Northwest Stamper

Author: Jennifer

  • Spring Birthday Card with Six-Sided Sampler

    Today I wanted to share with you a fabulous card I received this month as a swap card from fellow stamper, Stacey Lane!  She joined my Fun n’ Crafty stampers last fall and creates the most amazing cards!  Seriously, I need to start attending her classes. Smile 

    But each month our group does a swap where you send one or two cards to other folks in the group and get a couple ideas back your way.  This is the card she sent me this month:

    Isn’t it fantastic?

    So, here is the awesome part… see that patterned background?  That isn’t designer paper – THAT IS STAMPED!!

    She used the Six-Sided Stamper stamp set and hexagon punch to make this card.

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    Now, it seems like a lot, but the nice thing is that if you stamp and punch a bunch of random hexagon images, you can glue them down to a larger piece of paper – say a 5.5” x 8.5” piece of scrap paper and then cut it up to create a background for multiple cards.

    I also love some of the touches she added like

    • Sponging the hexagons in Smoky Slate, which really softens the look of the card
    • Embossing the banner with the Decorative Dots embossing folder (free with an order as part of Sale-a-Bration)
    • Using a toothpick to create a dimensional stick for the banner
    • Using Pool Party core’dinations cardstock for a textured mat behind her stamped background.

    So, now it is time for me to break out this stamp set again and try it out in a non-masculine style (which is what I normally think of with this set. 

     

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      Stampin’ Supplies Used

    Stamps – Six Sided Sampler, Simply Sketched (hostess set)
    Ink – So Saffron, Pool Party, Smoky Slate
    Paper – Whisper White, Pool Party Core’dinations cardstock (subtles collection), Smoky Slate
    Accessories – Hexagon Punch, Big Shot, Decorative Dots embossing folder (sale-a-bration), Stampin’ Dimensionals

  • Game Day & a Superbowl Special!

    You may have heard that there is little football game happening today…. Smile  It’s Superbowl Sunday!

    And all around Seattle here the town has been transformed into Blue and Green; even the construction cranes are flying the 12th man Seahawks fan flags!

    Lots of folks have been using the Undefined sets to create their own custom Seahawks stamps

    seahawks stamps using undefinedand making awesome decorated treat bags for their game day parties!  (These use the Twisted Treats bags and tags that you can get free out of the Sale-a-Bration catalog)

    Seahawks twisted treats goodie bags

    So, to get in the spirit of game day, I’m putting together a last minute game day special!

    Stampin’ Super Bowl Special!

    Place your order by emailing me at jennifer@nwstamper.com or shop online and use the Hostess code 3DWH3NCF before the game ends this evening to be eligible for the Super Bowl special!

    How it works:

    If the Seahawks win –

    You will receive a coupon for free shipping on your next purchase with me!  Plus a little bonus goodie in the mail with your thank you card. Smile 

    If the Broncos win –

    You will receive a coupon for 5% off your next purchase with me!

    See, either way you win, but you don’t know exactly what you will get until the game is over!  I’ll be watching the game and you know I’ll be cheering for the hawks!  But for all you Broncos fans… good luck! 

     

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  • Sale-a-Bration KickOff Cards–Sweet Sorbet, Banners, & More

    You may have noticed that earlier this week, was the start of Stampin’ Up’s big spring promotion – Sale-a-Bration.  It is a really fun promotion that basically gets you free stuff no matter what you do!  You can

    So yeah, basically everyone wins!

    Anyway, I always like to throw a party when a new catalog comes out and at the beginning of Sale-a-bration.  It is a great excuse to hang out with friends, share samples I go at recent events, let everyone see and try out a TON of new products from the Occasions and Sale-a-bration catalogs, and STAMP!  (what kind of party would it be if there was no stamping? Winking smile )

    Wanna see what we made?  Here you go!

    This was the first card we made and inspired loosely by a card I saw from a German demonstrator named Ines.

    I’ll admit, when I saw Petal Parade in the Sale-a-bration catalog it looked a little boring to me, but let me just say I have been having a blast playing with it and think it may be my favorite stamp set from SAB!  Plus, got to add in that little detail with the cork and the twine from the Sweet Sorbet Accessories bundle.

    Stampin’ Up Supplies Used
    Stamps – Petal Parade (SAB), Perfect Pennants
    Ink – Summer Starfruit, Baked Brown Sugar, Pool Party, Pistachio Pudding, Crisp Canteloupe
    Paper – Whisper White, Baked Brown Sugar, Pool Party
    Accessories – Sweet Sorbet Accessories – Crisp Canteloupe twine & cork stickers (SAB)

    I also really wanted to use the Banner Blast stamp set and Banner punch and so we made this card:

    This card is a more direct CASE from my friend and look-alike, Julie Davison.  I made a few adjustments like changing up the sentiment, making it a standard size card, and using the Decorative Dots embossing folder for the starfruit trim.

    So cute, huh?!

    Stampin’ Supplies Used
    Stamps – Banner Blast (SAB), Sweet Essentials
    Ink – Pool Party, Basic Black, Summer Starfruit, Crisp Cantaloupe
    Paper – Sweet Sorbet designer paper (SAB), Crisp Cantaloupe, Whisper White, Summer Starfruit
    Accessories – Banner punch (SAB), Big Shot, Decorative Dots embossing folder (SAB), stampin’ dimensionals

    The girls who made it to the party enjoyed them and hopefully they give you some ideas to try when you order and get your free Sale-a-Bration goodies too!

     

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  • Sale-a-Bration Starts Today!

    Today is the day… it’s Sale-a-Bration Time!

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    This is the biggest promotion of the year for Stampin’ Up! They have specials for everyone, whether you are wanting to add to your crafting supplies by ordering, hosting a party, or getting it all by joining Stampin’ Up!  But best of all, there is the catalog full of exclusive stamps, accessories, kits, tools, and more that you get to pick from over the next couple months.  So you can make things like this:

    I made this card for the Stylin Stampin’ Inkspiration design team to show a way that you can use markers.  If you look close, you can tell that I used 3 different greens (Gumball Green, Always Artichoke, Pear Pizzazz)for the stamped image.

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    I also used a few different items from the Sale-a-Bration catalog to put it all together! Just so you could see a few in action:

    • See Ya Later stamp set
    • Sweet Sorbet designer paper
    • Sweet Sorbet accessory pack (twine)
    • Decorative Dots embossing folder

    So, how can you get the most out of Sale-a-Bration, check out your options:

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    So, for every $50 you order pick something free from the Sale-a-Bration catalog to go with it!  Spend $100, get 2 items, spend $150 get 3 items PLUS hostess benefits!  Shop online here.

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    Hold a private class, a party, or an online event (see you don’t even have to clean up your house!) and if your total sales at the event are $300 or more, you get a bonus $30 to spend on whatever you want!  Email me at jennifer@nwstamper.com to get it all set up and rolling.

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    Join my team of Fun n’ Crafty Stampers by purchasing the starter kit and you’ll get access to a TON of great stamping resources, be invited to be a part of my team events and facebook group, have a chance to share Stampin’ Up and earn some extra money, and get an extra $25 of anything you want from the catalog to go with your kit.  So you get $150 in your choice of goodies for only $99 and FREE shipping!  Woo hoo!  Ready to go?  Get started here.

     

    Wanna See What Else is New?

    Here are a few items that are new (or newly discounted) for you to consider when putting together your wishlists:

    • NEW Textured Boutique Embossing Machine – A cute mini machine that allows you to emboss (it doesn’t fit dies and framelits) and for only $29.95 it is an easy way to get access to lots of fabulous textures for your craft projects!
    • NEW DISCOUNTS on the Weekly Deals – 6 more items have been discounted for you this week including:image
    • STILL AVAILABLE!  Stampin’ Up decided to extend the Valentine’s promotion and so you can continue to grab the great Love themed stamps, kids kits, and bags until Feb 14th.  See the Whole Lotta Love! 

     

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  • Sale-a-Bration Starts Tomorrow with a Party!

    I’m sure you’ve heard by now that Stampin’ Up’s most anticipated promotion of the year starts tomorrow!  That’s right, it’s Sale-a-Bration time!

    You Make Me Happy sale-a-bration cards

    Come by the blog tomorrow for all the details and see what free stamps, embossing folders, punches, banner kits, accessory packs, and more that you can get with a $50 order!

    Or, join my group of Fun n’ Crafty Demonstrators by getting the starter kit and getting to pick an extra $25 in free product of your choice in your kit!  woo hoo!

    But best of all, if you are in the Seattle area, come on over for a Sale-a-Bration Kick off Party!

    Sale-a-Bration Kick Off Party Details

    You don’t have to be an experienced crafter to come have a good time. I’ll have everything cut and ready for you to create and, of course, I’ll be there to help out too! I’ve been looking to kick off my crafting year and wanted to have a chance to get a bunch of folks together in a laid back shindig. Plus, Stampin’ Up is launching their big Sale-a-Bration promotion so I thought it would be a great excuse for a party! 😉  

    When:  1/28 from 6:30-9pm

    Where:  Jennifer’s House in Bellevue, WA (email me at jennifer@nwstamper.com for the address)

    I’ll have lots of project ideas and samples for you to check out (many from the Occasions Catalog and all the goodies from my trip to the Leadership convention in Houston earlier this month) as well as make & takes, desserts, and door prizes! 

    Get entered to win prizes including card kits, crafting supplies, and even a $25 Stampin’ Up! gift certificate! 

    Everyone who comes is entered to win, plus you can get extra entries by:

    • bringing a friend with you (you both get an extra ticket!)
    • placing an order that night (get 1 ticket for every $25 you spend)
    • signing up to host your own private craft night for you and your friends (bingo! you get 5 tickets for this one!)

    Come check out a TON of the new crafting goodies in person, take in some new project ideas and inspiration, and see what you find to love. I’d love to hang out and stamp with you, so I hope you can make it!

    So, please RSVP and I hope to see you there!

     

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  • Background of Butterflies using Wheel Stamps

    Today’s card share is an idea for how to use your wheel stamps.  It is a simple idea and just involves using a jumbo wheel to create a background for your card.  Hope you like butterflies!

    In this case, I wanted to use the Butterfly Collection Jumbo Wheel.  I thought it would be a great set of images for the background of a card.  Here is what the wheel looks like:

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    So, to cover the entire front of my card, you only have to roll the wheel twice!  Not too hard, huh?  I used the same color ink as my cardstock to let you see the butterflies without it being too busy.  If you wanted it even subtler, then I would use Versamark as your ink.

    Wheel Stamp Techniques:

    1. Start rolling your wheel before you get to your paper where you want the stamp to show up.  This headstart makes sure you are getting the right pressure and direction that you want.
    2. Ink up your wheel using ink pads for more color options.  Ink them up by rolling in one direction, like you were inking up a paint roller for your home.
    3. Use a thick plastic ruler to help guide your wheel when doing a second pass so you keep it going the direction you want it to go.

    Want to see what I mean and more tips for Wheel Stamping?  I have a video on Wheel Stamp basics to talk about the different types of wheels and share a number of tips for successful stamping.  (if you are reading this in email, click here to see the blog post with the embedded video)

    Stampin’ Supplies used

    Stamps – Butterfly Collection jumbo wheel, Oh Hello
    Ink – Wisteria Wonder, Primrose Petals, Chocolate Chip, Pear Pizzazz
    Paper – Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White
    Accessories- Corner Rounder punch, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Crushed Curry Chevron ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Pearl basics

    Order any of the supplies and more in my online store

    I’ll admit wheels are a bit neglected in my stamp collection, but they can be a lot of fun to use and perfect for the job.  So, grab your wheels and give them another go!

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  • Fringed and Fabulous Birthday Card

    Today, the design team over at Stylin’ Scrappin’ Inkspiration decided to do a post sharing ideas using the upcoming Sale-a-Bration items (if you have no idea what that means, Stampin’ Up has a promotion every spring – this time starting January 28th – where for every $50 you order, you can pick any item in this special catalog to get free with your order; which is what we are playing with today!)  And since I wanted to play along, I dug through my limited stash of Sale-a-Bration goodies to come up with a fun project to share. 

    So today I have another “Little bit of this and that” style card to share –

    It all started with the pair of fringe scissors on my desk and a vision of this super duper great fringed card that my downline, Stacey shared in our team facebook page.  I took the inspiration of layered fringing and started grabbing what was lying around on my desk. 

    This included a card base that got ink and spots on it at a recent card class:

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    And the plan to use my fringes to cover it up… because darn it… it is still a totally usable card base!

    So, I grabbed some scrap paper and started cutting and layering.

    Then I needed something for the top – so Washi to the rescue!  Yup, I used the Gold washi tape and the Gingham Garden washi tape.  Mix and match away!

    Where is the Sale-a-Bration stuff you ask?

    All in the top of the card!

    First up, the super cute sentiment from a new See Ya Later stamp set (and yes, it has a sentiment that says “See Ya Later, Alligator”!  I had to color it in with markers because, well, I just did.

    And then see that flower and those diamonds?  More SAB goodies!

    These are the Sweet Sorbet self-adhesive cork embellishments.  I will warn you – this isn’t your kiddos adhesive.  I stuck one of those diamonds down and when I decided I wanted to move it, it was NOT going anywhere!  I had to carefully slice it out of my card using scissors to get it to move.  So, word to the wise, they are great embellishments, just make sure you have it where you think you want it before pushing it down.

    Stampin’ Up Supplies Used:

    Stamps – See Ya Later (free Sale-a-Bration item)

    Ink – Sahara Sand, Markers: Early Espresso, Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals, Daffodil Delight

    Paper – Whisper White, Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple, Sahara Sand, Coastal Cabana

    Accessories – Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack (free Sale-a-Bration item), Gingham Garden washi tape, Watercolor Wonder washi tape, Fringe Scissors

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  • Make a Wish–Neutrals and Gold Birthday Card

    So, if you saw my blog post from yesterday, I shared a card that used the Oval Framelits to cut out a frame to highlight some vellum in the center of the card.  The frame effect was really cool, but I was left with two, pretty big ovals when I was done.  Wanna see what I did with them?

    Now, I am a hardcore crafter and pack rat… yes, fine – I’ll admit I’m a bit of a hoarder. Smile  So, that means any scrap that is bigger than itty bitty makes me think, “I could use that… that is big enough to use on another card, or to punch a shape out of…”etc.  And typically I stuff them in a box or bag near my craft table

    …. never to be used again!

    So, I’ve made it a new rule for me.  If I want to keep a punched/die cut/stamped scrap, I need to use it right then (or pretty soon to right then) otherwise it goes in the recycling bin. 

    (Seriously, if you were at my craft garage sale this summer, you saw the gallon ziploc bag FULL of punched and die cut pieces that I never used and decided to let go of!)

    And create I did!  I used the two ovals as backgrounds for the card and then started layering elements on top.  I grabbed the new Naturals Chevron ribbon and then to spice it up, I tied some linen thread around the top and frayed what was above the thread.

    Also, if you look close…. you can see that the party hat in the lower right hand corner is fussy cut and glued onto the card front.  Wanna know why?

    Because I was too chicken to stamp directly on the cardfront!

    Ha ha, it’s true!  I thought the card needed something and I thought the hat would look good in the corner but I didn’t trust that it would really work out.  And since everything else was already glued down, I just stamped on a piece of the same Crumb Cake paper and cut it out.  Turns out I liked it so I just glued it down as is!

    So, to make this card – here are the supplies I used:

    Stamps – Perfect Pennants, Sketched Birthday
    Ink – Chocolate Chip, Crisp Canteloupe
    Paper – Gold Foil, Crisp Canteloupe cs, Crumb Cake cs, Whisper White cs, Neutrals Core’dinations cs (Early Espresso)
    Accessories – Big Shot, Oval Framelits, Sanding Block, Neutrals Chevron Ribbon, 7/8” Cotton ribbon, Linen Thread

    I love how it turned out and I hope it gives you ideas as well!

     

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  • A Golden Anniversary Card

    Have I mentioned that I’m finally falling in love with this Gold trend?  When I had a chance to sit down and play with my new stuff for an afternoon recently, I found that I kept reaching for my Gold Foil paper or the Gold Vellum.  Given that this is the girl who ALWAYS prefers silver to gold and practically never wears gold anything… this is HUGE!

    So, how about this card for someone who is celebrating an anniversary?  Especially a golden anniversary?  (hee hee… did you see what I did there? : ) )

    I was very lucky to have been given this stamp set as a gift over the holidays.  I had actually seen the rubber for this set in the production line when I was in Kanab in September for Founder’s Circle and just LOVED the mustache, the I do with the “o” being a ring, and the people (aka – bathroom people I’ve heard them called).  See… kinda fun, right? Perfect Couple

    Perfect Couple Stamp Set

    So, I just had to play with it and I got in the mood to try out my Oval Framelits as well.  Yes, I know they aren’t new-new, but they hadn’t come out of their packaging before in my house, so they were novel to me!

    I tried this idea of cutting out the ovals to make a frame and then mounting the gold heart vellum to the backside of the frame.  That way, I could have my vellum and not have to worry about edges or how to glue it down.  Plus, in this case, I actually like the embossing that sometimes gets left behind when you cut out with a framelit.  It adds FLAIR!

    Then just stamp and punch out your people and it looks like a fun cake topper from their wedding.  Anyone else see it? 

    And, yes, this leaves you with big ovals left over from the gold and the Crisp Cantaloupe cardstock, but I’ll show you tomorrow an idea for how to use them!  So, make sure to stop back by!

    Stampin’ Up! Supplies Used

    Stamps – Perfect Couple
    Ink – Basic Grey, Crisp Cantaloupe
    Paper – Very Vanilla cs, Crisp Cantaloupe cs, Gold Vellum, Gold Foil cs
    Accessories – Big Shot, Oval Framelits, Extra Large Oval punch, Decorative Label Punch

    Oh hey!  I just saw that one of the Weekly Deals is the oval punch I used in this card.  How snazzy is that?  So, if you don’t have it, know it goes great with the couple stamp and you can get it for 25% off this week.

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  • My Sweet Sanded Valentine

    I needed a card last week for my stamp club and I was getting stuck in a rut with always turning to flowers to stamp with.  But then my friend, Annie, came over and reminded me about the cute designer frames embossing folder set and I saw my Love You More stamp set and suddenly things started coming together.  I won’t tell you how long I futzed with the final elements trying to decide – should the bird have pink or just red, should the stamped frame be at an angle or straight, should the ribbon be near the top or down near the bird…. but eventually I settled on this!  : )

    I even broke out the Alphabet Press embossing folder (on sale this week with the weekly deals!) for the background.  I’ve had this folder for a while but keep forgetting to try it out.  Doesn’t it sand awesomely?

    And for the finishing touch, I just had to use the “Made with Love” sentiment from the same set to complete the card by stamping it on the back.

    Sweet right?

    Just a reminder, if you love this set, it is only available until January 27th.  It’s not in a catalog but you can find it in the Valentine’s Product’s section in the Online Store.

    Stampin’ Up Supplies Used
    Stamps – Love You More
    Ink – Real Red, Markers: Real Red, Smokey Slate, Basic Black, Blushing Bride
    Paper – Brights Core’dination cardstock (Real Red), Whisper White, Basic Black
    Accessories – Alphabet Press embossing folder, Big Shot, Designer Frames embossing folder, Sanding Block, Naturals Chevron ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals

    Oh, and want to see a cute variation that uses all the same supplies, just switching out the sentiment with one from Happy Watercolor?  Look what Saundra came up with at club night:

    You may me happy sanded alphabet card

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  • Birthday Celebrations with a Treat Topper and Card

    2013-12-20 11.51.12Earlier this week, Nicholas (my now 4yr old) had the chance to celebrate his birthday with his Preschool class.  It’s a special circle time they call a “Birthday Circle” and they all sit around and the birthday child can have mom/dad/siblings come in for the circle while they share photos or something special about each year the birthday child lived. 

    And treats…. we “get” to provide treats.

    Now, the school is, um, “progressive” I’ll say and so they are very particular about what kinds of treats you can bring.  The list looks something like this:

    fruits and vegetables – or – 100% fruit – or -dried fruit – or –

    a snack from one particular organic company.  ~Done~

    Now, I am still trying to get my “Crafty Mom” cred, and so I couldn’t just send him in with applesauce squeezies… oh no, they had to be CUTE applesauce squeezies!  So this is what I created for him:

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    Isn’t that lizard so adorable?

    So, I sat down the night before (at 10:45 pm, talk about last minute!) and started coloring this one stamp from the Tag It stamp set with my markers so I could stamp 18 of these guys for the treats.  Then I cut each of them out using the coordinating Chalk Talk framelits…. oh and adding the tag hole from the same framelit set.  Do a little sponging and then just the right twine to tie them off. 

    (psst – sneak peek alert!  This twine is from one of the accessory sets available as a freebie during Sale-a-Bration!)

    I got them all ready and sent them in to school, but then I figured the teacher needed a little thank you as well, so I had to make a card for her too using the same theme.  You know everything has to be coordinating!

    Ta-Da!

    Same idea but just a little mixing around of extra accessories and embellishments to turn it into a card.

    I needed some bright paper to match the bright colors in the stamped image  (I got lazy, no tag this time) and and then the AWESOME candy dots to break up the pattern of the paper and tie it into the birthday image.

    So see, it is like a coordinating set!

    Card Supplies Used

    Stamps – Tag It
    Ink – Crushed Curry, Markers:  Gumball Green, Real Red, Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, Early Espresso
    Paper – Crushed Curry cs, Whisper White Cs, Real Red cs, Quatrefancy specialty designer paper
    Accessories – Early Espresso Bakers Twine, Candy Dots (Brights, Regals, Neutrals), 2 1/2” Circle punch, Chalk Talk framelits, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Sponge Daubers, twine (SAB)

    So, don’t forget to try something simple and cute when you need a treat for something.  It doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun and appreciated by the recipients… even if they are 3 yrs old!  Smile 

    Want to see more great Birthday Card ideas?

    Today over on the Stylin’ Stampin’ Inkspiration blog, we are sharing different Birthday card ideas.  This was mine, but there are lots of other ideas and variety to check out.  So, hop on over and see what other cute ideas you can try.

     

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  • Gray and Yellow Colors Make Elegant Cards

    I needed a quick card recently and I felt like I was getting into a rut with the layouts I had been designing so I started flipping through my designer paper and tried to find a design that called to me.  In the end, I decided to play with the Eastern Elegance designer paper.

    I love this sentiment from the Perfect Pennants stamp set. Isn’t it so true?

    “Life Doesn’t Have To Be Perfect To Be Wonderful”

    The layout turned out super simple – and quick to make again with different colors and paper patterns – but it is nice to let the pattern from the paper do a lot of the work and be the perfect tone for whomever you are sending the card to.

    Card Supplies Used

    Stamps – Perfect Pennants
    Ink – Basic Grey, Summer Starfruit
    Paper – Whisper White cs, Smokey Slate cs, Eastern Elegance designer paper
    Accessories – Sponge Dauber, Crushed Curry chevron ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals

     

    Now I need to go try out this layout again with different paper and see how it turns out! Smile 

     

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