Mar 17 2015

Technique Tuesday – Flower Bouquet Mask!!!!

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Happy Tuesday !!! You know what that means…I have a fabulous technique to share with you! I’m super excited about this one because it includes flowers (Eeee) and PINK (EEeeee)!!!! How amazing is this card????

I love this so much that I almost want to frame it just to look at beautiful pink flowers everyday!!!! Now lets get started on how I created this beautiful masterpiece!!!

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Lotus Blossom Sale-A-Bration Stamp Set, Scrap Paper, Oval Framelits, Big Shot, Sponge Daubers

My card base in the card above is Melon Mambo (8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″) with a piece of Pink Pirouette layered on top (4″ x 5-1/4″). Then my Whisper White cardstock measures 3-3/4″ x 5″. You can always omit the second layer and have your Whisper White measure 4″ x 5-1/4″. Using your Lotus Blossom Stamp Set you will start to stamp your flowers all over (click here to see a how to video). I used Pink Pirouette and Melon Mambo for the sample above and stamped 6 flowers. I guess I totally ignored my “decorating in odd numbers” rule! Opps! 🙂 Once you have all of your flowers stamped, using the #3 flower image, stamp it on a piece of scrap paper and cut out the flower. You will then use this as a mask to cover up that center bottom flower when you are adding your stem. This is so you don’t stamp on top of it and create a mess on top of that flower! It also gives the illusion of a vase of flowers in the front and back. Once you are done stamping your stems it is time to add your vase. Using my Oval Framelits and my Big Shot, I cut out the #4 oval…..fourth from the biggest and fourth from the smallest!!! You will then cut off the top and the bottom of the oval. I started by cutting one end and then placing it on my card to see how much I needed to cut off the other end. It will always vary depending on how low your flowers are on your cardstock! Before adhering the vase to my card, I brushed the edges with my Sponge Dauber (LOVE) to give that darker look and make it seem more rounded and 3D!

For this sample, I used Hello Honey as my card base and Island Indigo as my vase! The flowers were stamped in Island Indigo/Lost Lagoon and Tangelo Twist/Hello Honey! The stems were done in Mossy Meadow! So many color options for your vase and just fabulous looking for any occasion. To see this in action, I created a Video Tutorial for you!!! Be sure to give it a Thumbs Up if you like it!!!!

Don’t forget that you can earn the Lotus Blossom Stamp Set with every $50 (US) you purchase from now till the end of March – only 15 more days!!! Place your order online by clicking here and you will earn points as one of Laura’s Loyal Stampers!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 16 2015

Sheltering Tree!!!

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Simple and fabulous! I love the look of this card. It is just so peaceful and perfect for lots of different occasions. I started with a Crumb Cake card base (4-1/4″ x 11″). Then I took a piece of Whisper White cardstock measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″. All the stamps used were from the Sheltering Tree Stamp Set from the Occasions Mini Catalog! Love it! You can see more samples here and here! I used Chocolate Chip for the greeting, swing, and the tree. For the grass and the leaves, I used Mossy Meadow. I stamped the grass once in full strength and the side two were stamped after stamping off once. For the leaves, I put the stamp on the clear block with the leaves/dots against the clear block (meaning I used the back side). I inked it up in Mossy Meadow, stamped off once, and then onto my card. Then I cleaned it, turned it over, inked it in Mossy Meadow and stamped it full strength. I finished it off with some Painted Blooms Cotton Twine….so soft!! How fabulous is that look?!?!?!? Using that solid back side really gives a great look. I learned this trick when I was watching Stampin’ Up’s Live Leadership Event! I love learning these new tips and tricks!!! Now to figure out what other stamps would look amazing with this trick!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 13 2015

Painted Blooms & Friday the 13th!!!

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

Happy Friday!!!! I hope you all had a wonderful week!!!! I just wanted to share this quick and simple FABULOUS card today to brighten your day!!!

This card uses the Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper from the Occasions Mini Catalog! I layered it onto some Rich Razzleberry and then a Blackberry Bliss card base! I added some Blackberry Bliss Satin Stitched Ribbon and the greeting is from the Label Love Stamp Set and coordinating Artisan Label Punch (Bundle & Save)!!! Perfect Anniversary or Wedding card!!!!

BONUS: I started my Laura’s Loyal Stampers this week and this weekend (Today, Saturday, & Sunday), if you place an online order you will earn double points. That means if you place an order for $25 or more, you will earn 2 points. If you place an order for $50 or more, you will earn 4 points and a Free Sale-A-Bration item!!!! Woot Woot!!! I’m so excited to start spoiling you all even more!!! How is that for Friday the 13th!?!?!?!

