Encouraging Someone

You and Me

2008-10-09T18:38:00.011-05:00

You and Me

I made this card for a friend. I love the new SU stamp set called, Nature Silhouettes. I think my favorite image in that stamp set is the tree. To see more cards made with this stamp set:
Click here: Splitcoaststampers Gallery - Nature Silhouettes *

At first, I had a little trouble getting this card to come together. I loved the tree image, which I embossed atop glossy cardstock, which I used in creating a "sky" using the sky technique. But, it was missing something...until I put the butterfly/hardware in the top right color and it pulled the card together instantly.

I think it's that "triangle" concept...you know, have 3 points on the card that guide the eye...that helped to finally get the card the way I wanted it.

1. butterfly/hardware 2. main image 3. knot in the ribbon

You see that the little butterfly has two colors. I used the rock-n-roll technique to achieve this. You could also use a marker technique called "ommitting" or "thumping". This is where you ink your stamp up with ink...then using a marker...apply marker ink to the area of the rubber image that you want the different color. Huff on the rubber image before stamping, in order to moisten the ink.

Rock-n-Roll Technique click here

Thumping Technique click here

Here's the CARD RECIPE:

Stamp sets by Stampin Up:

Nature Silhouettes, Best yet (hostess only, level 1), canvas background stamp....I used the canvas stamp on the darker blue cardstock to give texture. I also sponged the edges of the blue in the matching ink color, in order shade it.

Paper: Baja Breeze, Not quite navy, kiwi kiss, vanilla, glossy cardstock

Ink: kiwi kiss, baja breeze, not quite navy, navy
Tree is embossed by stamping on versa mark ink, then on night of navy ink, then heat set with clear embossing powder

Tools: Curly label punch by SU (LOVE this punch), brayer tool to do the sky technique

Ribbon: 5/8" grosgrain kiwi kiss

Hardware: hodgepodge hardware...retired SU (but you can find at any craft store)

The technique I used to make the colored sky: Click here: Splitcoaststampers - Tutorial

This card layout could be easily used to do so many types of cards, whatever you have on hand will work, pull out last years leftover christmas scrapbook paper and ..............think Christmas!

Spotting Spring Tulips

2008-03-19T09:38:00.006-05:00

I met with my papercraft buddies last night and we made spring cards, featuring a spotlight on tulips!

The card says, "May God's everlasting love bring you never-ending joy". What an awesome thought.... "never-ending Joy". Eternal Love. I love this stamp set called, Never-ending Joy. It's an older set that is still in the current catalog 2008. I have used it each spring.

Spotlighting an area of an image is a very dramatic effect. To learn more about spotlighting and this card specifically, click here: SPOTLIGHTING

Card Recipe:

Stamp Set: Never-ending Joy
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Going Gray, shimmery white, Celery, Basic Gray
Ink: Going Gray, Celery, Pretty in Pink,
white craft ink (for sponging edge of card),
gray marker (for edging spotlighted area)
Tools: Key Tag punch (for the spotlight), Tag corner punch,
Photo corner punch,
Other: pink crystal brads, pink grosgrain ribbon

Double Daffodil

2008-03-19T00:00:00.013-05:00

Dancing with the Daffodils!

I love the daffodil stamp set called, "Beautiful Life". It is a two-step stamp set, which means it has solid and outlined images of the flower. This allows you to give your flowers more depth.
I used this stamp set to make my Easter Cards this year and I also used a fancy feature called a Double-Slider. See the Card Recipe at the bottom of this post.
Click picture to enlarge

Daffodils
a poem by William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling leaves in glee;
A poet could not be but gay,
In such a jocund company!
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

You can see the tutorial for the double-slider and the card sketch here: Double Daffodils

Card Recipe: All products SU!

Stamps: Beautiful Life, Pretty petals background stamp
Paper: Soft Sky, So saffron, Vanilla, River Rock, Mellow moss and
Designer paper called, "Le jardin"
Ink: so saffron, river rock, mellow moss, soft sky (for sponging)
Other: Soft Sky striped grosgrain ribbon, Boho Blossoms flower punch, blue crystal brad, scallop punch, dazzling diamond glitter, ticket corner punch

The Daffodils:
For the stems of the daffodil, I used mellow moss ink. I stamped with the solid stem image first...stamping off, so that my ink would be lighter. The I stamped over the solid image, using the detailed stem image and mellow moss ink.

For the flowers...I recommed using a stamp-a-ma-jig to help you place your flower where you want them.

For the Flower:
I used the Boho Blossom punch to punch out several small flowers from the designer paper. Then I layered the pieces and secured them with the blue crystal brad. I attached the flower to the card using a dimensional

To see more pictures of cards that are using the "Beautiful Life" stamp set click here: Daffodils

Grown from the Heart

2008-03-18T06:18:00.006-05:00

A friend of mine adopted her 2nd child. He is an 18th month old little boy and as cute as he can be! What a blessing! I am so happy for them! The shower was this past Saturday and below is the card I made for them.

The stamp set I used is from the SU Occasions Mini catalog 2008. It is an adorable stamp set to have for baby cards, twin cards, or adoption cards. Visit my SU website to view the catalog.

Below is my sketch for this card. I encourage you to use this sketch and make a card!

Card Recipe: (everything is SU)

Stamps: By ones and by twos,
I also used a little heart stamp from an old valetine's day stamp set
Inks: Black, brocade blue, celery, and saffron yellow
Paper: Saffron, celery, brocade, and retired SU designer series paper called "Sarah"
Other: Blue Bayou Ribbon, retired SU silver diamond brads, brocade blue buttons, Ticket corner punch, oval coluzzle.
Technique: stamping on designer paper

Card thoughts:

I sponged saffron ink around the oval. I used Blue Bayou colored ribbon because I didn't have brocade blue ribbon....but it worked because the blue bayou color has a green tone and so it pulled the blues and the greens from my paper and cardstock. I stamped the onsies twice, once on designer paper and then I cut out the onsie and then I stamped it again on the saffron oval. I mounted the cut out onsies onto the oval with dimensionals. As always I had to challenge myself to use hardware, but I think the diamond brads pulled the diamonds out of the designer paper on the onsie.

To view more cards using this stamp set, click here SCS By ones and by twos

Everything needs Margin

2008-03-05T14:25:00.004-06:00

Enjoy, Hope, Heartfelt, Love, Everything

This card will be duplicated and sent to two special people that have margin in their life to help others. Do you have margin in your life?

Margin is being able to have the time or money or resources to help someone at a moments notice....when God calls you to help. You don't have to be rich or have great skill or keep your schedule clear. But, being a good steward of your resources and not overloading your schedule with too many activities, will help you to join God where he is working.

Sometimes we say "yes" to too many things or activities that are not really supposed to be for us....for God's plan for us. This can cause "no margin" in your life.

Having margin is something that I strive to do and am thankful for those people in my life that have plenty of margin when needed.

