Rubber Room Stampin'

JUST IN TIME......

Whew, just in time for my grandson Landen's 3rd birthday, I finished the most important part of his card:  his ticket "just for fun" for a date with Oma and Opa.  We'll be taking him out alone, no brother or sister to cramp his style, in the next few weeks.  This kid is a blast!  Funny guy.  Chatterbox!  Just a delight. Most of the time (that's reality!).

I posted his card a few days ago with the Monday Sketch.  The simple, cute ticket for him to present to us when it's time for his great adventure is removable, attached with temporary adhesive.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LANDEN!!!

 

 

MONDAY SKETCH: USING PUNCHES

This morning's sketch from Stamping411.net is a really 'friendly' one.

Here's my interpretation, created with a very special person in mind:

And here's the (over-embelllished) adaptation I just finished for my grandson who will be three on Friday:

The basic measurements for this card are

• Basic card: 8-1/2" x5-1/2", scored at 4-1/4" and folded in half
• Basic 1st layer:  4" x 5-1/4" for a 1/8" border all the way around OR 4-1/8" x 5-3/8" for a 1/16" border all the way around
• Basic DSP layer: 2" x 4-1/4"

I added a background layer for my smaller piece of Designer Series Paper:  2-1/8" x 4-3/8"

This is certainly a punch heavy card---and I love punches because they can add so much to a card, so simply.  I used:

• Circle punches:  1-1/4" and 1-3/8"
  
• Square punches:  1-1/4" and 1-3/8"
• Modern label punch

Other Accessories:

• Dimensionals
• Mini Glue Dots
• 3/16" Brads: Brights: Turquoise
• Mat Pack
• Paper Piercing Tool
  
• Ribbons:  Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain and 1/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta
• Dazzling Details (124117) from the Holiday Mini
• SNAIL adhesive
  

Stamp Set:  Under the Big Top

Card Stock: 

• Tempting Turquoise
• Daffodil Delight (scrap)
• Whisper White
• Designer Series Paper:  Big Top Birthday
  

I used a marker to color in the words only on the Seal-balancing-the-cake image which I then punched out with the Modern Label punch.  Then I punched a Daffodil Delight with the same punch, cut it in half and attached the two cut pieces to each end of the stamped punched piece.

I punched holes for the brads using the paper piercing tool and other pieces of the Mat Pack to protect my table top.

Why don't you try your hand at this sketch?  It's fun, quick and easy.  I'm going to making another one this afternoon.  Details tomorrow.  It's also for a very special person.  Wish me luck. :)

MONDAY SKETCH ON WEDNESDAY

A fun way to get myself back into the stampin' groove is to do a card sketch.  I chose to use Mary Jo Price-Williams Monday Sketch.  I think this one is a particularly fun and easy one.  I'm also in the mood to do some autumn / seasonal cards before we all get lost in Christmas preparations.  Here's Mary Jo's sketch.......

And here's my card:

And here are my ingredients:

• STAMP SET/S:  Gently Falling (123804-c, Holiday Mini), Perfectly Penned (122890-w, IB&C*)
  
• CARD STOCK: 
  
•     Pool Party: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"
•     Soft Suede:  5-1/4" x 4" and 2-1/2" x 3-1/4"
•     More Mustard:  2-3/4" x 4-1/4"
•     Very Vanilla: 2-3/8" x 3-1/8"
•     Spice Cake Designer Series Paper: 124003, Holiday Mini: 2 pcs: 1" x 4-1/4"
  
• INK:  Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party, Soft Suede; More Mustard Craft Ink
  
• ACCESSORIES:  Stamping Sponge, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Embossing Buddy**, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Pool Party 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Snail Adhesive, Glue Dot
  

* Stampin' Up!'s 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.  Ask me if you don't have one. Just leave a comment below or send me an email.

**The Embossing Buddy is currently unavailable due to supplier problems.  I will let you know when it's once again ready for purchase.  It's invaluable when you are heat embossing.

Since I'm a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, all products used are from Stampin' Up!'s current Idea Book & Catalog unless noted as being from the SU! Holiday Mini Catalog.

TIP:  Following the measurements given above, just adhere each layer to the previous and you'll be done with your card -- or one using other colors and stamp sets -- in a flash.

STRETCH YOUR CREATIVITY WITH THIS SKETCH

Here's a great way to start your Monday:  check out Mary Jo Price-William's Monday lunchtime sketch below and see what you can come up with.  I love the simplicity of the sketch and I'll be working on it later today.  My idea is already bouncing inside my head.

First I have a few tidy-ups of my own to take care of.  Most important is to get my new (free) printer talking to my new computer.  Otherwise I am printer-less and that's sort of like not having toothpaste.  I feel imcomplete.

Here are two ideas to get your creative juices going:

I'll be back again, later this afternoon.  Now go have some fun. Send me an email ( blythe@stampinwithblythe.com ) with your creation if you like and I'll post it so others can be inspired.

By the way, has the new Stampin' Up! 2011 Summer Mini Catalog hit your mailbox yet?  Mine came on Saturday.  The reason I ask is that you'll see a little sneak preview of a new set on the Daffodil Delight card above.  And I'm planning on using a new accessory.  :)

IT'S MONDAY! START THE WEEK OUT WITH A SKETCH CHALLENGE

OR.......END THE MONTH WITH A SKETCH CHALLENGE!

 

I do love the sketches from http://Stamping411.blogspot.com.

Here is the latest sketch:

And here's my rendition:

I've wanted to use the Morning Cup stamp set for something for a long time and this was the perfect time.

My ingredients:

• Stamp Set:  Morning Cup (116988)
• Card Stock:  Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper
• Ink:  Classic Pads:  Chocolate Chip, Basic Gray; Markers:  Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red
• Accessories:  Blender Pen, Dimensionals, Photo Corners XL punch, Daffodil Delight 1/4" Grosgrain,
  

I selected my colors based on the colors used in the Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper.  What an easy way to choose!

~ ~ ~ ~

My newsletter comes out tomorrow.  Are you on my mailing list?  It's in the upper left hand corner of this blog.  March's issue is full of fun new ideas, tips, and techniques.

And finally, if you need any of the ingredients used in today's simple card, email me or click on my name below to go straight to my Stampin' Up! store. 

One more finally---try this sketch and when you do, send your creation to me in an email and I'll post it for everyone to see.  It's is a fun one!  Be sure to check Stamping411 for some more inspiration.

WEEKEND SKETCH FROM 'VERVE'

One of my demonstrator compatriots shared a lovely card this morning, using the Easter Blossoms stamp set (from the 2011 Occasions Mini) that really inspired me.

Here is the sketch:

And here is Christena's card:

And here are my cards:

I needed that squeeze in the "Here for You" greeting for a card for a friend.  It met my needs.

I hadn't opened my package of Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper before challenging myself with today's sketch.  So I opened it and said to myself, "this is what you will be using".  It didn't take long to know what I would be using except that when I got it all put together except for the butterflies and the greetings, there was just something bland.  Or boring.  I went to the Beautiful Wings Embosslit, cut out a few Rich Razzleberry butterflies and once they were attached to the card, I was satisfied.

My supplies:

• STAMP SETS:  Easter Blossoms (122057), Friends 24-7 (113218)
  
• CARD STOCK:  Crumb Cake (120953), Always Artichoke (3-1/4" square) (1105119), Very Vanilla (3-1/8" square) (101650), Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper (121782)
  
• INK:  Crumb Cake (121030), Rose Red (101778, Pear Pizzazz (119784), Baja Breeze (111833)
• EMBELLISHMENTS:  Big Shot (113439), Beautiful Wings Embosslit ( 118138), Ovals Originals Die (114525), Cutter Kit (106958), Punches: either 1-3/4" x 7/8" Oval (119855) or 3/4" x 15/16" Oval (120908), Chantilly Ribbon (118480), Paper Snips (103579), Snail Adhesive (104332), Glue Dots (103683), Stamping Sponge (101610), Dimensionals (104430)
  

Just email me or click on my name below for ordering any of the supplies named above that you might need.

Have you signed up for my newsletter yet?  The March issue comes out on March 1 and you won't want to miss the exclusive ideas, techniques, samples and more that can be found in it.  The sign-up box is in the upper left corner of this blog.

See you tomorrow.  I have a SPRING idea to share with you.  It is oh-so-refreshing after this insistant winter weather. 

MONDAY'S LUNCHTIME SKETCH! (on Wednesday)

Stampin' Up! demonstrator Mary Jo Price comes up with a new card sketch every Monday.  I *try* to get to them each week but rarely succeed!  But here is this week's sketch which I plan I using for my Thank You card class this afternoon.  I won't be able to show you our class card until tomorrow.  :)  But here's the sketch:

Here is one idea, presented by Canadian stamper Mary Brown:

And I'll be back tomorrow with the card I've created for this afternoon's Thank You card class.

See you then I hope!

 

CARD SKETCH CHALLENGE

 

Today's challenge is from the Diva's Coffee Break Design Challenge. 

Gotta love 'em!

I'm going to share a few cards created by fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  Interesting how both of these have rotated the sketch from vertical to horizontal.

Created by Kristin Moore

Created by Mary Brown of Canada

Created by Robin Messenheimer of Hawaii

If and when I get my stamp room tidied up to my satisfaction I'll add my interpretation of this great sketch.  I just don't dare sidetrack myself this morning.  I kind of took an afternoon off (with my hubby) for a 'playdate' with neighbors yesterday and have to make up for it today!

MONDAY'S SKETCH

I think you're going to love today's sketch, shared by Mary Jo Williams:

And if you aren't sure what to do with it, here are two inspiration cards:

Mary Brown created the card above.  WOW!

Created by Mary Jo Williams, creator of the sketch.

