Nov 7 2016

Forever Evergreen Project Kit!!!

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

When I first looked at the Holiday Mini Catalog and saw the Forever Evergreen Project Kit, I was like I need those!!!! The trees look perfect for decoration on an end table or buffet for the holidays!!! I’m not exactly sure when I’m going to display mine but we shall see. There are so many goodies in the kit and all of the trees are die-cut and scored so that is super handy! You can see the full reveal of the kit and the goodies here!

I’m not going to lie, I think it took me almost an hour to pop out all of the die cut pieces….which some of the images should probably be stamped before popped out so it is easier to line them up. It wasn’t all that hard but I think it would have been easier! 🙂 Also, there is so much leftover cardstock around the trees. I just had to save it for future projects because look at all of that. Here is one card that I used a lot of it on!

Here are all three of the trees looking fabulous!!! My husband did the kit with me. He did all of the trees which was fairly simple since they are already scored. You will fold them in half and add adhesive, place the next one on top folded in half. You will keep stacking them up until they are all in place and then add adhesive and bring the top around to the bottom to create the full circle. I added a Mini Glue Dot to the top and bottom to secure them so that maybe at the end of the season I can pop it open and store them flat. We shall see if that works!

This was the easiest tree because it is just ribbon and garland wrapped around it. This is the biggest tree and to be honest I think I would put the ornaments on the biggest tree because there are tons of those and you would be able to use more on the big tree. I wasn’t changing it after I had it all complete though. I also mistakenly added a small star to the big tree so I had to put the big star on one of the smaller trees!

I used a Hot Glue Gun for the start to secure the pieces together as well as to secure it to the top stick in the center of the tree.

This tree is probably my favorite. I hot glued all of the pieces together to each other and then to the tree. I placed the red berries and the laced pine cone piece down onto the Silicone Mat and then I added hot glue to the back of the stamped pine cone and pressed it over the 2. I added a little more hot glue to add the bow and let it all cool. Once it was cooled, I added some hot glue to the back and placed it on the tree. Stamping the garland was super easy and I glued each of them together by overlapping a half circle. I attached it to the back of the tree on top with a little adhesive and then wrapped it around and attached it to the bottom with a little adhesive. Love it!

This is probably my least favorite tree. The hardest part of this entire kit was assembling those little red ball ornaments. I think I broke 3 of them. You peel off the two backs and bring them around to stick to each other but before be sure to place a loop of linen thread in the top. Sounds easy…..but remember these are little delicate balls of tissue type paper so you can squeeze them and when you press them together, don’t smash it. Oh my goodness, it stressed me out! This tree did turn out super cute. I did 9 of each of the ornaments on this tree and it wasn’t even half of all of them given in the kit. There are TONS!!!! If I am able to store them flat and enjoy this kit again next year, I can create all new ornaments! Look at all of the leftovers!

This baggie has all of the leftover pieces from the kit. There is tons of ribbon, ornaments, hooks and so much more! I love that Stampin’ Up always give you plenty of supplies!!! If you would like to order your Forever Evergreen Kit, click here! Don’t forget to get the coordinating Forever Evergreen Stamp Set! Let me know what you think of it if you get it or let me know what you think of mine in the comments below!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Nov 4 2016

Warmth & Cheer Washi Card!!!

Posted on November 4, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Washi Tape is one of those things that comes in amazing prints and colors but you may not know how to use it. I feel like I use it in ways many other don’t. I like using it for backgrounds on my cards or borders. I usually don’t use it as “tape” to secure a focal point or in my scrapbook. I love how it can create so many beautiful looks so feel free to use however you wish!!! 🙂 Just have fun with it!

I started with a Crumb Cake card base. Then I took a piece of Whisper White (4″ x 5-1/4″) and laid a piece of the Warmth & Cheer Designer Washi Tape diagonal across the piece a little lower than the center. There is no right or wrong angle or spot to place the first piece. Just place it down. Then you will want to stamp your greeting above that piece. You can use any of your favorite greetings. I used one from the Stitched With Cheer Stamp Set from the Holiday Mini Catalog in Crumb Cake Ink! Then I continued to fill in the rest of the cardstock with more washi tape. Continue to use that same angle from the first piece you placed down. I just rip the ends and fold them to the back side. Simple and no scissors necessary! Once you have filled it all in, place it on the card base and you can add embellishments. I added a few Pearls but you could always use Enamel Shapes, Rhinestones or Sequins!

