Aug 4 2015

Technique Tuesday – Precious Little Purse!!!

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! You know what that means…..I have a fabulous technique to share with you today!!! These little purses are just so precious! They are little and perfect for adding some hand-stamped cards, candle, candy, lotion, nail polish, cookies, or just about any little gift item!!!

Isn’t it adorable??? I love this one the best with the Bermuda Bay accents!!! I created a few of these and have made a few of my own modifications. I got the idea from Dawn. You can check it out here as well as a video tutorial! Thank you Dawn for the inspiration!

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Cardstock, Designer Series Paper, Fast Fuse or Tear and Tape, Brads, and 1/16″ Handheld Punch

You will need the following pieces for your Purse:

For the Designer Series Paper, cut 2 pieces measuring 6 1/4″ x 3 1/2″

For the solid color accents, you will need the following:

~1 Piece measuring 2 1/2″ x 5 1/4″ (score at 1/2″ all (4) sides) for the bottom

~2 Pieces measuring 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ for the handles

~4 Pieces measuring 1/2″ x 6 1/4″ for the trim

I used the Bohemian Designer Series Paper for my purse! You can always modify to make a taller purse by changing the dimension of the Designer Series Paper (DSP) (adding inches to the 3-1/2″ number). You will start off by adhering your DSP together along the 3-1/2″ side to make. This will make a 3-1/2″ x ~12-1/4″ strip of paper. Then take the bottom piece of cardstock and cut one of the little corner pieces to create tabs so you can fold them in and make a little box bottom! Now you will take your DSP and wrap it around the little box bottom on the outside. The more I played with this, I prefer to start in the middle on the short side so that my seams are on the sides rather than in the middle/front. Now you can add Tear and Tape to all four of the 1/2″ x 6-1/4″ pieces and then use 2 for the bottom trim and 2 for the top trim!

The last two stripes (1/2″ x 8 1/2″) are the handles! Gently run them over your Bone Folder like you are curling ribbon to help with the curvature of the handles. Also, on each of the four ends of the strips, add a little score like 1/2″ up. This will help you determine how deep to place the handles in the purse and each one will be even because you will go down to that score line!!! You can jsut adhere the handles on and you are done or you can use your 1/16″ Handheld Punch to create little holes and add brads. I used the Antique Brads in the purse above and Silver Mini Brads for the purse up top!

You are all done now! You can always add some embellishments like a flower using the Spiral Flower Die like this or any other fun foo foo!!! I have so many fabulous little purses in mind to create for lots of occasions! With the Holidays around the corner, these would make adorable Halloween Treat Bags or Christmas gifts or neighbor treats! Oh the possibilities!!!

What colors or Designer Series Paper would you use for your Purse??? Leave me a comment down below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Aug 3 2015

Center Pop Up Easel Card!!!!

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

I have done a few different pop up cards. You can check those out here and here! I just think a card that pops up or out is super fun because it is different than a typical card. I also love it when the card looks great on display because I always love displaying my cards for a while to enjoy whether it be on the fridge, on the kitchen table, or near my stamp desk!!! Check out this new POP up card!!!

How cute?!?!?! Love it and those gold sequins are so fabulous! I really think I am going to start using them more because they really finish a card off well!!! Let’s get started on how to make this card!!!

Starting with a 8-1/2” x 5-1/2” piece of Rich Razzleberry cardstock, you will fold your card in half like you did to create a typical card base. Now place it in your Stampin’ Trimmer with the 5-1/2” along the bottom. You will now cut at 1-1/4” from the bottom up to the center score line (4-1/4”). Slide it along and cut at 4” up to the score line (4-1/4”).

You will need a Very Vanilla piece measuring 3” x 4-1/4” and place that in the center of your card (on the inside). Now you can glue down the left and right sides and add your Bohemian Designer Series Paper to each panel. The Designer Series Paper side panels measure 1-1/4” x 4” each. You will also need 2 Bohemian Designer Series pieces measuring 2-1/4” x 1-7/8” for the center piece. Before adhering them on, fold the center flap in half.

Now you can decorate. Be sure to add a greeting or embellishment to the inside with Stampin’ Dimensionals so it can hold your easel up! I stamped the greeting from the Petite Pairs Stamp Set on a scrap piece of Very Vanilla and layered it onto a piece of Bermuda Bay which I punched the ends with the Triple Banner Punch!! Both the greeting and then banner are adhered with Stampin’ Dimensionals. I wanted this part to be popped up well so it would hold the easel up!! For the greeting on the front, I stamped it in Rich Razzleberry and punched it out with the 1-1/2″ Circle Punch. That is layered on a Bermuda Bay 1-3/4″ Scallop Circle Punch and then a 2″ Circle Punch! All of these pieces are layered with Snail Adhesive. I adhered it to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals though. Be sure to adhere only on the bottom half so that it pops up!!! To finish it off, I added some Gold Sequins. I have been using Multi-Purpose Glue but I have found that Two-Way Glue works really well and doesn’t bubble up in the middle hole!!! Super cute! Love it!

