Mar 10 2017

Falling In Love Suite!!!

Posted on March 10, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

I’m falling in love with the Falling In Love Suite from the Occasions Mini Catalog! The Designer Paper, bling-y embellishments, stamps and framelits!!! I typically don’t care for the little embellishments but when I saw these in person, I was blown away. They are just so beautiful! Let’s get started on this beauty!

I started with a Soft Sky card base and added a piece of Falling In Love Designer Series Paper to the front! Using the flowers from the So In Love Stamp Set, I stamped a few onto the designer paper. I used Soft Sky Ink. This gives a fun little texture and pattern to the background! Next, I die cut the little belly band in Very Vanilla with the So Detailed Thinlit Dies. Technically, this piece is for a belly band to slide onto the card but I used just the front portion. I simply cut off the little tabs and adhered it to the card front. Using the coordinating So In Love Stamp Set, I stamped the greeting in the center of the belly band.

I finished off the card with a bow using the 1/4″ Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon. It was adhered to the card using Mini Glue Dots!!! For the little bling, I tied some Metallic Gold Thread around it and then around one of the loops on the belly band. That little Falling In Love Embellishment is just so beautiful! It is rather chunky and might not go through the mail very well but it’s fabulous! I love it!!!

You can purchase the So In Love Bundle (stamp set and thinlits) and save 10%!!! Click here for the set in clear! Click here for the set in wood! As if save 10% wasn’t enough, you can pick out a FREE Sale-A-Bration item when you get the wood bundle and if you add another item for $2.50 or more to the clear bundle! In fast, just get that amazing Falling In Love Designer Paper or Embellishments. Woot Woot! How amazing!!!! Don’t forget that Sale-A-Bration ends on March 31st and the items are while supplies last so get them before they are gone!

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

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 9 2017

Coloring Flowers to Highlight the Pattern!!!

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

I have really started to love coloring especially when you don’t have to color all of it! Coloring flowers to highlight the pattern like I did in this sample is just as powerful! It makes the flowers pop and the background of black and white is fabulous too! Less coloring means more time to make multiples!!! 🙂

I started with a piece of Melon Mambo for my card base. Then I cut each piece of the Inside the Lines Sale-A-Bration Designer Paper into 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ squares. I punched opposite corners with the Corner Rounder Punch for some added texture. Next, I colored the flowers to highlight the pattern with the Watercolor Pencils and a Blender Pen. You really don’t have to use the Blender Pens. If you like the pencil look or if you want the image to stay bold and dark (if you press hard), just color and stop there! Once all of the pieces were colored, I layered the squares onto a piece of Old Olive cardstock measuring 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″. Next, I added this piece to a piece of Whisper White (3-3/4″ x 5″) with Stampin’ Dimensionals. I stamped the greeting at the bottom in Melon Mambo Ink from the Designer Tee Sale-A-Bration Stamp Set. Finally, this was then layered onto the Melon Mambo card base and I finished it off with some Brights Enamel Shapes (melon mambo and old olive).

If you would like to see this all in action, check out the video tutorial below or click here! Don’t forget to give it a thumbs up if you liked it and be sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss out on future videos! I post every Tuesday and Thursday!

Do you like to color? Does it overwhelm you? Have you selected the Inside the Lines Designer Paper as one of your FREE Sale-A-Bration items? Let me know in the comments below!!! Also, don’t forget that as we come to the end of Sale-A-Bration, the items will run out so don’t wait till the last minute. The Card Tin is already gone!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 8 2017

Something You Always Should Have On Hand!!!

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Sympathy and Thinking of You cards aren’t always what I think to create but they are ones that you always should have on hand. These are the cards that you can’t always plan for like Birthdays so it’s always good to have a few on hand for when you need one. I really like sending out Thinking of You cards. I send them out when someone is nervous about a project at work, dealing with a lot of craziness in life, or just because to brighten their day! You can also use thinking of you cards for sympathy as well.

This card is quick and simple and easy to whip up lots of them in no time at all. I started with a Very Vanilla card base measuring 4-1/4″ x 11″. I cut a piece of Sweet Sugarplum (4″ x 4″) and layered on some Falling In Love Designer Series Paper (3-3/4″ x 3-3/4″). That is layered and placed near the top of the card. Next, I stamped the greeting from the Flourishing Phrases Stamp Set in Sweet Sugarplum Ink. Another great set that I like to use is the Thoughts & Prayers Stamp Set. To finish off the card, I added some ribbon around the card. This is why I went with the 4-1/4″ x 11 card base!!! I used the Metallic Gold Ribbon which comes in the Sale-A-Bration Ribbon Pack with Metallic Silver Ribbon. You can pick this as one of the free items when you order $50!

