Oct 14 2015

Sponging Over an Embossed Image!

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Welcome back for more on the Woodland Embossing Folder!!! Today I’m going to share samples that showcase sponging over your embossed image! You can check out yesterday’s post on adding color to your embossing folder here!

Today I’m going to show you samples using the Woodland Embossing Folder and adding color to the image with a Sponge Dauber!!! In the sample above, I used Chocolate Chip ink to lightly brush over the embossed trees. This gave a little color and texture to the trees. This isn’t going to come out perfect or bold which was hard for me. You just want to lightly brush over the image and be okay with some ink being on the background too. Stamped with love, not perfection! 🙂 I wrapped some Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine and tied a bow and then layered it onto a Cherry Cobbler card base. I added a few little birdies with the Sprinkles of Life Stamp Set and coordinating Tree Builder Punch. For the greeting, I used the Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set. I punched it out with the Word Window Punch and layered it onto a Cherry Cobbler Washi Label Punch! Of course, I added the greeting to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals!

Here is another sample that I created with this technique! I embossed Basic Gray cardstock and added some Basic Black Ink with a Sponge Dauber for that texture and spooky look! I cut a Spider Web Doily in half and added it to the bottom of the card. For the greeting, I used the Cheer All Year Stamp Set. I punched it out with the 2″ Circle Punch and layered it onto a Pumpkin Pie 2-3/8 Scallop Circle Punch. Simple Halloween card that you can create in no time at all!

You can check out a video tutorial on this technique here! Be sure to check back tomorrow to see more way to color with your embossing folder!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Oct 13 2015

Technique Tuesday – Ways to Use the Woodland Folder!

Posted on October 13, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! That means I have a fabulous technique to share with you! Even better…..it will continue til Thursday!!! That’s right; I will be showing you ways to use your Woodland Embossing Folder for 3 days!! Woot Woot!!!

I love the rustic Man look of this card; perfect for lots of the men in my life who are hunters and farmers! This woodsy card is perfect for them or even a Holiday card!! I used the Woodland Embossing Folder from the Holiday Mini Catalog. I’m sure you are wondering how I got my tree trunks brown so let’s get started!

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Woodland Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Brayer

I started with a Mossy Meadow card base and then I cut a piece of Whisper White cardstock measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″. Using the Woodland Embossing Folder, I added Chocolate Chip ink to the trees (the side that doesn’t say Sizzix). You can add the ink with a Sponge Dauber (light), a direct to folder with the ink pad (not always clean), or a Brayer! I found that the Brayer worked the best for a bold image and I didn’t fall into the spots between the trees at all like I did with the ink pad (see left corner on the sample above). Once it is all inked up, place your white cardstock in and close it. Run it through the Big Shot like you normally would and when you are done, you will get these fabulous brown trees. Now since you are doing the trees and those are the images that pop forward, you will notice that your trees are de-bossed (meaning they are pressed in rather than popping out). That is how it is suppose to come out! 🙂 Now you can add it to your card front and decorate. I added some Mossy Meadow leaves using the Sprinkles of Life Stamp Set. For the greeting, I stamped Happy Birthday from the Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set in Mossy Meadow and punched it out with the Word Window Punch. I layered that onto a Mossy Meadow Washi Label Punched piece. I layered this with Stampin’ Dimensionals onto a piece of frayed Burlap Ribbon. First I cut the ribbon in half length ways and then just pull out some of the stitching to get that frayed look. Very masculine and rustic looking!

If you would like to see a Video Tutorial on how to create this look, check out the video below or click here! Don’t forget to give it a thumbs up if you liked it and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the Part 2 tutorial!

Happy Stampin’ and see you back here tomorrow!!!

~Laura

Oct 12 2015

An Abundance of Thanks!!!

Posted on October 12, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

I create LOTS of Thank You cards because I send out a lot of thank you cards. There is just so much to be thankful for and I want people to know that I really appreciate them! I appreciate all of you for following my blog and my YouTube Channel. You are all so amazing and if I had all of your addresses I surely would send you a Thank You Note! I send thank you notes each month to those who have placed an order with me, when I receive a gift, when someone reaches out to help me and sometimes just because someone was there for me! 🙂

All of these Thank You notes were created for my Bridal Fairs!!! We all know that when planning a wedding, there are many times when you need a Thank You note so I pass these out with my contact information to all of the Brides! It is a Thank You for stopping by to see me and also a gift that they can use as well! Since I am making hundreds of these cards, I need them to be very quick and simple so here they are!!!

This is a simple Whisper White card base measuring 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ and I stamped the Work of Art image down the right hand side. I inked it up once and then just kept on stamping to achieve that Ombre look! The greeting was stamped in Black from the Tin of Cards Stamp Set!

