happy little things shaker card

happy little things shaker card

Aren’t shaker card so much fun?
I love the simplicity of this new online exclusives set Happy Little Things with it’s open font that you can color and lots of different sayings! Such a versatile set!
So I decided to do a stepped up shaker card!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
layer 4″ x 5 1/4″ embossed
scrap for the sentiment
2022-2024 In – Colors scraps for dies
Starry Sky 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
Window Sheet 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″

Stamp in Tuxedo Black Memento ink the open font Celebrate and “the little things” onto a strip of paper approximately 1″ x 5 1/2″
Color the open font with the 2022-2024 In-Colors Stampin’ Blends markers alternating all five colors.
Run the Basic White later through the polka dot Basics 3D embossing folder and adhere tothe card base.
Die cut one of each of the 2022-2024 In Color scraps with the larger banner die from the Happy Little Things die set. Adhere onto the embossed layer in the center.
Die cut the largest Perennial Postage die out of the Starry Sky layer to create a frame for the windowsheet and to hide the Foam Adhesive strips.
Adhere the window sheet to the back of Starry Sky frame.
Adhere Foam Adhesive strips around the entire edge of the Starry Sky frame make sure there are no holes for the shaker materials to leak out.
Adhere three sides of the foam strips to the card front and pour in the shaker material. Secure the last side of the shaker card and press down firmly to secure all sides.
The shaker material I used is retired now it was called Effervescent Elements but you could use the current loose silver sequins to achieve the same effect!
Adhere the sentiment piece over the center of the shaker cover and add Starry Sky Pearls to the card front to complete!

I love the way this card turned out – to see the shaker in action check out the 3-13-2024 Facebook video post!

Hope this inspired you to make a fun shaker card for a friend – now go create some art of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

coloring with soft pastels

coloring with soft pastels

When I counsel new stampers I tell them that the most economical way to start is to get a multi pack of cardstock so they can try all the colors, a pack of Basic White, some clear envelopes, a Tuxedo Black memento ink pad, watercolor pencils and the soft pastels assortment. The Soft Pastels Assortment is a box of 8 different tightly compact pieces of chalk in 8 of our coordinating colors! The eight colors are: Coastal Cabana, Daffodil Delight, Flirty Flamingo, Gorgeous Grape, Granny Apple Green, Mossy Meadow, Night of Navy and Poppy Parade.
Today’s card describes a watercoloring technique with these great chalk stick!

Measurements:
BASE: Granny Apple Green 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 3 1/4″ and 4 1/4″
scrap for the bough punch
DSP: 3/4″ x 5 1/2″
Basic White: layer 3 3/4″ x 5 1/2″
scrap for the circle die

Place adhesive on the inside strip in between the two score marks, close the card and burnish the smaller panel to set the adhesive to create a book bind fun fold.
Adhere the 3/4″ DSP piece onto the outside of the card on the book bind smaller panel.
Run the Basic White layer through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss maching with the Zinnias 3D embossing folder.
Using the spatula end of the Take Your Pick Tool scrape powder from one end of the desired colors of Soft Pastel sticks onto the flat surface of the F acrylic block. You will not need alot of powder. Squeeze a few drop of water from a Water Painter onto the bloc at the edge of the powder pile. Slowly incorporate the powder into the water a little at a time – these are hyper-pigmented powders and will get dark quickly – less is more! You can keep adding until you reach the desired hue.
I used one color at a time and started with the granny Apple Green and painted the leaves.
Using one color at a time, I painted the flower petals alternating flowers so that the flowers next to each other were different colors. When you are done with one color and want to move on to your next color. squeeze water out of the barrel of the painter pen and rub the brush onto a cloth or paper towel until the brush water runs clean and clear!
Adhere the Basic White panel to the larger panel on the card front – this is a close up of the watercoloring.
I stamped the hello sentiment onto a Everyday Details circle die in Granny Apple Green ink from the Layering Leaves stamp set and punched the bough punch with scraps of Granny Apple Green cardstock.
I attached the leaf punches to the back of the sentiment piece using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
I adhered the sentiment circle die to the card front over the water coloring. Make sure that the leaves do not protrude outside of the dimensions of the card so it still fits into a standard envelope!
I added the Parakeet Party colored Pearls from the 2022-2024 In Color Pearls embellishment pack – these will be retiring soon. I am so sad because of the iridescent quality the colors coordinate with more than just the 2022-2024 In Colors as shown here with the Granny Apple Green! Buy some before they sell out!
I made two samples with each side of the Flowering Zinnias DSP for the book bind “spine”

Now it’s your turn to try the Pastels! Go and create some art of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

new online exclusives  – encircled in nature product review

new online exclusives – encircled in nature product review

Yesterday, Stampin’ Up! released some amazing new stamp sets, dies, bundles and suites in their Online Exclusives promotion. This program was developed to bring you new stamps more frequently than the publication of catalogs will allow! So we have new stuff coming out more frequently – more choices!!
This is one of the stamp bundles that I will be showing you over the next few weeks and it is lovely. A stamp set called Encircled in Nature with a twig wreath and coordinating stamps and dies to make fantastic wreaths and tree scenes and even things outside of the wreath image, flowers and sprigs of leaves and stars and a moon for so many possibilities!

I have tutorial directions for an in depth Z fold card with a watercolor wash background technique and other samples to show the diversity of this year round set!

Measurements for the Tutorial card:
Base: Coastal Cabana CS 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/2 and 2 1/8″
Basic White Layers: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″
scrap of Pretty Peacock for the die
I started with a E size acrylic block and laid the Coastal Cabana ink pad on the surface of the block to transfer the ink.

I sprayed the surface of the Basic White cardstock layer and the acrylic block with water.
I laid the acrylic block on the center of the Basic White layer and let the ink soak in for a minute.
Pull off the acrylic block and either let the paper dry naturally or if you are in a hurry grab your Heat Tool and dry it heating both the underside of the paper and the surface to help with the paper curling that occurs when the paper is wet.
I stamped the twig wreath stamp image onto the upper center of the watercolor space.
I rotated the image and re-stamped for a thicker twig wreath image.
I stamped the curved tree image in Pretty Peacock and then without re-inking the stamp I stamped the image again to provide a fuller image with more depth.
I stamped the sentiment in the middle of the wreath in Pecan Pie ink like the wreath.
I stamped the stars and moon image in the upper right hand corner in Pretty Peacock ink.
I die cut the solitary tree out of Pretty Peacock scrap and adhered it to the bottom left hand edge of the watercolor square.
I ran that whole layer through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine with the Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder.
I scored the base card and used a bone folder to crease the score lines.
I added color to the Iridescent Pearls with the Pretty Peacock Stampin’ Blends marker and allowed them to dry.
I added SEAL Adhesive to the front panel.
I added the embossed layer to the front panel and added the Pretty Peacock-colored Iridescent pearls to the card front.
I stamped the single tree in Pretty Peacock ink on the second Basic White layer and adhered it to the inside of the card.
This is the finished Z fold card!
The stamp set comes with 11 stamps 7 image stamps and four sentiments in print and cursive fonts.
The die set comes with 10 dies. two to cut out the inside and outside of the twig branch wreath so you can cut the inside only, outside only or both! Two tree stand alone dies and one tree that cuts out the single tree stamp, one die for the flower stamp, one die for a stand only berry wreath and one die that cuts two pine boughs at once.
Note: I purchase on Amazon full sheets of magnet paper and cut them to size and stick them to the paper that the dies come on – I find it easier to remove them from the magnet sheets instead of the tape that holds them in place on the original paper packaging .
My next card sample uses just a part of the single tree stamp. I stamped in a variety of colors to create a rainbow effect on 1 1/4″ squares matted in black and mounted onto a Real Red card base.
I popped up the sentiment onto Stampin’ Dimensionals and added Black and White Gingham ribbon in a loop under the sentiment.
I added a few sparkle gems to complete the card.
My next card sample used just the flower image and flower die from the bundle in Highland Heather, Granny Apple Green and Gorgeous Grape markers and Highland Heather CS for the dies. I embossed a center panel from the Basics 3D embossing folder pack and added the dies and flowers to the bottom of the card. I added a sentiment, ribbon and Purple Sparkle gems to the card as well.
The wreath is one of the main items in this set and the next two samples use the two different wreaths. This first wreath sample I die cut the stand alone (Meaning the die does not have a stamp that coordinates with it) on Basic White cardstock and colored the branches in Old Olive marker and the berries in Light and Dark Cherry Cobbler Stampin’ Blends! Then I die cut the pine boughs in Mossy Meadow CS and added them under the colored wreath for depth and texture. I added a linen twine bow and Iridescent pearls and popped up a sentiment matted in coordinating Cherry Cobbler Cardstock. I adhered the wreath to a Basic White cardstock background embossed with the Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder and mounted that onto a Mossy Meadow cardstock base.
I recently finished a swap card for this month’s swap and used the leaf die on the Oxidized Copper DSP and with two passes made four sprigs of gorgeous leaves I glued them into a wreath on another embossed Exposed Brick 3D layer and mounted that onto a Pretty Peacock cardstock base. I stamped the sentiment on the basic White layer before embossing and added Adhesive Backed Seuins Trio in Pretty Peacock coordinating colors to finish the swap card!
My last Sample card uses only the stand alone tree dies in Gorgeous Grape cardstock. I made a cloud background with a mask made from the Basics Borders die set, with Highland Heather and Gorgeous Grape blending brushes. I mounted the Basic White layer onto Gorgeous Grape card base with a sentiment and Iridescent Pearls around the wording to finish this elegant and simple card!
Here are six ideas for this new Online Exclusive bundle and that is just the start of the possibilities for this set. Check out the rest of the Online exclusive offerings that just dropped yesterday from a new latte suite to a magnificent Magnolia bundle!

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

more color mondays – old olive, melon mambo and bubble bath – fancy ruffle fold card

more color mondays – old olive, melon mambo and bubble bath – fancy ruffle fold card

Well this is what you call a happy surprise! I designed this card as a blog post to teach you all a fun fold technique called fancy ruffle fold or curtain fold, and I liked the color combination so much I decided to premiere this on Mondays and combine it with my More Color Mondays! Happy Accident! or a two-fer as some would call it!

Measurement:
BASE: Old Olive CS 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White layer: inside 4″ x 5 1/4″
outside bottom 3″ x 4 1/4″
scrap for leaves and flower dies
DSP: 3″ x 7 1/2″
scored at 2 1/2″, 3 1/2″ 5″ and 6″
Melon Mambo: 1″ x 4 1/4″

Stamp two leaf clusters and two single flowers from the Simply Zinnias stamp set in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on scrap Basic White CS. Using Stampin’ Blends color the black highlight lines with the Dark Lost Lagoon Blend.

Color the whole leaf images in Light Lost Lagoon and go back over highlights with the Dark marker. Color the flowers with Flirty Flamingo, and Bubble bath as the bases and color in with Dark Melon Mambo and go over with the other lighter colors to blend.
Die cut the images.
Mark the right hand side of the 3″ x 7 1/2″ DSP piece with a tik mark at 1 1/2″ on the 3″ side.
On the bottom side of the 7 1/2″ side from the left edge mark at 2 1/2″. (See arrows)
Place the tik marks in the cutting grove of the Stampin’ Trimmer and cut the diagonal line from one tik mark to the other.
Score at 2 1/2″, 3 1/2″, 5″ and 6″. (See arrows)
Fold all score lines – fold at the 2 1/2″ back towards the left edge and place a piece of adhesive in the upper edge to the left of the first score line and fold the paper back to the left.
At the 3 1/2″ score line fold toward the right edge of the paper and just to the left of the third score line at 5 1/2″ place another piece of adhesive and bend back towards the left hand edge.
Place a piece of adhesive on the backside of the DSP as shown in the picture for the last fold.
Place the 3″ x 4 1/4″ Basic White layer in the Zinnias 3D embossing folder and run through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine.
Adhere to the bottom of the card front.
Place a line of adhesive along the backside top and side that will be against the left hand edge of the card when adhered.
Adhere the ruffle to the left hand side of the white embossed layer.
Place adhesive on the bottom of the 1″ x 4 1/4″ piece of Melon mambo cardstock leaving the top un-adhered so you can slip the flower under it.
Stamp the sentiment on the left hand side in Memento Tuxedo Black ink. Adhere one flower under the Melon mambo band and add one leaf cluster above it tucked under the upper petals.
Pop up the other flower on Stampin’ Dimensionals and tuck the other leaf cluster under the petals.
Color three Iridescent Pearls with the Melon Mambo Stampin’ Blends and adhere around the sentiment for the final touch of coordinating bling!

What an unexpected treat to love this color combination – see what unexpected pairings you can put together or try this one out! Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Tomorrow this bundle as well as lots of other fabulous things become available in the latest Online Exclusives release – my shop-able click-able pictures below will not contain the Zinnias Collection until they become available tomorrow! But you can check out all the latest on my website tomorrow at https:nataliestamps.stampinup.net

new swap cards

new swap cards

I love card swaps – I say it all the time! But I rarely say I love our little swap group – an upline of mine hosts a swap almost every month of the year – many of us participate in all of them a few drop in and out as time allows – I love seeing their stamp sets and their card designs and their work. I also love their dedication and commitment to get things done that they have said they will do!

The first swap card is from November – yep November I received it a few weeks ago with an apology. Marcy committed to be in the November swap and then broke her dominant wrist a week before Thanksgiving. We had sent our cards to her and she could have just said forget about it – but when she recovered – she did her November Swap card and it is lovely! Thanks Marcy for your commitment to our swap group and I am glad you are better!
Her card uses the Beauty of the Deep and Hope and Prayer stamp sets, Lost Lagoon, Pretty Peacock, and Shaded Spruce cardstock as well the Hello Irresistible DSP peeking through the circle die!

All the rest of the cards are from the January swap, this card from Veronica S uses the Stippled Roses set and DSP with multiple layers of Pebbled Path and Berry Burst – love the color combination!
Carroll A used the Perennial Lavender suite of products to create this lovely card. The Perennial Lavendar DSP is the star of the show and makes for an easy and lovely palette!
The swap card from Susan W used the Enduring Beauty stamp set and dies from the Spring mini catalog and she embossed the flower image in white embossing powder onto the Perennial Lavendar DSP for a fun background to the flower image.
Kathi D’s adorable card uses the Cutest Cows bundle and the Bee Mine DSP. Too Cute!
Denise W used the Sale-a-bration Flight and Airy DSP and the More Dazzle Specialty paper. The sentiment is from the Softly Said Online Exclusives stamp set and I thought it was ingenious she cut small strips of designer series paper and curled with her fingers to add to the nest!
The Wild Ferns stamp set was Carol S’s swap card inspiration paired with the Ferns 3D Embossing folder and the Pecan Pie bordered ribbon for a beautifully tailored look to her card.
Lori V’s card used the Perennial Lavender suite as well I love the layered Perennial Postage dies for the card layers!
Marie W’s collage style card uses the Nature’s Sweetness suite of products in neutral tones!
Vickie G’s card is a fun fold using the Perennial Lavendar DSP and the Inspirational Sketches stamp set.
Lyn L’s card used the Flight and Airy Sale-a-bration paper and the Bee Mine punch.
The card from Judy P used the Delicate Forest bundle in Lemon Lime Twist, Berry Burst and Petal Pink. I love the fun color choices!
Julie T’s swap card uses the Rock Star bundle for a great musical birthday card!
Robin C’s card features the Let’s Chat stamp set in Pretty Peacock and Poppy Parade colors.

I always get great ideas from these cards and I hope they inspire you as well! Now it’s time to go and create your own works of art – one stamp set at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

more color mondays – flirty flamingo, pumpkin pie and mossy meadow

more color mondays – flirty flamingo, pumpkin pie and mossy meadow

Starting on March 5th, the new Online Exclusives become available. Flowering Zinnias Suite Collection is a beautiful new suite. It includes a bundle: a stamp set and coordinating dies, a coordinating 3D embossing folder, Beautiful new DSP and matching sequins.

Measurements:
Mossy Meadows CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS 1 1/4″ x 5 1/4″ scrap for
sentiment and focal piece
DSP: 3″ x 5 1/4″

Adhere the 3″ x 5 1/4″ DSP piece on the right hand side of the card front.
Run the 1 1/4″ x 5 1/4″ piece of Basic White CS through the Zinnias 3D embossing folder and adhere to the left hand side of the card front.
Stamp the sentiment on 1 1/4″ x 4 1/4″ and adhere to the bottom portion of the card.
Stamp the Zinnia cluster stamp in Memento Tuxedo Black ink. Using Flirty Flamingo, Pumpkin Pie and Mossy Meadow Stampin’ Blends to color the Zinnias stamp. Die cut the stamp and pop up with Stampin’ Dimensionals over the sentiment piece on the left hand side of the card.
Add the coordinating Adhesive-Backed Shiny Sequins to the card to finish with some bling!
I love the coordination in this suite! Cannot wait for you all to be able to see it and order it!

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

P.S. Because this is an Online Exclusives sneak peak the image links to my online store will not include the Flowering Zinnias Suite collection of products until March 5th when they become available! Check back then for the clickable links to order or better yet join my team before the 29th and Sale-a-bration is over and get the whole Suite early as a new demonstrator as part of your $99 Starter kit! Let me know if you would like early access to all our stamps as part of my team and I can help you with the process.

Happy Stampin’
Natalie