July Technique Card #3

Well today's post is going to be super short.  Due to being on the road and all this traveling.  Here is the last card from my classes this month.  I did not set out to make a patriotic looking card but this is what I ended up with.  The only thing that is the same as my original vision is the sentiment.  I needed a card that said congratulations and that is where I started.

This card used the following supplies:

STAMP SET:  Sassy Salutations
PAPER:  Whisper White, Night of Navy, Real Red, Gold Glimmer Paper
INK:  Real Red, Night of Navy
ACCESSORIES:  Star Framelits, Banner Framelits, Big Shot, Star/Hearts Mask, Sponge Daubers

I used the Star Mask to get all those tiny little stars on the red card stock.  For this project, I used sponge daubers to create all those tiny stars.  When you use sponge daubers to apply the ink to the paper, you can create a more solid shape.  That was the effect that I was going for in this card.  

At first, I was afraid that my customers would not like this card.  But when they saw it, the were excited and came up with a number of ways they could use this card such as cards for veterans, those in the military, graduation cards ( changing these colors for school colors) cards for those people born in July, and the list goes on.  I love it when my classes brainstorm and see how they can tweak my designs and ideas.  I feel that is what it is all about.  This card was the perfect example of what Stampin' Up is all about, Inspire, Create, Share.  Enjoy the day!

July Technique Card # 2

Although Convention does not start until Thursday, I started on my way today.  My husband, a friend and I are driving out to Utah.  It will take a number of days to get there but we are going to stop and visit various fiends of ours along the way.  

But in the meantime, I would like you to see the second card that we made this month at my July Technique Class.  With this card, I was demonstrating how you use the Masks.  One way is to sponge over top of the Mask to apply the color.  If you look at the section down at the bottom of the card, you will see yellow polka dots.  I created those by sponging on top of the Mask.  

The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS:  Zoo Babies, Itty Bitty Banners
PAPER:  Whisper White, Basic Gray, Smokey Slate, Daffodil Delight
INK:  Daffodil Delight,  Smokey Slate
ACCESSORIES:  Circle Framelits, Itty Bitty Banner Framelits, Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Daffodil Delight Seam Binding, Dimensionals

Gray and yellow or any color with gray seems to be a hot color combination for baby bedding right now.  So this card fits right in with what is trending.  I had no intention of making a baby card for class this month. But as I went, the card just seemed to go in that direction.

Oh well, we will be driving for the next couple of days.  But I will be posting, so keep checking back.  Enjoy the day!  Salt Lake City here I come! 

July Technique Card #1

In the middle of getting ready for convention and our vacation, I managed to squeeze in a technique class.  This is one of the cards that we created at that class.  My theme this month was "MASKS".   Stampin' Up has placed in their catalog this year, 2 different sets of Masks or stencils as us old folk used to call them.  So my class consisted of showcasing the two different sets of masks but also show how you can create your own masks.  I used the Heart Border punch to create my own mask for this project.  You can see them on the right side of the card.

The projects that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS:  Petite Pairs, Embellished Events
PAPER:  Whisper White, Silver Foil , Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer
INK:  Versamark
ACCESSORIES:  Beautiful Baroque, Embossing Folder, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Heart Border Punch, Silver Embossing Powder, Heating Tool, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals

The layout is from this week's Mojo Monday Blog.  I saw on Mary Fish's blog a card she designed using the heart punch on the side and my mind just came up with this card.  Mary's card was a western theme and not even close to an elegant card like this.  But for some reason my mind went to an elegant card which would be perfect for a wedding or anniversary card.  I like this card and my customers really liked this one too.  This is not all what I had in mind when I was thinking about the cards for this class.  But sometimes when making cards, I find that the idea I started out with, is not even close to what I end up with.  And that is how every card in this month's class turned out.  

Another busy day before our vacation starts tomorrow.  But please check back because I will be posting pics of my swaps.  I plan to post some pics from convention also if it does not get too crazy there.  Enjoy the day!

June Technique Card #3

Here is an easy but impressive looking card using another technique.  I used a graduated sponging technique that fills in the white space.  That technique helps to soften the large white area.  I think it is quite effective with this card.

The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SETS: Summer Silhouettes, Kindness Matters (retired), Petite Pairs
PAPER:  Whisper White, Pool Party, Rich Razzleberry
INK:  Pear Pizazz, Melon Mambo, Pool Party, Rich Razzleberry, Memento Tuxedo Black
ACCESSORIES:  Sponges, Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie Blendabilities

I did cheat a bit on this card by using the butterfly from Kindness Matters.  I thought I had the stamp set Pappion.  But I did not but I thought it needed something to fill in the empty space up in the corner.  I guess that is the next stamp set I need to order.