This card base measures 4-1/4″ x 11″ (cut in half the other way) and I stamped the image from the Flowering Flourishes Stamp Set on opposing corners! Again, I used the greeting from the Tin of Cards Stamp Set!

Okay, I will admit that this one wasn’t all that quick since it is a 5-step stamping routine for each butterfly but when making multiples it really did go fast and wasn’t all that bad! I used the butterfly from the Watercolor Wings Stamp Set and the greeting from the Tin of Cards Stamp Set! You can check out color combinations and some tips for stamping the perfect butterfly here!

For these cards, I simply took an image from the Perpetual Birthday Calendar Stamp Set and stamped a strip! There are so many options with this one from leaves to flowers to dots and starbursts! Again, I used the Tin of Card Stamp Set for the greeting……okay I didn’t realize I used that one for each of these cards. I guess I was too lazy to dig out another set like One Big Meaning or the now retired Lots of Thanks which was used in some of the samples above! Also, in the samples above, I used strips of Washi Tape as another option! This is a great way to get rid of those styles or colors that you have just a little bit left on the roll or that you have an over abundance of! 🙂

I hope you enjoyed these quick and simple ideas for making Thank You cards. You could always change up the greeting for any occasion! Sometimes less is more and a card like this is really stunning! Next time you need lots of cards, look no further! Pin it to your Pinterest Board to save for later! Again, Thank YOU all for your love and support to me and my love for stamping! 🙂

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Oct 9 2015

September 2015 Paper Pumpkin!!!

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Look at all of the fabulous goodies that came in the September Paper Pumpkin Kit! The theme is for sure fall with the kraft colored items and Cajun Craze Ink Spot!!! You can check out my excitement and reveal of this kit here! I couldn’t wait to bust into this kit and play with the stamp set! It is just so cute and perfect for all fall occasions with the leaves, acorn, pumpkin, witch’s hat, candy and greetings! I made a few of the treat bags into Hostess Gifts for my fall parties!

Some of these look a little oddly shaped because of the prize inside! 🙂 It was super simple to assemble these bags. The fringe already has adhesive on it and it was easy to wrap around the bag. I found that the raffia ribbon held better without and third hand when tying the bag. Some of the bags used just the Cajun Craze Thick Baker’s Twine and some used just the Raffia and some used both. I loved making the little tags. I used a few other ink colors – Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, and Soft Suede (as well as the Cajun Craze). That little filigree image is super fabulous!

I made a few more with just candy in them for Trick or Treaters!!! Don’t worry about the size of these bags and thinking you need to really fill them. I found that these treat bags with less in them than the ones above turned out cuter!

Then since I didn’t really need a ton of treat bags, I would I would create a few cards. These 2 cards used 1 of the fringe piece with some still left over. I ran a piece of Tear & Tape Adhesive into 3 lines on a piece of Crumb Cake Cardstock. Then I took the fringe and laid it down, trimmed it off, laid it down on the one above, trimmed it off and so on. For the last set (top one) I just torn off the adhesive backing that was already on there and stuck it down! I used both the Baker’s Twine and Raffia on these cards and added the tags! Super cute but since I used one of the fringe piece, I had to do this…….

I just folded the bag down and stapled it on either side and then tied some ribbon around it. It’s so cute and little!!! I still had some tags left so I created this little note card!

This was super simple and I used up some small raffia pieces as well as one of the tags. This would be perfect for Thanksgiving! Even after all of these projects, I still had goodies left over! I love these kits!!!!

Don’t forget to sign up for the October PINK Box before the 10th!!!! Stampin’ Up will donate $1 for all current subscribers and $2 for all new subscribers to Breast Cancer Awareness!!!! I love supporting a good cause and enjoying some crafting time!!! Win Win! Click here to subscribe today!!!!

You can see more samples using this kit in alternative ways here!

Of course, it isn’t a Friday without the Weekly Deals as well!

Have a fabulous weekend!!! See you back here on Monday!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Oct 8 2015

Ornament Elegance!

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

I love using Purple for Christmas Cards. It might not seem traditional but it is just so elegant and royal and I love that!!! What color do you like to use the most for your Holiday Cards? Let me know in the comments below!

I started with a Blackberry Bliss card base. Then I took a piece of Whisper White measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″ and stamped the trees from the Wonderland Stamp Set (or you could use the Lovely As A Tree Stamp Set) in Mossy Meadow and stamped them at the top left corner. I stamped a few times before returning to the ink pad and made sure to take in different angles and some far in and others just a little bit. This will give a full tree look! I stamped the greeting from the Embellished Ornaments Stamp Set in Mossy Meadow in the bottom right corner. For the ornament, I took a piece of white scrap paper and stamped the ornament in Blackberry Bliss. Then I die cut it with the coordinating Thinlits – Delicate Ornament Thinlits (Bundle & Save 15%)! I also die cut the little ornament cap from the Thinlits using Silver Foil Paper. I used a Mini Glue Dot to attach that to the top of the ornament. I tied a bow with the Silver Ribbon and attached it with a Mini Glue Dot as well. I added the ornament to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals! 🙂 I love it!! It is very simple and elegant!!

If you would like to see a Video Tutorial on how to create the tree branch, check out the video below or click here! Be sure to give it a thumbs up if you liked it!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Oct 7 2015

Forest Fun!!!

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

I really have a thing for this Wonderland Stamp Set from the Holiday Mini Catalog. You can see another forest card here! I wouldn’t have guessed this would be my favorite stamp set for the Holidays but I just can’t put it down! There is something about trees and snow and how peaceful and beautiful it is! That is the country girl coming out in me I guess! 🙂

I started this card with a Night of Navy card base. I took a piece of Whisper White cardstock (5-1/2″ x 3″) and stamped the trees from the Wonderland Stamp Set in Garden Green. I stamped multiple times before going back to the ink pad and I made sure to move the stamp up and down the page so that all of the trees are at varying heights! You can check out my Video Tutorial here! I stamped the Silent Night greeting in Night of Navy! Now it is time to layer it onto your card front. I have tons of strips of Silver Foil leftover from another project so I added a strip to each side. I love being able to use up scrap pieces! If you wanted to use a full piece it would measure 5-1/2″ x 3-1/2″! After it was all adhered to the card, I added little dots of Dazzling Details all over to look like snow! Be sure to set these aside to dry before stacking them! 🙂

Even if I enjoy a little rustic country look, I still have to have my bling!!! Do like traditional red and green for your Holiday cards? Do you prefer a manger scene, trees, Santa, or something else? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Oct 6 2015

Technique Tuesday – Ways To Use Ribbon!!

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! That means I have a fabulous technique to share with you today!! It is all about ribbon! Ribbon is my favorite embellishment!

Look at all of these fabulous samples that use ribbon in lots of different ways!!!! Here are just a few of my favorites:

Cut a strip and lay it across your card/project to add a little texture, cover up a distinct line between 2 pieces of cardstock or just for a little flare! See Thinking of You Butterfly Card which uses White Organza Ribbon or the You’re The Best which uses Whisper White Cotton Ribbon!
Add it along the top or side of your card/project in a knot and add a few more knots of the same color or coordinating colors. This is a great way to use up scrap pieces and add texture and coverage to your card if it has a simple image or greeting! See Happy Birthday Candle Card which uses Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, and Daffodil Delight Cotton Ribbon!
Add a strip of ribbon along your card/project and then create a Fork Bow to add to the middle or side! You can also just add a fork bow to your project anywhere without the line of ribbon! Click here for a video tutorial on how to create one! See Purple Hi Card which uses Rich Razzleberry Cotton Ribbon!
You can create a Faux Knot with the ribbon as well which usually it a little less bumpy and bulky on your card. You will take 2 strips of ribbon and create a t or cross on your card/project. You will want to adhere the ends of the horizontal piece to the back of your cardstock. With the vertical pieces you will tie a knot. This usually only requires one knot rather than a double knot which is why it is less bulky. See You Make My Heart Happy Card which uses Whisper White Satin Ribbon and this sample!
You can use ribbon for a little texture and flare by making loops of it and sticking it to the back of your greeting or focal image. Click here to see a video tutorial on that. See Congrats Card which uses Black Baker’s Twine!
You can tie a fairly loose knot in a strip of ribbon and tack the ends behind your cardstock for a simple knot on your card/project. See Simple Knot in the photo below and a sample in the video below!
You can create a bow (bunny ear style) and attach it to your card like this one and this one!
You can use it on gift boxes, treat bags, and so much more! See samples here, here, here and here!
You can cut the ribbon ends straight across, diagonal or fold it in half and cut diagonally down from the fold to the end and you will create those perfect banner tips!
You can see tons and tons of samples using ribbon when you click on the key word Ribbon along the right hand side of my blog or click here!

You can also see a Video Tutorial on these bows down below or by clicking here! Don’t forget to give it a thumbs up if you liked it!!! Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel – Laura’s Stamp Pad so you don’t miss out on any future videos and you can easily find my videos in the future! 🙂

I hope you enjoyed this Technique Tuesday and try out some of these ribbon ideas on your next project! Let me know in the comments below which one your favorite is!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Oct 5 2015

Pink Perfection!!!

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

I found another sample using the Watercolor Wings Stamp Set that I haven’t shared yet!!! You all know how much I love this one because it is so many fabulous shades of Pink!! (Don’t forget that Paper Pumpkin is going Pink this month!)

I started with a Pink Pirouette card base and then I took a piece of Rose Red and stamped the greeting from the Thoughts & Prayers Stamp Set! Then I took a White Tea Lace Doily and cut it in half and added adhesive to the center half circle and placed it on the top of the Rose Red. I didn’t like the edge of the Doily showing so I added a strip of Whisper White Organza Ribbon and adhered the ends to the back. Now you can place this onto your card front! For the butterfly, I took a piece of scrap Whisper White and used the Watercolor Wings Stamp Set! I used Pink Pirouette for the base, Rose Red for the second one (sides), and Melon Mambo for the third one (center and outside dots). Love it! Don’t stamp the center thorax piece until after you have cut it out. I found that if I stamped it now, sometimes it was up to high and others down to low. Using the Bold Butterflied Framelits (Bundle & Save) and the Big Shot, I cut it out! Woot Woot for not fussy cutting! Once it is cut out you can stamp the center piece in Basic Black! Of course I added the butterfly to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals!

Here are lots of butterfly color combinations that you can use!!! Also, you can check out more samples using the Watercolor Wings here, here and here! You can check out a Video Tutorial here!!!

Which one is your favorite?? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Oct 2 2015

Fabulous Friday & Weekend Fun!!!

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Friday everyone!!! I’m excited about this weekend because I’m traveling over to see some of my stampers who live a few hours away! Have Stamps, Will Travel!!!! I don’t get to see these ladies as often as I wish but when I do we really have a great time! Can’t wait!!!! But first I will share a little about last weekend!!!

The Shower was very nice and really turned out well! The Daddy-To-Be is a hunter. The moment I saw the antlers in the Wonderland Stamp Set, I knew I needed to use them for the Shower Invite! To keep with the theme, I used some burlap on the table with some antler sheds and beautiful baby’s breath in blue mason jars with burlap bows! Love it!!! We had dessert cups and yummy punch! I am loving this new punch recipe I found! 🙂

The Family Reunion was lots of fun as well. Perfect cool weather, lots (82) of family together and good times were had by all!

Now onto this weekend but before we can get started, I have to share the Weekly Deals!!!

I love love love the Floral Frames Framelits! You can check out some samples here, here, and here! The Gift Box Punch Board is super handy this time of year for making treat boxes for upcoming Holidays and even gift boxes for this little gifts! You can check out some of my samples here! So many fabulous items on sale this week!

See you back here on Monday!!! Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Oct 1 2015

Adding Texture with Gold Thread!!!

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

See those little bits of Gold Metallic Thread peaking out adding texture and catching your eye! Isn’t it fabulous? I have seen this style in lots of cards lately and couldn’t wait to try it out! I really like the look….on some cards better than others, so I think that I still a little rusty on the look! Now let’s get started on this card!

I started with a Whisper White card base and then added a piece of 4″ x 5-1/4″ Winter Wonderland Specialty Designer Series Paper! I love those gold stripes! For the greeting, I actually cut out the label first rather than stamping first since the flower is large and needs to fall off. I used the Lots of Labels Framelits. I stamped the greeting from the Reason for the Season Stamp Set in Basic Black! Then I stamped the poinsettia border in Basic Black, the petals in Real Red, and the leaves in Mossy Meadow! If you wanted the all of the flower on your card, you could use one of the larger labels. Don’t forget that when stamping the flower you want to take note of where the arrow (or nubbin) is so that you can line up the petals and leaves easily as well. Now for the thread, wrap the Gold Metallic Thread around your hand 8-10 times or however many you wish! 😉 Now slip the loops off and place them on the back of the greeting label. Slowly move the loops around so they are popping out on all sides of the label. Add Stampin’ Dimensionals in various areas to hold your loops down and pop up your greeting. You all know how I love my Stampin’ Dimensionals so I used 5 on this one I think! I found out that I like the ends of the thread tucked in rather than sticking out. If you want them tucked in be sure to stick those under a dimensional. Now you can peel off the backs of the dimensionals and add it to your card front. I love it!!

If you would like to see the thread placement in action, you can check out the Video Tutorial below or click here. Be sure to give it a thumbs up if you liked it!

Have you tried this technique? What is your favorite thread or Baker’s Twine? Let me know if you have any tips to share on this technique in the comments below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura