Northwest Stamper

Tag: birthday card

  • Big News about the Butterfly Thinlits & a Special Offer!

    Have you been loving the Butterfly Thinlits?  I LOVE how pretty the delicate shapes are from the dies like on this card I made with the Red Glimmer Paper:

    And I will say (even though I totally forgot to get a picture before I gave away all my swaps) that I really enjoy how EASY it is to put together a card with the Butterfly Basics stamp set.  Seriously, it looks like an ok stamp set in the catalog, but when you start playing with it, cards start coming together really quickly!  Here is one that I was sent recently (and it got a little crinkled in the mail!

    image

    Card by Susan Timchack

    Well, I know a bunch of folks missed out when it was available at the beginning of the year and Stampin’ Up knows how frustrated everyone has been with the dies and the discounted bundle being out of stock for so long due to the dock workers strike that was going on recently, especially if you were hoping to get the bundle and earn Sale-a-Bration benefits with it!  So, because Stampin’ Up is awesome – they are offering a special “thank you for your patience” deal as soon as the dies show up in their warehouse and go on sale.  Check it out:

    Buttefly Basics April 2015 promotion

    The dies are expected in the warehouse TODAY and should be available for purchase on WEDNESDAY (April 15th)!

    Everyone has been eagerly awaiting the return of these dies, so while they should be getting a lot in, I would make sure to order yours early to make sure you don’t have a bit of a wait in line as everyone makes a run on them! Smile 

    So, you can either:

    • Watch for my “The Dies Are Here!” post with links to purchase in the online store – and get my 3 card samples bonus as a thank you for ordering from me!
      OR
    • Email me at jennifer@nwstamper.com with your information and I’ll place the order for you as soon at they go live & mail your card samples out to you as a thank you!  I will just need your shipping information and either a credit card or paypal email address for an invoice.

    And if you are still on the fence, here are a couple more ideas for you:

    image

    Card by Carol Hickman

    image

    Card by Jen Pitta

    image

    Card by Naomi Keeling

    NWstamper signature_thumb[9]

    order online button for sig 3_thumb[4]

  • Fun with Washi Sheets–a birthday card and NEW CLASS by MAIL!

    I will admit, I saw the washi sheets when they came out in the Occasions Catalog and I didn’t give them too much thought.  Sure, washi was fun, but did I really need sheets of them?  Well, I finally decided to get a pack and start playing and turns out that having bigger pieces of washi is actually a lot of fun and great for all kinds of projects!  In fact, I created my April Class by Mail around Washi Sheets and the Celebrate Today stamp set bundle because I was having such a great time.

    See, totally fun, right?  And some of the cards use big pieces of washi sheets for backgrounds, die cuts, or punch outs that you need the bigger sheets to get these looks.  I have all the details of this class by mail below (or join me in person next week on the 15th in either the morning or evening class session).

    But first I thought I would share one of the cards from the class that was actually the very first one I created:

    You could recreate this card with regular washi tape, but the thing that is cool about the washi sheets is that you get to pick the width of the strips you want.  So, say you loved yellow and wanted a wide yellow strip in addition to the skinnier yellow strip shown above – you can totally do that!

    I cut my strips of washi sheets to slightly different widths and then placed them on the background paper.  Then stamped with the coordinating Celebrate Today stamp set for my central sentiment. 

    Turned out totally cute!  Don’t you agree?

    Want to make this and the 7 other cards?

    You can join me in person if you are in the Seattle area

    Card Celebrations! Fun with Washi Tape
    April 15th – 10am-12n at my house in Bellevue, WA or 7pm-9pm at Panera in Redmond
    RSVP here – morning |  evening  or email me at jennifer@nwstamper.com

    Or sign up for my class by mail!  Included in the class kits are:

    • 20 notecards & envelopes (so you have spares as you are working & can come up with your own creations!)
    • a pack of washi tape sheets
    • all extra papers and embellishments precut, including washi sheet pieces
    • all die cut elements cut
    • pdf instructions for all 8 cards
    • Celebrate Today bundle (optional add-on) – SAVE 15% when you order with the class!

    Class Kit Option



    Have the supplies but just want the instructions?  I’ll be emailing those out starting Monday so get your name on the list today!