I have done a few other samples with other styles of Washi Tape here! Also, I did a Video Tutorial with yesterday’s post showing this card as well! You can check that out below or click here!

How do you like to use Washi Tape? Let me know in the comments as I would love to hear all the different ways you like to use it!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Hate fussy cutting? Check out the Big Shot and all it can do with die cutting, embossing and so much more! Get yours for FREE when you enter my Big Shot Giveaway! Click here for details.

Nov 3 2016

Quick & Simple Holiday Cards!!!

Posted on November 3, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

This time of year calls for quick and simple because it is a crazy time of the year. Well check out these amazing and simple cards that you can create with any Designer Series Paper of your choice!!! We all love all of the patterns there are out there or have tons of them that we are hording to that perfect project!!! Well this is the perfect project because you can use both sides AND you use every single inch of the 12″ x 12″ sheet! No waste!!!!

I used the Presents & Pinecones Designer Series Paper for these samples. You can pick your favorite and cut it all into 4″ x 4″ squares! That is 9 cards from each sheet of Designer Paper!

I started with Whisper White card bases and then cut the 4″ Square diagonally. There is no right or wrong way to cut it and no measurements. You can go from the top left to bottom right or bottom left to top right. Just place it in the Stampin’ Trimmer at an angel and go for it! I will say it you are making multiples, be sure to keep the 2 pieces together and not toss them all together. This way you know which ones pair together! 🙂

You will want to set one of the pieces on your card base as a guide to stamp. Stamp your greeting and any extras as you wish. I used the Peaceful Pines Stamp Set for the greeting and little snowflakes. I did the greeting in Delightful Dijon Ink and the snowflakes in Mint Macaron Ink. I just picked the colors from the list of colors provided on the Designer Series Paper package. This makes it super simple! Now that you greeting is on, you can adhere your pieces of designer paper above and below! You are all set!!! How simple is that??? This One Sheet Wonder is perfect for making lots of cards very quickly!

If you would like to see this all in action and another fabulous quick card, check out my Video Tutorial below or click here! I will be posting the other sample shown in the video tomorrow! 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!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Busy this season? I’m here to help you with your Holiday Cards! Sign up for Cut For Christmas for an easy way to get your card-making done quickly this time of year. Click here for more information!

Nov 2 2016

October 2016 Paper Pumpkin – Season of Gratitude

Posted on November 2, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Oh my goodness, check out these beauties!!! I have recently started playing more with Shaker Cards so I was excited to see this kit!!! Check out more shaker cards here and if you would like to see my excitement for this kit as I reveal it, click here! The sequins in this kit are just stunning!!!

Here are all of the goodies that came in the kit – stamps, Chocolate Chip Ink, card bases, envelopes, sequins, Baker’s Twine, and adhesives!!! Everything you need which is fabulous for beginners and lots of stamping fun which is perfect for any crafter!!

After stamping the crackle image on each of the colored squares, I adhered them to the card base and added the Adhesive Foam Stripes provided! Then I poured in the 3 sizes of gorgeous sequins!!! Then I placed the top (vanilla leaves) over the sequins with the window sheet over the open leaves.

I always am in need of Thank You Notes so I stamped all of my banners with the same greeting from the set. Even after tying all of the banners, I still had all of that Baker’s Twine left. How amazing!?!?!

Aren’t they fabulous??? I’m not even a huge fan of fall but, oh my goodness, the sequins have stolen my heart!

The coordinating envelopes have a fabulous matching inside. I am so in love! You totally do not want to miss another month of Paper Pumpkin! Click here to get signed up for the November Paper Pumpkin Kit! Once you are a subscriber, you can purchase past kits as well! Click here to check out those kits…including this fabulous one!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Nov 1 2016

Technique Tuesday – Christmas Pines!!!

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! I hope you are having an amazing week so far! Today I’m going to show you the beautiful Christmas Pines Stamp Set and how real looking it is!!! I love it!

I just love how real the pine branches and pine cones look!!! The branches are 2 step stamping and the pine cones are 3 step stamping! It does take a little practice but no worries, you got this!!! I have faith in you! 🙂

I started with a Garden Green card base! Then I took a piece of Very Vanilla (4″ x 5-1/4″) and started by stamping the pine branches in the upper left corner. I used the Christmas Pines Stamp Set for all of the image. First I stamped the wider needle image in Garden Green Ink (stamped off once) and then I stamped it with the skinnier needle image in Garden Green Ink (full strength). Even if the needles don’t match up perfectly, it is okay because it just makes for a fuller branch. Also, always remember that it is stamped with love and not perfection! 🙂 The image is large so be sure to press in the middle of the branch as well for a nice even image. Now for the pine cones, I used Chocolate Chip Ink for all 3 images. I prefer to use one ink pad for my multi-step stamping because it reduces supplies needed but it also has a nice gradual look rather than one color popping more than the others. I started with the smooth solid image, stamped off twice and then onto my cardstock. Then I took the diamond pine cone image, inked it in Chocolate Chip, stamped off once and then on top of the solid image. You will line things up with the bubble part on the top and the ripples along the sides. Now for the final image (the triangle pine cone image), you will ink it in Chocolate Chip and stamp it full strength. You can see the diamonds through the stamp to help line things up as well as the top and sides like before. For the greeting, I took a 1-3/4″ x 3-1/2″ strip of Cherry Cobbler and added banner tips to the end. You can use the Banner Triple Punch or scissors. If you use scissors, cut straight up in the center and then diagonal from the corner to that middle line. Then I took a 1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ strip of Very Vanilla and stamped the greeting from the Christmas Pines Stamp Set in Cherry Cobbler Ink. I added the banner tips to this piece as well and layered it onto the cherry banner. If you need to trim off some on the length you can do so to make them match. I added the greeting to the lower right corner of the card. Then I added some of the Gold Twine from the Baker’s Twine Trio Pack around the top a few times and tied the knot in the back. I added this piece to the card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals to give a little texture to the card and for a smooth look since the twine is wrapped around. Now you are all done!!!

If you would like to see this 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!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Don’t forget about my Cut For Christmas Offer this season!!! Click here for more information!

Nov 1 2016

Laura’s Big Shot Giveaway!!!!

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

You read that right!!!! I’m giving away a Stampin’ Up! Big Shot this month!!! I love love love mine so much and use it with almost every card I create. I feel like everyone should have a Big Shot in their craft room so this month I’m giving one away!!!

Here’s how it works:

When you place a minimum of a $50.00 order using the Hostess Code: HSQJBEPD you will be entered for a chance to win a BIG SHOT!!!! So check out your wish list or think about your upcoming projects or gift giving items and get shopping!!! Click here to start shopping now! This special will run from November 1^st to November 17^th! The winner will be drawn on Friday, November 18^th at 1:00 p.m. (Central Time).

~This special is open to United States residents only!
~Orders will be shipped directly to you when placed online with the Hostess Code: HSQJBEPD
~You will enter the Hostess Code: HSQJBEPD on the bottom right hand side of the page when you are looking at your Cart!
~Be sure to click “yes” for contact when filling out your profile so I can see your name for the order you placed. If I can’t see who placed the order then I can’t enter your name in the drawing!
~Minimum of 12 people needed to participate in order for the Big Shot to be given away. If fewer participate, the winner will get Stampin’ Up! Bonus Bucks to use towards product!

Happy Shopping!!!!

~Laura

Oct 31 2016

Warm Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses!!!

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

I love how embossing folders can create such amazing cards on their own! Add a little greeting and some accents and you are golden! I also love how easy it is to pop a piece of cardstock into a folder and run it through the Big Shot. No lining up, hoping it doesn’t move, and popping it out!

For this card, I started with a Rich Razzleberry card base! Then I took a piece of Whisper White (4″ x 5-1/4″) and ran it through the Big Shot in the Softly Falling Embossing Folder. I added some Silver Satin Ribbon across the cardstock and adhered the ends on the back side. If I recreated this card, I would probably place the ribbon down a bit farther so the greeting wasn’t so high up. You can place it anywhere you would like – middle, top, or bottom! For the greeting, I stamped it from the Tin of Tags Stamp Set in Rich Razzleberry Ink. Then I punched it out with the Decorative Label Punch. I also punched out another one in Silver Foil Paper. I cut the silver label in half and placed half on the top portion of the greeting and the other half on the bottom portion of the greeting. You can see that in action here!

