Online Extravaganza Continues and FREE CATALOGS

Hi friends!  As the online extravaganza continues, I wanted to remind everyone that I am giving away free Stampin' Up! annual and holiday catalogs.  I will even mail them to you for free if you reach out to me at my email and leave me your address.  I WANT you to have the opportunity to look and see all the beautiful products ready to be played with.  YOU are going to WANT IT ALL!  Or anyway, I know that's the way that I am!

Today I thought I would share another watercoloring card like the one showcased this past weekend.

The image and greeting are from the Birthday Blooms stamp set.  I used the same technique as described on this post.  Such a fun way to play with color!

Special 24 Hour Online Extravaganza Sale!!!

24 hour sale

Stamp Sale starts November 20 12:00 AM and ends November 20 11:59 PM.

Please shop with me at this link or contact me and I can assist you!

Watercolor with Stamps

I am really excited to share these cards with you today.  Did you know that you can watercolor with Stampin' Up! inks?  You can!  Here I have some examples done with ink, watercolor paper and the You've Got This stamp set.  I really love this effect and the way the colors blend together to make an impressionistic look.  So pretty!  And the colors are so vibrant!  I found a tutorial on another blog and I wish I could remember where,  so if you know, let me know and I will add credit where credit is due.

The technique is to take some quality watercolor paper (although I have had success with thick whisper white card stock) and stamp your desired impression with a lighter color.  I did mine in Daffodil Delight.  This will make the detail of the stamp obvious enough that you can see it, but won't really show through with the colors being used.

I used the re-inkers as my medium.  The best way I have found to do this is to use a little watercolor palette tray or you could even use an ice cube tray.  It will compartmentalize the colors so they don't run together.  This is especially good when you want to blend the colors together first.

I then applied water in sections to prepare the area and then deliberately added color gently,  The trick  was in letting the ink flow out to where the water was applied without being too tempted to try and paint it on.  I used a water color paint brush, but an aqua painter would work as well.  I continued on from there, doing each section or petal of the flower, leaves, stems and the worked the same technique in the background.

I really think these would look so pretty as framed art!

After the project was completely dry, I stamped the sentiment in black for a nice contrast.  I love this technique and will share a couple more in a few days.  I would be interested to now if anyone would like a video tutorial on this technique.

Stamp Sale starts November 20 12:00 AM and ends November 20 11:59 PM.  Come back tomorrow (tonight at midnight) for the list and shop!!!

Free Catalogs! And Join my Team!!

Would you like a free catalog?  For the month of November, I will mail a free Annual catalog and Holiday catalog to you.  Just send me an email with your name and address and it goes right into the mail to you...FREE!!.  I want to get this into your hands so you can see how beautiful the products are!  (United States residents only)

shelleystamps@gmail.com

Wouldn't you love to Craft Your Future?  Join me today as a demonstrator!  You get to design your starter kit with whatever product appeals to you!  For just $99 you pick and choose up to $125 in products, plus we will throw in some business supplies that are a $50 value.  That's a value of $175!!  Also free shipping!  You can be a hobby demonstrator, which means you maintain minimums every quarter or you can make it a thriving business.  It's up to you!  And, it's soooo fun!  I can help you every step of the way!!

Plus, if you sign up under me, I will recognize your achievements with additional bonuses!

1. You will be added to a special and inspiring group where we can share this fun journey, help advance your business or encourage your hobby.
2. If you choose to move along with advancement, you will receive other fun bonuses from me!

Most of all...no pressure.  If all you want is to have the ability to buy these fantastic products at a discount, then I totally get that!

It's easy to maintain your membership with Stampin' Up!  The quarterly minimum requirements are very easy to attain and of course if you exceed the minimums you receive even more perks!

Follow this link to find out more!!

Stampin' Up! Onstage 2017 Highlights

Wow!  What a terrific time I had with old and new friends at Onstage in Salt Lake City, Utah.  I was able to see, hold and own new sneak peeks of the items soon to be available in our upcoming Occasions and Sale-a-Bration catalogs, and I received motivational and informative ideas to help me make my Stampin' Up! experience more of a long-term choice.

