Northwest Stamper

Tag: display board stamper

  • Share the Love with a Clean and Simple Watercolor Wings Card

    Summer is flying by and if your schedule is like mine… I don’t have quite as much time to create and craft as I did when the kiddos were in school.  I have lots of projects in my brain… now to get them out on paper!  Ever have that problem? 

    Well today, I wanted to share a quick card that you can pull together in a flash when you need to send a little love but don’t have a ton of time or a ton of supplies on hand for that matter!  All you need is a little bit of ink, some white paper, and some scraps of glitter paper and ribbon!

    Project Tips for Creating This Card:

    • Take your basic Whisper White cardstock for your card base (cut to 8 1/2” x 5 1/2”, and scored at 4 1/4”). 
    • Grab your Sahara Sand ink pad and stamp a few splatters in the middle of the page using Gorgeous Grunge.  You don’t need a lot, just a couple splatterings will do!
    • Add a strip of scrap Dazzling Diamond glimmer paper and a scrap of ribbon like this fabulous Mini Striped Tip Top Taupe ribbon.  See, this is a perfect use for your scraps!
    • Create a butterfly!  Grab the Watercolor Wings stamp and get creating on a scrap of Whisper White cardstock:

    • Pick a great color combination!  I used Sahara Sand, Tip Top Taupe, and Elegant Eggplant.  Aren’t they so pretty?  But try out your favorite colors and you will be surprised how fabulous your butterfly turns out!
    • Kick up the shine by coloring with the Wink of Stella clear glitter pen over all the Elegant Eggplant ink.  Seriously, it looks fabulous in person!  Don’t forget about this great pen… it makes every project just a little more awesome.

    This stamp set is a hidden gem.  So if you have it at home – break it out!  You won’t be sorry. Smile  And if you don’t have it yet… it may want to go on your wishlist.  Just saying Winking smile

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  • Free Stamps & a Fun Idea for the Sunburst Die

    I suddenly realized this morning that June is rapidly flying by and that means the fabulous promotion for getting 2 free stamp sets added to your Starter Kit when you purchase it in June is also quickly coming to a close!  So I wanted to make sure to post a reminder for everyone!

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    How it works:

    • Decide you are ready to join the Fun Side by becoming a demonstrator – my Fun n’ Crafty Stampers group would love to welcome you!
    • Pick out $125 in product from your wishlist (easy, right?  with the new Annual Catalog) and head over to start filling out the starter kit info.
    • Pick out 2 MORE stamp sets you want to get FOR FREE (any value) and add them to your starter kit
    • Only pay $99 plus tax… Stampin’ Up even covers the shipping!
    • Get fun stuff in the mail and I’ll reach out to say welcome and get you added to our Fun n’ Crafty team FB group and more! Smile 

    With so many great reason to give it a try… why not try it out?

    2 Free Stamps Promotion ends June 30th!
    Get yours and your Starter Kit Deal here

    Fun Idea for the Sunburst Thinlit Die

    So, are you ready for some inspiration?  Maybe even some things to add to your starter kit Winking smile.  This was a card I created for my Stamp Club as a way to mix and match some supplies in my craft room that I didn’t normally think to put together.  Check it out:

    Fun things to try on this card:

    • Create a cool background with the Sunburst Die and Vellum!  I love the look of the sunburst die, but I wanted to do something a little bit different with is, so I used it to create a background pattern for my card.  The neat thing is that when you use Vellum for your sunburst, you can layer it over your cardbase and depending on the color of your base cardstock, you’ll get a cool muted color where the vellum overlays. 
    • Only adhere the vellum where it is covered – just a tip for gluing down your Vellum, only put the glue where the sunburst will be covered up.  So, in this case, I just glued down underneath the square and not all the way to the ends of the sunburst rays.
    • Create a frame for the sentiment of your card – I love doing this with my cards.  I stamp my sentiment onto a piece of cardstock and then on a SECOND piece of cardstock (slightly larger than the sentiment piece) punch out a window using a framelit (like the Circles Framelits for a card like this) or a punch.  Then pop up that cardstock with a cutout over your sentiment using Stampin’ Dimensionals for a cool layered look.
    • Add extra texture by using an embossing folder for your frame piece – I took it up a notch by using the Woodgrain embossing folder on my circle frame piece.  Now, word of caution – you want to put in as few shims as necessary when embossing with this particular folder because when you go to cut out your circle, you end up with skinnier areas of cardstock around the circle which will be prone to tearing if your aren’t careful.  Good news though, if it tears a little, you can always put a dimensional behind the tear and it will hold it together and hide the rip.

    I also created my colorful background for the sentiment by using the swoosh from the Work of Art stamp set and stamped in three different colors

    • Pool Party
    • Delightful Dijon
    • Wisteria Wonder

    But mix and match the colors to coordinate with the colors of your card!

    Try another color combination for the same card idea!

    I thought I’d also post another version of this card that I created for the April OnStage Display boards – I changed up the colors to make the emphasis Mint Macaron, one of the colors I needed to highlight for the boards.

    So you can see that changing up the colors on this design still looks great!  In this case, I used

    • Pool Party
    • Sahara Sand
    • Mint Macaron
    • Watermelon Wonder (for the heart)

    So give it a try and let me know what color combinations you discover and love!

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    Product List

  • Making Kites on Cards with the Swirly Bird stamp set

    If you have seen the Swirly Bird stamp set in the Stampin’ Up catalog, you may have thought to yourself that it didn’t look like much… or, like I did, what the heck am I going to do with these shapes?!

    But the amazing thing you’ll see if you start looking at cards using this set, is that you end up seeing so many different options and opportunities!  Kind of like life, right?  You look at the jumble of people and situations and wonder how it all comes together and yet, usually you end up being pleasantly surprised by some of the cool and unexpected ways things come together!  So, today I thought I’d share one of the first cards I made with the Swirly Bird stamp set… did you see those weird triangle shapes in the stamp image above?  Check it out… they turn into kites when used together!!!

    Tips for making this card:

    • Two stamps means lots of opportunity to play with color – Mix and match your colors for the striped part of the kite and the solid part.  I was focusing on Delightful Dijon as this was a card for the OnStage displays using that color, but play around with your favorite colors to find new and fun color combinations!
    • Cut out some shapes to help your kites float on the breeze – While there is a coordinating thinlit set, it doesn’t cut out the kite image or the little bows.  But don’t be dissuaded from adding this pop of dimension!  Here are a few of my tips for cutting out stamp shapes so they look great:
      Always leave some white space around the outside of your images! 
      When I first started cutting out stamped images, I tried to cut exactly on the outline of the image.  The problem with that is that I’m an imperfect cutter and so sometimes I would cut right on the line and sometimes I’d cut OFF the line, or leave a little bit of white.  Which in the end, didn’t look so great.  But when I would cut and always try to leave a little bit of white around the edges, you don’t notice when I’m slightly closer in one spot or a little farther away in others.  Plus, it keeps the clean edge of the stamped image in tact, so the image always looks great!
      Move your paper NOT your scissors! 
      This is another trick that blew my mind when I first started cutting things out.  If
      you are like me, you learned in kindergarten to open and close the scissors in the direction of where you want to cut.  And that works great if you are cutting strips of paper or other mostly straight lines.  It doesn’t work so well when you are cutting curves or in little detail areas.  So, now, I always start with my scissors open and slowly close them for my cutting, but with my other hand, I move my paper to change direction of the cut.  Moving the paper allows for smooth curves and can make it a lot easier to get in to those tight little spaces.
    • Cut up your dimensionals (and the edges of the foam dimensional sheets!) to pop up even the littlest pieces – I wanted my kites to be floating on the breeze, but then I had to figure out what to do with the tails.  Ended up being easy to just cut up some of the edges of dimensional sheets so I could pop up the thin lines behind a few of the bows on each string.  Seriously, it is easier than it sounds!
    • Try the other stamps in unexpected ways!  I thought the swirly images in the stamp set looked like birds nests or artsy flowers, but when working on this card, I suddenly saw clouds!  That is the beauty of it, you can make them whatever you want!  I used Soft Sky ink and then for fun, added a white sequin from the Metallic Sequins assortment to the middle of each with a glue dot.

    I loved how this card came together and hope it inspires you to give this stamp set a second look and maybe you’ll see some fun and unexpected combinations for an amazing project!

    And speaking of fun and amazing new products and projects, if you missed it over on my YouTube channel, I posted an “unboxing” video to walk through all the new ribbons, papers, accessories, kits, and many many new stamp sets!  In fact, I had so much I couldn’t keep it all in one box!  So, check it out and see if you find any unexpected favorites in there Smile

    Annual Catalog Unboxing and New Product Preview

    So, what do you think?  Have a favorite stamp or paper?  I love your comments and would love to hear from you on what your thoughts are Smile .

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    Project Supply List

  • A Few New Stampin’ Up Catalog Sneak Peeks

    As of yesterday afternoon, the ban has been lifted on me not being able to share new product details and pictures from OnStage and the upcoming catalog.  So, if you are following me on Facebook, make sure to watch my Northwest Stamper page there as I’ll be uploading a TON of display board pictures there later today.  So you’ll get to see A LOT!  I have a few more things to share here though as well-

    Retiring Products PDF is Up!  Sold Out items have been updated

    Retiring Products

    I love that some of the retiring products are on sale, because really I can’t pass up a good deal!  Plus, I’m sort of devestated by some of the items that are going away including:

    • Crystal Effects
    • Brayer
    • Word Window Punch
    • Dazzling Details glitter glue
    • Corrugated Cardstock
    • Scallop Circle punches
    • Wooden Expression Elements
    • Candy Dots

    But I’ve also seen the upcoming Annual Catalog and am excited about that too.  So, I guess I understand having to clear some space on the shelves for some new fabulous stuff.  Doesn’t mean I’m not going to still stock up on some of my favorites though. Winking smile

    Check out which of your favorites are going here:

    Retiring Stamps

    Retiring Accessories

    View a PDF copy of all the items including indicators of which items are sold out

    PDF Retirement List

    A few starter Sneak Peeks from OnStage 2016!

