Stampin' & Scrappin' with Donna

ACRYLIC DISTRESS TECHNIQUE

Stampin' Up! featured this technique in their March issue of Stampin' Success, a kewl monthly magazine they send to all their demonstrators.

It's called Acrylic Distress and the only thing you need besides your Stampin' Up! stash of goodies is a bit of acrylic paint (the kind that is sold everywhere in squeeze bottles for a dollar).

Here's a photo (left) of the card we made at our last team meeting when Samantha Forrest demoed this technique - I put the embossing folder backwards onto the painted card stock, so mine is "de-bossed" by mistake & you don't get the same stand-out effect, but ...

... this second photo (right) is from Stampin' Up! - same colours, different design - but you can see the effect better on this card since the embossing was done right side up (grin).

 

I can see all kinds of uses for this technique with all of Stampin' Up!'s embossing folders and with all kinds of different colours of acrylic paint. Click on this link to download a prointable PDF instruction sheet, and give this one a try!:  Acrylic Distress Technique

PS: The DEMONSTRATOR STARTER KITS (both Standard and Digital+) are on sale right now for $150 CAN (regular $215). With this purchase, you recieve a minimum 20% off all purchases, the Stampin' Success magazine, password-access to Stampin' Connection and the Demonstrator Website, a ton of free and discounted Stampin' Up! products, and lots more. I mean, it has to be a good deal or why else would I still be with this company after 10 years, right? For more information, CLICK HERE. Sale price ends March 31, 2012.

I'll be back on Monday with more paper crafting projects to share - have a great weekend!

 

HEARTS & CLOVERS

Ok, the actual holidays may have passed me by this year, but I was still thinking of all of you on the day and I still received some very kewl cards for Valentines Day and St. Patrick's Day this year ... both of the cards shown here are by a very talented member of the Artful*Inkers team, Robbyn Sorli. (Not to say that the rest of my team has no talent .. no, no! They are ALL very gifted and very creative stampers!! ... removing my foot from my mouth now)

BAck to the topic of today's post ... I love how Robbyn created her own unique background on this Valentine, using a variety of romantic stamps & ink colours. Almost all of the stamps shown came from P.S. I LOVE YOU stamp set on page 8 of the OCCASIONS MINI CATALOGUE ..  the only exception (I think) is the dotted pink heart in the upper right corner ... I'm not sure which set that belongs to)

Robbyn "aged" her Valentine by roughing the edges of the card, sponging some light brown ink (possibly she used Stampin' Up!'s DISTRESSING ESSENTIALS KIT, pg 203 of the current Idea Book & Catalogue) and topped it all off with a few squirts of BLUSHING BRIDE SMOOCH SPRITZ from the OCCASIONS MINI.

 

 

 

Robbyn made this all-green card both for St. Patrick's Day and for a team challenge to "Think Green". Not an easy task to make a card using only one colour, but I think she pulled it off brilliantly!

The banner is from TAKE IT TO HEART stamp set and the greeting is from TEENY TINY WISHES stamp set.

Unfortunately, Stampin' Up! doesn't have a shamrock punch, so Robbyn created it using the new HEARTS COLLECTION FRAMELITS DIES from the OCCASIONS MINI ... pretty clever, eh?

 

 

 

Tomorrow I'll show you the card & envelope we made at last Monday's team meeting - featuring a kewl technique with acrylic paint and the new DIAGONAL INSERT for the SIMPLY SCORING TOOL.

 

SOME STAMPIN' THERAPY

Life is slowly returning to normal after losing my father to Cancer earlier this month. The spring bulbs are blooming this week, which gives us a sense of renewal and a fresh start. I've been edging myself back into my routines, and I thank you all for sticking by me while I find my way back to a creative frame of mind.

Last Monday I got a real boost in the arm when I attended our team's monthly meeting which Samantha Forrest and Diane Hilborn had all planned out (thank you both, and Julie Leblanc too in February for keeping the team going in my absence!) Having friends is always a treasure, but having Crafty Friends just brings an extra special bond and warmth ...  and the Artful*Inkers team are true-blue crafty friends. Thank you all for being there for me on Monday, and over the last few months too.

So, back to getting creative again ... so much has happened while I was absent - I missed sharing my Leadership projects with you in January; Valentines Day has come and gone without a single card from me, and St. Patrick's Day is history too. Now we're all focusing on Spring themes in our creations, along with Easter and Mother's Day - whew! I have a whole pile of cards I received over the last couple of months that I plan to share here with you, as well as some of my Leadership projects. Since the products are still all currently available, I hope you'll bear with me as I play catch-up over the next few weeks with my posts.

For today, I wanted to show you some cards that my team mates and I made for a creative challenge called "white spaces" - which just means keeping the card clean & simple, letting lots of white show through .. you know, the type of stuff we RARELY do when we get out all of our stash and start adding layer after layer of goodness. Well, sometimes CLEAN AND SIMPLE is good too! Enjoy ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#1- by Diane Hilborn, featuring SPRINKLED EXPRESSIONS stamp set, EVERYDAY ENCHANTMENT ribbon, & DESIGNER FRAMES embossing folders from the SALE-A-BRATION brochure (expires March 31, 2012)

#2 - by me, Donna Henley, featuring ADORNING ACCENTS embossing folders & Edgelets dies, LARGE PEARL BASIC JEWELS, MIXED BUNCH stamp set, & BLOSSOM punch  - all from the OCCASIONS MINI CATALOGUE (expires April 30, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#3 - by Samantha Forrest, featuring one of the 2011-2012 In Colours, CONCORD CRUSH, as well as the ELEMENTS OF STYLE stamp set from the current Idea Book & Catalogue (expires May 31, 2012 - NOT June 30th, by the way!). Samantha used the SPOTLIGHT technique, one of my faves.

#4 - by Vanessa Manklow, featuring LOVE & LAUGHTER stamp set (from the Occasions Mini), Basic Black 1/8" TAFFETA RIBBON, the FINIAL PRESS embossing folder & Big Shot, and silver embossing powder to really make the stamped image stand out.

I'll have some more team swap cards to share with you all tomorrow...

ANNOUNCING A NEW TECHNIQUES CLUB

I am so happy to announce that my teammate Diane Hilborne and I have put together a brand new Card-Making Techniques Club ... and the Winter/Spring '12 session is all set to run monthly from February to June 2012 at Crafters Cupboard in Guelph!

Techniques are my favourite thing to learn and to share - this is where you throw all the rules out the window and truly get to be creative! As I'm typing this, it occurs to me that this series of classes is the closest we can get to the fun we had in kindergarten - remember?

Your registration includes 20 fun techniques spread over 4 classes, one class per month. We've actually designed five class dates and 25 techniques, so you have the flexibility to choose which four you'll attend, according to your schedule and needs.

Diane & I have added another new twist - at your first class you'll receive your supply kit (retail value $30) - it's got all the tools that you'll be using throughout this session, and they're yours to keep afterwards so you can continue to create at home! The supply kit also includes a 6x6 album for storage of your samples and instruction pages - with each technique you learn, you'll be building your very own Techniques Album to refer back to, again and again.

Click here to get all the details ... which techniques we'll be teaching and when, what comes in your supply kit, payment options, and more.

You can register in person at Crafters Cupboard, 430 Laird Rd in Guelph OR by contacting me via email or phone. NOTE: payment is required when you register - click on the link above to see your options.

COMING SOON: PAYPAL LINK  for online registration.

cheers,

 

Digital Brayering Technique by Julie Leblanc

Hey folks, if you are into digital scrapbooking or card-making at all, and especially if you use Stampin' Up!'s "MY DIGITAL STUDIO" software, please check out my team mate Julie Leblanc's new video on how to achieve a brayered background effect on your computer .. I'm so proud of her and want her to be known as the creator of this technique (at least in the Stampin' Up! world) because I've never seen this method used anywhere else:

 

SNEAK PEEK @ MY OCTOBER CLASS PROJECTS

Make this festive PAPER MEDALLION WREATH for your own home or as a gift; your choice of Autumn colours as shown, or in Christmas colours.

DATE & TIME: Monday October 17th, 7-9 pm

PLACE: Crafters Cupboard, 430 Laird Rd, Guelph

COST: $25 (includes all supplies to make 1 wreath & written instructions so you can make more @ home with your own stash)

RESERVE YOUR SEAT ONLINE & PAY AT THE CLASS

*****************************************************************************************************

Make 2 TRI-FOLD PHOTO CARDS - one in Neutral Masculine colours as shown; the other in Traditional Christmas colours. This card folds to fit in a standard envelope (included), making them ideal mail-away gifts to far-off family & friends.

DATE & TIME: Thursday October 20th; 7-9 pm

PLACE: Wellington County Public Library, Clifford

COST: $15 (includes all supplies to make 2 Photo Cards & written instructions to make more @ home with your own stash)

RESERVE YOUR SEAT ONLINE NOW & PAY AT THE CLASS

***************************************************************************************************

Stamp 6 Monogrammed note cards (letter of your choice) & make a window box to hold all six plus their 3 1/4"x3 1/4" envelopes (included). Holiday Party Season is approaching ... this would be an ideal gift for the hostess ... maybe a Secret Santa gift at the office ... or how about one for your child's teacher or care-giver!

DATE & TIME: Monday October 24th; 7-9 pm

PLACE: Crafters Cupboard, 430 Laird Rd, Guelph

COST:$15 (includes all supplies to make 6 cards and 1 box, plus written instructions to make more)

RESERVE YOUR SEAT ONLINE AND PAY AT THE CLASS

cheers,

SNEAK PEEK @ STAMP CAMP PROJECTS

The last day to register for our FALL TECHNIQUE STAMP CAMP in Guelph is coming up this Friday, Sept 9th - that's so we have enough time to order in all the products that you'll receive at the big event - yours to keep!

Here's a peek at some of the twelve different techniques you'll get to play with - a different greeting card for each technique ... PLUS 12 full-colour, fully illustrated, full-size technique instruction sheets to take home, refreshments & prizes!

Register now for SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24's FALL TECHNIQUE STAMP CAMP (12 noon - 4:30 pm) by clicking on this link ... don't delay; registration CLOSES this Friday, Sept 9th!!

BUILD-A-WHEEL BIRTHDAY CARDS

Join me to make these cheerful birthday cards and bag while we experiment with Stampin' Up!s Stampin' Around Build-a-Wheels ... they're small, but they're versatile - you can change the wheel combos & ink colours for a whole new look!

GUELPH CLASS: Mon Sept 19; 7 pm @ Crafters Cupboard, 430 Laird Rd

CLIFFORD CLASS: Thurs Sept 22; 7 pm @ Clifford Public Library

COST: $15.00 - RSVP your seat by clicking on the above location of your choice - it's easy!

cheers,

INTRODUCING: "SIMPLY SCORED" SCORING TOOL & CLASS

I'm so excited about the newest tool in my Stampin' Up! toolbox, and as of today it's available to my customers too - WAHOO!!

What is it, you ask?

Stampin' Up!'s original scoring tool--designed exclusively by and for Stampin' Up! With etched grooves every 1/8", and the ability to score card stock up to 12" x 12", the Simply Scored scoring tool helps you create perfectly measured score marks.  It's great for creating multiple projects or projects with a variety of score marks!

Features of the Simply Scored Scoring Tool

• Comes with a high-quality stylus instead of a plastic bone folder.
  • Stylus is ergonomically shaped and features a comfort grip.
  • The high-quality metal tips on each end of the stylus--they come in two sizes--glide smoothly over your paper.
• Features a unique set of place markers that let you mark your score lines when creating multiple projects with the same score lines.
  • Includes three place markers.
  • Additional place markers can be purchased for flawless scoring.
• Includes a hidden storage compartment in the back of the base to hold your scoring tools.
• Accommodates card stock up to 12" x 12".

Here are some Product Details:

• Item 122334; $38.95
• Simply Scored includes
  • 1 scoring board
  • 1 stylus
  • 3 place markers
• Dimensions of scoring board: 15-1/8" x 13-1/4" x  1"

• Additional products available:
  • Simply Scored Stylus
    • Item  125624; $5.95
    • Dimensions: 5-7/16" (13,8 cm)
  • Simply Scored Place Markers (pack of 6)
    • Item 125625; $3.50
    • Dimensions: 1/4" x 1" (6,4 x 25,4 mm)

I love using mine on projects requiring a lot of score lines .. like box templates & fancy fold cards. It also makes adding background texture to your cards and pages a breeze!

And best of all, take a look at this beautiful wreath made of scored paper medallions designed by Stampin' Up! ... I love this wreath SO much that I'm featuring it in October's Paper Crafting Techniques class on Monday Oct. 17th in Guelph ... come join the fun!

And don't forget to contact me or shop in my online store to order your own Simply Scored scoring tool ... get a close up look on page 6 of the new Holiday Mini catalogue (#122334; $38.95)

cheers,

FALL TECHNIQUES STAMP CAMP

We had so much fun at our Spring Techniques Stamp Camp in Guelph that we just knew we wanted to do it again .... and here are the details!

Join us on SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24th from 12 noon to 4:30 pm to make TWELVE greeting cards, each one featuring a different crafting technique!

We'll demonstrate the first six techniques, then you'll move from station to station, working at your own pace while you make your cards. After a snack break, we'll demo the remaining six techniques, then let you loose again!

When you arrive, you'll receive your goody bag, containing all of the following:

• pre-cut supplies to make 12 cards
• 12 envelopes
• duo-tang with 12 full size technique instruction sheets with step-by-step colour photos
• water bottle
• door prize ticket

Choose from two registration options:

• $60 DELUXE REGISTRATION PKG: in addition to the above, your goody bag will also include a Whisper White Craft Ink Pad, a Blender Pen, a white Signo Gel Pen ... all yours to keep!

• $40 BASIC REGISTRATION PKG: does not include the ink pad, blender pen or gel pen ... please bring your own to make the 12 cards on Saturday.

Registrations are now being accepted ... you can register yourself and up to three friends, all at the same time - just by clicking on the REGISTER NOW button below. Registration closes on Friday September 9th.

Payment can be made online through PayPal (you don't have to have a PayPal account, but you will be asked for your credit card number) or by mailing a cheque. NOTE: your registration will not be confirmed until we receive your payment.

Come on out and get your craftin' mojo going ... Diane Hilborn and I are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday September 24th!

REGISTER NOW

WHAT A GREAT DAY!

Tuesdays and Thursdays you'll find me in my little stampin' room/office, working at my business - and today was just one of those warm fuzzy kind of days ... lots of activity, but lots of friends and fun too!

I started off pretty early with some alone time on the 'puter while hubby slept in. (That's the best time to compose blog posts, class descriptions and email replies ... when he isn't staring over my shoulder like he is right now! Hey, whadda-ya know - it worked; hubby has left the building, lol)

Next, I did a couple of scheduled calls with members of my team on Skype. This is a new offering to my downline and it's getting pretty popular, especially with the gals who live too far away to attend our monthly team meetings. I loved having the chance today to talk with them one-on-one, showing them some cards, storage tips, and getting caught up on their lives and businesses too. See ... warm & fuzzy!

Then my demonstrator pal Ruth Millard dropped by for lunch and an afternoon visit ... what a treat! She surprised me with a make & take project from her quilted card class, and she wasn't sure how far along I was in the unpacking stage, so she brought everything with her - punch, dimensionals, ink, EVERYTHING I needed to make this beautiful card:

Based on the Dresden Plate quilt pattern, using retired Designer Series papers and a greeting from the new 'Perfectly Penned" stamp set (pg. 154, IB&C) -this card really does look like it's been quilted once it has been run through the Big Shot using the "Square Lattice" embossing folder!

100% Stampin' Up! supplies were used on this project, as with all the projects I feature on my blog.

 

Right after Ruth left, hubby & I started to put up some much-needed shelves in my little stampin' room ... and we got to talking about moving one or two things around ... and well, by the time we were done, I don't think a single thing stayed in it's original space.

Here's some quick pics of my new layout - my flash didn't work on one, but that's the change I'm most happy about - my desk/stamp table is now facing the window - WAHOO!! Now I can stamp by natural light and get my fill of sunshine all at the same time!

All three photos were snapped from my doorway ... left side of the room (where my desk used to be), centre (window & desk) and then right side of the room). Nothing is sorted yet, but you get the idea. I'm hoping Ruth sees this blog post - she won't believe it's the same room we were huddled in all afternoon - it's much more spacious now! <grin>

cheers

EMBOSSED VELLUM WITH CLASSIC INK

As promised, here's the card that Julie cooked up for our make & take project at Thursday's team meeting .. it was inspired by a demonstration she saw at the Stampin' Up! Convention in July:

TECHNIQUE: Embossed Vellum with Classic Ink

First we stamped the butterfly from the "Strength & Hope" set onto vellum cardstock, using Classic (dye) ink, then we quickly dipped the image into clear embossing powder, heat set it, then cut it out.

Normally you need to use Craft (pigment) inks or VersaMark ink if you want to emboss an image, but this time we were able to use Classic (dye) ink! That's because vellum is non-porous so Classic ink doesn't dry as quickly as it does on regular card stock or paper - in fact you have to be very careful not to smudge the image before it's embossed.

We punched a window in the card front, then attached the vellum butterfly using Glue Dots in the wing tips.

 

The butterfly was stamped again on a piece of Whisper White card stock and positioned so that it lined up through the window with the vellum butterfly. Actually, now that I think of it, we did the white butterfly first and adhered it to the inside of the card - then we attached the vellum butterfly so that the two images lined up.(Yep, much easier that way, wink)

The flowers are from a new 2-Step set called 'Field Flowers" (pg 120, IB&C) and the ink colours are Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush, and Lucky Limeade - all three are In-Colours, which means they are current, trendy and hip ... and they won't be around forever, so if you like 'em, grab 'em!

cheers,

IT'S ALL COMING TOGETHER

For the last three evenings wehave been busy sorting, pricing and setting up for my big Catalogue Launch and Tent Sale (minus the tent). Here's some things you can expect to see this Saturday:

• Retired Product Sale in the air-conditioned dining room (since the outside temp is an expected 38 degrees celcius on Saturday!!)
• Catalogue Purusing and Order Placing out on the deck (with lots of chairs & ice cold lemonade!!)
• Bake Sale out on the picnic table under the big umbrella (proceeds go to WEEKEND TO END WOMENS CANCERS)
• Select studio fixtures are being sold down in my basement studio (white boards, counter, folding tables, paper rack, etc - see the full list on the wall in the studio)

And here are some of the specials I'm running during the sale:

• Place an order from the new catalogue equal to the value of the retired products you pick out, and the retired stuff goes home with you for FREE! (Hint: shop the retired tables first for best selection, then get a total + order form & catalogue from my assistant, THEN grab a chair outside to write out your catalogue order)
• Single stamp sale (fill a container with the individual   stamps YOU want and pay a flat price for the container - $10, $15, $20 and $25 sizes available to choose from!!)
• Launch of my new line of SCRAP IT papercrafting kits - get an up close and personal look at my latest endeavour!!
• Sign up for any of my Clubs and get a FREE Hostess Set from the new catalogue, in addition to regular club membership perks!! (BIG SHOT CLUB, PUNCH CRAZY CLUB, CHRISTMAS CARD CLUB, or TECHNIQUE CLUB - 4 month committment required; clubs start in September in Guelph)
• Join in my RIBBON & DESIGNER PAPER SHARES - details were emailed earlier this week to everyone on my subscription list; many different product shares are available with five spots per product. As soon a list is filled, I'll order that product & deliver asap! (Mailing service is available for an extra charge if you live too far away to come in person - Canada only, please)

I've probably forgotten to mention something (and I'm sure my helpers will let me know, lol!) - but I think you get the idea ... it's the last Tent Sale I'll ever have here in Guelph, and there's so much going out the door that you can't afford to miss it!! The sale runs from 10 am til 1 pm ...

See you on Saturday!!

HOW MANY PROJECTS CAN ONE STAMPER HAVE ON THE GO?

Sounds like the start of a bad joke, like ... how many stampers does it take to ... never mind.

I'm one of those gals who can't finish anything in one sitting ... as a result, I have TOO MANY unfinished projects on the go on any given day (week, month, even year!)

Funny thing, but In the last six days (coincidently the same length of time my dear daughter has gone past her due date to deliver my precious grandbaby) ... I've had the urge to pick up several half finished projects and as they say, "get 'er done"

So I thought I'd share what I've managed to finish this past week or so ... and I'd love to hear your comments: are you a multi-tasker like me, or one of those "must-finish-this-before-I-start-that" type of crafter? (I can't imagine what that lifestyle would even feel like!)

 

First, a quick card I made for my son-in-law's birthday earlier in March ... with a retired set from Stampin' Up! that fits our family's activities so well that I kept it in my stash. SiL is an avid canoer, camper & fisherman ... I tied the bike onto the back of the jeep to represent all the kiddy stuff he's gonna have to start taking along on their camping trips <grin>

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next - here's a super fun and easy pop-up card that I found online and used as one of the make & take projects at my team's March meeting.

It starts with an 8x8" piece of card stock, add some scoring, glue one corner, and decorate to your heart's content - couldn't be easier! We used the "Ice Cream Parlor" designer series papers, self-adhesive die cuts, printed ribbon and buttons - all of which are FREE with purchase during SALE-A-BRATION this month - gotta love the free stuff!!

Next up is a personal favourite .. this bookmark was our second make & take project at March's Artful*Inkers Team meeting .. designed and presented by Joanna.

I love the bright colours that Joanna used - this also looks great in Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, and Melon Mambo - all from the Brights Collection, which coordinated perfectly with the stack of Brights Patterned Designer Series Papers ... clever girl, our Joanna!

 

We used five different Stampin' Up! punches to make this - can you name them all?

I loved the bookmark project so much that I added it to the roster for my "Mom & Me" March Break class, held last Wednesday afternoon. We all wore hats (for the Mad Hatter Tea Party theme) and decorated them with these flowers, made on the Sizzix Big Shot die-cutting machine:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our final project at the "Mom & Me" class was a Friendship Book .. a mini scrapbook made from plain drink coasters bound together using my little sprial binding machine.

The girls had a grand old time choosing their papers, ink colours and chipboard embellishments to give each book it's own special touches.

Of course, we had to leave room inside to add photos of our best friends later, along with lists of our favourite movies this year, books we've read, and anything else we wanted to remember about 2011!

Then we wrapped up the afternoon with a tea party upstairs in my dining room .. I wish I had gotten photos of everyone who came; but here's one of the person who travelled the farthest to attend!

Thank you all for sharing part of your March Break vacation crafting with me!

Ok, more projects to share tomorrow ... for now, make sure you've ordered all the freebies you want out of the Sale-a-Bration brochure 'cause it ends March 31st.

Also, this Wednesday is the last day to register for our final session of the Techniques Stamp Camp - this time to be held in Waterloo on Sat April 2nd.

And I'm still offering 10% off orders placed before my grandbaby arrives .. something tells me you shouldn't dawdle on this one! <grin>

cheers

 

 

NEW MARCH CLASS: "FRIENDLY WORDS"

Grandbaby number one is due in just five days, and the waiting is unbearable ... so I've just added a new class in March to help make the time go faster, lol. And due to my ongoing March madness, I'm giving away lots of extras with this class!

Join me on Tuesday March 22nd @ 7:30 pm for my "FRIENDLY WORDS" class ... featuring the "FRIENDLY WORDS" Stampin' Around Jumbo Wheel!

At this class you'll make a gift bag with tag, and four co-ordinating cards with envelopes to go inside  .. Stampin' Around wheels are a great complement to many stamp sets and projects! Let me show you how you can create 11 different techniques using our Stampin' Around Wheels at this class ... oh, and get this: the $25 class fee includes a "FRIENDLY WORDS" wheel to take home! (pg 138, 2010-2011 IB&C)

OPTIONAL: Bring a Jumbo Handle if you own one, along with your favourite adhesive, bone folder, paper snips or scissors, and paper trimmer with scoring blade. New to paper crafting and you don't own all of these basic tools? No problem - I have some you can use during this class; and if you order any of the above at this class, I'll give you 10% off the regular catalogue price!

PLUS: everyone who attends will receive a FREE surprise bag of 10 hand-stamped cards/card fronts; you can use them to send to friends, or just for ideas & inspiration when you stamp your own.

Call or email me to register for this class ASAP, so that your "FRIENDLY WORDS" wheel will be here in time for class.

cheers

MAKE IT FROM SCRAPS

The frugal stamper is very pleased with this weekend's creations ... I started out with an old issue of Sheetload of Cards from 2007 and I ended up putting together a class that shows you how to make tons of cards while using up your stash of leftover card stock, designer papers, ribbons and embellishments - you know, the stuff that's too small to make anything with but too pretty to throw away? <wink>

For this class you'll get to pick your favourite colours from a large selection of pre-cut pieces. When you go home, you'll have 12 finished cards and envelopes for a variety of occasions, plus the cutting pattern and the know-how to make many more cards with stuff you already have at home!

This class is a more relaxed format than my usual fare ... it's easy because you start with a basic card layout and yet it offers you the chance to try out several ways to step-it-up just a little - and all while you are using up leftovers from other projects!

Oh, and if you have a stash of embellishments you want to use up, feel free to bring that to class - buttons, brads, ribbon bits, rhinestones, whatever you've got on hand! If you don't have a lot of embellishments, don't worry; I have plenty of odds and sods to share. If you do bring your stash, you'll have the opportunity to swap stuff with your classmates so everyone can go home with more of a variety!

I'll supply everything else - pre-cut designer paper and card stock pieces, blank cards & envelopes, stamps & inks, adhesives, punches, sponges, inspiration boards and instruction sheets. Plus, everyone gets 3 metres of 1/8" wide taffeta ribbon & 3 sponge wedges from Stampin' Up! to use during the class and to keep afterwards!

These cards are easy to make, easy to embellish, and easy to re-create at home when you need to make more. I'll show you ways to embellish using what you already have in your stash - and YOU choose whether to keep your cards simple or step-it-up with sponging, corner rounding, distressing, etc, etc... I'll have all kinds of samples to help you decide, so bring your camera.

DATE: Monday Feb 28 or Thursday March 10th

TIME: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

COST: $25 per person or 2/$40 when you bring a friend!

Call me: 519-823-8891 or email me: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com to register for this class - tell me which evening you're coming, who you're bringing with you (if you want the discount price), and how you want to pay for your class ... cheque, cash or credit card (thorugh PayPal) are all accepted.

cheers,

 

 

Register now for our last Technique Stamp Camp until Fall:

WATERLOO: SAT. APR 2; 10:30 - 1:30; $35 ... WATERLOO DETAILS ARE HERE (includes mid-morning snack, prizes, 8 cards & envelopes, technique book)

Registration closes Wednesday March 23rd, so don't delay!

QUICK AND EASY VALENTINES

Busy, busy, busy ... why is that phrase always on our lips? Before I tell you WHY I'm so busy, I wanted to share some QUICK AND EASY Valentines I made yesterday - all four of these 3"x3" cards took about 20 minutes total ... which is about all the time I could spare, lol. (PS - I LOVE Stampin' Up!'s new GLIMMER PAPER ... it's so red and sparkly!)

I try to stamp something every day, but this week I've been occupied with getting ready for this Saturday's STAMP-4-FUN day with my team of demonstrators - I LOVE getting together with these gals ... Artful*Inkers, you ROCK!

And of course, there are a lot of details to iron out for the SALE-A-BRATION TECHNIQUE STAMP CAMPS - my team is putting on this event on four different Saturdays in four different towns - how's that for ambitious! What can I say; we just love creating and we want to share the fun with everyone!

Have you registered yet?

• GUELPH: EVENT DAY: Sat Feb 5th, REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wed Jan 26th
• CAMBRIDGE: EVENT DAY: Sat Feb 26th, REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wed Feb 16th
• CARLISLE: EVENT DAY: Sat Mar 5th, REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wed Feb 23rd
• WATERLOO: EVENT DAY: Sat Apr 2nd, REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wed Mar 23rd

You can check out this blog post to see what we'll be making - it's gonna be a FULL day of stamping!

And you can click on this link to register for Guelph's event, or contact me to register for one of the other three events ... I'll be participating at all of them!

cheers,

TECHNIQUES STAMP CAMP

 TUESDAY JANUARY 25th is the LAST DAY TO REGISTER for this event .... hurry!

My team and I've been working on putting together a major event for you and we're finally ready to announce the details ....

SALE-A-BRATION TECHNIQUES STAMP CAMP

Saturday February 5th

10 am - 4 pm

ARC Industries building @ 8 Royal Rd, Guelph

Come learn 12 stamping techniques to make the most of the stamps you already own! Participants will receive a mini album of all technique instructions, and you'll also make a full card for each technique!

A catered lunch, door prizes & a Sale-a-Bration display are all included in the $40 fee.  

Register by Jan 25th & receive a FREE pkg of rhinestones!

Just click on this link to register yourself and up to eight friends.

If you have any questions about this event or if you'd like to pay your registration through PayPal, please contact me by either phone: 519-823-8891 or email: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

Thanks for your support & enthusiasm in the best hobby ever; I really look forward to seeing you at this stamp camp!

PS - if this date doesn't work for you, we'll also be offering the same event in Waterloo, Cambridge and the Carlisle/Waterdown area ... contact me if you'd like information on those dates!

cheers

 

DECK THE HALLS

Two quick cards to show you today, featuring Stampin' Up!'s "Deck the Halls" designer series paper -I love the retro look (it brings my childhood Christmases back to mind!) These two cards are ALMOST identical, but not quite ...

IEveryone is making gathered ribbon to add to their paper projects lately, and when I spotted this layout in the Nov/Dec 2010 issue of PaperCrafts magazine, I was inspired to try it for myself.

For the card on the left, I pulled a thread at one end of my "Very Vanilla" satin ribbon, while on the card to the right I layed down a piece of "Sticky Strip" adhesive and looped the satin ribbon as I worked my way along the adhesive.

Both techniques have their benefits: the tape method is quick and easy while the pulled thread method looks more authentic (in my opinion).

However, I had the Dickens of a time (did you catch the nostalgic reference to Christmases past? GRIN) keeping the ends of the ribbon from smoothing out again. I tried knotting the pulled thread, using the green bottled Tombow glue (that stuff works on everything!) Heck, I even melted the ends with a lit match - but then it unravelled again while I was attaching the ribbon to the card.

Still, I now have two more cards finished for mailing so its all good.

SUPPLIES USED: (100% Stampin' Up! products)

• Whisper White card stock
• Deck the Halls designer series paper
• Very Vanilla Satin ribbon
• Holly & Jolly Rub-Ons
• Sticky Strip adhesive

Just a reminder ... "Deck the Halls" DSP is included in two of the Holiday Bundles that are on sale right now for 20% off - you get the pkg of DSP and a punch! Order now so you have time to make your own "Perfect Handmade Christmas"

cheers

 

MAKE YOUR OWN DESIGNER PAPER

This may be the kewlest idea I brought home from Stampin' Up!'s Hamilton Regionals last weekend: custom-made designer paper, using the Sizzix Big Shot!

No way? WAY!!!

Karen Long of Amherst, NY showed  us how during her Workshop WOW demonstration, and even Shelli Gardner was wowed by this one ... I tried it out for myself today, and shared it with the gals in my Big Shot club tonight:

Now these are unfinished cards; pretty simple & bold. Don't let that turn you away ... I can see a lot of possibilities using this technique.

HOW-TO-DO-IT: Cut or punch shapes, stripes, or whatever out of card stock in the colours of your choice. Adhere the shapes to a piece of card stock (or in this case, a card front).

Then, run the whole thing through an embossing folder on your Big Shot machine - the shapes will appear as if they're fused to the background .. as if it were printed paper!

 

You can see a bit better in these close-up photos - pretty kewl, eh? And it's a great way to use up your scrap pieces of card stock, too!

I can't wait to try some more - maybe some of the small bat punches to make a Hallowe'en background!

My favourite sample by Karen was just a strip of this technique down one side of the card; I want to C.A.S.E that one too, just as soon as I find a picture of it.(Nope, I didn't think to take pictures during her presentation - I was too busy picking my chin up off the ground, lol)

Try it out for yourself, and let me know how it goes, ok?

cheers

 

 

FREE WATERCOLOUR TUTORIAL

At August's STEP-IT-UP Class, I taught the gals six ways to watercolour using Stampin' Up!'s fabulous Aqua-Painters. We made four different cards and a cute box to hold them ... check out the pictures:

Now if you missed out on this class and you live in Canada, don't fret; you can still get in on the fun!

Everyone who purchases a Watercolour Tool Kit from me between now and the end of September will also receive the 25 page step-by-step tutorial to make your own box of cards.

The tutorial includes cardstock cutting maps, box templates, and detailed instructions with step-by-step photos to make the box and four cards, using six different watercolouring techniques - all the guessing, planning and calculating is done for you!

Just order the following Stampin' Up! products from me for just $34.70 plus shipping and taxes and you'll get your own FREE tutorial:

WATERCOLOUR TOOL KIT:

• AQUA PAINTERS (2 Pack) #103954 $20.95
  
• UNI-BALL SIGNO GEL PEN (one) #105021 $5.25
  
• WATERCOLOUR PAPER (20 sheets) #105019 $8.50

HERE'S HOW:

Place your order online through my SHOPPING SERVICE and your order will be shipped directly to your home plus I'll send you an electronic copy of the Watercolour Tutorial as soon as your order ships! ($9.99 shipping fee applies to online orders under $100; 10% shipping fee on orders over $100)

or, if you prefer ...

Phone or email your order to me and pay only 10% shipping - when your order arrives, you pick it up at my studio and I'll include a paper copy of your FREE tutorial, in colour!

Order today and you'll have your fall project all lined up - the kids are going back to school; why not you!

cheers

In addition to the Watercolour Tool Kit, you'll need stamps & inks of your choice, Stampin' Dimensionals, 5/8' Satin Ribbon in the colour of your choice, adhesive, and a white crayon to make these projects.

BRAYERING TECHNIQUES

July's STEP-IT-UP Card Class was all about the brayer ... a often neglected but very handy little tool!

Here are the three cards we made in class last night:

All three started with a white piece of card stock; can you believe it?!

