Neon Look with Blendabilities

I love the neon look you can get with the new Blendabilities Markers. The shoes and expression were stamped with VersaMark (102283) on Basic Black card stock and then embossed with White Embossing Powder (109132). Then I used Daffodil Delight (130998), Coastal Cabana (131000) and Calypso Coral (130996) in the darkest colors of each assortment to color over the white embossed image. The color won't rub off once it dries. You will want to use a dark card stock for you embossing base so that you don't have to worry about any stray coloring. It has been fun to play with this technique!
The Designer Series Paper is from Flowerpot pack. The stamp set is a sneak peek at one from the Holiday catalog called Tee-Hee-Hee and the images and expressions are just as great as the name sounds!

Coloring Embossed Foil Sheet Images

Today's card uses the Blendabilities markers to color the embossed letters and numbers. I ran a 3-3/4" X 5" piece of the Gold Foil sheet (132622) through the Big Shot using the Alphabet Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (130916). Then I selected 4 of the darkest shades of Blendabilities in Daffodil Delight (130998), Old Olive (130999), Calypso Coral (130996) and Coastal Cabana (131000) and used the brush tip to color the embossed letters and numbers.

I also used the Chalk Talk stamp set (130634 c, 130631 w) and the Banners Framelits (132173) on this card. I'll tell you how I got the colored expression on the black card stock in tomorrow's post. So, stay tuned!

Coloring Basic Jewels

You can also use Blendabilities to color the Basic Jewels (page 209 in the catalog) and the Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (127555). On this card I've colored a button and two Rhinestone Basic Jewel with the lightest marker in the Calypso Coral Assortment (130996). Because you get three shades in each Blendabilities assortment you really get a lot of options for colors. By lightly coloring the button and jewels with the marker I was able to get a shade that is pretty close to the Blushing Bride used in the card. I've used the Blendabilities to color the Pearl Basic Jewels, too. They look so pretty!

The Designer Series Paper is from the Flowerpot pack (133698). The card stock is Blushing Bride and Lost Lagoon. The ribbon is Lost Lagoon 3/8" Stitched (133672) and some retired Blushing Bride (substitute the new 1/4" Blushing Bride Cotton Ribbon 134558). the stamp set is Blessed by God (134300 c, 134297 w). I used Starburst and Ovals Collection Framelits in my Big Shot to cut the shapes plus the 1-3/4" circle punch for the expression.

Watercolor look with Blendabilities

In this card I used the new Blendabilities to give the floral image a watercolor look. It's fun to play with these new markers. I used the Cherry Cobbler Assortment (130995) and the Old Olive Assortment (130999) here. I usually start by laying down the darkest color where I want it and then blend in the medium color and finish by blending in the lightest color. You have to work in small areas because the ink dries quickly since it is alcohol based. And be sure you replace your caps on the markers as you work so they don't dry out.
Other supplies include Very Vanilla and Basic Black card stock. Retired Designer Series Paper (replace with new Typeset Speciality Designer Series Paper (133697), Cherry Cobble Seam Binding (120992), retired Edgelits (replace with Large Scallop Edgelit 127019). I used two stamp sets here. Bordering on Romance (retired) but the hostess set I Like You has some very similar designs; or think about the floral images in Bouquet Toss (134324 c, 134321 w). Wouldn't this make a pretty wedding card by switching out the sentiment! The expression used here is from Trust God stamp set (126702 c, 132094 w). And don't forget you need to use the black Memento Pad (132708).
Here's another floral "watercolor" card. I used the Bloom with Hope hostess set and the Calypso Coral Assortment Blendabilities (130996) with the Old Olive Assortment (130999).

Focus on Blendabilities

This week my focus is on Stampin' Up!'s new Blendibilites markers. If you like to color; these are for you! If you like rich; vibrant images these are for you. If you want a watercolor look; these are for you! There are lots of ways to use these markers. In today's two cards I pretty much just used them to color the images.

The cards today were stamped using the For the Birds stamp set (126047 c, 132001 w). I used some Designer Series Paper scraps from a retired pack. Any of the new packs would work. The top card uses a piece of Old Olive Baker's Twine (134579) to add dimension. I used the new Zig Zag embossoing folder (133738) on the Bermuda Bay card stock in the Miss You card. And don't forget you need to stamp your image with the black Memento Pad (132708) when using Blendabilities markers. 

 (The top card CASE of Dawn Olchefske.) 

Birdie Birthday

The Hello Love hostess set (133928 c, 133925 w) was used to make this birthday card. (CASE: Linda Heller from StampingSchool.com) I used a Bermuda Bay card stock base and then cut a strip of Designer Series Paper from the Confetti Celebration pack (133692). Then I edged the DSP with a strip of Crushed Curry card stock that was punched using the Scallop Edge Border punch (119882). The hole for the window on front was punched with the 1-3/4" circle punch. Then I lined up the birdie stamp and stamped onto Whisper White card stock. The word bubble requires the use of two stamps so I got out my Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049) to line up the expression inside the word bubble outline. This was cut out using the Word Bubbles framelits (132968). The bird was colored using the new Daffodil Delight Blendabilities markers ((130998). You need to stamp your image with the black Memento Pad (132708) when using Blendabilites markers. I am having so much fun coloring with these! I can't wait until I have all the colors.

Endless Birthday Wishes!

Today's birthday card is a made using Stampin' Up!'s photopolymer Endless Birthday Wishes stamp set (137553). This is a great set for birthday cards. There are 27 stamps in the set. One is the birthday cake on this card. Another one is a series of dots to use as a background stamp. All the rest are words (like "birthday" on this card) or partial phrases (like "it's your" on the cake). Because the stamps are photopolymer, it is easy to line them up and stamp. So get creative with Endless Birthday Wishes!
The Designer Series Paper on this card is from the Lullaby package. Baked Brown Sugar, Crushed Curry, Crisp Cantaloupe and Whisper White card stock were used to complete the card. The Whisper White and Baked Brown Sugar card stock in the center were cut using the Chalk Talk framelits (129983). A Rhinestone Basic Jewel (119246) was added to the little tab and I added a dab of Silver Sparkle Dazzling Details (127845) to the top of each candle.

(CASE: Mary Fish)

Mojo Monday sketch

Here's my card for this week's Mojo Monday skectch.

For this card I've used Stampin' Up!'s Pumpkin Pie 3/4" Chevron Ribbon (130015), Sweet Taffy Designer Series Paper (133693), Starburst (132967) and Stars (133723) Framelits and you get a sneak peek at a new embossing folder, Lucky Stars (135817) from the holiday catalog that is available beginning August 28. The card stock is Pumpkin Pie and Whisper White. Stamp sets are Starburst Sayings (133185 c, 133182 w) and A Fitting Occasion (127049 c, 131952 w).

Yippee-Skippee!

I had scraps of Designer Series Paper that were just too big to throw away. So I made this card. The little cupcake is from Another Great Year stamp set (retired) and fussy cut... meaning I used my Paper Snips (103579) to cut it out. Current stamp set suggestions:  Birthday Surprise (134120 c, 134117 w) or the little cake from Little Buddy Birthday stamp set (133863 c, 133860 w). I punched a heart using the Owl Builder Punch (118074)  and the 1" circle punch (119868) for the background to the cupcake. The sentiment is from Yippee-Skippee stamp set (131344 c, 131341 w). Other than the fussy cutting and coloring the cupcake liner (Many Marvelous Markers 131264 or more choices on pages 179-183 in the annual catalog) this card goes together really quickly. The ribbon is retired but check out all the current ribbons on page 206-207!

This week the theme is Birthdays!

I make and mail about 25 birthday cards a month. So many people tell me it is the only birthday card they receive in the mail. I think that is kind of sad! So, there's no way I am stopping this "ministry" - that's what a friend in Chicago calls it.
Here's a quick and easy masculine card using the Stylish Stripes textured embossing folder (132174). Embossing folders can be used with the Big Shot (113439) or the Texture Boutique Machine (132657) and are a quick way to take your cards to another level. I've also used the Bitty Banners (129267) framelit (have to have the Big Shot for the dies and framelits) and the coordinating Itty Bitty Banners stamp set (126257 c, 132022 w).
Other than those little touches and punched stars it's all about layers. Multiple layers give your cards more dimension.

Buried Treasure!

All of today's cards were made using one of Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scrappin' packs. I was rearranging some things in my stamping studio last week and discovered this unopened pack. Who knows how long I've had it! While they no longer make these packages the cards may give you some ideas for design layout and for using some of your stamp sets and papers. I've made some matching envelopes for two of the cards using the Envelope Liners framelits (132172). It's a fun way to take your cards to another level and to use your Designer Series Paper. 

I used the Trust God stamp set (126702 c, 132094 w) in the top two cards and the photopolymer Another Thank You stamp set (136835) on the bottom card. I've found it helps to use the Stampin' Pierce Mat (126199) as a base for stamping with the photopolymer stamps. It helps to get even pressure and ink coverage.  

The Flower Patch photopolymer stamp set and coordinating Flower Fair Framelits (Bundle 136788 saves you 15%) would make beautiful cards in these layouts along with the All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack (133703). You get 48 (4-1/2" X 6-1/2") sheets in the stack (4 each of 12 double-sided designs). 

Or use the Beautiful Bunch stamp set (134282 c, 134279 w) and coordinating Fun Flower (133785), Petite Petals (133322), 1/2" circle (119869), 7/8" scallop circle (129404) punches. 

Tag Topper Punches

I have two cards to share today using the Tag Topper Punches. The first uses the Scalloped Tag Topper (133324) punch and then I used a square punch to notch the bottom of my tag. The sentiment comes from the Perfect Pennants stamp set (1332330 c, 133227 w).

The Make a Wish card was made using the Angled Tag Topper Punch (133323) and the Fringe Scissors (133325) for the lower edge. The sentiment is also from the Perfect Pennants stamp set (1332330 c, 133227 w).  I also used Starburst Sayings stamp set (133185 c, 133182) and coordinating Starburst framelits (132967). Ribbons are retired but there are so many pretty new ribbons in the catalog to choose from. Check them out on pages 206-207. Linen thread or Baker's Twine are great for using to secure the large ribbon. 

More Banner Cards

Since I used the Banners framelits in yesterday's card I decided to share a few other cards that I've made with banners.
This "Q" card uses the Banners framelit and the Star card using a square punch to create the banner.
For the "Q" card I centered a banner framelit on the largest piece of Designer Series Paper (cut to 5-1/4" by 4" here). Then I layered a coordinating piece of DSP under the cut out banner. The sentiment was stamped on Whisper White card stock and then cut using the smallest banner framelit. Quick and easy with the Big Shot (113439), Banners framelits (132173) and Magnetic Platform (130658).  The ribbon and DSP used here are retired but any of the new DSP packs would be pretty and I'd suggest using the new 1/4" cotton riboon or 1/2" seam binding (ribbons are on page 206-207 in the annual catalog) as the bow wouldn't be as bulky as in my card.

The star card was made using a square punch to notch the end of the strip of Designer Series Paper to make the banner. Then I used the DSP banner as a guide to cut the notches in the layers of card stock. The inside of the card has a 1/2" strip of glimmer paper (Silver 135314) layered along the bottom edge to add more sparkle. I used some retired star punches but the Stars framelits (133723) could be used. (CASE polkadotsand paper.com)
I think I'd use the current Confetti Celebration Designer Series Paper (133692) for the star card and Flowerpot (133698) for the other card but really any of the new papers would work.

Hexagon Hive Thinlit

Being a collector of all things bee, I had to have Stampin' Up!'s  Hexagon Hive Thinlit (132965)  the minute I first saw it. If you have this thinlit you can get very frustrated using it until you know the secret:  use a layer of wax paper (from your kitchen) between the thinlit and the card stock or paper you are cutting. Then the pieces just fall out neatly.
My cards today are

a CASE of Cindee Wilkinson.

Star card uses some retired star punches but the new Stars framelits would work. The sentiments are from a retired set but just about any sentiment you need could be substituted.
The flower card uses the Petite Petals stamp set (133155 c, 133152 w) and coordinating Petite Petals Punch (133322). I've used this stamp set and punch a lot. It's a really good investment!

Glue Dots (103683) and Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) lift the stars, flowers and banner off the card. The banner for the card was cut using my Big Shot (113439), Magnetic Platform (130658) and Banners framelits (132173).

Again, the background Designer Series Paper is retired but any of the new DSP would work. I really like the colors in the Sweet Taffy pack (133693) and the tiny patterns in the Flowerpot (133698) would work well with this card design.

Happy Together!

Okay, it's been a long time since I've posted on this blog. But one of my nieces has challenged me to post some of the cards I've been making.
So, here's today's card:

When Stampin' Up!'s new annual catalog came out earlier this summer I told myself I could not order any more Designer Series Paper until I had used up some of the packs I had. A pack of DSP paper goes a long way when making cards. So, I started to use some of the retired paper I had because I just had to have some of the new patterns in the new catalog. So, many pretty papers and colors.
This was some paper that was pretty but really plain so I pulled out the Chalk Talk framelit and some stamp sets and punches and got busy. (This is a CASE of a card I saw online but I can't find my source.) I will probably add some pearls (119247) to the center of the stamped scallops and the center of the three punched flowers before sending.
Since some of the supplies I used are retired I'll just suggest some current products that could be used to make a similar card.
Linen thread (104199)  to make the loops just like in the photo.
Designer Series Paper:  Park Lane (133694) could be used; pictured is a retired pattern
Card Stock: Night of Navy for card base, Whisper White for base and stamped pieces, Daffodil Delight and Cherry Cobbler
Ink:  Night of Navy for sentiment, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point and Cherry Cobbler for stamped images
Stamp Sets:  I used A Round Array (129090 c or 129087 w) for the Daffodil center on the large blue shape, A Dozen Thoughts (131059 c or 131056 w) for the sentiment, Other sets I used are retired (Vintage Labels and Mixed Medley for the blue and cherry scallops and Perfect Plaid for the design above the sentiment) Current sets that could be used: Polka-Dot Pieces (129708 c, 129705 w),  Daydream Medallions (126467 c, 131976 w) and coordinating Floral Frames framelits (127012) or switch the scallops to stars and use Be the Star stamp set (135734 c, 135731 w) and coordinating Stars framelits (133723) and for the design above the sentiment Work of Art (134114 c, 134111 w) or Draw the Line (133659 photopolymer)
Punches: 7/8" scallop circle (129404), 1-1/4" scallop circle (127811), 1-3/4" scallop circle (119854), Boho Blossoms (119858)
Big Shot (113439), Magnetic Platform (130658) and Chalk Talk Framelits (129983)