Of course, it’s not a Friday without the Weekly Deals!!!!

Also, I don’t want to have to say it but I feel you should know sooner rather than later. Stampin’ Up has discontinued the Blendabilities. As I stated last week, they turned the Blendabilities off because of a quality issue that Stampin’ Up and their customers were having. It seems this is a permanent defect in the pens that has microscopic holes in the barrels so they are drying out since they are alcohol. The manufacturer is unable to correct the problem to meet Stampin’ Up! high quality standards and provide a stable, long-term solution so they have been discontinued. 🙁 I am really sad about this but I won’t want to purchase or sell a defective product to all of you. Hopefully since these were super popular, Stampin’ Up will come out with a new Blendable pen soon! Fingers crossed!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 12 2015

Background Basics!!!

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

Have you started to notice my love for bright colors and rainbows??? You can check out my other rainbow creation here! I just love bright colors and why not use all of the colors??? I created this beautiful card with the Sheltering Tree Stamp Set from the Occasions Mini Catalog! That fabulous little snowflake/dot image is what I used to create the background. I did my best to match ROY G BIV – Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Pacific Point, Bermuda Bay, and Elegant Eggplant. Start on one corner (like one image in from the corner) and stamp diagonal. I stamped with image taller rather than wider. After doing that first line, I filled in the corner with the same color (Real Red to start and Elegant Eggplant to finish). Then just keep going through the colors, stamping 1 row each per color! If you feel like you aren’t going straight, you can always take a scrap piece of paper and use it as a guide. I layered this piece onto a Daffodil Delight card base. For the Greeting, I used the Age Awareness Stamp Set and used my markers in the same colors and colored the greeting! You could always pick your favorite color and do a solid greeting as well. I then layered that greeting on some Bermuda Bay and added it to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals! Love it!!!!

You can use this stamp for lots of different backgrounds for any project – memory keeping, cards, treat boxes, tags, and more! Let me know in the comment below which colors you would use for your background – rainbow?? Just 2 colors?? Just 1 color??

To check out more samples using the Sheltering Tree Stamp Set, click here!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 11 2015

A Card For Every Season!

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Have you seen the Sheltering Tree Stamp Set in the Occasions Mini Catalog? It is fabulous! I really wanted it when the catalog came out but thought….”no, I have Lovely As A Tree.” So I waited about a month and a half and the more I saw samples using this set, the more I needed it! I am so glad I got it! It is super fun and versatile! The card above is my winter card using Pool Party and Real Red. I added in some Dazzling Details to really make the snow sparkle! I love it!!

My Spring Tree makes me so happy because it is PINK! I used Blushing Bride for the card base and the tree uses Blushing Bride and Strawberry Slush! The “grass” is Pear Pizzazz and all of my trees are done in Chocolate Chip!

This is my Summer Tree because of the bike but you could always flip flop my Spring and Summer Trees or add flowers to the Spring Tree Card. Riding bikes always takes me back to childhood because that is what we did as children all day and all night. I remember my mom calling us in to take baths as we were riding our bikes in circles by the light out by the shed. Love it!!! I used Crumb Cake and Rose Red cardstock. For the stamped images, I used Mossy Meadow for the grass, flower stems, and leaves (stamping off to get those different shades). The flowers were done in Rose Red and the bike was done with Soft Suede and Pacific Point. I did another bike with Basic Black for the base and it POPPED so much more so I would recommend black rather than brown for the bike!

Then we have our Fall Tree. I used Cajun Craze and Crushed Curry cardstock and some Linen Tread to add to the rustic look! The Tree uses Cajun Craze, Rose Red and Crushed Curry for the leaves. You can stamp the leaves in full strength for a richer look or stamp off once and then onto your tree for a more subtle look.

You could always make up a few of each of these to have on hand for all of your card needs during that season. All of your Birthdays in that season, get this card. They would also make perfect Thinking of You cards, Thank You, and even Sympathy. I love it!!! Don’t think I stopped there with this stamp set either. Be sure to check back as I will be posting so more fun cards using the Sheltering Tree Stamp Set later this week and next week! Afraid you might forget to check back? Subscribe to my blog along the right side and you will get an email every time I post something new!!! How fabulous is that?!?!?

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 10 2015

Technique Tuesday – Iris Fold!!!

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! You know what that means….I have a fabulous technique to share with you today!!! I love this one because it creates an amazing look AND it uses little scraps (who doesn’t have millions of those laying around)!!!!

Need a third reason to create this card? It makes a great Man Card!!!! Now lets get started on how I created this!!!!

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Scraps of Paper, 2-1/2″ Circle Punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals

You will start with a piece of Whisper White cardstock measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″ and using your 2-1/2″ Circle Punch push it all the way in on right side and center it top to bottom and punch!!! Now apply Snail or Fast Fuse around the circle and start laying your strips of cardstock down. I used Pacific Point, Old Olive, and Basic Gray in the card above. The strips are about 2 inches long (or less) and maybe a 1/4″ wide. Again you can use any type of scrap because no one is going to see the back and you will just lay one down and then the next color and the next. You can do them close together or farther part just be sure that the strip crosses over the other color and that you can’t see light between the strip and the punched circle. Once you have done the first layer, you will add Stampin’ Dimensionals at each cross section and then start in with the second layer. If you need to add in more Stampin Dimensionals, that’s no problem and if you end up not using on that was already placed down, no worries there either. It will help with adhering this piece to your card front! Once you have completed the second round, you are all done!!! At this point you can add ribbon or stamping or any embellishments to the left hand side or leave it black like mine above. Add a few more Stampin’ Dimensionals to the corners and attach it to your card base (I used Old Olive above)! After that piece is in place, you will stamp your greeting. Be sure the greeting is going to fit in the hole. The greeting used above was from Remembering Your Birthday and the coordinating greeting is stamped on the inside! Love it! Simple, quick, Man Card and uses up those scraps!!!

Here is another sample using Calypso Coral, Crisp Cantaloupe and Pink Pirouette. I added in some Calypso Coral Seam Binding and the greeting is from Simply Wonderful which is a free Sale-A-Bration item! You can still earn this stamp set for FREE with a $50 (US) order placed through the end of this month! Shop here and you will also earn points as a Laura’s Loyal Stamper!!!!

Want to see this Technique in action??? Check out my video tutorial below and don’t forget to give it a thumbs up if you like it!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 9 2015

February Paper Pumpkin!!!

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

Have I told you how much I LOVE Paper Pumpkin???? I LOVE PAPER PUMPKIN….lots and lots! It is so much fun from the beginning to the end. It arrives in the mail in an orange box so that is exciting! You open it up not knowing what is inside. I love surprises! It is wrapped in tissue paper like a present (every month)! There are so many goodies inside!!!! It is just super fabulous and if you want to hear my excitement, you can check out this video of me opening the box for the first time!

Here is everything that I created! I did save back a 2 more white long cards and 2 boxes because I want to make a mini album out of at least one of them. I need to print some pictures that would be perfect for the little cards. How cute would it be to have a little brag book in your purse of your children, grandchildren or nieces and nephews? Precious!!! There is also a ton of Baker’s Twine that I will use for the packaging of these cards!

So this is a card just like the instructions that were provided in the box! Super cute and so much fun! Then my mind went crazy creative and I made these…….

How fabulous would this be….have everyone in the office or in your family or in your girl’s group write something after the “I just wanted to say…”. That is amazing! These cards would also be great cards to send to someone as a get well because they make a great display card to brighten up any room! Also, did you see how I used the H and I from the THANKS letters provided!!! 🙂

Then I cut 2 of the white folded pieces into little mini cards! This was so much fun to decorate each little mini card. I created a few Monogram Cards for some upcoming birthdays! NOTE: The little boxes are perfect for dropping a mini card and a gift card in there for a gift! Love it!!!

Here is a little bundle of cards and one of the boxes all decorated! Perfect little gift for a hostess, co-worker, friend, or just about anyone!

I can’t wait to see what the March Kit is going to have in it! Any guesses??? Leave me a comment down below on what you think? Are you not a Paper Pumpkin Subscriber? What are you waiting for? Sign up TODAY to get the March Kit but clicking here! Want lots of fun, a great bargain and FREE STUFF? Purchase the 3 Month Pre-Paid Subscription for just $54.85. That is a $5 discount AND you earn a Free Sale-A-Bration item!!! Woot Woot!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 8 2015

Laura’s Loyal Stampers!!!!

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

I’m so excited to start this new program on my blog – Laura’s Loyal Stampers!!!! I am now rewarding you even more when you follow my blog and place an online order through me!!!! Introducing Laura’s Loyal Stampers!!!!

You will see this fabulous little icon on the right hand side of my blog just below the Subscribe Section and Search Section!!! When you click on that icon you can see all of the information about being one of Laura’s Loyal Stampers!!! So what is this special club??

You will start earning more FREE stuff from me when you follow my blog and place an online order with me!!! For every $25 you spend (orders must be $25 or more and before Shipping & Tax to count), you will earn 1 point. Orders cannot be combined to total $25. For example: At $25, you will earn 1 point. At $50, you will earn 2 points. You will continue to earn points for every $25 increment afterwards. Orders of $150 or more will receive 6 or more points as well as Hostess Freebies!

You can then cash in your points however you wish:
4 Points – 5 Hand-Stamped Greeting Cards made by ME!
8 Points – Your Choice of Ribbon (up to $8.95 value)
12 Points – Paper Snips & Bone Folder ($16.90 value)
16 Points – Your Choice of Stamp Set (up to $24.95 value)
20 Points – Your Choice of Stamp Set (any value)

How to redeem your Points?
I will keep track of your Points and email you when you have hit 4 Points. You will then have to let me know if you wish to cash in your points at that time or hold on to them. Your points will expire one year from the initial purchase date.

Be sure when you are placing your order online, that you are checking YES in the box stating “Allow my demonstrator to contact me with order updates and other important information.” If the box is checked “NO”, I won’t know who placed the order and you will not receive any points or a Thank You Note from me for your order!

Are you ready? Go check out My Online Store (or click Shop Now along the top of this page) and become one of Laura’s Loyal Stampers and start earning points!!!

You can shop by clicking here or you can always click the links in my blog posts for the supplies that I used. When you go to check out, you will need to log in as a customer. Be sure to write down the email and password you enter so you can shop with me in the future. I do not have access to your online information because this is your personal shopping account information. Orders of $150 or more will receive Hostess Benefits, be sure to select those Freebies before completing your order.

I can’t wait to send you a Thank You card and start tallying your points for FREE stuff!!!

Happy Shoppin’

~Laura

Mar 6 2015

Fabulous Friday!!!

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

Happy Friday!!! I am super excited because it is suppose to be warm this weekend (and no snow storm in the forecast). Can I get a Woot Woot??? Also, it is my niece’s birthday and we are going shopping and celebrating all weekend long!!! But first……

This week’s Weekly Deals are all about Gift Packaging!!!! Now is the time to stock up on these while they are on sale. You know you will need them for Mother’s Day, Easter, End of the School Year Parties, Birthdays, Teacher Gifts, and St. Patrick’s Day!!!!! My favorite are the Gusseted Cellophane Bags because they are the perfect size and they expand and just package up so perfectly!!! Don’t want to come up with your own decoration? Be sure to get the A Little Sumthin’ Sumthin’ Gift Box Kit! It is perfect!!!

I wanted to let you know about the status of Blendabilities! They are not available right now due to a quality issue. Stampin’ Up! wants to make sure we are getting an amazing product and they found an issue with some of the markers. As of right now, you can not purchase or redeem Sale-A-Bration Rewards on Blendabilities. I’m sorry for this inconvenience and I’m right there with you waiting for the day we can order them again!!! I’ll keep you updated!

One more thing before I’m off…..be sure to check back next week as I will be unveiling a fabulous new program called Laura’s Loyal Stampers!!!! You can earn free stuff when you place an online order with me!!!!

I hope you all have an amazing weekend and I’ll see you next week! 🙂

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 5 2015

Simply Wonderful!!!

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

This card is Simply Wonderful!!! I am having so much fun with the Irresistibly Yours Designer Series Paper from Sale-A-Bration. You can create so many amazing looks. I have a card base of Crumb Cake! Then I cut my Designer Series Paper into 3-3/4″ x 5″ pieces and added color with my Sponge Daubers. Love them! Here I used Tempting Turquoise! I layered that onto a piece of Tempting Turquoise measuring 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ and attached it to my card. For the greeting, I used my Simply Wonderful Stamp Set which is also in the Sale-A-Bration Brochure and punched it out with the Decorative Label Punch! Quick, Simple, and Fabulous!!!

This one was done with Mossy Meadow and would make a fabulous Man Card! 🙂

This one was created with Perfect Plum! I love it! I don’t always get this color out but I really like the softer purple for this card. It goes very well with the Crumb Cake and this time of year!!!! Which one is your favorite? Leave me a comment down below!

If you want to check out more samples using the Irresistibly Yours Designer Series Paper, click here and here and here! If you would like to see how to color this paper, check out this video!

Happy Colorin’

~Laura