Dec 22 2017

All the Metallics!!!

Posted on December 22, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Friday!!! I thought I would share one more card before Christmas! This one is rather simple and uses up little pieces you might have! I just love mixing all the metallics!!!

This card is fairly basic but there are a few tricks that I would like to share. This is the first one that I created and I did more afterwards that were even more fabulous!

TIP #1: When you are embossing a big image like this Winter Wonder Embossing Folder, it is best to lightly spritz the cardstock with water. This allows the cardstock to be soft when the embossing folder pushes and pulls the fibers into the image. When I spritzed the cardstock, I had fewer creases like the one you can see a bit at the top of the card.

TIP #2: Mixing and matching metallics is so in right now so don’t be afraid! Gold, Silver, Copper, and Champagne can be mixed together!

TIP #3: I used the Silver Ribbon for this sample but after it was smashed (it happens in envelopes and my stack of samples) it did not look as good. Since this ribbon is a little more stiff, it just smashed rather than laying nicely as loops. I used Silver Sequin Trim on the others and it was even more fabulous!

I started with a Whisper White card base measuring 4-1/4″ x 11″. Next, I embossed with the Winter Wonder Embossing Folder in the middle! Using the Year of Cheer Washi Tape, I added copper washi tape to the top and bottom. The pack comes with copper, silver and gold so you can create lots of these using the different colors!

Using some Silver Foil Paper and the Year of Cheer Designer Series Paper, I punched out circles with the 2-1/4″ Circle Punch and 2″ Circle Punch. For the greeting, I stamped it in Basic Gray Ink from the Snowflake Sentiments Stamp Set. I used the 1-3/4″ Circle Punch to cut it out! With the greeting upside down, I placed the Silver Ribbon (or Silver Sequin Trim) down and added Stampin’ Dimensionals down to secure it in the fun loops! Of course I used probably 4 or 5 of them on the little circle! 🙂 You all know I’m an over-user of those things. I finished off the card with a few Rhinestones! If you use the sequin trim, you can always pull a few off and add those all over with some Fine Tip Glue Pen.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, safe travels, good times, and hearts full of joy!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Winter Wonder Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

[144686]

Year Of Cheer Specialty Designer Series Paper

[144640]

Year Of Cheer Specialty Washi Tape

[144644]

Snowflake Sentiments Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[144820]

2″ Circle Punch

[133782]

1-3/4″ Circle Punch

[119850]

Silver Sequin Trim

[138399]

Dec 20 2017

The Warmth of Christmas!!!

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Wednesday!!! Here in Illinois you never know what the temperature is going to be for Christmas….it could be cold or warm. Either way this card makes it cozy with the warmth of Christmas!!!

I started with a Night of Navy card base. Then I cut to pieces of Whisper White measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″ (one for the inside and one for the outside). Next, I stamped the larger snowflake from the Snowflake Sentiments Stamp Set in Night of Navy Ink on the corners. The smaller snowflakes are from the coordinating Swirly Snowflakes Framelits (Bundle & Save 10%). I used the Fine Tip Glue Pen to adhere them to the card.

For the greeting, I stamped it from the Snowflake Sentiments Stamp Set in Night of Navy Ink. This stamp set has some amazing greetings! I love it! Next, I die cut the circle with the Layering Circles Framelits. Then I layered it onto a circle die cut from the Stitched Shapes Framelits! I added the loops of Silver Metallic Thread to the back for a little texture and bling. To do this, I wrapped it around my four fingers 8-12 times, slid the loops off my fingers and twisted them into a figure eight. Then I placed the loops on the back of the greeting and secured them with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Just place a dimension in the spot you want the thread loop to be! I added the greeting to the middle of the card and finished it off with a few Rhinestones!

This card would be perfect for winter as well, just change up the greeting!!! Do you make winter birthday cards with a winter theme or similar to cards all year long?? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Snowflake Sentiments Clear-Mount Bundle

[146053]

Fine-Tip Glue Pen

[138309]

Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies

[145372]

Silver Metallic Thread

[138402]

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

[144220]

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126970]

Dec 18 2017

Oh Joy!!! The Holidays are Here!!!

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Monday!!! It’s the week before Christmas and some may be saying Oh Joy!!! That might be an exclamation or a sarcastic remark, either way, this card is super fabulous and the Holidays are here! Whether you are ready or not, it’s here!!

I love the bling on this card the most and that greeting is so simple and yet powerful!

I started with a Whisper White card base. Then I added a piece of the Year of Cheer Designer Series Paper (retiring) measuring 4-1/4″ x 5″! After, placing the designer paper down, I added some gold washi tape on either end from the Year of Cheer Washi Tape pack. There is silver and gold in the pack so you could pick either one! Next, I added some Whisper White Baker’s Twine around the top of the card and tied it into a bow. Before the final bow, I slide on one of the Year of Cheer Embellishments!

Now for that fabulous greeting! I took a piece of Whisper White 1-1/2″ wide and punched the end with the Banner Triple Punch. I stamped the greeting in Basic Gray Ink from the Watercolor Christmas Stamp Set. The little snowflakes are from the Snowflake Sentiments Stamp Set and I stamped off once before stamping on my project for a lighter look! Then I took a piece of Gold Foil Paper 2″ wide and punched it with the Banner Triple Punch too! Before, layering these together I added 3 little bumps from the Foil Snowflake (retiring) to the bottom! Then I added this all to the card front. I love the little bits of bling and how that washi tape looks just as fabulous as foil paper but much cheaper and thinner! Perfect!!!

Don’t forget that many of these items are retiring on January 2nd. Some of these are on sale which is super fabulous! Get them before they are gone. Start shopping here!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Dec 13 2017

Let It Snow……Or Not!!!

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

I am not a fan of snow so while some may say let it snow……I am not saying that! 🙂 While it’s super pretty and I enjoy it coming down, I wish it would melt and be gone quickly! Do you love snow? Let me know in the comments below!

I started with a Soft Sky card base. Then I placed a piece of the Merry Little Christmas Designer Series Paper (4″ x 5-1/4″) in the middle. I actually used some from this pack and some from the Merry Music Designer Series Paper Pack as well. Any black snowflake design will work! Next, I took a piece of Silver Foil Paper (1-1/2″ x 5-1/4″) and added a piece of Soft Sky Classic Weave Ribbon down the center. I just wrapped the ends to the back side of the foil paper and then added it to front of the card!

For the greeting, I used the Merry Little Labels Stamp Set and coordinating Everyday Label Punch (Bundle & Save 10%). I stamped the greeting in Basic Black Ink onto Whisper White cardstock. Then I punched it out. Remember it is always best to stamp first and then punch it out because it is easier to line up the image in the punch than it is to line up the stamp on a small punched image. Of course, I used Stampin’ Dimensionals to add the greeting to the card front. You all know I love those things but I also like how it looks smooth over the ribbon and all as well.

So then I had a thought……is this card good or does it need a little more? A few Enamel Shapes in Soft Sky or another color? The struggle was real and I finally just did 2 cards, one with and one without. In my classes, some used them and some did not!

This card is great for Christmas but also for any Winter occasions! Let me know what you would use it for in the comments below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Merry Little Labels Clear-Mount Bundle

[146030]

Merry Little Christmas Designer Series Paper

[144621]

Silver Foil Sheets

[132178]

Soft Sky 3/8″ Classic Weave Ribbon

[144160]

Dec 12 2017

Petal Garden One Sheet Wonder!!!

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! That means I have a fabulous technique to share with you and it’s a One Sheet Wonder! I know how much you all love these!!!

I created these 6 cards using various pieces from the Petal Garden Designer Series Paper Stack. I’m going to show you how I cut and created these as well as how you can make a lot more from this one stack! Let’s get started!

You can always use the front and back of one sheet for a card like this but I went with 2 different sheets! The smaller floral piece is 3″ x 2″ and you can get 6 pieces from a full sheet of the paper with no waste!!! I layered that onto a piece of Calypso Coral measuring 3-1/4″ x 2-1/4″ and I tied a piece of Calypso Coral Sheer Ribbon. The striped piece measures 5″ x 2″ and you can get 3 of these pieces from one sheet with a small leftover piece. I layered this piece onto Pool Party (5-1/4″ x 2-1/4″). The greeting was from the Special Occasions Mini Catalog Stamp Set and I used the Everyday Label Punch for the words and the background piece! I finished off the card with a few Enamel Shapes!

The top card was created with the floral piece measuring 2″ x 5-1/2″ and the green stripes measuring 1-2″ x 5-1/2″. You can get 2 cards from each sheet with this style. I added some Rich Razzleberry Sheer Ribbon. Then I used the greeting from the Specials Occasions Stamp Set and I used the Classic Label Punch.

The lower card uses a piece of designer paper measuring 2″ x 5-1/4″. You can get 3 pieces of the designer paper from each sheet with this style! I used the Scallop Squares Framelits for this greeting and the same Special Occasions Stamp Set. I love the Silver Foil scallop and those little Metallic Enamel Shapes!

Next up, the card on the top, I used a piece measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″. While I love this big piece, you can only get 1 piece from each sheet. The 2 leftover pieces can be used in other styles! I added some Whisper White Classic Weave Ribbon. I added a little Old Olive Mini Chevron bow that I created using the Fork Bow technique! The greeting was stamped from the Beautiful Bouquet Stamp Set onto an oval from the Stitched Shapes Framelits!

The lower card uses a piece of designer paper measuring 2″ x 5-1/2″. You can get 3 pieces from each sheet. I layered this onto Pool Party (2-1/4″ x 5-1/2″). The greeting is from the Special Occasions Stamp Set on an oval from the Stitched Shapes Framelits. I finished off the card with a few White Perfect Accents!

This is another card that you could use the same sheet for both pieces. I went with 2 different sheets. If you use the same sheet, cut a piece measuring 5-1/4″ x 4″ and then cut it in the middle (or off if you wish for a larger piece on top or bottom). I cut the bottom piece into a 3″ x 4″ piece which you can get 2 pieces for a card like this and have leftovers. The upper piece measures 2-1/4″ x 4″. You can get 2 pieces like this from one sheet with leftovers as well. I used the Beautiful Bouquet Stamp Set for the greeting. The greeting uses the Stitched Shapes Framelits, Scallop Circle Framelits and a Water Tea Lace Doily. I added a little ribbon using the Old Olive Sheer Ribbon. This helps to cover up the over lap of the 2 papers!

Since there are 4 sheets of each paper in the stack, you can get over 50 cards using these patterns. There are also a few sheets in the stack that I didn’t use so you could use those to create even more! How fabulous is that?!?!?! I love One Sheet Wonders because they are quick and simple and require very little supplies. I used 2 stamp sets, 5 colors of ink pads, and only a few colors of cardstock! That’s why these are my fabulous!

If you would like to see this all in action, check out the Video Tutorial below or click here! Be sure to give the video a thumbs up if you liked it and don’t forget to subscribe if you are new. If you would like a notification when I post a new video, be sure to click the bell right next to the subscribe!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Petal Garden Designer Series Paper Stack

[144168]

Special Celebrations Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[143885]

Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin’ Pad*

[115658]

Calypso Coral Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126983]

Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies

[145372]

Dec 11 2017

City of Bethlehem!!!

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Monday!!! Awhile back I showed you this simple, all stamping card with the Night in Bethlehem Stamp Set! Today, I’m showing this City of Bethlehem “stepped up” card using the coordinating Bethlehem Framelits!!!

This card is just stunning with that double layer of the city but does require a little bit more work with using the Big Shot.

I started with a Night of Navy card base. Next, I cut two pieces of Whisper White measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″. One piece is for the front and the other is for the inside since Night of Navy is such a dark color so writing on white is better! Before adding the white to the front, I did all of the stamping. This way if I make a mistake I can flip it over or grab another piece. First, I die cut the two villages with the Bethlehem Framelits; one in Night of Navy and the other in Silver Foil Paper. I adhered the two together and then added Stampin’ Dimensionals on the back to add it to the card front.

Now for the stamping!! First, I stamped the star in Crushed Curry Ink and then the greeting in Night of Navy Ink. If you wish to stamp before adding the city, you can place it there as a guide, stamp, and then add it. Just go with whatever you are more comfortable with. Be sure that the greeting is low enough to add the ribbon! Next, I added this piece to the card front and tied the Night of Navy Crinkled Seam Binding around the card. To finish it off, I added some Rhinestones for a little more bling!!!

I did play around with this one for a while wondering what to add and my spacing. Mary and Joseph just looked so big in front of the city but I was trying to get them in there. I could have put the city up higher and it would have looked more “in the background” but I was happy with what I came up with. Do you ever have that where you spend forever trying to get the placement and idea to all come together?? Let me know in the comments below! Also, let me know if you prefer the simple stamped one or this stepped up version!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Night In Bethlehem Clear-Mount Bundle

[146044]

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126970]

Crushed Curry Classic Stampin’ Pad

[131173]

Silver Foil Sheets

[132178]

Night Of Navy 5/8″ Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon

[144189]

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

[144220]

Dec 5 2017

Technique Tuesday – Blending Roses!!!

Posted on December 5, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! You all know what that means! I have a fabulous technique to share with you today!!! I am showing you how to create these stunning roses with the New Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers!!!

This rose is so much fun!!! Some of these samples are from my amazing Stamp Club attendees and the others are ones I created! Shout out to Janet, Mary, and Kacie!!

I started with a Whisper White card base! Then I cut the black layer (4″ x 5-1/4″) and another Whisper White layer (3-3/4″ x 5″). I didn’t assemble these layers till after I was done stamping and coloring….just in case I made a boo boo! Using the Graceful Garden Stamp Set, I stamped the rose and the greeting in Memento Black Ink! This is the ink you must use when playing with the Blends because it won’t bleed.

Now for the coloring! This is where you can go simple and easy or go all out and adventurous. You will notice in some of the samples at the top I mainly just colored in the petals. I did the center with the light and did the outside with the dark. Then I added a few dark accents to the middle for a little variation of color. For the stem, I did either light or dark. Then on the petals, I did a little combination of either the center or the outside in the dark and blended it together for the rest.

For the light pink flower above and a few more samples below, I got more adventurous and really had fun with the coloring. I did the stem from the top to the leaves in dark and then blended and coloring the bottom in light. This gives the stem a little more variation in color. For the rose, I colored the edges of all the petals in the dark and then blended it in with the light! I LOVE this look! It’s so stunning and really gives the entire rose an amazing look!

You can see the colored petals better on this flower in Daffodil Delight and then I started coloring in with the lighter marker. After filling in the flower completely, I go back though and blend it to reduce any lines.

I feel like I have like 10 more roses to show off but I’ll stop with this one! This red rose was done basic with a light colored stem and dark leaves. I did the rose with a light center and dark edges and accents.

After coloring, I layered the pieces the together and added some Metallic Edge Ribbon around it. Then I added this to the card front and finished it off with a few Metallic Enamel Shapes! Let me know your favorite color in the comments below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Graceful Garden Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[143849]

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

Old Olive Stampin’ Blends Markers Combo Pack

[144597]

Cherry Cobbler Stampin’ Blends Markers Combo Pack

[144598]

Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends Markers Combo Pack

[144603]

Pink Pirouette Stampin’ Blends Markers Combo Pack

[144604]

Nov 28 2017

Technique Tuesday – Embossing Vellum!!!

Posted on November 28, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! You know what that means! I have a fabulous technique to share with you today! We are embossing vellum!!!

I have been having so much fun with this Quilt Bundle! You can check out a few more samples here and here!

I started with a Pool Party card base and stamped the little flower from the Christmas Quilt Stamp Set. I stamped it in Pool Party Ink for just a subtle background look. Next, I took the dotted flower image and stamped it with VersaMark. Using White Embossing Powder, I heated the image with the Heat Tool to set it. This gives a little texture and more pop of color. Then I took a piece of Vellum cardstock (1″ x 4″) and ran it through the Big Shot in the Quilt Top Embossing Folder. I just love how it comes out all white and textured! Amazing! Vellum can be tricky because you can see adhesive through it. I only added adhesive on the left hand side where I put the flower. Between adding the flower on top and having the greeting on the left, it was nice and secure!

Now for all the decorations! I stamped the solid flower image in Blushing Bride Ink onto Whisper White scraps. Using the Quilt Builder Framelits (Bundle & Save 10%), I die cut out the 2 flowers. I simply off set the 2 flowers for that fuller look on the flower. Then I added this to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Of course, I needed even more texture but I also wanted the flower secure over the bumps of the embossed vellum. I finished that off with a little White Accent in the middle! For the greeting, I stamped it from the Beautiful Bouquet Stamp Set in Lemon Lime Twist Ink. I tied a little bow of Whisper White Baker’s Twine around the greeting and added this to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals as well.

I love that color combination of Blushing Bride, Pool Party, and Lemon Lime Twist. Soft colors but also a bit of a pop too! It’s always fun to try a new color combination!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Christmas Quilt Photopolymer Bundle

[146026]

Vellum 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[101856]

Quilt Top Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

[144687]

White Stampin’ Emboss Powder

[109132]

Heat Tool

[129053]

Versamark Pad

[102283]

Nov 22 2017

All Stamping For This Bethlehem Card!!!

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Sometimes I like to go with all the layers and details and sometimes it’s all stamping like in this Bethlehem card!!!

This card is super simple because it only uses one stamp set and four ink pads. All stamping and just the one layer!!!

I started with a Dapper Denim card base. Next, I cut a piece of Very Vanilla (4″ x 5-1/4″) for the front and for the inside. I did this card many times and used vanilla and white. The vanilla gives a more rustic soft tone and the white gives a brighter clean look. Since the base is rather dark/deep, I used a piece for the inside to write my message on.

Of course, don’t put the piece on the front until after you stamp! Using the Night in Bethlehem Stamp Set, I started with the village first in Crumb Cake Ink. I inked it up and stamped it three times without going back to the ink pad. This is how I got that variation of colors. Next, I stamped the star in Crushed Curry. Mary and Joseph were stamped in Dapper Denim Ink and the greeting in Chocolate Chip Ink. After all of the stamping, I adhered it to the card front and finished it off with some Rhinestones!

Every once in a while, I enjoy a simple card! Sometimes basic is just as fabulous! What about you? Do you like all the layers and foo foo or sometimes a simple stamped card? Let me know in the comments below!

Don’t forget about the Online Extravaganza going on this week! Click here to start shopping!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Night In Bethlehem Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[145282]

Crumb Cake Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126975]

Dapper Denim Classic Stampin’ Pad

[141394]

Crushed Curry Classic Stampin’ Pad

[131173]

Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126979]

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

[144220]

Nov 21 2017

Technique Tuesday – Peek Through Quilt Card!!!

Posted on November 21, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! That means I have a fabulous technique to share with you today! This Peek Through Quilt Card is super cute and perfect for Christmas. Change up the colors and it would be great for many other occasions too!

From the front, it just looks super cute but then when you open it, the real WOW factor is shown off!!!

I started with a Real Red card base measuring 11″ x 4-1/4″. After folding it in half for the card base, open it back up and place it in the Big Shot with the square quilt framelit on top. This is from the Quilt Builder Framelits. I eyeballed it for placement from the top and then used Post It Notes to hold the frame in place with markings on either side to center it. Check out the video below. I did this a few times and sometimes I just eyeballed the entire placement. It still works! Just go for it!

For the decorations on the front, I used a piece of the Quilted Christmas Designer Series Paper on the bottom. Next, I placed just a small piece of the Delicate White Doily on the right hand side. I was able to get 3-4 of these pieces from each doily depending on how I cut it. Simply add just a hint of adhesive at the top of the designer paper and press the doily into it. Then I tied some of the Quilted Christmas Ribbon around the card front and into a knot.

Now for the inside where all the magic is! I placed a piece of Whisper White in the center and stamped the greeting from the Christmas Quilt Stamp Set (Bundle & Save 10%) in Real Red Ink. Make sure the greeting is low enough that your greeting doesn’t get covered by the quilt square. For the quilt square, I used the Layering Squares Framelits. That scallop edge just adds even more to this warm and cozy sweet card. First, I stamped the dotted image in Real Red Ink. Then, I stamped the inserts in Pool Party and Garden Green Ink. After stamping, I added this piece to the scallop red square.

Now for the placement to the inside of the card and yet still making sure it peeks through correctly. I added adhesive to the back of the scallop and held it in front of the die cut window. Holding it there, all lined up, I shut the card and slowly pulled my fingers out. You will notice that the sample above is a hint tilted but I’m okay with that because it still lines up perfectly when closed.