Jun 29 2017

Cheerful Cherry Blossoms on a Tree!!!

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

This cheerful cherry blossoms on a tree card is just stunning. You all know I love flowers and the new In Color Berry Burst! Add some bling with this Glitter Enamel Shapes and I’m in heaven!!! 🙂

I started this card with a Berry Burst card base. Next, I layered on a piece of the Color Theory Designer Series Paper. I’m loving the designs of this paper stack so very much! Then I stamped the dots from the Timeless Textures Stamp Set just for some added color.

For the cherry blossom branch, I stamped and die cut it all using the Colorful Seasons Stamp Set and Seasonal Layers Framelits (Bundle & Save 10%)! The branch was done in Soft Suede and the flowers use Pink Pirouette and Berry Burst. There are a lot of different styles of flowers in this bundle. I adhered them all together using the Fine Tip Glue Pen and some Stampin’ Dimensionals on the bigger flowers. I just loving having texture and dimension on my cards!

For the greeting, I used a scrap piece of Whisper White 1/2″ x 4″ and stamped it from the Colorful Seasons Stamp Set. This is a great way to use up scraps. Go with whatever size you have available. It could be wider or shorter, as long as it fits the greeting. I snipped some banner tips into the ends by cutting a straight line in the middle and then cutting diagonally from the corner to that straight line. Next, I took a Delicate White Doily and cut 1/3 of it and adhered it to the back of the greeting. When I can get 3 cards from 1 doily, I’m super excited!!! 🙂 Finally, I added the greeting to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals. To finish off the card, I added a few Glitter Enamel Dots randomly around the card. That extra texture and little bit of bling is perfect!!!

If you would like to see this all in action, check out the Video Tutorial below or click here! It’s great to know what all of the pieces of each flower are for! 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

Jun 28 2017

To Think Of You Is To Smile!!!

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

To Think Of You Is To Smile is the perfect greeting for any occasion greeting card! I would love to get a card like this on a special occasion or just a random day!!! Wouldn’t you?!?!

Also, I’m loving the color combination of Melon Mambo, Lemon Lime Twist and Pool Party. Isn’t it perfect together?

I started with a Melon Mambo card base and adhered a strip of Lemon Lime Twist Fresh Florals Designer Series Paper across it. IMPORTANT TIP: Only add adhesive on the outside edges of the designer paper since the middle will be die cut. Next, I used the Eastern Medallion Framelits to die cut out that fabulous image. I placed the framelit in the middle of the designer paper strip. After die cutting, I snips the edges of the designer paper to take it off the design and reveal the Melon Mambo. This is why it is easier if there isn’t adhesive in the middle! 🙂

Now it is time for the greeting! Using the Layering Circles Framelits, I die cut out one in Whisper White and one in Lemon Lime Twist. Next, I stamped the circle and greeting from the Eastern Beauty Stamp Set onto the Whisper White circle and layered them together. Bundle the Stamp Set and Framelits together and save 10%! Using the Gold Metallic Thread, I wrapped it around my fingers about 10-15 times. Then I pulled the loops off my fingers, twisted into a figure 8, and placed them on the back of the greeting. Using Stampin’ Dimensionals, I secured the thread exactly where I wanted it to flare out! Then I peeled off the backing and place it in the center of my card!

For the final step, I placed a piece of Pool Party cardstock (4″ x 5-1/4″) on the inside front panel of the card. Be sure to only add adhesive around the edges of the cardstock so there isn’t any adhesive peaking through the die cut image.

Are you in love with the Eastern Palace Suite like I am? Let me know in the comments below. If you aren’t, check out these samples here, here, and here and then you just might be!!! 🙂

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jun 27 2017

Technique Tuesday – Creating a Drop Shadow Greeting!!!

Posted on June 27, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! You know that means I have a fabulous technique for you today and that is creating a drop shadow greeting!!! There are so many color combinations that you could do for this card. I love it!!!

This is a perfect Man Card and we all know I struggle with those since I love PINK! I am also loving this Night of Navy and Lemon Lime Twist color combination too! Perfect!!!

I started with a Lemon Lime Twist card base. Then I took a piece of Whisper White measuring 4″ x 4-1/4″ to use for the greeting. Using the Happy Birthday Framelit, I die cut the greeting in Night of Navy and Lemon Lime Twist. For adhering them onto the Whisper White, there is always the Fine Tip Glue Pen! If you find that hard to use, try out this technique. I use a Silicone Craft Mat, Sponge, and Multi Purpose Liquid Glue. Just pounce in the glue a bit and then all over the die cut image. This gives the perfect amount and nice even coverage. First, I laid down the Lemon Lime Twist greeting. Second, I added the Night of Navy greeting just a smidge down and over from the other one. This gives that drop shadow look! Be sure your greeting is up high on the cardstock so that the rest of the design doesn’t cover it.

