Aug 7 2015

Fabulous Friday!!!

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

Happy Friday everyone!!! I don’t even know what day it is anymore! We left for our family vacation on Saturday, August 1 and now I’m home but can’t believe it is already August 7th and my days are all messed up! It is crazy how vacation can do that to you!!! We had a wonderful time together with beautiful views and I didn’t get sunburned! I call that a win!!!

It is so beautiful and peaceful in the mornings on the lake!!! LOVE IT!!! In the afternoons when it was really hot and sunny out, I spent a little bit of time in the cabin working on some wedding invites for a Bride!!! I am glad to be back home now and get on a regular schedule again and see all my stampers again! I really miss them when I go a week to a week and a half without seeing any of them! 🙂 You know you are doing something right when a week away makes you miss it all! I did place my Holiday Mini Catalog Pre-Order and can’t wait till it arrives! I will be playing with the goodies, making videos, and prepping for upcoming classes so stay tuned!!! Be sure you are subscribed to my YouTube Channel so you can see sneak peaks!!!

Of course, it just isn’t Friday without the Weekly Deals!!! Oh how I love ribbon and it is my #1 embellishment so I will be stocking up this week! Also, Stampin’ Up added more items to the Clearance Rack this week so be sure to check that out here! I spotted some great items for Holiday Cards at a fabulous price!!!

I hope you all have a great weekend!!! My weekend is all about weddings – family friend’s wedding on Saturday and a big Bridal Fair on Sunday!!! I LOVE WEDDINGS!!!! Bring on love, laughter, and good times!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Aug 6 2015

Woodgrain Wonder!!!

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

Are you wondering how I created this awesome woodgrain look??? I used the New Color Me Irresistible Specialty Designer Series Paper!!! This piece is the Tip Top Taupe woodgrain embossed piece. I used my Chocolate Chip Sponge Dauber to color the cardstock. This is how I got the two shades of brown. I love it!!! I just cut these stripes and added it to a piece of Mossy Meadow measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″. I added this to a card base of Tip Top Taupe!! For the greeting, I used the Tin of Cards Stamp Set which is fabulous! I love a good scroll-y font!!! It is stamped in Mossy Meadow and then punched out with the Decorative Label Punch! I punched a piece of Chocolate Chip as well to layer it. I cut the chocolate chip one in half. Then add adhesive to the back of the white greeting piece and add one of the chocolate chip pieces to the top and the other to the bottom. Then you can adhere it to your card with Stampin’ Dimensionals!!! It is as simple as that!! The woodgrain makes a wonderful man card, fence, furniture and so many other great looks on a card or box!!!!

If you would like to see all of the paper in the Color Me Irresistible Designer Series Paper Pack and adding color to the paper, check out the video below! Be sure to give it a thumbs up if you liked it!!! You can also see some more cards created with this paper here!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Aug 5 2015

Washi Tape All Over!!!

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

There are so many fun ways you can use Washi Tape on your project – cards, scrapbook page, home decor piece, or decoration!!! I love this card because of all of the bright colors and the fact that it took me about 2 minutes (if that) to create…..even more if I didn’t color in the cake! 🙂 I used a piece of Whisper White measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″ and I placed the Cherry on Top Designer Washi Tape on it diagonally. There is no measurements or correct way to do it, just start placing it down!! The first piece I laid down was the dots, then the green dots, then the blue, and finally the stripes! To be completely honest, I stamped afterwards which worked out fine. I just pulled out a stamp set and looked to see what would work. I used the Endless Birthday Wishes Stamp Set for the cake and the greeting. I stamped the greeting in Bermuda Bay and the cake in Stazon Black! I layered this piece on a Bermuda Bay card base and was all set! See….2 minutes or less!!!

What is your favorite way to use Washi Tape??? Here is another sample!

Happy Washi Tappin’

~Laura

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