guess what, friends? It's Sweet 'n Sassy release day! Today we're releasing the darling new Capture the Moment set, which features camera images, the selfie frame, and a whole bunch of sweet sentiments. See the entire set below:

Since any good photo should contain a picture of something or someone, I had to include some furry (and feathery) friends from the Valentine Critters and Get Well Critters stamp sets.

I stamped the frame three times, cut it out and attached a background by coloring a piece of card stock with Distress Ink. The critters were stamped, colored with Copics, and cut out. Then all of the pieces were assembled into tiny photos. I used the little tape image (can't even stand it...too cute!) to create name labels.

Once my critters were finished I got to work on the background, which I created by stamping all of the sentiments multiple times in VersaMark and embossing with white embossing powder. A little water coloring made all of the white embossed images pop right off the page!

I assembled the card by attaching the water colored piece on to a standard 4.25" x 5.5" card base and attaching the photos with foam tape. The little flashbulb bursts were also fussy cut and attached to the photos. I added a tiny bit of shimmer with a Wink of Stella glitter pen, which is tough to see in the photo.

That's it for me today, folks! Head over to Sweet 'n Sassy and grab yourself one of these sets...who can live without it! 

Happy Crafting!

Take Flight - Card Featuring Wendy Vecchi Products

Hi all! I'm back with a brand new project today, featuring products from Wendy Vecchi. Woot! Woot! The products on today's card were released over the summer and it's taken me this long to finally have the time to break out these new supplies and create!

I'm working on a video to share how I created this project, but I have having a terrible time with the upload quality so...stay tuned! In the meantime, check out the close up photo of the card below along with links to where to purchase the products used on my card.

Thanks for visiting today! Happy Crafting!

Supplies:

Artful Thoughts Stamp Set

All Cracked Up Background Stamp

Wendy Vecchi Select a Stencil

Mat Minis - Tiny Stars

Distress Ink

Ranger Water Color Cardstock

Glossy Accents

Archival Ink

Gesso

Ranger Water Brush

Wink of Stellar Glitter Pen

Holiday Hugs - New Stamps from Sweet 'n Sassy

Hi there crafty friends! Today's card features a darling new stamp set from Sweet 'n Sassy, Holiday Hugs. This adorable set features this little penguin and a snowman main image, along with some snowflake images and a bunch of holiday inspired sentiments. You can see the entire set below:

Here's how I created my card (it's a wobbler card!)...

• Use VersaMark and white embossing powder to stamp and emboss the snowflake images on to a piece of white cardstock.
• Use a non-stick craft sheet and painters tape to hold you embossed piece of cardstock stable.
• Grab some Distress Inks and smoosh some ink on to the craft sheet.
• Use a paint brush to apply clean water to the entire background, then pick up some of the Distress Ink and apply to the wet cardstock. Because the paper is very wet, the color will easily run and blend.
• Once you're happy with the results, dry completely with a heat tool.
• Stamp the penguin image on a piece of scrap cardstock and color with more Distress Ink, fussy cut.
• Die cut two hills using the Hillside Edges die set, color the trees with Distress Ink (use a blending tool), add highlights with a white gel pen.
• Attach the hills, overlapping them, using foam tape. I glued the first hill directly to the background and then used foam tape on the second hill.
• Add sentiment to hill and on sled.
• I added a wobbler to the back of the penguin so that he moves! It's so cute!! I just cut a piece of heavy cardstock into a spiral shape and attached one end to the penguin, using foam tape, and the other end to the card. Here's what it looks like from behind...

I also added a bunch of glitter to the hills, using a Wink of Stella glitter pen, and shine to the penguins feet and beak, using glossy accents. 

I also stamped a sentiment and the tree from the snowman image inside my card.

Be sure to check out all of the fun Sweet 'n Sassy holiday stamp sets...all are shipping now!

Happy Crafting!

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If you're local in NH, contact me for a free, 7-day trial!

Sweet 'n Sassy Holiday Celebration - Christmas Pine and Scripture Tree

Hi all! Welcome to today's post, which features two new holiday sets from Sweet 'n Sassy! Links to the products used on today's two cards are listed at the end of this post.

Today's cards feature the Christmas Pine stamp set, below, and Scripture Tree set, above. I've also included photos of both stamp sets.

My Scripture Tree card features lots of Distress Ink and water. I started by smooshing a variety of brown Distress Inks onto a non-stick craft sheet, spritzing with water, and then placing a piece of Ranger water color paper down in the wet ink. Once the ink was completely dry, I stamped the Light of Christmas background stamp over the entire piece of water color paper.

The tree image was created in the same way, except that I white embossed the image before applying the Distress Inks. I hand cut the tree shape by simply following the shape of the words. The edges of both pieces of paper were covered with more Distress Ink, and I added a few rhinestones to finish the card.

My second card also features Distress Inks! They're so much fun! :-) I stamped the pine leaf and pine cone images in Distress Inks, and then used a water brush to move the color around and color in the tiny open spaces on the pine leaf and pine cone images. Distress Ink, in a light blue, was also added to the background. I gold embossed the sentiment, which was too hard to see on the background so I went over the letters with a black Fude ball pen...much better! I added a few paint splatters and popped the pine cones up with foam tape. The tree image was placed within a die cut circle and I dry embossed the background with a script embossing folder.