I created 9 of these cards in no time at all with just that 1 sheet of the Falling In Love Designer Paper! You can see a few other samples using this card style here and here! I love One Sheet Wonders because I never want to waste my Designer Series Paper. Also, when making multiples with one sheet of paper, you can mix and match and use both sides. This takes the stress out of it and wondering which side you are going to glue down! 🙂 Let me know your favorite in the comments below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 7 2017

Technique Tuesday – Coloring with the Fine Tip Glue Pen!!!

Posted on March 7, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! That means I have a fabulous technique to share with you today. It’s a fabulous one today – coloring with the Fine Tip Glue Pen!!! Check out this glossy frog…or toad!

How adorable is he? I colored him with some re-inker in my Fine Tip Glue Pen! I got this idea from the fabulous Sara Douglass, Stampin’ Up! CEO. Let’s get started!

~ Card Instructions ~

All you need for this technique of coloring with your Fine Tip Glue Pen is the glue and the color of your choice in Ink Refills! I have a few bottles of Fine Tip Glue so to not make a big batch, I poured as much as I could into the other 2 bottles. There was maybe 1/3 of the bottle left and I did 10 drips of Cucumber Crush and it was BRIGHT! I ended up adding some glue back to it. I would go with maybe 3-5 drops and then add more if you want a bolder color! You can always add more but you can’t take it out! 🙂 Shake well and then color with the fine tip! It’s super fun and simple because you are literally coloring with the fine tip and can get into small spaces too!

For this card, I stamped the toad from the You’re Sublime Stamp Set in Basic Gray Ink onto Whisper White. Then I took the colored Fine Tip Glue and filled him in. I actually did his eyes in regular/uncolored Fine Tip Glue. Allow this to dry. It will take at least an hour depending on how thick it was applied. As it dries you will notice the color is darker in certain spots! I love how that works! Coloring with the Fine Tip Glue Pen is super fun and there are endless possibilities! For my card base, I used Cucumber Crush and layered on a piece of Pacific Point that I ran through the Big Shot with the Seaside Embossing Folder. I added a few loops of Whisper White Baker’s Twine to the back of the toad and added it to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

If you would like to see this all in action, check out my Video Tutorial below or click here! Be sure to give it a thumbs up if you liked it and don’t forget to subscribe if you are new! I post every Tuesday and Thursday!

What color would you add to your Fine Tip Glue Pen?? Let me know in the comments below! I’m thinking I need to do Melon Mambo and do the tips of flowers for that dew and highlighted look! How amazing would that be?!?!?

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 6 2017

February 2017 Paper Pumpkin – Many Happy Birthdays!!!

Posted on March 6, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

How fabulous is this February 2017 Paper Pumpkin Kit?!?!?!?! I love the pull tab concept and the beautiful candle look with that gold glimmer flame! Love it!!! You can see the entire reveal of this kit on my video here!

This kit came with all of the goodies shown above – 2 ink spots (bonus), stamps, 9 envelopes, adhesive, and supplies for the 9 cards. The only thing included but not pictured above is the invitation inserts. The kit included little cards that said Date, Time, Place, Etc to use these cards as birthday invitations. Since I just did all birthday cards, I have those to use on future invites or as a white card using the back side!!!

Of course the instructions came with the kit as well. TIP: READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! I did not as I am more of a visual person and I thought while I was watching a video, I would fold and assemble all of the candle bases. After this was done, I read the instructions for the rest of the card and realized I was suppose to stick the flame in each one before sealing it closed. Opps! Crisis averted when I used my Paper Snips to open the little tops and slide in the candle flame! It was easy!

I actually pulled out my Crushed Curry Ink Pad as well for some more color! I really had fun decorating each of these and the envelope flaps! Also, there are little grooves so you can add a gift card or note! Super fun!!!

Did you get the February 2017 Paper Pumpkin Kit? Do you love it? Let me know in the comments below!

Did you know that you can get a 3 month subscription for Paper Pumpkin for $4. off AND you get to pick out a Sale-A-Bration item for FREE! Woot Woot! That means you will get 3 ink spots, 3 sets of stamps, 3 different projects and a Sale-A-Bration item all for $55! That’s 3 months of fun! Click here to purchase the subscription today and get started this month!!! Want to pay as you go with Paper Pumpkin and cancel at any time, click here to get started!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 3 2017

Succulents Growing on a Brick Wall!!!

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

I have been having so much fun with the Oh So Succulent Bundle! These little succulents growing on a brick wall are one of my favorites! I went with the same color theme as the Succulent Garden Designer Paper. You can see more cards I created with these products here, here, and here! Now let’s get started on this card!