Now to assemble the card! I took a piece of Night of Navy (2″ x 4″) and ran it through the Big Shot in the Oh My Stars Embossing Folder. Next, I adhered this to the lower portion of the white piece, making sure it was the correct size for my card front. Then I placed a strip of Finely Woven Ribbon in Lemon Lime Twist across the cardstock where they meet together. I added this piece to the card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals! For the mini greeting, I used the Happy Birthday Gorgeous Stamp Set (Bundle & Save 10%). I punched the greeting out with the Classic Label Punch and added it to the card with Mini Stampin Dimensionals! I just love it!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jun 26 2017

My Favorite Card Right Now!!!

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Monday!!! I just have to share with you my favorite card right now! I don’t know what it is about this card but when I first saw it, I fell in love so hard. The idea is from the amazing, Sara Douglas and I just had to recreate it. It’s so amazing!!! I hope you love it too!

Isn’t this card just stunning with all the images coming together to make this masterpiece?? I’m loving it so hard right now!!! I really need to try different color combinations to really see what I can come up with! Let me know some combinations to try in the comments below!

I started with a Tranquil Tide card base. Next I took a piece of Very Vanilla (4″ x 4-1/4″) and die cut out the pieces in the circle with the Eastern Medallion Framelits. There are 2 different ones in the set and I just picked one; either would work! Then I started stamping with the Eastern Beauty Stamp Set (Bundle & Save 10%). First, I stamped the circle in the center and the greeting! Second, I stamped the 3 dots between each of the double triangles. I found that rotating the cardstock for each stamped image was best. When I tried to angle around myself, I ended up with the dots a little diagonal. Finally, I stamped the triangle of dots between each of the row of dots. While it does look pretty intimidating, just do each section and take your time, it will all come together and look amazing!

I just love how the more you stamp, the more it evolves into this cool image! Now it is time to assemble. I wanted the die cut portion to really pop out so I added a square of Tranquil Tide (3″ x 3″) to the center of the Eastern Palace Designer Series Paper (4″ x 5-1/4″). I added some Gold Ribbon around the stamped Vanilla piece with a Mini Tassel tied into the bow! Next, I added the stamped Vanilla piece to the Designer Paper with Stampin’ Dimensionals, securing the ribbon under the Dimensional. Using the Gold Vinyl Stickers, I added a border piece above and below the Vanilla stamped piece. I just love it!!!

I hope this gives you more inspiration for ways to use the Eastern Palace Suite. You can check out other samples here, here, and here!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jun 23 2017

New Stamp Set & Paper Storage!!!

Posted on June 23, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Friday everyone!!! Today I’m sharing with your my NEW Stamp Set & Paper Storage. I had mentioned about 2 months ago getting 2 new pieces of furniture for my stamp room. You can see the first one here and today I’m sharing the second one.

Here it is!!! I can’t believe how much the white brightens up the room! There is a window directly to the right of this photo so these pictures have a bit of a shadow from that light. The room in general is so much brighter from these 2 pieces of white furniture. It’s crazy! My stamp table is to the left of the photo and I sit right in front of this while stamping. I love having everything so close to grab and go. I will say that the middle section that looks all cleaned off right now….it’s not normally like that! 🙂

Here is the top section which holds my Stamp Sets! I only have 2 Stamp Sets in the old clam shell cases (Teeny Tiny Wishes & Thoughts & Prayers). I have already filled the shelf of stamps so I might have to make another row below next to my ribbons. We shall see. I have my inspiration/loves/reason for doing what I love in the photos at the top! <3 The shoe boxes on the right side have all of my ribbons in them. Finally my Enamel Shapes, Thread, and some of the Baker’s Twine is on the left side.

The little drawer in the middle has some of my tools in it – Stampin’ Scrub, Stampin’ Trimmer, Embossing Paste, Embossing Knives, and Watercolor Pencils! By the way, I am loving the embossing paste so stay tuned to lots of samples and tutorials using it! 🙂

Next up is the bottom section of paper storage! There are actually doors to this bottom section. We decided to leave them off since opening them would be hard with me sitting so close by. I purchase Stamp N Storage Paper Storage for all of my cardstock. You can check them out and get 10% off by clicking here! I love these things. They are super sturdy and allow me to really see what I have. While they are pricey, I know that they aren’t going to break or sag like some of my past paper storage has. I think these are about my 3rd or 4th piece of paper storage and these are AMAZING!

I have each color in a tray and a cellophane bag with scraps in there as well. This helps me use my scraps and clean up really quickly. See that little box on the floor on the right….that’s what I use to put scraps in. It would get out of hand and I would hate to dig so I just tossed pieces in there and it was a mess. I still have a few colors in there while I wait for more cellophane bags to arrive! I just love it! The drawers on the left side hold my embellishments like Pearls, Rhinestones, Doilies, and Washi Tape.

