Sophisticated Serifs

 I like to remember my paraeducators at Christmas, who work so closely with the children I case manager and do a terrific job.  This year I needed to remember six people.  I decided monogrammed note cards when I saw this set in the new Occasions Catalog.  I chose not to use Stampin' Up!'s precut and scored notecards because I wanted them to be card sized (4-1/4" X 5-1/2"). 

 I embossed all the cards first using the Filigree Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  After embossing so many I became very good at lining the cardstock in the folder, making sure the embossing was centered.

Next, using the plastic grid I had previously applied to the back of Clear-Mount Block E, I lined up each letter.  At first it was tricky but when I applied the Photopolymer stamps directly on the grid side, it became much easier.  Then I added the little flourishes on each side. and was done!

Supplies:
Stamp Set- Sophisticated Serifs (a freebie for increasing my November sales!)
Paper- WW
Ink- Various SU markers
Accessories- Filigree Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Get Your Santa On

This little Santa is so cute and jolly.  I was drawn to him.  Using Blendabilities, he was fast to color in.  Add some Dazzling Diamonds, a greeting and some red matting and this card is done!

Supplies:
Stamp Set- Get Your Santa On
Paper- WW, Real Red
Ink- Momento Tuxedo Black, Real Red
Accessories- Blendabilities, Black Marker, Silver Marker, Dazzling Diamonds

Snowflakes

 If you have not yet been able to tell, I like red all year round.  I have a red house and a red car.  Some day I will get my little red sports car (had my children and a 2 seated just wasn't practical!)
These cards feature the Snowflake Card Thinlits Dies.  I also used the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder.  I can't decde if I like it in red or white.  You decide!

Supplies:
Stamp Set- Tiny Tiny Wishes, Snowflake Soiree
Paper- WW, Real Red
Ink- Real Red
Accessories- Snowflake Card Thinlits Dies, Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Word Window Punch, Rhinestones

White Christmas

Since I have been taking some blogging time off, I decided to update my header to let everyone know I was back.  This card was my inspiration.  The first time I saw this stamp set I knew I had to have it!  I played and played with it and this is the version I like best.  It is so serene and peaceful.  It reminds me of why I love New Hampshire.  The cardinals add a splash of color.  Dazzling Details add the sparkle.  It was quick and easy to make. 

Supplies:
Stamp Sets- White Christmas, Warm Words (retired)
Paper- WW, Soft Sky
Inks- Basic Gray, Real Red, Momento Tuxedo Black, various Blendabilities
Accessories- Dazzling Details

Holiday Home

This will be my first but not last card featuring the Holiday Home stamp set.  It is a Photopolymer stamp and I must admit I am really liking this type of stamp.  Obviously it is clear and you can position the image exactly where you want it.  It is also very sticky and once on a clear acrylic block, it doesn't budge until you remove it.  Stampin' Up! is also now putting them in clear-mount stamp cases.

This card was CASED from Debbie Henderson of Maine.  I found it in Stampin' Up!'s on-line site exclusively for demonstrators.  She made this a regular card.  I wanted to make a shadow box card and changed the background coloring.  The next card I make will have the moon on the other side since I shaded the right side of the house.  I also will try other backgrounds.  I remember a soot background that might be appropriate on this card.  Coloring was done use Blendabilities.

Detailed instructions on how to make a shadow box card can be found on SplitcoastStampers under tutorials.  This card uses (2) 4-1/4" by 5-1/2" pieces of cardstock that are scored on each short side at the 1/2" and 1" marks.  One piece has the circle cut out.  I find it easier to use a separate piece of card stock to stamp the scene and then adhere it to the card back.  This card will flatten and can be mailed using a standard size envelope.

School has started and I am going to try and post something at least once per week!  I can't believe this is the start of my 27th year with my school district.

Bloom with Hope Swap

Here is another card using Bloom with Hope.  The white edging was nicely done and the contrast with black is something I had not thought to do.  It was made by Sue Dillon from Sarasota, Fl.

