Northwest Stamper

Tag: Cards

  • Happy Valentine’s Day!

    vday09_2Ok, so I know this post is a little late, but better late then never, right?  I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who have been visiting and leaving me comments.  It really perks up my day to have you all stopping by and saying hello.  Especially with weeks like this one where work has just been crazy as we have been going bonkers trying to hit a deadline at the end of the week.  I ended up staying late at work on Friday just so I could have my three day weekend free of work stress.  So, this is my weekend to catch up on all my crafting.  I plan to be back on Monday with lots of fun things to show you.  Until then…

     

    Have a fantastic weekend and a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

     

    Recipe:
    Stamps:     Love You Much
    Inks: Cranberry Crisp
    Paper: Cranberry Crisp CS, Very Vanilla CS
    Accessories:  Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4″ circle punch, 1″ circle punch, scallop edge punch, Very Vanilla 5/8″ grosgrain ribbon, Cranberry Crisp stitched ribbon

  • Congrats and Thinking of You Cards

    This weekend was a lot of fun.  I hosted an Open Scrap day at my home on Saturday.  I had planned on sitting an working on my personal projects while the other ladies worked on their projects; but of course, I was way to social for that. 🙂 I was playing with my new BigShot, showing folks how to use it, and other fun techniques.  So, it wasn’t until 5 of the 6 ladies had headed home that I finally sat down with my kitty scrapbook and started working.  But it was fun to have 6 crafters over.  So, I still have all my stuff out in hopes that I will make more progress on my scrapbook, but I have a feeling tonight will be filled with getting ready for my technique night tomorrow.  Tomorrow we are playing with Crystal Effects and I’m really looking forward to it! 

    Here are the other two cards I made for my card kits for Saturday.  These last two came together very quickly and have helped me be an even bigger fan of the SAB sets.  Oh yeah, and the paper in the SAB catalog is so yummy! 

    congrats_wm
    stamps:Congrats (SAB) paper:whisper white cs, night of navy cs, bashful blue cs, certainly celery dp inks:bashful blue, night of navy accessories:glue dots, fresh favorites II buttons

     

     

     

    sab_thinkingofyou_wm
    stamps: Polka Dot Punchs (SAB), Sincere Salutations paper:Very vanilla cs, bashful blue cs, delecate dots DP (SAB) inks:bashful blue, certainly celery, sahara sand accessories:certainly celery twill tape (SAB), circle scallop punch, 1 1/4" circle punch

     

     

     

     

     

  • One of the cards from this weekend’s card kit

    pinkgreydreamsdujuor_wnWhile I waited for my UPS delivery to arrive so I can finish my scrapbook layouts, I spent last night working on cards.  This card grew a bit organically from me starting with the grey base, then picking the pink, then finding a layout, and then deciding on the stamp set.  I don’t know quite how to classify the card (valentine’s day, for you, or what).  But I think it’s cute anyway.  🙂

    I just got home and my packages were here including my new BigShot!  Yay!  So, I’m going to leave this short so I can go play with my new goodies.  Have a fantastic week!

    And if you are in the Portland area, just a reminder that you are welcome to attend my FREE Open Scrap day tomorrow from noon until 6pm.  Bring a project of your own to work on or I will have kits available (a card kit, a scrapbooking kit, and a mini-book).  Contact me and I’ll send you the details!

    Recipe:
    Stamps:     Dreams Du Jour
    Inks: Pink Pirouette, Basic Grey
    Paper: Basic Grey CS, Basic Black CS, Whisper White CS, Bella Rose DSP
    Accessories: Stampin’ dimensionals, Basic Grey taffeta ribbon

  • My last index card – Sweet Stems

    My last index card I needed to make for Splitcoast Stampers was for the stamp set Sweet Stems.  I was hesitent to buy this set because I had bought and regreted Pocket Silhouettes, another small flower set.  However, after looking at the stamp set and all the coordinating items (besides the stamp set you have matching paper – Tea Party – which has some cute designs, and an embosslit which will emboss one of the flower images), I’ve decided this set is more my style and a bit more fun.  I guess the natural looking sets are just not for me. 

    Anyway, as part of my new catalog order, I also ordered the small oval punch which I’ve been wanting for a while.  So, it all came together as a chance for me to try out this design I’ve been eyeing for a while.  Sure, I could have added a bunch of layers, but it was nice to make something really simple and straightforward.  I made sure to place the vases just below the bottom of the stamped image so what you see with the flowers is exactly what you get.  Oh yeah, and if you haven’t tried sponging yet, you totally should.  Its super easy, adds neat texture, and is fun to do!

     sweet_stems_index_wm

    And one other tip.  I have both blender pens and an aqua pen.  I most often use the technique of lifting color from the lid of an ink pad and coloring in a stamped image, and I never quite new which to use when.  So, I used this card as an opportunity to play with both of them. 

    What I realized is that the aqua pen is good for adding colors lightly and for a true watercoloring effect.  Blender pens are great for slightly richer colors (pink pirouette will actually show up using a blender pen) and are the right tool for the job when coloring in small spaces.  The aqua pen, being based on water, has a tendancy to bleed which is fine if you are coloring in a slightly larger space, but is not nearly so great for small dots and the like.  (I’m sure using real watercolor paper helps this though).  And I believe you can turn blender pens into markers by using a reinker to dye the end of the pen, though I haven’t tried this yet. 

    So, my tip – use blender pens for precision work, you will be much happier with the result.

  • A stamping snack to tide you over

    I finished my first week on the new job and then saturday did a day trip to Seattle to hand off some stampin catalogs and then go to the geekiest of all concerts – Video Game Live.  Yes, it is a concert at one of the large broadway theaters where there was a choir and orchestra performing soundtrack and theme music to video games of the last 15 years.  It was a complete blast!  My DH and I went with a large group of friends, which made it even more fun.  So, now I’m back and have designated Sunday “crafting day” where I am going to try to make progress on some of my projects.  But until I can get them posted, I wanted to say hello and leave you with a few more swaps I received that I think are great. 

    Created by Cindy Starns. I love the use of the build-a-brad!
    Created by Cindy Starns. I love the use of the build-a-brad!
    Created by Michelle Canzano. Ok, so where do I start on all the neat things about this card? The new cool Cosmo fine glitter? The great use of the hostess set itty bitty buds? (that was a lot of hand cutting, but it's a great effect) Of the way she used the large heart from the Love You Much stamp set as a background image. Overall, a great card!
    Created by Michelle Canzano. Ok, so where do I start on all the neat things about this card? The new cool Cosmo fine glitter? The great use of the hostess set itty bitty buds? (that was a lot of hand cutting, but it's a great effect) Of the way she used the large heart from the Love You Much stamp set as a background image. Overall, a great card!

  • A new job and a couple cards

    Its only been a day and a half and I already feel bad that I don’t have a blog post planned. 🙂  I started a new job yesterday and between that and racing home to place my first new catalog order, I didn’t get any crafting done.  So, today is just a quick post before I head in to work to share with you a couple of the swaps I recieved during a recent new catalog stamp set swap.  These are some simple but pretty layouts that I really liked.  Both use new hostess sets and Raspberry Tart DSP.  Kinda cool to see different uses for the same product.

    dreamalittle
    Designed by Debbie Flattum. This is the card that convinced me I needed the kiwi kiss/very vanilla satin ribbon. It was also neat to see the sweet stems embosslit.
    echoes_of_kindness
    Designed by Kathy Thisted. Very simple but pretty echoes of kindness using watercolor paper.

  • A non-traditional valentines’ day card

    scsbc_jan As part of my SCS blogging group, each month one of the members issues a challenge to the group.  For January, we were challenged to make a Valentine’s Day card without using red, pink, or white.  What a challenge!  I had a hard time wrapping my head around the idea that you could do such a thing. 🙂 Thankfully, when I sat down to start this challenge, I pulled out my scraps and turned up this Apricot Appeal DSP piece and suddenly my creative juices started going. 

    There are three things I’m really happy about on this card.  First, I’m using embellishments!  I love brads and buttons and ribbon and gems, but I tend to hoard them.  I end up not using them because I’m afraid I’m going to use them up.  However, I finally had that aha moment when someone else pointed out that there are always new and cute embellishments coming out, so if use up what I have, I can always get more!  The second thing is the base cardstock – Mellow Moss.  This is one of thos colors that I always looked at and then quickly moved past.  However, this time, it was perfect and I realized that I don’t need to always avoid that color.

    Finally, this is my first card that I’ve ever done stitching.  It all started because I had the bashful blue paper and thought “this needs something”.  So, I decided to go with paper piercing since I’m trying to learn when best to use it.  Unfortunately, I created the double row of piercings and hated it!  I realized that I have a box full of thread from back when I did counted cross-stich, so I figured what the heck!  I think it is a neat touch to the card and will have to try it again sometime.  I love when mistakes turn into new, even better things.

    Recipe:
    Stamps:     Love You Much, Fun and Fast Notes
    Ink: Chocolate Chip
    Paper: Mellow Moss CS, Bashful Blue CS, Very Vanilla CS, Kraft CS, Apricot Appeal DSP
    Accessories: Antique Brass brads, Heart Trio punch, Keytag punch, Mat pack, piercer, Scallop edge punch, stamping dimensionals, Ticket corner punch

  • My card party cards – Love You Much and more

    I just finished cleaning up my kitchen after my card party this afternoon (we stamp in the dining room since right now all my stamping stuff is on tv trays and a bookcase in there).  Today, in addition to the ladies who were stamping with me, their young daughters were with us as well (ages 4 and 10).  Now, the DH’s were in the living room “watching the children” while we stamped.  But like many guys, they got distracted by TV and video games, so the girls came in and wanted to make cards too.  Thankfully I have a HUGE pile of scrap paper and old stickers that I could never bring myself to throw out because “it’s still good, I might use it one day”. 🙂 So, I let them have at those items and some of my older stamps.  I have a feeling they might grow into crafters. 🙂

    Anyway, today we made 3 cards and one magazine holder for the cards.  I was going to have us make a box or bag but decided since I was in such a groove with the holders (and they are so multi-functional) that we should do that instead.  So, I wanted to share with you what we made.  I have to admit, the cards are CASEd off of some very talented stampers on SCS.  I wasn’t in the designing mood, so I found inspiration online.  Hope you like them!

     

    Love You Much card recipe
    Stamps – Love You Much
    Paper – Candy Lane DSP, Ridinghood Red CS, Pink Pirhouette CS, Chocolate Chip CS
    Ink – Ridinghood Red
    Accessories – Stampin Dimensionals, heart trio punch

    Just for You card recipe
    Stamps – Happiness always (hostess)
    Paper – Baja Breeze CS, Kiwi Kiss CS, Chocolate Chip CS, Whisper White CS
    Ink – Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip
    Accessories – Chit Chat rub-ons

    Celebrate You card recipe
    Stamps     – Party Hearty
    Paper – Jr Varsity DSP, Old Olive CS, Rose Red CS, Bashful Blue CS, Whisper White CS
    Ink – Old Olive, Rose Red
    Accessories – stampin dimensionals, rose red grosgrain ribbon, circle cutter, scallop edge punch, scallop circle punch, 1″ punch, 3/4″ punch

  • Playing with some Petal Pizazz

    So, I normally don’t go for big flower stamp sets.  I never know quite what to do with them.  But when the preview stamp sets where announced, I saw this stamp set and thought some of the flowers and elements could be fairly versatile and so I thought I would give the set a shot.  Maybe I would grow to love big flower sets.

    petal-pizazzI’m still figuring out ways to use the set, but my mom had stamped off some images onto a piece of white paper over Christmas using rose red, orchid opulance, and tangerine tango to use later, and I thought the color combo was great.  Her scrap paper inspired the flower backgrounds on this card and it just kind of went from there.  I love all the colors; its a bit of brightness in the grey winter outside.  I also can’t bear to leave it without a sentiment but haven’t figured out how to place it yet.  I think I will just stamp something small on the green DSP in black or chocolate chip.  But I can figure that out later.

    Recipe:
    Stamps:      Petal Pizazz
    Ink: Rose Red, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Orchid Opulance
    Paper: Tangerine Tango CS, Whisper White CS, Bella Rose DSP
    Accessories: Earth Elements buttons, Stampin’ Dimensionals

  • The jackpot of love

    Alright, I’ve made it home and in between trying to catch up on all my home life stuff (those piles of papers and clothes didn’t seem to magically put themself while I was away, darn!) I wanted to post up another card I made over the weekend.

     Game Night is a new Spring/Summer set that I bought because I thought it would be perfect for scrapbooking the multiple trips my DH and I have taken to Las Vegas.  We both also love board games – in fact my birthday party this year was a board game night at my house.   The set includes the jackpot stamp, the sentiments “game night” and “big winner”, card suits, chess rook, dice, and dominos.  Its something fun and different from all the flowers and bird stamps out there right now. 🙂

    jackpotNow about the card.  So, first off, I couldn’t seem to get the lighting to work in my favor and to show off the fact that the white rectangles with the red hearts are actually curved out in the middle (courtesy of pop-up glue dots) to look like reels on a slot machine.  This card was a challange to myself to use the new Game Night stamp set for a card; and not for a card that just says “game night” with no other purpose than to use the set. 🙂  My inspiration was thinking hitting the jackpot in love and since I always have to use the slot machines when I’m in Vegas, I naturally thought of the slot machine reels.  I’m still trying to figure out how to , in general, take my cards to the next level, but this was a fun way to play for now.

    Recipe:
    Stamps:  Game Night
    Ink: Basic Black, Ridinghood Red, Basic Grey
    Paper:  Ridinghood Red CS, Whisper White CS, Basic Grey CS, Kraft CS
    Accessories:  Pop-up glue dots, paper piercer, mat pack, corner rounder, sponges, heart trio punch, white gel pen, word window punch, circle punch

  • Making door prizes for a crop

    As I’ve said in prior posts, I’m visiting my mom this week to help her out with some events (a party for her on Tuesday and a Crop where we will be demo’ing a free make and take on Saturday). So, yesterday was my day to help make sure we had everything in order for Saturday. Somehow I ended up being focused on door prize items. She has a small bag of handmade items she is going to give away and I decided that she ought to have a couple cards in the bag as well.

    doorprize_stampsSo, I whipped up a couple of cards and then “wrapped” a stamp and ink set that is going into a bigger door prize basket. After wrapping the stamps, I’ve decided I’m officially obsessed with ribbon. I love almost all of the SU ribbon and keep obsessing over how to make a good bow. I have a feeling many of my cards in the future will be including ribbon. 🙂  Oh yeah, and the card on the left is using the new Sweet Stems stamp set.

    doorprize_cards

  • Just Buzzin’ By to show you a new sample!

    I have to admit, I never really thought much of bees as a stamping element or as particularly cute.  But when I started playing with this stamp set, I found they can be remarkably charming. 🙂

    Buzzin' By cardfront
    Buzzin' By cardfront

    I started thinking about what to make with this set and got inspired by the honey pot to use my crystal effects.  My favorite part of the card (because it was the most fun for me to create) was the honey pot on the inside of the card.  I got to do paper piecing and use crystal effects for an end result I really like. 

    Buzzin' By card inside
    Buzzin' By card inside

    To make this pot, I stamped the pot image on the white cardstock.  Then I stamped the pot image on some Lovely Lilac cardstock.  I colored in the honey part on the white cs using a watercolor pen and So Saffron ink.  Then I cut out the honey pot lid and the honey pot base minus the goopy honey drips and glued it down. Finally, I put down two layers of Crystal Effects over the honey drips on the white paper to make a shiny looking bit of honey!

    Recipe:
    Stamps: Just Buzzin’ By
    Inks: So Saffron, Old Olive, Lovely Lilac, Basic Black
    Paper: Whisper White CS, So Saffron CS, Lovely Lilac CS, Kraft CS
    Accessories: Waterpen, Stampin’ Dimentionals, Crystal Effects, Sponge