The Stamp Lady

The August Stampers Club projects included a quick and easy card with the Big Shot, and a “wow” Tri-Shutter fold card.

The Movers & Shapers Die cuts a standard size card and allows you to add a fun window opening wherever you like.  The “K” is mounted on the inside of the card, showing through the window.

Stamp Set:  Flowers in Silhouette (single stamp), Lovely Letters Alphabet, Heard from the Heart
Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Dusty Durango
Inks:  Soft Suede, Dusty Durango
Accessories: Sizzix Movers & Shapers Curly Label, Curly Label Punch, 1 1/4″ Circle Punch

When closed, this card fits in a standard envelope.  Upon opening, the card expands to reveal several panels to delight and surprise.  Base card is 5 1/2″ x 12″, scored at 2″, 4″, 8″, 10″, then cut 1 1/2″ from top and from bottom between outer scores.  Then each score is folded opposite from its neighbor to get the shutter effect.  It looks a lot more complicated than it really is.  The challenge is decorating all the little panels.  The club gals had a lot of creative freedom for this part and everyone’s card ended up unique.

Stamp Set:  Define Your Life, Kind & Caring Thoughts (hostess set)
Card Stock & Papers:  Whisper White, Rose Red, Sahara Sand, Bermuda Bay, Soft Suede, Thoroughly Modern Designer Paper
Inks & Markers:  Basic Black, Bermuda Bay
Accessories: 5 Petal Flower Punch, Boho Blossom Punch, Large Fabric Flower (Pretties Kit), 1/16″ Circle Punch, Antique Brass Brad

The July Stampers Club projects included some fun “twists.”

For this card, textured card stock was used for the base and the fun polka dot ribbon added a delightful accent.  We used some of the new In Color Markers to coordinate the design elements.  The real “twist” is inside the card.  We cut a punched circle into a spiral then added sayings to “pop up” when the card is opened.

Stamp Set:  Cheers to You, Warm Words
Card Stock:  Whisper White, Summer Sun, Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay
Inks & Markers:  Basic Black, Summer Sun, Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay
Accessories: Large Oval Punch, 1 3/4″ Circle Punch, Melon Mambo Polka Dot Ribbon

The Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder for the Big Shot creates a gorgeous dry-embossed look.  We cut away the top edge and backed the flowers with Basic Black card stock for them to “pop” even more.  The ribbon is threaded through a Small Grommet that we cut the prongs off of.  The whole card only took a few minutes to put together.  I love the Big Shot!

Stamp Set:  Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card Stock:  Whisper White, Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry
Inks:  Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Black Small Grommet, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Ribbon

Each year when the catalog changes, I like to have a Hostess Appreciation Night.  This is a special party for all my hostesses to thank them for helping my business during the past year.  This year’s event at the end of June included dinner, gifts, a stamping project, visiting and fun.  The gals also got the first look at the new catalogs.

Here is the card they made using a Hostess stamp set from the current catalog.

This was my first project featuring the new In Colors.  And all the gals were thrilled that the In Colors are now available in Markers!  The Modern Label Punch was used for the saying and the mat.  The black piece was cut in half then attached to each end of the saying.  And yes, that ribbon is polka dot on one side and solid on the other – twice the options!

Stamp Set:  Asian Artistry
Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Dusty Durango, Soft Suede
Inks:  Basic Black, Dusty Durango
Accessories: Dusty Durango & Soft Suede Markers, Corner Rounder, Modern Label Punch, Soft Suede Polka Dot Ribbon

I am determined to get caught up so here are the Stampers Club Projects from the June gathering.

This month I featured the Sizzlits and Embosslits with the Big Shot.  The Little Leaves Sizzlits was cut from two colors for the great detail in the leaves.  The Simple Flower Embosslit both cuts out and dry-embosses the flower shape, giving it a 3D effect.  The ribbon is 2-sided but you have to twist one tail when tying for the two-color finish.  We stamped the large image from Fresh Cuts multiple times using bleach instead of ink to create the background.

Stamp Set:  Fresh Cuts
Card Stock & Papers:  Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive, Not Quite Navy
Inks:  Old Olive
Accessories: Sizzix Simple Flower, Sizzix Little Leaves, Small Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon, Medium White Half Pearl (from Pretties Kit)

I chuckle every time that I look at this card.  Using the darker green with the marker to accent the edges and eyes of the alligator really gives it depth.

Stamp Set:  Wild About You
Card Stock & Papers:  Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Pixie Pink, Garden Green
Inks:  Certainly Celery, Garden Green, Pixie Pink
Accessories: Garden Green Marker, Scallop Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Pink Pirouette Wide Grosgrain Ribbon

May?  Oh boy, did I get behind, or what?  Well, better late than never.  Here are the fun projects the Stampers Club made back in May.

The Sizzix Big Shot and Dies have become my new favorite tools!  I am so in love with all the great things you can make with the different dies.  And these Matchboxes are so simple to put together that you can make a whole bunch in an afternoon.  The medallion shaped tags are from the same Matchbox die.

Stamp Set:  Elegant Thank You or Birthday Wishes (single stamps)
Card Stock & Papers:  Very Vanilla, Walk in the Park designer paper
Inks:  Basic Black
Accessories: Sizzix Matchbox, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon

The ladies in attendance also got to make a simple template for cutting a sheet of 12 x 12 into 4 pieces of 5 1/2 x 6 1/2, in order to maximize those beautiful designer papers.

In this card, we created a sense of depth between the images by staggering the heights and adding a horizon line with the ground.  We simply tore a piece of printer paper to be the mask for our landscape.  After sponging the ground, we added a light line with a marker along the top edge to add definition.  Don’t forget to add a mask over the deer before sponging to it keeps its true color.

Stamp Set:  Forest Friends
Card Stock:  Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Riding Hood Red
Inks:  Chocolate Chip, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Chocolate Chip & Mellow Moss Markers, Stampin’ Sponge, White Jumbo Grommet, 1/2″ Circle Punch, Riding Hood Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

The Occasions Mini Catalog began in April which included some great new products that I was able to showcase in our projects.

Window Sheets are back!  These are so fun for creating “peek-a-boo” windows in your projects.  This little basket is a great way to use the double-sided designer papers and see both sides!

Stamp Set:  Oval All
Card Stock & Papers:  Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Bella Rose designer paper
Inks:  Riding Hood Red
Accessories:  Medium Window Sheets, Scorer, Large Oval punch, Scallop Oval punch, Wide Oval punch, Sticky Strips, Shred

I brought this card out for “show & tell” as one way to use the new Printed Window Sheets.  It also gave me another fun way to use the Top Note die.

Stamp Set:  Sincere Salutations, Heard from the Heart (inside)
Card Stocks:  Pacific Point
Inks:  Basic Black, Pacific Point
Accessories:  Sizzix Top Note, Clearly Thanks window sheets, Key Tag punch

This month, everyone got to use the Beautiful Butterflies die with the Sizzix Big Shot.  The butterfly is cut out with both card stock and designer paper then layered slightly off from each other for a dimensional look.

Stamp Set:  Oval All
Card Stock & Papers:  Whisper White, Basic Gray, Cameo Coral, Baja Breeze, Walk in the Park designer paper
Ink & Markers:  Basic Gray, Cameo Coral marker
Accessories:  Sizzix Beautiful Butterflies, Oval Scallop punch, White Satin ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals

This project was made by my mom, Sharon.  She created these delightful baskets for me to share with a few of my friends.  I love that the bunny baskets included poofy bunny butts.  Aren’t moms great!

In March, I started sharing my cool new toy, I mean tool, the Sizzix Big Shot.  Both of the projects featured the Top Note die.

It was also Sale-a-bration time so we used SAB stamp sets, Designer Papers, and Ribbons.

The Top Note die makes a fabulous mat for many different card designs.

Stamp Set:  Polka Dot Punches (SAB), Congrats (SAB)
Card Stocks:  Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Lavender Lace, Cameo Coral
Inks:  Certainly Celery, Lavender Lace, Cameo Coral, VersaMark
Accessories:  Sizzix Top Note, Full Heart punch

I love finding fun, different ways to use things.  Here the Top Note was cut and pieced together as a purse.  Clever, huh?

Card Stock & Papers:  Garden Green, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Sahara Sand, Delicate Dots Designer Paper (SAB)
Accessories:  Sizzix Top Note, Paper Cutter, 5 Petal punch, Boho Blossoms punch, 1/4″ Circle punch, So Saffron Wide Grosgrain ribbon (SAB)

The weather in January was just awful!  I tried twice to schedule the club gathering but the plows couldn’t keep up and the hostess couldn’t even get down her block.  For the first time ever, the club gathering was canceled.

One of the projects that I had planned for the club I was able to incorporated into the Valentine Stamp Camp.  Here is the other one that no one else got to make.

The butterfly is two-step stamping with the aid of the Stamp-a-ma-jig.  The cloud background is from a self-made template cut from cardboard and sponged along the edge.

Stamp Set:  Flight of the Butterfly
Card Stocks:  Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Inks:  Pretty in Pink, Lavender Lace, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Sponge

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Valentine Stamp Camp

First, the project that was originally planned for the club members.

I think that punches have to be my favorite accessories since I use them all the time, and I snatch up new ones as soon as they become available.  The Heart to Heart punch is three heart shapes in one punch.  Awesome!

I love how so many of the striped papers work so well for a wainscot look.  It makes designs come together so easily.

Stamp Set:  Love You Much
Card Stocks & Papers:  Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Candy Lane Designer Paper
Inks:  Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red,
Accessories: Heart to Heart punch, Word Window punch

I found a pattern at the demonstrator portion of the Stampin’ Up! site that was a fun twist for a box.  We simplified the bottom flaps and rounded the corners on the top of the back.

Stamp Set:  Love You Much
Card Stocks:  Pretty in Pink
Inks & Marker:  Basic Black, Real Red, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Pink Pirouette Grosgrain ribbon, Scallop Circle punch, 1/8″ Circle punch, Corner Rounder, Paper Cutter & Scoring Blade, Sticky Strips, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Small Cello Bag, Candy, Shred

The Faux Postage technique is one that I have wanted to teach for several years.  It was so fun to finally share it.  The key to this technique is the 1-Line Correction Tape which can be challenging to find. The 2-Line version is available at all office supply places but is a bit too wide.  We also used the Fiskar’s Postage Stamp Scissors to complete the design.

Stamp Set:  Dreams du Jour, Holidays & Wishes
Card Stocks:  Whisper White, Lavender Lace, Rose Red, Regal Rose Textured
Inks & Markers:  Stazon Black, Regal Rose, Mellow Moss, Lavender Lace, Rose Red, Basic Black
Accessories: Post-It 1-Line Correction Tape, Sponges, Paper Piercing Tool & Guide, Fiskar Stamp scissors

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February was the start of Sale-a-bration, the great sale that we look forward to every year.  This year’s offerings included a great pack of Designer Papers and a Ribbon Bundle that I featured in this first project.  Nothing is better than free supplies!

This is a decorative wrap for a package of microwave popcorn.  It is a fun way to dress up a simple gift to say “thank you” or “thinking of you.”

Stamp Set:  Happy Heart Day (saying)
Card Stocks & Papers:  Whisper White, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Delicate Dots Designer Paper
Inks:  Bashful Blue
Accessories: Key Tag punch, 1/16″ Circle punch, Certainly Celery Polytwill ribbon, Natural Hemp, Sticky Strips, Microwave Popcorn

I was overdue to show the ease of the Decor Elements.  For this project, the gals selected which color flower they preferred and attached it to a glass votive holder.  It was a challenge only in the fact that the surface was curved instead of flat.  I showed the candy holder as another project idea.  These could be delightful easy gifts to share.

If you are flipping through the Decor Elements brochure looking for this fun flower, you won’t find it.  This was offered only to demonstrators.  Another one of our many great perks.

Supplies:  Decor Element Flower in Rose Red or Chocolate Chip; Applicator Tool; Votive Candle Holder

It’s stretching back a bit but here are the Stampers Club projects that the gals made in November.

This design was so simple to assemble.  The base card is 6 x 6 folded in half. This size fits in the Small Open-End Envelopes that the gals also decorated.  Glitter was added to the felt snowflake for some pizzaz.

Stamp Set:  Holiday Collection (from the Country Living Holiday Collection Kit)
Card Stocks & Papers:  Whisper White, Ski Slope Designer Paper
Inks:  Chocolate Chip / On Evelope – Baja Breeze or Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Large Felt Flurries, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive

Using more supplies from the Country Living Holiday Collection Kit, the gals selected one of the gift tag designs to make.  The chipboard and designer papers were already die-cut to match up.  Both sides of the chipboard were covered with designer paper – some matched, some didn’t.  I pre-colored the small rectangular chipboard with the Whisper White Craft Ink so it would have time to dry.

Stamp Set:  Holiday Collection
Papers & Chipboard:  from the Country Living Holiday Collection Kit
Inks:  Basic Black, Craft White
Accessories: Sanding Blocks, Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive, Crop-a-dile (for punching hole), Silver Cord

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Moving on, here are the projects from December.  Since it was almost Christmas, I focused on designs using items that were on special that month and showcasing fresh techniques.

I’m always drawn to different ways to use items such as turning the Vanilla Hardware into a decorative frame.

Stamp Set:  Bella’s Bloom
Card Stocks & Papers:  Very Vanilla, Handsome Hunter, Bella Rose Designer Paper
Inks & Markers:  Riding Hood Red, Handsome Hunter, Sage Shadow
Accessories: Blender Pen (to remove ink from rubber), Large Oval punch, Designer Label punch, Vanilla Tafetta ribbon, Silver cord, Daubers, Stampin’ Dimensionals

There are several ways to create a reflection but this has to be the simplest.  Stamp your main image.  Stamp it again on wax paper.  Flip the wax paper over (ink toward card stock) and align below the main image.  Carefully rub the wax paper to transfer the ink to the card stock.  Done!  The reflected image will be softer and somewhat blurred but that’s perfect for water reflections.

Stamp Set:  Summer by the Sea
Card Stocks:  Confetti White, Baja Breeze
Inks:  Basic Black, Blush Blossom, Close to Cocoa, Summer Sun, Pacific Point, Creamy Caramel, Baja Breeze
Accessories: Wax Paper, Aqua Painter, Distressing Tool (for card stock edges)

The gals also got to help decorate my house by applying the Snowflake Decals to my windows and mirrors.  It was quite festive here and they got to take some Decals home for themselves.

As part of my catch-up plan, I want to share the projects from the October gathering of the Stampers Club.

This project is called a “spring card” since when you pull up on the top . . .

. . . it “springs” open.  The card can be made any size, just make the height twice the width.  This card started with 4 1/4″ x 8 1/2″ of Pacific Point, and closed it is 4 1/4″ square.  The top corners were cut off after the folds were made.

Stamp Set:  Crab & Company
Card Stocks:  Whisper White, Pacific Point, Riding Hood Red, Summer Sun
Inks:  Basic Black, Pacific Point, Riding Hood Red, Summer Sun
Accessories: Sandy Shell wheel, Rose Red marker, Hobby Blade

For the other project, I brought out the Handmade Holiday Simply Sent Card Kit, the “To You & Yours” stamp set, and coordinating inks, card stocks, and punches.  Then I let everyone create their own design.  Each card was different and everyone had fun working from the kit basics and putting their own twist on them. (Some images were taken with my camera and are poorer quality than the ones I scanned.)

Stamp Set:  To You & Yours
Card Stocks:  Very Vanilla, Kraft, Mellow Moss, Ruby Red
Inks:  Ruby Red, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip
Punches:  Wide Oval, Small Oval, Large Oval, Word Window, Scallop Edge
Accessories: Handmade Holiday Simply Sent Card Kit

STAMPERS CLUB DETAILS

Interested in joining the Stampers Club?  We are always welcoming new members. Potential members can attend one club gathering to check it out. There’s no obligation for the visit and you get to make all the club projects (Please contact me at least 2 days before so I can have enough supplies prepared). Each club member agrees to purchase $20 in products (plus shipping and tax) at each monthly gathering. Then each member will get a turn as hostess to receive all the free hostess benefits. If you cannot attend the gathering, you need to call or email your order. (Orders received before the gathering guarantee you a copy of the projects.)  The next Stampers Club gathering is Saturday, December 13.  Contact me for more details and to join.

Here are the fun projects the Stampers Club made at the September gathering.

The shadowed area was done by creating a simple mask then sponging and stamping inside the mask.

Stamp Set:  Pocket Silhouettes
Card Stocks:  Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Pumpkin Pie, Apricot Appeal
Inks:  Not Quite Navy, Apricot Appeal
Accessories: 1 3/8″ Square Punch (for mask), Sponge

This is a magic double pull out card.  Closed the card is 3″ x 3.”  When you pull on the yellow tab . . .

. . . both side panels appear!  It’s pretty cool.

Stamp Set:  Fun & Fast Notes
Card Stocks:  Whisper White, Yoyo Yellow, Real Red, Brilliant Blue
Inks:  Basic Black
Markers:  Yoyo Yellow, Real Red, Brilliant Blue
Accessories: 1 3/8″ Square Punch, 3/4″ Circle Punch, Star Punch, Paper Piercing Tool & Mat, Cutter with Scoring Blade, Large Flat Cello Bag (the magic part!)

Here is a wrap-up of the projects from the Gettin’ Punchy – Punch Art Class held on September 7.  Everyone had a good time turning the various shapes into these fun designs.

To make the handles, punch the small oval first, then the large oval around the opening.

Stamp Sets: Heard from the Heart
Card Stocks & Papers: Whisper White, Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, Haiku Designer Paper
Inks:  Basic Black
Punches: Round Tab, Small Oval, Large Oval, 3/4″ Square
Accessories: Paper Piercer & Mat, Gold Brads

All the pieces for the frog and lily pads have been sponged around the edge for added depth.

Stamp Sets: Fresh Cuts
Card Stocks: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pacific Point, Garden Green, Certainly Celery, Pink Passion
Inks & Marker:  Basic Black, Garden Green, Basic Black marker
Punches: Small Oval, Large Oval, 1 1/4″ Circle, 1/2″ Circle, 1/4″ Circle, Boho Blossoms (all three flowers)
Accessories: Sponge Dauber

The flowers are stamped then punched out.  For the skirt, punch a divet for the waist then cut slits on opposite side.  The shells were inspired by my husband’s suggestion that she needed coconuts.

Stamp Sets: Crab & Co, Itty Bitty Backgrounds, Hugs & Wishes, Eastern Blooms
Card Stocks: Basic Black, Blush Blossom, Yoyo Yellow, Glorious Green, Pink Passion, Brilliant Blue, Green Galore Creamy Caramel, Tempting Turquoise
Inks:  Basic Black, Creamy Caramel, Craft White, VersaMark
Punches: 1 3/8″ Circle, 1 1/4″ Circle, 1″ Circle, Word Window, Trio Flower
Accessories: Handmade Cloud Stencil, Sponge

To get the angle on the scallop flower, cut scallop in half through the middle of the petal.  Then trim off the half petals, angling to the center.

Stamp Sets: Itty Bitty Backgrounds
Card Stocks: Only Orange, Summer Sun, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Ballet Blue (textured)
Inks:  Only Orange, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss
Punches: Small Oval, 3/4″ Circle, Scallop
Accessories: Sponge Dauber

CLASSES TO GO!
A reminder that I can bring a class to you!  Gather at least 6 friends and I will bring the class projects to your house for everyone to make.  Contact me to schedule a date and get all the details.