I hope you enjoyed today's cards! Be sure to visit the holiday set pages on the Sweet 'n Sassy web site...lots of great stamp sets to choose from and everything is shipping now!

Happy Crafting! (Supply links below!)

I started by Nerium career and am searching for a few people to join my team this month! Contact me at ksdm@comcast.net to learn more about how to earn free product and extra or full-time income! Visit my web site to purchase: www.kimschofield.nerium.com.

Supplies:

Christmas Pine

Scripture Tree

Light of Christmas

Distress Ink

Ranger Water Color Paper

Water Brush

Rejoice Canvas

Hi friends! Just a quick post today to let you know that this project was posted on The Crafters Workshop blog yesterday. This canvas features brand new stencils and mediums, Gold Gesso (yes, GOLD, LOVE it!), and Modeling Paste. Links to the specific TCW products listed below. Head on over to the TCW blog for more photos and step by step directions.

Happy Crafting!

Supplies:

Gold Gesso
Light and Fluffy Modeling Paste
Rejoice Stencil – TCW2153
Believe Script Stencil – TCW541

Distress Inks

Blending Tool

Wendy Vecchi Ticking Background Stamp

Wendy Vecchi Cornflower Blue Archival Ink

Sweet 'n Sassy Release Day - Birthday Pals

Happy Friday, friends, and welcome to this week's Sweet 'n Sassy stamp set release celebration! This week we're featuring the sweet stamp set, Birthday Pals. This darling set features three little critters, a whole bunch of great sentiments, and lots of critter accessories, like the hat my fish is wearing. It even comes with a matching die set! You can see the full set below.

I decided to use the fish on my card and went with some no line water coloring. I used my Distress Inks to do all of the water coloring. The blue background was also created with Distress Inks, which were smooshed on a non-stick craft sheet and spritzed with water. Just place your water color paper into the wet ink for amazing results. All of the little splatters are created by continuing to pick up color from the craft sheet.

I die cut a hole in the card using a Spellbinders die and created the seaweed by hand, again using Distress Inks. The fish and balloon are fussy cut and popped up with foam tape. I added some glossy accents to the balloon and dots on the hat for some shine. The sentiment was created by using the word Best from another sentiment and combining it with Fishes to you, which were embossed in white powder on black cardstock. To finish the card, I added a few white pearls.

I hope you enjoyed today's card! Be sure to head over to the Sweet 'n Sassy web site to see all of the new releases!

Happy Crafting!

Sweet 'n Sassy Release Day - Music to My Ears

Hello friends, and welcome to this week's Sweet 'n Sassy stamp set release! This week we're showcasing the new Music to My Ears stamp set, you can see the entire set below. This new set includes one large background set, four music related sentiments, and 12 other stamps, including lots of music notes. So many possibilities with this set!

Here are the steps that I took to create my 5" x 5" card...

1. Using VersaMark and black embossing powder, stamp the music background stamp on a piece of 5" x 5" cardstock. (I used Neenah solar white) Be sure to keep the image towards the center as you'll only see the image through the circle cut out.
2. Using Distress Inks, smoosh some ink out on a non-stick craft sheet, and a water coloring brush add color to the background. The embossed areas will resist the inks. Since I wasn't using water color cardstock, I just dropped the ink on to the cardstock and let it spread on its own, which preventing the paper from peeling. Set aside to dry.
3. Using Memento Ink, stamp various images from the Scribble Flowers stamp set on to a piece of scrap cardstock, color with Copics, fussy cut.
4. Using a Spellbinders circle die, cut a large circle out of a piece of 4.75" x 4.75" cardstock, use foam tape to attach to the cardbase.
5. Using a Spellbinders scalloped circle die, with a smaller circle die nested inside the scallop circle, cut a frame out of black cardstock, attach around circle opening.
6. Stamp sentiment on piece of white cardstock, cut out with ribbon cut on one end.
7. Attach sentiment, flowers, and bee using foam tape.
8. Use Glossy Accents and Wink of Steller glitter pen to add some sparkle and shine, see up close photo below.

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you enjoyed the project! Be sure to check out the Sweet 'n Sassy web site for the newly released products (there's a new die that coordinates with the Scribble Flowers set!) along with the new Christmas stamp sets!

Happy Crafting!

Sweet 'n Sassy Release Day - Scribble Flowers

Greetings everyone and happy Friday! Today we start the August release celebration for Sweet 'n Sassy stamps! Today's new stamp set is a beauty...a large flower set that contains a boatload of images! 

When I first saw these stamps I knew I wanted to create a page full of flowers, and I combined that idea with a new technique I saw posted by Jennifer McQuire (you can see her video here). 

I created my floral panel by stamping some of the images in VersaMark ink, on white cardstock, and then I embossed them with white embossing powder. Once the powder had cooled, I covered the entire panel with Distress Ink, which makes the embossed images jump right off the page! I used plain water to remove some of the color within the flowers and leaves, and added some other colors to essentially re-color the images. The little bee was stamped and embossed on a scrap piece of paper and fussy cut before adding to the card front.

The card base was dry embossed using this fun honeycomb pattern and the sentiment was stamped on black cardstock and embossed with more white powder (I'm a bit obsessed with embossing...again!)

Be sure to check out the rest of the design team's projects using today's release, Scribble Flowers, and check back next Friday for the next August stamp set release!