More Beautiful Swaps

This is another card using the stamp set I Like You!  Joy Nelson from Aurora, CO made this card.  I like her use of color and the different accessories she used to layer for interest.

This card features the hostess set Bloom with Hope.  It was made by Sandy Carlson from Moorhead, MN.

Swaps

This stamp is Blended Bloom and is a great image to practice using Blendabilities.  It was made by Brenda Georgi from Plymouth, MN.

This next card features the hostess set I Like You and was made by Olivia Studley from Auburn, WA.

Bloom with Hope

Bloom with Hope is a hostess set that is very versatile and fun to color.  This card is one of my Convention swaps that I made for an organized swap using Blendabilitites.  In my upcoming posts I will share some of the amazing cards I received.

Supplies:
Stamp Set- Bloom with Hope, Papillon Potpourri
Paper- WW, Daffodil Delight
Ink- Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories- Daffodil Delight and Old Olive Blendabilities, Daffodil Delight 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder, Bitty Butterfly Punch

Swallowtail

I wanted to try a new technique for my Newport Ladies and decided to show them the Shaving Cream background technique.  I used a cheap can of white shaving cream and applied a 1" layer on a plastic coated paper plate.  I smoothed it out and added drops of Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, and Crushed Curry reinkers.  Next I took a knife and using the tip swirled the colors around until there was very little white peeking through.  Then I took WW cardstock and gently placed it on top of the shaving cream.  I lightly touched the paper making sure it was touching the shaving cream.  Next I removed the paper and wiped off the excess shaving cream with paper towels using a circular motion.  I found I did not have to remove all of the shaving cream because I used my heat tool and it seemed to melt the extra away.  The butterfly and greeting were stamped on a Window Sheet and applied to the shaving cream background with mini glue dots.  This card was a messy hit!
Supplies:
Stamp Sets- Swallowtail, Sincere Salutations (retired)
Paper- Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, WW
Ink- Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, Black Stazon
Accessories- Window Sheet, Glue Dots

Sneak Peek from new Holiday Catalog- For All Things (TSSC326)

I was fortunate to be able to purchase some new items from this year's Holiday Catalog earlier than most.  All Convention attendees were able to buy select items and take them home immediately! Yahoo!!  Fall is my favorite season so this new set was a must buy.

I have wanted to try the "Faux Leather" technique for awhile and this card seemed to be the one.  Detailed directions can be found on Splitcoast Stampers.  Basically you tear small pieces of masking tape and cover the cardstock.  Trim the edges of the excess tape.  Next sponge ink on the surface.  I used Hello Honey and Soft Suede.  Last, cover with clear embossing powder and heat set it.  The embossing powder will stick without any additional adhesive.

Supplies:
Stamp Set- For All Things
Paper- Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla, Color Me Autumn DSP
Ink- Cajun Craze, Hello Honey, Soft Suede
Accessories- Linen Thread, Button (retired)

Angry Birds Punch Art

 I needed some children thank you notes for my end of the school year gifts.  This year's group of boys were really into Angry Birds and Angry Pigs.  I googled "Angry Bird Punch Art" and was quickly rewarded with videos, pictures, and detailed instructions.  I did not rely on just one and modified them a bit.  It is amazing what you can make with paper and punches!

Pretty Princess

Here is the female version of my end of year thank you notes.  I had one little girl who loved princesses and the color pink.  I used the retired set Pretty Princess and my trusty watercolor pencils.  I thought the white bow tied on the side was a bit different and added to the overall balance of this card.

Supplies:
Stamp Set- Pretty Princess
Paper- Pink Pirouette, WW, Color Collections DSP Subtles
Ink- Stazon Black
Accessories- 5/8" WW Satin Ribbon

Night of Navy Bloom with Hope

I accidentally stamped on Very Vanilla and decided to discover if the Blendabilities would work on this color/weight paper too.  I was pleased that they did! I like the contrast between the blues and the vanilla.  Then I needed DSP that did not have WW.  Typeset was one of the few that used Very Vanilla so I gave it a try.  I did not want to use white Baker's Twine so I colored it Night of Navy using the darkest of the set.

Things I have learned about using Blendabilities.
1.  You must use the Tuxedo Black Ink by Memento.
2.  When using the darker colors such as Night of Navy, blending is a bit more challenging.  While at Convention I asked for any suggestions.  I was told that if you first saturate the area with the lightest color, blending is easier.
3.  Which size nib is up to the individual user.  I like using the smaller nib.
4.  Use just a little of the darkest color.  You can always add more color if you need it.  It is harder, if not impossible, to make something lighter.
5.  It is up to each individual as to which color to start with- the darkest or the lightest.  As a rule, I usually start with the darkest.
6.  Have fun!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets- Bloom with Hope, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink- Tuxedo Black Ink by Memento
Paper- Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Typeset DSP
Accessories- Night of Navy Blendabilities, Baker's Twine, Scallop Border Punch

Blendabilities

These have become my new favorite medium to color in stamped images.  They are not quite as easy as watercolor pencils (retired) but are never less fun and impressive to use.  Most of my Convention swaps were projects colored in using Blendabilities.  For the first time user, Stampin' Up! suggests that you use the Daffodil Delight or Pumpkin Pie sets.  Once you become comfortable with shading, try the other darker colors.  At Convention it was suggested that when using the Night of Navy set (release date 08/01/2014), to first color in using the lightest color.  That way the paper is moist and the darker colors can slide on and blend more easily.

Sweetbriar Rose

When the Blendablities were first introduced and I saw this stamp, I knew the two were made for one another.  This was fussy to color in yet very rewarding.  I love how the yellows blend so well.  I made 16 of these for one swap!

Supplies:
Stamp Set- Sweetbriar Rose
Paper- Daffodil Delight, WW
Ink- Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories- Pearls, Fancy Fan Embossing Folder

Most of my swaps involved lots of coloring and I needed something a bit more simple. This card was fast and easy.  I do not use purple very often and decided now was the time to use some of my Elegant Eggplant and Wisteria Wonder.  Again I matted WW on WW.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets- From My Heart, Flower Shop
Ink- VersaMark, Elegant Eggplant
Paper- Elegant Eggplant,Wisteria Wonder, WW
Accessories- Oval Framelits, Delicate Designs Embossing Folder, Pansy Punch

Convention 2014!

School is out and I have been busy making my Convention swaps.  I leave this afternoon on my big adventure!
This is one of my swaps using my new favorite medium Blendabilities.  I will talk later about the joys of using these amazing alcohol based markers that have just been released.
Calypso Coral and Crisp Cantaloupe are my favorite go to combination.  I used the hostess set Bloom with Hope.  It offers several florals to choose from and all are fun to color.  I really like the effect of mounting an image on a slightly bigger piece of Whisper White.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets- Bloom with Hope, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper- WW, Calypso Coral, Crisp Cantaloupe, DS Color Collections Subtles

Happy Watercolor with Butterflies

I cannot take any credit for this lovely card.  It is 100% CASED and unfortunately I do not remember where I found it.  I apologize for this faux pas.  I do like the bright colors and the simplicity.

Supplies:
Stamp- Happy Watercolor
Papers- Tempting Turquoise, WW
Inks- Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Tempting Turquoise
Accessories- Butterfly Punch, Rhinestones

I have decided to post once a week.  School is getting very busy and I do not want blogging to feel overwhelming.  Once school is over for the year, I will reconsider how much time I will have to blog.  I will try to post on Sundays.

I saw this older sketch and wanted to use the color combo of Elegant Eggplant and Pear Pizzazz to make a bright "springy" card (although some grass is peeking through we still have lots of snow in NH!).  I dry embossed the Elegant Eggplant using the Modern Mosaic embossing folder.  I cut the edge of the Pear Pizzazz card stock using the Finishing Touches Edgelits.  I do not use my piercing tool much but did on this card.  The Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack made it so easy to make a circle.  I stamped happy birthday in Elegant Eggplant and added the Petite Petals flowers.  In the center of each flower is a pearl colored in with a purple Sharpie.  The butterfly was my final touch.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets- Teeny Tiny Wishes, Petite Petals
Paper- Elegant Eggplant, Pear Pizzazz, WW, Garden Green
Ink- Elegant Eggplant
Accessories- Finishing Touches Edgelits, Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Pearls, Petite Petals Punch, Butterfly Punch, Purple Sharpie

Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge 308

I have not done a challenge in awhile and thought it was time to get some of my mojo back.  This week's Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge 308 looked interesting.  When I saw the strips on the left hand side I thought of my new never-used Retro Fresh This and That Designer Washi Tape.  I have been using a lot of butterflies lately and decided they would cascade down the other side.  I  randomly painted Coastal Cabana, So Saffron, and Tangerine Tango on water color paper then punched them out.  They needed some bling.  I used my trusted Sharpie and colored some rhinestones. For the sentiment I used  (retired) Wonderful Words.  This is not my usual style but it was fun to make.  Just what my mojo needed!

Supplies:
Stamp Set- Wonderful Words
Paper- Baked Brown Sugar, Coastal Cabana, So Saffron, Tangerine Tango, watercolor paper
Inks- Coastal Cabana, So Saffron, Tangerine     Tango
Accessories-  Retro Fresh This and That Designer Washi Tape, Bitty and Elegant Butterfly Punches, Rhinestones

Another Undefined

Here is another card I made using the self-made stamp.  I have lots of packets of DSP and thought this one was appropriate.  Lining the envelopes with matching paper adds a very nice touch.

People Like You

I was looking through some pictures of cards I had made for a class.  I searched my blog since I could not find the original card.  When I did not find it I realized I must not have posted it. 

The minute I saw this stamp I wanted it.  I loved how detailed the shading and texture was and how easy it would be to color.   The lilies could be several different colors.

I colored the flowers in So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Crisp Cantaloupe and Calypso Coral.  The stems were Pear Pizzazz. The sentiment was re-stamped, punched out, trimmed, mounted on Daffodil Delight, then attached using Dimensionals.  I had not used the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder in ages and I think it added texture to the matte.


Supplies:
Stamp Set- People Like Need
Ink- Black Stazon, So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Crisp Cantaloupe, Calypso Coral
Paper- WW, Daffodil Delight

UNDEFINED Part 2

Here is one of the designs.  The school's colors are blue (Pacific Point) and white.  I also used Gumball Green.  I thought using lined envelopes added a bit of class.

Here is another card.  I used Wild Wasabi and added Candy Dots.  The DSP was from my stash!

UNDEFINED

UNDEFINED was introduced at last year's Convention.  I thought the whole idea of making your own stamp was intriguing but was not overly interested.  Fast forward to November. 

The principal of the school where I teach developed an idea for reaching those students whom academics in the traditional sense had not worked.  Last year he had hermit crabs and one of my students was responsible for caring them.  It was amazing how this chore became so important to this child and gave him purpose.  This year he decided we needed a greenhouse.  Not just any greenhouse but one large enough to hold an entire class- 24' by 48'.  He named it the Living Classroom.  Fund raising began this Fall.  Donations to raise the $65,000 began to come in.  Thank you notes were sent out and consisted of a computer based design, on computer paper,  folded, and a short note included.  When I saw them I decided we could do better.  It has taken several months to get a design together, the stamp carved, and finally a card made.  Stay tune to see some of the designs!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

There is a very nice lady at school, grandmotherly  type, who remembers everyone's birthday with a card.   She has a candy dish on her desk which is always full of goodies.  My daughter loves it when she answers the phone because she is so sweet.  Her birthday is sometime in August- when school is not in session.  Instead of a birthday card, I make her a St. Patrick's Day card.  This one is for you Faith.

I CASED this from the Splitcoaststampers' Occasion Gallery.  It is a wonderful resource if you need a card for a special occasion but lack inspiration.  The original is by Glenda Calkins.

Gumball Green is the perfect green for St. Patrick's Day!

Petite Petals

I needed a second card for my last class and needed some inspiration.  I saw this card on Dawn Griffith's blog- Dawn's Stamping Thoughts in neutrals.  I wanted to try it with some color so chose Crisp Cantaloupe.  I liked pearls better than rhinestones and used them instead.  The bottom of this card swings open revealing the full page with "Birthday Wishes".

Supplies:
Stamp Sets- Petite Petals, Flower Shop
Paper- WW, Crisp Cantaloupe, In Color DSP
Accessories- Pearls

 I really am a bit embarrassed to admit that I have had the Label Pop 'n Cuts since Convention and have not used them once.  For my last class I decided the time was ripe and had fun creating this card.  Since I quit winter, I knew I had to use bright and sunny colors.  I started with Daffodil Delight as my base and also used Calypso Coral.  I stamped the swirl in Old Olive (Everything Eleanor) and then added three butterflies which I stamped on Calypso Coral using Stazon Black.  I decided to add a little glitter to the butterflies and adhered them to the card using Stampin' Dimensionals.  For the insided, I used the stamp from the Sale-A-Bration set You're Lovely and matted it on Calypso Coral.  I stamped three more butterflies and added them to the inside of the card.


Supplies:
Stamp sets- Everything Eleanor, Papillon Potpourri, 

  Everything Eleanor
  Paper- Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, WW
  Ink- Stazon Black, Calypso Coral, Old Olive, Daffodil      
  Delight
  Accessories- Label Pop 'n Cut, Glitter

MIA

This is my husband and me last week on our cruise in Mexico.  Warm, sunny.....
Did I mention warm, sunny, and beautiful? 

This is what we faced when we arrived back to New Hampshire.  ARGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!
I have officially quit winter.  I do not want any more cold, snow, or ice.  I do not want to get stuck in my own driveway again and have to be towed out.  I do not want anymore snowdays.

So if you thought I was missing because of my lack of posts, I was really in the Caribbean enjoying myself.

More of my Stamping Room

 I have ten feet of stamping space.  It is amazing that it is messy 95% of the time.  I have two shelves that hold my DSP.  My ribbon is in rain gutters by the drapes.  There is a narrow shelf between the laminate and the wall.  it is the perfect size to store frequently used punches.  On the wall above the shelf, I have towel racks from IKEA.  My older punches hang there.

 Here is the new flooring complete with paw prints.  I have a new dog bed and Frye, one of my three stamping companions, is checking it out.

My Valentines

Even though my room was in total disarray, I had to make Valentines for my kids at school.  I found the cutest Angry Bird candy jars on Joanne Travis' Sleepy In Seattle blog.  I have never met Joanne but she has a great blog.  I could not find small jars and found these canisters at Michaels.  As you can tell they are filled with M& Ms.  They were a big hit with the kids.  I had one extra that now sits at my desk and keeps me company.  It is funny how the M & Ms keep disappearing.

More of my room

 This is my very comfy chair that started it all.  I bought it two years ago and when it was delivered it did not fit in my stamping room.  After a few months I convinced my husband we should switch rooms.  He was using a small corner in the family room.  It made sense for us to switch.  I am so glad we did!

My room is very luxurious complete with a gas fireplace.  I love how warm and toasty it gets!

I am back together....kinda!

When I started packing up my stamp room I had no idea how much stuff I had.  My husband said if he had know how much ....  (not a swear word) I had, he would never have gone along with the new flooring.  For 2 weeks we have lived with the contents of my room in the living room, dining room, and kitchen.  There are a few things left in the dining room, but I am finally moved in.  I had hoped to do more purging but am happy with what I have accomplished!

This is the wall unit where I keep all of my stamp sets.  I have reorganized them now.  Originally I stored them in clear plastic shoe boxes and arranged them in alphabetical order.  I had so many stamps that I couldn't always remember the names of older sets.  So after listening to the "Get Organized Challenge" by Tiffany Spaulding I decided to try something new.  I came up with different themes- Animals, Nature, Family, Celebrations, Vehicles, Travel, Alphabets, Sentiments, and Calendar and sorted all of my stamp sets.  Calendar I thought was a unique way of organizing by season and holiday since the two can overlap.  I printed the themes on labels them cut them out using the Labels Collection Framelits.  My stamps now look neat, organized and hopefully easy to find.

Best Made Plans......

Well..... I should have known that chances were pretty good that things might not go as planned.  First the tiler cancelled because the grout was not in.  The next day we got a major snowstorm.  I give the tiler credit.  He did come eventually that day- snow and all!  He left, got all the materials, then came back.  That left half a day to move furniture and rip up carpet.  He did get a couple of rows down before leaving.  The following day he got it all down and on Friday grouted the whole floor.  Once he left, my husband and I were admiring it when my husband suggested the room be painted since the room was mostly empty.  While I agreed with his observation, this was not planned.  So I have spent the weekend painting the room, 3 bookcases, and my coffee table.  Now that I am totally exhausted, I will wait until tomorrow to slowly put everything back in my room.  Stay tuned for more  updates.

Under Construction- My Stamping Room!

My stamping sanctuary is currently being emptied of everything in preparation of the tilers arriving Tuesday to install ceramic tile that looks like hard wood.  Why not have hard wood floors instead you might wonder?  I have three dogs who have wrecked havoc on the present wall-to-wall carpeting, going in and out with dirty paws.  Ceramic tile should be easier to keep clean and look great too.

I will be unable to blog for at least the week.  It will give me the opportunity to purge and time to rearrange and get rid of stuff.  I will post pictures when it is done.

My Peek a Boo Card- Happy Watercolor

 I changed this card up slightly- Wisteria Wonder and Elegant Eggplant seemed like naturals for this card.  I love the tone on tone effect and the darker frame.  At first, I played around with the shape and size of the opening.  I wanted to use the frame from the Embossing Folders, Designer Frames but had difficulty getting the right size oval to line up in all the layers.  This first card was tricky, however, I think when I make another it will be much easier.

Supplies:
Stamp Set- Happy Watercolor
Paper- Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, WW
Ink- Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, BlackStazon
Accessories- Circle and Scallop Punches

Amazing Swap Using Happy Watercolor

 I participated in a swap recently with fellow demonstrators.  We used products from the new Occasions Catalog.  The organizer of the swap, Chrissy Ferron (one of my roommates from Convention 10 years ago!), sent this amazing card.  She called it a Peek a Boo card and the directions as to how to make it are on a video by Dawn Griffith on YouTube.  It took me awhile to figure out how to make it with my own twist but was well worth the effort.  I will post my card this weekend!

Supplies:
Stamp Set- Happy Watercolor
Paper- Coastal Cabana, WW, Foil Sheet
Inks- Coastal Cabana, StazonBlack
Accessories- On Film Framelits Dies

Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge 297- See Ya Later!

This is this week's sketch challenge.  I decided I wanted to use the Sale-A-Bration stamp set See Ya Later!  The sentiment "you make me HAPPY when skies are gray" suggested the colors Smokey Slate, Island Indigo, and Daffodil Delight.  I needed DSP and found Watercolor Wonder DSP that used these colors.
The card just went together after this.

Supplies:
Stamp Set- See Ya Later!
Paper- WW, Smokey Slate, Island Indigo, Watercolor Wonder DSP
Ink- Smokey Slate, Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight
Accessories- Scallop Punch, Grosgrain Ribbon