I wish you all could have been there with me!  Let's be there together at the next one!!

Here are some highlights for me.  No new product peeks just yet...but soon.

A quick photo with Sara Douglas, CEO of Stampin' Up!

My display board at the Stampin' Spectacular hosted by my fantastic upline, Robyn Cardon.

Robyn Cardon (my up-line) and myself

With my bestie, Mary Cox

Waiting to enter at Main Stage

Making new friends

too much fun!!

Our next event is April 2018.  Who would like to join my team and join me?  I would love to tell you how!!

Stampin' Up! Onstage 2017

Hey Everyone!  I am currently in Salt Lake City for the Stampin' Up! Onstage event.  I am so excited and  happy to be here and will be sharing some fun and and exciting things very soon!  Stay tuned!

High Tide Lighthouse Set

This is a stamp set that has been around for awhile, and yet, I had not really done anything with it until now.  I really like the realism of this stamp set, so I thought I would try to make a card that carries that realism over into the background.  Perhaps, what I have created is more dramatized that reality, but coming from the Oregon coast, I have seen some skies over the ocean that are equally this dramatic.  What do you think?

To make the sky was actually a lot more simple than it may look.  I stamped my lighthouse (2-step stamp process) on the white card stock and then another one on a scrap piece of paper and cut it out.  I laid the cut out over the stamped image to create a mask so my sky application didn't mess up my image.  I then took some post it notes and tore along one edge to create a border for clouds and laid it on top of my sky and started the layering of different colors and moving it along in different positions.  I used 2 or 3 of these for different affects.  The base where the lighthouse set was just sponging with different shades of browns.  The sentiment was heat embossed in white on the front of the card.

I was happy with that sky.  I have to confess!

Message in a Bottle

Today seemed like a good day to share the Message in a Bottle photopolymer stamp set.  This one is cute and has quite a few possibilities.  The images are cute but I wanted to try something a little less cute and maybe a little bit different.

I used the Seaside textured impressions embossing folder and cut along one of the lines to tuck my bottle into the wave.  This was layered onto a sky I had sponged with Soft Sky, Island Indigo and Night of Navy ink.  I did the same on the waves before adding the bottle.  I then stamped the sentiment, sponged some color to match the ones in the bottle and flagged the end.  I also curled it a bit and adhered it to the front of the card after layering it all to the Island Indigo base card.

I really love this card.  I think it's clever and I know I would have loved to have received it from someone that was caring about me.  Now...who should I share it with?

Tall Album Folio

Today I decided to share another mini album that I created using the super fun Pick a Pattern designer series paper.  The instructions for building this mini album were from a video that I followed that builds the album up from the very bottom but I will add a link to those instructions in my post.

As you can see, this is fun and colorful paper.  I made the paper rosettes pretty simply in 2 sizes.  The larger one is made from a strip of 1" x 10" paper, then scored in 1/2" increments.  Folding the scored lines in an accordion style and then attaching the 2 ends together with adhesive.  I then glued the flower to a circle base by pressing down in the center.  These can be kind of springy and want to pop back up so I used hot glue to make sure they stuck immediately.  The smaller rosette was made with a  3/4" x 9 1/4" strip and then done in the same fashion.

I made the flipping photo pages down both sides of my folder.  So cute!  I love this little photo album.

Mini Album Folio

Hello everyone!  Halloween is over and it's time to focus on other things that make me happy.  My family!!  I am blessed with 4 healthy sons, all grown up that have also shared their beautiful children in my life.  Its great to be a grandma!  I created this little mini album to share that is made out of 1 sheet of  8.5" x 11" paper.  After all the cutting and scoring, it folds up into a cute little book that can be tied with a ribbon.

To give credit where credit is due, I followed a tutorial I found here for the steps to make this album.

I used the pretty papers in the Delightful Daisy designer series paper to embellish the flaps and also some extra embellishments such as the crinkled seam binding in night of navy and Faceted Gems in Gold.  The border was made with the Decorative Ribbon Border Punch.

As the it opens up, there is surface on all sides to add your little photos.  I used app from Project Life to create these little pictures that measure in at 1 15/16" but you could make yours a bit bigger as I had plenty of room around the edges.  I also added some cute little stamping from the Tabs for Everything Stamp set.

When fully expanded, there are also little pockets to add some extra photos or journaling.  Also notice the tabs made on the journaling cards made with the Circle Tab punch.  I love this!!

Happy Halloween!!

It's that day where all things are spooky!  Or maybe they are just fun!  Today I thought I would share with you a fun item I made for my team at work that showcases a fun item for sale in our holiday catalog. The treat tubes are a fun way to share something sweet with those you care about, and I care about my team and how hard they work.

I filled them with sixlet's candy, corked them up and placed them in our 2" x 8" cellophane bags.  I then created a simple topper from 2" x 4" card stock folded in half and then attached to the folded over top of the cellophane bag.  It's getting cute!  Then I decorated the top with a stamped and punched image from the Labels to Love stamp set (item #144967) and the matching Everyday Label Punch (#144668).

What a fun little treat to give and I imagine it would be super fun to receive!

Flat Gift Boxes

Hello and happy day before Halloween.  Last week, at my regular job we were raising funds for the United Way and one of the activities we had was a mystery box auction.  The idea was, for people to donate a box with something inside that is a secret, and the bidders will bid in $1 and someone will be randomly chosen.  It's a fun way to raise money.  I am donating 3 boxes and needed them to be an appropriate size to fit a dvd and a couple candy bars.

Since the season is Halloween and Fall, I opted to use paper from the Spooky Night Designer Series Paper (144610) in our 2017 holiday catalog.  I will add the instructions for those that may also want to make one of these boxes.  The good news is,  it really doesn't require overly large pieces of paper, so you can easily make the base with a regular 8.5" x 11" card stock sheet, and the lid can be made with whatever designer series paper you may have.  (Christmas is coming!)


Base:
9 1/2" x 7 1/2" = score at 1" on all 4 sides

Top:
9 9/16" x 7 9/16" = score at 3/8" and at 1" on all 4 sides

Instructions:
Using a bone folder, fold on all scored lines.  Beginning with base piece, snip up on one side to score line and notch edges.  Apply adhesive to the notches and fold up to form the box bottom.

On the lid, the configuration is a little more involved because the top edge will fold over to make the lid stronger and sturdier on the 3/8" fold. On each corner snip on both score lines, cutting away the outside and half of the second snip.  Then, notch the edges.  Apply adhesive to all top edges and notches, then fold over all edges to make a nice and tidy edge.

I decorated the tops to the boxes with assorted ribbons, jute or twine, but you can use whatever you like.  On one of the boxes I made a belly band and it was a very easy way to secure the box closed.

This would be a super easy way to make gift giving fun and also use up that pretty paper before the season ends.  I especially like that I was able to fit a dvd box inside along with 2 candy bars.  If you want your box to be larger or even deeper, but make the paper that much larger and adjust the score line depth on the edges.  Additionally, keep in mind that the lid will need to be a mere 1/16th of an inch larger than the base.  Have fun!

Empty Without You

Hi everyone.  Today I am so pleased to share with you a little card I created that really touched me as I was putting it together.  The irony of it all is how you can take elements from other "happier" sets and find something quietly emotional, or even sadly evocative in them when paired in a different way.    That is how this  card came together.  I made 2 versions of the card to share and I will tell a little story about my husband's perception of them.

The stamp sets used to create these cards are from Birthday Delivery (item #143660) and Jar of Love (item #141587).  I did some watercoloring on the image of the girl, using the layering technique of the same color (Marina Mist) on her dress by allowing it to dry all the way in between layers.

Sky technique Tip:  

To create the night sky or rainy day effect, I layered ink on with a sponge in Soft Sky, Marina Mist, Island Indigo and Night of Navy.  When I had the shading effect I wanted, I spritzed some water drops onto the paper and let is dry naturally.  You can layer any colors you like and as the water spreads out on the paper, it creates the interesting effect that can look like the Milky Way or even a rainy sky.  I need to try the technique with shades of gray, I think it would like awesome.

I showed these 2 cards to my husband and asked him which one he liked the best.  He told me that in this one it feels so lonely.  There is no boundary on a window looking out but rather someone looking out onto the universe.  Perhaps into the night sky and  missing a loved one that is now gone.

He preferred this card because with the girl looking outside of a window on a rainy day and missing someone that will be home soon.  He preferred this card.   I preferred the first one.  It makes me think of my mother and how badly I miss her since she passed away.

To construct the card, I made the background on watercolor paper.  (item #122959).  The first card has a window cut from a top layer using the Layering Squares Framelits (item #141708) and with the 2nd card I used the Hearth and Home Thinlits (item #139666) to cut a window from the new Wood Textures designer series paper.

I think this is one of my favorite cards this year.  I bought the Birthday Delivery stamp set just for this particular image and it didn't disappoint.

Baby Bear

Today I wanted to share with everyone a stamp set I have owned for 2 years and never used one time until now.  I know, I know..what is the matter with me?  When I first saw this stamp set at Onstage in 2015, I HAD to have it.  Then, I never used it.   It happens that way sometimes.   I think it was a very popular set at the time and I was seeing a glut of cards made using it and that can sometimes make me resistant.  I don't want to jump on every bandwagon that goes by.  But, enough time has gone by and it's ridiculous to have such an adorable set and not use it.  So...here goes!!

Baby Bear is a 3-Step stamp set.  What that means is there are 3 separate stamps that layer on top of each other to create the detail and definition that you see here.  The bow that adorns the bear is created with a 2-step process.  The background paper is the Fresh Florals designer series paper in Powder Pink.  I used basic black as a contrast and there is a pop of Flirty Flamingo on the bow and dry embossed back panel.  I used the new Ruffled 3D Dynamic textured Impressions Embossing folder.

Just a sweet little card to share with someone on their special day...or for any type of card where you want to share adorable vintage looking bears.  Many years ago I collected Boyd's Bears, and this little sweetheart reminds me a lot of those.

Bright Wishes

A technique that can be used with our beautiful inks is to use them like water color paint.  Sometimes I like to use the Aqua Painters or even the blender pens and dip them directly onto some of the ink I have added to the back of an acrylic block, a palette or even the inside lid of my stamp pads to paint directly onto my paper.  I need to make a video tutorial soon, showing how this is done.  Today I wanted to share with you a card that I made implementing these techniques to get a watercolor effect.

The stamp set used is a great one for this because I liked the detail I could put into each brick of the wishing well.  Bright Wishes (item #1438270) is a great set to practice your coloring techniques on.  It would also be a good set for the watercolor pencils.

I used many different ink colors to get the depth.  Another way to get depth if you don't have a large variety of colors would be to layer the same color on top of itself.  The trick is to let it dry completely between each application.  I also recommend using the thick card stock or even water color paper so as to not get too much warp to your paper.

Let me know if you'd like to watch some watercoloring videos?  If there is enough interest, I'd be happy to share a tutorial on how I use our inks to paint!

Coffee Cafe

Hey everyone!  I am back to share another fun set from Stampin' Up!  This one is called Coffee Cafe.  (item #143677) There is a photopolymer stamp set and a matching framelits set Coffee Cups (item #143745). You can also purchase it as bundle and save 10%! (item #145331)

As you can see this set is so much fun!  What I am showing is just the tip of the iceberg because there is much more involved and available within these stamps and dies.  The coordinating designer series paper Coffee Break (item #144155), corrugated elements and gifting options will give you so much versatility for your coffee, tea, cocoa and beverage desires.

How about a nice cup of tea card?  This one was pretty simple right down to the little tea bag label with a happy hello greeting.

For this card, I used a little vellum to add a transparency to the lid over my coffee's whipped cream.  Yum!!  I waited awhile to purchase this set and now I don't know why I did that because it is absolutely adorable and super fun to use.

Paper Pumpkin for the Holidays

I just received my October Paper Pumpkin and it is fantastic!  It's not too late to get in on the November Paper Pumpkin but the catch is, you will need to subscribe before November 10th to receive it.

Paper Pumpkin is a monthly subscription service from Stampin' Up!  You will receive everything you need, complete in the box to make your project.  It could be cards, gift giving ideas, or even a home decor project. We do know that the November kit will help us prepare for Christmas, so it's sure to be something very special.

Here is what was in October's kit, to give you a little preview of what you can expect.

With this subscription service you can cancel at any time.  You can also purchase 3, 6, and 12 month's of Paper Pumpkin for yourself or to give as a gift.  I have a friend that purchased the 12 month deal to send to her niece that lives across the country.  What a wonderful gift for yourself or for someone you love!

If you are interested to learn more about Paper Pumpkin, click the link at the top of my page and it will take you directly there.  Or to make things even easier...you can click HERE!

Stampin' Blends!!!!

I am so freakin' excited to share a brand new product that will be available November 1st!  Stampin' Up! has launched a brand new line of alcohol markers that cover many of the colors in their already wonderful line of papers, ribbons and inks.  Stampin' Blends are so special.  I was able to get in on an advance purchase of them and I give them a big ol' thumbs up!  Like other alcohol markers, they blend so beautifully and each of the colors represented will come in a light and dark version.  I played around a little bit the other day and made 2 different cards to show.

 I started by stamping my image using the Memento Tuxedo Black stamp pad.  This is important, because the ink in this pad will not bleed when the alcohol based marker is used.  I then applied the color over the entire image with the lighter pen and then added the darker shade where I wanted shadows.  To finish it off, I once again blended in with the lighter shade and it all came together nice and smooth.  I did these quickly before work one morning and then came home that evening and made a card!

 I then decided I wanted to step outside a little bit and try the light and dark of the Pool Party Stampin' Blend and add some even deeper shadows with the light Bermuda Bay.  Here were the results:

I plan on doing some video tutorials on these fun pens so you will want to get your very own!  Be on the look out for November 1st, when these beauties become available!

The Racoon's Pajamas!

Hi All!  Don't let the title of my post fool you, there are no pajama's involved in the creation of this cutie, but I really wanted to take a minute and share it with you today.  I decided to create something for home decor.  I have had the Foxy Friends (item #141549) photopolymer stamp set for a long time and have wanted to use it, but never pulled it out of the box.  It coordinates with the Fox Builder Punch (item #141470) and makes many, many cute little animals.  On Pinterest I have seen all types of forest friends, cats and dogs but today I wanted to make a cute little raccoon.

I used background paper from Naturally Eclectic designer series paper (item# 144185) and added clouds with the Embossing Paste (item #141979) and the Pattern Party Decorative Masks (item #144103).

Quick tip:

When using the punch, I learned the easiest way to get all the pieces punched easily, was to make a template by punching on a piece of scrap paper, and then laying the stamps into the punched out areas. Once that was done, simply laying my clear block over the top, I am able to pick up the stamps in the position they need to be, ink them up and will I have perfect placement for when I stamp my image.  Now my punch will line up correctly when I got to punch!!

I added a little copper heat embossing to the frame.  I hadn't tried this on anything other than paper before, and it works out pretty good.

Along the bottom of the frame I added a Boxwood Wreath Embellishment that I simply stretched out from its wreath form to more of a garland.  Super cute!

I think this would be perfect for a baby nursery or anyone that likes the woodsy animals.  Either way, it was so fun to make!