Well…did I get you with the subject line? Yep, I preformed some “SS” (Stampin’ Surgery) with my trusty scissors to break up this foursome. I admit I was feeling a bit guilty as my eyes looked at their smiling faces but after the first cut …I knew I had to keep going!

I am sure that many of you are gasping and say….I could (or probably would say would) never cut up my stamps….and I get it (in a way) but when you can get more mileage out of a stamp I say….why not ….GO FOR IT!

I am on a Leaders Group where Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators share thoughts and ideas….and this is where I saw this idea. I immediately when to this stamp (and the 4 critters were screaming) …pulled out my trusty scissors…..put a good light onto the foursome and went to town right on my workspace! DONE – I now have 4 stamps but if I still want to stamp them together….no worries – just push together!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This stamp set, We Must Celebrate is in the Occasions catalog. I blogged using this sweet stamp earlier (click here) and I loved it then….and again, I love it today! What do you think? It is super cute and it can be paired with so many sentiments that I think you can see the mileage you will get from it!

Here is another tip that is great about this stamp…look at the little “filler” stamps as I like to call them…the confetti and the little leaf are both great additions to tuck and add here and there with projects. To me, fillers are the little extra touch that makes projects “twinkle” and make that lasting impression!

You can see with the product line up that this sweet card came together with 3 different stamp sets. I wanted to encourage you to look at what you have and use it in a different way. For example, the Heart Happiness stamp is a very classic and useful stamp as we know that a “heart” is a classic that can be used all year long but the minute I saw the 6 little hearts….BAM – I knew that they would be used just like I did today….floating up!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s get to the real scoop and the tips and tricks that I did to make todays inspiration for you. I used a technique that I know seems a bit scary but actually it really is not – I simply masked the bear and raccoon. You know what I am going to say to YOU….

 

 

YEP, you need to practice…you just need to try!!!

 

 

When I mask I prefer to use a masking paper but you can easily use a simple post it note. The reason that I use a masking paper is that this paper can be used several times and I simply tuck the mask in my stamp set so if I want to do it in the future, my mask is ready to go.

 

 

 

 

 

If you are using a post it note…make sure that when you stamp the image…you are stamping on a part of where the “sticky is” as this is how it will hold tight when you “mask” and stamp the next image!

Below you will see a picture of the image sheet of the Stamp-a-ma-Jig….and yep, it is a critical part of making precision for adding my fellows! Because I used the “jig” I am able to see and tilt the critters to exactly where I want the next one to go. I think “tilting them a bit” adds a fun element.

 

 

 

 

 

I can hear many of you are sighing about the “jig” but it IS one of those basics that every stamper needs to have. I know that we do not use it a bunch but trust me, when you need it…it is not only a time saver…it is a frustration saver as with this simple piece of plastic…you can get PERFECT placement every time!

The coloring was a cinch with the Stampin’ Blends…these alcohol based markers make coloring FUN and don’t let that would “BLEND” get you in an uproar….you DO NOT have to blend when using them…just color if that is a comfort level to you….and if you want to blend…great – no rules…just do what YOU are comfortable with.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The best parts about these markers are that they color without streaks making simple coloring a rewarding experience and the other thing…they match our color palette perfectly, something that Stampin’ Up! does brilliantly! Make sure that when you use these that you are color over another piece of paper as the natural “bleed through” is a natural process of an alcohol marker!

Sentiment time…..where did this come from???? The Happiest of Days…which is in the good old Annual Catalog! I don’t know about you but….there are times (actually many times) that I feel bad for the Annual Catalog…..we all get soooooooo excited for it….it gets revealed to only have the Holiday Catalog steals its thunder and then the Occasion Catalog doing the same….remember – look in your stash and use what you have!

I have showcased this stamp set many time….click here and then click here….both some of my all time favorite cards…the simplicity of the open designs of this stamp make is great to create! Also…..the “jig” helped me make the placement perfect. (I know…many of you do not like this tool…but it really is not a bad guy)

 

 

 

 

 

 

A fun card like this can use a bold DSP to make the envelope shine. This is from the Tutti-fruitti DSP Stack, a fun and colorful pack! I admit, the picture does not do this pack justice as I think it appears super busy…but when you look at the paper (singularly) there are some fabulous finds….definitely a go to for my style of card making.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope that this post makes the start of your week with a beautiful smile on your face! I was super happy with it and I do encourage you to try your hand with masking. We all have sooooooo many stamps in our stash to mask with.

I will see you on Wednesday with another coloring fun project that I have been working on…..speaking of coloring – tomorrow I am having some “coloring therapy” with a dear friend that is on my team and we are doing some “continuing education” (I like the way that sounds…and John laughed when I told him) as we are going to a Copic Coloring Class. We can never stop learning and crafting…right????

I would love to send you this card and also this embossing folder…..they are my thank you gift for when you order with me this month. My current hostess code can always be found on the right side of my blog…but here you go to copy and paste – MGQ6RK9E….and please remember, I offer a very generous (well I think so) rewards program for shopping with me – it is a joy for me to send you freebies as heck – we all love a gift!

 

 

 

 

 

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