Color challenge: Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate, So Saffron

To see more card designs using this combo click here: Wild Pomegranate

Sketch challenge: To see more cards with this sketch click here SC166

My Card RECIPE ~

Stamps: Always, Trec' Chic background, Stitched Exotics
Paper: Wasabi, pomegranate, saffron, white, black
Ink: Saffron, pomegranate, wasabi, black
other: black polka dot ribbon (non su), black brads, black embossing powder, ticket corner punch

The heart is embossed with black emobossing powder. You can get the same effect by using black ink with versamark or craft black ink...and clear embossing powder. I didn't have markers in the colors I needed so I used a blending pen and ink from my ink pads to color in the heart. The heart is also stamped twice, once on white paper and I cut out the main center heart of the image. Then I stamped the heart with wasabi green on saffron yellow paper and cut it out completely which leaves the dotted outline. I attached the center heart on the background heart with a dimensional to pop it up.

a NATURAL thanks

2008-02-27T14:04:00.006-06:00

a NATURAL thanks

I needed to make a thank you card and I wanted to use a nature set. I also combined several splitcoast challenges together to inspire me.

Here are the challenges I used:

Sketch Challenge: SC165

Color Combo Challenge: River Rock, Basic Black, and Whisper White

Technique Challenge: Use two types of patterned paper

Technique Tutorial link: Chalkboard

The sketch challenge wanted you to use an image that was stamped and cut out, as the focal point. So I decided to use my bear and I thought it worked well....looks like he is walking through the woods!

I also used a technique called "Chalkboard" to color my bear. I stamped the solid bear image, using white craft ink, onto black cardstock. Then I chalked in the bear using SU chalk and a sponge dauber. I did not have chalk that was the river rock color so I combine the following chalk colors: barely banana, old olive, and really rust. I cut the bear out leaving a thin black outline from the cardstock. It worked great!

Card Recipe: all products by SU!

Stamp sets ~ Pines (retired), flannel background, all-year cheer (retired)
Paper ~ river rock, basic black, whisper white, Le Jardin designer series paper
Ink ~ black, white craft, chalk
other ~ ticket corner punch, hardware kit

Spring Sympathy

2008-02-20T10:55:00.005-06:00

I decided to use a splitcoast sketch challenge to help me make a sympathy card for a friend. This is a part of the card ministry that I lead at my church.

Here is the sketch:

To see more cards using this sketch click the gallery: SC164

Card Recipe: all SU! products

stamps ~ Stitched Exotics, Words of Wisdom, Leaves a la carte jumbo wheel
paper ~ bashful blue, mellow moss, artichoke, so saffron, Le Jardin designer series paper
ink ~ bashful blue, mellow moss craft, river rock
other ~ crystal brad in light blue, gold ribbon with polka dots is non SU
tools ~ ticket corner punch, 5 petal punch

From the Heart

2008-01-30T06:29:00.000-06:00

I always take December and most of January off from Stamping Activities, but last week I just had to see my stampin buddies again!

So we got together and stamped on VELVET!!

Stamping on VELVET is so easy.....finding VELVETEEN paper locally is not easy!! About 2 years ago I bought velveteen paper from Hobby Lobby. But Hobby Lobby does not stock it anymore here where I live. Niether does Micheal's, Joanne's, Walmart, or my local scrapbook store. UGH!!

But, you can buy Velveteen online. Velveteen paper is a velvet covered piece of paper. Sometimes it's called Suede paper. You can check out the links to some online resources at my tutorial link at the bottom of this post.

Good News is! That you can also stamp on Velvet Fabric itself. I have not tried this but have read it is true. It's recommended that you use an acetate/rayon blend of velvet cloth for the best outcome when stamping on velvet fabric. I did search locally and had a hard time finding this blend of velvet.

Card Recipe

stamps: Time well spent (level 3 hostess 2008), Lots of Hearts Jumbo wheel (retired), Holidays and wishes

Paper: Chocolate chip, close to cocoa, real red, pretty in pink, red velveteen paper

inks: Chocolate chip for wheel, sponging, and word stamp, Red for sponging

other: generic ribbon, tag punches by SU, cuttlebug and swirl folder for pink cardstock embossing

The Cocoa paper is wheeled with hearts and then sponged chocolate ink along the edges, the pink paper is dry embossed with a cuttlebug folder and torn at the top then sponged red ink along the tear line, the red paper is crumbled up and then flattened back out for a rumpled look.

click below for tutorial and resources
Velvet Stamping Tutorial

Reflecting on Christmas

2008-01-23T07:48:00.000-06:00

Reflecting on Christmas

I was able to make a few personal Christmas Cards this year. I was determined that I would make time to do that!

Here are a few of the cards I made:

Gingerbread Greetings

I love my punches! Circles of different sizes and scallops and the ticket corner punch!

Christmas Cardinal

The cardinal is a rub on

Be Jolly! This is a fun and non traditional card that I made

I used Rub-ons for the above card! Rub-ons are so much fun and I'm so glad that SU has added some to their new catalog! I also covered a chipboard circle with the fun plaid paper.

Deck the Halls

2007-12-13T20:08:00.000-06:00

DECK THE HALLS

Yes, I'm in the Christmas Card spirit !!
For this card I used a card sketch challenge on splitcoast stampers, challenge number SC153.

Here is my card using this sketch. I think it's quite festive and so much prettier in real life.

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Keep Christmas, Tres Chic (yes I love this background stamp!)

Paper: Garden Green, Real Red, SU Christmas paper 2007 "Dashing", watercolor paper

Ink: Glorious green, black stazon
Markers: Glorious green, old olive, real red, blender pen

Other: Organdy ribbon dyed glorious green, cyrstal effects on ribbon

The red diamond piece of cardstock has merry Christmas stamped on it, red or red, but it does not pick it up in the picture.

The Dashing designer paper does not have the color glorious green in it...so I sponged glorious green on the edge to tie it in. Tres Chic is stampin using glorious green ink on garden green carstock.

I colored the wreath image with markers and a blender pen to spread the color. I used watercolor paper so that I could blend without tearing the paper.

The word image "Deck the Halls" is a rub on that I bought last year. I'm excited that Stampin Up is getting rub ons to match some of their new stamp sets! fun!

I'm not sure who I'm sending this card too, but I think I'm going to send it to my friend that just moved to a new house.

Bah Humbug, NOT!

2007-12-13T06:15:00.000-06:00

I'm starting to design and make my Christmas Cards. I'm probably one of a few people that have purchased the unique stamp set from SU called, Keep Christmas. It is unique because the images are related to the story, written by Charles Dickens, called, The Christmas Carol.

I love the Christmas Carol story and I watch the movies (several versions of it) each year. I share this "Carol" passion with a relative and I decided to make him a Christmas card this year using this stamp set. I needed a card design for a male and I wanted to keep the Victorian feel of the images.

I also wanted a WOW factor involved in the card. So I decided to try the Dryer Sheet Technique to add softness and a little dazzle. Click on this link for a tutorial on how to do this technique. Dryer Sheet

Click to enlarge picture

The Image has a layer of used dryer sheet over it that has been glittered with dazzling diamonds. You cannot see the effects in the picture, but it turned out great!

Dryer Sheet Tip:
The only thing I have to say about the dryer sheet technique was that it covered my image too much and I couldn't see the detail that I wanted to see. So I took a piece of sand paper and lightly sanded a little bit through the dryer sheet; just over the areas that I wanted more detail to show through. This took off a layer or too, but it still has the look and feel of softness.

Also in the tutorial link they used an xryon machine, if you do not have one of those, just use spray adhesive.

Coloring the image:
I stamped the image using black Stazon ink on water color paper.
I used SU markers and a blender pen to color in the image. Outline a section of the stamped image with a SU marker, then use a blender pen, to pull color where desired. You can use more then one color to blend for depth. For example, in this card, I used two colors of yellow on the lamp light.

I will only make a few of these cards because of the work involved. But I like to make several different designs of Christmas cards to match the personality of the ones I'm sending them too.

Card recipe: All products SU
Stamps: Keep Christmas, Tres chic background stamped on pomegranate
Ink: Pomegranate, black stazon,
Markers: old olive, not quite navy, going gray, rose red, ruby red, summer sun, more mustard,
chocolate chip
Paper: Pomegranate, more mustard, not quite navy, going gray, artichoke, watercolor paper
Other: ticket corner punch, silver cord, blender pen to blend marker colors, dazzling diamond
glitter, used dryer sheet, xryon machine to add adhesive for the dryer sheet technique
Note: I sponged Not quite navy ink on the edges of the more mustard card piece

150 Christmas Cards

2007-12-13T05:40:00.000-06:00

As promised, below are pictures of the other two Card designs that were made at the Women's Holiday Christmas Brunch. A total of three, simple designs were created and 50 of each card were prepped by the card ministry in November and then they were put together this past Saturday by the ladies of Park Hill Baptist Church, to be sent out to soldiers, homebound, missionaries, and college students!

The card below is fun and festive! A reminder to have a gentle and peaceful season.

This card is more formal, a reminder of our faith in God coming to us as a baby. To Believe in the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus.

Card #1 Recipe: All products SU except for polka dot ribbon and dry embossing

Stamp set: Punch Pals

Ink: Blue Frost Spectrum Pad

Paper: white and bashful blue

Other: Snowflake embossing folder, white polka dot ribbon, silver cord, 1/2" circle punch to punch out small snowflake, scallop punch SU

Card #2 Recipe: All products SU

Stamp set: Holy Triptych, Tres Chic background stamp

Ink: Pomegranate, Going Gray (stamped twice to darken), not quite navy for sponging

Paper: Pomegranate, Going Gray, Not Quite Navy

Other: Gray Taffeta Ribbon, ticket corner punch

The cards were prepped quite a bit because the craft level of the ladies at the luncheon was unknown and there would not be enough ink pads and stamps to be accessed by 150 women. Also having an assembly line process would have taken too much time at the luncheon so the card ministers did the stamping and cut paper and ribbon to prep. Then the pieces to each card were put in a ziplock bag with a postcard size instruction sheet. The ladies could then grab a ziplock bag and head back to their table to assemble using their own adhesive at the tables.

This allowed for a easy craft that would enable the ladies to fellowship. Also, it allowed time for them to write in the cards which is very important. I talked about the card ministry and it's importance and gave the ladies information on how to join the card ministry that meets monthly. I was very thankful for all my card crafting friends that helped out!

If you lead a card ministry, feel free to contact me for more information about how this was organized.

Follow that Star

2007-11-09T07:02:00.000-06:00

Follow that Star

The women's ministry at my church is having a Christmas Brunch in December and at the brunch we will be making 150 Christmas Cards to send out to three different groups of people...... the homebound, our soldiers overseas, and college students in the area.

So I have been charged with designing the cards. :)
I have come up with 3 designs for the 3 different groups we will be sending the cards to.

The card designs needed to be very, very simple because of time allowed to make them and also the varying crafting experience that the women will have in the group.

Simple...is very hard for me to do. I admire the very simple and elegant cards that I see some crafters doing...but it is such a challenge for me.

So here is my first try. I thought this card would be great to make and send to our Soldiers. Because even though they are far away from home.....they are always near God no matter where they are.

This card designed by Hollie Lisk using Stampin Up! products

The color combination is Bordering Blue, Pomegranate, and Natural
This is a normal size greeting card of 4 1/4 x 5 1/2

RECIPE
Stamps: City of David and Star Studded Season (word stamp)
Paper: Bordering Blue, pomegranate, natural
Ink: Bordering Blue, pomegranate
Other: Ribbonis vanilla satin, Fire Ice square brad
Tool: a crimper was used to make the folds in the pomegranate strip
Tech: simple!! I did sponge around the edges of the card and the focal image of Mary and Joseph

stayed tuned for postings on the next 2 cards!

As promised here is a link to the other 2 cards
Christmas Cards

Eye Miss You

2007-10-31T10:59:00.000-05:00

I wanted to make some special treats for my nephews that live a few hours from us. For years they lived in the same neighborhood and now that they live further away we miss them. We are going to see them this weekend and I thought a festive Halloween treat would be fun to give them expressing how much we miss seeing them more often.

So when I saw the Peek-a-Boo Box on Splitcoaststampers it was just what I needed. I made a tutorial to go along with the box that I made using the Peek-a-boo box Technique. For this tutorial and for more info about the box and it's creator click here: Peek-a-boo Box

FANGS for the MEMORIES
Box made by Hollie Lisk using Stampin Up! Products

AND, "EYE MISS YOU"

The chocolate candy Eyeball was perfect for this box!! I found the bag of eyeballs at Walgreens in the halloween candy section.

RECIPE:

stamps ~ Batty for you, Dotted

paper ~ Pumpkin Pie, Black, white, more mustard, SU Creepy crawly designer paper, acetate

ink ~ Really Rust, black

other ~ Black ribbon with polka dots (Micheal's), 1 1/4 circle punch, scallop circle punch,

Spooky Grin

2007-10-30T08:18:00.000-05:00

This is a Halloween Card I made for my dad. When I was a child, my dad always took me trick-or-treating. I had such fun and fond memories of my dad, taking me door to door, encouraging me to go to just one more house...." you never know, they might have the best treat", he would say. And then later at home, checking and tasting my candy to make sure it "wasn't poisoned". :)

My dad likes to make people laugh so here is a SPOOKY GRIN for him!

My scary color combo of Really rust and Glorious green was inspired by my ribbon...I don't think I would of ever thought of it otherwise!!! I think it works though for this card.

The card layout was inspired by a sketch challenge on Splitcoast stampers.

CARD Recipe:

stamps: Batty for you, Print Pattern (on the green)

paper: Really Rust, Glorious Green, basic black, Creepy Crawly designer paper, white

Ink: Glorious, black, really rust (to sponge and Direct to paper)

Other: Halloween Ribbon (Michael's), Hardware is SU,

also SU tag and circle punches of various sizes

Lighted Smile

2007-10-30T06:13:00.000-05:00

I love cute and playful Halloween Stamp sets. So this year I bought "Batty for You" by SU. And I have been determined to use it!

I made this Sweet Halloween or fall card for my Aunt Bonnie!

I used a fancy fold called a Z-Fold. This is one of the easiest fancy folds that you can do! And as always, I seek out the best visual tutorials I can find when needing to create something and here it is: Z-FOLD

I used some retired SU Halloween paper to inspire my color combo....but any paper of this type would do. I stamped the little pumpkin in Old olive and then again in pumpkin on another sheet of paper. I cut the orange pumpkin out and mounted on top of the old olive image using a dimensional dot.

The yellow (barely banana) piece of card stock I darkened by using the

"direct to paper" technique. Click it for a tutorial.

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Batty for you, All in a row (used this for faux sewing), Aida Cloth (used on purple)

Paper: Old Olive, Lovely Lylac, Barely Banana, Pumpkin, white, Retired SU Halloween Paper

Ink: Pumpkin, White craft (for faux sewing), old olive

Tools: Scallop Punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, White Embossing Powder (for faux sewing)

Card Layout: Submitted to Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #25

Faux Sewing with stamps: Using the "stitch" image from the SU stamp set called "all in a row", I stamped the image with white craft ink and then embossed with white embossing powder.

Friendly Sympathy

2007-10-24T13:12:00.000-05:00

My friend Gladys lost a dear friend to illness. Gladys was a true friend, staying with her until the end.....even passing on two stampin events and that never happens :). We missed her presence with us!

I have been wanting to make a card to express my sympathy. The color's of grey (for sadness), Pomegranate (for love), and soft sky (for hope) seem to fit for a beautiful sympathy card.

I was able to continue to use my custom patterned cardstock that I made using the shaving cream technique.

I was also inspired by the following cardsketch at splitcoast stampers: #105

for Gladys
(Gladys it's in the mail!)

Recipe:
Stamps ~ Close as a memory, French Script (retired), Linen
Paper ~ Going grey, pomegranate, soft sky designer series paper, shimmery white, acetate
Ribbon ~ white satin dyed basic grey
Other ~ light blue crystal brads
Tools ~ Coluzzle with circle template (largest circle)

Sketch #105

Lovely as a Thought

2007-10-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

Today I decided to challenge myself to two splitcoast Challenges! I needed to make a friend a card and so these challenges inspired me!

I also decided to use a technique called the Shaving Cream Technique. You can see my step by step tutorial on this technique, using this card, here: Shaving Cream Tutorial

The Challenges:

Color Combo Challenge: Basic Pomegranates
Basic Gray (or any dark gray or Going Gray)
Purely Pomegranate (or Rose Red)
Soft Sky (or Bashful Blue)

Sketch Challenge: #147

Well here is the result of the challenges!
Lovely as a Thought

The above card is made by Hollie Lisk using Stampin UP! Products

You can stamp directly on the shaving cream printed paper or on an acetate overlay

Card Recipe: All SU products

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, French Flair background stamp
Paper: Going Grey, Soft Sky, Pomegranate, Shimmery white, acetate
Ink: Jet black Staz-on, Going Grey
Reinkers: rose red, bashful blue, going gray
Ribbon: White satin...dyed going gray
Other: Antique brads, ticket corner punch

Glass Christmas Ornament Tutorial

2007-10-22T06:34:00.001-05:00

GLASS BALL CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

First and foremost, I by no means am the creator of the idea of placing stamped images inside of a clear glass Christmas ornament. Two years ago I used ideas from other stampers and began making clear glass ornaments. And each year I try to make a few of these darling and festive balls of joy!

I decided to make a tutorial because I'm a visual learner and I know how important it is to see each step in this process.

This year's clear glass ornaments was inspired by a fellow stamp artist named "Momma B".

Here is her Christmas Ornament:

Please visit her and post a thank you for creating this beautiful ornament: THANK YOU

So when I saw her ornament, I was so happy to have this stamp set called, Holy Triptych and some left over glass ornaments from last year AND some extra acetate on hand. :) I went right to work and created an "Angelic" ornament:

Now that I've got the hang of it, on with the tutorial!

You can get glass ornaments at Micheal's or Hobby Lobby or your local craft store. They come in various sizes. For this tutorial I used a round glass ornament that is about 2 1/2" wide.

Supplies you will need:
· Glass Ornament
· Acetate/window sheet

(bought by the package at Hobby Lobby in the professional art section, not office depot...it's cheaper that way. My package actually says, acetate alternative. Or you can buy it by the single sheet at office depot or kinkos. I would say about 3 ornaments per sheet)
· Circle cutting system like Coluzzle
· Staz-on ink pad in desired color (I used Jet Black)
· Stamp set (I used Holy Triptych by SU)

· Sharpie permanent markers…I suggest using the ultra fine point

* Crystal Effects and dazzling diamond glitter

*Optional*
· Ultra Fine fake snow, glitter, or beads to put in the bottom of the ornament
· Ribbon, raffia, or strips of fabric

1. Stamp your image on the acetate, using Staz-on ink. Stamping on acetate can be slippery, so use control when stamping and do not get in a hurry. Allow it a little time to dry or heat set it

with your embossing gun.

2. Turn you image sheet over and color it using sharpies!

3. Next you will want to cut your image out. I used the coluzzle and a circle template. The circle I used for the 2 1/2" ornament is 4th from center.

Notice how I did not cut a complete circle, but left a little notch at the top. This notch will help stabilize your image once you insert it in the glass ornament.

4. Now you have two options. You can leave your image sheet like this and place in the ornament. Or you can add dazzling diamonds to the back to give it some sparkle.

Of course I chose the sparkle....but why would you choose plain you might ask...because leaving the ornament plain will give your ornament a "floating image" feel to it. Like Stamp artist, Racercat, did with her ornament:

Visit her post here for more info: Clear Snowman

5. Today we are going to add sparkle to our image sheet. Using a paint brush, brush a light coat of crystal effects on the backside of your image (the same side you colored on). Then sprinkle a heavy layer of dazzling diamond glitter over the whole sheet. Allow plenty of time to dry....go drink a cup of hot chocolate or put on some Christmas music and then stamp and color a few more images for more ornaments. But I would say about 10 minutes. I did get impatient and heat set mine a little. You can feel the back and tell when it's dry.

6.Remove lid from ornament. Careful because the lid is made of very soft metal and the sides can easily be "squished" in. Just pull it off using the tab at the top. Also note that once the lid is off....the glass edge of the ornament top can be sharp sometimes.

Once the lid is off then you can add fake snow or beads or sand or whateva! in the bottom of your ornament. I recommend you use a funnel.

7. Once your image sheet is dry, then roll it up and put it in the glass ornament.

Above, you can see the tab of my image sheet sticking out. Since it's clear you can read the caution message from the object behind it! Which is good because it helps you to see that the tab is sticking out when rolled.

In the picture below you can see how the tab is stabilizing the image sheet in the ornament.

8. Now put your lid on, add some ribbon and be dazzled!

Tips:

*note it's ok if you see a few small streaks of an area that didn't quite get covered with glitter...it will still sparkle!

*note that I tried brushing on clear stickles instead of the crystal effects and glitter method.... and it did not work as well or at all!

Besides coloring in your image you can also emboss it! Just stamp your image with versamark instead of staz-on and add your embossing powder...then heat set it!

I made this ornament using silver embossing powder and red dazzling diamonds from SU! Snowflake stamp sets look great in glass ornaments!

Thanks for visiting my tutorial on glass Christmas ornaments, I hope it helps! Make some ornaments and give them as gifts this year!

All of the ornaments in the picture above is made by Hollie Lisk. Stamped images are Stampin UP!

Visit my post on splitcoast here: Glass Ornament

Treat yourself to a birthday

2007-10-20T16:07:00.000-05:00

Today my daughter is attending a friend's bday party and I woke up this morning with the task of creating a bday card. I thought I would use a sketch to inspire me, so I headed over to Beate's Weekend sketch on her blog Fresh and Fun. You can see the card sketch at the end of this post.

I decided to use the stamp set called, Treat Yourself. It's been a while since I used it and I thought the cupcake would work well. Then I grabbed some of last years SU Valentine paper and went to work.

This cupcake image begs to be layered and colored and glittered and anything else to make it look yummy!

So I stamped the cupcake several times on shimmery white card stock so that I could cut out several layers of it. I then water colored the image using my aqua pen and the ink from the inside of my ink pads.

I then stamped another cupcake on a piece of shimmery white cardstock and layered the "pieces" on top of it. Then I brushed on some stickles to give the frosting some sparkle. Just squeeze the inkpad together before opening and you will have a little ink in the "well" of your lid.

I then cut the whole cupcake out and mounted it onto my card layout. Below is the sketch that I used to help me with my layout. Thanks Beate!

RECIPE: all products SU except ribbon and cuttlebug folder
Stamp set: Treat Yourself, Riveting
Paper: Pomegranate, Regal Rose, Retired SU Valentine Paper called Love Me 2007,
shimmery white
Ink: Teal, pomegranate, marigold (for the candle flame), regal rose
Ribbon: white polk dot from Jacksonbelle
Tools: cuttlebug Happy Bday embossing folder, various circle punches by SU
Other: crystal brad in teal, dimensional dots

Clear Snowfall

2007-10-19T05:54:00.000-05:00

This is my first Clear greeting card design! This was one of my cards at the Holiday Stamp Camp that everyone enjoyed making because it is so easy!!! See tutorial link at the bottom of this post.

Basically this card features a product called clear Acetate. Some know it as Overhead projector transparencies. Now when I went to office depot to buy transparencies I was dismayed at how much they cost....like $30 to $70 for a small Avery package of transparencies. But when I went to Hobby Lobby I found a package in the professional art area for like $10 and with a 40% online Hobby Lobby coupon it was definitely in my price range!

***You can also buy the acetate or transparencies one sheet at a time at the office depot business area or places like kinko's

To stamp on the Acetate you have to use an ink called Staz-on. Staz-on can be bought through Stampin Up or at a hobby craft store. This is a fast drying, permanent ink that can be used on craft projects, like stamping on cloth. I also use Staz-on to stamp my detail image before water coloring on watercolor paper....that way my image will not bleed when I working with water and color.

I have several colors of Staz-on, but the two colors I mainly use is black and white. To Adhere the card stock to the acetate, I used mini glue dots. You can see that the inside of the card has a space to write, but it does not take away from the card design because it is lined up behind the images on the front of the card.

When folding the acetate into a card, you will want to use a bone folder to make a strong fold....guide the bone folder over the fold until you hear a little "crack"...this will let you know that you have a sharp and crisp fold.

Stamping on Acetate: Use firm and controled stamping, do not be in a rush because stamping on acetate can be "slippery"!

Dying Ribbon
I did not have any ribbon to match my soft sky blue cardstock....so I dyed some white organdy ribbon by holding the ribbon down, on a soft sky blue ink pad, with a sponge. Then pulling the ribbon out from in between the pad and the sponge. I did this several times until my ribbon was the color that I wanted it to be.

OTHER USES FOR ACETATE:

Now that you have a whole package of acetate, here are some other uses for it!

Overlays ~You can stamp on Acetate and overlay it on a cardstock greeting card...this gives you a layered look to the card...especially if the acetate has images or words stamped on it.
Example by stamp artist, Beate: overlay

Rub-ons ~Run Acetate through your computer. Type text on a word document, select it to print the mirror image of your text onto the acetate (glossy side). Once it has printed and dried...then lay the acetate on your cardstock or designer paper and using a wooden craft stick, rub the word onto your paper. It will transfer the word from the acetate onto your paper!

Ornaments ~ Tutorial Coming soon....Acetate can be used to help make clear glass Christmas Ornaments. Here is my tutorial on making these: Ornaments

Reflect ~use in the reflection techique: reflect

Card Recipe: All Products SU
Stamps: Snowflake Spot
Ink: White Staz-on, soft sky classic ink
Paper: Acetate, Shimmery White card stock, Soft Sky card stock, Silver Card stock
Other: silver eyelets, white organdy ribbon dyed soft sky blue
Tools: SU tag punches
Adhesive: Mini glue dots

Click here for: ACETATE CARD TUTORIAL

Cocoa Clip

2007-10-18T07:44:00.000-05:00

Cocoa Clips

I used the big paper clips (found at office depot) to make these festive "tags" for cocoa packets. I thought this would be an easy and fun gift to give coworkers and teachers.

These clips are very easy to make. Using your punches or die cuts, cut out two shaped sides to "sandwich" the paper clip (in the above image I chose scalloped shape). To make the sides sturdy you add a little chipboard on the inside of each piece ( or since I did not have any chipboard I punched my pieces from a pop tart box). Punch out two pieces...one for each side.

I always save my pop-tart or cereal boxes for chipboard projects!

See how I applied the chipboard piece to the back side of the pieces that are showing.

To adhere the finished pieces to the paper clip, I have used E600 glue. I have also used super glue before. Just squeeze a dab on the backside of one piece, place the paperclip in the dab...then press the other piece on top of it to sandwich the paperclip. Allow a few seconds to dry. Even easier...I've also used the large pop dots from SU instead of liqued adhesive and they work fabulous!

Recipe:
Stamps: Big on Christmas, Retired SU musical note wheel
Paper: Gold card stock SU, Black, Red, white
Ink: Black, SU markers: Red, Only orange, Summer Sun, black, old olive
Other: SU red glitter, two way glue pen for glitter, Large SU pop dots, dimensionals to pop up
snowman, SU scallop and circle punches
Ribbon: SU red gingham, Black with white polka dot, generic gold
Paperclips: office depot (5 to a pack)

These are very easy to make in large quantities! Try it and share your festive spirit during the holidays this year!

For a tutorial on making these Big clips, click here: Paperclip Bookmarks

Christmas Cutie

2007-10-12T07:43:00.000-05:00

I love this gift card! Perfect to stick in a holiday gift bag or along with a Christmas treat!

We made these at the Holiday Stamp Camp.

Isn't that snowman a cutie! I had to add a little pom pom to his hat :) I used a mini glue dot to put it in place!

Recipe: all SU except pom pom
Stamp: Merry and Bright
Paper: Red, white, Dashing Designer
Other: Olive Organdy Ribbon wide, Crystal brad square, scallop punch, 3/8 circle punch.
Ink: black, red and olive marker

card is 3x3 inches

Happy Holidays

2007-10-10T13:53:00.000-05:00

This card is so "Happy" to wish you a great holiday season. And it is so easy to make. I stamped the Happy image twice, once to color and mount; the other to cut out the triangle on the tree and pop it up with a dimensional on top of the original tree image. That lovely snowflake dry embossed background is courtesy of the cuttlebug dry embossing and die cut machine. The cuttlebug is a very worthy investment for the papercrafter....get your coupon and go get you one at Micheal's or Hobby Lobby or for sure put it on your Christmas wish list.

To give the little tree some sparkle I used an SU two-way glue stick and a sprinkle of SU dazzling diamond glitter. You can give yourself some sparkle too by brushing your finger under your eyes with the left over dazzling diamond glitter that remains on your finger tips! haha. The corner accents are punched with the SU Ticket corner punch. Wrap around some ribbon and you have a very fun and happy holiday greeting card!

Recipe:

Stamp: Big on Christmas
Paper: Red and white SU cardstock
Ink: Red SU marker, black ink
Other: SU red gingham ribbon, white polka dot ribbon I bought from my friend Jacksonbelle.
Her ebay store has great service and good prices. SU dazzling diamond glitter.
Tool: I used the cuttlebug with the snowflakes embossing folder, SU ticket corner punch

You Love this card but don't have the cuttlebug machine or do not plan on purchasing it soon???

1. I have heard that you can get similar results by just using the embossing folder (which is around $5 each) with a rolling pin. Just put your paper in the embossing folder, roll over it back and forth with a rolling pin (really hard) to get the impressions in the cardstock. I read that someone suggested you spritz your cardstock with water first before rolling. But I have not tried any of this. Let me know if it works!

2. Instead of dry embossing the white piece of cardstock...just leave it plain. Or stamp an image with white ink or red ink on the white cardstock...use a snowflake stamp set.

3. Use designer paper to break up the white....like on this card by Jan Tink

I would love to see your creations!

Peaceful Wishes Triangle Fold

2007-10-10T13:24:00.000-05:00

Well, the secret is out! Here is my Holiday Triangle Fold card, that we made at the wonderful Holiday Stamp Camp last weekend! So much fun was had by all. We had 5 projects to get us started for the holidays. As promised, one of those projects was a holiday Triangle Fold Card. This holiday card was designed around the thought of a "Christmas Time in the mountains or countryside... where a peaceful, pine forest is wishing for a crisp snowfall." For information about Triangle Fold cards and a tutorial click here: Triangle Fold

Here is the recipe:
Stamps: Peaceful Wishes by SU
Paper: Retired SU designer paper, Old Olive, Cranberry, Caramel
Other: *poinsettia cut from designer paper and layered with a gold brad
* I brushed the poinsetta with stickles to give it a hint
of "something special"
* The ribbon is SU grosgrain

Falling for Tri-Folds

2007-10-04T06:16:00.000-05:00

I really enjoyed making this triangular folded card. You pull off the belly band and open the card to it's full size. I've already designed a Christmas Tri-fold, but it's for the Holiday Stamp Camp this weekend and it's design is TOP SECRET until then!! :)

The inside triangles can then be stamped or pictures added for a fun surprise for the recipient!
Click here for a Triangle Fold tutorial and card measurements: Triangle Tri-fold

Card Recipe: All SU products

Stamp set: Looks Like Spring
Paper: Really Rust, River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Retired SU spring paper
Ink: Really Rust, Chocolate Chip
Other: SU spring Boquet punch, River Rock double stitched ribbon, Crystal brad in yellow

Card Ministry

2007-10-03T09:01:00.000-05:00

This month I finally started a Card Ministry at my church. I have been wanting to do this for about 3 years and after researching the ways to organize a card ministry and also with much prayer it finally happened! Thanks for being patient with me God! :)

(see card details at the end of this article)

The main purpose of a card ministry is, to lift one another up, to encourage others, and to celebrate, as we share God's love through handmade greeting cards. A Christian Greeting Card, that is handmade with thought and prayer, allows you to plant seeds of truth along with a loving and caring message.

We will be creating cards to be used by the ministries in our church and in the community. These cards will minister to and encourage those that are hurting and will rejoice with those who are rejoicing.

Romans 12:15 - "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."

We made 37 to 40 cards for God to use in encouraging others. Including Soldiers overseas!

My friend Theresa Tidwell also leads the scrapbooking group that meets once a month at our church. She and my friend Dawne are pictured below, along with Theresa's daughter, Kaitlin.

Kaitlin actually showed us up with some very creative ideas using our card sketch.

I met some new friends as well! That's what I love about papercrafts, it's a way to build new relationships through a shared hobby. Melba, pictured below, stamped the most cards!

Kudos to Melba! Thanks so much for coming and helping to make cards!

I stayed until Midnight making cards and working on projects! It was a great time stamping with friends.

Oh yeah, did I mention there was chocolate there! Let's not forget about the great snacks that always appear when crafters get together!

Meeting new friends was also a way to hear what God is doing in the lives of others. My new friend Brenda was able to share with me her testimony and how God has helped her.

Now that's encouragement!

****A personal thanks to those that donated materials for the ministry

Card Details:

The first card was made with simplicity in mind. I wanted a card that could be easily mulitplied by our card ministers. I was so thankful to use the following sketch by my friend Beate Johns (her blog).

Smile card ingredients:
Stamp sets: Be Happy
Paper: retired SU designer paper, really rust, chocolate chip, So saffron, vanilla
Other: SU scallop punch, SU ribbon River Rock double stitch

In those times card ingredients:
Stamp set: Refuge and strength Ink: Artichoke, saffron, pretty in pink
Paper: retired SU designer paper, pretty in pink, chocolate chip, whisper white
Other: SU Spring flower bouquet punch, cocoa grosgrain ribbon

Peaceful Blessings

2007-09-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight my friends come over for our monthly Stampin Club. Besides getting to see my stampin buddies at least once or twice a month....it motivates me to CREATE!

The card that I made below, I'm going to send to my Dad and his wife Margarete. They just moved to a new home and I want to share my happiness for them.

Using the Reverse Masking Technique, we will make this card tonight! I think it is a wonderful "all occasion" card to give someone this fall or winter. I love the little word stamped in the right hand corner that says, "Blessings". I stamped it twice using a lighter color and a darker color for emphasis. :)

I invite you to view two of my favorite online tutorials for REVERSE MASKING

Now make a card...but don't keep it!! :) Send it to someone and be a blessing in their life!

Card Details:

Stamps: Peaceful Wishes, Label Classics, Country Blessings (retired)
Paper: Blue Bayou, Purely Pomegranate, River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, and
So Saffron Designer Series
Ink: Blue Bayou, Purely Pomegranate, River Rock, Chocolate Chip
Other: Gold Brad
Techniques: Reverse masking, Rock-n-roll, sponging

Card Layout inspired by this Sketch from the Fresh & Fun Blog. Thanks Beate!

Happy Birthday Deer

2007-09-25T05:21:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY "DEER"

I was in the mood to use a technique called Reverse masking and I needed to make a birthday card for a friend.

I'm not quite sure how I came up with the color combo, but I thought it really made the card light instead of the typical earthy colors you might use with a wildlife stamp.

Isn't he a "Deer"!

Reverse masking is a simple, but very effective, technique that is fun to use. There are a couple of SUPER tutorials for reverse masking online. Click the link below to view tutorials:

REVERSE MASKING

Card Details: All Products by Stampin Up
Stamps: Noble Deer, Weathered background, Peaceful Wishes
Paper: Soft Sky, Wasabi, chocolate chip, very vanilla
Ink: Soft Sky, Wasabi, chocolate chip
Other: Coluzzle with oval template
Tech: Revese Masking, sponging

Fab Birthday

2007-09-02T12:53:00.000-05:00

DARE to be FABULOUS

My sister Michelle turned 30 this past week and besides it being a milestone birthday for her, it was a great opportunity for me to make her a card. As her older sister I wanted to tell her how great the "thirties" are. I mean when your thirty you are usually richer, wiser, more secure, and in the middle of living the life of marriage and home and career. And your still very, very YOUNG! So what better stamp set to use then the Fabulous Flower stamp set by SU.

This stamp set has a Fabulous flower that can be stamped and layered to create a work of art! It screams for techniques and glitter and embossing and embellishments and whatever the artist wants to use to help this beauty grow. It also has a wonderful word stamp that says, "Dare to be Fabulous" and that's what I wanted my sister to know on her 30th birthday. Here's the card I made:

Now this card is amazing in person, the camera really couldn't capture it's true beauty. And it was so easy to create this flower. Here's a few pics of the process:

I stamped the flowers fours times (3 pictured here).
I used the Stamp-a-Ma-Jig (CLICK FOR TUTORIAL)
to re stamp the flower in the same place several times to get it as dark as you see here.

Then I cut out different layers from the stamped flowers and I added some glitter accents using Stickles. (you can get stickles at scrapbook stores or online). You could also add glitter with a glue pen and dazzling diamond glitter from SU.

I heat set the flowers and then layered them using large glue dots to pop each layer up. The top layer I added crystal brad. And then I attached the Fab Flower to the card.

The card layout is inspired by a sketch challenge on splitcoaststampers. Click here to find out more info on this sketch: card sketch challenge #138

Oh my Golly! A spider!

2007-08-30T22:50:00.000-05:00

Well...a stamped spider that is.

I decided to play with my "Batty for You" stamp set from SU. I just love cute halloween stamp sets. And golly gee this spider is cute! I stamped him (yes it's a him) in black and punched him out with my circle punch. Then I stamped him again and cut out his body and attached it to the already stamped body image. This gave him a 3d look.

Of course I had to use my new scallop punch. It looks great in black!

The background is stamped with a background stamp called "Dotted". I just stamped it using ruby red ink on ruby red cardstock.

The strip of designer paper is from the SU Creepy Crawley doubled sided pack. Next, I used a retired Happy Halloween stamp and stamped it using more mustard ink on more mustard cardstock. Also the large more mustard cardstock mat has been stamped with a background stamp called "Cheesecloth". Add a few black brads and ticket punch the corners....and there you go..CREEPY CRAWLY, OH MY GOLLY!!

"As long as the spider is on the card and not crawling on the floor I'm ok"

Fall Kindness Card made at Stampo!

2007-08-29T15:08:00.000-05:00

I had the girls over for Stampo last weekend. Stampo is Bunco, but it has a papercraft stamping project during the break. I've been dreaming of fall because it's so hot here! So I got out my fall colors and made this card using the new SU stamp set called Priceless.

This card also uses SU's designer paper called, Creepy Crawly. The colors for the inks used and the ribbon are Old Olive and Ruby Red. I did add a little bling, bling by using a crystal brad from SU's Rhinestone "Ice" brad collection. Love those brads!!

I decided to give this card to my Dad and his wife Margarete because they brought over a yummy roast dinner to my family, when I had the flu recently. It was really appreciated! Thanks!

I made a few more cards using the same materials. I just changed things up a bit!

We had fun at Stampo and making these cards together! Check out the photo album at the right to view our pics of the evening! Above is a pic of all the cards we made!

Cute little Snowman!!

2007-08-17T06:43:00.000-05:00

Ok, this little snowman in the new Christmas Stamp set called, Merry and Bright, is so stinkin cute! I had fun playing with him this past afternoon, while my friend Lorraine visited. Sadly, he belongs to her, but at least I know where to find him :)

This card was a little difficult at first coming together....but in the end I was happy with it. All products are from SU. The large word stamp is from a new stamp set called, Season of Joy. The paper is Rose Red Prints Designer Series Paper. The other colors in the card are Blue Bayou and Soft Sky. And the ribbon is blue bayou double-stitched ribbon.

The little snowman was watercolored using wonderful watercolor crayons (not quite navy, rose red, and turquoise) with gamsol to blend.

I really hope it snows this year where I live! I love winter! Well, this little guy will have to keep me company until I figure out who to send him too :)

Technique:

1. blending with gamsol ~ visit this great tutorial to learn how click here: Watercoloring

Autumn Harvest

2007-08-17T06:32:00.000-05:00

This card features a beautiful stamp set called, Autumn Harvest!

Autumn and Winter are my favorite seasons of the year...this southern girl likes the cooler weather. And it's been so HOT here lately that I guess I was hoping this card would call in some cooler weather!

I was able to play with this stamp set the other night while I had my watercolor supplies out. I used a mixture of watercolor materials including wonderful watercolor crayons, prisma pencils, gamsol, and water to create this harvest.

I tried to add embellishment to this card but I did not want to add to much. So I finally decided on just a small piece of hemp as a border between the two background colors. The colors I used are pumpkin pie, handsome hunter, and more mustard.

I'm going to set this card aside and see who God wants it to go to this fall.

Technique:

1. The pumpkins are layered through masking. Click here for instruction: Masking

2. Blending with gamsol. Click here for this tutorial on watercoloring

Blue Bird Thanks and Encourages

2007-08-13T17:28:00.000-05:00

One of my passions, besides stamping, is genealogy. I enjoy researching and preserving my family history. Recently, I called my Uncle Tim and asked him to take digital pictures of the old family bible and email them to me, which he did! Thanks Uncle Tim!

There were about 16 pages to take pictures of and then edit and then email...so it took a little time. I know that my Uncle Tim has other things that are more important to take care of, so I appreciate his time. One of the more important concerns that my uncle is helping with is his wife's, my Aunt Pat, health. She has struggled tremendously with an injury that has caused many surgeries through out the years. She has also battled with breast cancer.

Now my Aunt Pat loves blue and white decor items. And so for a while now I have been creating in my mind a card to make her that is only blue and white.....kind of like the "blue willow" china. So I finally made a card and it now has a two fold mission......The first is to encourage my Aunt Pat and the second reason is to Thank my Uncle Tim.

made by Hollie Lisk

This card was made using the Carte Postale stamp set, the Floral background stamp set, and retired stamp set Woodland Cottage. All stamp sets are SU. I used SU Whisper White paper and SU Brilliant Blue ink. The bird is uplifted by a dimensional. I used the SU Tearing Edge tool to get a straight torn edge on the Floral stamped paper.

Caramel Apple Treat Box

2007-07-31T07:20:00.000-05:00

I met one of my best friends and "sisters" through stamping. Her name is Lorraine and she is like the older sister I never had. And she is crazy for papercrafts just like me! So for her birthday I made her this little treat box and a tag that invites her to lunch, my treat :)

Caramel Apple Treat Box

Do you say Care-ra-mel or Car-mel ?

I used a retired SU set called Fresh Fruits, for my apple. I also used several background stamp sets and the Be Happy stamp set for my tags. I also used the new SU designer paper called Cerise. The colors in Cerise look like they are white and red....but I believe they are more vanilla and red. So I used vanilla cardstock and ribbon as my neutral Color. The green is Wild Wasabi.

The goodies are from Crackerbarrell....YUMMY!

Happy Birthday Lorraine!

My first Priceless Butterfly Card

2007-07-31T06:42:00.000-05:00

I have some friends coming over tonight to stamp! We are going to make a card using the new SU stamp set called Priceless. I like this stamp set because it is solid, so no coloring, and it has wonderful little flourishes, and two word stamps! Also I love butterflies.

I decided to use several challenges from Spiltcoast stampers to inspire me. I also used the SU demonstrator magazine as well, for Color Combo inspiration. But the Creation is my own. :)

For color I used: Real Red, Blue Bayou, and Soft Sky with white for a neutral color.

This card shows how you can make two similar cards.....but one is simple and one is jazzed up! Both are super at cheering someone up at the mailbox! To Jazz up the 2nd card I added dimension by layering the flowers and adding a silver vellum circle tag. I added some "bling" to the card with a blue crystal brad and some dazzling diamond glitter here and there for some sparkle!

Sometimes while I'm creating a card just for fun...God will put someone on my mind while I make the card. Then I know exactly who needs it most! I have someone in mind to receive this card :)

New Elegance

2007-07-29T14:32:00.000-05:00

I created with the new SU stamp set called Baroque Motifs. I LOVE IT!
Using this stamp set, I made an elegant card for a Splitcoast challenge. The elements that make it elegant are vellum, velvet ribbon, silver embossed metallic paper, Polished stone technique on the bottom border, a crystal brad, and the flower is stamped on white shimmery paper.

Wow! The challenge really inspired me and I love this card. I know just who to send it too...but I can't tell...it's a surprise :)

Polished Stone Technique Card: Click to Read.
Note that you can use a cotton ball or a felt square as a tool in this technique.

Bad to the Bone

2007-07-27T00:03:00.000-05:00

I recently purchased a new SU Halloween set called "Batty for You". It has some really cute and non-scary stamps in it that can be easily stamped and punched out with a circle punch.

As I was mounting this stamp set, I wondered to myself .... how I might use this set in a non-halloween way. Well, the "Bad to the Bone" guy came to mind right away! This would be a great card for a teenage boy. And my oldest just turned 13!

So using a sketch challenge by Stampin Diva, Beate, I made this "Bad to the Bone" card. I challenge you to think about the different ways you can use your stamp sets all year long!

Technique on this card is Faux Sewing. Using a paper piercing tool I pierced holes along the top border of the gray cardstock. Then using a white gel pen, I connected the dots! And there you go...it's looks like it has been stitched!

Teenagers like to get cards too!

Toiled Sympathy

2007-07-26T06:40:00.001-05:00

" Sometimes it's hard to know what to say to someone that has lost a loved one. A card is a great way to encourage someone who is grieving. As you make the card, say a prayer for the person you are making it for and ask God to bless them."

I created a sympathy card for a Toil Challenge at splitcoast stampers. I used some toiled decorative paper in my design. The bottom is pleated toiled paper with a stamped belly band wrapped in ribbon. The paper is Pleated every 1/4" and 3/4". This will be a very nice card to give to someone who has lost a loved one.

I was also able to play with the new SU color, Purely Pomegranate and textured cardstock. I love it!

Behind my phrase you see a stamped flower image. That is achieved by a technique called "stamping off". This technique gives you a lighter stamped image, I ink up my image and then stamp once on scrap paper and then stamp onto my cardstock...that way the image is a lighter color and faded.

Ruff Day Gets Dirty

2007-07-25T15:17:00.000-05:00

My favorite stamping website for inspiration and fellowship is Splitcoast Stampers, hands down! The website is free...but there is a very special gallery called the "Fan club" that a select few of creative stampin Diva's submit their artwork too. We call these Diva's the "Dirty Dozen" because there are always 12. This Fan Club only gallery does have a minimal fee...but it's worth it to me. Now Diva's come and go...but today they are allowing any fan club member to post their artwork using several challenges. And I've decided to take part in a few of the challenges.

The first challenge was to make a card with a pet or animal theme. I decided to use one of the first stamp sets I ever bought called "A Little Love". It has the cutest little puppy stamp that says, "Ruff Day?". I LOVE IT! But is has been a while since I used that stamp set and so you can see how these challenges really get your creative wheels turning. Now I have a cute card to give a friend when she's having a "Ruff Day".

You can view this special gallery of Dirty Girl submissions (free!!) at the below link:

Dirty Girl Challenge

2007-07-25T10:24:00.000-05:00

My sister Nicole is getting married spring 2008. And we are going to see about making her wedding invitations. She has settled on a grass green color which I believe to be Green Galore in the stamping world. But then the new SU color, Wild Wasabi ,came out. So I made her this little treat to display the two greens. I used the new SU stamp set, Baroque Motifs, which I LOVE! The brad in the middle of the flower has a green crystal center, but you can't tell in the pic. I used scallop punches to make an easy tag.

I bought some green and white cherry cordials from fresh market and put them in this drawstring, grosgrain bag. And yes I ate a few first!! Then I made two identical simple tags, one using green galore and the other using wasabi. I put one tag on one side of the bag and the other tag on the other side of the bag. So now she can turn the bag, back and forth to see which green she likes the best.

Which green do you like the best? You can click on the picture to view it larger.

English Cottage Blessing

2007-07-24T06:59:00.000-05:00

My mother-in-law, Joanne, recently went on a choir mission trip to England. Their choir spent a week, traveling to several towns outside of London and encouraging others through music. This was not Joanne's first trip to England, in fact my husband's family lived in England for several years while he was a young boy. My husband and I visited England on our 5th wedding anniversary and we were able to visit family friends that he grew up with. I also have family members that live in England. England is such a beautiful, beautiful, country....I especially love to meander through the English countryside and view all the gardens and thatch roof houses. So when my mother-in-law asked me to make a special thank you Card to send to one of their friends in England, I knew exactly which stamp set to use....."Woodland Cottage" by SU. It is now a retired set, but I knew that my friend Lorraine had it in her collection and she graciously allowed me to use it. Thanks Lorraine!

For my English cottage I used my Wonderful Watercolor crayons and mona lisa blending oil to watercolor the cottage. Mona Lisa oil is just a brand name for Gamsol. Gamsol is an oderless mineral spirit that helps you to spread the color. It's normally used with watercolor pencils...but I have found it works with the crayons as well. Of course if you do not have Gamsol, you can use water!! I tried really hard to find an embellishment for this card....but nothing was to my liking. So instead I added a light dusting of dazzling diamond glitter to the windows. To give it a "Thomas Kinkaid" look. It's hard to see the glitter in the picture....but it is quite Fantastic!

Why recreate a tutorial when you can learn how to watercolor here:

Sassy and Sweet Blog

I am excited to know that this card will go all the way to England to encourage and thank a friend that hosted my mother-in-laws church choir on mission.

Summer Reflection

2007-07-22T07:44:00.001-05:00

I have just completed a bible study with a few of my girl friends. And one of the things we learned is that we are not perfect on our own and should not hold ourselves to such high expectations...like having a clean house all the time, or being a supermom, or having the perfect hair or weight or what eva!! Trying to be perfect or thinking that other women "have it all together"...is just a way to stress ourselves out! Perfection is only achieved from within as we focus more on who God wants us to be.

So this card was inspired by the above thoughts. It's a card using the reflection or mirror image technique. I also love the word stamp from this stamp set...it says, "Joy is not in things, it is in us". I made the card for my friend Dana, who hosted the bible study...thanks Dana.

Instructions for Reflection:
*Stamp image on cardstock
*Then stamp the same image on a piece of scrap wax paper or acetate
*Ink side down, place wax paper or acetate where you want your image to "reflect" on your cardstock where the first image is stamped.
*Then roll over image with a brayer to transfer it to your cardstock
*You now have a reflection of the first image you stamped on the cardstock

Coloring: For this card I used my watercolor crayons by Stampin Up and my aqua brush

Tutorial: Reflection

And, so I have a blog now!

2007-07-22T07:39:00.000-05:00

Well, I've finally entered the world of Blogging. I hope to be able to keep up with this online journal of sorts. Now what better subject to write about then stamping?? I hope to use this blog to create, inspire, and share with fellow stampers.

I also hope this will be a jouranl of sorts that will reflect the way God can use Handmade Cards as a tool for ministry.

So Welcome! And let's encourage someone today with a handstamped card or gift!