easy faux layering

easy faux layering

by | Feb 4, 2022 | card samples, techniques

Want an easy way to create a spectacular card – try faux layering . All you need is some Basic white card stock and some scrap paper and some sticky notes or old washi tape!
Secure you base paper down on grid paper lining it up to make sure it is straight.
Secure two torn pieces above the base paper – secure on both sides so that the torn pieces will not move on you.
Using sponges, Sponge daubers (#133773) or Blending Brushes (#153611) – my favorite! Blend color of choice over the torn edges and into the middle space created by the two torn sides – I use my fingers to hold the torn edges down even though they are taped just to ensure no paper movement.
Continue to add color to the middle space as desired, one color, two, deeper or lighter – use your creative judgement!
When you have achieved the desired depth of color – remove the torn edge scraps and the reveal the amazing “AHA” moment.

Just an easy and fun technique.

Decorate and stamp your faux layered piece as desired!
Adhere this layer to a coordinating base cardstock color.
Add ribbon and embellishments if desired!

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

Happy Stampin’

Natalie

Product List
Positive Thoughts Cling Stamp Set
[151490]
$21.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[159276]
$9.75
Highland Heather Classic Stampin' Pad
[147103]
$7.50
Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad
[147096]
$7.50
Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Pad
[147099]
$7.50
Cloud Punch
[157749]
$18.00
Paper Snips
[103579]
$10.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$25.00
Bone Folder
[102300]
$7.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$8.00
3/8" (1 Cm) Gorgeous Grape Sheer Ribbon
[154572]
$7.00
Pastel Pearls
[154571]
$6.50
shimmery white embossing paste meets coastal cabana

shimmery white embossing paste meets coastal cabana

by | Jan 8, 2022 | card samples, product reviews, techniques

Have you ever used our embossing paste – OMG – what a GREAT effect. We have two varieties – regular white embossing paste and the shimmery white embossing paste. In these samples I used the shimmery white and BOY DOES IT SPARKLE! Do you love sparkle but hate the mess of glitter – well we have so many options these days for glittery shine with out all the mess and this is definitely one of those! Well OK it’s a little messy but it cleans up with water and doesn’t have you sneaking into bed with glitter on your face only to give away the fact that you were crafting until way too late when your husband sees you in the morning LOL. (FYI – That has happened in the Gramley household before!)

Gather a few items for this project:
I used the Basic Patterns Decorative masks (#150697) – the polka dots pattern, Shimmery White Embossing Paste (#145645), the Pallette Knives (#142808) Basic White Cardstock (#159276), a reinker of your choice and matching cardstock (I used Coastal Cabana cardstock (#131297) and reinker (#131164)
I also used Bermuda Bay cardstock (#131197), Crumb cake cardstock (#120953), Coastal Cabana ink pad (#147097), Pool Party Sheer Ribbon (#152462) and Artistry Blooms Sequins (#152477)

Using the Silicon Mat, I adhere with old washi tape a Basic white cardstock piece measuring 4″ x 5 1/4″ and then adhered the Polka Dotted Mask from the Basic Patterns Decorative Masks (#150697) down so both would not shift while applying the paste.
Using an acrylic block I smeared some Shimmery White Embossing paste (#145645) onto the block.
Place two drops of re-inker or more to reach desired intensity of color (Two drops of the Coastal Cabana was plenty for the small amount I used (tip start with a small amount as the paste will harden over time and will just go to waste if you mix too much)
Mix together until blended with your palette knife.
Smear colored paste onto the mask and smooth until desired area is covered (can cover the whole mask or just a portion – you decide!)
Remove from under the mask and allow to air dry.
If you have left over take another sheet and smear until all used up.
I added the Pool Party Sheer Ribbon (#152462) around the pasted piece of cardstock.
Popped it up on Stampin’ Dimensionals (#104430) and adhered to a base of Crumb Cake cardstock.
Die cut a sentiment piece on Coastal Cabana from the Stitched So Sweetly die set (#151690) and stamp the sentiment in Coastal Cabana ink (#147097) from the Create with Friends (#156058) stamp set and pop up on Stampin’ Dimensionals (#104430) over the Pool Party ribbon.
Add the Artistry Blooms Sequins (#152477) to finish it off and hold the card up to the light to admire the sparkle!!
I adhered the smaller second piece to a Coastal cabana stamped Flowing Flowers tone on tone background.
I stamped the Thank You sentiment from the Flowing Flowers stamp set (#157880) and popped it up on Dimensionals.
I added artistry Blooms sequins to this card also!

I hope this inspired you to try this awesome and fun product! The possibilities and color combinations are endless! Now go and create some art of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’

Natalie

Product List
Create With Friends Photopolymer Stamp Set
[156058]
$17.00
Flowing Flowers Cling Stamp Set
[157880]
$25.00
Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin' Ink Refill
[131164]
$3.75
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[159276]
$9.75
Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[120953]
$8.75
Coastal Cabana 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[131297]
$8.75
Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[122924]
$8.75
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
[132708]
$6.00
Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin' Pad
[147097]
$7.50
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$25.00
Bone Folder
[102300]
$7.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$120.00
Stampin' Dimensionals
[104430]
$4.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$8.00
Pool Party 3/8" (1 Cm) Sheer Ribbon
[152462]
$6.00
Artistry Blooms Sequins
[152477]
$7.00
Palette Knives
[142808]
$5.00
Shimmery White Embossing Paste
[145645]
$9.00
Basic Pattern Decorative Masks
[150697]
$8.00
a dynamic WOW single layer card – faux torn edge technique

a dynamic WOW single layer card – faux torn edge technique

by | 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
[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
a different way to use those dies

a different way to use those dies

by | Aug 9, 2021 | card samples, techniques

One of the great things about die cutting is there is a negative and a positive created for each die that you cut. I took and purposefully cut the dies evenly into 4″ x 5 1/4″ sheets of Basic White cardstock. That way when layered over the same size cardstock it matches perfectly and is easier to not get unwanted ink on the cardstock piece below the mask!

Place the cardstock “negative” (that is the piece with the hole cut out of it) over a 4″ x 5 1/4″ piece of Basic White cardstock.

Pick a palate of colors based on the image you will be stamping and using Blending Brushes pick up color from the ink pads and swirl the color, starting off the paper and in a circular motion add color onto the cardstock until the color intensity is reached!

Stamp the focal point stamp while the mask is still on if you wish the image to remain in the colored section only or stamp the image after the mask is removed to extend the image outside of the color!

See the examples below!

Using the Stamparatus (#146276) I layered the negative die cut piece of cardstock over a full 4″ x 5 1/4″ piece of Basic White cardstock (#159276) and adhered them together using the stamparatus’ very strong magnets!
Using Blending Brushes (#153611) one for each color, I blended the ink inside the mask – HINT if you start off the page and swirl the brush in a circular motion inward you can avoid getting splotches and get a more even tone!
Remove the mask if you wish to stamp outside that masked space (in this example I removed the mask to be able to stamp beyond the colored spaces! I used Pretty Perennials (which is retired – sorry I forgot LOL – I think it is my subconscious trying to will this stamp set back into the catalog!!) Just because I took the sample process pictures with this set we are going to go with it!!
I stamped in Tuxedo Black Memento ink the sentiment and two flowers extending the one outside the colored masked space just a touch
I added In Color Gems (#155571) and Polished Pink open Weave ribbon (#155714) to finish off this retired stamp sample!!!
The new mini catalog stamp set Welcoming Woods (#156550) peaks through the Stitched So Sweetly die (#151690) mask of Gray Granite ink (#147118) layered onto Balmy Blue cardstock (#146982) and stamped in Balmy Blue ink (#147105) for the snowflakes and Gray Granite ink for the trees and the inside of the mask. I finished it off with the White Glittered Organdy ribbon (#156408)
Fresh Freesia (#155611) ink snd Soft Succulent (#155778) ink fill in the negative space created using Tailored tags (#155563). I used the Quiet Meadow stamp set (#155082) in Tuxedo Black Memento ink ($132708). Finishing the card off is easy with Stampin’ Up!’s color coordination of In Color Gems and Fresh Freesia In Color Open Weave ribbon in the same color!
This new Sale-a-bration is a level 2 that meas it is FREE with a $100 order and it is spectacular the Distinctive Stamp is so detailed and the line stamp outline image is beautiful all on it’s own as I did here – no need for anything else! I used Pale Papaya and Bumblebee inks with the Stitched So Sweetly die (#151690) mask portion, stamped the Delicate Dahlias (#156601) in Tuxedo Black Memento ink and added some In Color Gems (#155571) and Bumblebee Gingham ribbon (#153658) and Wink of Stella (#141897) for a little sparkle to finish it off!

Here she is again – one of my favorite new mini catalog sets – Angels of Peace (#156365) – Masking with the Layering Circles die set (#151770) with Pool Party ink (#147107), Balmy Blue (#147105), and Misty Moonlight (#153118) and the Blending Brushes (#153611).  The base card is Misty Moonlight (#153081)  and I added the new White Glittered Organdy Ribbon (#156408) and In Color Gems (#155571) to add the finishing blink to this card.

This last example uses the Layering Circles die cut negative and Poppy Parade ink (#147050), Bumblebee ink (#153116), and Soft Succulent ink (#155778) and the Blending Brushes (#153611). I left the mask on and stamped Nature’s Harvest Black-eyed Susan daisy stamp in Tuxedo Black Memento ink (#132708) and added a little scrap of the Be Dazzling Speicalty Sale-a-bration paper (#156629). I finished the card with Matte Black Dots (#154284) and new Gold 3/8″ Shimmer ribbon (#156470)!

Hope you enjoyed an extra way to use your dies and now go out and create some art of your own…one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’

Natalie

Product List
Nature's Harvest Cling Stamp Set (English)
[156495]
$21.00
Basic White 8 1/2
[159276]
$9.75
Bumblebee 8-1/2X11 Cardstock
[153077]
$8.75
Polished Pink Classic Stampin' Pad
[155712]
$7.50
Bumblebee Classic Stampin' Pad
[153116]
$7.50
Soft Succulent Classic Stampin' Pad
[155778]
$7.50
Be Dazzling 6
[156629]
$0.00
Gold 3/8
[156470]
$8.00
Matte Black Dots
[154284]
$7.00
Angels Of Peace Cling Stamp Set (English)
[156365]
$21.00
Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad
[147107]
$7.50
Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad
[147105]
$7.50
Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin' Pad
[153118]
$7.50
Misty Moonlight 8-1/2
[153081]
$8.75
2021–2023 In Color Jewels
[155571]
$7.00
Welcoming Woods Photopolymer Stamp Set
[156550]
$21.00
Gray Granite Classic Stampin' Pad
[147118]
$7.50
White 3/8'' (1 Cm) Glittered Organdy Ribbon
[156408]
$8.50
Delicate Dahlias Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
[156601]
$0.00
Pale Papaya Classic Stampin' Pad
[155670]
$7.50
1/4
[153658]
$7.00
Quiet Meadow Cling Stamp Set
[155082]
$21.00
Fresh Freesia Classic Stampin' Pad
[155611]
$7.50
Soft Succulent 8 1/2
[155776]
$8.75
Fresh Freesia 3/8
[155615]
$7.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$25.00
Paper Snips
[103579]
$10.00
Bone Folder
[102300]
$7.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$8.00
Stampin' Dimensionals
[104430]
$4.00
Mini Stampin' Dimensionals
[144108]
$4.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$120.00
Layering Circles Dies
[151770]
$35.00
Stitched So Sweetly Dies
[151690]
$32.00
dandy laser-cut paper

dandy laser-cut paper

by | May 10, 2021 | card samples, techniques

Stampin’ Up! catalogs are always so graphically beautiful and packed with visual stimuli that sometimes it is a bit overwhelming! There are great things in the catalog that I think go unseen or missed! I believe the Dandy Laser-Cut paper is one of those beautiful items that gets lost in all the visual elegance of our catalogs! This gorgeous laser cut paper is stunning and there is so much you can do with it! Tonight at 7pm I will be demonstrating how I made these card in a Facebook Live – so if you are available join me and if you are reading this blog post after the Facebook Live airs I will be attaching it to the end of this post later on tonight after the Live is over so you can view it at your leisure!
For the cards I made I used colored cardstock that corresponds to the color combinations in the Dandy garden Designer Series Paper (#154297) – Bumble Bee (#153077), Misty Moonlight (#153081) and Mossy Meadow (#133676) cardstock.  Stampin’ Up! does the color coordination work for us – so I use those pre-designed color combinations to me advantage – why reinvent the wheel as they say! Below is one of the 2 sheets that come in the pack!