Now, with these two totally different cards, what can YOU create?  I'm going to get on it as soon as I find the top to my work table.  I might be done by noon and then I'll share my card.  And perhaps (embarrassed) I'll send a few photos of reality in my stampin' studio so you'll know it's OK to make a mess.  :)

Feel free to click here for your Stampin'Up! supplies.

TEN TEN TEN plus SATURDAY'S 411 SKETCH plus RECESSED HEAT EMBOSSING

Did you know that there hasn't been a date like today's since William Taft was president 100 years ago?

Today is October 10, 2010.......affectionately being called 10-10-10.  A stamping friend of mine is attending the birthday party of a girl who is turning ten today.  I wonder if the birthday girl will  remember what a memorable event she was a part of when she's an adult?  My guess is yes.

And now for today's "Saturday Sketch".  After working non-stop on a local Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at our local Fire Station, I am really ready to s-t-a-m-p.

Very clean and simple---and attractive and inviting.

Here are the basics measurements.  And don't forget, you can always lay your card horizontally for a totally different look--whatever works for you!

Base: 11" x 4-1/4", scored and folded in half at 5-1/2"
Layer 2: 4" x 5-1/4"
     You can use a piece of ribbon or cardstock for this horizontal layer:  1-1/4" x 4".
Layer 3: 4-1/4" x 3-1/4"
Layer 4: 3" x 4" 

If you are planning on making multiple cards with this layout, here are two cutting tips:

TIP 1:  LAYER 3:  4-1/4" x 3-1/4"  IF you cut this from an 8-1/2" x 11" piece of card stock, you can get 6 pieces per sheet by cutting down the center first at 4-1/4".
TIP 2:  LAYER 4: 3" x 4" If you have a 12" x 12" piece of card stock: cut first at 4" then at 3", to give you 12 pieces from ONE sheet of 12" x 12" card stock.

Here's today's attempt:

It's pretty simple, but then the template is a delightly simple one.  I did use one new 'trick'.  Well, I've known about the technique but I just haven't bothered to take the time and actually DO it.  And I don't know the name so I'm going to call it recessed heat embossing.

TOOLS REQUIRED TO DO RECESSED HEAT EMBOSSING:

• Big Shot Die Cut Machine
• Embossing Folder
• Versamark Pad
• Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder
• Heat Tool

Gently ink up the raised side of the Embossing Folder.  I used the Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (p. 6, Holiday Mini, 120889) with the VersaMark pad (p. 195, IB&C, 102283).  As a note, this is probably the hardest folder to use because there is so much space between the raised edges.  I just 'faked' it by telling myself that any embossing powder that settled between the web lines was dew droplets or moisture!  :)  

• Run the folder through the Big Shot.  The inked up side will 'deboss' into the cardstock.  Normally you would place the poked-out embossed side to show on your card.  For this effect however, you will be placing your adhesive on that embossed side.  But not yet!  
• Sprinkle the 'debossed' side of cardstock with Iridescent Ice.  Use a fine dry paint brush, if desired, to brush away some of the excess embossing powder. There could be lots--there was on mine! Trust me, unless you're really meticulous you won't be able to eliminate all of the powder that isn't solely on the webs.  Remember, it's just dew droplets--lots of them!
  
• Heat with Heat Tool (p. 196, IB&C, 100005).
• That will be your first (or bottom) layer on the card.

The glitter that you see on the sample is in the crevices, not above the surface. 

(Yes, I know I posted the same card twice.  I wanted you to be able to see it right above the ingredients.)

For my card I used:

• Wicked Cool Stamp Set (118738-W, p. 23, $19.95 or 120600-C, $14.95) IB&C)
• Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie (p. 166, 105117), Basic Black (p. 169, 121045), Elegant Eggplant (p. 168, 105126), Confetti White (p. 170, 102028)
• Ink: VersaMark (p. 195, 102283), Black Craft (p. 169, 102192), Basic Gray (p. 169, 109120), Markers: Certainly Celery (p. 167, 105106), Elegant Eggplant (p. 168, 105110), Pumpkin Pie (p. 166, 105115)
• Accessories: Big Shot Die Cut Machine (p. 204, 113439), Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (p. 6, Holiday Mini, 120889), Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (p. 196, 101930), Heat Tool (p. 196, 100005), Certainly Celery 5/8" Satin Ribbon (p. 191, 117288), SNAIL adhesive (p. 197, 104332)

For all of those references above, when giving you the item ordering numbers and pages, IB&C = Idea Book & Catalog: Stampin' Up!'s awesome catalog which is full of great stamp sets and accessories.  You can click on the IB&C in my right side bar to view it.  If you dont' have one (yikes!) but want one, please let me know.  It will be $5 + $4.90 for postage, with a $5 coupon good towards your first purchase of $30 or more.  In essence, you just pay for postage.  You can order yours right now by clicking on this PayPal link:

I'll see you tomorrow with another application of Recessed Embossing -- with a touch of glitz.  In the meantime, why don't you try this simple sketch???  Email your finished card to me,  I'll post it here on my blog, and you'll become a guest blogger.  What a win win and fun for all.