Jul 23 2016

Happy 3 Year Blogiversary & Giveaway!!!

Posted on July 23, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

I can’t believe that I have been sharing my love for stamping with you all here at Laura’s Stamp Pad for 3 years. It has been wonderful and I can’t wait for all of the years to come!!!

My Top 5 Most Viewed Post!!!

Something Borrowed One Sheet Wonder Card Set

December 2015 Paper Pumpkin Kit

Holiday Work of Art Cards

Technique Tuesday – One Sheet Wonder

Technique Tuesday – Card In A Box

Thank you all for reading, commenting, and sharing my blog! I really appreciate it and love reading all of your comments. The ideas you share or inspiration you give is fabulous! You all really mean a lot to me! THANK YOU!!!

To celebrate this amazing Anniversary, I am offering a FREE GIFT for everyone who places an online order today through tomorrow (July 23rd & 24th). Click here to start shopping and if you use the Hostess Code AAKCMDAZ your name will also go in a drawing for a $25.00 Gift Certificate!!! Also, don’t forget that you will be earning Laura’s Loyal Stampers Points as well! How fabulous is that?!?!?! You can get some of your favorite supplies, a free gift from me, the chance for a $25 Gift Certificate and Laura’s Loyal Stamper Points. Woot Woot!

Don’t forget about the $5 Bonus Bucks as well – every $50 order placed through the month of July will earn you $5 Bonus Bucks to use in August!!!! Let the celebration continue!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jul 22 2016

Let’s Go Fly A Kite!!!

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

…..Up to the highest height. Let’s Go Fly A Kit!!! Come on….you are all signing it, right? Ahhh Mary Poppins! It reminds me of being a kid and listening to the story and songs on my Mom’s record player. 🙂

For this card, I used a Crushed Curry card base and then layered on a piece of Whisper White (3-3/4″ x 5″). I stamped the greeting from the Greatest Greetings Stamp Set in Elegant Eggplant Ink in the bottom right corner. Then I cut Elegant Eggplant in 2-3/4″ x 3-3/4″ and Whisper White 2-1/2″ x 3-1/2″. I layered them together and added them to the card front on Stampin’ Dimensionals! For the kite, I stamped the image from the Swirly Bird Stamp Set onto scrap paper. I used Elegant Eggplant and I stamped the solid image off once for a lighter look but if you would like a bold kit, go for it! I cut out the kite, laid the Crushed Curry Baker’s Twine on the back and placed a Dimensional on top! Add a few more Dimensionals to even it out and place it on your card front! I stamped the little bows on scrap paper and fussy cut them out as well. I added them to the twine with a Fine Tip Glue Pen. If you didn’t want to do the fussy cutting on the little bows, there is a string in the Swirly Bird Stamp Set so you could always stamp the string and stamp the bows on top of it for a similar look! Minus the fussy cutting, it’s a fairly quick and simple card and could be used for lots of different occasions!

I am loving the Swirly Bird Bundle and the endless amounts of images you can create. You can check out a few more here and here and here!!!

Don’t forget that you can earn $5 Bonus Bucks with every $50 order this month!!! Then you can use that $5 on anything you want from August 2nd – 31st! It’s like Stampin’ Up knows August is my Birthday month!!! 🙂 Starting shopping here!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jul 21 2016

Flourishing Phrases!!!

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

The Flourishing Phrases Stamp Set and coordinating Flourish Thinlits (Bundle & Save 10%) caught my attention right away because of the detailed flourish image, the flowers, and the AMAZING greetings. It is only of those fabulous sets like the Rose Wonder Stamp Set and coordinating Rose Garden Thinlits with great images and greetings. You can check out some of those samples here, here and here! There are endless ways to use that bundle as well and this new one!

For this card, I started with a Bermuda Bay card base and then I layered a piece of Basic Black (4″ x 5-1/4″). Then I took a piece of Whisper White (3-3/4″ x 5″) and stamped the Watercolor Wash Stamp Set on the background in Bermuda Bay. You can always use an Aqua Painter to create the same look but I wanted a really dark solid image so I went with the stamp! I stamped the greeting from the Flourishing Phrases Stamp Set in the left corner in Basic Black (with the coordinating greeting….Good Thing You Get To Bring Your Best Friend Along…on the inside)!

I wrapped some of the Black Metallic Thread around the cardstock a few times and tied it into a knot. Then I added this piece to the card front. I die cut the flourish image out in Basic Black with the Big Shot and Precision Base Plate. The Big Shot Die Brush makes it super easy to pop the cardstock out of the die and to pop out all of the little pieces. I used the Fine Tip Glue Pen to adhere this piece to the card and I finished it off with Rhinestones on each of the dots. I love the Black and White with a POP of color. You could really use this pattern for any occasion! I love it!!!