The other bonus is that this card still fit in a Regular Medium Envelope! Woot Woot!

Here is the card open showing that you can still write on the inside vanilla piece or even up on the easel portion!

I got this idea from Dawn and you can check out her samples as well as a video tutorial here! I hope you try this card out! Leave me a comment down below what Designer Paper or design you use for your card!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jul 31 2015

Fabulous Friday!!!!

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Friday!!! Can you believe tomorrow is August 1st already?? That means tomorrow starts my Birthday Month….yes I like to celebrate all month long! 🙂 Woot Woot!!!

Speaking of August……on the 4th I, as a demonstrator, get to pre-order Holiday Mini Catalog items. My list is huge. I seriously want it ALL – every snowman, tree, ornament, and snowflake. Eeeee I can’t wait for it all to arrive!!! Are you excited about it??? Did you know that if you join Stampin’ Up! on/after August 4th, you can get these pre-order items in your kit?? How fabulous is that? It’s like you get an amazing deal and a sneak peak all in one! I love that! When you join, you get to pick out $125 in product (any product you wish) and you pay $99 (plus tax, free shipping)! For more information on that, click here! If you have any questions or are interested in joining and would like to see the sneak peak items to add to your kit, send me a message here!!! I am really looking forward to the next few months and all of the excitement!!!

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

Um…..RIBBON HEAVEN!!!! I am stocking up! My favorite and THEE most amazing ribbon ever – Melon Mambo Satin Ribbon! Swoon! Also, now is a great time to stock up on the Metallic Foil Doilies and Black Ribbon for the upcoming holidays!!!! Love it!!! Remember that all orders placed online by clicking here earn Laura’s Loyal Stampers Points!!!!

Also, don’t forget that you can try out Paper Pumpkin for August and September OR September and October for half off (regular $19.95)! I LOVE Paper Pumpkin and this is a steal so it’s a great time to give it a try. You can check out some of the past Paper Pumpkin Kits here!!! Click here to join and don’t forget to end HALFOFF as the Promo Code!!! Be sure to enter my name so that I can send you a Thank You Note!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend and see you back on Monday!!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jul 30 2015

Color Me Irresistible!!!!

Posted on July 30, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Have you seen the NEW Color Me Irresistible Specialty Designer Series Paper in the NEW Stampin’ Up! Catalog??? It can be tricky to understand exactly what it is but it is very similar to the Designer Series Paper from Sale-A-Bration! This is what it looks like in the catalog!!!

Half of the sheets in the pack already have color – the 2015-2017 In-Colors and Basic Black. Then there is a coordinating piece of Whisper White with the same pattern! This paper is clear embossed with fun images which will resist ink when you add color. You can add color with a Sponge Dauber, Spritzer, Brayer, Marker, and even a stamped image!

The card above uses the Watermelon Wonder dotted paper which makes a fun, quick, and simple card! I added the greeting from the You’ve Got This Stamp Set and some Whisper White Satin Stitched Ribbon!

This fun little card was created with the Whisper White striped paper. I could have added color but I wanted it to look like the under shirt of a tuxedo. I like this card due to the texture and fun better than my Tuxedo Card here! For the “V” cut out, I marked the center of the paper along the top and cut down the paper there. Then I cut diagonally to that center cut from the sides!!! I added the Designer Series Paper to a Basic Black card base. I added a few Pool Party Candy Dots for a little color and flare. You could always use Black Candy Dots too! For the Bow Tie, I used the Bow Builder Punch which is super simple to punch and assemble!!! If you mail this card, I’m sure the bow will flatten but that’s okay!!! I love it!! This would be great for a Groom’s Card on the wedding day, and engagement card, or just a little something fancy for the man in your life!!!

I love this paper!!! Check back for more samples using this paper!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jul 29 2015

Cherry On Top Washi Tape!!!

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

You all know I LOVE bright colors and this card just makes my heart happy!!! I love how quick and simple Washi Tape can add color, texture and a really cool background to your card!!! I started with a Crushed Curry card base and layered on some Watermelon Wonder! Then I took a piece of Whisper White (3-3/4″ x 5″) and added 3 little stripes of the Cherry On Top Designer Washi Tape to the center! I just ripped the ends for a torn look and because it’s easier! 🙂 Then I used the dots from the Endless Birthday Wishes Stamp Set to stamp on the corners! I stamped it a few times in Watermelon Wonder without going back to the ink pad. That is how I got those various shades! I used the same stamp set for the greeting which was also stamped in Watermelon Wonder on a piece of scrap white cardstock! I punched it out with the 2″ Circle Punch and layered it onto a Watermelon Wonder 2-3/8″ Scallop Circle Punch! Of course I used Stampin’ Dimensionals to add this to my card front!!! Simple and Fabulous!!!

Have you used Washi Tape before??? You can check out a few more ways to use it here, here, and here!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jul 28 2015

Technique Tuesday – Coloring with Aqua Painters!!!

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday everyone!!! Today I have a fabulous technique to share with you!!! Every once in awhile I pulling out my Aqua Painter Marker and enjoy coloring…..usually flowers!!! Check out this beauty!!!

I love Black and White with a POP of color….any color!!! Isn’t this card just amazing??? Now let’s get started!

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Whisper White Cardstock, flower or other line image stamp, Ink Pads, Aqua Painter, Stazon Ink

For this card, I did not use Watercolor Paper. I used regular Whisper White cardstock! I inked up the flower from the You’ve Got This Stamp Set in Stazon Black and stamped it onto a piece of scrap Whisper White cardstock! Then I used Tangelo Twist and Cucumber Crush Ink Pads to color the flower in. To keep my ink pads clean, I just take a clear block and stamp it into the ink pad and use that as my color palette. When using the Aqua Painter, be sure not to squeeze the barrel of the pen because that makes lots of water come out and you get a puddle on your project. Lightly swipe some ink from clear block color palette and then start coloring your image. The more you use it, the more the ink starts to get lighter and lighter, because of this you can start on the edges of your image and when the color is lighter, move into the middle. This will give more of a watercolor look. Once you are done with one color, just squeeze the barrel to allow more water to come out and wipe it into a paper towel. Then move to your next color. For the yellow center, I used a Crushed Curry Marker. I like a nice bold yellow color so I prefer to use the marker. You can set this aside to dry while you prepare your card. The card base if Tangelo Twist and then I layered a piece of Basic Black (4″ x 5-1/4″) on top with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Then with a piece of Whisper White (3-3/4″ x 5″), stamp the same flower image from the You’ve Got This Stamp Set along the left side and top. Be sure to angle the flowers around for a slightly different look. I found that the more I overlapped the flower, the more of a mess it looked but that’s all up to you! The greeting is from the Happy Birthday Everyone Hostess Stamp Set. Oh how I love that large scroll-y font! Now for the “fun” part……fussy cutting that beautiful flower you colored!!! Once you are done cutting it out, you can add it to your card with Stampin’ Dimensionals! TIP: Cut some of the dimensional edge for those little leaves and tiny areas!!! Love it!!! I could create this card in every color!!!

To see this in action, check out the Video Tutorial 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 any other videos!!!

Happy Colorin’

~Laura

Jul 27 2015

New Summer Wreath!!!

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

My Spring Wreath was really looking worn so I needed something new! I couldn’t think of a good idea and I have been pretty busy lately so it kept getting pushed aside. I typed in Summer Wreath into Pinterest and saw lots of rainbow wreaths. That is when it hit me to punch some flowers and make my own rainbow wreath! I love it! I completed it in about 10 minutes. I used the Flower Medallion Punch and pulled out my scrap boxes for the cardstock!

I curled the edges of the flowers with my Bone Folder and then hot glued them to my wreath!!!

To finish it off, I added a little bit of Multi-Purpose Glue (green lid glue) to the center of the flowers and then dusted a little Dazzling Diamond Stampin’ Glitter over the glue! It really added a little shine to the flowers! I love how it turned out and it’s so bright and colorful!!!

Here is another photo of the wreath on the inside of my door….sometimes it looks better on white than dark gray! Love it!!!

Any ideas for a Fall Wreath??? Let me know in the comments below!!! It will be here before we know it!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jul 24 2015

Fabulous Friday & Blog-iversary!!!!

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Friday everyone!!! Yesterday was my 2 Year Anniversary with this blog!!! I can’t believe it’s been that long! Here is my very first post and last year’s anniversary post!! I remember starting out and being nervous and now it’s like second nature to me. I feel like you all are my stamping friend whether you are stopping by for the first time or the 730th time!!! Since day one, I have added in Technique Tuesday, started doing video tutorials, and so much more! Thank you all for stopping by to see me and I look forward to all the years to come. To celebrate, leave me a comment below answering any or all of the following questions:

~What is your favorite post?

~What would you like to see more of – tutorials, specific stamp set or product, give-aways, about me?

What is your favorite item in the New Stampin’ Up! Catalog? 😉

Of course we can’t start the weekend without first sharing the Weekly Deals!!!!

I love that there are so many different items and I’m super pumped about the Striped Cotton Ribbon because I haven’t tried it out yet. Now I will get getting lots on sale to try it out!!! I love the Paper Packs being on the Weekly Deals as well! Bonus!!! Get them before they are gone!!!

Also, I have to give a big SHOUT OUT to one of my fabulous blog followers – Julia D. She is super fabulous and has sent all of these cards for me to send to Ronald McDonald House. Our little Tab House is almost full so I will be sending these as well as all of the others real soon! Thank you so much Julia and all of the others who have donated cards. I great appreciate it!!!

Also, don’t forget to check out my YouTube Channel where I show lots of Video Tutorials, Product Reveals and my Stamp Room Tour!!!! Enjoy!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jul 23 2015

Paper Pumpkin Fun at Half Off!!!

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Have you tried Paper Pumpkin??? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? It is a super fabulous kit that comes right to your door with everything in to create the perfect craft. Sometimes it is cards, sometimes treat bags/favors, and sometimes home decor…..it’s a surprise every month!!! You can check out some of the past month here!!

Now is the time to try it out for half off (regular $19.95 + tax))!!! Just click here and enter the Promo Code: HALFOFF when you sign up and you will get August and September at half off. If you sign up after August 10th, you can get September and October half off!!! WOOT WOOT!!! Totally worth every penny as you will be getting a clear block, 2 stamp sets, and a minimum of 2 ink pads (sometimes the kit comes with 2 so you could get up to 4). Also all of the supplies and instructions.

Don’t forget to add my name as your Demonstrator so I can send you a Thank You Card each month!!

Now go get signed up!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jul 23 2015

Sweet Stack Project Kit!!!

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

The Sweet Stack Project Kit is adorable! Who wouldn’t love to walk into a party and see this amazing cake sitting there and then find out you get to take a slice of cake home with you?!?!?! How fabulous? Thank goodness there is a kit for this because I don’t think I could have created something this amazing on my own!!! This kit is great for parties and events to put treats, gifts, favors, and so much more in. You could always decorate it specifically to your party theme as well!!!

See how pretty this is!!!! It wasn’t until I looked at these photos that I realized how off center my “cake” is on that pedestal. 🙂 This kit is super fun but I will admit there was a lot of repetitive stamping which seemed to last forever……especially those dots on the side of all 10 big slices!!! Otherwise this kit was fairly easy to put together!!!

The cake stand is really easy to assemble. I haven’t glued mine yet to the pedestal but you will for sure want to do that when you use this kit because I have knocked mine over a few times just having it in my craft room. (Although my husband said he wasn’t surprised so maybe I’m just clumsy!) The scallop border already has adhesive on the back so that was really simple to apply. You can have yours hanging off a bit like mine or all the way up. If it is hanging off a bit, be sure to store the box upside down as to not bend those scallops!

The cake slices are easy to assemble once the stamping is done. I found the stamping to take the longest. The instructions showed you where to stamp your top image for the top of the slice of cake and I didn’t like that. If you go by the instructions, your seam for assembling the cake is at the top and I wanted mine to be at the bottom (more hidden) in case I didn’t get it perfectly lined up. So I used the triangle in the middle as my top of the slice. Be sure to stamp your “cake layer” hearts from the Sweet Stack Stamp Set right side up on either side of the cake. For the greeting on the top, you can leave it blank or pick from a few different greetings from the Sweet Stack Stamp Set. I did mine all the same and like the photo on the instructions. I do like the way the candle sits right in the middle of it!! Also, for the “icing flap” I only used adhesive on the top so that I could still get into my box without ripping into it. You could always add a little more adhesive once you have stuffed the boxes and it is go time!!

For the candles, I was really impressed with this. I really wondered how you get the candle to stand up so well and Stampin’ Up really nailed it!!! It is super simple but I did a little modification. I took a 3/4″ Circle Punch and some scrap paper and stuck the candle to that circle for some added strength. This helped secure the bottoms and hold them up super easy!!

The banner came with tons of little banner so you could easily do a few different ones. I thought about doing Celebrate but I was short one “E” so I went with Congrats. I figured that would work for any occasion! I adhered my banners with a Stampin’ Dimensional and looped the twine through the top (not stuck on the Dimensional). This allows me to move my banners along the twine and even remove them and add more later if I wish! Love it!

You can see the Unboxing and Reveal of this kit in this video here! Then by request, I did another video showing the assembly of the kit here!!! Be sure to give it a thumbs up if you liked it and don’t forget to subscribe!!!!

If you would like to check out some of the other New Kits from the Catalog, I have enjoyed lots of them – Tin of Cards and Watercolor Wishes!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura