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how do you color on black cardstock? easy…

by nataliegramleystamps | Oct 1, 2021 | card samples, techniques

Black Cardstock can be stunning but sometimes feels a little tricky to work with, right? Because of it’s opacity it’s contrast makes projects pop but how do you get color on it? One way is to emboss on it and them color with your Stampin’ Blends! This card is made with our Strong of Heart stamp set. Every year Stampin’ Up! as an organization picks one stamp set to sell and donates a portion of the profits to a selected charity – this year the stamp set is Strong of Heart and the charities are associated with fighting Heart Disease! So exciting to work for a company that looks to make the world a better place through service and it’s charity donations!

Measurements:
Real Red Cardstock (#102482) 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White cardstock (#159276) 4″ x 5 1/4″
Basic Black Cardstock (#121045) 3 1/4″ x 3″

Stamp the large heart image in Versamark ink (#102283) and sprinkle White embossing Powder from the Basics Stampin’ Emboss Powders collection (#155554) and Heat set using the Heat Tool (#129053)

Stamp the sentiment on the lower center space of the Basic White cardstock – I used the Stitched Rectangles die and stamped on that (because I didn’t like my stamp placement it wasn’t centered enough for me! (Remember it’s not a mistake – just an opportunity for creativity! LOL)

Starting at the top of the embossed image I colored with the Dark version of the following Stampin’ Blends Alcohol ink markers: Magenta Madness, Highland Heather, Poppy Parade, Cherry Cobbler and Real Red. See the progression in the pictures below!

Adhere the top half of the Basic white piece of cardstock to the Real Red Base and then adhere Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back of the Basic Black piece and pop it up on the top half of the Basic White cardstock.

Adhere a few Matte Black Dots (#154284) around the sentiment.

Slip Real Red Sheer Ribbon (#153535) under the lower portion of the Basic White cardstock that you did not adhere down yet and tie to the lower portion of the card then adhere the bottom half of the Basic White cardstock to the Real Red cardstock base.

The card is finished. If you purchased this stamp set – feel good about the fact that you donated to a very worthy cause. Remember to eat healthy and do something creative everyday for your heart’s sake! Added BONUS – it is good for the soul!
Hoping this inspires you to go out and make a little Heart ART of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

Strong Of Heart Cling Stamp Set (English)

[156376]

$20.00

Versamark Pad

[102283]

$9.50

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

$6.00

Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[121045]

$8.75

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

$9.75

Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[102482]

$8.75

Real Red Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154899]

$9.00

Poppy Parade Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154958]

$9.00

Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154880]

$9.00

Highland Heather Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154887]

$9.00

Magenta Madness Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[153106]

$9.00

Basics Embossing Powders

[155554]

$18.00

Heat Tool (Us And Canada)

[129053]

$30.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$25.00

Bone Folder

[102300]

$7.00

Matte Black Dots

[154284]

$7.00

Real Red 3/8" (1 Cm) Sheer Ribbon

[153535]

$7.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.00

← a dynamic WOW single layer card - faux torn edge technique using background stamps to create a multi-layered colored look →

a dynamic WOW single layer card – faux torn edge technique

by nataliegramleystamps | Sep 28, 2021 | card samples, techniques

How do you create a dynamic WOW card with ONLY a single layer? Make it appear to have more than one layer! Using a faux torn edge technique is an easy and simple way to create some fabulous single layer cards. All you need is a few supplies: some basic white cardstock, a few ink colors and blending brushes, and some sticky notes!

Prepare enough sticky notes to go across your page vertically or horizontally doesn’t matter you choose! Tape the sticky notes together and tear a small bit of the sticky side off the entire way across the edge of the note. Adhere to the cardstock (in the photo below I have used the sticky notes before – as long as the note is sticky and you are using the same colors you can use these edges again and again!

Starting with the lightest color apply color with a blending brush (could also use a sponge dauber) the the unmasked area between the sticky notes.

Apply the next darkest color in the same fashion

Add the darkest color of ink in the same way.

Keep the mask on and stamp your images and sentiment.

Gently peel up the sticky note masks and this is where the magic happens! It looks like you have another layer on this card! EASY so easy and so pretty!

Add a few embellishments and your single layer WOW card is complete! You do not need to make a card complicated to make it stunning!

Hoping this inspires you to go out and create some art of your own – ONE STAMP AT A TIME!

Happy Stampin’

Natalie

Product List

Gorgeous Leaves Cling Stamp Set

[153365]

$21.00

Biggest Wish Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[155052]

$17.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

$9.75

Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad

[147050]

$7.50

Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad

[147101]

$7.50

Mango Melody Classic Stampin' Pad

[147093]

$7.50

Blending Brushes

[153611]

$12.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$25.00

Bone Folder

[102300]

$7.00

Artistry Blooms Sequins

[152477]

$7.00

← fancy fold slot tucked card how do you color on black cardstock? easy... →

fancy fold slot tucked card

by nataliegramleystamps | Sep 24, 2021 | card samples, fun fold, techniques

So I looked back at my Facebook post for my last Facebook Live and had posted a different card than the one I ended up demonstrating! Best laid plans, right? Well this is a very fun and relatively easy card – it looks complex but it is not! This is called a Buckle Fold Fun Fold card. I have also seen it called a Tucked Slot Fun Fold card. Whatever you call it – it’s definitely Fun!

Measurements
Cajun Craze Base card 4 1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5 1/2″ and cut at 2 1/4″ off one side
Very Vanilla 4″ x 5 1/4″ and
2′ x 7″ scored at 3 1/2″
Early Espresso 2 1/4″ x 3 3/4″
scrap pieces for the die cut pieces

Cut your base cardstock to two pieces of 4 1/4″ x 11.”
Scored at 5 1/2″ crease with your bone folder. Open up the fold and cut 2 1/4″ off the left side of the card (the side that will be the front of the card). Stamp the front with a background image for some dimension. (I used a tone on tone effect with Cajun Craze ink (#119684) and the wood grain stamp from the Gorgeous Leaves (#153365) stamp set. Using the smallest rectangular die from the Stitched Rectangle die set (#151820) place in the middle of the short piece of card stock in the front of your card and run though the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine (#149653) to cut the slot for the tuck.

In a previous post I highlighted the Baby Wipe technique and this technique lends itself beautifully to fall leaves.
Using a standard Stamp case (#119105), place several folded baby wipes in the container and pick out three colors of ink. I choose Poppy Parade ink refill (#119791), Pumpkin Pie refill (#105229) and Cinnamon Cider refill (#153120)
squeeze a zigzag line into the folded baby wipes. Line up the second color and allow room to spread. Line up the third color and squeeze a zig zag line next to the second one . This picture is with different ink colors but shows the set up!

On the 4″ x 5 1/4″ vanilla card stock stamp the thin leaf image into the homemade rainbow ink pad on the baby wipes and stamp onto the left side of the paper and adhere to the inside of the card!

Fold the 2″ x 7″ piece of Very Vanilla cardstock in half and stamp the sentiment on the inside of the smaller card. Mount onto the Early Espresso cardstock and close and decorate the outside of the small card

Die cut the leaves with the Intricate Leaves Dies (#153566) and using glue dots arrange the leaves so that the right edge of the leaves hangs a little over the left edge of the slot.

Place tape on the back of the Early Espresso piece of cardstock and slide the front of the small card into the slot just enough so that the cardfront is secure in the slot. make sure the card is straight and press down to adher to the back of the card.

Love this card paired with the beautiful Fall leaves and the FREE Be Dazzled Specialty paper is one of the items you can earn for FREE during Sale-a-bration which ends September 30th!

Product List

Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[119684]

$8.75

Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[119686]

$8.75

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[101650]

$9.75

Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad

[147085]

$7.50

Poppy Parade Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill

[119791]

$3.75

Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill

[105229]

$3.75

Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Ink Refill

[119790]

$3.75

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$25.00

Paper Snips

[103579]

$10.00

Bone Folder

[102300]

$7.00

Stampin' Seal

[152813]

$8.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$4.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$120.00

Stitched Rectangles Dies

[151820]

$35.00

Metallic Pearls

[146282]

$7.00

Be Dazzling 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Specialty Paper

[156629]

$0.00

I hope this inspires you to go out and create your own version of this Tucked Slot Fun Fold card! Now go and create some of your own art – one stamp at a time.

Happy Stampin’

Natalie

fall and christmas swap cards

by nataliegramleystamps | Sep 17, 2021 | card samples

Every month I participate in a sideline swap, it is one of the fun things about being a demonstrator. One of the ladies in my upline (those are the demonstrators in your direct line – the one that recruited you or a demonstrator that recruited her or her upline) I love participating in swaps for a number of different reasons:
1. Everyone is super creative and other demonstrators often create things very differently than I approach card making so it gives me new ideas and creative alternatives.
2. I do not and could not owe every stamp set! Although some days I want it all LOL! Swaps give me the opportunity to show my customers and website followers samples with stamp sets I do not personally own!
3. Because getting new ideas and swapping is just really FUN!!

This card features the Reflected in Nature stamp set (#156437) in Evening Evergreen ink, Early Espresso Faux Suede Trim (#152472), Painted Christmas DSP (#156292) and the pinecone die embellishments are from the Christmas to Remember Bundle (#156806). This is a Book Binding fun fold!

This swap card features the Nature’s Harvest bundle (#156813), Timeworn Embossing Folder (#156505), Vanilla, Old Olive, and Misty Moonlight cardstock, Black Memento Ink, the new Cork DSP (#156393), Beauty of the earth DSP (#155841) and Shimmer Vellum (#155616), 2020-2022 In Color Square Gems (#155572), Linen Thread, Dimensionals, assorted Stampin’ Blends and Wink of Stella. What a great Fall Card!