To see more of the Flourishing Phrases Bundle and samples, check out this reveal video here or click below. Be sure to give it a thumbs up if you liked it and don’t forget to subscribe if you are new! Let me know in the comments below which card is your favorite!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Click here to start shopping and earning your Bonus Bucks!!! If you purchase the Flourishing Bundle, you will earn $5.00 to spend in August on anything you wish!

Jul 20 2016

Incredible In-Colors!!!

Posted on July 20, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

New Stampin’ Up In- Colors are always fun but also takes some time to get used to. When I first saw the colors, I thought they looked nice but wasn’t in love. Then I started to play with them and really started to fall in love. You all know I love Pink so Flirty Flamingo is super fun. I have been really surprised that Peekaboo Peach has been a favorite of mine! I didn’t really think I would love that color as much as I do but I think it is because we don’t have anything close to that color. The other 2 colors, Emerald Envy and Dapper Denim have been lots of fun together. They are the perfect man card color combination!!!

For this card, I started with a Whisper White card base and stamped the dots from the Timeless Textures Stamp Set all over the background in all 3 colors – Flirty Flamingo, Sweet Sugarplum, and Peekaboo Peach. One thing you want to keep in mind when stamping a background is to fall off the cardstock. You want the pattern to look like it continues on rather than just being in the middle of your card. Then I punched out circles in each of the colors with the 2″ Circle Punch, 1-3/4″ Circle Punch and 1-1/2″ Circle Punch. I added all of the circles to the card front, overlapping a bit. Then for the greeting, I used the Thoughtful Banners Stamp Set! I stamped the border in Sweet Sugarplum, the little arrow in Flirty Flamingo and the greeting in Peekaboo Peach. Thank goodness for photopolymer stamps so you can see exactly where you are stamping! I punched out the greeting with the Classic Label Punch and added it to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Remember you can use the outside border of the Dimensionals and just trim off the amount that you need. Those thin little border pieces are perfect for a skinny little greeting like this. To finish off the card, I added a few pop of bling with Rhinestones! Love it!!!

This card could be used for lots of different occasions and with different color combinations. Let me know in the comments below what 3 colors you would use! I would love to hear your favorite combos so I can try them out as well!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Bonus Days are still going on!!! For every $50 you spend, you will earn $5 to use from August 2nd – 31st!!! Click here to start shopping!!!

Jul 19 2016

Technique Tuesday – Diagonal DSP!!!

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! You all know that means I have a fabulous technique to share with you!!! Today the technique is super fun and simple and uses every inch of your 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper (not for 1 card though). Check out this cool card!

Simple and yet fabulous!!! I used the Affectionately Yours Designer Series Paper and Love & Affection Stamp Set but this could totally pass for a Man Card…..right? Let me know what you think in the comments below!

SUPPLIES: Designer Series Paper of choice (DSP), Stampin’ Trimmer

You will need a 4″ x 4″ square of Designer Series Paper. I used the Affectionately Yours Designer Series Paper for mine. The awesome thing about this size is that you can get ~~16 squares~~ 9 squares (CORRECTION) from 1 sheet of the paper with no leftover scraps. I love that!! Place the square diagonal on your Stampin’ Trimmer and cut. This doesn’t have to be exact or at any specific spot. Just a diagonal from side to side. I love that part too. 🙂 When I created mine, I just placed the Designer Paper on a piece of Whisper White (4″ x 5-1/4″) and stamped first. This way if I messed up my stamping, I could get another piece of white and not mess up my Designer Paper as well. So place your pieces on the white and stamp your greeting and design in that split opening. I used the Love & Affection Stamp Set. I stamped the greeting in Night of Navy Ink and the leaves in Cucumber Crush Ink. Then I adhered the DSP to the top and bottom and attached it to a Night of Navy card base! To finish it off, I added a few Night of Navy Enamel Shapes for a little POP! Simple and fabulous and this design is great for using up Designer Paper or whipping up a ton of cards quickly!!! Love it!

If you would like to see this in action, check out the 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!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Don’t forget about Bonus Bucks this month! Spend $50 and earn $5 to spend in August!!! Click here to start shopping and stocking up on all of the Designer Series Paper!

Jul 18 2016

Flower Pots on a Shelf!!!

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

This card is just stunning – the coloring, pink, flowers, and that cool texture of the wall! Doesn’t the background look like wall paneling? I sure do and love the added texture! So let’s get started on this beautiful card!

I started with a Flirty Flamingo card base and added a piece of Dapper Denim measuring 5″ x 3-3/4″. Then I took a piece of scrap Very Vanilla and stamped the flower pots from the Sitting Here Stamp Set in Basic Gray Archival Ink. I used this ink so that it wouldn’t bleed when I watercolored the image and because I wanted a lighter shade than black. I used an Aqua Painter to color using Dapper Denim for the pots, Emerald Envy for the greenery and Flirty Flamingo and Crushed Curry for the flowers. If you would like to see a Video Tutorial on coloring with Aqua Painters, check this out! Set the flowers aside to dry before cutting them out. While they are drying, you can die cut the background with the Lots of Labels Framelits. To add the lines for a panel look, I placed it in the Stampin’ Trimmer and scored every 1/2″ inch. You could also use a straight edge and a Bone Folder. I added this to the card front!

For the shelf, I took a scrap piece of Chocolate Chip cardstock and stamped the bottom of the swing from the Sitting Here Stamp Set in Chocolate Chip. Then I cut off that bottom piece of the swing below the cushion. This gives the shelf some texture and wood look! I added the shelf to the “wall” and then I added the potted flowers with Stampin’ Dimensionals. For the greeting, I used the Thoughtful Banners Stamp Set. I stamped the border in Crushed Curry and the greeting in Flirty Flamingo. I punched it out with the Classic Label Punch. I added the greeting the to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals! Love it!!!!

Do you love flower cards as much as me too? Do you like watercoloring? Let me know in the comments below if I’m all alone here or if you all love it too!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Bonus Days are here!! For every $50 you spend, you will earn $5 to use from August 2nd – 31st!!! Click here to start shopping!!!

Jul 15 2016

A Happy Hello!!!

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Bright and fun colors are always my favorite and for this card I tried a new color combination – Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi, and Peekaboo Peach!!! I’m really digging it! What about you??

I started with a Wild Wasabi card base and layered on a piece of Marina Mist (4″ x 5-1/4″). Then I took a piece of Whisper White cardstock (3-3/4″ x 5″) and stamped the swirls from the Swirly Bird Stamp Set all over to create a fun background. When creating a background be sure to fall off the edges of your paper so that it looks like the pattern continues on and on rather than stamping just in the middle. I added this piece to the card front! Then for the greeting, I stamped it from the Tin of Cards Stamp Set in Peekaboo Peach onto scrap white cardstock. I punched it out with the Decorative Label Punch. I added a small piece of Peekaboo Peach Ruched Ribbon folded in half to the back of the greeting. I secured it with Stampin’ Dimensionals and placing it onto the card. This is a great way to add a little texture and use those little scraps of ribbon you have left over from another project or the end of the spool. Simple and fabulous! You could mix up the colors for any occasion!!!

If you would like to see more samples using the Swirly Bird Stamp Set and coordinating Swirly Scribbles Thinlits (Bundle & Save 10%), click here, here and here!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jul 14 2016

Oh Happy Day!!!

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

It truly is a Happy Day….isn’t every day?!?!?! 🙂 The Oh Happy Day Card Kit is super amazing and I had so much fun putting it together. This kit is all inclusive meaning it comes with ink, stamps, a clear block, instructions, and all of the supplies to create 20 cards!!! That is a LOT of cards!! This kit is perfect for a beginner stamper or even as a gift to someone! Are you ready for lots of pictures??? Here they come!

Because I have this amazing new table in my stamp room, I have tons of room to spread out. I laid out all of the card bases and popped out each of the pieces and set them on the card base. All of the pieces are numbered so it is super easy to know what part goes with what card. I love that. Then I sat down and just started working on the cards!

The first 5 cards are little matchbook style cards. These are just precious. That bottom solid strip of color is actually a tab that folds up and slides under the frame. Isn’t that adorable?? Just be sure when you are adding the frames with Stampin’ Dimensionals (provided) that you don’t add any to that bottom portion so the flap can slide in.

Here is a photo with the flap popped open!

If the last set of cards didn’t WOW you, then these will for sure. These cards are all decorated on the heart and you open the heart up and the patterned paper folds down to open to the inside of the card. HOW PRECIOUS??? I love it!!! Here is a photo showing that off!

I love this style the best!!!

These cards are a bit smaller than a regular size – more like a note card size! I love the bright colors and flowers. I really thought about taking the pieces and adding my own flare but I love the designs so much. There were a few greetings that I changed up because I didn’t care for it like Party Time. I’m just not sure I would use that greeting very much but there are tons of others for all occasions!

The last 5 card are full size cards! There is lots of room to add Baker’s Twine loops (provided) and Enamel Dots. Here are so up close photos of some of my favorites!

The stars and those loops add so much fun and texture!

20 cards in one kit! I really did have lots of fun creating this kit and I would recommend it to anyone – beginners and advanced stampers. You can pick up your kit here! If you would like to see all of the contents, you can check out the Unboxing and Reveal of this kit in the video below or click here! Don’t forget to give this video a thumbs up if you liked it and be sure to subscribe if you are new!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Click here to start shopping and earning Bonus Bucks!!!

Jul 13 2016

Pineapples = Friendship!!!

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

The Pineapple….many see it as a fruit, some see it as tropical, and others see it as a sign of hospitality and friendship. Did you know that the pineapple is a symbol of warmth, welcome, friendship and hospitality?? It makes it even more fabulous for a hand-stamped card or any home decor piece!

For this card, I started with a Whisper White card base and added a of Pop of Pink Designer Paper to the top (4-1/4″ x 1-1/2″) and bottom (4-1/4″ x 2″). By splitting it up, you don’t have to waste Designer Paper on your card when it will be covered! Then I took a piece of Whisper White measuring 4-1/4″ x 2-1/4″ and stamped the pineapple from the Pop of Paradise Stamp Set in Melon Mambo (center) and then in Pink Pirouette on either side. I added Snail Adhesive along the top and bottom of this piece and placed a small piece of Gold Foil Paper on the top and bottom. This is a great way to use your scraps or just a smaller piece. My Gold Foil pieces are only 3/4″ wide rather than 2-3/4″ if I did the entire back of the Whisper White piece. I placed this piece onto my card front between the two pieces of Designer Paper (filling that gap)! I stamped the Thank You greeting from the Pop of Paradise Stamp Set onto scrap white paper in Basic Black….then I fussy cut it out! It wasn’t the most fun thing to cut out but it was small and quick! 🙂 I added it to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals! To finish off the card, I ripped a little bit of the Pop of Pink Designer Washi Tape and added it above the pineapples. I love the little gold bling and added texture!

I love the Pop of Pink Suite and those little pineapples are so fitting for a thank you card! I love it! Are you loving the Pop of Pink Suite or do you prefer one of the other suites? Let me know your favorite in the comments below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Click here to start shopping and earning Bonus Bucks!!!

Jul 12 2016

Technique Tuesday – Using a Sponge Brayer!!!

Posted on July 12, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! I hope you are all having an amazing week! I have a fabulous technique to share with you today!!! I am showing you how to use the New Sponge Brayer on the Irresistibly Floral Designer Series Paper so you can get this fabulous look!!!

I am having so much fun with the Irresistibly Floral Designer Paper because it has FLOWERS and there are so many different fun ways to add color. I love it!!!

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Irresistibly Floral Designer Series Paper, Sponge Brayer, Ink Colors of Choice

I started with a piece of the floral image from the Irresistibly Floral Designer Series Paper measuring 4-1/8″ x 5-3/8″. I didn’t want much of a border on my card front, just the beautiful flowers! I started with the lightest color – Daffodil Delight and rolled the Sponge Brayer over the ink pad. The sponge won’t pick up the ink like your are mopping up color, it will just be ever so slightly colored. Then I rolled it over the end of the Designer Paper – back and forth. The color will start to appear and you can continue until you have the desired shade. You will want to go about 1/3 of the way across the paper. Using a paper towel, you will want to wipe off any excess ink as it tends to sit on top of the embossed image. Then I changed out the sponge to a new one and did the same with Tangerine Tango. You will want to go over the top of the yellow a bit on that overlap portion so that it doesn’t look like stripes but instead like it fades into the next color. Wipe off the excess ink with the paper towel and then change out the sponge and finish off the Designer Paper with Watermelon Wonder. Be sure to go over that Tangerine Tango just a bit so your colors fade into each other! Wipe off the excess ink and you are all done!!! You can wash out your sponges with water and just keep squeezing them until they run clean and allow them to dry.

To finish off the card, I added this piece to a Whisper White card base and tied some Whisper White Baker’s Twine around the top of the card. For the greeting, I die cut the Happy from the Hello You Thinlits. I brushed some Wink of Stella over the top for a little shimmer and added it to the card front with the Fine Tip Glue Pen! If I would have planned this card out a little better, I would have put the yellow on the top of the card and placed the greeting up there so it popped some more. I already had it adhered to the card so I just went with it! I stamped the Crushed Curry border from the Thoughtful Banner Stamp Set and added the greeting from the Crazy About You Stamp Set (it coordinates with the Hello You Thinlits). I punched out the greeting with the Classic Label Punch and added it to my card with Stampin’ Dimensionals. I added a little Metallic Enamel Shape for a little more bling! This card is so bright and cheery and could be used for any occasion!

If you would like to see this 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!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura