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!
simply succulent front flap card

simply succulent front flap card

Today’s card features the Simply Succulent Bundle that is SOLD OUT but still available from my personal retiring stamp sale that will begin May 4th. This front flap fun fold card is “buttoned closed” with a succulent die cut and opens both right and left for a fun surprise element to the card!

Measurements:
Base: Mint Macaron (retiring color)
5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ scored at 4 1/4″ and 1/2″ cut
off the front right hand side
Basic White: 3 1/2″ x 4″ scored at 1/2″ on the 4″
side to make the main portion 3 1/2″ square
4 ” x 5 1/4″ for the inside
scrap of Mint and White for die cuts

Cut the 1/2″ section off the right side of the card front panel.
Score the 4″ side of the Basic White 3 1/2″ x 4″ piece of cardstock and add adhesive to the scored 1/2″ edge.
Adhere the 1/2″ score to the underside of the center left edge of the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White cardstock piece.
Adhere the 4″ x 5 1/4″ piece of Basic White cardstock to the inside of the card base.
Using Scrap cardstock (I used Mint Macaron so that I could use this piece on another card but it can be any color as you are using this piece for a mask only on this card) cut the large die from the Potted Succulents die set. Holding the die as a mask on the card front, rub Mint Macaron ink with a Blending Brush through the pattern of the die creating a tone on tone background.
Using scrap Basic White cardstock, stamp in Tuxedo Black Memento ink the large succulent image and color with Mint Macaron and Highland Heather Stampin’ Blends markers. The die cut the image out.
The alcohol markers blend nicely and as you allow to dry and return another color over the top of the last color the image blends nicely.
Open up the inside of the card and stamp the sentiment in Mint Macaron and add several small succulent stamps around the sentiment.
I punched the edges of the 1/2″ strip I cut from the card front and adhered it under the sentiment wording after creasing the piece in half to correspond to the score line.
Die cut additional greenery and pop up the main colored succulent image on the front of the Basic White 3 1/2″ square piece. Adhere the Mint greenery die cuts under the popped up succulent piece.
Add one die cut – adhered on the main card front just below the bottom left hand corner of where the white square lands on the card front – this will serve as a “latch” to help the front flap stay closed.
Tuck the front flap under that die cut to keep the card closed.
Add Iridescent Rhinestone Gems to finish off the card with some bling!
This is an easy fun fold – hope you try something similar with your own supplies soon – go out and create some art of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

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.
painted poppies in red shimmer

painted poppies in red shimmer

Another sample using the Pearlized Enamel Effects Basics – this sample uses the red sample.

Base:
Real Red cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White: 4″ x 5 1/4″ die cut edge with the
Basic Borders die set
scrap for sentiment piece

Die cut the right edge off the 5 1/4″ side of the Basic White cardstock layer. (I used the edge I cut off for the card I posted on Monday and this was the left over piece!) Stamp with Memento Tuxedo Black the line of poppies from the Painted Poppies (#151599) across the bottom of the 4″ side of the 4″ x 5 1/4″ piece.
Using an acrylic block for your artist’s palette, p-lace a drop of red Pearlized Enamel Effects Basics (#156310) and apply a drop or two of water from a Waterpainter (#151298)

Using the Waterpainter, paint the flower petals with the red enamel.
Using the cap, tap the Waterpainter on the cap over the cardstock to flick paint spots onto the paper.
Stamp the sentiment onto the largest banner die from the Stylish Shapes die set (#159183) from the retiring Peaceful Moments stamp set (#151595) in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.
With a blending brush (#153611) and a Real Red stamp pad (#147084) apply ink to the brush and starting off the paper in circular motions apply color to the sentiment piece of acrdstock.
Using the Pearlized Enamel Effects straight from the bottle make a heart shape on the sentiment banner die cut. The enamel is thick and adds depth and dimension when adding it direct to paper in dots or shapes!
Adhere the Basic White layer to the card base leaving a border on the right and left sides.

Pop up the sentiment on the upper center.

Add Black and White Gingham ribbon (#156485) to the left edge of the card and it is complete!

See the shimmer that the Pearlized Enamel Effects gives this card? So Pretty!
A simple card with lots of shimmer and dimension brings it up a notch!
Try your hand with this fun enameled effect and create some art of your own – one stamp and one effect at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Remember this is the last few weeks to order Last Chance items and they are while supplies last. My current hostess code is R9AWXX7K and check out the 60% off specials while they are available!
hidden gate fold card

hidden gate fold card

So a gate fold card is a card scored 1/4 of the way in from the sides of the card on both sides and folded to meet in the middle – I have done these cards in the past but this is a fun variation of the gate fold. This card has a n extra piece that folds over and hides the gate fold so it is a surprise when you open up the top flap!

Measurements:
BASE: Daffodil Delight 8 1/2″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″ on the 11″ side
scored at 2 1/8″ on each of the 11″ sides
Inserts on gate fold :
Basic White (2) 2″ x 5 1/4″
Front flap: Basic White 4″ x 5 1/4″
Inside Base: Basic White 4″ x 5 1/4″

Using the Paper Trimmer cut along both 2 1/8″ score lines down to the 5 1/2″ score line. Turn the paper 180 degrees and cut from the outside of the paper to the 4 1/4″ score line to detach the outside top rectangles from the base card.
Trim the top edges so the top flap will be able to close over the hidden gate folds.
Burnish the score lines with a bone folder.
Stamp and color the inside layer and adhere.
Stamp, color and adhere the gate fold layers to the gate folds
Stamp color and adhere the front flap layer.
Adhere embellishments.
A fun and easy twist on the classic Gate fold card. Hope this inspires you to create some art of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’

Natalie