Welcome!

Monday 31 July 2017

Catching up with my crafty friends..

Though I hadn't really made a big announcement, I was pretty sure that by now most had heard my "big news."  Aside from some personal notifications, I'd posted a few things about the tests on social media and had posted on my personal blog.  I was pretty sure most knew.. Until this weekend. 

Thursday 27 July 2017

From the Stampin; Up! Blog: Adorable Piggies

Hi!
Have you noticed the This Little Piggy Stamp Set (item 143922) in the annual catalog (US/CA)? If you are anything like me, it did not take you long to add it to your wish list.
I happen to know lots of people who love pigs, including my brother, who inherited the “piggy” nickname when he was little. My husband also loves them with a passion.
Needless to say, I could not pass up on getting this stamp set. So without further ado, let me show you what I created!
Photo 1
I love the flying pig and the little kisses from this set, so I started by putting together a Cupid-themed card, with a pig in place of the cherub.
If you like background stamps but aren’t sure how to use them, here’s an idea: stamp the image on Vellum 8-1/2" Cardstock using VersaMark ink (item 102283) and heat emboss with the powder of your choice. The patterns really stand out and the Vellum Cardstock adds a wonderful touch to your project. I used the Tree Rings Background Stamp with the wood rings. (I love the circles of various sizes!)
For the circle embellishment, die cut the biggest one from the Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies (item 145372) and use the new Pattern Party Decorative Masks (item 144103) and a Stamping Sponge (item 141337) or a Sponge Dauber (item 133773) to make the clouds. By moving the mask and sponging, you’ll get a sky full of clouds. (Try to make the clouds on top a little darker.)
Photo 2
I wanted a rounded shape for my gift tag, so I used only half of the Stitched Shapes Framelits large oval and ran my cardstock through the Big Shot (item 143263); in keeping with the theme, I added a hole using one of the cloud dies from the Up & Away Thinlits Dies (item 142748). For the background, I used the new Marbled Background Stamp (item 144772).
Do you like the 1/4" Copper Trim (item 144179)? I don’t know if it’s possible to appreciate its true beauty by just looking at the catalog, but the mesh trim gives you all kinds of different options. Here I stretched the wiring to create a little copper net. Fast and easy!
I considered two different types of paper for stamping the pigs: Shimmery White Cardstock (item 101910) or Watercolor Paper (item 122959) (used on the project). In general, I prefer Watercolor Paper, but the shimmer of the cardstock can really add a nice touch to small surfaces like the pigs. It’s just a matter of personal preference.
Here’s another tip for background stamps, which are large and tricky to handle: ink the whole surface (or part of it) with the ink pad, then place the paper on the part of the image you’re interested in. Use your fingers to apply pressure on the whole surface without moving the paper. It’s that simple!
Photo 3
For the gift packaging, I created a Whisper White Cardstock (item 100730) pocket using the Gift Bag Punch Board (item 135862) (size M/ 6" tall). To get more volume, I played with the 1/4" Copper Trim bows to make them wider. I wanted to make the pig look as if he were leaping, so I cut out the grass and placed it all around him.
We should always keep embellishments in mind when finishing projects. I used the new Metallics Sequin Assortment (item 144214) to add shine. As for the small hearts, they come from the Everyday Jars Thinlits Dies (item 141490).
Photo 4
Those little piggies seem so blissful! I hope they will make you as happy as they make me!
Have a nice day!
Aurélie FABRE
2017 Artisan Design Team




Tuesday 25 July 2017

From the Stampin' Up! Blog: July Paper Pumpkin- Positively Pictureesque

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Does summer mean ROAD TRIP to you? Our July Paper Pumpkin kit includes cards that have a distinct vacay vibe, with mountain peaks, summery colors, and warm woodcuts that will have the recipients dreaming of adventure for months to come! Our July kit also includes plenty of gorgeous choices for our all-occasion card fans—with enough woodsy woodcuts to embellish all eight cards.
Remember, Paper Pumpkin is perfectly portable, so wherever you wander this summer, you can take it with you! All the pieces are precut and ready for you to assemble, so you can have cards ready to give to your favorite people in no time at all—with minimal fuss. Check out the video now to get started!
Each Positively Picturesque kit comes with the Positively Picturesque Stamp Set, Soft Sky and Tranquil Tide ink spots, 4 standard card bases (2 ea. of 2 colors), 4 sheets white die cuts (2 ea. of 2 designs), 4 note card bases (2 ea. of 2 designs, 4 printed standard envelopes, 4 printed note card envelopes, 2 printed flower cardstock pieces, 1 sheet of 8 die cut stickers, 3 sheets die cut elements, 12 wood cuts, 5 yds. pink washi tape, 5 yds. blue washi tape, 65 dimensionals, and 100 adhesive dots.
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This kit includes lovely cards ready for you to create with our design recommendations—or you can take a “picturesque” path of your own and make anything you want using the elements we’ve provided for you! Check out this crazy-gorgeous card using the kit’s embellishments, a generous spritz of Berry Burst ink on Whisper White Cardstock, and a textured background made using Embossing Paste and our Pattern Party Decorative Masks.
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Or you can put together this stunning, summery card using the kit’s stamp set, embellishments, and pops of Berry Burst, Flirty Flamingo, Lemon Lime Twist, Peekaboo Peach, and Smoky Slate ink.
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Need perfect treat packaging for a shower or summer party? It doesn’t get much cuter than this. Just add a cellophane bag, some White Baker’s Twine, and a Powder Pink Cardstock bellyband. Stamp “Love” in Flirty Flamingo ink on a Whisper White Cardstock banner and “You friend” in Whisper White Craft ink on Basic Gray Cardstock. Embellish with the adorable “Love” woodcut piece, and you’re done!
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This fresh and pretty card features tone on tone stamping—Soft Sky ink on Soft Sky Cardstock. The card is complete with Pear Pizzazz Cardstock lawn grass, flowers stamped in Pear Pizzazz and Blushing Bride ink, the kit’s “Hooray” woodcut embellishment, and the sentiment stamped in Tranquil Tide ink. We think it’s simply beautiful!
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Paper Pumpkin subscribers, because this kit is “positively picturesque” (and because it contains the ever-popular woodcut embellishments) refills may go fast. Don’t miss out! Click here to get yours now, or add item 145535 to your next order.