    Class instructions PDF – $4.95





    NWstamper signature_thumb[9]

    order online button for sig 3_thumb[4]

    Project Supplies Used:
    Easy shopping anytime!  Click the images below to see the item in the online store.

  • Big Day Birthday Card, Fun Idea for the March Paper Pumpkin Kit, & LAST CHANCE on Sale-a-Bration!

    Big Day Birthday Card, Fun Idea for the March Paper Pumpkin Kit, & LAST CHANCE on Sale-a-Bration!

    ******************************************************

    LAST CALL!  Today is the last day to:

    –  pick your free favorite items with every $50 you spend
    –  join my Fun n’ Crafty stampers group and get 2 free Sale-a-bration items or 1 project kit
    –  Save $5 on the 3 Month Subscription for Paper Pumpkin (one for you and give one as a gift Winking smile) AND get a free Sale-a-Bration item as a bonus too!

    ******************************************************

    Ok, so I have A LOT to catch up on… so, big breath in, and get ready to dive in to some project ideas for you!

    First up, this fun birthday card idea using the Sale-a-Bration stamp set – Big Day!

    Tips for making this card:

    • This was my first time using the new Chalk inks… and with it my first time playing with the new Chalkboard paper!  This paper has the COOLEST texture and is so fun to play with.  You want to stamp on the SMOOTH side with the chalk inks so that the ink will sit on the surface and give you that pretty chalkboard look.  (this is the Coral Rose color)
    • Add your own extra touches with the Chalk Pen!  The white dots under the cake and the white lines along the side of the chalkboard paper are made with the Chalk Pen.  As you can see, it is really vibrant on the Chalkboard paper, but more “chalky” when drawing on regular cardstock.
    • Make a fun embellishment piece by using the new Ornate Tag Topper punch… only don’t just stick to one side, do both!  I had a 2” strip of Whisper White cardstock that I punched both ends.  Then run some ribbon through the holes (and tie together on the inside of the card) to hold it in place.
    • Jazz up your Ornate tag by grabbing a Stampin’ Write marker and drawing a border about 1/16” in from the edge of the tag.  Really helps you see the design, huh?
    • And don’t hesitate to stamp your image and then stamp & color a second version to pop-up on top!  It keeps it interesting to look at when viewed at different angles, but you only have to color one. Smile

    Lots of fun… and if you need another idea, here is a reminder of one of the official cards shared in the Sale-a-Bration catalog.  I love the colors and the little pop of dimension with the “Celebrate”

    Big Day birthday cake card from Sale-a-Bration

    Now, if you are like me and LOVE the black, white, and yellow combination, I really hope you are a Paper Pumpkin subscriber because check out March’s kit and a fun alternate idea.

    You have THROUGH TODAY (3/31/2015) to pick up a 3-month Prepaid subscription to the super fun kits by mail each month and not only SAVE $$ but also get a free Sale-a-Bration item to boot!  I know, awesome right?  I already picked up mine!

    We never know what we are going to get until it ships out to us around the 15th of the month, but over the last year they have been working hard to improve the projects and how much you get in your box and so they have turned out to be really fun projects and you end up with lots of supplies.  You know you will always get:

    • an exclusive stamp set
    • precut papers and supplies to make usually 6-9 copies of the project, though this varies by month and the project
    • all the accessories you need for the project and sometimes variations
    • envelopes (if they are cards)
    • instructions with video walkthroughs online
    • ink spots

    Basically all you need is scissors and adhesive!  (See, now you get why I said they make great gifts!)

    Here is what we got for March:

    image

    And check out what my downline, Angela McCormack made with it!!!

    March Paper Pumpkin alternative

    If you aren’t in love, then you are a tough crowd! Winking smile

    Here is the video that went with it showing how to make the project:

     

    You can cancel at any time or skip a month whenever you want…. so why not give it a try?  You know you’ll be excited to see that awesome orange box in your mailbox next month. Smile

    Sign up for Paper Pumpkin or get your discounted pre-paid subscription here

    Ok, so don’t wait! You only have until midnight MOUNTAIN Time to get your order in and pick up your favorites.  And then the will be gone and possibly not to be seen again (unless you earned your way to my Sale-a-Bration Celebration, in which case you make be lucky and have one last chance Winking smile)

    Here is what you can choose from:Last chance sale-a-bration

     

    Shop Online Now!  or email me at jennifer@nwstamper.com and I’ll make sure your order gets in in time!