Today is a three kid day and they are all playing quietly right now.  Which I do not believe but am grateful for because I can finally finish this post that I started last week!  Enjoy the day!

June Technique Card #2

Because I was focusing on backgrounds this month, I decided to demonstrate a watercolor wash.  I remembered seeing this card.  I did not save it any place so I do not know who it belongs to.  But I thought it was stunning and I knew I had to show my customers.  They loved it too.  

The supplies that I used for this card were:

STAMP SET:  Lovely As A Tree, And Many More
PAPER:  Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Watercolor Paper, Very Vanilla
INK:  Memento, Early Espresso, Soft Sky, Pear Pizazz, Old Olive, Soft Suede
ACCESSORIES: Burlap Ribbon, Candy Dots, Aquapainters, Itty Bitty Banner Framelits, Dimensionals, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Big Shot

I loved how this turned out and my customers were amazed how easy it was to make this Watercolor Wash background. It is such an easy way to make your backgrounds look more dimensional.  They loved it and have told me that they intend to do more since they know how to now.  

I am planning to continue working on  my swaps for convention today.  But the most important thing I will be doing today is to watch "The Chew".  Although I will be working on the swaps, I will stop when The Chew comes on because I was in the audience that day when they taped this episode!  Hopefully there will be a shot of all of us sitting in the audience.  Well I am off, it is going to be another crazy day!  Enjoy your day!

June Technique Class- Card #1

Did I ever tell you that I was not going to buy this stamp set and was talked into it by my friend.  Well for someone who did not want to get this set, I am sure getting my money's worth out of it!  I love it and am so glad that I bought it.  I have used this stamp set for a number of different occasions.

This month's Technique Classes were all about backgrounds and how you create different effects.  This technique I called "MARKER SPRITZ".  I wanted the background to look like water with a number of colors.   I created the background for the octopus using the clear bock and various shades of blue markers.  I took the clear block and colored all over the clear block with the different shades of blue.  After coloring the block with random colors, I used the Spritzer filled with water and spritzed the block with the water.  I then placed the block down onto Whisper White card stock.  Voila!  And there is your background!  If you look closely,  you will be able to see that I used different shades of blue.  

For this project I used:

STAMP SET:  Sea Street
PAPER:  Night of Navy, Real Red, Whisper White, Early Espresso, Maritime DSP
INK:  Night of Navy, Early Espresso
ACCESSORIES:  White Baker's Twine, 1" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Pinch, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Circle Framelits, Big Shot, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Dimesionals, Clear Mount Block, Spritz Bottle, Pool Party, Coastal Cabana, and Lost Lagoon Markers

I think he came out pretty cute.  But then, I have fallen in love with this set.  This is an off week at our house.  No kids until Friday and then it is only 1.  It feels strange but I am enjoying the extra time to catch up on my stamping.  I am working on my swaps for convention.  Will show you that closer to Convention,  Enjoy the day!

October Technique Class Card-CArd 1

Well, they say the computer is fixed and it was not the hard drive.  But I am still having problems so hopefully it will co-operate with me until I am able to get all my information onto another computer.  Since I do not understand how that part works, I am relying on family to help me add everything over to a different computer.  We started last night but was only able to transfer my photos.  I need to add a few other programs to that computer so I can add my other info.  I just need to get everything backed up because I need to have access to my projects.

Anyway...enough of my problems.  Today's card is one that we will be making this month at my Technique Classes.  This month's theme is "Autumn".  We will be making Autumn themed cards this month that can be used for all occasions but have a "fall" feel to them.  This card is using the "PAINTER TAPE" Technique.  I love the rustic effect that it gives to the card.  The sentiment and the leaves from the stamp set "Gently Falling" also make the card a little bit more whimsical.  This is a great card to give someone during the Autumn season for any occasion such as birthday, sympathy, thank you, ect.   

If you are interested in attending any of my technique classes this month, contact me.  I will be holding a class tomorrow morning at 9:15 AM and Wednesday @ 7 PM.  There is still space available in each class.

I have all 3 little guys today.  I can not believe everyone is playing quietly while I get this quick post done.  I am now off and running.  It will probably be a very very busy day.  Enjoy your day!

August Technique Class- Card 2

This was the second card in this month's Technique Class.  This one seemed to be a winner with my customers.  The stamped image was made using the Hostess Set, SIMPLY SKETCHED.  I love this stamp set.  It is such a versatile set.

