This Tour is Over But There Will Be Another One in July

I hope you enjoyed the Blog Tour. The links are gone, so I hope you bookmarked all your favorites. I hope to participate in the next tour which will be July 27 and 28.  It will coincide with the launch of Stampin' Up!'s  yearly catalog, so be sure to stop back here in July for updates!

My projects  remain--as a memory of that "tour" and as great ideas for this stamp set.  It was a first for me......focusing on one stamp set, Thoughts & Prayers, and share all originally designed samples of cards and 3-D items.  All supplies are from Stampin' Up! and all items are created with the Thoughts & Prayers stamp set, p. 59 in Stampin' Up!'s 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog, item # 113252, $25.95

I love this candle (which was the only new one I could find in my candle stash) :

Ingredients:
CARDSTOCK:  Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip
INK: Stampin' Write Markers:  Close to Cocoa, Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss
ACCESSORIES:  Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Edge punch, Snail adhesive, Sticky Strip
TIP:  Before wrapping your cardstock around the candle, gently slide it across the edge of your table to break down the fibers slightly and put a 'bend' into the cardstock.  It won't 'fight' you then as much when you want to secure it around the candle.  I used Sticky Strip where my cardstock overlapped on the back side of the candle; Snail adhesive to attach the scalloped piece to the stamped piece of cardstock.

This card uses one of the Specialty Designer Series Papers:

 

Ingredients:
CARDSTOCK:  Whisper White, To the Nines Specialty Designer Series Paper
INK: Stampin' Write Markers:  Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss;  Classic Stamp Pad:  Always Artichoke
ACCESSORIES:  Vintage Brads (Antique Brass), Stampin' Sponge, Dimensionals, Snail adhesive

I saw a technique, a ribbon "frame", that I just had to try:

 

Ingredients:

STAMP SET:  Hugs & Wishes, Filagree Background                                            CARDSTOCK:  Very Vanilla, Mellow Moss, Kraft
INK: Stampin' Write Markers:  Mellow Moss, Regal Rose; Versamark, Classic Stamp Pads: Regal Rose, Close to Cocoa
ACCESSORIES:  Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Linen Thread, Vintage Brads (Antique Brass), Snail Adhesive

TIP: I saw this ribbon treatment on a card and just had to try it.  Not real easy but not that hard either.  Cut a piece of ribbon the length of the perimeter of your image plus about 10" more.  Start with a knot in the center and then work your way around to the left and the right.  Corners:  With a 4" piece of linen thread, gather the ribbon and secure with a knot--wrap the linen thread around the brad (that is already in position), snug it up, tie the knot, and trim ends very short.  Do the next ribbon knot and then repeat with the corner brads.  Overlap your ends at the lower left (or right) corners, secure with linen thread wrapped around the brad and trim both the linen thread and the ribbon ends.  Believe me, if I could do this, you can do it!  :)  Just be patient.

I really wanted to use these In-Colors but there's no marker for them.  So I used an Aqua-Painter and picked up color from the stamp pad lid.

 

Ingredients:
CARDSTOCK:  Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Urban Garden Designer Series Paper
INK: Blender Pen, Class Pads: Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip
ACCESSORIES: Eyelet Border Punch, 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon: Kiwi Kiss, Urban Garden Designer Series Paper, Dimensionals, Snail adhesive

TIP:  I picked up the color for the branch by using the Blender Pen and the lid of the Class Stamp Pad.  When your stamp pad is closed, squeeze the upper lid (using your thumb and middle finger) into the stamp pad itself.  When you open the pad, there will be a generous amount of ink on the lid.  Use that as your color palette.  You do have to load the blender pen frequently to have enough color to apply to the stamp.  Huff on the stamp before applying it to the cardstock.

This Bag-in-a-Box is one of the warmest gift bags I've ever seen:

 

Ingredients:
CARDSTOCK:  Sweet Slumber Specialty Designer Series Paper (11" x 5-1/2"), Ruby Red, Whisper White
INK: Stampin' Write Markers:  Ruby Red, Old Olive
ACCESSORIES: Punches: Boho Blossoms, Eyelet Border, Round Tab & 1/16" Circle; Fresh Favorites II Buttons, Vintage Brads (Antique Brass), Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Paper Snips, Mini Glue Dots, Sticky Tape, Snail adhesive

TIP:  I would not suggest using a 'speciality' DSP (Designer Series Paper) for this project.  It's pretty strong and doesn't want to stay where you have placed it with adhesive.  But, here's a suggestion to get around this:  Place brads in the lower area of each Round Tab punch out to keep them in place.  On the back of your bag, carefully (ha!) position a brad at the top of the border piece where it overlaps.  Use a bone folder to flatten out the brad since it's so far down inside the bag.  It will then stay in position.

I brushed the edges of the stamped Boho Blossom flowers with the Ruby Red marker to make the pieces stand out a bit.  Buttons were attached with Mini Glue Dots.

There is a box inside the bag, hence the project name!!!  The box is 4-1/2" square, scored at 1" on each side, and then scored on the diagonal at each corner.  Then secure the box into shape using Sticky Strip.  Place Sticky Strip along one short and one long edge of the DSP, being sure to burnish (rub firmly with Bone Folder) it into the paper.  Lay the box so that the bottom of the box is at the edge of the DSP with the box opening facing the remaining DSP.  You want the end edge of the DSP to be in the middle of a side of the box so that the final overlap will be in the the middle of the back, rather than at a corner.  Once you have the box wrapped on all sides, secure the back seam. 

