Hello stamping friends!
Hasn't the weather been just fabulous? Oh, how I wish it could continue like this for at least 6 more months! But I'll be content with just one nice day at a time. After all, the present moment is all we really have, so I'm concentrating on enjoying each sunny moment of today.
I've decided to take a little break from blogging. Writing a daily post is fun, but also quite time-consuming. I have so much to do to get ready for the new Stampin'Up! year that I just don't have time to be blogging right now. Once I get all of my retired sets priced for the garage sale and once I get all of my retired accessories cleared out and ready to sell, then I'll see about re-starting The Classic Card. I will miss you the next couple of weeks!
Keep on stamping!
Susan
Monday, May 14, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Sunny Daze
Good morning Stampers!
What a joy to wake up to sunshine streaming in my bedroom window. These sunny days all in a row are making me feel very energetic... how about you? Do and blue skies make you feel more positive and full of life? I suspect I'm not the only happier person in Oregon! Here's another thing to be happy about... my boxes of Stampin'Up! catalogs arrived yesterday.... soooo exciting to finally see them! You are going to love the new catalog! I can't wait to hand them out ( June 1st for hostesses, June 2nd for customers) at my big garage sale.
It's a good thing I feel more energetic, because the end of the Stampin'Up! year is full of things I need to do... like tearing apart my display boards, pricing all of my retiring products for the garage sale, making up a new supply of door prizes, and the list goes on. My stamp room looks like it has been hit by a tornado and I MUST get it cleaned up today, as Amy and Eli and the grandchildren are arriving from Seattle on Friday.
Since I have so much to do, I'm going to get right to the card and then get started on my "to-do" list.
Check out this fun card... a "guy" card perfect for any occasion, and I love the clean and simple look!
What a joy to wake up to sunshine streaming in my bedroom window. These sunny days all in a row are making me feel very energetic... how about you? Do and blue skies make you feel more positive and full of life? I suspect I'm not the only happier person in Oregon! Here's another thing to be happy about... my boxes of Stampin'Up! catalogs arrived yesterday.... soooo exciting to finally see them! You are going to love the new catalog! I can't wait to hand them out ( June 1st for hostesses, June 2nd for customers) at my big garage sale.
It's a good thing I feel more energetic, because the end of the Stampin'Up! year is full of things I need to do... like tearing apart my display boards, pricing all of my retiring products for the garage sale, making up a new supply of door prizes, and the list goes on. My stamp room looks like it has been hit by a tornado and I MUST get it cleaned up today, as Amy and Eli and the grandchildren are arriving from Seattle on Friday.
Since I have so much to do, I'm going to get right to the card and then get started on my "to-do" list.
Check out this fun card... a "guy" card perfect for any occasion, and I love the clean and simple look!
By adding your own sentiment inside, you can make this card into anything you want.... birthday, Father's Day, Congratulations, etc. I received this card in a swap at a recent demonstrator meeting
from the creative and talented Shannon Carrier. I love that it has a different fold and I thought the tiny rhinestone, used as a tie tack was a fun and whimsical touch. By the way, this stamp set, Best Dad Ever" is not retiring and comes with 4 different sentiments: Happy Father's Day, Happy Birthday, Thinking of You, and Best Dad Ever, so you'll be able to get a lot of use out of it.
Here's a quick list of the products used:
Stamps:
Best Dad Ever
Ink:
Early Espresso
Paper:
Whisper White
Early Espresso
Crumb Cake
Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:
Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine
Basic Rhinestones
Dimensionals
What a quick and easy card this would be to make--- no punches or embossing folders required! It won't take long to stamp and cut out the tie that is popped up on the right hand side (the one with the rhinestone tie tack). In fact, it would be a great idea to stamp several of these in different colors
(trade out the Early Espresso for Night of Navy) and then leave the sentiment off. Then when you need a guy card, just add the appropriate sentiment and you're "good to go!"
Well, stampers, that wraps up my post for today. I'm off to enjoy the sunny day and tackle my long list of things to do. Have a great Thursday!
Susan
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Today's the Day!
Hello Stampers and welcome back!
Golly... I almost can't believe my eyes. It looks like another sunny day. However I think The Oregonian is forecasting "partly cloudy," so that sun may quickly disappear. I'm sure hoping that Mr. Sun will stay with us and keep us company all day long.
I'm excited today, because today's the day that my boxes of new catalogs arrive! I can't wait to see it up close! I've looked at it on line, but it's different when you actually hold the hard copy! Don't forget...my garage sale and new catalog pick up are coming up quickly.... June 1st at 7 pm in the evening if you've been a hostess and June 2nd for my customers. Hostesses will receive an evite for this event shortly, so be looking for an evite from me.
Today I'll be receiving my "pre-order" stamp sets along with my catalogs. Stampin'Up! allows demonstrators to order a few select items in advance of the new catalog, so that we can make samples and design projects for upcoming classes and workshops. I'm hoping to have time to play with my new stamps, but right now I'm in the middle of clearing out all of my old stamps, designer paper, punches, ribbon, and other accessories for my big garage sale. It is a big job, but it's got to be done, and done soon. June 1st will be here before we know it! I'm hoping to have a card showing new stamps soon. I appreciate your patience!
I do have a card to show you today... one that I made at a recent demonstrator meeting. Check it out...
If you haven't seen this technique before , it is really easy to do. You need a brayer (a wide roller with a handle), though, so if you don't have one, you can get one on page 203 of the big catalog. Brayers are also nice for applying an even layer of ink to a large background stamp.
For this card, Calypso Coral ink was brayered onto the smooth side of the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. Then the Very Vanilla card stock was placed inside the folder and it was sent through the Big Shot. This technique works best with lighter colors such as Crumb Cake, River Rock, Pink Pirouette, Certainly Celery, and the like. I had never tried it with a color as dark as Calypso Coral, but it seemed to work out just fine. When you are finished, just rinse the embossing folder under a faucet and let it dry.
Here's a quick list of the products used...
Stamps:
Elizabeth (single stamp, found on page 20 of the big catalog, retiring soon!)
Short and Sweet (for the sentiment)
Ink:
Calypso Coral
Paper:
Very Vanilla
Calypso Coral
Accessories:
Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder
Corner Rounder punch
Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon
Well, stampers, I've got to run. I'll be working all day in my stamp room getting ready for the big garage sale. Thanks for stopping by today! Enjoy your Wednesday!
Susan
Golly... I almost can't believe my eyes. It looks like another sunny day. However I think The Oregonian is forecasting "partly cloudy," so that sun may quickly disappear. I'm sure hoping that Mr. Sun will stay with us and keep us company all day long.
I'm excited today, because today's the day that my boxes of new catalogs arrive! I can't wait to see it up close! I've looked at it on line, but it's different when you actually hold the hard copy! Don't forget...my garage sale and new catalog pick up are coming up quickly.... June 1st at 7 pm in the evening if you've been a hostess and June 2nd for my customers. Hostesses will receive an evite for this event shortly, so be looking for an evite from me.
Today I'll be receiving my "pre-order" stamp sets along with my catalogs. Stampin'Up! allows demonstrators to order a few select items in advance of the new catalog, so that we can make samples and design projects for upcoming classes and workshops. I'm hoping to have time to play with my new stamps, but right now I'm in the middle of clearing out all of my old stamps, designer paper, punches, ribbon, and other accessories for my big garage sale. It is a big job, but it's got to be done, and done soon. June 1st will be here before we know it! I'm hoping to have a card showing new stamps soon. I appreciate your patience!
I do have a card to show you today... one that I made at a recent demonstrator meeting. Check it out...
For this card, Calypso Coral ink was brayered onto the smooth side of the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. Then the Very Vanilla card stock was placed inside the folder and it was sent through the Big Shot. This technique works best with lighter colors such as Crumb Cake, River Rock, Pink Pirouette, Certainly Celery, and the like. I had never tried it with a color as dark as Calypso Coral, but it seemed to work out just fine. When you are finished, just rinse the embossing folder under a faucet and let it dry.
Here's a quick list of the products used...
Stamps:
Elizabeth (single stamp, found on page 20 of the big catalog, retiring soon!)
Short and Sweet (for the sentiment)
Ink:
Calypso Coral
Paper:
Very Vanilla
Calypso Coral
Accessories:
Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder
Corner Rounder punch
Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon
Well, stampers, I've got to run. I'll be working all day in my stamp room getting ready for the big garage sale. Thanks for stopping by today! Enjoy your Wednesday!
Susan
Monday, May 7, 2012
An Ice Cream Day!
Hello stamping friends!
What a gorgeous day we're having. I just can't get enough of that blue, blue sky, can you? This might be the day that you sit outside under a shady tree and enjoy your first ice cream cone of the season. Doesn't that sound yummy? You'll see where I'm going with the ice cream idea in a minute, I promise.
Boy am I running late today! So this will be a very quick post for you, before I run some more!
Last night I stayed up late to view the new Stampin'Up! catalog on line (it was supposed to be posted for demonstrators at midnight Mountain Time, or 11pm our time). Unfortunately, it didn't show up and I eventually gave up and went to bed, then was up at 5:30 this morning to look at it. All I can say is, you will not be disappointed. It is a beautiful catalog, completely re-organized, and has so many new sets that it is amazing. I have a long, long list of things I just have to have... no surprise there!
Here's a card for you before I go running off to get ready for Bunco tonight at my house.
You might want to pick up some ice cream at the store today, and eat one of these in honor of the sunny warm day we are having. Can it really be ice cream weather? This fun summery card was made by a fellow demonstrator and I received it as a swap card at a recent demonstrator meeting. Unfortunately, the creator of this card did not put her name on the back so I'm unable to give her proper credit.
Here's a quick list of the products used:
Stamps:
Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess set-- retiring)
Pennant Parade (for the ice cream cone)
Ink:
Calypso Coral
Crumb Cake
Paper:
Whisper White
Lucky Limeaid
Calypso Coral
Daffodil Delight
Baja Breeze
Accessories:
Two Tags Die (to cut the white panel)
Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder for the Big Shot
1 3/4 inch Circle punch ( folded in half for the tab at the top)
Cupcake Builder punch, for the ice cream
Petite Pennants Builder punch, for the cone
Lucky Limeaid Baker's Twine
Crumb Cake
OK, stampers! I'm off and running again, but before I go, you have my permission to laze around a bit today, eat an ice cream cone, and pretend like summer is here to stay. We all know better, so enjoy the moment!
Tuesday is babysitting day, but I'll be back on Wednesday with another card for you.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Susan
What a gorgeous day we're having. I just can't get enough of that blue, blue sky, can you? This might be the day that you sit outside under a shady tree and enjoy your first ice cream cone of the season. Doesn't that sound yummy? You'll see where I'm going with the ice cream idea in a minute, I promise.
Boy am I running late today! So this will be a very quick post for you, before I run some more!
Last night I stayed up late to view the new Stampin'Up! catalog on line (it was supposed to be posted for demonstrators at midnight Mountain Time, or 11pm our time). Unfortunately, it didn't show up and I eventually gave up and went to bed, then was up at 5:30 this morning to look at it. All I can say is, you will not be disappointed. It is a beautiful catalog, completely re-organized, and has so many new sets that it is amazing. I have a long, long list of things I just have to have... no surprise there!
Here's a card for you before I go running off to get ready for Bunco tonight at my house.
You might want to pick up some ice cream at the store today, and eat one of these in honor of the sunny warm day we are having. Can it really be ice cream weather? This fun summery card was made by a fellow demonstrator and I received it as a swap card at a recent demonstrator meeting. Unfortunately, the creator of this card did not put her name on the back so I'm unable to give her proper credit.
Here's a quick list of the products used:
Stamps:
Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess set-- retiring)
Pennant Parade (for the ice cream cone)
Ink:
Calypso Coral
Crumb Cake
Paper:
Whisper White
Lucky Limeaid
Calypso Coral
Daffodil Delight
Baja Breeze
Accessories:
Two Tags Die (to cut the white panel)
Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder for the Big Shot
1 3/4 inch Circle punch ( folded in half for the tab at the top)
Cupcake Builder punch, for the ice cream
Petite Pennants Builder punch, for the cone
Lucky Limeaid Baker's Twine
Crumb Cake
OK, stampers! I'm off and running again, but before I go, you have my permission to laze around a bit today, eat an ice cream cone, and pretend like summer is here to stay. We all know better, so enjoy the moment!
Tuesday is babysitting day, but I'll be back on Wednesday with another card for you.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Susan
Friday, May 4, 2012
Making "Manly" Cards
Hello stampers! How did it get to be Friday already? I'm happy, though, because that means that it's almost the weekend... everyone's favorite part of the week! And some better weather is supposed to be headed our way... hurray for that! We all need a break!
Yesterday I promised you a Father's Day card for today. Really, this card could be for any occasion with just a simple change in the sentiment. Do you have as much trouble coming up with a "guy" card as I do? When it comes to creating a card for a man, I just don't feel that creative. Then when I look at my supply of stamp sets, it suddenly becomes apparent that 80% of what I have purchased are floral sets or sets that are definitely feminine. Ooops! I need to remind myself that men make up half the population when I sit down to order stamps.
The card I'm showing you today features the stamp set Nature Walk, which I consider a gender-neutral set. I love sets like this because with a simple color change, you can make your card either feminine or masculine. Check out my card---
To make this a card for any occasion, just change the sentiment and you're ready to roll. Here are some things to add a masculine touch to any card:
Color--- go for neutrals like Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Basic Black, and Soft Suede or River Rock. Then if you want more color, add in classics like Night of Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze, More Mustard. Think of the colors you find in more traditional men's neckties. Yes, I know you can find ties in pink and lime green, but I'm thinking of traditional ties, not trendy ties. Sponging can also add more color and give more definition to the elements on your card.
Texture---go for chunky textures like this embossed houndstooth pattern. Add linen thread, hemp twine, baker's twine or other rough-textured fibers. You can also tear the edge of your card stock to give a roughed-up look to your card. Tearing the edge adds just a bit more texture. (Notice I didn't use a torn edge on this card...wish I had thought of that though!)
Here's a quick list of what I used:
Stamps:
Nature Walk
Family Reunion (for the sentiment)
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper:
Mocha Morning Designer Paper (retiring)
Early Espresso
Crumb Cake
Very Vanilla
Accessories:
Large Oval Punch
Extra-Large Oval Punch
Houndstooth Embossing Folder for the Big Shot
Sponge
Linen Thread
Dimensionals
Oh, I forgot to mention that this card is not the traditional 5 1/2 by 4 1/4 card that is usually made. This one measures 5 1/4 by 3 1/2 and easily slides into the Small Open-End Envelopes sold on page 182 of the big catalog. This envelope has the flap at one end, instead of going across the middle. I love making cards that are a different size... guess I'm just very easily bored.
Hope you'll all enjoy a good day today and a wonderful weekend too, whatever you've got planned.
If you are coming to my retirement party and bingo tomorrow, I can almost guarantee that you'll go home with a fun prize! Thanks for stopping by!
Susan
Yesterday I promised you a Father's Day card for today. Really, this card could be for any occasion with just a simple change in the sentiment. Do you have as much trouble coming up with a "guy" card as I do? When it comes to creating a card for a man, I just don't feel that creative. Then when I look at my supply of stamp sets, it suddenly becomes apparent that 80% of what I have purchased are floral sets or sets that are definitely feminine. Ooops! I need to remind myself that men make up half the population when I sit down to order stamps.
The card I'm showing you today features the stamp set Nature Walk, which I consider a gender-neutral set. I love sets like this because with a simple color change, you can make your card either feminine or masculine. Check out my card---
Color--- go for neutrals like Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Basic Black, and Soft Suede or River Rock. Then if you want more color, add in classics like Night of Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze, More Mustard. Think of the colors you find in more traditional men's neckties. Yes, I know you can find ties in pink and lime green, but I'm thinking of traditional ties, not trendy ties. Sponging can also add more color and give more definition to the elements on your card.
Texture---go for chunky textures like this embossed houndstooth pattern. Add linen thread, hemp twine, baker's twine or other rough-textured fibers. You can also tear the edge of your card stock to give a roughed-up look to your card. Tearing the edge adds just a bit more texture. (Notice I didn't use a torn edge on this card...wish I had thought of that though!)
Here's a quick list of what I used:
Stamps:
Nature Walk
Family Reunion (for the sentiment)
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper:
Mocha Morning Designer Paper (retiring)
Early Espresso
Crumb Cake
Very Vanilla
Accessories:
Large Oval Punch
Extra-Large Oval Punch
Houndstooth Embossing Folder for the Big Shot
Sponge
Linen Thread
Dimensionals
Oh, I forgot to mention that this card is not the traditional 5 1/2 by 4 1/4 card that is usually made. This one measures 5 1/4 by 3 1/2 and easily slides into the Small Open-End Envelopes sold on page 182 of the big catalog. This envelope has the flap at one end, instead of going across the middle. I love making cards that are a different size... guess I'm just very easily bored.
Hope you'll all enjoy a good day today and a wonderful weekend too, whatever you've got planned.
If you are coming to my retirement party and bingo tomorrow, I can almost guarantee that you'll go home with a fun prize! Thanks for stopping by!
Susan
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Pretty and Pearly
Hello stampers! Thanks for stopping by on a rather gloomy, wet, and windy Thursday. Just looking out the window, it seems more like February than May. I guess we'll have to be content with the thought that somewhere the sun is shining... just not here.
I've got a pretty new card for you today... one I made just yesterday for an upcoming stamping party at Kathryn's house on Sunday. If you don't know Kathryn and haven't been invited all you have to do is book a party with me and we can make this pretty card at your party too! But you have to hurry, because the stamp set I used is retiring at the end of May.
Kathryn asked for a Mother's Day card for her party, but the sentiment could easily be changed out to make this any kind of card you want... wedding, anniversary, birthday, thinking of you, get well, etc. Of course it is not a "guy card." OK, enough talk--- here it is
First of all, let me say that this picture doesn't really show how pearly and iridescent the flowers are.
You can catch a glimpse of its pearly beauty, but in real life it is much prettier. I'll be sharing the trick of how to create this effect at the party. I'd be happy to share it with you at your party too.
I've got several open dates in June, so email me at sjrstamps@gmail.com and we can get your party on my calendar.
Here's a quick list of what I used to create this card
Stamps:
Flower Fest-- retiring at the end of May
Delightful Dozen -- for the sentiment
Ink:
Pretty in Pink
So Saffron
Paper:
Whisper White
Pretty In Pink
So Saffron
Certainly Celery
Accessories:
Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder for the Big Shot
Extra Large Oval Punch
Scallop Oval Punch
Pretty in Pink Dotted Grosgrain ribbon
Punches used for flowers:
2 3/8" Scallop Circle
1 3/4 " Scallop Circle
Fancy Flower
5 Petal Flower
Blossom Petals Builder punch-- for leaves
Thanks for stopping in today. Since I showed you a card for Mother's Day today, it seems only fair that tomorrow I'll have a Father's Day card for you ( which could easily be changed to a birthday, congratulations, retirement, thank you, or thinking of you card for a man).
Don't forget that Saturday is my annual retirement party and we'll be playing bingo for awesome prizes (hostess dollars, stamp sets, a Simply Scored scoring board, designer paper, and other goodies). The fun starts at 11 am at my house in Sherwood. Please send me a quick email at sjrstamps@gmail.com if you'd like me to save a spot for you.
Happy Thursday everyone... stay warm and dry!
Susan
I've got a pretty new card for you today... one I made just yesterday for an upcoming stamping party at Kathryn's house on Sunday. If you don't know Kathryn and haven't been invited all you have to do is book a party with me and we can make this pretty card at your party too! But you have to hurry, because the stamp set I used is retiring at the end of May.
Kathryn asked for a Mother's Day card for her party, but the sentiment could easily be changed out to make this any kind of card you want... wedding, anniversary, birthday, thinking of you, get well, etc. Of course it is not a "guy card." OK, enough talk--- here it is
You can catch a glimpse of its pearly beauty, but in real life it is much prettier. I'll be sharing the trick of how to create this effect at the party. I'd be happy to share it with you at your party too.
I've got several open dates in June, so email me at sjrstamps@gmail.com and we can get your party on my calendar.
Here's a quick list of what I used to create this card
Stamps:
Flower Fest-- retiring at the end of May
Delightful Dozen -- for the sentiment
Ink:
Pretty in Pink
So Saffron
Paper:
Whisper White
Pretty In Pink
So Saffron
Certainly Celery
Accessories:
Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder for the Big Shot
Extra Large Oval Punch
Scallop Oval Punch
Pretty in Pink Dotted Grosgrain ribbon
Punches used for flowers:
2 3/8" Scallop Circle
1 3/4 " Scallop Circle
Fancy Flower
5 Petal Flower
Blossom Petals Builder punch-- for leaves
Thanks for stopping in today. Since I showed you a card for Mother's Day today, it seems only fair that tomorrow I'll have a Father's Day card for you ( which could easily be changed to a birthday, congratulations, retirement, thank you, or thinking of you card for a man).
Don't forget that Saturday is my annual retirement party and we'll be playing bingo for awesome prizes (hostess dollars, stamp sets, a Simply Scored scoring board, designer paper, and other goodies). The fun starts at 11 am at my house in Sherwood. Please send me a quick email at sjrstamps@gmail.com if you'd like me to save a spot for you.
Happy Thursday everyone... stay warm and dry!
Susan
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Friends Never Fade
Hello Stampers and Welcome to Wednesday at The Classic Card!
I'm still in "retiring" mode as I re-visit some older cards made with stamp sets that are retiring soon. One of my favorites is the Friends Never Fade set, which has the sentiment "Friends are flowers that never fade." I'm very grateful that I have friends like that! I've got some out-of-state friends that I see only once in a great while... every 3 or 4 years... but when we get together, our conversation picks right back up and we can chat for hours without missing a beat... just as if we had spoken just the day before. I hope you have some friends like that too! They are a blessing!
The card I'm showing today uses the chalkboard technique. If you came to my technique classes last summer, then you probably made this card. If not, I'll tell you how easy it is to use this technique.
Here's the card...
I apologize for the bit of glare on the card... don't know how I managed to get too much light... usually the problem is getting enough light! Here's a quick list of the products I used to make this card.
Stamps:
Friends Never Fade-- retiring
Petite Pairs (for the sentiment)
Ink:
White Craft Pad
Early Espresso
Paper:
Early Espresso
Cajun Craze
Designer Paper Stack-- Regals
Very Vanilla
Accessories:
Curly Label Punch
Stripes Embossing Folder for the Big Shot
Stampin' Pastels-- retiring
Chalkboard Technique
To be successful with this technique you need
* a bold stamp image ( not a delicate line-art one)
* dark card stock ( Basic Black, Early Espresso, or other dark card stock)
* a white craft pad (the ink that doesn't dry immediately... the kind you can use embossing powder with)
*sponge daubers (the little sponge thingys that fit on the end of your finger)
Stamp the image in the white craft ink on the dark card stock. Let it dry for a minute or two... you don't want the ink to be super wet, because it will smear. Using a sponge dauber, pick up some color from the Stampin' Pastels, then very carefully, pounce on the color over the white ink. Use a different dauber when you change colors. Set aside to dry thoroughly. Wash your daubers with some dish detergent and rinse well. The sponge may stain a bit, but the color won't transfer the next time you use them.
Wasn't that easy? It isn't going to be easy, though, if you don't have the Stampin' Pastels, which are on the discontinued list. And there is no asterisk next to them, to let us know that they are simply being reconfigured. These are a basic tool for stamping, as they are used for coloring (along with the blender pens) and I'm not sure if there is anything to take their place. The item # is 120962 and they are $24.95. You get all of the Stampin'Up! colors, so it is an economical way to be able to color line-art images without investing in all of the markers. If you don't already own a set, you might want to consider purchasing them before they are gone for good!
OK stampers! That's it for today as I'm off to Curves this morning. Hope you're having a great week! Be sure to come back tomorrow for a visit!
Susan
I'm still in "retiring" mode as I re-visit some older cards made with stamp sets that are retiring soon. One of my favorites is the Friends Never Fade set, which has the sentiment "Friends are flowers that never fade." I'm very grateful that I have friends like that! I've got some out-of-state friends that I see only once in a great while... every 3 or 4 years... but when we get together, our conversation picks right back up and we can chat for hours without missing a beat... just as if we had spoken just the day before. I hope you have some friends like that too! They are a blessing!
The card I'm showing today uses the chalkboard technique. If you came to my technique classes last summer, then you probably made this card. If not, I'll tell you how easy it is to use this technique.
Here's the card...
Stamps:
Friends Never Fade-- retiring
Petite Pairs (for the sentiment)
Ink:
White Craft Pad
Early Espresso
Paper:
Early Espresso
Cajun Craze
Designer Paper Stack-- Regals
Very Vanilla
Accessories:
Curly Label Punch
Stripes Embossing Folder for the Big Shot
Stampin' Pastels-- retiring
Chalkboard Technique
To be successful with this technique you need
* a bold stamp image ( not a delicate line-art one)
* dark card stock ( Basic Black, Early Espresso, or other dark card stock)
* a white craft pad (the ink that doesn't dry immediately... the kind you can use embossing powder with)
*sponge daubers (the little sponge thingys that fit on the end of your finger)
Stamp the image in the white craft ink on the dark card stock. Let it dry for a minute or two... you don't want the ink to be super wet, because it will smear. Using a sponge dauber, pick up some color from the Stampin' Pastels, then very carefully, pounce on the color over the white ink. Use a different dauber when you change colors. Set aside to dry thoroughly. Wash your daubers with some dish detergent and rinse well. The sponge may stain a bit, but the color won't transfer the next time you use them.
Wasn't that easy? It isn't going to be easy, though, if you don't have the Stampin' Pastels, which are on the discontinued list. And there is no asterisk next to them, to let us know that they are simply being reconfigured. These are a basic tool for stamping, as they are used for coloring (along with the blender pens) and I'm not sure if there is anything to take their place. The item # is 120962 and they are $24.95. You get all of the Stampin'Up! colors, so it is an economical way to be able to color line-art images without investing in all of the markers. If you don't already own a set, you might want to consider purchasing them before they are gone for good!
OK stampers! That's it for today as I'm off to Curves this morning. Hope you're having a great week! Be sure to come back tomorrow for a visit!
Susan