    So, while I sort through my photos and get them posted to my facebook page, I thought I’d share a few here for you to check out in the meantime.

    We got lots of goodies while we were there, including some fun make & takes, stamp sets, bags, and of course, the catalog!

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    I loved being a Display Board stamper, and especially seeing Caitlin’s fabulous face on the boards each time I walked by.  Isn’t she adorable? Smile 

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    I also loved this card that my friend Julie Davison created for the display boards… I totally need to get out my Bear Hugs stamp set and play some more!

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    Wanna see one of my favorite new items from the upcoming catalog? Eek! Isn’t this fox builder punch to die for?

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    Don’t worry, I’ll be back with more sneak peeks tomorrow!  Or see you over on Facebook for all the display board fun!


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  • Project Ideas for Stampin’Up 2016 OnStage Display Board Stamper Submission

    Project Ideas for Stampin’Up 2016 OnStage Display Board Stamper Submission

    I’m so excited to be headed to Salt Lake City in April for the first OnStage Live event in North America!  This is the new live event (think Convention) that Stampin’ Up holds to kick off the new catalogs, share new ideas, and get everyone inspired.  I’ll be headed there with a portion of my Fun n’ Crafty stampers team and know it will be great.

    This year, they are bringing back Display Stampers… so they have invited folks to submit some of their favorite/best projects that they think represent their style for a chance to be selected to create projects for the display boards at OnStage.  I thought it would be fun to throw my hat in the ring since I love creating; but my goodness it was hard to narrow down my favorites.  Here are a few that I think give a few ideas.  So, either way, I hope it gives YOU some inspiration!

    3 Card Ideas

    Card 1 – Balloon Celebrations

    For my first card, I thought I’d share one I made for our team swap using the Balloon Celebrations and vellum.

    I haven’t gotten the blog post written quite yet, but here is a close up of some of the details that are always so hard to see in the full card pictures:

    Balloon celebrations vellum celebrate card close up

    The strings and words are heat embossed on the vellum scalloped topped tag and then the balloons are stamped and punched out on top.  Then add a little bow with the Bermuda Bay stitched ribbon for a final touch.

    Blog post is up!  See more details for this card here

    Card 2 – Fun with Washi Tape

    This was a card I put together to show a couple different ways to use washi tape… as a background and with the masking tape technique to create the background Lost Lagoon stripes.

    It is a little hard to see, but the “thank you” is stamped on a Project Life grid card on the bottom and shows through a hole to the Project Life grid card that is covered in Washi Tape on top!

    Full blog post for this project here

    Card 3 – Bear Hugs & Party Pants Collar Fold Card

    I finally decide to add this card in because I thought it was a fun and different way to use the bear from the Bear Hugs stamp using a fold that hasn’t been used lately for your paper (the folded back Collar Fold).

    Party Pants Collar Fold bear birthday card

    So, Display Stamper Reviewers… those flowers are for you. 😉

    Also, it is hard to see, but I added Crystal Effects to the balloons on the patterned paper, which makes this paper EXTRA AWESOME!  Really, you should try it with your paper at home!

    Bear Hugs with Party Pants Birthday Card close up

    Whew, that was hard and there is so much more I want to show you now, but I guess I’ll have to wait for future blog posts. 🙂

    Full blog post for this card is here

    Scrapbook Page

    Next up, I needed to put together a scrapbook page.  I’m proud to say this came entirely from my brain and I am really happy with how it turned out.

    Legoland Pirate scrapbook page with Botanical Blooms paper 2

    I mixed the Botanical Gardens designer paper and the Corrugated Cardstock for my background with the Going Global stamp set to add color and boyish fun with the page.

    3D Projects

    Finally I had to put together two 3D projects… always the hardest for me!  But I still had fun playing with ideas for the recent holidays.

    Easter Gift Bag with Honeycomb Happiness and the Sunburst Thinlit

    I had so much fun playing with all my new stuff and the Gift Bag Punch Board to pull together this Easter treat bag –

    Doesn’t the Sunburst thinlit make such a great sun for behind our adorable chick?!

    Full blog post with all the details here

    Envelope Punch Board Valentine Owl Treat Bag

    I guess I’ve had a thing for punch boards lately.  This time I used the Envelope Punch board to create a little treat bag for Valentines.  Then I pulled out my trusty owl punch to make a cute little mascot for our project.

    Full blog post for this project here

    Bonus Card

    I LOVE this card but wasn’t sure if it would count because it isn’t the standard size – it is a 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″.  So putting here for bonus option just because I think you might like it too.

    Full blog post with VIDEO TUTORIAL here

    So thank you for stopping by and thank you to the Display Stamper Reviewers for checking this out and your consideration!  I can’t wait for OnStage!

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