If you look very closely, you will see that the button I used is Pool Party.  You are probably wondering where I found that  button because there is not a button like that in our catalog.  I made it or rather changed the color of the embellishments.  That process was the technique that I demonstrated this month.  The way that I colored it was to
1.  Cover the button with Versamark
2.  Pour Colored Embossing Powder over the Versamark covered button
3.  Heat the embossing powder
and voila! You are now ready to use the colored button to embellish your card.  This is a great technique to match your embellishments to your cards.

 The supplies that were used for this card were:

STAMP SET:  Simply Sketched
PAPER:  Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe, Early Espresso, Baked Brown Sugar
INK:  Baked Brown Sugar, Pear Pizazz, Crisp Cataloupe, Baked Brown Sugar, Staz On, Versamark
ACCESSORIES:  Wood Grain Embossing Folder, Circle Framlits, Big Shot, Blender Pens, 2-1/2" Circle Pen,Very Vintage Designer Buttons, Pool Party Embossing Powder, Heating Tool, Linen Thread, Dimensionals

This past week has been a rough one and I have been unable to post as regularly.  I plan to do better next week.  Hopefully, kids, dog and  me will be more healthy.  I take the pooch back to the vet today to check her stitches.  There seems to be a problem with them and we hope that they can do something for her.  It seems that it is always something.  

Tomorrow I will post the last of the Technique Class cards.  Next week I will post the cards for the next Holiday Stamp A Stack scheduled for September.  There is a lot going on so please check back.  Enjoy the day!

May Technique Class- Card 2

I hope all of you had a very nice Mother's Day.  Mine was very nice.  Both my daughter's, their husbands and the 3 grandsons went out to eat.  It went very well for taking 3 kids that are 2 and under in age out to a restaurant.  It was a nice day.
  
This the second card that we will be making this month.  This is the third different color combination that I tried with this card.  After all of the experimenting with colors, I hope you like this one.  This card was done using the "WHITE WASH"  Technique.  I started out using shades of yellow and orange to start with and ended up with the final card using various shades of pink.  

 The theme for this month is "EMBOSSING".  It amazes me how many different things you can do with embossing.  This month was really fun for me.  I trying new and different things with embossing.  Embossing is one of my favorite things to do when creating a card.  If interested in attending any of my technique classes this week, please contact me for more details. 

Enjoy the day!

May Technique Class -Card 1

This month's theme for Technique Class is "EMBOSSING".  I decided to do the "Chalkboard Technique" for one of the cards this month. Right now it seems to be big everywhere I look.  On the cover of one of my magazines I received the other day, the background was done in the chalkboard technique.  It is a very easy technique to do.  

If interested in attending a Technique Class on Tuesday @ 9:15-11:45 AM or Wednesday @ 7-9PM  contact me to join us.  There is still room in those classes.

Enjoy the day!

April Technique Class- Card 3

This is the last card that I created for April's Technique Classes.  This "NOVELTY CARD" was created for a woman.  This idea also came from a swap that I received at a Regional or Leadership Event.  The reason I do not remember is that I have had this card in my possession for about 2 years.  I have continued to look at it and try to think how I could use it in a class but it was not until I saw the Spring Catalog that everything I was thinking about fell into place.  

As you can see, I used two of the greatest (in my opinion) accessories available in the Spring Catalog.  As I looked at the original card that I had, I could see that Doily and the Flower Trim would be perfect for the neckline.  Looking at this card, reminds me of my Grandmother.  Her dresses always had these fancy lace collars.  I also used a retiring product, the Subtle's DSP Pattern Pack in Baja Breeze.  Baja Breeze is a color that will be retiring at the end of May when the 2012-13 catalog is no longer available.

This card would be great to use for a Mother's Day card but since my Mother passed a number of years ago, I decided to turn it into a birthday card.  Today is my day off from watching any of my grandsons so I plan to get a lot done today.  Enjoy your day!

April Technique Class- Card 2

 
 This month's theme for Technique Class was "Novelty Cards".  From the outside this card does not look like it would come under the theme of a novelty card, but look what happens when you open the card.















The presents jump out at you!  Isn't that adorable?  Kids would love this card.  Well, I think anyone would enjoy this card.  It looks complicated, but once you have the dimensions and you do it once, it is not as bad as it looks.  I do have to admit that the first time you look at this card, you feel overwhelmed.  But that feeling goes away when you see what you have created.

This month has flown by.  I have had too many extra activities that I have had to do this month.  A lot of my friends and family's children are either getting married or having babies in the upcoming months.  It is a wonderful time in all their lives but it makes for a crazy time trying to keep up with it all.  Tomorrow I will post the last April Technique Card.  And then after that I will start posting some sneak peeks from the new 2013-14 Catalog which you will be able to order from beginning May 31.  Enjoy the day!

April Technique Class- Card 1

This month's theme for Technique Class is "NOVELTY CARDS".   At least once a year I hold a class where we make a more novelty type of card more so than a technique.  I thought that Novelty Cards this month would be good especially with Mother's Day and Father's Day approaching fast.  I can not take credit for this card at all.  This was an absolute case from a card I received as a swap card at convention.  It came from Penny Ginnery.  When I saw the card, I told her that I would be using it at one of my classes.  Although the sentiment says Happy Father's Day, this card could be used for any occasion by changing the sentiment.  The card is made up all from punches and framelits.  I will be holding classes next week on Tuesday and Wednesday and also on April 27.  If interested, please contact me.

This a short post because I am leaving for Baltimore in 2 hours for a Stampin' Up Regional Event.  I am so excited.  Gotta go  and finish packing.  Will post again on Monday when I get home.  Enjoy the weekend!

January Technique Class- Card 2

I love glitz but sometimes it can be so messy trying to put it on a card.  I have a quick and easy way to get those "Glittered Backgrounds" that I like so well.  In the past I have tried to glitter larger areas and it had been disastrous. Then Stampin' Up came out with Adhesive Sheets and my problem was solved.  The supplies that I used for this project were:

STAMP SETS:  Nature Walk, Blooming Kindness
PAPER:  Midnight Muse, Very Vanilla, Old Olive
INK:  Midnight Muse, Old Olive, More Mustard, Crumb Cake
ACCESSORIES:  Wide Oval Punch, Midnight Muse Stitched Ribbon, Pearl Jewels, Dimensionals, Adhesive Sheets, Dazzling Diamonds

My customers loved it.  They especially loved the easy way to glitter a large area and it was not that messy.  After you peel off the side adhesive and the sticky area is exposed, you just pour the Dazzling Diamonds over it. Voila!  A glittery, glitzy area that puts a WOW on your card.  

My days have been so full the last few weeks because I all the babysitting I have doing for my Grandsons.  I am enjoying every minute of it.  I am working on organizing myself better so I can keep up with my blogging.  That has been my New Year's resolution to be better with keeping up with my blog.  So please be patient with me.  I truly am working on being more consistent.  Enjoy your day!

Technique Class Card #2

I posted the second of the second card that we worked on this month in my technique classes.  This card uses the Faux Patina Technique.  I love this card!  The technique really creates a unique look that I think is so old world looking.


The supplies that I used for this card were:


STAMP SETS:  Nature Walk, Petite Pairs, En Francois
PAPER:  Always Artichoke, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Whisper White
INK:  Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Always Artichoke, Early Espresso
ACCESSORIES: Sponges, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder,  Brayer, Big Shot, Versamark, Gold Embossing Powder, Always Artichoke and Regal Rose Markers


Although you can not see all the colors of ink that were used, all the inks were layered to create that old antique look on the cardstock.  I made this card for a friend of mine who just retired.  When I get back from my trip, I will give it to her.  I think she will like it.  Enjoy the day!

May Technique Card- Card 3

This is the third card that I came up with for May Technique Classes.  This is a "Circle Moving Card" which is quite interesting to make.  Although it creates a neat effect, it is a card that takes a little more time and concentration to make.  If you look at each picture closely, you will see it is the same card.
Look where the purple tab is.  If you move the tab around, the picture changes.


I used the "Bordering on Romance" stamp set which was in the Occasions Mini but is staying on in the new Catalog.  I am glad it is staying because there were so many stamp sets that I loved and bought in the Mini but did not get a chance to use.  So now I decided to pull it out and use it.  I think it looks perfect for this card.


If you are wondering how I did this, be sure to attend one of the 2 technique classes left this month.  It is a great month to make cards.  I am off to get more stuff ready for the Yard Sale this weekend.  Enjjoy the day! 

May Technique Card- Card 2

 As I said before, I really like the cards this month for Technique Class.  Although I like all the cards I make, I just think this month's cards make me smile because they are a little more special with the extra component of movement.  I also like this card because I stretched myself by trying a new color combination.  I had to go with  Baja Breeze for the DSP because I needed to find a color that I had enough  pieces for all  my customers attending Technique Class.  From there I needed to find colors that would coordinate with the DSP.  I was really pleased how the color combo turned out.  I did use Pear Pizazz for this card.  Pear Pizazz is one of the In Colors that will be retiring at the end of this month.  

This is called a "Flag Card"  and you can tell why by the inside of the card.  I used the stamp set "NATURE"S WALK"  which is one of my favorite stamp sets.  I am so happy that this set will be around again this year.  I was glad that SU did not retire this set at the end of this catalog.


I plan to send this card to my Sister-in-Law for her birthday.  I hope she likes it.


Well I am off and running again today.  I have a big day planned.  After my Physical Therapy this morning, I am coming back home and going through things in the attic for a yard sale which is happening on Saturday.  I need to get rid of some things that I have been holding on for too many years.  I need to make some room up in the attic.  So I will be very busy this week but I will be posting more projects that I have been working on.  So check back.  Enjoy the day!

May Technique Class-Card 1

I am so excited about the theme of the technique classes this month!  The theme this month is "MOVING CARDS".  I can't wait to show my customers how they can spice up their cards for special occasions.  

I was trying to think of something special for Father's Day.  This Slider Card I think does the trick.  It is a very simple card to make once you have the dimensions.  I used the "Best Day Ever" stamp set and the Happy Father's Day stamp from the "Delightful Dozen" stamp set.  Thank goodness these sets will still be around in the New 2012-13 Catalog.

I will be hosting three Technique classes this month.  

Saturday May 5, 2012 @ 9-11:30 PM

Tuesday May 15, 2012 @ 9:15 - 11:45 PM

Wednesday May 16, 2012 @ 7- 9:30 PM

We will be making 3 cards using 3 different techniques that will create movement in your cards plus the technique cards which gives you directions for each technique.  

The cost is $10 for the class or $5 if you purchase $25 worth of product.  If you would like to attend my technique classes, please contact me.

I can't wait to post the next 2 cards that we will be making.  Check back for those posts in the next couple of days.   Enjoy the day!

Look Familiar?

This card should look familiar to you because I did post a similar card previously.  But sometimes you make a card and then think of how you can change it up and make it even better.  In my case, I needed to make a card for my third technique card in February.  No matter how hard I tried, I kept coming back to this card design.  I really liked the color combination.  


What I did to step it up a notch by adding colored Glimmer Paper.  The technique here was the Colored Glimmer Paper technique and I think that it really added to the card.  


To color the Silver Glimmer Paper is very easy but it can pack a big punch.  To color the Silver Glimmer paper, you need to take a darker Re-inker and aquapainter and paint the re-inker all over the Glimmer Paper.  You can use a Heating Tool to set the re-inker into the paper.  


The supplies that I used for this card were:


STAMP SET:  Mixed Bunch, Delightful Dozen
PAPER:  Whisper White, Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade
INK:  Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade
ACCESSORIES:  Blossom Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Modern Label, Certainly Celery Taffeta Ribbon, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 2 Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds


If you are wondering where I used the Modern Label Punch on this card,  look very closely at the Poppy Parade Flower.  On Dawn Oshefske's blog, she experimented and discovered that the Modern Label Punch fits inside the petals of the Blossom Punch.  Isn't that fantastic!  With me punching out the Colored Glimmer Paper using the Modern Label and placing it on the petals, it really added to this card.  Sometimes it is really fun to start out with a very simple card and then start adding different techniques and see how you can punch up a nice good and make it really great!  I am off to teach a class this morning.  Enjoy your day!

Swap for Columbus Regional

I guess you have been wondering why I have not posted lately.  Well the truth is, I have caught ANOTHER virus!  This one had me in bed from Sunday afternoon until this morning.  I am still not up to snuff but I wanted to at least post something.  


This is a picture of the swap that I made for Regionals in Columbus this weekend.  I love this color combination and so I tend to make cards with this combo.  The supplies that I used for this card were:


STAMP SETS:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Fabulous Florets, En Francois
PAPER:  Pool Party, Island Indigo, Whisper White, Glossy White
INK:  Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Island Indigo
ACCESSORIES:  Waxed Paper, Finial Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Sponges, Dimensionals, Iron


The Waxed paper was run through the Big Shot in the Finial Embossing Folder and then I ironed the waxed paper impression onto the Glossy White Cardstock.  Then I sponged, Island Indigo, Pool Party, and Lucky Limeade all over the the Glossy side of the cardstock and wiped off the extra ink.  That is how you create that mottled look.  I love it.  It adds more texture to the piece.


Well the day is long and I am exhausted for my first day up.  I am back to bed.  Enjoy the rest of the day!