    And if you’ve been thinking of making the plunge into the awesome world of being a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator (or just have a wishlist that is over $100), I would LOVE to have you join my growing group of Fun n’ Crafty stampers from across the US!  We are an active and supportive group that create, share, and cheer each other on and we would love to welcome you in.

    Plus you get 2 free Sale-a-bration items or a Project kit as a bonus for signing up in addition to the $125 in product for $99 and free shipping.  But who is counting?  Smile

    New Weekly Deals!

    And if that isn’t enough, new weekly deals were released this morning too… so double or triple dip your savings and take advantage while you can.

    image

    Ok, that was long enough, thanks for sticking with me and have a great day!


    NWstamper signature_thumb[9]

    order online button for sig 3_thumb[4]

    Project Supplies Used:
    Easy shopping anytime!  Click the images below to see the item in the online store.

  • A Cheery Birthday Card with Celebrate Today and Balloon Framelits

    Happy Monday!  I figured we could all use a bit of sunshine and cheer to kick off our week, so I thought I would share one of the cards from my recent Birthday Card Bash Class.  A little while back my friend Breelin posted on instagram a pile of cards she had received and I was inspired by one to create this card.

    It is always a nice reminder to see that sometimes the simplest cards are some of the cutest, don’t you agree!?

    Tips for making this card:

    1. Have fun with the round patterns that come in the Celebrate Today stamp set!

      image
      When you layer them over the solid balloon stamp image, you can get all kinds of fun designs.  Keep it to the same color like in this example, or pick a contrasting color to really punch things up.
    2. Use your Stampin’ Write markers (the dye-ink markers; not Blendabilities or alcohol ink markers) to color your banner image to match the colors in the rest of the card.
    3. If you find you are having a hard time getting a solid image with markers and your photopolymer stamps, prime your stamps first by inking them up with an ink pad and stamping off onto scrap paper, clean the stamp, and then try it with the marker.  Usually you will get a better result!
    4. Draw on your strings including a line across the bottom of the balloon tab for a “floating away” feel to your card.

    PSST!! – EARLY BIRD St. Patrick’s Day Special!

    I couldn’t let St. Patrick’s Day go by without some fun, so I decided to offer a card challenge tomorrow (more on that tomorrow!) but I’ll also be offering a 17% off discount on all Stampin’ Up orders with me through tomorrow night!  So, if you are seeing this now, you can get in on the savings early by either
    1.  Shop online and use hostess code 9CYWBHVC on the shopping cart page
    (if your order is over $150, don’t use the code and I’ll still make sure you get the discount)
    OR
    2.  Email me at jennifer@nwstamper.com or call me with your order with the code StPattys17

    NWstamper signature_thumb[9]

    order online button for sig 3_thumb[4]

    Project Supplies Used:
    Easy shopping anytime!  Click the images below to see the item in the online store.

  • NEW Birthday Card Class to Go & Weekly Deals

    I realized late last night that I had forgotten to share the weekly deals this week…. oops, my bad! Smile   Plus, I just released a new Class to Go all about Birthday Cards, and so I wanted to make sure to share that as well!

    Birthday Card Class to Go

    This was a class I ran locally and everyone had so much fun with the cards (and I had a few extra kits) so I wanted to share this with everyone else that couldn’t make it!  You get all the supplies to make all 5 cards, everything is pre-cut, punched, die cut, etc for you – all for only $15.  Get 2 sets of cards for only $20… that is $1 ea for the extra cards!  And I’m also offering for class by mail attendees the opportunity to purchase any of the stamps used in these cards at 15% off!

    Everything starts mailing on Monday so RSVP today!

    New Weekly Deals

    11029551_10204134583868208_7467708548496817650_n

    Shop the weekly deals online

    And if you love altering bags, boxes, or just want some fun gifts to have on hand, this weeks weekly deals are for you!  Did you know, you can use those bags as bags and alter the fronts (this is chevron, but imagine the polka dot bag that is on the weekly deal)

    see the blog post for this bag

    OR use the bags as your own personal designer paper!

    See the blog post for this card

    And those window boxes are super fun too, especially when you plan your cards inside to peek out just so!

    see the blog post for this box and card

    Just a few ideas for you. Smile

    NWstamper signature_thumb[9]

    order online button for sig 3_thumb[4]

  • Mix & Match those Flower Punches for this Great Dimensional Birthday Card

    Over the last couple catalogs, I’ve collected many of the flower stamp sets and matching punches from Stampin’ Up!  Because you know how much of a sucker I am for stamp sets that match punches – it makes it so easy!  So, I was playing around and started combining my different flowers and it turns out they look pretty great together.  Check it out –

    Tips for this project:

    • Stamp the flower image with the same color ink as your cardstock (in this case, Strawberry Slush) before stamping to create a custom look.
    • Mix in between your layers flower punches out of Whisper White cardstock and sponge with the same color ink you used on the other flowers to create a pop of color and make your flower layers distinct.
    • Use a Bone Folder to curl up the petals of your flower to help make it be more 3D and come to life!
    • The Window Frame framelits make the perfect opening to allow some of your patterned paper peek through behind your flower and frame your flower.
    • Cut your patterned paper to 1/4″ larger than your Whisper White cardstock to give an extra coordinating border.

    I often get asked if I recommend purchasing stamp sets in wood mount, clear mount, or photopolymer – and often I say it depends on the type of stamp set for me.  With these flowers and matching punches, I know that 90% of the time, I’m going to be stamping and punching out my flowers and so I optimized for Easy and Speed in stamping.

    –So I buy them in wood mount

    This is because I know that I won’t need precision placement most of the time and it makes it easy to grab and go when I want to stamp, and especially if I want to punch out a few different flower images from the same set.  I don’t have to clean my stamp and change the block between stamping, they are all ready to go and I can just do all my stamping at one time and then do all my cleaning.  Easy, peasy, done!

    NWstamper signature_thumb[9]

    order online button for sig 3_thumb[4]

    Project Supplies Used:
    Easy shopping anytime!  Click the images below to see the item in the online store.
    Use Hostess Code EGR29JBV to receive a free gift from me when you place your order!

    Price: $16.95

    Price: $15.95

    Price: $99.95

    Price: $6.95

    Supply List

    Built for Free Using:  My Stampin Blog

  • Bright Birthday Card with Celebrate Today and Sale-a-Bration Accessories

    Did you catch my Occasions Catalog walkthough video?  If you did, you saw me showing this card when I talked about both Sale-a-bration products as well as the Celebrate You stamp set and framelit bundle.  It was my first time playing with this set and I just had too much fun!

    Tips for making this card:

    • If you like the Celebrate Today stamp set, then you definitely should go for the bundle!  You get framelits to cut out almost all of the shapes including those cute balloons (and pennants, which I didn’t in this card, but could have).  Plus you save money in the process.
    • When picking colors for your card, pick your papers or your accessories to get inspiration from. In this case, I reached for my Best Year Ever (FREE) Sale-a-Bration accessory pack and used the ribbons and buttons.  So, the rest of the card was centered around those colors – Crushed Curry, Calypso Coral, and Coastal Cabana
    • Don’t be afraid to go “off the page”!  I let my elements (like the sentiment and the balloon) have their edges peek over the edges of my white layer.  This gives the card more interest and keeps it from being too stiff.

    Get those buttons and ribbons free!

    You can only get them for free (that’s the best price, right?) and you can do it one of two ways:

    1. Place a $50 order in my online store and you can pick their bundle as your free Sale-a-Bration item
      OR
    2. Purchase my I WANT IT ALL Product Sampler from me.  As a bonus for getting the full shebang (all for only $26 for all the papers and accessories in the catalog) you’ll get a sampler of these ribbons, buttons AND the coordinating designer paper!  Sweet right?

    Have fun and enjoy the new goodies!

    NWstamper signature_thumb[9]

    order online button for sig 3_thumb[4]

    Project Supplies Used:
    (if you are reading this in email, click here to see the list of supplies)

  • A Hodge-Podge Birthday Card with Amazing Birthday

    While working on cards for the Convention Display boards last summer, I had an idea for using the Amazing Birthday stamp set.  It made total sense in my mind… then I started trying to put it to paper.  In the end, it didn’t turn out exactly like I was dreaming, but I figured I’d share it anyway (heck I sent it in to Stampin’ Up and they displayed it!) in the hopes it gives you some ideas that you can use, especially since Amazing Birthday is on sale as part of the weekly deals this week!

    I liked that there were so many circles in the set that punched out using the same 1-1/4” Circle circle punch and wanted to try the “peek-a-boo” style of card.

    Tips for making this card:

    • Stamp the different circle images by first coloring with markers and stamping onto White Paper.  I used the colors that matched those in the Sweet Taffy patterened paper.  Then punch out using the 1-1/4” Circle punch.
    • Punch a few holes in your larger piece of white paper using the 1-3/8” circle punch and the 1-3/4” circle punch.  Layer over coordinating patterned paper and then use dimensionals to pop up the stamped images in the middle of the circles.

    • When stamping on wood (like the middle sentiment) ink your image using Stazon and then stamp.  That keeps the ink from running and getting fuzzy like it might with your classic dye inks.
    • I embossed the white background using the Arrows embossing folder and thought it needed a little something extra, so I filled the valleys of the embossed area with Crystal Effects!  It is hard to see in the photo but it gives it a nice shiny background when you see it in person.


    I love this stamp set and it is so versatile!  So, if you like it, don’t miss out while it is on 25% off with the Weekly Deals! Smile 

    Have a safe and wonderful New Year’s Eve and I’ll see you in 2015!

    NWstamper signature_thumb[9]

    order online button for sig 3_thumb[4]

    Project Supplies Used:
    (if you are reading this in email, click here to see the list of supplies)

  • Bright Banner Birthday Card using Project Life + Double Reward Points!

    Just popping in for a quick blog post because I wanted to share with you another bright and fun project.  How about a celebration card with lots of cheery colors?

    See that bright pattern I used for the big banner?  I was getting tricky and instead of using designer paper, I used a card from the Project Life Everyday Adventure set!  I die cut it using my Banner framelits and matted it with a Black banner.

    Then grab some coordinating Cardstock and punch some little banners using the Banner punch.  I topped it off with some twine and then it was time to get some sparkle on!  Courtesy of the 2013 In Color sequins.

    I even had to add a sequin to the sentiment from the Yippee Skippee Stamp set.  Can’t leave any part unblinged. 🙂

    Gratitude Month Week 3 Thank You Gift!

    All this week, get DOUBLE PUNCHES on your Northwest Stamper Reward card!  Yep!  All orders through Sunday are giving you a way to earn a free stamp set from me even faster!

    For every $40 you spend (before tax and shipping) earn 2 punches on your punch card.  At 10 you’ll get to pick a free stamp set to receive totally free!

    And just a reminder of the newest Weekly Deals:

    weekly deal 11-18-14

    Have a wonderful week and I’ll be back with more projects for you soon!

    NWstamper signature_thumb[9]

    order online button for sig 3_thumb[4]

    Project Supplies Used:
    (if you are reading this in email, click here to see the list of supplies)

  • Bloom with Hope using Blendabilities on Window Sheets

    I swear, if it wasn’t for the girls over at Stylin’ Stampin’ Inkspiration, I would be even more behind on my blogging!  Smile  They are always so cheery and enthusiastic, and sharing such great ideas.  Today we are sharing ideas using Blendabilities markers and so I wanted to share another sample using one of the EASIEST techniques to use with your Blendablities – coloring on a window sheet!

    It’s like the stained glass technique, only way less messy and just about as pretty!

    Tips for creating this card:

    • For this technique, you want to stamp on a window sheet with Stazon ink and then TURN IT OVER and color on the window sheet on the other side with your blendabilties markers.

    • With window sheets you can’t really blend your colors, so you just need to plan to go for one color or color different areas of the stamped image with different color markers – like I did here with the Cherry Cobbler and the Daffodil Delight blendabilities.  But you get such a shiny bright look, you won’t mind. Smile
    • Cut out your stamped image and adhere with glue dots to your project to prevent the adhesive from showing through.
    • Keep the rest of your card subtle – sponging the edges of the cardstock with Old Olive ink and using the large Polka Dot embossing folder for the background; so that your colored image can really pop!

    Love this stamp set?  It is one of the hostess sets in the annual catalog and you get for free using $17 of your free hostess benefits – all for 2 jam full boxes of stamps!  They are so pretty and PERFECT for coloring with Blendabilities.  So, if you are placing a $150+ order or have some friends who would be interested in picking up some craft supplies (or holiday gifts!) let me know by emailing me at jennifer@nwstamper.com and we can get you hooked up for your freebies including this set!

    If you are curious to see another idea with this technique, check out my Christmas card using this technique.

    blendabilities

    Check out all the Blendabilities available now here

    Well, I’m off for my Curvy Keepsake class tonight.  Grab those blendabilities and have fun stamping!

    spaced shop now sig bar

    Hostess Code:  C2HYWWQM Use this Hostess Code and receive a free gift!
    (Please do not use the Hostess Code if your order is $150 or more)

    Card Supplies Used

  • Wanna See What We are Making for Craft Night?

    If you are already subscribed to Paper Pumpkin and got July’s project kit, you’ll have seen these projects.  In July, everyone got the supplies to make 6 of each of these projects.  Totally cute, right?

    Craft Night Out
    Thursday 8/7 at 7pm (Panera in Redmond) or 2pm (my home in Bellevue)
    only $5
    Make the above projects plus a bonus project!
    RSVP here or email me at jennifer@nwstamper.com

    Well, I wanted everyone to get a chance to have an easy night out where you get to check out Paper Pumpkin and make some fun projects.  You’ll get to make the above projects – a card, a gift box, and a tag; plus if you have time,I’ll have a bonus project for you to make with your extra supplies.

    I’d love to have you join me – either in the afternoon or evening!  It’s always a great time together.

    spaced shop now sig bar

    August Online Stamp Club Hostess Code – TT2NETD4
    Use this code to get free exclusive tutorials & project kit! Learn more

  • Friday Favorite–Amazing Birthday the Display Board Swap Card

    Friday Favorite–Amazing Birthday the Display Board Swap Card

    Today over on the Stylin’ Stampin’ Inkspiration blog, the girls are sharing some of their favorites items.  I thought I would do a spin on that and share one of my favorite Convention Display Board cards and the stamp set that I loved working with – Amazing Birthday.  Like I’ve said before, I really like that this set is not just about Birthday but can be used for thanks, guys, or anything in between.  But in this case, I stuck to birthday and my favorite shape of the season – STARS!! No joke, I am so digging the stars thing right now and when I finished this card, it was the first one from the set of display board projects that I really got excited about.  So much so that I used it for our group swap where we picked on of our cards from the board to create and trade.

    (SPOILER ALERT! If you love stars, get excited because in the upcoming Holiday Catalog, there is a stars embossing folder & a stars confetti border punch!!! Um, yes please!!)

    Tips for creating this card:

    • Pick a neutral color and then two contrasting colors (I picked Crumb Cake, Pacific Point, and Hello Honey) and then repeat them all over your card.  Don’t be afraid to use a non-traditional color for your shape like blue for stars.
    • Offset your die cut images for a more interesting look.  You’ll notice that I had the Hello Honey banner aligned with the edge of the Crumb Cake whereas the Pacific Point is aligned to the edge of the card base.
    • Sponge the edge of bigger cardstock elements (like the the bigger star) to help them have more dimension even if you don’t pop them up on a dimensional.  Often just using the same color as the cardstock is enough.
    • When die cutting a shape with the matching framelit, like I did here with the banners, USE the Magnetic Platform!  Yes, you can use a post-it note… or the hope really hard methods Winking smile  but you will have a better time getting an even edge around your images when you use the magnetic platform because it is strong enough to keep the framelit where you set it!

    Card Supplies Used

    Oh, I forgot to mention, the sentiment is actually hand cut out… and yes, that Happy doesn’t have the dark line to the left of the “H”… that is intentional. Smile When I was doing this for a swap, I cut long strips for Whisper White cardstock (around 1.25” wide) and stamped my sentiment on the strip and then trimmed down with my snips to the narrower width. But this is a fun color combination, so grab some cardstock and give it a try with your projects.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

    spaced shop now sig bar

    July Online Stamp Club Hostess Code – 7RDHVEKR Use this code to get free exclusive tutorials & project kit! Learn more