I hope you enjoyed this little post on how I store my craft supplies close to me for easy use. It’s probably time I do another Stamp Room Tour now that I have these 2 new pieces of furniture. You can check out the latest one here!

Have a wonderful weekend and see you back here on Monday!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jun 22 2017

2017-2019 In Color Bookmarks!!!

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

I have had a lot of requests to do a video on my 2017-2019 In Color Bookmarks after showing them in the Up Close & Personal video that I did. I love hearing from you on what you would like to see so here you go!!!

Aren’t these just beautiful? I made 50 of them for each Annual Catalog release and they go out with the first 50 catalogs. I love spoiling my stampers! 🙂

These are super easy to make especially when making them in bulk because assembly line it. First, I created my template in Word with all of the names of the 2017-2019 In Colors as well as a little Stampin’ Up logo and contact information. I was able to get 5 bookmarks per sheet. You can download that template here – In Color Bookmarks 2017! I left it in a Word Document so that you can change it up for your favorite colors or last years In Colors or even next years. Next I printed them out and cut them apart (2-1/4″ 7″). Then I stamped the flower from the Colorful Seasons Stamp Set in each color. I used the New 2017-2019 In Colors for my flowers! Again, I did this in an assembly line and stamped all of one color on each of them and then moved to the next color.

Now that the insert is all complete, I slide it into the Bookmark Sleeve. I picked these up on Amazon. You can check them out here! Sometimes they can be a little sticky when sliding it in the first time as the sleeves are static cling a bit. This is another reason I cut my bookmarks to be a bit smaller than the sleeve so they slide in well. Finally, I added some ribbon to the top loop. I used the Finely Woven Ribbon which comes in each of the In Colors. I used about 5-6″ of ribbon, folded it in half and pushed that fold through the hole from front to back. Then I pulled the ends through that loop that was created and pull tight. This gives that nice little ribbon accent without tying a knot or using adhesive.

If you would like to see this all in action, check out the video tutorial below or click here! Be sure to give it a thumbs up if you liked it and subscribe if you are new. Also, let me know in the comments below if there is something you would like to do on the next Video – a product up close and personal, a technique, answer stamping questions, stamping tips, etc! I would love to hear from you!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jun 21 2017

You Are A Ray of Sunshine!!!

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

It’s Wednesday and we are half way through the week! Here is a little something to brighten your day and help you get through the week! Just know you are a ray of sunshine! Just breath out and smile!!!

Here is another fabulous blue and yellow card and I just love it. Is this my new color combination that I will be using all the time now??? Check out this card for another fabulous blue and yellow combo!

For this card, I started with a Whisper White card base and layered on a piece of Color Theory Designer Series Paper (4″ x 5-1/4″). I just love this ombre pattern. Next, I placed the card base opened up onto my Precision Base Plate with the scallop die along the bottom and ran it through. This die is from the Seasonal Layers Framelits. Be careful that the die is centered so it doesn’t hit the edge of the Big Shot and move or bend. I like to use a Post-It Note to hold dies in place while die cutting!

Now it is time to decorate. I stamped the little circle from the Colorful Seasons Stamp Set diagonally from the lower right to the upper left corner in Crushed Curry. I stamped 3 times with each time I inked it up. This variation in color goes along with the ombre paper. Next, I tied some of the Crushed Curry Mini Chevron Ribbon around the top of the card and into a knot.

For the greeting, I used the Colorful Seasons Stamp Set (Bundle & Save 10%) and stamped it in Dapper Denim Ink. Then I punched it out with the Pretty Label Punch. I punched out a second one in Dapper Denim and cut it in half. I added one half to the top portion of the greeting and the other half to the bottom. Using Stampin’ Dimensionals, I added it to the card front. Finally, I finished off the card with some Glitter Enamel Dots in the various shades. These things are just beautiful!!! I love them!!

What is your favorite color combination right now? Let me know in the comments below! I would love to try some new ones out!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jun 20 2017

Technique Tuesday-Layering the Eastern Palace Suite!!!

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

Happy Tuesday!!! Today’s technique is all about laying the Eastern Palace Suite!!! I used the Eastern Medallion Framelits, Eastern Beauty Stamp Set, and Gold Vinyl Stickers for this amazing card! Isn’t it beautiful?!?!

The layers and details of this card just give such a WOW factor. I know this isn’t a card I would make every day for every occasion. It’s always fun to go above and beyond for that one special card sometimes. Let’s get started!

I started with a Tranquil Tide card base and layered on a piece of the Eastern Palace Designer Series Paper (4″ x 5-1/4″). Next, I took a piece of Very Vanilla (3-1/4″ x 4-1/4″) and die cut out the circle in the upper left corner. I used the small circle and the next layer up circle from the Eastern Medallion Framelits. There are lots of different cut out creations you can make. Then I stamped the circle from the Eastern Beauty Stamp Set (Bundle & Save 10%) in Fresh Fig Ink. Now it’s time to put on the Gold Vinyl Sticker. The sticker will fall off on the left side and maybe the top depending on where the die cuts were placed. It’s important to do these layers in this order because otherwise this happens…..

Notice how the stamped circle is messy and missing a portion on the left hand side, that’s because I stamped after the sticker. The circle fits like just perfectly or doesn’t fit just perfectly so stamping afterwards is not a good deal. Some of the stamped image went onto the sticker and then just smeared off. By stamping first, it is underneath the sticker and peaks through perfectly no matter what! I stamped the greeting from the Eastern Beauty Stamp Set after adding the sticker so I knew it would be placed at the edge of the image!

Now it is time to assemble! I layered the stamped vanilla piece onto a piece of Tranquil Tide (3-1/2″ x 4-1/2″) flush with the upper left corner with Stampin’ Dimensionals. The dimensionals give that nice little peekaboo for the die cut potion. Next, I layered this onto the card base, again placing it flush with the upper left corner. To finish off the card, I tied some Vanilla Baker’s Twine around the card and added 2 of the Mini Tassels.

Since I didn’t want to waste that little piece of Gold Vinyl Sticker that I trimmed off. I placed it on the inside of the card for a little decoration piece! I love it!

If you would like to see this all in action, check out the Video Tutorial below or click here! Be sure to give it a thumbs up if you liked it and be sure to subscribe if you are new! I post a new video every Tuesday and Thursday! Also, check out more samples using the Eastern Palace Bundle here, here, and here!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jun 19 2017

PART 2: Hello Friend Daisy Card!!!

Posted on June 19, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

I just love flowers and I think this Hello Friend Daisy Card fits the bill perfectly!!! This is the Part 2 to last weeks Two In One Daisy Card! You can check that out here!

Isn’t this just heaven for all my flower lovers out there??? I love it and those soft colors of Wisteria Wonder and Calypso Coral are amazing!!!

I started with a Calypso Coral card base and layered on a piece of Wisteria Wonder (4″ x 5-1/4″). Next, I took a piece of the Delightful Daisy Designer Series Paper (3-3/4″ x 5″) and layered it on top. This paper is where I got my color combination inspiration. Now for the greeting, I die cut a square using the Stitched Shapes Framelits and the Big Shot. These are some of my favorite framelits because that added texture of the stitch gives your project so much more WOW! I love them!

I stamped the greeting from the Wood Words Stamp Set because I needed a small but bold greeting. This one was perfect. I stamped the flowers from the Daisy Delight Stamp Set. These are 2-step stamping flowers so I was able to add different colors. I used Old Olive Ink for the greenery and Wisteria Wonder Ink for the flowers. I added in some Tranquil Tide greenery on another card I created and liked that look as well.

Now it’s time to build onto the card front. I added the stamped square to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Then for the large daisy flower, I used the one stamped and punched from the other card I made. I stamped and punched one more daisy out to layer them together. I used Calypso Coral Ink and the Daisy Punch. Next, I add the Daisy to my card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals too, making sure it is right next to but not on top of the greeting piece.

Now you have 2 amazing cards and using up all of the pieces. Don’t forget you can check out the Video Tutorial on both of these cards here! May no scrap, punched image, or piece of ribbon go to waste!!! 🙂

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jun 16 2017

Happy Father’s Day To Each and Every One of You!

Posted on June 16, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

While I’m not sure how many men I have that follow me, I would like to wish a Happy Father’s Day To Each and Every One of You!

Happy Father’s Day…

…to all of those who children of their own!

…to all of those who have step-children!

…those of you with fur babies!

…to all of those who are wishing and hoping for a baby!

…to all of those who have lost a child!

…And most of all to those who act fatherly to those around them!

Each and every one of you falls into one or more of these categories! Just like Mother’s Day, I feel like everyone should celebrate Father’s Day! Whether you are spending the day with family, your children, or your fur-babies, I wish you the best day ever! Today is your day to celebrate and enjoy!

Thank you for being kind, caring, and fatherly to those around you and those you encounter! It’s not easy being a Father but it is very rewarding! May you have all the rewards today and every day!

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend celebrating and I’ll see you back here on Monday!!! I have so great techniques, a ribbon share, and a lot more!! Don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list and get a Card Making Cheat Sheet! You can do so in the upper right corner of my website when on a computer or scroll to the bottom of the page if looking on a mobile device!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura