Jul 4 2017

Technique Tuesday-Golden Happy Birthday!!!

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! Happy 4th of July!!! Today I have a fabulous technique to share with you. This golden happy birthday with roses all over is just stunning! You know how I love bling with flowers and pink!!! Amazing!

Isn’t this card just stunning with that glimmer wording?? I love it! It was fairly simple to create as well!!

I started with a Sweet Sugarplum card base. Next I layered on a piece of Berry Burst (4″ x 5-1/4″) with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Since this card didn’t have a lot of dimension, I thought I would pop up a layer! Also, Berry Burst and Sweet Sugarplum look amazing together! Finally for the top layer, I used a piece of Whisper White measuring 3-3/4″ x 5″. The first step is to die cut the greeting in Gold Glimmer Paper with the Happy Birthday Framelit. I added the greeting to the card with a Sponge and Multi Purpose Liquid Glue but the Fine Tip Glue Pen works too!

Now for the beautiful roses, I used the Happy Birthday Gorgeous Stamp Set (Bundle & Save 10%)! For the bigger rose, I used Sweet Sugarplum Ink and stamped off once for the solid image. I used full strength ink for the outline image. For the smaller rose, I used Berry Burst and the same technique! Be sure to fall off the cardstock and stamp all around so it looks like the pattern is continuous. I used Old Olive Ink for the leaves. The mini leaves, I stamped twice before going back to the ink to get that variation in color. Once I was done with the flowers, I added this to the card base!

So I thought I would share with you the first card I made which I stamped all over the background first. Then I placed the greeting on top and it just didn’t POP like I wanted. I tried again by adding the greeting first and stamping around the greeting and it worked out so much better! Just thought I would share my boo boo card as well so you could see it doesn’t always come out right the first time but we keep on trying! 🙂

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

Jul 3 2017

Life Is A Beautiful Thing!!!

Posted on July 3, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Life Is A Beautiful Thing!!! It sure is and that is something we should remember every single day. This card is perfect to send to anyone. Just to let them know you are thinking of them. To brighten there day on a normal Thursday. For a special occasion that is totally worth celebrating!!!

The hardest part about this card is die cutting all those flowers but I used all 3 styles of flowers each time I cranked it through the Big Shot so it went fairly quickly!! With that amazing background, you could use any color combination for the flowers!!!

I started with a Dapper Denim card base. Next I layered on a piece of the Color Theory Designer Series Paper measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″! I picked this color for a more neutral color so the flowers would pop but now I totally think it looks like water! Then I die cut out a circle with the Layering Circles Framelits and stamped the greeting from the Colorful Seasons Stamp Set. I made sure to stamp the greeting to the right side of the circle so I could layer the flowers on the left side. For all of the little flowers, I used Crushed Curry, Berry Burst, and Powder Pink. I die cut them with the Seasonal Layers Framelits (Bundle & Save 10%)! I used Mini Glue Dots to adhere all of the flowers, making sure to overlap top of them. Next, I tied a bow with the Mini Chevron Crushed Curry Ribbon and stuck it in the mix with some Mini Glue Dots as well. To finish off the card, I added a few Glitter Enamel Dots! I just love how these things shine!

The Colorful Seasons Bundle is so much fun and I have made a lot of cards with it. You can check them out here, here, and here!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jun 30 2017

Extending the Life on Big Shot Cutting Pads!!!

Posted on June 30, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Friday!!! Today, I’m sharing a tip on extending the life on Big Shot Cutting Pads! If you are like me, you go through these things like crazy. My husband makes fun of me because I tend to use them way past their prime. He thinks I could eat cereal out of them because they are so curved! So I have tried out a few ways to extend the life!!!

I have tried this a few different times and ways and the way I’m sharing today seems to get the best results most often! To me they are no longer usable anyway so it’s worth a shot to try this. If it works that’s great and if it doesn’t I’m not really out anything since it was bad already.

Extending the Life on Big Shot Cutting Pads!

Place aluminum foil in a glass Pyrex Baking Dish with one Cutting Pad placed inside curved up. This helps because as it heats up it will flatten to the original form rather than into a lump.
Put it into a cold oven and turn the oven on to 350 degree.
Set the time for 10 minutes and it should be done. There were a few that needed a minute longer or so. When you take it out, it’s all flattened out and no more creases from all the die cutting. Allow it to cool before touching or moving it.

Sometimes they come out crazy and aren’t usable afterwords but I did a total of 6 pads this weekend and all but 2 came out perfect! One of them didn’t come out correctly because I put it into a warm oven after doing the first one. This made it melt too fast and it looked like this.

Another option that I tried was to place foil on top of it with another pan to press it down but that wasn’t necessary. It came out with impressions of the crinkled foil.

A few disclaimers to this technique – it won’t always come out perfect! Please be very careful with using the oven and dealing with hot materials. This is just an option for extending the life of your cutting pads and not necessary. You can always just buy new ones by clicking here.

I hope you all have an amazing weekend!!! See you back here on Monday!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jun 30 2017

Paper Pumpkin FLASH SALE!!!!

Posted on June 30, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Stampin’ Up! is having a Paper Pumpkin Flash Sale TODAY only!!! New subscribers can try out Paper Pumpkin for just $5.00!!!!

If you have been wondering what Paper Pumpkin is all about or would like to get started, TODAY is the day!!! It’s just $5.00 for your first month! That is a major steal because your first kit comes with a clear block to use on all future kits or any clear mount or photopolymer stamp set. It comes with stamps, ink, and supplies for the project inside. That’s a lot of goodie for just $5.00!!! Click here to get signed up!

You can cancel at any time or continue getting the kits each month afterwards! It is normally $19.95 (plus tax) each month! Of course, you also get a card from me each month as well! 🙂 Remember it is today only! Also, send this to a friend if you think they would be interested. Let me know about your referral and when the friend signs up, you will both get a gift from me!!! 🙂

Have a wonderful Friday!! Happy Stampin’

~Laura

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