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MDS: Thanksgiving Greetings!

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all~

Mia

Autumn Splendor with Pool Party and Pear Pizzazz!

Okay!?!  I admit it!  Even though blue is one of my most favorite colors, I have had a hard time using this paper from the Spice Cake Designer Series Paper collection.I always want to turn it over and use it with my leaves that are more autumn (More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie and Riding Hood Red) in color.  That said, I am very happy with the card I am sharing today!

I've used the Designer Series Paper with Stampin' Up!'s Glossy White, Pool Party, Pear Pizzazz, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla card stocks.  Other products used are:

Stamp Sets:  Autumn Splendor (pg.115), Pocket Silhouettes (pg.109)

Inks: Soft Suede, Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard

Accessories: Lace Ribbon Border Punch (pg.211), Word Window Punch (pg.209), Metallic Brads (pg.199), 1/8" Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon (pg.195), Pool Party Stampin' Write Marker (pg.176), Mini Glue Dots (pg.206), Stampin' Dimensionals (pg.206)  and for the first time - Drum Roll please(!) - Log Cabin Smooch Spritz (pg.203)!

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I can't believe I waited so long to use the Smooch Spritz!  Those of you who attend my Autumn Splendor Wreath class at 2:00 pm on October 29, 2011 will have the opportunity to try it yourself!  See yesterday's posting for the sample! You will see I've included a tutorial in the post.  The class is more for those of you who are visual learners... and/or want to have a fun time away from the children and household chores!!!  You will also get a "hands on" lesson in the Direct to Paper Technique.  

Note:  If you are a local reader and didn't receive my email with information about the class, then please email me at maria@stampingwithmia.com and I will send you the information.

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Tutorial: Autumn Splendor Wreath!

I've had a lot of people contact me with questions about how I made my Autumn Splendor Wreath so here is a step by step photo tutorial for your use.....

 

Supplies:

Autumn Splendor stamp set (pg.115)

One sheet of 8-1/2 x 11 inch Glossy White or Shimmer White card stock (pg.181)

Jet Black StazOn (pg.203)

More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Riding Hood Red, Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Soft Suede Classic Inks

Crumb Cake and Soft Suede Stampin' Write Markers (pg.180)

Stamping Sponges (pg.203)*

1/4" Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon (pg.195)

1/2" Peach Parfait Stitched-Poly Ribbon (pg.194)

Linen Thread or Baker's Twine (pg.194)

Brigths Glimmer Brads (pg.199)

Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Multipurpose Liquid Glue and Crystal Effects (pg.206)

Dazzling Details (Holiday Mini, pg.41)

7 x 7 Chipboard - I like to use 2 pieces of backing from Stampin' Up!'s 12 x 12 Designer Series Paper

Paper Snips, Circle Scissor Plus and Glass Cutting Mat (pg.208)

 

Instructions:

Step 1:  Glue the 2 pieces of backing from Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Paper together using Multipurpose Liquid Glue... turning one of them 90 degrees so that the grain is going in the opposite direction.  This adds strength to the layers and helps it to lay flat.  Set aside to dry.  (Note:  Cardboard from a large cereal box can be used instead of the DSP backing.)

Step 2:  Stamp 10 leaves and 4 acorn images on either Glossy White or Shimmer White card stock.  Use the Stamping Sponges to add color to the leaves - starting with the lightest color and working up to the dark colors - as shown below.

Step 3:  Cut out all images using Stampin' Up!'s Paper Snips.  (These are very sharp and allow you to easily follow the tight curves of the leaves.)  This is the time to add any additional color to the leaves.  I like to add Soft Suede to the edges to give them even more dimension.  You can see the before and after comparison in the photo below.

Step 4:  Turn the leaves over and place a dot of Multipurpose Liquid Glue to both ends of each leaf.  Set aside to dry.  (Note:  The dried Multipurpose Liquid Glue dots make the leaves repositionable, so they can be held in place while positioning them but easy to shift them if necessary.)

Step 5:  Color the acorns by lightly sponging Soft Suede on the bottom part and Chocolate Chip on the top part.  Use a Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Marker to color in the bottom, and Soft Suede to color in the top.  Cut out and apply either Dazzling Details or Crystal Effects... or both... as shown below.  Set aside to dry.

Step 6:  Use the Circle Scissor Plus to cut the circle base from the glued DSP backing, cereal box or chipboard.  Start by securing the cardboard to the Glass Cutting Mat with tape.  Set the blade at 5 inches and cut.  You will need to go around several times in order to cut through both layers... and will be able to feel when it has cut through completely.   Leaveing the Circle Scissor Plus in place... change the blade's position to 6 inches and cut a second circle.  Lift out the resulting wreath base.

Step 7:  Start putting the leaves on the base... interlocking them as you position them - as shown below - and making sure that base is hidden.  When you are happy with the arrangement - gently lift up the sections of leaves and put additional Multipurpose Liquid Glue on the base to secure the leaves in place.

Step 8:  Add Stampin' Dimensionals to the back of the acorns and place them on the wreath.  Add Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon knots... and the 1/2" Peach Parfait Stiched-Poly Ribbon bow with Glimmer Brad accent using Mini Glue Dots.  Finally turn over the completed wreath and add a Linen Thread or Baker's Twine loop so you can hang your finished wreath.

* Note 1:  I like to cut my Stamping Sponges into wedges and assign each wedge to a specific color.  Sponge Daubers (pg.203) can be substituted but they don't give as soft an edge so the colors won't blend as well.

* Note 2:  The sponging technique I used here is called "Direct to Paper".  Other techniques that can be used are Baby Wipe, Brayer and Smooch... but the Direct to Paper is not as random so it gives you more control over what color is where... and the final look of your leaves.

* Note 3:  When hand-cutting the leaves and acorns... remember to turn the paper into the scissors so it will be easier on the hands and will create a much smoother edge

This wreath can be displayed in a window, on the front door or hanging on the wall.  It can also be framed before hanging it on the wall.

Here are both samples - shown side by side - with the Glossy White version on the left and the Shimmer White on the right.  I like them both... but I think the one using Glossy White is my favorite!  :O)

Leave a comment below and receive a copy of the tutorial in pdf format.  :O)

Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions or to share your finished Autumn Splendor Wreath with me and my readers!

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Framable Gratitude Greeting Card!

One of the challenges in making yesterday's framed project was getting my printer set up to print it to the size I wanted.  (This is another one of the issues that those of you who choose to print your projects at home will run in to.)  Being one who doesn't like to waste things, I didn't feel comfortable tossing the copies that weren't the right size for the project.  Today's card was made using part of one of the first attempts at printing the project to size.

I trimmed the definition part and mounted it on Early Espresso card stock. I added one of the patterns from Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (Holiday Mini, pg.17) to a card front and then mounted the matted to the center of the card front.  I'll probably add some ribbon at the top, but haven't decided yet.

Now how quick & easy was that... and yet another way to use the Framable Gratitude Download (Item #127762) for My Digital Studio (pgs.6-7)!

Happy Digital Stamping~

Mia

Project: Framable Gratitude...

Yesterday I shared a project using Stampin' Up!'s Framable Gratitude Download*  (Item #127762) from My Digital Studio (pg.6-7).  Here is another project where I tweaked the download to make it even more my style.... and to show you how changing just a few things can give you a different look.

I used Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio to increase the empty space between the pumpkins and the wording.  Then I changed the background color... added a Scallop Edge Punch border* with our Basic Pearls*... and changed the color of the wording to Early Espresso.  I wanted to add a little something to the bottom, so I used one of the leaf punches from the Autumn Traditions Kit Download* (Item #127600) to create the two leaves. The other leaves are stamps from the same download.

Note:  These are all downloads for Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio program and are available through my website.  Click here... Select "Digital Designing"... and start shopping today!

It took me a few tries to print it the way I wanted, but I am happy with the final results.  I think it will make a great gift for family and friends this holiday season! 

Happy Digital Stamping!

Mia

Fall... My Digital Studio Style!

Today's project continues my fall theme... but instead of using stamps I've used My Digital Studio - Stampin' Up!'s digital program for scrapbooking, greeting cards and so much more.  My Digital Studio makes this a quick and easy project!

The download I used is Frameable Gratitude. It includes a designer template which can be printed and framed.  The download also includes the different elements - the pumpkins, the word "gratitude" and the definition - broken down into individual parts so that you can use them in other projects as well.

I adjusted my home printer settings to print the template slightly smaller on photo paper and added accents to the pumpkins using Stampin' Write Markers and Dazzling Details (Holiday Mini, pg.41).  I added some Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (Holiday Mini, pg.17) on the left side before mounting it on Early Espresso card stock.  The ribbon accent is 1/4" Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon (pg.195) with a Brights Glimmer Brad (pg.199).  The project is then mounted to a page of Old Olive Designer Series Paper from the Brights Pattern Stack (pg.177) and framed.

I enjoyed combining digital "stamping" with Stampin' Up!'s embellishments and papers!

(Note: Stampin' Up! doesn't guarantee the colors to be accurate when printing at home.) 

Happy Stamping... Digitally!

Mia

Autumn Splendor Wreath!

Today's project is another home decor item using some of my many handcut Autumn Splendor leaves.  It is by far my favorite Autumn Splendor project to date!  Many people are making Medallion wreaths... and I plan to make one myself... but I was playing with all my Autuman Splendor leaves and realized that they have a curve that is perfect for making a wreath!  Here is the one I designed.  It's perfect for the front door, in a window or hanging on the wall.

I love the sheen the Glossy White card stock gives to the leaves and acorns.  I used many of the same supplies I've used in the previous Autumn Splendor projects... but here they are again:

Stamps:  Autumn Splendor (pg.115)

Inks: Jet Black StazOn (pg.203), Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Soft Suede and Early Espresso Classic Inks

Card Stock:  Glossy White (pg.181)

Accessories:  1/2" Peach Parfait Stitched-Poly Ribbon (pg.194), 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon (pg.195), Brights Glimmer Brads (pg.199), Dazzling Details (Holiday mini, pg.41), Stampin' Dimensionals and Mini Glue Dots (pg.206)

I've got lots more of the Autumn Splendor leaves so there are more projects with them in the near future... but for tomorrow's project I have used MDS (My Digital Studio).  Come back then to see a quick and easy project you can create for your fall decor.

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Country Decor Stampin' Up! Style!

If you have been surfing the Internet the past couple of months, then you know Designer Paper Rosettes/Medallions are popular right now.  I've shared projects using them myself... here on my blog.  They are fun to make... and Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scored Scoring Tool - Holiday Mini, pg.6 - makes creating them soooooo easy!

Today's project is a paper version of fabric hoops that I used to sew for counted cross-stitch.  The faux hoop can be hung on the wall... but would also make a nice accent on the lid of a jar of treats.  Think candy corn, jelly beans or... for a non-food option... bath salts or soaps.

I used my current favorite... Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (Holiday Mini, pg.17)... for the medallion.  The larger Old Olive circle was made with Stampin' Up!'s 2-1/2" Circle Punch (pg.212).  I cut the Very Vanilla circle using the Circle Scissor Plus (pg.208).  The leaf image is from Autumn Splendor (pg.115).  It is stamped on Gloss White card stock (pg.181) using Jet Black StazOn (pg.203) and colored with coordinating colors of Classic Inks before being hand cut.  The ribbon is Stampin' Up!'s 1/8" Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon (pg.195).

It was definitely faster and easier to create this paper version than it was to sew the fabric ones I made in years past!

Tomorrow?!?  You guessed it!  More leaves.  :O)

Happy Stamping~

Mia

More Fall Leaves!

Here is another example of fall leaves... using Autumn Splendor (pg.115) and Always Thankful (Holiday Mini, pg.19).  I am missing the leaves in Maryland less and less as I play with these two stamp sets, Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (Holiday MIni, pg.17) and the colors of Fall!

To create this card you will also need:

Inks:  Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, More Mustard and Early Espresso

Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Soft Suede (textured or not!), Confetti White (pg.181) and More Mustard

Accessories:  Big Shot, Die-Cutting Machine (pg.215), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (pg.219), Ticket Corner Punch (pg.212), 1/2" Peach Parfait Stitched-Poly Ribbon (pg.194), Basics Glimmer Brads (pg.199), Stampin' Dimensionals (pg.206) and Mini Glue Dots (pg.206)

Note:  Don't forget to clean your stamps between colors so that you don't contaminate your ink pads!

Tomorrow.... More leaves!

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Autumn Splendor!

I've been so busy working on Cards for the Troops that I have neglected to share projects with you.  Here, finally, is one of the cards I made the begining of the month.  Living on Guam I don't get to see leaves in the colors of fall.  These stamped leaves help me feel like I am there... in Maryland!

The images are from Autumn Splendor (pg.115) and the Designer Series Paper is Spice Cake (Holiday Mini, pg.17) ... my favorite of the season.  The saying is from Sincere Salutations (pg.160).  The card stock colors are Very Vanilla and Cajun Craze.  The leaves and acorns were stamped on Glossy White card stock (pg.181), colored and hand cut before mounting them to the card front using Stampin' Dimensionals (pg.206).  Note the Dazzling Details (Holiday Mini, pg.41) accent on the acorns!

Come back tomorrow for another fall creation!

Happy Stamping~

Mia