This swap card features the Sweets and Treats stamp set (#156561), assorted Stampin’ Blends, the 2021-2023 In Color Jewels (#155571), Basic White, and Cherry Cobbler cardstock, and the Tidings of Christmas 6 x 6 DSP (#155718)

This card made by Sue D. features the Evergreen Elegance stamp set (#153313), Basic White cardstock, Be Dazzling FREE 6×6 Sale-a-bration item (#156629), Evening Evergreen and Versamark ink, Evening Evergreen Chevron Ribbon (#155722), Gold Embossing powder and Heat tool for the Embossed sentiments, Scallop Contour dies, Evergreen Forest Embossing Folder and Cut and Emboss Machine, Banners Pick a Punch, Glue Dots and Dimensionals. Such an elegant card!

Nuts about You (#156475) is such a whimsical set and this is such a fun swap card featuring the Painted Christmas DSP, Crumb cake, Early Espresso and Basic White cardstock, and Early Espresso and Cinnamon Cider inks!

This swap card features a center flap different way to make a card. Nature’s Harvest bundle and Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry and Old Olive cardstocks make this a very pretty Fall card!

Kathi D.’s swap card features Merriest Moments (#156353) for the sentiments, Stitched Snowflakes Dies (#156455) and the gorgeous Peaceful Place DSP (#156394). the highlight is the iridescent foil snowflake called Wonderful Snowflakes (#156340) featured in the Whimsy and Wonder Suite Collection (#156276)! You Should see the iridescent shine!

Marcy W’s swap card features the Snowbody Better stamp set (#156446), Pear Pizzazz, Real Red and Basic White cardstocks, Real Red Sheer Ribbon (#153535), Heartwarming Hugs DSP (#153492), Those fabulous Wonderful Snowflakes iridescent foil die shapes! (#156340) and various Stampin’ Blends and Wonderful Gems.

I am not a halloween girl as some of you know but this is an adorable Halloween suite! This card features the Cute Halloween Bundle (#156483) and the Cute Halloween DSP (#156479). It is my favorite Halloween card and that is saying something!

This card features the Pretty Pumpkins stamp set (#156472), Blackberry Bliss and Pumpkin Pie cardstocks, Pumpkin Pie and Versamark Inks, Gold Embossing Powder and Heat Tool and Bumble Bee Gingham ribbon. Love this color combination!

This card is from two months ago swap that I never posted and features Hand Pened Petals and the Alcohol/Stampin’ Blends on Vellum technique. Such a fun technique!

This is a swap card for when you want it all! This features multiple products from teh Painted Christmas Suite Collection (#156274)! The Brown background die is from the Christmas To Remember bundle (#156806) and the die cut for the sentiment is from the Christmas Season bundle (#156801), the DSP Painted Chistmas is also from this suite collection but can be purchased separately using this number!(#156292)!

Hopefully these swap cards inspire you as much as they did me! It is time to get your Christmas card supplies ordered and there is no better time than now to take advantage of the last couple of weeks of Sale-a-bration so you can earn FREE product!! Let me know if you need any assistance, I’d be happy to help!

Now go create some art of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’

Natalie

baby wipe technique

by nataliegramleystamps | Sep 15, 2021 | card samples, techniques

The baby wipe technique is one that I learned when I first started stamping more than twenty years ago and recently I watched an Instagram post from Sara, our CEO and she was demonstrating this technique and it reminded me what fun it used to be to make cards using baby wipes to make your own unique ink pads!

Grab some baby wipes and fold a couple of them in half and place them in an empty stamp container. Choose several re-inkers and squeeze out a 1/2 inch wide line of ink of the first color, apply the second color close to the first color but not overlapping (the colors will bleed and eventually touch) add the remaining colors in lines next to the other colors – you are essentially making your own rainbow pad.

Doesn’t the ink look like little fuzzy caterpillars! in the photo above – LOL!

There are many different ways to use the “ink pad” that you have just created!
The first way is to actually use it as an ink pad.
Take a bold or line stamp and stamp into the ink pad making sure to move the stamp slightly back and forth to make sure that there is no un-inked spaces on the surface of the stamp.
Here I used the FREE Textures and Frames Sale-a-bration stamp set (#156616) circle stamp in the rainbow pad created using Pacific Point (#111840), Bermuda Bay (#131156) and Granny Apple Green (#147163) re-inkers.

You can also take the baby wipes and with the ink side direct to paper, pressing firmly on the uninked side -drag the ink across the paper making a striped or other pattern on the cardstock.

Instead of applying the ink direct to paper you can use the same drag technique across the stamps as I did with the Dry Brush Background stamp (#152599).