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PALS Blog Hop…CASE the Catty!!!

by | Feb 8, 2017 | PALS Blog Hops, Uncategorized | 33 comments

Welcome to the Pals Blog Hop for February 2017. We are thankful you stopped by to take a look at our 2017 Blog Hop monthly themes.  This month we are CASE’ing a project shown in a current Stampin’ Up! catalog. After all, with the Annual, Occasions and Sale-a-Bration catalogs available right now, there is much inspiration from which to choose. We hope you enjoy our creations.

You may just be starting the Blog Hop or may have come from the previous link from the Line-up on the Pals Blog Hop listing shown below.  The full lineup will help you move along from blog to blog so you may see all the projects.

 

 

Today’s card I am CASE’ing from the Occasions Catalog from page 54…on the lower right corner! I took the liberty to tweak it a bit but I am just goo-goo over this bundle!

In the sample that is in the catalog you can see that they used this specialty paper to make a bag BUT the other reason that I chose this was the fact that I love that they have used the icons of the different suites to make the stamp set that I used, Suite Sentiments Stamp Set works for all of these bundles….BRILLIANT for Stampin’ Up! to do this!

 

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This is a super basic layout and the best thing is…you can get (2) cards out of one layout! Reason being…..you are cutting a triangle in half! The Watermelon Wonder was a 4″ X 5 1/4″ and then the DSP was 3 7/8″ X 5 1/8″. Make sure that you cut the triangle separately BEFORE you adhere them together!

 

 

 

 

 

Did you notice the sprinkles? I ask you, do you own the Whisper White Ink Pad? – If not – YOU NEED IT…as it is one of those “secret weapons” that I agree that you will not use a bunch but when you need it – it is GREAT to have! This gave a very subtle look and feel before I stamped the sentiment over top!

 

 

If you follow my blog (I hope so) you know that I LOVE my envelopes! When there is a specialty paper, you use it sparingly and today…I think “I did it proud” This is such a fun and unique bundle that will go for years and years!

 

 

 

 

 

I scream…you scream – we all scream for ice cream!

 

You all have a BUNCH of hopping to do…..so go have FUN….there is always so much talent out there so be a huge sponge and take it all in.

Thanks for visiting. To continue with the hop, please refer to the Blog Hop Line-up below. We hope to see you on next month’s Pals Blog Hop! 

 

  1. Mary at Stampin’ Pretty
  2. Peggy Noe at Pretty Paper Cards
  3. Michelle Quinno at Shell Stamps
  4. Rae Harper-Burnet at Wild West Paper Arts
  5. Beth McCullough at Stamping Mom
  6. Patti MacLeith at Papercrafts by Patti
  7. Wendy Klein at Doggone Delightful Stampin’
  8. Amy Hoptay at Craft Carnivore
  9. Susan Itell at simplestampin.com
  10. Karen Hallam at Karen’s Stampin’ Habit!
  11. Kim Jolley at Stampin’ Artfully
  12. Karen Gooch at Inker’s Workshop
  13. Jennifer Spiller at Westside Paper Creations
  14. Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
  15. Tricia Chuba at ButterDish Designs
  16. Sue Becker at RnR Stamping
  17. Pamela Sadler at Stampin Pink Rose
  18. Karen Zaring Browning at Stamp With Me KZB
  19. Lynn Tague at Beyond Beaches & Blessings
  20. Shawn de Oliveira at ShawnStamps.com
  21. Angela Curry at Kindred Stampers
  22. Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven’s Retreat
  23. Jeanie Stark at Just Stampin’
  24. Mary Hanson at Up North Stampin’
  25. Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
  26. Becky Retzer at Just in Thyme

 

 

 

Tips for your Tuesday!

by | Feb 7, 2017 | Tips and Tricks!!!, Uncategorized | 35 comments

Tuesdays are becoming as fun and popular as my 2 day weekend post! I just love to share tips and ideas as we all have the same passion in stamping and we all love to learn from one another…possibly use it…possibly tweak it a bit….possibly share something completely different for us to learn!

Today is all about getting to know your stamps/bundles and stamp the images and place the dies (if it is a bundle) on a sheet of computer paper or our card stock. I do use the thin Whisper White card stock and then place the sheet in a plastic pocket and into a 3 ring binder it goes!

I think we all can agree that this is a great bundle and there is A LOT to….so…. GET TO KNOW your purchases ~ Take the time to condition your stamps…..cut the dies out and place them on a piece of paper….you are not only more likely to use it more but it will help jog your memory for odds and ends that you might use on other cards!

 

 

 

 

 

I am a HUGE believer in these magnetic sheets from Stamp-n-Storage…they are the best as they are SUPER STRONG and SUPER THICK. I always use my P-Touch Label Maker to label all of the details. I will share with you that I am learning as I go….as I always put the number of framelits on the sheet and I also label the item number and price so if it is ever to get discontinued, I have all of the information ready at my finger tips for selling them.

 

 

 

 

I know that this looks like it is a huge piece, but it really is a regular piece 8 1/2″ X 11′ and it has just about everything, even 1″ circles of the coordinating cardstock. On the right is a swatch book that I make up and sell with Product Shares and THEY ARE EVEN more of a lifesaver as I use DSP on all sorts of projects!

 

 

 

 

Here is a shot of the die cuts. Aren’t they just adorable? I take the time to use paper that works with the DSP as again, this makes it so much easier when you sit down to have some “me time” I do hope that you try this with a bundle that you have. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to pick up a catalog and flip through looking for a specific shape.

I find that having a visual makes it so much easier for me and also I find that I use my stamps / bundle more once I have gone through this condition/play thing.

Is there anyone else out there that has stamps that they have never used….these poor guys just sitting on the shelf because you were super excited to get them when they first came out but then you keep looking at it and say – what am I going to do with this?!?!?

 

 

 

 

Now the next 2 pictures will show you the stamps…..and next Tuesday I will share with you a video on how I condition my stamps for ultimate coverage. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to pull out a new stamp and get all excited, only to have it not stamp clean and crisp!

For this reason, this is another reason why I create these sheets….do I do them for all of my stamps/bundle – NO. I usually do them for the ones that have lots of shapes/images or also the very detailed ones. When you have a stamp that has a very flat image like these ice creams….they can be super frustrating to get a good crisp image BUT IT CAN BE DONE…..just like anything else in life, you have to take the time and patience to make it work for you!

Next Tuesday, I am hoping that you will gain some insight on how to make a clearer, sharp stamp…..each and every time!

 

 

 

 

Look how clean and crisp the sentiments are….it is because I condition my stamps and by taking the time in doing sheets like this – I can have then all ready to go when I need to stamp in a hurry. I know that you will enjoy the video next week, I have not made it yet but I really want you to see how you can do it.

I do have a MISTI and I do love it, but all of these images were done with a good old acrylic blocks! YOU an have success and great coverage.

 

 

 

Well, there you go! Do you like this idea?

 

 

I bet  that many of you think I am nuts to do this….but honestly it has all of my stamps ready to go with a great stamp and I have a better idea of the die cuts! I am tellin’ you – try it with a big stamp set like this one because there are so many elements to this great bundle and then having this quick reference will be a life-saver…trust me!

I am sure that you have some 3 ring binders floating around your home and if not, go to the dollar store. I do like sliding these down clear plastic sleeves that fit a 3 ring binder this way you can flick through and see what you have!

Tomorrow is the Pals Blog hop and I hope that you will POP on in and then HOP…HOP….HOP to lots of inspiration! Have a super day and have fun organizing……you will smile!

 

 

 

A super sweet foxy Valentine!!!

by | Feb 6, 2017 | Uncategorized, Valentines | 29 comments

 

Need a super cute Valentine? Well, I think I have one for you today! This little fox is just adorable and just look at how classic, cute and just FUN this is!

I only had a couple of sheets of the hearts paper so I needed to think how could I maximize this paper to make as many cards as I wanted! Later in the post you will see the measurements that will make sense to you for my reason of stretching my papers!

I decided to play along with a challenge, The Paper Players….so I invite you to pop over to this site to see some Valentine inspirations! I am always in awe with the talent out there!

 

 

 

 

I will break this down for you in case you wish to CASE it. I did use an extra layer of white paper but you could easily eliminate that step but I adore paper and to me, it makes it when you hold a “solid” card in your hand!

I knew that the ‘Peeps” would love the traditional Real Red but this is where you can have fun with this little guy…make him whatever your heart desires!

 

 

 

 

I love pictures like this so you can see the angles of layers. It goes back to that thing we talk about often, it is the little extra special touches that make a difference. Trust me, once you get in the habit of trying to add a touch – you will try to play a game with yourself and say…what can I add that is simple yet fun!

 

 

 

This is a paper stack that is useful all year long. I am sure that many of you have it once it first came out so I say  – GO PULL IT OUT and have some fun with it!

 

 

You can see that I used the Wood-grain Embossing folder to make a quick banner and then today O did (3) dashes and (3) dots to go around the fox!

I thought that this sentiment lends itself to this little fox, (I love the font) and the message – perfect for Valentines! The heart was from the Endless Thanks but you could also use the little heart that is on the Owl Punch….ask me how I know….I made a boo-boo and the “Owl Heart” is a perfect coverup!

 

 

 

I think that this is a smile maker and I know that my “peeps” are going to love this card. Hannah always loves a card with this dear little fox and this is a set that I will always keep as it is so quick and easy to make a whimsical card with an endless array of sentiments!

I think that the size of the fox is the thing that makes it works for so many different projects. He would be a perfect toppers for a “nuggets” bag of chocolates and it would be adorable on one of the white boxes!

 

 

Here you go with the quick dimensions! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions and if you do not have this paper, no worries ~ just use what you have!

  • The card base is an A2 in the vertical 4 1/4″ X 5 1/2″
  • The white piece is 4″ X 5 1/4″ (this is the step that you could skip but I love the layers)
  • The heart paper is 3 3/4″ X 2″ and then the lower DSP is 3 3/4″ X 3″ (I like to use Tear and Tape to hold these 2 together)
  • The white stamped piece is 2 1/4″ X 3″  and then matted with real red a “smidge larger” ~ 2 3/8″ X 3 1/8″
  • I stamped an extra head and then POPPED it up with dimensionals.
  • The embossed banner is 1/2″ wide and then the end trimmed with scissors

 

 

 

I know that we are all over the place about creating Valentines….some of us love to send them….some of us are not as much of a fan! I can remember when I was little that I LOVED Valentines Day and I always was waiting to see which Valentine a boy would give me….do you remember if there was a conversation heart that said “be mine” you thought that he liked you…a BUNCH!

I guess that I get it honestly about making homemade things…as I always gave homemade/handmade Valentines and I did the same with my children. Looking back at it, I am glad that I carried that tradition as they are wonderful memories!

Have a super day…..let’s all have a great week and I hope to see you back tomorrow for your Tips for your Tuesday! 😀

 

 

 

Step It Up Sunday!

by | Feb 5, 2017 | Step it up Sunday!, Uncategorized | 28 comments

 

Day # 2 of our weekend fun….and I am excited to hear your feedback. We all know that there are many ways to makes changes and it is a fun way to stretch our creativity and also help us “step out of the box a bit”

If you remember earlier in January I shared with you that I was going to try to tuck some doilies on some cards as I have seen many great ideas using then but to be honest, it was not my style but then I thought….I can make it work for my style of clean and simple cards! I was very pleased with this card but the real reason is this great bundle!

I used this bundle last month for my “Classes to Go” and it was very well received. Not only is it very “on trend” it is filled with great sentiments and that bumblebee – adorable!

 

 

 

So….here you go – side by side….YOU decide! The additional steps that I took for today were truly very minimal but I do think that it gives the card a totally different look and feel. The pictures are great but what is even better is to make it and “feel it” to see the beauty!

 

 

 

 

The above picture is “ok” but the color is a bit off and in the other pictures you will see the clarity and beauty of the card. I think that it is the Very Vanilla that makes is work. Please do not get my wrong, there is nothing better than a crisp white card….but there are times that the warmth of Very Vanilla just works!

 

 

 

 

One of the biggest changes I made was to use the “dot stamp”  that is on the bundle and stamped it in Versamark. The below photo will show you the difference between using ink vs. versamark!

 

 

 

 

Enjoy these pictures and then I will share with you the dimensions for this card! It is the same as yesterday except for the “up grades” today. What are the upgrades….easy – the doilies and the linen thread.

 

 

 

 

When I went to put the doilies down on the DSP….I felt like it blended too much in the DSP and as a result, I was not happy with it. Then I thought – add a circle behind to make it pop….that is what I did – I added a So Saffron Circle that fit perfectly in the doilies and it just MADE IT (in my opinion) 😀 ….just sayin’

 

 

 

 

Here is your picture to pin and I do hope that you CASE it…this is a fabulous bundle and I think that this card could also go for so many different cards that we make – it would be great as it is, a birthday, a sympathy card, a get well etc…..

 

 

 

Here is another peek at a different angle but here is what you really want….the dimensions!

  • Card Base is Very Vanilla in the vertical
  • The Bermuda Bay is 4″ X 5 1/4″ and then adhered and the edges trimmed off
  • The dots were stamped with Versa Mark…(REMEMBER, this is my FREEBIE this month)
  • The DSP is 3″ X 4 3/4″
  • Add a circle behind the center of the doilies and then add some strong adhesive and add the linen thread
  • The dragonfly was adhered with glue dots

 

 

 

Thanks for popping in….I do appreciate your time and while you are here, feel free to shop in your jammies and remember we are FULL STEAM AHEAD with Sale-A-Bration…so please take advantage of this great opportunity!

 

Here is a “funny” for you!

Around 5 yesterday I went to the grocery store to pick up a couple of things…WOW – the parking lot was FULL….I walked in and there were no carts…..I really did not need much so I knew that I could carry it…I walked down the dairy aisle and someone was stocking the shelf so I decided to chat with him. I said, “Wow it looks like Christmas in the store”.….with it being soooooo busy.

He looked at me and said….

 

“There is a NFL event this weekend”

I thought that I would BURST out laughing….like REALLY  – it is SUPERBOWL day!!!!! Did you all hear that Big George Bush is doing the coin toss….amazing as he was in the hospital just a week ago…..speaking of amazing – Luke is singing the National Anthem and I am sure Lady Ga-Ga will give us a colorful halftime show!

Let’s ALL have a great day!