The Dandy Laser Cut Paper (#1154300) is so dainty and detailed. It comes with 2 sheets each containing different card front images and accents. I made a total of 13 cards with the designs and accents. The pieces can be colored with our Blending Brushes and here is my tip for the day! – Place a quarter sheet of Basic White or other neutral cardstock directly under your image and color onto the paper – not only will it keep your work surface clean but will create a lovely masked image – two cards for the price of one!

Above is one of the geometric designed card fronts that I colored in Misty Moonlight ink (#153118) with our Blending Brushes (#153611) and to the left is the Basic White quarter sheet of cardstock (#159276) I used to color the stencil on creating a masked image that I cut now cut down to 4″ x 5 1/4″ to use on a Misty Moonlight card base! The following two photos are the cards I created with the card front and the mask.

Here is another example of that same technique!
On this second card not only did I use the card front image as a stencil but I also used the flower image negatives to create an image overlay! Easy and a great layered effect.

There are separate pieces that come in the laser cut paper pack including dragonflies, flowers and leaves. Here are some of the cards I made using the separate pieces.

The card below uses the Pale Papaya Open Weave Ribbon (#155672) dyed with Blending Brushes (#153611) and Bumble Bee Ink (#153116)! Remember with lighter color ribbon you can achieve almost any coordinating color!!

Here is another card created using another card front image and some of the Dandy Garden Designer Series Paper (#154297) dragonflies that directly coordinate with the Dragonflies Punch (#154240).  I also used the Double Oval punch (#154242) in Misty Moonlight for the sentiment piece.

Lastly I created some more Water splattered paper like my previous paper pumpkin post – So Cool. This technique is a little addictive and thought it would make a fun background for the laser cut images!

Product List
Dragonfly Garden Bundle (English)
[156224]
$36.75
Dragonfly Garden Cling Stamp Set
[154411]
$23.00
Dandy Laser Cut Paper
[154300]
$11.50
Dandy Garden 6
[154297]
$11.50
Bumblebee 8-1/2X11 Cardstock
[153077]
$8.75
Misty Moonlight 8-1/2
[153081]
$8.75
Mossy Meadow 8-1/2
[133676]
$8.75
Soft Succulent 8 1/2
[155776]
$8.75
Basic White 8 1/2
[159276]
$9.75
Bumblebee Classic Stampin' Pad
[153116]
$7.50
Evening Evergreen Classic Stampin' Pad
[155576]
$7.50
Just Jade Classic Stampin' Pad
[153115]
$7.50
Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin' Pad
[153118]
$7.50
Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad
[147111]
$7.50
Soft Succulent Classic Stampin' Pad
[155778]
$7.50
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
[132708]
$6.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$25.00
Bone Folder
[102300]
$7.00
Paper Snips
[103579]
$10.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$8.00
Blending Brushes
[153611]
$12.00
Stampin' Dimensionals
[104430]
$4.00
Dragonflies Punch
[154240]
$18.00
Label Me Lovely Punch
[151296]
$18.00
Double Oval Punch
[154242]
$18.00
Whisper White 5/8
[146912]
$7.50
Pale Papaya 3/8
[155672]
$7.00
Multipurpose Liquid Glue
[110755]
$4.00
Rhinestone Basic Jewels
[144220]
$5.00
Artistry Blooms Sequins
[152477]
$7.00

Join me Monday, May 10th at 7pm for the Facebook Live where I will demonstrate the Masking and Water Splatter techniques used to make some of the cards above or if you are reading this post after that time the replay is linked below!

Did you know that if you loved any of the products show you can just click on the pictures above and they will take you directly to my Shop With Me page!
Technology is pretty cool!
I love to show my customers how to use all of the items in the catalog – so many pretty items and so many pretty ways to use them! Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions I am here to help you stamp at your best and achieve the results you desire! Hopefully this inspired you to go and create a little art yourself ONE STAMP AT A TIME!

Happy Stampin’

Natalie