~ Card Instructions ~

I started with a Calypso Coral card base. Then I took a piece of Whisper White (4″ x 5-1/4″) and ran it through the Big Shot in the Brick Wall Embossing Folder! I stamped the greeting from the Any Occasion Sale-A-Bration Stamp Set in Calypso Coral Ink. Since that stamp is curved for a banner, I just straightened it out a little for this project!

For the succulents on a brick wall, I used the Oh So Succulent Stamp Set to stamp the outline images first and then I die cut them out with the coordinating Succulent Framelits. You can purchase these two items together a save 10%. Spend just $1.50 more and you can pick out a FREE Sale-A-Bration item too! 🙂 I did the 6 layered flowers in Old Olive cardstock and stamped the tips of the 3 largest flowers with the little “bean-looking” stamp in the set and Whisper White Craft Ink. To give the petals some curl, I ran them over my Bone Folder like curling ribbon! I used Sweet Sugarplum, Mint Macaron, and Calypso Coral for the other flowers. A few of the flowers were adhered flat and a few were popped up with Stampin’ Dimensionals! You can always do as many or as few flowers as you wish! I love it and the fun bright colors!!!

What is your favorite color to use for succulents? Let me know in the comments below! Also, don’t forget that this is the last month of Sale-A-Bration. Every $50 order, you get to pick out a free Sale-A-Bration item! Woot Woot!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 2 2017

Any Occasion Banners Stamp Set!!!

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Banners are super cute and perfect for any occasion which is why these Any Occasion Banners are amazing! The Any Occasion Sale-A-Bration Stamp Set is made up of all types of banners – different greetings, tassels, scallops, flags, and so much more! They are perfect using them as decoration or as the greeting. Let’s get started on how I created this amazing card!

~ Card Instructions ~

I started with a Smoky Slate card base and took a strip of Elegant Eggplant measuring 1-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ and placed it on the card front as a guide for the scallop border! Using the little scallop image from the Any Occasions Stamp Set, I stamped it in Elegant Eggplant Ink all down the card. It is okay if it isn’t perfectly straight because you can place the strip down over all the edges. After the border is complete, adhere the strip to the card front. Then I punched some Silver Foil Paper with the 1-3/4″ Circle Punch. I used the 2″ Circle Punch to punch the Elegant Eggplant circle. The large Whisper White circle was die cut with the Layering Circles Framelits.

Now for stamping the banners. I laid the stamps down on the table for a second to allow them to keep their shape. Then I pressed the clear block over the top. If you place it on the clear block, it may result in it being straightened out or curved incorrectly and then it won’t stamp over the string correctly. I used Smoky Slate Ink, Basic Gray Ink, and Elegant Eggplant Ink. Just have fun with it and angle each of the banners side to side. You can add different banner greetings and decorations as you wish! I added the white circle to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals and the other two circles flat. I finished it off with a few Rhinestones. The card is simple and fabulous and you can mix the colors up as you wish!!!

Which Sale-A-Bration item is your favorite?? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 1 2017

Inside the Lines Designer Series Paper!!!

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

When I first saw the Inside the Lines Sale-A-Bration Designer Series Paper, I thought it looked beautiful but a little intimidating! That is a lot of coloring…..and time consuming….at least for me who isn’t a big fan of coloring. I enjoy coloring a little bit but only to make 1 card or only a small amount. Then I got this idea from Stampin’ Up back in November when I attended the OnStage Event. You only have to color one small square and it looks AMAZING!!!

~Card Instructions~

I started with a Calypso Coral card base and stamped the greeting from the Avant Garden Sale-A-Bration Stamp Set in Calypso Coral Ink all over the background. I stamped a few times to get those various shades. It is super fun that you can read some and others are falling off. It is a super cool look and adds more meaning to the card!

Next, I took a piece of the Inside the Lines Designer Series Paper measuring 2-3/4″ x 3-1/2″. You will want to cut a 1″ strip from the left side (or right, it doesn’t matter either way). With the leftover piece, I cut it in half creating two 1-3/4″ squares. Now it’s time to color and you can pick whichever section you would like. I colored mine with the Watercolor Pencils and Blender Pens. I adhered the designer paper to the middle of the card and added some Basic Black Baker’s Twine to the left hand side, tied into a bow. For the greeting, I die cut the circle from the Stitched Shapes Framelits (smallest one) and stamped the greeting from the Avant Garden Stamp Set. I added the greeting to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Love it!!!

This is the card I created at the Stampin’ Up! OnStage Event. We did the greeting a little differently with some of the Burlap Ribbon and banner tips! I just decided to mix it up and go with my own take on it! Both are super fabulous and have the same concept!

Which one is your favorite??? Let me know in the comments below – stitched shape greeting or burlap banner greeting!!! Don’t forget that you can get the Inside the Lines Designer Paper for FREE through the end of March as your Sale-A-Bration item! Every $50 order, earns you a Free item from the brochure. Remember that there are 3 new items that were released at the end of February! You can check those out here! Click here to start shopping!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Feb 28 2017

Technique Tuesday – Creating a Marbled Background!!!

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

Happy Tuesday!!! You all know what that means!!! I have a super fun technique to share with you – creating a marbled background!!! Check this out!!

Isn’t the background super cool?? It is super easy as well. All you need are ink pads and baby wipes!!! I got this technique from fellow demonstrator, Sandy Jacobson! I love sharing ideas!!!

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Ink Pads, Baby Wipes

For creating the marbled background, I started with a piece of Shimmery White cardstock measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″. You can use regular Whisper White or Very Vanilla cardstock if you wish! It works the same with all but I liked the little hint of shimmer! Next, I took a wet baby wipe and balled it up and very lightly tapped it into an ink pad and then pounced all over the cardstock. I used Bermuda Bay Ink, Cucumber Crush Ink, and Pumpkin Pie Ink. You can pounce with each color as little or as much as you wish. It’s as simple as that! Super fun and comes out different each time. You can mix and match any color combination!

To finished the above card off, I placed it onto a Bermuda Bay card base. I stamped the birthday greeting in the lower right corner from the Balloon Adventures Stamp Set. The die cuts came from the Stitched Shapes Framelits in Cucumber Crush and a t-shirt from the T-Shirt Builder Framelits in Bermuda Bay. I stamped the front of the shirt with the Suite Sentiments Stamp Set. Next, I added the t-shirt to the square with Stampin’ Dimensionals to make it look a little more 3D. I added loops of Whisper White Baker’s Twine to the back of the square, securing it with Stampin’ Dimensionals and then adding it to the card front! Perfect Man Card!

I used Wisteria Wonder Ink and Rich Razzleberry Ink for this one. For the decoration, I stamped the lady from the Beautiful You Stamp Set in Basic Black and her dress in Rich Razzleberry. The greeting was done in Wisteria Wonder. I went over her dress with a Wink of Stella Pen which added a little shine and blended it together a bit. I used the leftover bit of ink on the tip to color in her hat. Then, I layered this piece onto Silver Foil Paper and added it to the card front. To finish it off, I added a few White Perfect Accents. Love it!

If you would like to see this all in action, check out the Video Tutorial below or click here! Don’t forget to give it a thumbs up if you liked it and be sure to subscribe if you are new! I post every Tuesday and Thursday!

Have fun trying this out yourself! What color combination will you use? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Feb 27 2017

Watercoloring Flowers in Bright Colors!!!

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

I just love any and all flowers and even more during this time of year! Spring is near and flowers will start blooming and shining bright! The colors of it all are just stunning! Watercoloring flowers in bright, fun colors is even more fun!!!

~ Card Instructions ~

For this card, I started with a Tip Top Taupe card base measuring 4-1/4″ x 11. You can create this card on it’s side like I did or up and down! It’s all up to you! Also, I went with a neutral base so that I can color the flowers in any color and it would match! I took a piece of Very Vanilla (4″ x 5-1/4″) and stamped the flowers and greeting from the Avant Garden Sale-A-Bration Stamp Set. This is one of the sets you can get for Free with every $50 order which is even better! I stamped the images in Basic Gray Ink which is great for watercoloring and it’s not as bold as black is! Not it is time to color. I used the Watercolor Pencils to color in the flowers. For the card above, I did the watercoloring flowers with Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, and Calypso Coral. I colored the stems and leave in Old Olive. The easiest way to color these is you add color on the lines/dark spots of the flowers and then blend the colors around with a Blender Pen. Pink Lillies, www.LaurasStampPad.com

For this one, I used Melon Mambo and Old Olive! It might not be so obvious in these photos but after I blended the flowers, I went back through with the pencil and colors on the dark centers again to add shadows and texture to them! Once I was finished coloring, I added this to the card base! Finally I finished it off with some Metallic Ribbon which comes in both gold and silver! This is another one of the Sale-A-Bration items that you can pick as your FREE item! Get those items on your wish list and stock up on cardstock and adhesive so you can pick out tons of fabulous Sale-A-Bration items now till the end of March!

You can see more samples using this set and ribbon here and here!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura