The content of this blog is my sole responsibility as an independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator and the use of, and content of, the classes, services, or products offered on this blog is not endorsed by Stampin' Up!
Just click on the link above to go to my Online Store and check it out. Sometimes I'm in a pastel mood or an autumn mood or a bright and wreckless mood. Now I can just click on the SHOPBYCOLOR line on the left sidebar of my Stampin' Up! Demonstrator's Website Shopping pages.
Just for example, let's check out the BRIGHTS Color Family:
You get a quick image of all of the colors in the color family. Now let's click on one of the colors:
If you click on the photo above you can easily see both the textured and smooth card stocks.
Now you'll have to go to the actual page to all off the offerings in Real Red.
Décor Elements
Ribbons
Smooth Card Stock
Photo Albums, ring and post
Classic and Craft ink refills
Classic Stamp Pad
Stampin' Write Marker
Just for the fun of it, I checked out another color: DAFFODIL DELIGHT
Click on any color, in any color family, and you'll be able to see everything that is currently available in that family. This includes the 2010-2012 and 2011-2013 In Colors. WOOHOO!!! Then click on the individual color to see what's offered in that color.
No, I didn't know this before. Amazing what you can learn when you poke around! Now it's your turn to go check these out! Believe me, I've just been clicking on a bunch of them.
Have fun checking out this great feature available when you're Online Shopping!
I think the TOOL OF THE FUTURE SEASONS is going to be Stampin' Up!'s newly released Simply Scored Scoring Tool. I presented a small hint of it a few weeks ago but, until the Holiday Mini Catalog was released, as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I was unable to tell you all about it!
The Simply Scored Scoring Tool
Corner details: note the 1/8" spacing of the scoring lines as well as the markers that can be placed wherever you choose.
The storage area at the top of the Simply Scored Scoring Tool can hold an extra stylus (125624), Simply Scored Place Markers, a bone folder--or as one of the staff showed us at July's SU! Convention, appropriately sized c-h-o-c-o-l-a-t-e.
The Simply Scored Scoring Tool has 8 'feet' to create solid stability on your working surface (unlike some other scoring tools 'out there').
Stampin' Up! had some storage bags made to accommodate the Simply Scored using the Spice Cake Designer Fabric. So cute. So perfect.
HOW ABOUT SOME FEATURES and BENEFITS?
Fits paper or card stock up to 12" x 12"
Score tracks are every 1/8"
Two easy-to-read rulers: one standard left to right and a zero center ruler
Stylus: Ergonomic, rubber covered, comfort grip. High quality metal tips (two sizes) for gliding over your paper. Additional styluses may be purchased separately. 125624, $4.50.
Place Markers: An AWESOME Stampin' Up! exclusive tool, these fit into the top of the scoring base to mark your favorite scoring points. Three come with the Simply Scored Scoring Tool and more may be purchased separately in packages of 6 markers. 125625, $2.50.
Bottom line: I love this new tool and am amazed at how quickly it slipped right into my most favorite list. I use it every time I stamp. Coming up soon: those great "lollies" or medallions that are the current rage on cards, boxes, for wreathes and more. I'm still catching up on my creative endeavors--and having lots of fun doing so. Stay tuned.............
(And yes, I'd be happy to help YOU get YOUR VERY OWN Simply Scored Scoring Tool. Just send me an email or click here.)
My monthly stampin' class tomorrow is going to be focusing on this new punch, the Blossom Petals Punch, as well as its companion stamp set, Build a Blossom. And frankly, a few tips about this very versatile punch can be helpful to any stamper who plans to use it.
As you can see, the Blossom Petals punch design features multiple cutouts within one punch. There are 4 'petals': extra large, large, medium, and small.
Now obviously this punch coordinates with the Build a Blossom stamp set. Traditional punches are desinged so a single stamped mages matches a single punch. This punch is designed to punch each stamped image separately. And some of the punch shapes do double duty by serving as both petals and leaf images.
If you want to punch out only the large, medium and small petal images you can. Hold the Blossom Petal punch with the cutting window face up. Slide a piece of card stock that measures about 2-1/2" x 3" into the left edge of the punch and punch the three smaller petals.
Or, only punch out the large leaf/petal images using a 1-1/2" wide strip of card stock inserted from the sides or top of the punch.
If you're stamping leaf or petal images, stamp them on a strip of card stock with the long side of the stamp lined up with the edge of the card stock. Be sure to have the pointier end of the image facing to the right, along the edge.
If stamping the large petal image, stamp it upright, starting on left left edge, of a 2-1/2" tall strip of card stock. Then feed the card stock into the right edge of the punch to avoid wasting card stock or punching part of your stamped image with the smaller petal cut-outs.
While the stamps and punch shapes are designed to be used separately, you can create a template using a sticky note that will allow you to place four clear-mount stamps of a clear block so that they line up with the punch.
Hold the punch with the cutting window facing up. Slide a sticky note into the punch with the sticky part facing down and punch the sticky note.
Use the sticky on the note to adhere the note to an "E" sized clear block (or larger).
From directly above the block, use the punched holes to line up your desired stamps with the template holes punched in the sticky note.
Because these images all have borders surrounding them, it might take a try or two to get them positioned in the exact spots for the punch. Ink the images, stamp on scrap paper, and punch. If the alignment isn't what you want, reposition the stamp, ink and stamp and punch again, until you get it as you like it.
If this tutorial has enlightened you or helped you, please click the FB LIKE button below the post. And share it with a fellow stamper.
The Watercolor Wonder Crayons are now available for purchase. Their availability has been delayed due to the relocation of Stampin' Up!'s supplier. Now they have inventory and you can start ordering today!
Sorry I couldn't come up with a larger picture!
You might notice that when you receive your Watercolor Wonder Crayons, some of the crayon sleeves feature old artwork on them. This does not affect the quality of the crayons. Stampin' Up! is simply depleting inventory of crayons with the old artwork before using crayons featuring the new artwork. I'm thinking that some of the packages might have mixed sleeves---collector's items.
Here are the item numbers to purchase your Watercolor Wonder Crayons:
If you've never used Watercolor Wonder Crayons, let me tell you a little bit about them:
They are
Artist-‐quality, highly‐pigmented crayons.
Water soluble and easy to blend, allowing for an unlimited range of shades.
They coordinate with Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors.
They're available in each color collection assortment: 1 each of the 10 colors
They can be used in many ways:
--Color directly on paper or card stock, and then watercolor using an Aqua Painter or Blender Pen
--Take color directly off the crayon using an Aqua Painter or Blender Pen, and then apply it to paper or card stock
--Color images without using water
Quick Trick:
Try coloring directly onto your stamp, misting lightly with water, and stamping onto your paper. You will get an instant watercolor image! You can also take the pigment directly off the crayon with your Aqua Painter to color a stamped image.
And a few FYI Tips:
For best results, use Watercolor Paper (105019, $6.95/20 sheets) for watercoloring. It is specially designed to resist buckling and pilling.
Use a hand‐held pencil sharpener to sharpen Watercolor Wonder Crayons; do not use an electric pencil sharpener.
Avoid storing crayons in extreme hot or cold temperatures or in direct sunlight.
Stampin' Up! and I both thank you for your patience! A location move just isn't fun and I'm sure we've all been there at one time or another--with all of the unexpected pitfalls that occur along the way.
Well, I know I'm ready now to order my new color kit. If you're ready to order your favorite color collection group, send me an email via the button on the left sidebar or click on the Shop Now button on the upper right side bar (or on my name below).
Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.......
STUMPED FOR WHAT COLORS (MIGHT) WORK WELL TOGETHER?
Well, check out this website: http://colorlab.mycreateink.com/
On the left column are all of Stampin' Up!'s current colors. OR, if you click the other button you can see retired colors in addition to current colors. On the main part of the page are color combinations created by other stampers. And on that very first line under "Create, Ink, Color Lab", you can click on colors from the left column, and they'll appear in that bar, as you're searching for colors that you'd like to use together.
You can always find the link to this page in my left sidebar as well. You'll never be 'color stuck' again.
I think that those of use who have been stamping for awhile take it for granted that everyone knows how to address their paper cutter and use it mindlessly. Or should I say: without thinking. Your paper cutter IS the most important tool in your closet so being able to get it to perform is essential.
Let me tell you ahead of time, I'm left handed, so I might be addressing the paper cutter 'backwards' for you. Sorry :) .........
Here is Stampin' Up!'s basic Personal Paper Cutter (#104152, p. 199, Idea Book & Catalog):
I definitely recommend purchasing a package of Cutting & Scoring Blade Refills (#104154) so you can also score your cards. Scoring is that crease that helps your cards fold so nicely. The scoring blade is also a very hand tool for many patterns (like the magazine files). And when your orange cutting blade begins to cut shaggy lines it's definitely time for a new blade. I always keep an extra pack of cutting blade refills on hand: 2 Cutting Blade refills (#104153)
What do you do now with this paper cutter?
#1: Look underneath and pull out the extension arm. It's a workhorse! You can see in on the left in the photo above.
Now let's get ready to cut. The dimensions for a 'regular' A2 card, the size that fits our Medium Envelopes (p. 171, Whisper White, #107301, Very Vanilla, #107300) are either 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" OR 11" x 4-1/4". Yikes you say?
Above: Getting ready to cut a Cherry Cobbler piece of card stock in half.
Below: Just to the left of the 'glare' on the extended arm of the paper cutter is the 5-1/2" mark. I use a sharpie marker to mark above and below that point so it's easy to locate. If you place the 8-1/2" edge of your 8-1/2" x 11" piece of cardstock, at this mark, you will cut your card stock in half, creating the 2 pieces necessary for 2 cards. That gives you an 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" which is just the size you need for a card.
What I like to do next is make a score line at 4-1/4" which makes a nicer, cleaner fold. Please note that I replaced the orange cutting blade with the black scoring blade. Also, if you click on the photo below you can see the 4-1/4" mark on the right side of the card stock.
Now, what if you want to use any stamp as a layer for a card? Here's how to measure the size of that piece of card stock.
Place your stamp on a piece of grid paper, in the lower left corner.
Check out the measurement of the wood mount. In this case it's 2-3/4" tall and 3-3/4" wide--which is almost impossible to photograph because of shadows and the angle of the stamp below the camera.
Those will be the measurements you need for the card stock you'll be stamping on.
To make a mat for that stamped piece of card stock, increase both dimensions by 1/4" (photo on left), or 1/8" (photo on right) if you want a 'tighter'/narrower mat.
The wider mat layer would be 3" x 4". That's the 2-3/4" and 3-3/4" of the stamped image layer + 1/4" larger on each side for a contrasting mat:
For the narrower mat, below: It would be 2-7/8" by 3-7/8". That's each side of the stamped piece of cardstock plus 1/8" on each side.
Next Tuesday's card sample will have measurements and step-by-step cutting instructions. I'm away from home right now and have zero stamping supplies with me so I can't create and photograph anything.
I realize that trying to write in words how to use your ever-so-necessary paper cutter is no easy task. Tomorrow we'll take a break and I have a fun card to share with you.
Take care and enjoy your final preparations for Halloween.
Have you seen cards where the brads are place just-so-nicely-right-in-a-row? It's easy and now you can know the 'trick' too. All you need is a Mat Pack (105826) and a Paper Piercing Tool (116631), page 198 of the current Idea Book & Catalog.
I'm copying the sample on page 163 of the IB&C, the one with all of the brads! There are 5 brads across the top of the Whisper White cardstock.
I'm using a 3" x 6" piece of Cherry Cobbler cardstock and a 2-3/4" x 2-7/8" piece of Whisper White cardstock.
Position the Paper Piercing Guide over the Whisper White cardstock, balancing it left and right.
I have chosen to use the part of the guide in the middle, poking the left hole, skip 2 holes, poke in the next one, skip 2, etc etc., to evenly space 5 holes for brads.
Insert brads (Regals--Cherry Cobbler: 119731). TIP below: use the end of the Piercing Tool to separate the legs on the brads. Then push it down to the center and flatten them with your finger tips.
I like to lightly tap the back of the brad with a tack hammer to ensure that they are laying down nice and flat.
This layer is not yet adhered to the Cherry Cobbler cardstock. But, look how nicely spaced the brads are.
And there you are......lots of brads, a few flowers from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309, p. 201, $16.95/3 punches), a Mini Library Clip (109857, p. 187, $12.95/48) and some Hemp Twine (100982, p. 190, $2.95/12 yards). And some punching with the Scallop Border Punch (118402, p. 201, $15.95).
