Creative Elements

I had a touch of spring fever... and HAD to make a card with bright colors and some happy butterflies. I just HAD to, I am guessing that if you follow this blog, you probably understand.  Here I have combined Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral and Baja Breeze.  I used the Creative Elements Stamp set to stamp the butterflies onto the Whisper White card stock. 

Here you can see the stamp set.

Then I decided to add some depth to the card by adding the punched Elegant Butterflies. However, the butterfly stamp and my punch did not match. So instead I stamped using the Baja Breeze ink and card stock and the flower from Creative Elements. Then I punched it out with the Elegant Butterflies punch. I really loved the final result. A few Basic Jewels Pearls completed the butterflies. A little 1/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon finished the card.

 

 

For more beautiful butterflies, try the Papillon Potpourri Stamp set as well.

 

 

 

Look around, see what inspires you, and go create something new!



Petals-A-Plenty Monochromatic

One of the many benefits of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, is that I have the opportunity to see what other demonstrators are creating through special websites or pages. I saw this style card the other day and just had to try it!  I decided I was going to do mine in all shades of purple for a friend's birthday.  My card stock is Elegant Eggplant and the layer is Wisteria Wonder. 

To create the card, I cut the Wisteria card stock into strips and placed them in the Petals-A-Plenty Embossing folder side by side with no space in between.  Then just roll it through your BigShot like normal. When you take them back out of the folder, remember to keep them in order so you can place them on your card correctly. (Yes I admit, that was a quick lesson learned after playing puzzle with my pieces).  On this card I used the Labels Framelits to cut the background for the sentiment which comes from the Word Play stamp set.  I added the flowers using the Boho Blossoms punch which is definitely one of my most used ones.  The final touch was the Basic Jewel Pearls. 

After making the one above, I wanted to see the effect using different colors.  Here is one done with Wisteria Wonder, Wild Wassabi and So Saffron. Though I loved the color combination in a recent Easter card, I confess I was not as impressed with this result.

 

So things might not always work out the way you planned, but you are always better off for having tried something new, and you never know what you will discover along the way.  Keep Creating!

Flower Trim

Have you seen the Flower Trim in the Spring catalog? Here I have colored the flowers Rose Red using my Stampin' Up markers. Yes, you can color them any color you want to match your card stock. I just ran the marker across the tops until I got the amount of color I wanted. You can also fully dye them rather than just coloring them.  I wanted to keep the card very simple so the eye was drawn to just the flowers.  The vase is made from the Large Oval punch with a bit of a small circle punch out of the top. The words come from the Petite Pairs stamp set. I added Crumb Cake and Elegant Eggplant to the Rose Red card stock.


 I have seen the flowers used a lot of different ways. Here is a picture of what they look like in the package. 

The flowers are quite adorable on the All Dressed Up Stamp set and die cuts.

 

The possibilities are endless - embellish your cards and scrapbook pages, your clothing, you hair accessories, you name it!  I have also seen them layered along a frame.  So look around you, and see what needs a little flower to jazz it up!  Take some time to create today!

 

The Last "Swirly" Card

 

The last "swirly" card, at least for a while!  This was the last of my samples for my demonstration last week. I just love how the Elegant Butterfly punches pop from the Basic Black card stock.  Of course, I had to add some Basic Jewels Rhinestones to give a little glimmer as well.  The stamp is one of my favorites from the Word Play stamp set. 

 

So finally, how to make the "swirly" paper!

 

Here are your required materials, a paper plate or place for mixing, a stirring stick, one light ink, one dark ink. I tend to stay in the same color spectrum, but the possibilities are endless.  The final material is shaving cream.  Yup, the thick foamy kind. 

 

 

 

Flatten the shaving cream out a little bit and add a drop of each color.

Then with your stick, slowly go back and forth to mix the two colors, but doing it gently so as to not actually blend the colors. You want to see stripes in your shaving cream as shown below.

 

Then all you do is flop your piece of paper into the shaving cream. Here I have used the blossom punch with Whisper White card stock.

 

 

 

It only needs to sit there for a second or two. Then you can scrape off the excess shaving cream. If you have a large white spot and wish to have more color, just strategically plop it again. When satisfied, you can wipe it all off with a paper towel.  Here is your finished product.

 

 

If you liked this technique and want to learn more - check my events listings for the next Techniques Classes. I will be offering one a month, so sign up now because space is limited. 