I really had fun trying out some new-to-me techniques with this stamp set.  This one uses the big Shot Texture plate (#4) and some Chocolate Chip classic ink.

 

Ingredients:
CARDSTOCK:  Mellow Moss, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Very Vanilla
INK: Stampin' Write Markers:  Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss, Chocolate Chip; Classic Stampin' Pad:  Chocolate Chip
ACCESSORIES:  Mellow Moss 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Oval and Large Oval Punches, Dimensionals. Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Texture Plates Kit #4, Stampin' Sponge, Snail Adhesive

TIP:  For the first time, I tried using the Big Shot texture plate by inking it up before running it through the Big Shot.  I covered it with Chocolate Chip ink.  I absolutely love the look and feel of it!

Finally, a total switch to a Birthday Calendar and April's entry.  The rest of this calendar is a part of my April and May stampin' classes.



Ingredients:
CARDSTOCK:  Whisper White (Birthday Calendar)
INK: Stampin' Write Markers:  Mellow Moss, Regal Rose, Blush Blossom; Classic Pad: Blush Blossom
ACCESSORIES:  Perpetual (Birthday) Calendar (p. 157 of the Spring/Summer SU! Idea Book & Catalog), Stampin' Sponges

And, there you have it.  I hope you've had a grand time in Mi Wuk Village, tucked away at a wide spot in the road along Hwy 108, as it heads up towards Sonora Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of northern California.  Be sure to come back and visit another time.

If you would like to purchase any of the ingredients used in these projects, and don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, you can either email me (box up upper left of this page) or click on my Shop 24/7 button at the upper right, click shop now, and follow the bouncing ball.  You'll have your supplies in almost no time!  I am always available to share tips and help you out with a project you've seen in My Country Loft.

Comments

[Sheryl L]

Blythe,
Your work is fantastic! I especially appreciate how well you've given instructions for each project.

I'd love to subscribe to your blog via email updates, but I don't see a way to do that. Is that possible?

Thanks for sharing your wonderful creativity!
Sheryl

[Blythe Klipple]

To everyone who stopped by on the Blog Tour and left such nice comments: THANK YOU! It really does make one's heart sing. I experienced a really "on" day when I was creating my samples and was so excited to share them with you all. And you've shared such kind words in return. Smiles and hugs to you all. ~Blythe

[Selene Kempton]

Beautiful Blog Blythe and terrific job on the blog tour! I'll be back to check your blog often!

[Amanda Coughlin]

Loved checking out your blog! Great work. Thanks for sharing

[Jan Mengel]

I love everyone of your projects. I've had this set a while and haven't broken it out yet. Can't wait now! Thanks for sharing.

[Julie A.]

Beautiful work! I love the candle and the Get Well card is gorgeous! I love those colors together!

[Ann]

Hi Blythe,
I found you on the "blog tour" & signed up right away to receive future mailings from you. Your projects are just beautiful! You are my favorite on this tour if I must say so myself! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us!
Your photo of your loft is so peaceful so I can see how easy it would be to become so inspired & creative all nestled into that serene area!
Stampin' Smiles from Ear to Ear from the Windy City,
Ann :)

[carol marbach (udi)]

great projects blythe. i especially love the ribbon frame!!

xoxo

[Janice Rosenthal Rock]

Good morning! These are beautiful, my friend! This is one of my most favorite sets . . . . and you've made gorgeous samples! I've had so much fun "blog hopping"!!

[margaret]

Blythe, my first time to your blog. Of course I found it on "the tour". Lovely samples with great inspiration. I'm finding a real need for sympathy cards and really appreciate both of the cards you posted. I've got to say that your talent really shines. I've mostly been blasting through the blogs, but your blog stopped the bus for me. Thanks.

[Jennifer Weide]

Great projects!!! That set is tops on my wish list and you just made the wish bigger! Great tour stop, thanks for sharing!

[chrisd]

Hi Blythe,
I love your projects and the ribbon technique on the Warm Wishes is great and brand new to me!

[Sue]

Hi Blythe, your work is amazing!I will have to try some of your projects. TFS. PS...Thanks for your lovely comment on my work too!

[Blythe Klipple]

To touch and see, in real life, that texture plate is awesome. I was so surprised that it turned out so rich in texture. Next is to try it in other colors, like pinks or yellows. Any one who tries that---send me a picture and I'd love to post it and give you kudos! :) Thank you for your comments. ~Blythe

[lisa808]

Inking the Texture Plate looks great. Also really like your Box in a Bag.

[Renee]

Fabulous Projects - They are absolutely beautiful - Great Job! Renee

[Marti Crapo]

Love this set and all that you did with it. Your examples are great. I especially liked the unique touch on one card where you used the Kraft taffeta to form a frame.

[kj]

Lovely projects! TFS!

[Teri]

Wow! Lots of work! All great too!

[Kelli Waters]

This is a wonderful set. You have just inspired me to get this set for myself!

[Tory]

The ribbon frame is a great idea. Your projects were great! What a versitile set!

[sherrill graff]

I really enjoyed seeing all of your projects. I'll have to buy this set now. I like your candle, your fun ribbon frame and the colors on all your cards. Thanks for all the inspiration today, this is a great tour. Sherrill Graff istmpnv@aol.com

[Janet]

As I got to each of your pictures...I like this best...oh, this one...and then I saw the next one and I liked it best! All are beautiful and SO different. Can't wait to try out my new set.

[Sharon Field / Createdbyu]

Blythe, what beautiful projects! I happen to own this set, and have loved it since the beginning.. and you really bring it to life. I guess I should have make more projects for my stop on the tour (#20) hope you have time to check them out!