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Project: More Strip Quilt Cards!

Yesterday I shared a couple of projects I made using products from the current Occasions Mini catalog.  I mentioned that I was left with several heart "frames/negatives" that I couldn't bring myself to throw away.  This is what I created with them... and some Designer Series Paper bits from my scrap stash.

These are 3x3 Love Note size cards... perfect for that "Thinking of You" card or a gift enclosure.  And they are easy to create... with no two the same!  You can find the tutorial here!

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Project: "Go Green" with Scraps!

The most recent issue of the magazine sent to Stampin' Up! demonstrators covers a topic that is near and dear to my heart.... "Go Green"!  The article suggests ways to use up all the bits and pieces of card stock, patterned papers and embellishments that most crafters accumulate while enjoying their creative side.  It inspired me to make another "Strip Quilt" card using the tiny curled pieces of Designer Series Papers from having made pad and pen sets for my recent craft displays.  (If you haven't seen these sets yet, then you can view them here!)  Here is the resulting card:

I admit to using one of our retired colors for the card base - and some of the paper scraps - but Rich Razzleberry would look just as nice for the base... probably even better!  Some of the other supplies I used are:  Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set (pg.67), Classic Ink Pads - Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Soft Suede and Riding Hood Red (pgs.177-180) - for the watercoloring, Log Cabin and Gold Smooch Spritzes (pg.203) and Dazzling Details (Holiday Mini, pg.41).  I couldn't resist adding a sparkle of Dazzling Details to the cherries.  I absolutely love how the Log Cabin Smooch Spritz shows through the watercolored image giving the cupcakes some added texture and making the cake stand look like stoneware.

When using scraps like the ones I've used here, be sure to watercolor some touches here and there - especially where they are wrinkly and/or torn - to give them a vintage look... as seen in the close-up below.  It makes such a big difference in the overall appearance of the card.  (Note:  Click on the images for a larger view of them.)

I have been playing so much with Autumn and Christmas colors recently, that playing with all these other bright Spring/Summer colors has been such a nice change!

Now to get back to prepping for Saturday's Christmas Card Class!  It is being held in Yigo, Guam on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 2:00-5:00 pm.  We'll be making a total of 12 Christmas Cards (3 each of 4 different designs).  Fee is $25.00 pre-paid.  I still have a few seats available, so contact me (maria@stampingwithmia.com) if you are interested in joining the fun!   Hope to see you there!

Happy Stamping~

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

"Grateful"

Some friends from Japan arrived on Guam last week.  We were busy visiting and didn't have the chance to stamp this time, but here are two cards I made earlier this month and haven't shared with you yet.  Both were made using the Always Thankful stamp set from the Holiday Mini catalog (pg.19).  This post is another example of how the same image can look very different depending on the colors and layout that are used.

The first card... with the purple and glitter accents... is contemporary in design.  The additional supplies needed to create it are:

Ink: Jet Balck StazOn

Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzazz, Perfect Plum

Accessories:  Spice Cake DSP (Holiday Mini, pg.17), Watercolor Wonder Crayons (pg.202), Dazzling Details (Holiday Mini, pg.41)

The second card is more traditional in color.  You will also need:

Ink: Jet Black StazOn, Chocolate Chip

Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand

Accessories:  Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Scallop Trim Border (pg.211), 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon (pg.195)

Both are quick to create and color... using Stampin' Up!'s great Watercolor Wonder Crayons and Aqua Painters (pg.203).

Contact me today to place your order... or to learn how easy it is to watercolor using Stampin' Up!'s quality products.

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Tutorial: PocketBac Gift Box!

About a year ago there were several styles of boxes introduced to the stamping world which were designed specifically with PocketBacs in mind.  I took one look at them and felt they were more complicated than I wanted.  I was at my stamping table one day... looking at Stampin' Up!'s Petal Card Double Punch (pg.212) and an idea was born!

Here are the instructions for my easy to make PocketBac Gift Box.  Sorry it has taken me so long to share it with you!

Note:  For those of you who may not know... PocketBacs are the purse size bottles of antibacterial hand soap! 

Supply List:

(2) 2" squares of Card Stock*

1-1/2" x 9" piece of Card Stock*

1-1/2" x 6-7/8" piece of Designer Series Paper*

1-1/2" x 3-1/8" piece of Designer Series Paper*

Simply Scored Scoring Tool (Holiday Mini, pgs. 6 & 7) **

Petal Card Double Punch (pg.212)

Multipurpose Liquid Glue (pg.206)

Optional:  Stamps, ribbons and brads for decorating the gift box

 

Instructions:

Step 1:  Punch 2 Petal Cards from the 2" squares of card stock.

 

Step 2:  Score one petal on each of the Petal Cards 1/8" from the score line using the Simply Scored Scoring Tool** as shown in below.

Step 3:  Place the 1-1/2" x 9" piece of card stock on the Scoring Tool** and score at 1-1/8", 2-1/4", 5-3/8" and 6-1/8" as shown in the photo below.

Tip #1:  The place markers are so helpful when making more than one of the gift boxes at a time!

Tip #2:  If making more than one gift box using the same color card stock for the box.... Cut 12" x 12" card stock down to 12" x 9".  Cut the extra piece of card stock down to 9".  Place each piece of card stock on the Simply Scored Scoring Tool... one at a time... making sure the 9" side is against the top edge of the Simply Scored Scoring Tool.  Score all the lines... as described above... then cut the two pieces of card stock into 1-1/2" wide strips.  You will have enough body strips for 10 gift boxes!)  

 

Step 4: Fold along all score lines for easier assembly and crisper edges.

Step 5:  Glue the 2 petal cards to section #2 of the card stock body as shown... making sure that the petals with the extra score line are on the outside.

Step 6:  Glue the smaller piece of Designer Series Paper to section #3 as shown in the photo below.

Step 7:  Apply glue to the two back petals and attach to the card stock body as shown in the photos below.

Step 8:  Apply glue to the two front petals and attach them to the front panel as shown in the photo below.  The petals with the extra score line remain loose and at the top of the "pocket" base that has been formed. 

Step 9:  Glue the remaining piece of Designer Series Paper to the outside of the gift box... paying special attention to where the score lines are.  Trim the DSP if necessary.

Step 10:  Fold on all the score lines.  Test the fit of the front flap in the base of the gift box.  Trim both edges if needed.  Decorate as desired.  Insert the PocketBac of your choice.  The "ledge" created by the extra score lines on the petal card will hold the PocketBac perfectly in place!

* Note:   I used Soft Suede Card Stock and Spice Cake DSP (Holiday Mini, pg.17).

** Note:  One can use the scoring tool on the paper cutter (pg.208) or a ruler and bone folder (pg.207) for the scoring in this project, but the Simply Scored Scoring Tool makes it so much easier to create these gift boxes.... and so much more!  If you would like to see for yourself, then contact me to arrange a workshop for you, your family and your friends!

I love to see your creations.... so now that you see how easy these are to make... make some and share photos of them with me.  I'd love to add your samples to this tutorial as additional inspiration to others.

Post a comment if you would like a copy of the tutorial in pdf format.  While you are at it.... let me know what you think of the tutorial.  :O)

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Gift Givers Thanksgiving!

I don't celebrate Halloween, so when I buy a stamp set that includes an image from that holiday I try to find other ways to use it.  In this case, I discovered that if you use a Stampin' Up! Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker and a steady hand, then you can color the Halloween image from Gift Givers (Holiday Mini, pg.39) without the saying and jack-o-lantern faces.  Any specks that you get from the eyes and mouths look like naturally occurring blemishes.  Here are a couple ideas using the technique of coloring directly on the markers.

Both images used on the treat bags are from Gift Givers.  The turkey image was an extra from when I was working on the skinny bags in the previous post.  The pumpkins are the Halloween image (Gift Givers) with the "Happy Thanksgiving" from Teeny Tiny Wishes (pg.157).  The saying is stamped on River Rock card stock and punched out using our Word Window Punch (pg.209).  Both use our Spice Cake Designer Series Paper and Soft Suede card stock.  The cello bags can be found on page 181).  I couldn't resist adding some sparkle to the pumpkins and around the saying with our Dazzling Details (Holiday Mini, pg.41).

I stamped the Halloween image - minus the saying and faces - directly on Very Vanilla card stock.  A second set of pumpkins are mounted on top using Stampin' Dimensionals (pg.206).  The ribbon is Stampin' Up!'s 1/2" Peach Parfait Stitched-Poly Ribbon (pg.194) and a Basics Glimmer Brad (pg.199).  Other colors used are Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Riding Hood Red and Soft Suede.

I usually use more earthy colors for the Thanksgiving season and save bright colors for Spring and Summer projects, but I decided to try our Real Red for this Big Shot Itty Bitty Box.  (The Big Shot is on page 215; the Itty Bitty Box & Envelope Die is on page 221.)   The saying is from Always Thankful (Holiday Mini, pg.19) and is stamped in Early Espresso.  The ribbon is our 1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon (pg.195).  Look closely and you will notice that I switched the order of the pumpkins and overlapped them a bit.  They are mounted with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Now I need to decide who is going to get it... and what I am going to put inside.  So many decisions!

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Designer Series Paper: Just Add Cake and More!

Today I am picking up with my Designer Series Paper postings... Just Add Cake (pg.185).  I also decided to apply my Extended Candy Wrapper Box tutorial to the Stampin' Up! exclusive Fancy Favor Box Die (pg.221)... and share the results with you.

First, some tips when applying the tutorial to the Fancy Favor Box die.... If you are going to use Part 1 of the tutorial (as I did!) then you definitely need the Extended Crease Pad.  My Big Shot is calibrated in a way that I can cut the standard die with two Extended Cutting Pads instead of needing to use the Extended Crease Pad, but
the die cut through the added folds in the card stock with that sandwich.  Also, having followed my own tutorial for the Extended Fancy Favor Box shown, I know that if I were to make another one I would use the method in Part 2 instead.  It just seems so much cleaner and more professional for a project where the inside of the box might be seen.

For the Extended/Tall Fancy Favor Box I used:

Stamp Set:  Button Buddies (pg.71), Baby Bundle (pg.84)

Inks:  So Saffron, Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Always Artichoke, Soft Suede

Card Stock:  So Saffron, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White

Accessories:  Just Add Cake DSP (pg.185), 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (pg.210), Scallop Edge Punch (pg.211), Word Window Punch (pg.209), 1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon (pg.195), Linen Thread (pg.194), Brights and Regals Designer Buttons (pg.197), Stampin' Dimensionals and Glue Dots (pg.206)

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I recently realized there is a group of my customers that I haven't been encouraging as much as I should.  That group is the pet lovers of my community.  Yesterday one of my dog loving customers came for a one on one design session.  She left with loads of ideas for using her pet themed stamps for personal use... and also for her business - Puppy Love Guam.  The Standard Fancy Favor Box shown in the picture is intended to serve as additional inspiration for her... and all the other dog lovers who frequent my blog!  Supplies needed for Standard Size Fancy Favor Box - in addition to those listed above - are:

Stamp Set:  Friends Fur-ever (pg73)

Inks:  Jet Black StazOn

Card Stock:  Lucky Limeade, Whisper White

Accessories:  Watercolor Wonder Crayons (pg.202), 1/4" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon (pg.195), 4 x 6" Cello Bags (pg.181)

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A gentle reminder.... the Designer Seried Paper Promotion (Buy 3 get a 4th one FREE!) and the Strength & Hope promotion both end on August 31, 2011... so get your orders for Stampin' Up!'s wonderful Designer Series Paper collections (pgs.184-186) and the Strength & Hope stamp set (Summer Mini, pg.27) in NOW by clciking HERE!!!

Tomorrow.... more with Just Add Cake!

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Technique: Strip Quilt with Playful Polka Dots!

If you are a regular reader of my blog then you know I like to use every little piece of the Stampin' Up! products for my creations.  No waste!

I mention this because my weekend started with me clearing off my stamping table in preparation for a couple of classes.  While
doing so, I came across the leftovers from my package of Playful Polka Dots Simply Scrappin' Kit (Summer Mini, pg.15).  I LOVE how the kits come complete with sheets of stickers to use as embellishments for our scrapbook pages and cards!  I also love that between each of the adhesive borders is a little strip that can be used for the strip quilting technique that I first shared here.  I couldn't stop myself from spending the rest of the afternoon creating these cards!

The flower, flower center & leaves on the "Thinking of You" card... and the Scallop Square & Itty Bitty Flower on the "Get Well Soon" card are also stickers from the Playful Polka Dots Simply Scrappin' Kit.  Additional products I used are:

Stamp Set:  Sincere Salutations (pg.160)

Inks:  Jet Black StazOn (pg.203)

Card Stock:  Rose Red, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight

Accessories:  Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (pg.211), 1" and 1-1/4" Circle Punches (pg.212), 3/16" Corner Punch (pg.212), Brights Brads (pg.199), Brights Designer Buttons (pg.197), Linen Thread and 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon (pg.195), Stampin' Dimensionals and Glue Dots (pg.206)

There are a couple of reasons why I am sharing this technique with you today.  The first is because the Playful Polka Dots Simply Scrappin' Kit is one of the Summer Mini catalog products, so the last day to order it is August 31, 2011.  I didn't want you to miss the chance to purchase the kit so you could recreate these cards yourself.  Another reason is because I want to emphasize if you are the thrifty "pack rat" that I tend to be, then you will want to turn your scraps into similar creations as soon as possible... so they don't get lost in the bottom of a box and forgotten.  It also helps keep your stamp area much more organized.  Ask me how I know!

It still amazes me that these strips - that most paper crafters would throw away - can be turned in to such works of art!

Tomorrow I will continue with projects using the Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper collection.

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Tutorial: Extended Candy Wrapper Box... Part 2!

Yesterday I shared Part 1 of my Extended Candy Wrapper Box Tutorial which showed how a fellow Stampin' Up! lover shared their technique for making a longer Candy Wrapper Box using Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Candy Wrapper Bigz L Die (pg.221).  Today I continue with Part 2 of the tutorial which shows you how to make a Candy Wrapper Box in whatever length you desire!  The one I will be making is the middle sized Candy Wrapper... the one with the oval accent in the photo below. 

Extended Candy Wrapper Tutorial

Part 2:  Follow these instructions to create a Candy Wrapper in your desired length…

Supplies:  5-1/2 x 6-1/2" Card Stock (I used Not Quite Navy and Cajun Craze),  4 x 6-1/4" Designer Series Paper (I used Well Worn), Big Shot Die Cutting Machine(pg.215), Candy Wrapper Bigz L Die (pg.221), Standard Cutting Pad (pg.215),Standard Premium Crease Pad (pg.215), Paper Cutter (pg.208) and Adhesive of Choice (I prefer Multipurpose Liquid Glue, pg.206), Stamp set of choice (I used Touch of Kindness - Summer Mini, pg.25), Inks of choice (I used Cajun Craze.), Large Oval Punch (pg.212), Scallop Oval Punch (pg.210), Stampin' Dimensionals (pg.206) and 13" of 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (I used Very Vanilla, pg.195)

Instructions

Step 1:  Use the 5-1/2” x 6-1/2” piece of card stock to cut a standard Candy Wrapper die-cut … no scoring or folding of card stock… using the sandwich you normally use for your Big Shot.  Place the resulting Candy Wrapper die-cut in the paper cutter and cut down the center lengthwise... as shown below.

Step 3: Cut a 7” strip of card stock to the width/length of your desired Candy Wrapper… minus 1 inch.  (Mine is 2-3/4” x 7”.)
 

Step 4:  Assemble the three pieces together overlapping the pieces slightly… as shown below.

Steps 5 – 7:  Use the scoring tool on the paper cutter (the black balde), a ruler and bone folder or Stampin' Up!'s soon to be released Simply Scored Scoring Tool to complete the score lines on the card stock insert.

Proceed as directed in Part 1 of this tutorial... which can be found in yesterday's posting!

This technique can be used to modify several of Stampin' Up!'s Big Shot dies... like Fancy Favor Bigz XL, Matchbox Bigz XL, Box #2 Bigz XL, Petite Pocket Bigz XL, Mini Milk Carton Bigz L (all on pg.221) and the Pillow Box Bigz Die (pg.223).  You would just need to adjust the position of the score lines and folds.  With some of them the modifications would make them longer, with others it would make them taller.

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Now that you know how to extend the length/height of Stampin' Up!'s Big Shot dies, be sure to play with them yourself... and then share pictures of your projects with me.  I may feature them in a future posting!

Have questions?!?  Just call, email or post a comment below.

Happy Stamping~

Mia