3 SIMPLE HALLOWEEN CARDS USING THE SAME STAMP

I didn't have anything lined up to schedule for today and since I hadn't shown any Halloween cards yet, I thought I would post these three very simple cards that I made to use for three of the grandchildren.  Using the same stamp I was able to vary the layouts so that no one would receive exactly the same card.

Thank you for stopping by!

SU RETIRED STAMP SET - From the Garden

I've had this stamp for a long time and personally have had a difficult time trying to make a card with it.  It is such a beautiful design but because of the size it doesn't work really well on a card that is 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I remembered that I still had some pre-scored larger card/envelope sets so I pull them out. 

 

My first try was simply stamping the image using Not Quite Navy but not adding anything futher.  I'm not thrilled with it so if anyone has SUGGESTIONS, I'll be more than happy to receive them.

 

 

Since I wasn't thrilled with it, I stamped several more using SU Soft Suede with the intention of coloring it.  Then I realized that if I used Copic markers, they would bleed throught the card stock.  I took one of the additional stamped images, colored it with Copics and then cut it out.  (When coloring on a large area, I do like to use Copic markers because they blend so easily without streaking.)  I was just going to "paper piece" it over the stamped image but decided to off set it a little so the outlined image showed through kind of like a shadow.  I added a few dots of Stickles to the center of the flower.   I'm still not real thrilled with the card so any suggestions here would also be welcome. 

 

My third attempt was stamping the image onto Marina Mist card stock using Not Quite Navy ink.  I inked a second image and cut out only the flower portion.  I added glue to the very bottom of the flower but added foam dots to 4 of the petals  to make it stand out.

 

This photo shows how the flower is popped from the image stamped on the card base.  (P.S.  When I realized there was a smudge of ink on the bottom 1/4" of the card base, I trimmed that edge off before adding the popped image.  That allowed the one petal to hang over the edge and yet still fit in the standard A2 envelope)

 

Remember -- if you have any suggestions about any of these examples, PLEASE let me know.  I'm not real thrilled with any of them.  I want to sometimes post some of my "not so favorite" pieces so that I can get new ideas from those of you who visit.  Thank you so much for visiting my blog!!!

RETIRED SU SET - In Full Bloom

Two of my mother's friends who were formerly in the same independent living center were moved to a different facility.  One of them has a birthday coming up and she will be sending a card to her.  But she told me she wanted to also send a "thinking of you" type card to her other friend at the same time.

Since I signed up to sell Stampin' Up products, I started going through some of my retired stamp sets and decide whether it is a  keeper or whether to sell it.  This stamp is from the retired "In Full Bloom" set.  I still like the stamps in it and will probably keep it for a while yet.  Recently I saw a card on Pinterest though that was made like this using pretty much the same colors but a different punched edge and a different sentiment.  It was quick and easy and I really do like the simplicity of it. (The card I saw on Pinterest was made by Bonnie Klass - http://www.bon2stamp.blogspot.com.   Bonnie, if you happen to see this blog post, thank you for such a great card!)

By the way, I do have some retired SU stamp sets (NO current ones) that will start posting on eBay November 9th.   If you want to find me on eBay at that time, just email me and I'll give you the link.

Thanks for stopping by!

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA

When I was at the SU Workshop a few weeks ago, we made a card using the new SU Thinlits Circle Card die.  I hadn't finished decorating the "circle".  When I got home I had a package of dimensional poinsettias on my table so I found one that was the right size and used it.  When I get my own die, I will be making more cards similar to this but have different plans for finishing it. 

 

This die and the Thinlits Label Card Die are going to be fun to use for so many differnent occasions and a break from the regular A2 top fold or side fold cards that I make most of the time.

 

If you are interested in purchasing the Thinlits Circle Card Die (133480) OR the Thinlits Label Card Die (133479), just send me an email and I'll get them ordered for you.  As of right now they are on back order, but the sooner you get your order in the sooner you'll be able to receive them.

 

Thank you for stopping by!

AUTUMN MAPLE LEAVES

The leaves in our areas are really beautiful in some areas right now.  The colors very from a deep red to a lot of yellow and everything in between.  My husband has covered the strawberry bed for the winter weather that will be coming all too soon and done some other seasonal preparations outside.

 

When I had the SU "Gently Falling" stamp set out working with it last week, I decided to try stamping the outline of the Maple Leaf stamp randomly on the front of a card.  My intention was to use it as subtle background.  Well I should have inked the stamp and then stamped it off a couple of times before applying it to the card OR I should have used a much lighter ink.  The images were much too dark for what I was wanting to do.

To "save" the card, I inked up the solid image of the leaf and stamped the leaves with Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry and More Mustard.   In order to soften the background around the leaves I sponged Soft Suede around the entire front. 

 

The sentiment is a stamp from Paper Inspirations which I have had in my "stash" for a long time.  Before stamping it, I sponged the Soft Suede around a piece of card stock and then stamped the Happy Autumn.  It was cut out with a Spellbinders Labels Six die. 

 

Thank you for stopping by today!  Please come back again next week when I will be posting more of the cards I have made recently.

P.S. If you haven't seen a Stampin' Up Catalog or the Holiday Flier and you would like a copy, contact me at the email address beside this post.

PPA #177 - Sketch Challenge

Pals Paper Arts - PPA #177 Sketch Challenge

 

 

 

When I saw this Sketch Challenge, I decided it was perfect to use with the Stampin' Up "Come to Bethlehem" stamp set.  I used Sahara Sand and Midnight Muse card stock and inks.  I did also use Bashful Blue ink to brayer onto the image layer a little over the top half of white card stock.  Next I stamped the three Wisemen.  For the lower portion of the image area I pounced Sahara Sand ink and then swirled it over the area again.  I also added a small gem to the middle of the star for some sparkle.

 

I love this stamp set and plan to make more cards for this year's mailing list.  Thank you so much for stopping by!!!

FESTIVE FLURRY Snowflakes

Once again, this card was made using the SU Festive Flurry stamp set using the same colors as yesterday's card.  The same at the workshop had the Silver and small Midnight Muse snowflakes hanging from the opening on the card front.  To simplify things I just added them to the snowflake that was placed on the inside of the card.

 

I wanted to make sure the snowflakes were centered.  Since the cut out circle was large enough, I closed the card and then placed the snowflake in the opening.  I raised the front of the card and then carefully placed some glue dots under the snowflake.  Since we made this at a workshop, I'm not sure what set the sentiment comes from.

 

Just a reminder that the stamp set and dies for the snowflake can be purchased individually but if you want both there is a savings when you buy both.

 

Thank you so much for stopping by!

LAYERED SNOWFLAKE

Another sample of a card made at a workshop.  White card stock measuring 3 1/4" x 5 1/4" was used for the top panel.  Three of the Festive Flurry snowflakes were stamped using Midnight Muse and Encore Silver inks and then cut with the coordinating dies. The snowflakes were layered with foam dots and then added to the top panel using glue dots and a gem added to the center of the snowflake.  

 

The sentiment is from the Calm Christmas stamp set and was stamped with VersaMark and then embossed with Silver EP.  A narrow strip of dp was added to the left edge.  Finally a strip of white card stock was embossed using the SU Pretty Print Textured Impressions Folder and the Encore Silver ink was rubbed over the surface.  This was added to the white card base and then the snowflake panel.

 

I think this card is just beautiful and I certainly plan to make more.  The Festive Flurry and Calm Christmas stamp sets can be purchased in a Wood Mount or Clear.  If you want the coordinating die set for the snowflakes, you can purchase the stamp set and die set as a bundle and save!!!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

WONDERFUL WREATH

 

When I attended the last workshop a couple of weeks ago, this was one of the cards we made using the SU Wonderful Wreath stamp.  The dp is from one of the paper packs.  "Merry" was cut with one of the thinlits.

 

 

We also had the opportunity to make the same card but with a different color combination.  I really like the layout of these cards.

 

If you have any questions, just let me know.  Remember -- you can order Stampin' Up products from me any time now with no waiting for the order to be placed.  Items will be shipped directly to you.  I'm offering a 10% discount on your first order.

 

Thank you for stopping by!

PEACE ON EARTH

 

This is another card made with the dove die which I used on yesterday's card.

STAMPIN' UP! - Gently Falling

 

Yesterday I officially joined the Stampin' Up! team.  I am excited and yet a little nervous about getting this all set up.  But for those of you who have been following my blog, I hope you will continue to do so since I have been using a lot of the Stampin' Up! products on my posts already.

 

For the time being, I will probably continue to mix up my posts with cards that are from SU products but also cards from the many other stamps I already have in my "stash".

 

The card above was made with the current "Gently Falling" stamp set.  This is actually 2 sets -- one contains the outline of the items and the other is the solid image.  I love using 2-step (or more steps) when making cards.  This is a great set for this time of year.  I realize that it is probably a little late in the season for you to be interested in purchasing this set but IF you do want it, just drop me a note.  My contact information is at the top of this page.

The card base is off white card stock, and I spritzed it with the SU tool and Close to Cocoa marker.  (The Soft Suede didn't seem to show up as well.)  Then I stamped the outline of each leaf using Soft Suede ink.  The colors I used for the second step are Cajun Craze, More Mustard and Crushed Curry.  After cutting them out, I decided to sponge each of them with Soft Suede to give them a more weathered look.

 

The leaves were arranged on the card.  The maple leaf was added using foam dots and I attached the bow with a glue dot.  The sentiment has been in my supply for many years and is from My Sentiments Exactly!

 

If you have any questions regarding Stampin' Up! products, please let me know.  I will be very happy to help you.  As time progresses, I hope to be offering some new ideas such as offering card kits for those who prefer not to have to purchase the stamps but would like to make the cards.  Does that sound interesting?

 

Thank you for stopping by!

PENNY BLACK "Dove" die

 

I love this die and will be making several more cards using it for my long list that needs to be done.  I cut the design and then added a piece of "mirror" gold card stock behind the design to show through.  I also mounted the entire design on to a mat of striped paper which included the shiny gold to coordinate with the dove.  The sentiment is a retired stamp from Hero Arts.

 

Thank you for stopping by!

SU CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

This is a really neat card.  The white later was first stamped with the pine branch and then embossed with the SU folder.  Then the ornament was stamped and cut with the coordinating die.  This was then layered onto the red mat and then onto the white card base.

 

Some of the ladies added pearls to the center of the snowflakes which was very pretty, but when mailing cards sometimes those pearls poke through the envelope.

 

Thank you so much for stopping by!

ANOTHER CUTE SANTA CARD

 

Materials were all from Stamin' Up!  Thank you for stopping by!

SU SANTA CLAUS

 

We made this cute card at the last workshop I attended.  Materials area all from Stampin' Up!  Isn't he an adorable Santa?

 

Thank you for stopping by!



CHRISTMAS WREATH

 

This SU Wreath stamp is perfect for making an Easel card. 

Questions?  Just let me know

 

Thank you for stopping by!  Hope you stop back again on Monday.

SU LOVE & JOY

This is one of the card we made at the workshop this past Saturday.  Gatefold cards are a nice change from the regular top or side fold ones I usually make.

 

The doily was split in half and added to the two sides.  The green matting under the Love & Joy stamp is actually cut longer than the white stamped design so that the cute bow can be added to that same layer.  Foam dots were attached only to the right hand side of the design and added.

 

I know this isn't a lot of explanation, but if you have any questions, please let me know.  Thank you for stopping by!

CHRISTMAS BELLS

I just finished this card and it truly was an experiment.  This was a stamp that I had purchased in Branson MO several years ago.  The example they had made with it was done by stamping it on a clear acrylic sheet and then filling in the areas with various colors of glitter.  It was gorgeous.  BUT I could not get a good stamp without the ink smearing............so the stamp had been sitting here not getting used.

As I was getting ready for the recent stamp sale, I debated whether to sell it or not.  I stamped the design off several times onto white card stock and then again on vellum.  Glad I did make stamp offs because the stamp did sell!!!!  Next problem was trying to color the image on vellum with a marker that wouldn't leave streaks.  After using 3 different markers I went back to my trusty Copics.  There were some streaks but not as bad.

I found that running the image through a Xyron with the colored side down to get the "sticky" adhered, I was able to add clear glitter and the result was that the glitter completely hid any streaks from the coloring.  YAY!

I'm very pleased with how the card came out but not pleased with the picture.  I tried several different places to take the picture with different lightenings and I just couldn't get the picture to show the beautiful sparkle from the glitter.  I wish you could see it as I see it.  I then trimmed the image and mounted it onto white card stock which really brought out the colors better.  Using foam dots I added it to the front of the card which had been embossed with the SU snowflake folder.

Thank you for stopping by!

BIRTHDAY CUPCAKE

One of our nephews has a young daughter who will be celebrating her birthday next week.  I thought this would make a fun card for her.

 

The stamp set is from Inky Antics and uses a Honeycomb paper pad to make the dimensional cupcake inside.  I have a lot of these sets and have not used them for a long time.

 

I stamped and colored the designs on the outside and inside before doing the dimensional cupcake.  Normally I use Memento Tuxedo Black ink to stamp designs that I want to color with Copic markers.  I mistakenly used VersaFine Onyx Black so I had to be extremely careful when using the Copic markers.  By just "dotting" the color into place close to the stamping, I was able to do OK.  (I did notice that the frosting on the front of the card nice and smooth although IRL it looks fine.)

 

Thank you so much for stopping by!

PEACE ON EARTH

 

I mentioned last Friday that I was going to be attending another SU Workshop last Saturday.  The entire workshop was making beautiful Christmas cards.  It sure gave me a head start for the long list I have to make.  I made two of this one and  8 other designs.......one of the additional designs you will see later made with 2 different color combinations.

 

This was about as easy to make as any could be since the demonstrator had all of these pieces pre-stamped and pre-cut. 

 

Since the layer next to the large circle is glitter paper, it was difficult to get the white layer to stick so she had cut out a smaller circle from the glitter paper - letting the navy below show through.  That way the white layer was easily adhered to the navy.  I haven't stamped a message inside, but I may just write my own when it comes time to send it.

 

I will be adding more holiday cards in the coming days.  I haven't done anything yet for Halloween so I probably better get on that soon............I have 6 grandchildren who will probably be expecting one.  Thank you for stopping by!

SU PLEASANT POPPIES

I love the SU Pleasant Poppies stamp.  It is actually just one large stamp when you purchase it.  However, after seeing this done at a workshop, I cut mine so I could use a large portion of it, a small portion of it or the entire thing together like the SU demonstator had done.  For this card, I used the large portion on the outside of the card and the smaller piece inside.

 

The design was actually from a card we made at a workshop I had attended.  I really like the addition of the sheer ribbon.

I'm attending another one of the workshops tomorrow and hope to have some great new ideas for next week's blog posts.

 

Thank you so much for stopping by!  I always appreciate your comments!

'TIS THE SEASON FOR COLDS

 

I have been trying so hard to schedule or  post a card Monday through Friday each week but unfortunately Monday night I came down with the beginnings of a Head Cold.  I had a terribly sore throat yesterday and was simply not up to posting anything for you to see.  So today I am showing you two cards - one for yesterday and one for today.

 

I made both of these at a Stampin' Up workshop back in April (as you can see by the dated pictures).  The demonstrator who offers these classes always has such great ideas for us to make.  Providing I'm feeling better, I will be going to another one of her workshops this coming Saturday.

 

Sorry I am not offering any details, but if you have any questions about the cards, please feel free to contact me. 

 

Thank you for stopping by!  (Atleast you can't catch my cold by visiting my blog.)

FIELD FLOWERS

This is my version of a card I probably saw on Pinterest recently.    I made the card over a week ago and am not remembering where I saw it.  The music background is different than background used on the card I saw and the sentiment is different.  The stamp set used for the flowers is SU Field Flowers and the sentiment is a retired Hero Arts stamp.  Colors used are Wild Wasabi, Pool Party and Island Indigo.

 

Thank you for stopping by!  Your comments are alway welcome and appreciated!