 

Keep Stampin!

 

 

Accidental Hearts

 

Yes, another accidental card. I had been playing with the technique and had several colors out. For the Easter "swirly' card, I used shades of blue, green, red and orange.  So there I had them, all still on the table, and I wondered (this is where things happen or I get into trouble) what it would look like if I dunked my paper into all the colors. And poof - I had multi-colored hearts. Then of course I had to make a card with them. Here I layered the hearts on Whisper White, Regal Rose, and Certainly Celery. I ran the strip of Certainly Celery through my BigShot using the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. The stamp is from the Pursuit of Happiness set. The Full Heart punch was used as well. 

 

Don't forget to take a little time, even if it is only five minutes, and create something beautiful today.

Fabric Frenzy!

 

Wow - 50% is just plain crazy!!! So scoop up all your fabric now and start creating. This sale only lasts for one week and end on March 31.  There is no minimum purchase to get the discount either. So start shopping at www.HilarySmith.StampinUp.net now.

 

Page	Item	Description	Retail Price	Sale Price
170	126892	Essentials Designer Fabric	$29.95 US/$36.95 CA	$14.98 US/$18.48 CA
171	126893	Floral District Designer Fabric	$9.95 US/$12.50 CA	$4.98 US/$6.25 CA
171	126894	Comfort Café Designer Fabric	$9.95 US/$12.50 CA	$4.98 US/$6.25 CA
171	125411	Summer Smooches Designer Fabric	$9.95 US/$12.50 CA	$4.98 US/$6.25 CA
171	125412	Twitterpated Designer Fabric	$9.95 US/$12.50 CA	$4.98 US/$6.25 CA
171	122337	Timeless Portrait Designer Fabric	$9.95 US/$12.50 CA	$4.98 US/$6.25 CA
171	122336	Beau Chateau Designer Fabric	$9.95 US/$12.50 CA	$4.98 US/$6.25 CA
171	124066	Spice Cake Designer Fabric	$9.95 US/$12.50 CA	$4.98 US/$6.25 CA
171	122335	Flirtatious Designer Fabric	$9.95 US/$12.50 CA	$4.98 US/$6.25 CA
6*	129308	Tea for Two Designer Fabric	$9.95 US/$12.50 CA	$4.98 US/$6.25 CA
13*	129307	More Amore Designer Fabric	$9.95 US/$12.50 CA	$4.98 US/$6.25 CA

*2013 spring catalog

Serene Sillouettes Swirly

 

When dyeing the paper, I tend to punch out an item first, then just dunk that item. I wondered about doing larger pieces - and settled for a card front. I loved the effect using Island Indigo and Pool Party inks. I loved it enough that I really did not want to cover it up.  I wanted to keep it simple so that the pattern was not lost in the card. I stamped with Serene Sillouettes in Island Indigo. The greeting was made with the Petite Pairs stamp set, and the Large Oval and Scallop Oval punches. I added some Lucky Limeade cardstock for some more visual candy.

Here is another card with stamping directly onto the swirled/dyed paper. 

 

 

I hope to be starting a monthly techniques class to be able to share with you new ways to keep your cards fresh. Keep an eye on the events page for upcoming classes and events.

This and That - Sneak Peek Bundle Offer

 

Think of it as scrapbooking on the go!  Yes, Stampin' Up! is giving us another sneak peek of a product in the next 2013-14 annual catalog.  Introducing This and That, a journal designed so that you can add it it in an instant. From now until April 30, they are offering a bundle of five products at 15 % off.

 

Here's the bundle:

 

 

The bundle includes (from the top)

Epic Day This and That Designer Stickers

Epic Day This and That Journal

Remember This and That Rotary Stamp

Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape

Epic Day This and That Designer Series Paper

 

Order as a bundle as item 133350 for only $32.08. The items will only be sold as a bundle until April 30, so get your discount now while you can!  Shop my site now at www.HilarySmith.StampinUp.net or click on the Shop Now button on my blog.

 

Individual Items:

Item 131271 Epic Day This and That Designer Stickers ($4.95)

 

Item  131268 Epic Day This and That Journal ($10.95)

 

Item 130133 Remember This and That Rotary Stamp ($5.95) no, it is not your your everyday "date stamper"

Item 131269 Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape ($4.95)

 

Item 130814 Epic Day This and That Designer Series Paper ($10.95)

 

Isn't this just crazy awesome???? So what are you waiting for - start shopping!

Easter Eggs - Swirled

 

 

Yes, here are some more of the swirly designs.  I am sharing this technique with some fellow demonstrators this week and needed a few samples. So of course, I am going to share those samples with you too!  Remember though, my cards are here to get you moving in the right direction. Instead of the swirled paper eggs you could substitute three flowers. Replace the bottom piece with one that has been embossed. 

 

I love the colors used,  Certainly Celery and Pink Pirouette are the base card colors. The eggs were created using Island Indigo and Pool Party, Tangerine Tango and Daffodil Delight, and Rose Red and Pretty in Pink.  I hope to have step by step instructions on how to make these in a few days. I confess I was rushing to get them done and did not stop to document (with photos) the steps to make the cards.  So stay tuned!

 

 

Easter Basket Treats

This would make a great table decoration for your Easter dinner! Add a little name tag if you want to pre-arrange your seating.  These little baskets would also be great gifts for just about anyone at Easter, for your hostess, co-workers, teachers.  I cannot take credit for the design, a fellow demonstrator created it.  But I had fun copying it and sharing it with you! If you are interested in learning how to make this basket, please comment below and I will see if I can schedule a quick class for those interested.  If you prefer to let me do the work - I am taking orders for these. You can message me or email me at MightyOakStampers@yahoo.com regarding placing an order. 

Below are some other items I am offering for Easter treats. Candy tubes filled with M&Ms or Jelly Beans.  Contact me today to get your order in!

By the Tide - CASEd

Yes, if this card looks familiar, I CASEd my own card. :o)  Okay, it happens, but that is how you come up with new designs.  Using the By the Tide stamp set, I used the stamp with all the words and stamped Baha Breeze ink on to Baha Breeze card stock to create my own patterned paper.  Other colors used were Very Vanilla and Early Espresso.  I added a piece of the 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Early Espresso. 

This was one of the cards included in Saturday's Stamp-A-Stack.  If you didn't make it to that one, keep your eyes on the calendar for the next one coming up!

No Excuses - New Price for MDS

 

So if you have been holding out on trying Stampin' Up's digital products? No more excuses! Stampin' Up! has reduced the price to just $19.95! Yes, go ahead and read that again, only $19.95.  That includes over $500 worth of downloaded stamps, punches, and papers that come with the software. If you still aren't sure, you can still take advantage of the 30 day free trial. Another bonus of MDS is that you don't have to wait months to see what might be in the next catalog. Stampin' Up! releases new downloads every Tuesday to keep things fresh and interesting and current. MDS is not just for scrapbooking either - you can use it for cards, invitations, facebook pictures, gifts, party supplies... whatever you think up!

 

Want to see what other people are creating with MDS? Check out the separate website www.MyDigitalStudio.net to see what you could be doing. If you are way behind on scrapbooking, this is an awesome way to catch up. If you love the depth or layers of your pages, go hybrid! That is when you create your base layers including background papers, photos, and mats in digital format. Then you add your traditional layers of embellishments and ribbons. If you want to do the free trial, or if you are ready to jump into MDS with both feet (a fun method) you can shop 24/7 at www.HilarySmith.StampinUp.net.

 

Sunshine And Sprinkles

 

If you have seen the Sunshine and Sprinkles Designer Series Paper in the Spring catalog... you probably thought, that is for babies!  Take another look below.

Yes, there are some super cute whales that coordinate with stamps, die cuts, and clips. And they are just adorable for welcoming a new little bundle. However, look at those fabulous bright spring colors in the rest of the pages.  Sometimes I love to tame them by pairing them with a great neutral like Crumb Cake.  This way the eye of the card recipient goes right where I want it to... the bright colors and the heart.  Go ahead and take another look at this Sunshine and Sprinkles Designer Series Paper, it is just perfect for Spring time cards!

Sneak Peek at the 2013-2014 catalog!!!

Stampin' Up! is offering us just a little peek at what is inside the next big catalog - yippee!  They are releasing the A Round Array stamp set which coordinates with the 7/8' Scallop Circle punch. 

Here are the stamps - super cute!

 

To order them - here are the item numbers:

Item 129090  A Round Array Stamp set clear mount for $14.95

Item 133899 Spring Surprise Bundle (stamps and 7/8" Scallop punch) $23.95

 

You can shop 24/7 on my website www.HilarySmith.StampinUp.net

Butterflies Spring Catalog

 

I am so enjoying all the wonderful treasures in Stampin' Up!'s spring catalog!  However, I am sad that Sale A Bration is going to be wrapping up shortly.  Have  you checked  your catalogs for any last minute purchases that would help you get those free items?  March 22 is the last day of Sale A Bration this year, so make sure you place your order by then to get your free items. 

 

This year there were so many fabulous choices in the flyer.  I used the Sycamore Street Designer Series paper to punch out an Elegant Butterfly. I love the paper so much, I am having trouble using it at times. I know that when it is gone, I won't be able to get it anymore!  (Stock up!)  I love the rich colors in the paper collection.  Above that, using the Swallowtail set,  I stamped in Tangerine Tango on the same color card stock. I love the subtle shadowy look which keeps it from overpowering the rest of the card. The greeting is from one of my favorite stamp sets, Pursuit of Happiness.  It is actually embossed in Pool Party so had a shiny raised effect on the card.   The card base is Island Indigo.

 

I hope you have had a chance to enjoy Sale A Bration this year. If you want a chance for some more free products before it ends, you can shop my site www.hilarysmith.stampinup.net any time of the day!

 

 

New Photopolymer Stamps

Have you heard? Stampin' Up! is introducing photopolymer stamps. Photo-what-imer?? Yes, in plain simple language - the clear stamps that you can see through!  The set above is the first to be released and is called The Designer Typeset Stamp Set (item 132956  which is 57 stamps for only $13.95).

I confess I have not tried them yet - but am hearing good things from other demonstrators who already have them.  If you want to see more of them, here is a link to the blog post about them on the Stampin' Up! blog.

http://www.stampinup.com/home/blog-post/corporate-blog/2013/03/07/photopolymer-stamps-a-love-story

I know that many people like the clear see-through stamps because you can see exactly where your design is going to end up.  I expect that they will be a higher quality as well because that is what Stampin' Up! is all about.  If you are ready to try the new photopolymer stamps, you can shop any time of any day at my website www.hilarysmith.stampinup.net.

Sponging and Serene Silhouettes

Did you see the card a couple days ago with the tree silhouette? I had mentioned sponging first and then stamping. This one was better captured on film. I used my Oval Framelits to create a stencil this time and then sponged with Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party, and Regal Rose. Then I stamped using the Serene Silhouettes set.  I layered my Whisper White on Wisteria Wonder Cardstock.  For another element, I added 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon in Whisper White.  I still had a few of the swirled butterflies flying around my office, so yes, one landed on this page with some Basic Jewels Pearls.

Take some time today to do something fun! Even if it is just doing a silly dance for one minute...  you will be glad you did!

Stamp-A-Stack

So have you signed up for the Stamp-A-Stack on Saturday yet? What are you waiting for???  Here are the four designs we will be making. And yes, there is some flexibility. If you want all Birthday cards, we can do that.  We will make three of each design for a total of twelve cards. If we have enough time, there will also be a bonus card! The cost for the class is only $15.  Class is this Saturday, March 16 from 2-4pm.  Please email me at MightyOakStampers@yahoo.com by Wednesday, March 13, to confirm your spot and to get directions. I hope to see you on Saturday!

Serene Silhouettes Red Bird

Sometimes a card just pops into my head. Does that happen to you? I had this set out with other cards already mulling in my mind. As soon as I looked at this stamp, I knew one of the birds had to be red!  This is the resulting card.  I love the muted colors of Crumb Cake and Early Espresso offset by the bright Real Red. It reminds me of seeing Cardinals in the long months of winter - that little bit of brightness and cheer in the grays of winter always makes me smile.  For anyone now wondering, no, I haven't always lived here in North Carolina. But back to the card....the greeting comes from my "go to" set Curly Cute.  The card needed a little something more so I added the Natural 7/16" Trim Ribbon.

This is a great neutral card that you could have made up in advance. Just leave space to add your greeting when you need it. 

Serene Silhouettes

Sometimes, my camera just can't fully capture a card.  This is one of those cards - the background behind the trees is actually muted shades of Old Olive, Daffodil Delight and Pool Party.  The stamp set Serene Silhouettes is perfect for this style of card stamping over a sponged background.  The oval layers were easy as pie using the Oval Framelits from Stampin' Up!  The greeting comes from the Especially for You stamp set.  I added a little more dimension using the Natural 7/16 Trim Ribbon, with a Naturals Designer Button and Linen Thread.

Hopefully you will come to one of my classes so you can see this card displayed. I had a blast designing it and am hoping you enjoyed it too!  Don't forget to make some time for you this weekend and see what you can create!

Punch Art Easter Bunny

So here was my first attempt at creating a punch art item on my own.  Punch art is just that - using punches to create something new. For card stock I used, Crumb Cake, Pretty In Pink, and Basic Black. To create the face, I used the Full Heart punch. The ears were made with the Scallop Oval and Large Oval punches. I used the 1/2" circle and the circle from the Itty Bitty Shapes punches for the eyes and nose. The candy bags are a huge hit around any holiday or birthday. They are only $2.50 for 50 of the 1"x8"  bags. (item 124134 page 161 in the annual catalog). 

I hope you enjoy this little bunny - I will be trying to find all kinds of ways to help decorate your Easter table this season. 

Swallowtail Basic Black and Pumpkin Pie

Yes, I had to try it!  There are so many things you can do with this Swallowtail stamp. In a previous card, I mentioned the fact that you can easily stamp with only part of the butterfly showing and have it turn out beautifully. But I wanted to see what it would look like using the whole stamp. Here I stamped in Basic Black on to Pumpkin Pie card stock.  I cut out the image and then layered it on Basic Black card stock.  This would be a great "stock up" card to pull out for any occasion. 

Simple Swallowtail

So simple - but so beautiful. Who would not love receiving this card?  Here it is shown in two versions. Using just the Swallowtail stamp and a greeting you could whip up a bunch of these cards to have ready.  I used the Bring on the Cake stamp set for the Happy Birthday greeting.

Here it is stamped with Island Indigo ink on to Pool Party card stock.

 

I also tried it using the Basic Black ink stamped on Regal Rose card stock.

 

 

 

Though the larger stamp can be a little intimidating to some, this is a great starter card too because it does not require a lot of materials or techniques to create a beautiful card.

First Friday Swirled Butterflies Card

So here is one of the cards that we made on Friday night.  The technique of the evening was turning our white butterflies into Regal Rose and Rich Razzleberry swirled butterflies. We were having so much fun with the Elegant Butterfly punch, we decided to add the Blossom punch too. Then the following card was created!

This is also an example of CASE-ing (Copy And Share Everything).  The design is very similar to the first. The Whisper White card stock was removed and the flower was added using the Blossom Punch and the Boho Blossom punch.  The first card had the Basic Jewels Pearls added to the butterflies. The second card felt like it needed a little sparkle so the Basic Jewels Rhinestones were added instead of the pearls as you can see below.

 

I hope you enjoyed the cards here. I have been thinking about offering a strictly techniques class once a month and would love some feedback from you.  If this is something that you might be interested in, please email me at MightyOakStampers@yahoo.com or leave a comment below.  Thank you and keep stamping!

Stampin' Up! Offering an Online Class!

Wahoo!!!  Stamping Up has come up with this wonderful way to bring classes to you. We understand that it is hard to get out to classes all the time, even though it is more fun to stamp with others. With such hectic schedules, it can be hard to juggle one more activity like a class. So if that feels like you - check this out. For only $14.95, you can download a class to your computer, filled with lots of tips and tricks to get the most out of your supplies.  It is divided into six sections that are focused on a variety of topics, including videos, step outs, and supply lists for over 30 projects!!! Wow, that should keep you busy for a very long time.

If you are interested in trying the online class - it is now available as item 133385. You can shop 24/7 from my website www.hilarysmith.stampinup.net. 

Stampin' Up! is making it easy and affordable to take a class right from your own home when it is convenient for you.  Please don't misunderstand however, I would love to still have you come stamp at my classes as well, along with sharing new ideas, it is a great way to meet new friends with the love of crafting in common. 

So whatever your time allows you - even if just a minute - keep creating!

Best of Series - March Flowers!

Here's the third stamp set in Stampin' Up!'s "Best of" series to celebrate their 25th Anniversary. What a wonderful selection of flowers.  If you are interested in this set, it is available as of today. Just add item 133342 to your shopping cart. The set is just $14.95.  You can shop 24/7 at my website www.HilarySmith.stampinup.net