I added the greeting to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals for a little more texture and dimension. Love it!!! This card would be perfect any time throughout the holiday season or winter season! Do you send Christmas cards, New Year’s cards, Winter cards or none at all? Let me know in the comments below!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Oct 28 2016

Fast Friday!!!

Posted on October 28, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

The weekend is almost here and so I thought I would share a quick and simple card!!! Some may think this is super basic and needs a little something more and some may think it’s fabulous! I’m somewhere in between.

I started with a Whisper White card base and added some Candy Cane Lane Designer Washi Tape along the top and bottom. Then I took the Candy Cane Christmas Stamp Set, which is in the same suite and has coordinating images, and stamped in the middle of the card. I stamped the greeting in Basic Black to make it pop and the single gumdrops in Real Red Ink. That’s it!!! Quick and Simple!!!

If you are looking for a quick and simple holiday card, I am offering a special this season – Cut For Christmas! I do all of the cutting and all you have to do is stamp and assemble. I look forward to helping you during this busy time of year!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Oct 27 2016

Designer Tin of Cards!!!

Posted on October 27, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Check out these amazing cards in the Designer Tin of Cards Kit!!! I kind of like how this card kit has a big array of colors using the different patterns from the Designer Series Paper Packs! There are some regals, brights, and subtles! I LOVED the Tin of Cards from last year. You can check that out here. I knew I needed this kit as well. After all the little tin is super cute and I feel like I need to collect them all! Last year it was mint and white and this year it is navy and white!!!

Isn’t it amazing??? I love it! There are dividers in the kit so you can stamp the titles from the Designer Tin of Cards Stamp Set on them and create the perfect tin of cards to keep yourself or give as a gift!!!

There is a category for all of the cards you need throughout the year!!!! Now onto the cards in the Designer Tin of Cards Kit!

This set of cards uses the pattern/theme from the Moroccan Designer Series Paper (part of the Buy 3, Get 1 Free Special!). I stamped the greetings from the Designer Tin of Cards Set. I adhered the sequins on with the Fine Tip Glue Pen!

I really really like these cards. There is something about that simple navy and white look with a little touch of gold! So beautiful!!! This set of cards uses the style from the Floral Boutique Designer Series Paper (part of the Buy 3, Get 1 Free Special).

I love these cards because of the bright colors. I am realizing I really need some of the Festive Birthday Designer Series Paper (part of the Buy 3, Get 1 Free Special), which is what this style is from.

These cards use the Affectionately Yours Specialty Designer Paper theme and they are perfect for graduation, wedding, engagement, and so much more!

Which one is your favorite??? Let me know in the comments below! I really enjoyed making these cards and love the samples. The hardest part was trying the bows onto the paper clips but the rest was super easy and fun!!!

If you would like to see the unboxing and reveal of this kit, check that out here or click below! Don’t forget to give it a thumbs up if you liked it! Be sure to subscribe if you are new as I post every Tuesday and Thursday!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Check out this fabulous offer for the Holiday Season!!!

Oct 26 2016

Three Little Trees!!!

Posted on October 26, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

The Totally Trees Stamp Set from the Holiday Mini Catalog has so many perfect little trees for every holiday and season! You can check out a few others here, here and here! And now I’m going to show you all about this Christmas style tree!!!

I started with a Whisper White card base. Then I took a piece of Whisper White (2″ x 4-1/4)) and stamped the tree from the Totally Trees Stamp Set in Garden Green three times across the paper! I added the little stars on top of the trees with Crushed Curry Ink. I layered this piece onto Real Red cardstock measuring 2-1/2″ x 4-1/4″. Then I added this to the card base and stamped the Merry Christmas from the Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set. That is my favorite stamp set for greetings for all occasions!!! You could use any greeting of your choice for this one! I finished the card off with a little Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine from the Baker’s Twine Trio Pack tied into a bow!! I love it!!!

Don’t forget that the Buy 3, Get 1 Free Designer Series Paper Sale ends next Monday!!! Click here to start shopping!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura