Stamp With LisaT

Two More Days!

Just two more days to earn your FREE Sale-A-Bration products or to take advantage of Stampin' Up!'s discounted startup package!

The economy might be slow now, but the crafting industry is still going strong! Take advantage of this great opportunity to start your own rubber stamping and scrapbooking business for just $169! To learn more, click here or you can contact me directly so we can set up a time to talk.

Don't miss out on this year's great Sale-A-Bration products. View the brochure of free items here. Each $50 that you spend on Stampin' Up! merchandise will earn you a free product. These items are only available until March 31 and they cannot be purchased.

Here's a quick project to share with you today - it's a gift card holder that I made for one of the teachers at my daughter's school. She coached a ton of grade-school cheerleaders on her lunch hour, and everyone performed so well (and loudly!) at the big charity basketball game. All of the moms chipped in to get her a Thank-You gift card, and of course I volunteered to make a holder for it! Thanks again, Mrs. Stoveken!

This is made with the Top Note die for the Big Shot. Start with a piece of cardstock that's 4 x 10", and score it at 5". Place the folded cardstock with the scored crease just below the top edge of the Top Note's cutting surface & run it through the Big Shot. For an inside pocket to hold a gift card, cut another Top Note and cut it short - a little less than half-way. Adhere the two sides and bottom to the inside of your Top Note card and the top edge will be a little pocket perfect for holding a gift card! Easy!

Did you notice the new stamp and scalloped oval on the front? These are both new items that you'll be able to order beginning on April 1 from the Occasions Mini Catalog. The stamp set is Oval All (#113790) and the Scallop Oval Punch (#114889) coordinates perfectly with the stamp set and the Large Oval Punch. Leave it to Stampin' Up! do such a great job of coordinating their products! If you've purchased from me in the past, you should already have received your mini catalog in the mail. If you'd like to request one, shoot me an email!

Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!, images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009):
Paper: Brilliant Blue, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, retired DSP
Ink: Brilliant Blue
Stamps: Oval All
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note die, Large Oval Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch, Pumpkin Pie striped ribbon, dimensionals

Manhattan Flower Die - Variations on a Theme

I've been playing a little bit with my brand new Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Die (#114517) for the Big Shot. I started off very simply, and then changed it up just a little bit twice for two completely different looks.

First, the Manhattan Flower die is about the size of a standard card front (4.25 x 5.5"). It's big, and it embosses deeply - no need to shim. Although the images are large, they are very subtle on the finished card. (Don't get me wrong - they stand out clearly - it's just an understated look). Make sure you follow the direction of the arrow that's printed on the embossing folder and feed the "sandwich" into the Big Shot in the indicated direction (sigh - yes, that's experience talking again!).

Here's the first card - very, very simple! I used a top-fold card and embellished only with a white taffeta ribbon tied around the top. The sentiment is from the Fresh Cuts (#111634) stamp set. The two sentiment stamps in this set have a very elegant font - perfect for these flowers.

For the second card, I decided to use just a portion of the embossed flowers. I mounted them on Chocolate Chip cardstock for contrast, then onto a Very Vanilla card base. As before, I used taffeta ribbon - this time Chocolate Chip. The sentiment is from Sincere Salutations (#115068) - a set that I've really gotten lots of use from!

Then, to change things up just a little more, I again used just a portion of the embossed flowers. This time I reversed my contrasting scheme, layering the Baja Breeze flower layer onto Very Vanilla (that had been scalloped & pierced. The Chocolate Chip seemed very dark for this card, so I toned it down  by using Close to Cocoa instead. Again, the sentiment is from Fresh Cuts.

I had fun working with basically the same supplies and the same color scheme. It was interesting to see all of the different looks I could come up with - kind of like a mini-challenge.

I've got some swap cards to share later this week, so be sure to stop back. If you like the tips and samples you're seeing here, and want the convenience of having them delivered to your Inbox, sign up for my free monthly e-newsletter by entering your email address in the box below and clicking Go!

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Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up; images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009):
Paper: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla
Ink: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip
Stamps: Fresh Cuts, Sincere Salutations
Accessories: Big Shot, Manhattan Flowers Textured Impressions Die, Chocolate Chip & Whisper White taffeta ribbon, Scalloped Border Punch, paper piercing tool, Mat Pack

Top Note Pocket Friendship Card

This card is based on a similar one that I saw on display recently at a stamping event I attended. I thought it was pure genius to create a pocket from the Top Note die by folding down the top part. I added my own twist by adding something inside the pocket.

What makes me the happiest about this card? Instead of sticking it in my box of samples, I actually mailed it to a friend! What's the point in making these cards if you don't share them? I sent it to an old friend that I've reconnected with recently (thanks, Facebook!). I had sent this same friend a birthday card a while ago, and was touched when she told me how much it meant to receive a handmade card. That, my stamping friends, is the real reason we do what we do! Sure, the creative part is fun - but I challenge you all to mail a card today!

Here's a closer view of the tag and the inside of the card:

 

For the tag I used the Totally Tabs stamp set (#113520) and the Round Tab Punch, the sentiment is from the Friends 24-7 set (#113218), which I love! I decorated and stamped the inside with the flourish-y image from the same set. This is a great image - very elegant, and I'm looking forward to playing with it a little more.

I ran the dark red (Riding Hood Red) paper on the card front through my Big Shot with the dotted Texturz Plate - it's hard to capture that with the camera sometimes, but it really adds a lot of interest - the front of this card would have very plain otherwise. I've read all sorts of crazy things that people are doing to get a good impression with the Texturz plates. It's really quite simple: just create your "sandwich" with the Mulipurpose platform, Texturz plate, Impressions Pad and Silicone Rubber pad, and add a piece of cardstock on top! That's really all it takes - that little bit of extra thickness will give you a great impression every time!

I was busy stamping this weekend, and have lots more to share this week. I played with my new Manhattan Flower Textured Impression die and am planning a "Variations on a Theme" post, so be sure to come and check it out!

In the meantime, take me up on my challenge, and mail a handmade card today! Leave a comment so I know that you did! The Friends 24-7 set (#113218)is perfect for making these Friendship / Thinking of You types of cards. To order yours, visit my Stampin' Up! website and click Shop Now in the upper right corner. Just a few days left of Sale-A-Bration!

   Friends 24-7   #113218

Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!, images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009):
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Bella Rose DSP
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette
Stamps: Friends 24-7, Totally Tabs
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Texturz Plates - Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I, Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon, corner rounder punch, Round Tab Punch

Spring is Blooming!

Happy 1st Day of Spring! Can't believe it's been a week since my last post - wireless issues and a good dose of spring fever will do that to you! I'm back with another Sale-A-Bration sample (there you go, Chelsea!). There are 11 days left to earn your FREE Sale-A-Bration products - check out the brochure here, then place your order by visiting my Stampin' Up! website and clicking Shop Now in the upper right corner!

 

I used my free SAB stamp set, Botanical Blooms to make this card - this is a great 2-Step Stampin' set. What's that? First, you stamp the solid images (flowers & leaves), then overstamp it with the outline images (I used Chocolate Chip as it was less harsh than a black ink). The great thing about stamp sets like this is that you you can use the 2-Step technique, or you can simply stamp the outline image and color it in with your weapon of choice!

I softened the edges of the Vanilla cardstock by sponging Cameo Coral ink on with a dauber - the sponge daubers give you a very soft look and are my preferred method for inking the edges of something (and yes, this is my voice of experience talking! - I've done it all, some more successfully than others!). I love the color combination of Cameo Coral, Ruby Red and Always Artichoke - and the Riding Hood Red ribbon complements everything!

Don't miss my class! Next Tuesday, March 24, I'll be conducting a Treat Containers class. Don't miss this personal and fun way to present thoughtful and economical gifts. Classes are held in my Morris County, NJ home. Click here for full details - see you Tuesday!

Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!, images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009):
Paper: Cameo Coral, Always Artichoke, Ruby Red, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, Always Artichoke
Stamps: Botanical Blooms
Accessories: Scalloped Border Punch, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, sponge daubers

Curly Label Punch Cards - for Challenge

Today's Limited Supplies Challenge over at Splitcoaststampers was to create a card with bugs on it. Restrictions were no more than 4 layers and no patterned paper. I immediately grabbed my Bugs and Kisses stamp set (#106700), which is on the Dormant List. That means that it's not in the catalog, but it can still be ordered.

Since the images are small, I also grabbed the Curly Label Punch. I chose Tangerine Tango card stock and ribbon for no reason other than I just want to use it up! Here are two simple and quick cards - I usually get much more involved with intricate cards and techniques - it was fun just to whip out two quick cards!

 

 

In the top card (with the dragonfly), I created a frame around the "cute as a bug" sentiment using the steps that I provided in this post.

For the second card, since the images and the Curly Label punch are small, I used three in a row. I love the shape of the Curly Label Punch, but find it gets lost on a card. To get around this, use it in multiples or frame it as I did above!

Another reason for the super-quick cards today - I was running out the door to see an old college friend, Yosi Levin, perform! If you've got little ones in your life, check Yosi out at www.yosimusic.com - he composes, performs and records children's music. Lots of happy faces in the audience, and my little guy sang along with his new CDs the whole way home!

Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!; images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009):
Paper: Tangerine Tango, Pacific Point, Whisper White
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Pacific Point
Stamps: Bugs & Kisses
Accessories: Curly Label Punch, Tangerine Tango Double Striped Ribbon, dimensionals

Sale-A-Bration Card - Polka Dot Punches

Short & sweet today - we've got half days at school! Here's a quick card that I made with the free Sale-A-Bration set Polka Dot Punches. The colors were inspired by the Sale-A-Bration paper, Delicate Dots.

 

You've still got a couple of weeks to qualify for your free merchandise by placing an order - every $50 of merchandise that you buy qualifies you for a free Sale-A-Bration item! See the SAB brochure here, then visit my Stampin' Up! website to place your order - just click the Shop Now button at the upper right!

Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!, images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009):
Paper: Kraft, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Whisper White
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, So Saffron
Stamps: Polka Dot Punches, One of a Kind
Accessories: 1 1/4", 1 3/8" & Scalloped Circle Punches, 5 Petal Flower Punch, Soft Subtles Brad, Dimensionals

Voila Birthday Invitation

Did you know that I make custom invitations? Sure do! If you have an event or occasion coming up, contact me and I can share some samples with you!

My daughter's birthday is at the end of the month. We planned her party to be at one of those cooking places - the kids will get chef's hat and aprons, and they'll get to do some cooking! Of course, I had to make an appropriate invitation. I borrowed the stamp set Voila (#115012) from a demonstrator friend (thanks, Deb!).

 

I love this little chef guy! He's perfect for those of you who are inclined to make "scrapbook" style recipe cards or books! The birthday cake on the platter can be replaced with a couple of different images that come with the set, or there's an accessory set available also. I might have to cave and get him - he's too cute!

            

Voila  (#115012)                                         Voila To Go (#115104)

There's a lot of white on this card, but don't forget that I was intending to mass-produce these cards, so I didn't want to go too crazy!

I stamped the bottom part of the stamp on this black & white checked paper, which I've been hoarding forever. Then I cut them out and paper pieced them onto the full stamped chef. I used my gray Koh-I-Nor pencil for shading around the edges of his jacket and hat, and a black one for the platter. Used OMS to blend away the pencil lines (not too many with these creamy pencils!). I used my Sakura glitter and glaze pens on the flame and platter, but couldn't capture the sparkle in this photo. Everthing else was colored with my SU! markers.

Now to come up with similar Thank You cards . . .

Recipe (no pun intended!): (supplies Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted; images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009):
Paper: Taken with Teal, Basic Black, Whisper White, Black & White Checked by Making Memories
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Markers: Taken with Teal, Tempting Turquoise, YoYo Yellow, Only Orange, Blush Blossom)
Stamps: Voila, Please Come
Accessories: Big Shot, Birds & Blooms Sizzlet, silver brad, Word Window Punch, dimensional, Koh-I-Noor woodless pencils, OMS & blending stump, Sakura Glaze & Glitter pens

An Egg-cellent Easter Treat Holder

I made this treat holder as a sample for an upcoming Treat Containers Class that I'm having on Tuesday, March 24 at 7:30 PM. If you're in the Morris County, New Jersey area, please join us! We'll be making a couple different treats that can be adapted for Easter, Mother's Day, baby showers - a variety of upcoming occasions!

I used the brand new An Egg-cellent Easter stamp set, which is in the Occasions Mini Catalog. This catalog's not 'current' or valid until April 1, but there are a couple of Easter-themed sets that you can order now, and An Egg-cellent Easter is one of them! To see the others, click on the cover of the Occasions Mini Catalog in the left sidebar.

I had so much fun using my new stamp set and the lovely Tea Party designer paper to make this fun and easy treat - can't wait to show you how! Sign up for my class (by March 22) by using the PayPal link below.

If you're not local to me and can't make the class, I've got a special offer for you: place an online order through my Stampin' Up! web site between now and Easter (April 12). If your order includes An Egg-cellent Easter (#113196) and Tea Party (#113992), I'll email you step by step instructions (with photos) to show you how to make this great treat holder! In addition to the stamp set and the designer paper, there are a few more items you'll need, such as coordinationg cardstock, something to color the images with and a few punches. As most papercrafters have some or all of these items, you don't need to order them to qualify for the free instructions. If your order totals $50 in product, you'll qualify for a free Sale-A-Bration item. Email me if you need help finalizing your order. Everything I used can be found in the Recipe below. To place your online order, follow these simple steps:

• Visit my personal Stampin' Up! website
• Click the Shop Now button in the upper right corner
• Enter the provided item numbers

Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!, images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009)
Paper: Textured Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, So Saffron
Stamps: An Egg-cellent Easter
Accessories: 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Scalloped Border Punch, blender pen, Pretty in Pink 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, small cello bags

Q&A - Cleaning Sponge Daubers

Marg from Ontario, Canada asked about cleaning sponge daubers.

I don't clean mine - when I'm done using them, I pounce the dauber on scrap paper until no more ink comes off. The dauber is still stained, obviously. I then write the name of a color on a file folder label and wrap it around the dauber. Now it's labelled and ready for the next time I use it. I toss them in ziploc bags - one for each SU! color family. But I'm a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and use them all the time. If I were just a customer and didn't want to buy so many, I'd want to clean them, too!

I've checked with some demonstrator friends, and they can be cleaned and reused! Put sponge daubers or sponges in a lingerie bag and toss it in your washing machine. Wash them by themselves, and don't put them in the dryer. They'll still be stained, but you'll be able to use them with any color ink or chalk without any color contamination!

Another related cleaning tip: You can run your Stampin' Scrub pads through your dishwasher on the top shelf. They'll warp a little, but stay flat once they're inserted back into the black case!

Since it's time for spring cleaning, we may was well start with our stamping supplies, right?

Do you have a question about a stamping technique, accessory or supplies? Ask me via email, and I may feature your question and the answer in a future blog post!

Happy Stamping!

Ribbon Tying Tutorial & Sweet Stems

Here's another card that I made at a recent shoebox swap with the other members of my Stampin' Up! group. One of the reasons I love shoebox swaps is that you get to make cards with stamps or other supplies that you don't have. Another reason is that sometimes you pick up a gem of a new-to-you technique. That's the case with this card designed by Sue Bedinsky! This is a fun, springy card. I liked how she used square punches and the Sweet Stems stamp set (#113726). But the best part was the cool new technique for attaching a ribbon. No unsightly ends, no bulky knots - love it! Sue didn't 'invent' this technique, but I'm so happy she shared it with us! First,I'll share the card. Stay with me though, because I created a card of my own to show you this ribbon tying technique!

 

You can click for a closer view of the knot - it's just a simple knot: there's no need for a bulky double knot with this technique. Here's a shot of the simple and neat inside:

 

The trick to this technique is to make a hole where you want the knot to be. I used my Crop-A-Dile at the 3/16" setting, but you could use an eyelet setting tool as well.

 

You'll need an 18" length of ribbon. After you've punched the hole, lay the ribbon flat against the front of the card, and place the card face down. Wrap one end of the ribbon around to the inside of the card and push it through the hole to the front. Here's a shot of the ribbon being pulled through from the front:

 

Smooth the ribbon flat and place the card face down again. Take the other end of the ribbon wrap it around to the inside of the card. Push this ribbon into the hole as well, and pull it through. As you are pulling the ribbon, make sure that the ribbon is not twisted on the front or the inside of the card. Pull it snugly, but not enough to buckle the card stock. Now the front of the card should look like this:

 

The two short ends of ribbon should be underneath the ribbon that's horizontally placed on the front of the card. Now, when you tie the knot, the short ends will tie around the horizontal ribbon and everything will be secured - no adhesive and no unsightly cut ends!

Trim the ends of your ribbon and finish your card! Here's mine all completed:

   

A quick note about the flowers: I used the Big Shot and the Stampin' Up! Simple Flower embosslit die (this die is exclusive to Stampin' Up! - it's not in stores). These embosslits are great because they cut and emboss at the same time! I used a Sponge Dauber and Brocade Blue ink. Starting from the center of the flower, I lightly swiped the dauber out to the edges - this got ink on all the raised areas, with a slight concentration towards the center of the flower. I made sure to catch the outer edges for a little extra definition.

And that's it! Go try your own ribbon now. Thanks, Sue, for teaching me that handy dandy technique!

If you like to learn new techniques, make sure that you've subscribed to my free monthly newsletter. I try to have a new technique every month, as well as helpful hints and more. This month I'm featuring a scrapbook challenge - sign up below to get your March issue and all of the details!

Subscribe to my free Monthly Newsletter!

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Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!; images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009)
Pink Card:
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black pad, Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink & Bashful Blue markers
Stamps: Sweet Stems, Heard from the Heart
Accessories: 1 1/4" & ! 3/8" square punches, Crop-A-Dile, 1/4" Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon

Blue Card:
Paper: Brocade Blue, Very Vanilla
Ink: Night of Navy, Brocade Blue
Stamps: Heard from the Heart
Accessories: Crop-a-Dile, Big Shot, Simple Flower embosslit die, sponge dauber, silver brad