fun with shapes

fun with shapes

Watercolor Shapes (#156968) is one of those versatile stamp sets with shapes that often gets overlooked – this stamp set is now retired and SOLD OUT but I wanted to share some ideas for using shape stamps with you as other sets have shape stamps in them.
Using the shapes as a background is one easy way to use this set and creates a lovely backdrop for this simply stamped card.
I stamped the background and them restamped the photopolymer clear stamp again on these 1/4″ Real Red cardstock strips. Stamped the Biggest Wish sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink and added a few Matte Black dots to finish it off!
Not only did I use the small square for the background in this card as well, but I did a rock n roll effect (this is where you take a stamp and roll the edges only in the ink pad so that the center of the stamp remains less or uninked and stamp it down on the paper)
This “halo” effect of the rock n roll technique creates a spotlight for the sentiment! I stamped it onto a rainbow scrap piece of paper and added Brilliant Wings die cuts and Matte Black dots!
This card uses the same technique as the last sample but in a different color scheme.
This sample uses the larger circle as a background image for the sentiment. Popped up over the smaller circle background it adds interest and continuity to the card!
Using multiple colors and shape images this card uses the same techniques as the last sample but adds depth and dimension using the multiple colors and shapes.

This next sample uses the retiring color Mint Macaron and retiring die set Brilliant Wings dies as the foreground for the small square pattern made with the Watercolor Shapes stamp set.

Starting yesterday I will be posting every Sunday a color challenge – I would love to see what you all come up with – yesterday I posted a five color palette featuring Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral and Real Red.
Here is the card that I designed around this first color challenge – send me photos of the cards you come up with i cannot wait to see your creations!
swap cards – new ideas

swap cards – new ideas

Last month’s swap cards are almost all received and I love getting new ideas and card samples for sets that I do not own!

Thanks to all the talented demonstrators that I swap with every month!

Butterfly Brilliance (#155092) and the Brilliant Wings Die set (#155523) are among my favorite sets that I have owned that will be retiring at the end of this current month!
Nancy F’s swap card this month combines the front flap design I featured in Monday’s blog post on a Basic Black background and highlights the 6″ x 6″ paper packs (they are still available (and on SALE!! currently at $10.80 discounted from the $12 retail) that will also be retiring to make way for brand new paper packs in the new catalog!
6″ x 6″ DSP Assortments

Brights (#159258)
Neutrals (#159257)
Regals (#159256)
Subtles (#159255)

Carol S’s swap card features another retiring bundle Ginkgo Branch bundle (#160469) this is LOW INVENTORY but still available at the 10% off for the bundle price while supplies last!
Marie W’s swap card also is another retiring bundle Nature’s Harvest (#156813) but sadly this one is now sold out and no longer available. I will have this bundle for sale after the new catalog launches if you are interested please contact me!
Hello Ladybug is a delightful swap card made by Lori V.
Forever Fern is another great retiring stamp set with coordinating dies also SOLD OUT but I have this one for sale after May 4th let me know if you would like to buy it!
Lyn L’s swap card features items from the Regency Park Suite Collection
This is a swap card using Silly Goose and I misplaced the envelope so I apologize for not being able to give my sister demonstrator a shout out.
Lighting the Way is a Suite that will be available in the upcoming catalog but not with the 10% discount for the bundle price so if you like it get it now! Current hostess code is R9AWXX7K
Denise W’s swap card features Hello Bunny and Spring Blessings on Pear Pizzazz a retiring color!
Marcy W’a Jar of flowers card is lovely with a vellum jar die cut makes the jar look so realistic.
This swap card from Susan K in California features the Share a Milkshake bundle and I just love the cone die! TOO CUTE!
BV’s thanks swap card uses the Regency Park suite of products for a card that is lovely and gender neutral!
Judith P’s swap card arrived today so I am adding it to the mix – an Easter card using the Rejoice in Him stamp set from the retiring mini catalog.
My favorite DSP in this current catalog is definitely hands down the Hues of Happiness DSP and this card uses the dies to cut out the DSP flowers for a simple and stunning card in Mambo Melon. Pretty swap card made by CarrollAnn A.
naturally gilded variation two

naturally gilded variation two

Well I had so much fun playing with the gorgeous Naturally Gilded Specialty Designer Series paper that I wanted to show you a simple variation on the card I posted Monday.

Measurements:
Base: Very Vanilla 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″ cut 1″ strip off the card
front’s right edge
Naturally Gilded SDSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″ cut an inch
off the right hand side
Brushed Metallic Specialty Paper 1 1/2″ strip
Very Vanilla: Save the 1″ strip cut from the card
for the die cut

Adhere the 3″ x 5 1/4″ piece of Specialty Designer series paper to the card front.
Adhere the 1″ strip of Specialty Designer Series Paper to the right inside edge of the card leaving a 1/8″ border around the right side and the top and bottom edges.
Cut a 5 1/2″ strip from the 1 1/2″ strip of Brushed Metallic Gold paper and then cut in half lengthwise so you end up with two pieces of 3/4″ x 5 1/2″ strips. Adhere the strip under the right edge of the card front, making sure that the border is even.
I die cut just a portion of the smaller long banner from the Stylish Shapes die set and hand trimmer a matte in Brushed Metallic Gold Specialty paper for the backing. Adhere together using Stampin’ Seal.
Die cut a small butterfly from the Brilliant Wings die set and add two mini Dimensionals to the center of the butterfly. Adhere to the top right hand side of the card front.
Pop up the sentiment and adhere to the bottom portion of the card aligning the edge of the sentiment piece to the edge of the Naturally Gilded paper.
Just removing an inch of cardstock from the original card front changes the look and feel of the card. Something so simple, yet very effective. Go and Create some art of your very own today! One stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

brilliant wings pop through closure card

brilliant wings pop through closure card

This fun closure card uses a butterfly die as the front closure – I did a card like this years ago with a great punch that we had but we discontinued it and we really have not had a great substitute until now! In the Something Fancy Die set we have a small thin die usually used to cut out smaller sentiment pieces but the shape and size is PERFECT for this past card idea – so I am redoing it with the Brilliant wings die set and the Fancy Flora DSP.

I had some left over supplies from the card I did for a recent library class and I used the cut card pieces for this sample.

Base: Fresh Freesia 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
Basic White layer: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Fancy Flora DSP” 3″ x 6″ scored at 5 3/8″
scrap Pool Party for the Brilliant Wings die cut
scrap Basic white for a Stylish Shapes circle die

Die cut one of the smaller butterflies from Brilliant Wings die set and die cut the Something Fancy die in the upper middle of the 3″ x 6″ piece of Fancy Flora DSP closer to the Scored end.

Adhere tape to the inside of the scored portion of the DSP and adhere to the upper middle back of the Basic White layer.
Then add adhesive to the back of the Basic White layer and adhere to the Fresh Freesia base.
Add adhesive to the butterfly body only and adhere through the die cut with the card front flap closed and rub to adhere the butterfly to the inside Basic white layer. With the wings open the card will remain closed but as you lift the card flap up the wings will raise and release the card flap to open the card!

Stamp the circle die with a sentiment – here I am using the two sentiments from the Color and Contour stamp set “here for you now” on the circle die and adhere that to the bottom right side of the flap.

Then stamp the second sentiment “and in Better Days ahead” in the lower middle of the Basic White layer so that it is hidden under the flap when the card is closed. Adhere the dsp cut from the card flap above the inside sentiment for some contrast and color.

Add some 2022-2024 In Color Matte Decorative dots bling to the card front and this quick and easy butterfly closure card is complete!

Now it is your turn – can you make a fun closure card? Go and create some art of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin,
Natalie

Remember tomorrow is the last day of the 2023 sale-a-bration! Current Hostess code is VFYMSRKJ.

hand-drawn dots cards

hand-drawn dots cards

Hand-Drawn Dots is a new background stamp from the 2023 January – April mini catalog. It is also the featured stamp set for the Stampin’ Through the Catalog challenge from last Thursday, so I love to play along with challenges and these are the cards I came up with!

The first card uses the stamparatus to stamp the background and then slightly offset the paper to make the first stamped dots appear like a shadow! I love this stamp positioning tool for projects such as this one!

Measurements:
Base: Crumb Cake 4 1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5 1/2″
scrap for the Stylish Shapes circle die
scrap for the sentiment die
Basic White Layer: 4″ x 5 1/4″
scrap for the Brilliant Wings die
Vellum: scrap for the Brilliant Wings die
background technique

Place the stamp on the acrylic hinge of the Stamparatus. Ink the stamp surface with Crumb Cake ink and stamp onto the middle of the Basic White Layer.

Clean the stamp image and re-ink with the Craft White ink pad.

Move the paper slightly so that the white dots are offset from the Crumb Cake ones – making a shadow image.

I embossed the Craft ink with White embossing powder and set it with a heat tool for added shine and texture!

Cut the solid butterfly shape out of Vellum cardstock and place on the extra acrylic hinge piece of the Stamparatus tool.
Choose three colors of Stampin’ Blends colors, I chose Mambo Melon, Flirty Flamingo and Daffodil Delight. Scribble on the vellum surface.
Using a spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol, liberally spray the vellum surface and push the ink and dry it with a heat tool.
Add more color if necessary once the vellum is dry or leave as is!
Die cut the cooresponding detailed butterfly die out of Basic White cardstock and adhere together
Adhere the Basic White embossed layer to the Crumb Cake card base.
Pop up the butterfly onto Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals tucking them onto the back where the white veins of the butterfly wings will hide the adhesive.

I stamped the sentiment in Craft White ink and heat embossed with White powder as well and die cut using the Fancy Dies.

Because the Crumb Cake circle die cut from the Stylish Shapes set is being adhered over an embossed surface I used Tear & Tape for a more secure adherence.
Adhere the circle die to the upper middle section of the Basic White embossed layer.
Place the popped up butterfly in the center fo the circle die and cut about15 inches of Sweet Sorbet metallic woven ribbon and wind loosely around your palm, place a piece of adhesive under the sentiment piece and adhere the ribbon to the backside of that die piece. Secure the ribbon by placing Stampin Dimensionals on top and add to the lower right hand side of the card front. Add Opaque Adhesive-backed Gems and the colors of the ribbon and Gems compliments the Vellum Alcohol background nicely!
This next sample starts with a base of Soft Sea Foam Cardstock and stamped the Hand-Drawn Dots in Versamark and embossed with clear embossing powder and a subtle tone on tone look. I added a die cut from the Basic Borders Dies in Pear Pizzazz using both sides of the border to lend a whimsical curve to the middle of the card! I stamped the sentiment to carry the tone on tone style throughout the card in Crumb Cake ink on the same color card stock. Added plain vellum background butterflies under the Basic white cardstock overlay of the more detailed butterfly dies and added 2022-2024 In Color Decorative dots to the sentiment focal piece for the finishing touch of interest.
I stamped the Hand-Drawn Dots background on Crumb Cake in the same ink and distressed the corners and added a bit of crumb cake ink diagonally down the center of the 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer to add an aged look. I added the same directional inking to the Fancy Dies sentiment die cut piece. I added the Vellum backed Butterfly dies to the top and bottom of the opposite diagonals on the sentiment piece and finished the card with the Iridescent Pastel Gems for a little subtle bling!
My last sample is a shaker card – I used the negative piece from the circle die cut from my first sample and adhered a Window Sheet to the back of the Crumb Cake die opening. I layered Foam Adhesive Strips around the circle opening and added some retired sequins (a great way to use up old sequins containers – for new product you could use the For Everything Fancy sequins or the Loose Flower Flourishes or the Effervescent Elements these are all great choices!)
I stamped the Hand-Drawn Dots in Mambo Melon on a 4″ x 5 1/4″ piece of Basic White Cardstock and added that to a Mambo Melon Cardstock base. I filled the basin made with the Foam adhesive strips with the sequins and adhered another window sheet to close up the cavity. I adhered the shaker portion of the card onto the stamped layer and added the sentiment piece and the layered butterfly die as well as a Brushed Brass Butterfly to the ink Blended sentiment focal piece for the finishing touches. Shake and enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed the samples of our newest background stamp. Dig out some of yours and go and create some art of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

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Paper Snips
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