You can space your paper piercing at any interval of choice. Along the same vein, you can just pierce your cardstock and leave that as the decoration, without inserting any brads at all. Pierce several rows, pierce a corner, pierce a triangle, pierce all around an image or layer........ The options are just about limitless.
Or you can pierce your paper, insert no brads but "connect with dots" with a marker.
I've been looking all through my photos and samples and can't find samples for the above two ideas. As soon as I do I'll send them out to you all.
Have a great remainder of your weekend. I'm going to work with some new accessories and Designer Series Papers this afternoon and come up with some fun new ideas to share during the next weeks.
And remember: today is PATRIOT DAY (officially named so in 2004). We will never forget!
I seem to be on a Big Shot roll lately and that could be because Stampin' Up! came out with so many fun raw materials to use with it. Today I'm challenging myself to use the CORK SHEETS (p. 205, 119819, $9.95). Each package has 6 sheets, 6" x 13" and about 1/8" thick.
Before I got started on my project, I messed around, cutting out different shapes from different Bigz dies.
Lattice Bigz Die (115958, p. 206, $21.95)
I'm saving those little punched out pieces from the lattice punched out piece and use them for something, sometime. They're kind of irresistible.
Below is the Top Note Bigz Die (113463, p. 207, $21.95) The Top Note itself is hiding under my Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959, p. 199, $49.95). I wanted to see how it would work in trimming the uneven edges from when I cut out the die. It worked beautifully. And now I have a bunch of skinny long pieces that I'll also be using on a future project.
If I get to it this afternoon, which is beginning to look 'iffy' I'll be making a card with both the Top Note Die and the negative from the die. Should be interesting. :)
Then I wanted to try out the Scallop Square Bigz Clear Die (115950, p. 207, $21.95). I planned to use it for the little message board and, lo and behold, it worked just as I had envisioned. I had no clue which Designer Series Paper I was going to use initially, but Island Oasis came to mind pretty quickly. It is not in the new Idea Book & Catalog and I'm really going to be missing it when the Summer Mini Catalog expires at the end of August.
The DSP was attached, with Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755, p. 197, $3.95), to a cardboard piece of backing from a pack of Designer Series Paper. I always save those.
I used the Big Shot, again, to punch out the letters from the Medium Sizzlit Go Go Boots Alphabet (113450, p. 212, $69.96, set of 12). It was a little tough but------I also used the wrong 'sandwich' the first time I tried to cut the letters. You need to leave Tab 1 of the Multipurpose Platform flat, laying the Standard Cutting Pads and Go Go Boots dies on top of it. I didn't think (and still don't) that the upper case letters would fit in the space available.
For the flower I used the Birds & Blooms Sizzlets 4-pack dies (113485, p. 211, $21.95). I just used different patterns of the Island Oasis DSP with the dies and layered them with Snail Adhesive, attaching them to the message board with 3 Dimensionals. Then I added a large Basic Jewels Rhinestone to the center of the flower. It sure doesn't dazzle and sparkle in the photo!
I love the little cork message board. I put a magnet on the back of it and have it hanging on the metal piece that hangs on the door to my stampin' studio. Final measurements are 6-1/2" x 5-1/2".
Back now to more playing with new products and cleaning up my stampin' tables for the class that's to be held here on Wednesday. I am having so much fun. :) But I'm also having a little method to my madness by cleaning (slowly) along the way.
Do YOU have a Big Shot Die Cut Machine or do you need some of dies I used today? I can help you get yours if your don't. Just email me for personal assistance or click on my name below to be guided right to my Stampin' Up! online store on my Demonstrator website.
Shimmer Paint is another way to add some special pizazz to your cards. It comes in 3 colors:
Champagne Mist - 116806
Frost White - 116854
Platinum - 116807
It's acid free and is great for porous surfaces: paper, fabric (haven't tried that yet) and wood.
Right now it's can be ordered as a 'catalog write-in' which means you won't find it in a current catalog. It was in the 2009 Holiday Mini and will be available in the new Idea Book & Catalog that is released July 1, 2010.
What can you do with it?
Make a little puddle and add reinker to it. Pick up a little of the mixture with a sponge dauber (p. 192, IB&C) and daub it on a bold image stamp. Stamp with it and it's wonderfully sparkly.
Add 6 drops to an ounce of 90% alcohol in a spray bottle (that you can buy in the travel section of a drug store and other locations). Take the bottle and your card outside and spritz a bit on the face of the card. Gorgeous! Start with a light spray and then determine if you want more.
Use it to paint or color an image after it's been stamped to add shimmer and shine. I did this just the other day with Tote-ally Tess.
I used the Shimmer Paint on some of the embellishments for my Christmas cards
Apply Shimmer Paint with a Sponge Dauber directly onto your stamp before stamping. After stamping be sure to clean your stamp with Stampin' Mist and a Stampin' Scrub pad.
BELOW: This is not my card, creator unknown, but she did apply Platinum Shimmer Paint directly to the stamp before putting it to the paper in the four background images. The image in the foreground was embossed.
BELOW: I used Platinum Shimmer Paint on a Sponge Dauber to lightly brush over the dry embossed poinsettias.
BELOW: White Shimmer Paint was painted on the stamped image.
BELOW: Both of the punched birds and branches were covered with Shimmer Paint. Card created by Sheila Paul.
BELOW: The Medallion is embossed with White Embossing Powder; the finished card was then spritzed with Platinum Shimmer Paint that was mixed with 90% alcohol in a small spray bottle. Creator unknown.
I hope these cards give you a small idea of the directions you can go with Shimmer Paint. Be watching for more details on this fun product in the next month or so.
See you tomorrow with a little St. Patty's cheer........
I LOVE CRYSTAL EFFECTS! It's always on my work table along with my Stampin' Mist and Stampin' Scrub. But the first time I used it I had no clue "what" or why". Have you used it before?
If not, you really need to! Important information: #101055, p. 192, 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog
Some functions and features:
It gives a high gloss finish to any image
Creates fun 3-D effects
It has its own applicator tip
It is water based for quick and easy cleanup
It dries completely within 1 hour depending upon how thickly it is applied.
Container size: 2 oz
Quick Tricks:
Add a drop or two of a Classic Ink Refill to a little puddle of Crystal Effects, and you'll have a high-gloss colored finish.
Works great as an adhesive to attach buttons and other heavier embellishments such as bows.
You can add a three-dimensional effect to your projects with Crystal Effects. Apply a thick line of CE (Crystal Effects) to the outline of your stamped image. After the line has dried, add a thinner coat of CE to the inside area of what was outlined.
FYI:
Crystal Effects can be used with any stamped image that has been colored with any medium: watercolors, markers, Stampin' Pastels, stamp pads.
Do not shake Crystal Effects. That will cause bubbles that will show up in your work.
Recap after using to prevent the tip from drying out and clogging. HOWEVER, the tip probably will clog, so have a hat pin or straightened out paper clip handy for pushing down through the tip to unclog it.
For best results, use Crystal Effects within one year of purchase. I always put the date on my bottle when I open it. Yes, I've had one container turn to thick yellow goo which had to be thrown away.
So, here are some samples:
Below: I outlined the middle package, let it sit for about 5 minutes, and then filled the center with a thinner layer of CE.
With the little applicator tip, I applied CE to the candle flames as well as the flowers.
Above: CE was applied to the left door, the heart on the right door, and the clouds.
The fruits in the next 4 cards are embellished with CE (1 above, 3 below)
Below: Beer steins are each covered with CE.
Below: the cupcake frosting is covered with a thin layer of Crystal Effects.
Below: I received this card in our Inkertoys swap last Thursday. Made by Sherry. The tulips are coated with CE.
And as I was cleaning in my Country Loft today, I came upon the cards from a class I led last year, using the Tart & Tangy Stamp Set. Each piece of fruit is covered with Crystal Effects.
As you can see, you can use Crystal Effects in so many places. I didn't do this in any of the samples, but you can also sprinkle Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to freshly applied Crystal Effects for long lasting glitter. It will dry right into the CE.
If you're ready to order some Crystal Effects and don't have your own Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I'm here to help you. Either place your own order via my OnLine Store on my SU! website. Click the button on the top right of this blog. OR, send me an email and I'll gladly place your order for you.
