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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

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

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

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

Tutorial: Extended Candy Wrapper Box... Part 1!

Yesterday I shared a Candy Wrapper box that I created using the Big Shot (pg.215) and Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Candy Wrapper Bigz L Die (pg.221).  Here is the photo for those of you who may have missed it in yesterday's posting:

I had mentioned that there was something special about the box... and there is!  It is almost double the length of the standard Candy Wrapper.  I was planning to share my technique for making it today, but have decided to share it tomorrow... in Part 2... and show you a different technique for the Candy Wrapper today instead.  Part 1 of the tutorial is for the longest Candy Wrapper boxes (6-1/2" long!) shown in the photo below:

The above photo shows an assorment of Candy Wrapper boxes that include the standard 2 inch size (So Saffron - one that I made for Easter), the 3-3/4 inch one I shared yesterday (Not Quite Navy - from Part 2 of the Tutorial) and two that are 6-1/2 inches long!

If you would like to learn how to make these different sized Stampin' Up! Candy Wrapper boxes yourself then keep reading.....

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Extended Candy Wrapper Tutorial

Part 1:  Follow these instructions for a 6-1/2” long Candy Wrapper…

Note:  This method is NOT my original idea.  It is one I learned about on Sudsol (see the link on the right side of the screen) - from demonstrators who attended convention.  I haven't seen an actual tutorial for it yet, so decided to make on of my own.

Supplies:  6-1/2 x 9-5/8" Card Stock (I used Not Quite Navy and Cajun Craze), 5 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) 

Instructions:

Step 1:   Score the 6-1/2” x 9-5/8” piece of card stock at 3-3/4” and 5-7/8” across the width of the card stock as shown below.

Step 2:  Fold the card into a “Z” shape making sure that the folds are as straight as possible.  Your card stock should look like this:

Step 3:  Prepare your Big Shot sandwich – Standard Cutting Pad, Candy Wrapper Die, Card Stock, and Standard Premium Crease Pad – centering the card stock on the die as shown below… without the crease pad.  Note:  Keep in mind that all Big Shots are calibrated differently so you may need a shim or two for the die to cut and score properly.  I needed one shim for mine. A shim is one or more pieces of card stock, computer paper or chip board... depending on how much of a shim you need.  They are placed between the Cutting Pad and the Die. 

Your die-cut will look like this once it is cut and unfolded....

Step 4:  Fold along all score lines and form into the Candy Wrapper box.  The additional scoring is important for the final folding of the box.  Note:   You may notice the extra lines on the added fold on the right side.  If this happens to you, then make sure you assemble the Candy Wrapper from the outside edges in, so that you can hide the “flaw” under the Designer Series Paper… and so the ends of the Candy Wrapper will form properly.

Your Candy Wrapper box will now look like this: 

Step 5:  Score the Designer Series Paper ¼” from one short end.  Fold along score line.  Glue the resulting flap to the Candy Wrapper as shown below.   Note: I switched over to Cajun Craze card stock for the rest of this portion of the tutorial because I wanted more color for the photo of the finished Candy Wrapper Boxes.

Step 6:  Roll the assembled Candy Wrapper along the DSP as shown below… creasing the DSP firmly as you roll.

Step 7:  Glue the end of the DSP strip to the Candy Wrapper… trimming it if necessary.  Decorate as desired.

 

So... you have learned the first method for creating longer Candy Wrapper Boxes now.  Come back again tomorrow for Part 2... the second method... which allows you to create any length that you desire (as long as you can find paper wide enough!

Until then...  Happy Stamping~

Mia

Technique: Heat Embossing!

When the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini was first introduced I immediately knew that I would be ordering all three colors of the Stampin' Embossing Powders shown on page 23... Tangerine Tango, Wild Wasabi and Melon Mambo.  I made the card below using the Flower Fest stamp set (Summer Mini, pg.20) and all three powders.  (I LOVE this set because five of the images coordinate with our punches... making the creation of cards so much quicker and easier!)

Here is how to make your own:

Step 1:  Use Versamark Ink to stamp the stem and butterfly wings on a 4 x 5-1/4" piece of Very Vanilla card stock (as shown).  Apply the Wild Wasabi Stampin' Emboss Powder on the stem and the Melon Mambo Stampin' Emboss Powder on the butterfly wings.... shaking off the excess powder between applications.  Melt the powders using Stampin' Up!'s Heat Tool (pg.201).  Mount to a Melon Mambo card base using your favorite adhesive.  (I used our Multipurpose Liquid Glue, shown on pg.206 of the new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!)

Step 2:  Stamp the butterfly antenna and body with Jet Black StazOn and add Pearl Jewels to the body.  (Love them!)

Step 3:  Stamp the flower image on a scrap piece of Very Vanilla card stock... using Versamark... and apply the Tango Tangerine Stampin' Emboss Powder.  Shake off excess powder then heat and melt the powder.

Step 4:  Watercolor all the images.

Step 5:  Cut out the flower and mount it to the card front with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Step 6:  Stamp the saying (from Cottage Garden, pg.119) with Jet Black StazOn.... and add more Pearl Jewels to the center of the flower.

Step 7:  Dye a 14-15" length of 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon using a few drops of our Melon Mambo ink refill and water.  Heat set it by ironing it between two pieces of computer paper.  Wrap around the card front and tie in a knot.  Trim ends if necessary.

Step 8:  Sign your work of art with one of our "Handmade by" or personalized stamps from pages 162 and 172... and you are done!

Happy Stamping~

Mia

One Sheet Wonder Opportunity!

I have been busy designing an all-new One Sheet Wonder (OSW) Template and Class Tutorial.  I was going to make it available sooner, but decided to wait until now so that I could give you more options.  The 12 cards shown in the above banner were made using the template, Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper (Occasions Mini Catalog, pg.15), Thanks for Caring Stamp set (Occasions Mini Catalog, pg.13), and an assortment of papers, inks and embellishments.... but any 12x12 Designer Series Paper and stamp set can be used.  The tutorial includes measurements for all the pieces of card stock and DSP... and a step-by-step cutting guide for the 12x12 page of DSP.  It also includes an alternate set of samples using a different DSP and stamp sets.

Note:  This is NOT a class planner so it doesn't include the cutting instructions for anything other than the 12x12 DSP.  However, every card is pictured... followed by a supply list for that particular card... including the measurements of the different layers of card stock.  The list is followed by a step-by-step (in words) of how to cut the DSP and assemble that card.  It is a "cut as you go" tutorial  so no need to number or label the pieces!  This technique causes less confusion as to which piece of DSP is for which card... because it is cut as you need it.  Those making the cards - whether individuals or class attendees - will cut their own supplies... providing an opportunity for them to learn how to use their paper cutters.  (added May 2, 2011)

How can you get the tutorial?!?  It's as easy as One, Two or Three!

One.... Sign up for my All-New One Sheet Wonder Class to be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 1pm - 5pm...  and receive a copy of the tutorial.  This is actually more of a Stamp Class... a fun Ladies' Afternoon Out!  The class fee is $35.00 and is limited to the first 6 people to sign up.    Pre-pay by Wednesday, May 4, 2011 using the PayPal button below;

Two.... Order your copy of the All-New One Sheet Wonder Class Tutorial using the PayPal link below.  The cost is only $5.00!  Your copy will be emailed to you as soon as your payment has cleared;

Or three....  Go to my website and place a $50 merchandise order that includes one package of DSP and one of Stampin' Up!'s wonderful stamp sets to receive the One Sheet Wonder Class Tutorial for FREE!!!  (If you want to use the same supplies that I have used to make the cards shown above, then your order must be placed by 11:50 pm on April 30, 2011.)

All-New One Sheet Wonder Class and/or Tutorial

All-New One Sheet Wonder Class $35.00 Tutorial Only $5.00

Please call or email if you have any questions or comments.

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Unit Open House Project Share!

Our Stampin' Up! Unit held its Open House yesterday in Tamuning, Guam.  We had three Make & Projects... one of which is shown below... door prizes, refreshments, and lots of products and projects on display.  A fun time was had by all who attended!

I usually provide a Make & Take that makes use of the Big Shot.  This year was no different.  Here is the project that I provided:

Stamp Set:  Perfect Punches (pg.131)

Inks:  Poppy Parade (New In Color!)

Card Stock:  Poppy Parade, Very Vanilla, Peach Partait (New In Color)

Accessories: Big Shot, SU! Exclusive Favor Box Sizzix Die (pg.208), Sunny Gardern Designer Series Paper (pg.174), Wide Oval Punch (pg.202/203), Boho Blossoms punch (pg.200/2001), Regal Brads (pg.187), Sponge Daubers (pg.195), Stampin' Dimensionals (pg.197), Tombow Multipurpose Glue (pg.197)

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I've decided to share one of my favorite projects from our Open House display... along with a tutorial that I hope will help you avoid making the same mistake that I made.  It's a magnetic board... complete with magnets!  (Note:  That is a PartyLite votive and votive holder in the photo.  If you want more info about them then please email me.)

 

I found a magnetic chore board at our local Cost-U-Less (Guam's equivalent to Price-Costco).  I covered it using Island Oasis Designer Series Paper (from the Summer Mini Catalog, pg.27 - only available until August 31, 2010!), Baja Breeze Textured card stock and our Scallop Edge punch (pg.200/201).  The flower magnets were made using the Stampin' Up! exclusive Island Floral Sizzix die (pg.206), our new magnetic sheets (pg.205), an assortment of card stock and brads.  I love the way it turned out... and it is perfect for Guam's tropical island... but while making it I made a BIG mistake!  Read on!

(First, several of you have asked so I decided to add... I used the brads to hold the two flower layers together and then glued the magnetic flowers to the leaves using our Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue.  They have stayed together well, despite having fallen on the floor several time.  LOL!!!)

When I use a Big Shot die with mulitple images I usually place different colored pieces of card stock on the die before I cut them so that I can have an assortment of colors instead of everything being the same color.  This is especially true with the leaves of the Island Floral die.  I used this same method when I cut the first set of flowers since I didn't want red, pink and yellow leaves!  Big mistake!  You see, after placing the card stock in place on the die, I cut a piece of magnetic sheet to the size of the die and placed it adhesive side down over the card stock and then cut the shapes.  You guessed it!  The parts of the magnetic sheet that weren't covered with card stock stuck to the foam parts of the die.  I had to carefully pull the uncut portions of the magnetic sheet hoping that I wouldn't pull up too much of the foam... ruining the die.  I don't want you to make the same mistake I made, so I came up with this picture tutorial to show you how I cut the rest of the flowers for my magnets.  I applied a technique that is used in some Crazy Quilt applications.  It is refered to as paper piecing.  Here is the photo tutorial:

Template Tutorial for the Big Shot

 

Step 1:  Cut a piece of paper to the outside dimensions of the die and cut using the Big Shot.  Then using a ruler, draw guide lines between the different shapes as shown in the photo below.  Be sure to label the side facing you as "away from card stock" so that your pieces will be cut properly.

 

Step 2: Cut apart using the markings as your cutting guide.

 

 

 

 

Step 3:  Place - or trace - the cut piece on the card stock color of choice and cut it to size and shape.  Repeat with all the other shapes and card stock colors.

 

 

Step 4:  Tape the pieces of card stock together using the die as your guide... and placing the tape in areas that will not be cut when rolled through the Big Shot.

 

Step 5:  Place the pieced paper on top of the die making sure to place it in the proper position.  Cut a piece of magnetic sheet to the size of the pieced paper/die.  Peel off the protective sheet and place adhesive side down on the pieced card stock.  (Note: I didn't add the magnetic sheet because I wanted you to be able to see the process.)

 

Step 6:  Roll the appropriate die sandwhich through the Big Shot.

 

 

Step 7:  Here are the die cut pieces!

 

 

Step 8:  This is what the remaining pieced card stock will look like.  (Note: If you were making magnets and had applied magnetic sheet then you would only see the black of the magnetic sheet and foam.) 

 

This technique is not just for when you are using magnetic sheets.  It can be used anytime you are using your Big Shot dies and want an assortment of colors, but especially necessary when you are applying something with adhesive to the card stock before cutting.

I hope that you find this tutorial helpful.  If you have any questions... or there is something you need more clarification about... then please feel free to call/email me... or post your comment below.

Be watching for more projects from our Stampin' Up! Unit Open House!  Meanwhile...

Happy Stamping~

Mia

 

Tutorial: Vintage Vogue

It took longer than I had expected it to, but here is the tutorial for the Vintage Vogue card we made at the Stamping Extravaganza I held in Yigo, Guam last weekend!

Supplies Needed:

Stamps:  Vintage Vogue Set (Occasions Mini Catalog pg.26)

                    117690 - Wood Mounted

                    118598 Unmounted**

(** Note - This tutorial is to show how one can assemble all the images on the clear-mount block before stamping the project.  You will need the unmounted stamp set and clear-mount block E.)

Card Stock:

            3 1/4" x 3 1/2" Whisper White

            3 3/8" x 3 3/4" Certainly Celery

            5 1/2" x 8 1/2" Pretty in Pink

            Certainly Celery Scrap

Accessories:

            Clear-Mount Block E ** (Occasions Mini pg. 6) - 118484

            Stampin Write Markers:

                    Regal Rose, Close to Cocoa, Always Artichoke

            4 1/2" piece of Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon

            3" piece of Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon

            1/16" Circle Punch

            Word Punch

            Vintage Brads

            Grid Paper

            Snail Adhesive

Instructions

Step 1:  Fold Pretty In Pink card stock in half to form card base.

Step 2:  Place border image and "F/friend" image on the clear mount using the grid paper to help align the images.  Color the images with Stampin' Write Markers.  (Figure 1)

 

Step 3:  Breathe on images to reactivate the inks.  Stamp the images on Whisper White card stock... centering the border image on the left edge of the card stock. (Figure 2)

 

Step 4:  Wrap the 4 1/2" piece of Pretty in Pink 1/4" grosgrain ribbon around Whisper White (as shown below) taping the ends to the back of the card stock using Snail Adhesive.  Layer the Whisper White piece onto the Certainly Celery card stock aligning the left edges.  Tie the 3" piece of ribbon in place. (Figures 3a & 3b)

Step 5:  Attach focal point to card front.

Step 6:  Punch Certainly Celery scrap with the Word Punch.  Fold in half.  Use the 1/16" Circle Punch to make a hole in one end of the word punch out.  Position over the lower edge of the card and punch a matching hole through the card front.  Attach to the card using the Vintage Brad.  Use Snail Adhesive to attach the back half of the punch out over the ends of the brad.

Step 7:  Be sure to sign and date your work of art!

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If this tutorial has inspired you to create something of your own then I would love to see what you made.  If you would like to order the supplies to make this card, then you may do so by going here and clicking on shop now.

As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Happy Stamping~

Mia

Tutorial: Card on Page 190... Part 2!

This is the card I made today using the tutorial I posted yesterday.  I used a 3 1/2" square of Soft Suede card stock, drew the inner circle at 2 1/2" and cut the outer circle at 3 inches... as stated in my note at the end of the tutorial.  I decided to punch the 1/2" circles by lining the edge of the punch along the drawn circle - centering the line in the opening - instead of centering the intersection in the opening.  When done this way the openings are further in from the edge and closer together.  (Be aware that you can't use the 3/4" punch if you punch the circles this way, but you may be able to use it if you center the intersections in the opening.  I haven't tested it yet so I'm not sure.)

Supplies needed are:

Stamp Set:  Simply Said (pg.51)

Inks:  Jet Black StazOn, Soft Suede (In Color!)

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Melon Mambo (In Color!), Soft Suede (In Color!)

Accessories:  Circle Scissors Plus (pg.191), Razzleberry Lemonade DSP (pg.162), 1/2" Melon Mambo Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (pg.182), 1/2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Up! Big Shot Exclusive Birds & Blooms Sizzlet 4-Pack Die (pg.197), In Color Stampin' Write Markers (pg.155),  Designer Brads Flower Assortment (pg.179), Stampin' Glitter Dazzling Diamonds (pg.180)

Now that I have made the card, I have some additional information/tips to share....

1.  The Melon Mambo card stock circle used to mat the Soft Suede Circle is actually a ring.  I cut the inner circle at 2 3/4" and the outer circle at 3 1/2".  (Be sure to cut the inside circle first and then the outer one.)  This is partly to conserve card stock, but also so that it doesn't need to be punched with the smaller circle punch and then lined up with the openings on the Soft Suede circle.

2.  You will also need to cut a Whisper White circle that is 3"or 3 1/4" in diameter to stamp your images on.  Assemble the punched and the Whisper White circle before stamping... and use a Stamp-a-ma-jig if needed for ideal placement.

3.  The piece of Razzleberry Lemonade DSP is 5 1/2" x 2".

4.  I found I got a smoother circle if I drew and cut in a counter-clockwise direction instead of clockwise.  For some reason the lock on the drawing handle would loosen when I drew my circle clockwise.

Ironically, once I punched and assembled all the parts for the punched circle accent I realized that I didn't own very many (current) stamp sets that had images small enough to stamp inside the 1/2" circle.  I found only two in my collection.  I used this small flower from the Simply Said set and love the way it turned out.

I hope that my tutorial and this card have inspired you to make some of these punched circle cards yourself.  When you do, you will not only see what a wonderful product the Circle Scissors Plus (pg.191) is, but you will also see that it is quick to make and assemble the card.

I'd love to see what you create.  You can share your cards with me by emailing your pictures or scans to me at maria@stampingwithmia.com.  I look forward to seeing how you put the tutorial to use.  If I receive enough of your creations then I will post them and hold a vote on which one is the favorite... and offer up a prize to the winner.  So I challenge you to get out your Circle Scissors Plus, circle punches, card stock, inks and stamps and let us see what you can do!

Happy Stamping~
Mia