STAMP SETS USED (100% Stampin' Up! products)

Top Left Card - Inspired by Nature & Sanded Background

Top Right Card -  Lovely as a Tree

Bottom Left Card - Greenhouse Garden & Heard from the Heart

Hey, if you like what you see and you want in on the next STEP-IT-UP Card Class, call or email me to reserve your spot!

On TUES AUG 17th, from 7:30 - 9:30 pm we'll be learning SIX ways to WATERCOLOUR, while we make four cards and a box to hold them, all for only $25 ... don't delay; sign up today!

cheers,

STENCILLING WITH THE ELEGANT TRIO

Here's a detailed look at one of my June classes:

STEP-IT-UP CLASS on Tues June 15th; from 7:30-9:30 pm

In June's Step-It-Up class you'll be learning four different techniques using one set of stencils to:

• make three cards featuring different stencil techniques
• see a demonstration of a stenciled photo frame
  
• receive a bonus set of Stenciling 101 Instructions

These projects feature the Elegant Trio Décor Stencils and the Thank You Kindly stamp set. The elegant styling and monochromatic colors make this a perfect set to create and use year-round or give as gifts for many occasions.

Once you've mastered these new stencil techniques, you'll be able to create a variety of projects on your own featuring stencils for paper crafting projects like cards and scrapbooks, and also for home décor on frames, vases, walls and furniture!

It's time to register for your June classes! Call or email me now to reserve your seats.

FREE TECHNIQUE DVDs ~ SPECIAL OFFER

From now until May 31, join my team, the Artful*Inkers as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and receive two FREE technique DVDs!

	Item	Description	Retail Value
	118082	Workshop Wow DVD 2008-2009 (140 min.) Includes 19 demonstrator presentations of "WOW" techniques.	$32.95
	113106	Workshop Wow 2007-2008 DVD (117 min.) Includes 18 demonstrator presentations of "WOW" techniques for use in preparing for workshops.	$20.97
Total Value		Over 250 minutes of stamping and paper crafting ideas!	$53.92

*DVDs are in English only

Contact me today to learn more!

I CAN FINALLY SHOW YOU THIS ONE!

I've wanted to show all of you this particular card & technique for the last week but I couldn't until ...

1) I mailed off my swap cards to B.C for the Canadian Demos' Summer Mini Catalogue swap (In about a week I'll receive 20 different cards back; featuring all the new products coming in Stampin' Up!'s Summer Mini in May ... I can't wait to show them to you!) 

2) I demo'ed the card & technique at this past Saturday's Stamp-4-Fun event that I hosted for my demonstrator team (YAY, Artful*Inkers!!!!) plus other demonstrator friends and special guests (I had a great time visiting with everyone, swapping and stamping and seeing the amazing presentations by our guest demonstrators ... WOW! See you all again in July!)

So, now that all the preliminaries are over, here's my card - the technique is an oldie but a real standard; and one that the FRUGAL STAMPER recommends you try if you can't afford to own all your favourite ink colours in both Classic (dye) and Craft (pigment) ink pads:

EMBOSSED HUMMINGBIRD:

Ever wanted to stamp an image in a certain colour and emboss it, but you don't own that colour in Craft ink? Well here's a way to get the same effect using your regular ol' Classic ink and a VersaMark inkpad.

Make sure your stamp is CLEAN before you start. Ink it up well in VersaMark ink, then tap it once on your Classic ink pad (I used Soft Suede to coordinate with my papers on this sample).

Stamp the image onto your paper, then dip the image into the embossing powder (I used Stampin' Up!'s Iridescent Ice) and shake off the excess powder. Now you don't have a lot of time between stamping and dipping - not as much time as you can take when using the goopier Craft ink.) I was making 21 of these, so I dipped each one as I stamped them... then I zapped all of the cards at once with my heat tool.

One word of advice: clean your stamp VERY WELL after each card you stamp ... otherwise your VersaMark inkpad will get very dirty.

People have asked if this technique will harm our Classic ink pads .. and the answer is no. Transfer of VersaMark ink to your Classic pad is minimal. However, if you're stamping a lot of cards with this technique, I'd recommend a quick touch-up with your re-inker when you're done, to restore your Classic ink pad to its original glory.

so there you have it ... the next time you want to emboss a coloured image and you don't own the colour in Craft ink, pull out your VersaMark and Classic ink pads instead! Very Frugal, eh?

cheers

TECHNIQUE: STAMPING OFF

STAMPING OFF (also called Second Generation Stamping) is a great stamping technique to use on your creations ... it can age and add texture to a project, it gives the look of several shades (or is that hues?) of one colour, and it can also give the illusion of movement, such as in the first card below, created by fellow demonstrator Rachel Bleich or the second one by Carol Fraley ...

       

HOW TO:

There are two ways to use this technique:

1) ink up your stamp, and stamp it onto your project over and over again without reinking between images. This will give you one strong image and several faded images, as you see with the horses.

2) If a colour of ink is too strong for your project, then ink up your stamp, stamp it once LIGHTLY onto a scrap piece of paper, then immediately stamp it again onto your project ... presto! You have a lighter version (again - is it hue or shade?) of the original colour. I use this technique a lot with Rich Razzleberry ink ... I find it's just a little too intense when I'm stamping flowers, for example.

Stamping Off is also a very FRUGAL technique ... you don't need to own a lot of different ink pads in your favourite colour ... this technique just makes it LOOK like you do!

cheers

Free Technique DVDs Special Offer

Special Offer Dates: April 1-May 31, 2010 (or while supplies last)

Special Offer Details
From April 1-May 31, join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator and receive two FREE technique DVDs.

Free Technique DVD Details

	Item	Description	Retail Value
	118082	Workshop Wow DVD 2008-2009 (140 min.) Includes 19 demonstrator presentations of "WOW" techniques.	$32.95
	113106	Workshop Wow 2007-2008 DVD (117 min.) Includes 18 demonstrator presentations of "WOW" techniques for use in preparing for workshops.	$20.97
Total Value		Over 250 minutes of stamping and paper crafting ideas!	$53.92

*DVDs are in English only

Contact me  today to learn more!

cheers,

STAIR STEP CARD & MORE

Here's a peek at the three cards we'll be making during Wednesday's Step-It-Up card class: a stair step photo card with a punch art bunny (kewl because it lays flat for mailing!) ... and an accordion card (the ribbon holds it closed) ... and for our technique card: a revival of poppin' pastels with some fresh new colours!

There's still room to join us here in my studio; if you like what you see, give me a quick call or email to reserve your seat. This two hour class starts at 7:30 pm on Wednesday March 10th and costs $25.

40 Carat Club members can choose this class as their March perk and pay only $5; Artful*Inker demonstrators are welcome to attend for a $5 supply fee.

cheers

STEP-IT-UP IN MARCH

I'm a procrastinator. More to the point, I'm more creative when I'm working under a tight deadline. When preparing for my stamp classes, I carry the idea around in my mind's eye for weeks, but I often get caught actually making my samples the day before (sometimes the day OF) the class.

This is not a good business practice if my customers want to see what they'll be making before they sign up. That's fair ... I'd want to know what to expect before I forked out my hard-earned money, too!

So, it's been a goal of mine in 2010 to break my last-minute habits and have my class projects designed and posted a month before the class date. Yeah, I know ... it didn't happen that way in January. Or February. But guess what ...

Yep, here's a photo of the cards we'll be making in March's STEP-IT-UP class - wahoo!!

Check it out - if you join me on Wednesday March 10th, you'll get to make a stair step card, an accordion fold card, and a card featuring the poppin' pastel technique!

Click on my EVENTS CALENDAR to get all the details, then be sure to call or email to reserve your seat!

cheers,

TIME TO STEP-IT-UP

As promised, here are the three cards we made last night at my "STEP-IT-UP" card class: a Shadow Box card, a Ribbon Pull card, and a card using the Faux Tile Technique (aka Grid Technique). As always, you can click on the photo for a closer look.

I'm really excited about all the possibilities this class has to offer for those who want a little more than the basic card making. I'm a real technique junkie who loves to share ... and I also have a whole collection of cards that pop, slide, push and pull that we'll be making over the coming months.

Because these types of projects take a little more time, we only made one of each during the class. However with that one as a sample, it's easy to make more at home, adapting them to whatever occasion you need.

And wait til you see what we're gonna make NEXT month!

cheers.

Donna

FAKE IT FRIDAY: EASIEST SPINNER CARD EVER!

Time for another installment of FAKE IT FRIDAY, when I reveal my sources for all the amazing things I teach in my classes - nope, they're not all my own ideas. There, the secret is out & I feel SO much better; sigh.

Today's Stampin' Up! Diva is Angie Kennedy Juda, who hangs out at ChicnScratch.com ... Angie makes the cutest, neatest, fun-est stuff ever; great for gifts, craft bazaars and just plain fun to make for yourself! I check out her YouTube tutorials and her blog on a regular basis; you should too!

Today's project: a spinner card - not a new idea, but it can be very frustrating to make if you don't layer the pennies and card stock "just so". In fact, I'd pretty much given up teaching this card in my classes because of the "hit-and-miss, will-it-spin" factor. Well worry no more...

Angie's tutorial shows a no-fail method to get the mechanics of this card to work EVERY TIME! (providing you follow the steps EXACTLY and don't try to modify anything ... ask me how I know!) I also love the 3x6 size of Angie's card - the shape accents the sliding feature; it's clean and simple, and adaptable to any occasion.

Here's my attempt, following the tutorial found HERE ... btw, ignore the reference on the video to Sale-a-Bration (she used a stamp set from last year's Sale-a-Bration event on her sample. Sale-a-Bration 2010 starts on Jan 5th).

I'm pretty literal, so when I was rifling through my stamp stash to see which image I wanted to spin, I decided on the pair of dice from the set "Game Night" - an obvious choice, don't you think? And of course, I needed a gambling phrase, so I chose "Good Luck" from "Fundamental Phrases"... all supplies used are by Stampin' Up!©

A few notes: (click on the photo for a closer view)

1) Be sure to chose an image that will actually hide the penny (my dice were a little small, so I punched a 3/4" circle from Whisper White card stock to cover the penny first.) 

2) It's easier to stamp the phrase when Angie says to stamp it, but it's not impossible to do that step last if you forget - I did!

3) It's worth it to take the time to make a REALLY ACCURATE template that you can use over and over - don't skip this step! (Yeah, I tried to save time and it's just too hard to line up your word window punches on both layers without doing the tracing first!)

I had a good chuckle when Angie made the comment about how hard it is to line up when she has an audience ... too true! THAT'S why I leave the video-making to others and also why I practice so much before I actually face my classroom audience!

I hope you try the slider card soon - and send me a pic of your results; I'd love to see your creations!

cheers

FAKE IT FRIDAY: BRAYERED ROSES

Here we are with my second installment of FAKE IT FRIDAY (my OCT 16 POST explains the concept & wacky title) ... today I'm featuring another of my all-time-favourite-uber-talented Stampin' Up! divas, Patty Bennett.

Whenever I need inspiration or a reminder to loosen up, just try it and have fun, I visit Patty's blog or watch one of her YouTube videos. Afterwards, I'm usually RUNNING to my Stampin' Studio to try out one of her ideas; she's just THAT talented!

So to get ready for last Saturday's STAMP-4-FUN event (a quarterly day I host for my downline and other local demonstrators), I was searching through the maze of YouTube videos, looking for ones that used Sizzix embossing folders - I wanted to show my team some kewl techniques that they could try with these folders and their Big Shot machines. I found several good ones, but this video by Patty was BY FAR the best, giving me the most WOW for my viewing ... and I think the gals were pretty impressed on Saturday too!

I won't go into the technique steps - you can see how to do it on Patty's original video HERE - but I DO want to share my results and some tips (AKA: mistakes I made along the way) ... (remember, you can click on the photos to see a larger view) ...

The "Manhattan Flower" embossing folder gives an elegant look to plain white card stock (photo 1), but this time I wanted to add some colour. As Patty points out in her video, you can try to drag an ink pad across the top of the card to "catch" just the raised embossed image, but it rarely comes out clean (photo 2).

Instead, Patty advises flipping over to the backside (the "de-bossed" side) to add your colour ... now I'm excited! I pull out the same colours Patty used and I dove in, starting with the pink... oops!

NOTE TO SELF: Remember to remove most of the ink from the brayer BEFORE you go NEAR the card front. Otherwise you get ... photo 3.

My next attempt was much better - just a hint of pink, then add the yellow. (OK, so I think this one is too light on the pink and too heavy on the yellow but then again, I'm not partial to yellow roses. Some of the other gals preferred this version - to each her own. (Photo 4)

Here's the one I REALLY like - after colouring, I cut out around the outside edges of the embossed roses, stamped some leaves on another piece of card stock and then adhered the roses on top. It's not exactly like Patty's card in the video because I wanted mine to be a standard 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" in size. (Photo 5)

All in all, I really love this technique and can't wait to try it with my other embossing folders and some different colour combos. The way I see it, the more looks you can get with one product, the better - so thank you Patty for giving new life to the embossed look!

cheers,

DO IT YOURSELF BUTTONS!

OK, this might have been the best demo of the whole weekend at Stampin' Palooza ... well, maybe not THE best; there were SO MANY good ideas shared in Toronto ... but this sure is the best one as far as the FRUGAL STAMPER is concerned!

How many times have I wished that I had a button to embellish my card or layout, only to find that none of the buttons in my craft stash will go with the colours in my project? My creativity comes to a screeching halt until I have the time to hunt down a better match in the bottom of my sewing basket, or horrors - make a special trip to the store!

Well, with this super-easy trick I can make my own buttons using matching papers from my project, and I'll never have to sneak a button from my hubby's favourite shirt again! (Oops, did I type that out loud? Shhh, don't tell!)

Here's a quick photo tutorial: (click on the photos to see a close up)

STEP ONE: Punch five circles, all the same size (I used my 3/4" and 1" circle punches for this example).

STEP TWO: Glue them in a stack with your Tombo Multi Liquid Glue, bringing the glue as close to the outer edges as you can without having any gush out.

STEP THREE: Use your sanding block to smooth the edges and removed the "layered" look.

 

STEP FOUR: Punch two or four holes in the centre of each button with the 1/8" side of your Crop-O-Dile - it will punch through all five layers with NO problem!

STEP FIVE: Cover each button top with a coat of Crystal Effects to give them a shiny finish. Let dry.

And here's the finished card: (100% Stampin' Up!)

Frugal Stamper's tips:

     * Make up a bunch of buttons in one sitting, and store them in a clear container for future use.

     * This is a great way to use up your smaller scraps of card stock or Designer Series Paper

     * Try different shaped punches to make some really funky buttons!

     * Before you apply the Crystal effects, why not add some stamping or rub-ons to your buttons!

I hope you enjoyed this idea!

Donna

I'M REALLY CHALLENGED TODAY!

Technically, this story started yesterday, but today isn't much better ... ever have one of those days that for whatever reasons, whatever you try to create just gets messed up? That's the space I'm in right now; hopefully it passes soon, lol!

Despite smudges, drops, mixed inks (not intentionally!), adhesive smears, embossing goofs, upside down images, and tearing apart and reassembling ... this card eventually came together.

CHALLENGES MET:
* Mojo Monday - Week 101's sketch

SUPPLIES USED: (100% Stampin' Up! unless otherwise stated)

* INKS - VersaMark & Night of Navy Craft Inks
* PAPERS - Close to Cocoa, Bordering Blue & Ballet Blue card stock, Brushed Silver card stock
* STAMPS - Delightful Decorations (avail. Sep. 1st in the Holiday Mini)
* ACCESSORIES - Choc. Chip 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon, Vintage brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Iridescent Ice embossing powder,  Heat Tool, Merry & Bright Rub-Ons & Ornament Punch (both avail. Sep. 1st in the Holiday Mini), Snowflake Cuttlebug Embossing Folder by Provo Craft.

TECHNIQUE: Faux Diamonds (goes by a couple of other names too): Cover the portion of the card you want to dazzle with VersaMark ink, then cover the entire area with Iridescent Ice embossing powder & heat to set the powder. In the sample above, the top half of the card (blue section) is done in this technique. Optional: if you like, stamp an image on the card stock with a darker shade of ink before applying the VersaMark. (Just  don't stamp your image IN VersaMark like I did, or it will disappear when you do the technique - duh .. I TOLD you I was having a bad stamping day!) To get my image back, I stamped in Craft Ink on top of the Faux Diamonds after it had dried. Not as good, but close enough.

PS: This started as a standard 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" card but to do the sketch justice, I trimmed it to a square 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" shape, and decorated the leftover bit (4-1/4" x 1-1/4") to match the card. The smaller bit could be used as a gift tag or a bookmark or .... ?  I saw this trend on Split Coast Stampers earlier this year ... but I can't remember what they called these odd bits; if you know, please leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I'll send you a card!

cheers

PILE IT ON: 3 NEW CHALLENGES

It's Monday, which means there are lots of new challenges to try out this week!

Here's what I came up with for the following sites:

1) PILE IT ON: entry must use purple, and be combined with at least one other current challenge (mine covers three different challenges - wahoo!)

2) MOJO MONDAY: use this week's layout sketch (#92)

3) SPCC: colour combo #3 (Garden Green, Lovely Lilac, & Chocolate Chip)

(all supplies © Stampin' Up!)

Stamp Set: Lexicon of Leaves
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Garden Green & Lovely Lilac
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilly, Lovely Lilac & Garden Green
Techniques: bleach stamping, sponging, & stamping off (aka 2nd generation stamping)

NEW: STAMPIN' UP! CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE!

How kewl is this!!!!
Stampin' Up! has launched their own channel on YouTube ... so far there are eight different videos, each showcasing some of Stampin' Up!'s various product lines including:

• BIG SHOT DIE CUTTING MACHINE
• DECOR ELEMENTS - HOME DECOR
• STENCILS - HOME DECOR
• SCRAPBOOKING, &
• RUBBER STAMPING (naturally!)

There are eight videos so far, with more to be added on a regular basis - WAHOO!!! You may have seen some of these first eight videos on www.stampinup.com or on  my business website's project gallery, but NOW they are soooo much easier to view ...

Just click on the STAMPIN UP! VIDEO link in the right column of this page & it will take you directly to Stampin' Up!'s YouTube channel

... OR ...

Click on the CREATIVE RESOURCES link in the right column of this page & you can watch all the videos right here on my blog

... OR ...

If you are a regular YouTube viewer, you can suscribe to Stampin' Up!s channel by going here: http://www.youtube.com/user/stampinupvideo

So go grab a cuppa your favourite brew, sit back & ENJOY!!

HOW TO WATERCOLOUR WITH STAMPIN' UP! MARKERS

I've dabbled in watercolouring with my Stampin' Up! markers, but every time I show the technique at my workshops & classes, I give a warning that I'm no artist.

In fact, taking honest-to-goodness watercolour painting lessons from a pro is way up there on my "Bucket List" ...someday I will.

Until then, let me direct you to the best stamping tutorial I've ever seen - Sophia Landry explains the steps to her system so clearly that I think even I can manage it! Sophia is a very talented artist (long before her sister Andrea signed her up as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator - wink) and it shows in all of her creations.

Check out Sophia's watercolouring tutorial on her blog (this link will take you to Part A, be sure to read Part B too!) and then get out your markers and give it a try! Post a link to your results in the comments section of this post and I'll randomly draw one winner on  April 30th! The prize?  A $10 Stampin' Up! Gift Certificate through yours truly, Donna Henley.

I can't wait to see what you all come up with ... I'm off to try Sophia's tutorial myself!

cheers,
Donna

Masking Technique

Today's card uses the Masking Technique & the large flower stamp from Stampin' Up!'s "Be Happy" set. I saw this card during the summer on (where else) Split Coast Stampers & just had to try it for myself.

When masking, always stamp the full image first - that is to say, the image you want to appear in the forefront. Then, stamp it again on scrap paper & cut it out, making it just a hair smaller than the actual stamp size. (This is to prevent gaps in the ink between the images).

Cover your first stamping (in this case, the yellow flower) with your scrap mask, then stamp the flower again (I used Bordering Blue, I think!). Part of the blue flower appears on the card, and part of it will be on your scrap mask. Move the mask to cover the light blue flower, and stamp again with Not Quite Navy.

Masking is a good technique to create a basketful of apples, a truckload of pumpkins, or an envelope full of hearts. It can also be used to create the sense of movement (as in a bird flying across the page) by stamping your images with darker to lighter shades of the same colour.

Next time you are stamping, try the masking technique!

Donna