May 15 2018

Technique Tuesday – Layering Embossing Folders!!!

Posted on May 15, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday, everyone!!! You all know that means I have a fabulous Technique to share with you! Today, I’m sharing the basics of embossing folders and the difference between regular and dynamic ones! It came be frustrating figuring out the layers for each so you don’t break your Big Shot or drive yourself crazy! Been there before which is why I thought I would do this post! 🙂

Both folders in the photo above look very similar and create a stunning embossed image. You might notice that when you order a folder, some are super thick and different from ones you have received in the past. These are the folders with a SUPER long name – Lovely Floral Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (right side)! The Garden Trellis Embossing Folder is on the left side! The regular folders are much skinnier whereas the dynamic folders are thick. This makes a big difference when running them through the Big Shot. It can be frustrating trying to figure out the perfect layering. Sometimes you run it through and it isn’t thick enough to emboss and then you try another layer and it’s so tight you just might pull a muscle or break your Big Shot. I’m here to solve that frustration!!!

Layering for the Regular Embossing Folders:

Multi-Purpose Platform – if it is the older style with the hinges, open up Tab #2. If it is the newer style, leave off the Adapter layer.

One Standard Cutting Pad (clear plate)

Embossing Folder with cardstock inside

One Standard Cutting Pad (clear plate)

In the video tutorial below, you will see that I also mention the Precision Base Plate. The majority of the time, I have the Precision Base Plate out for framelits and all so you can replace one of the standard cutting pads with the Precision Base Plate. This would mean Multi-Purpose Platform as described above, Precision Base Plate, Embossing Folder, and then Standard Cutting Pad. Again, I just do this when it’s already out and layered up rather than putting that aside and pulling out more items to layer. 🙂

Layering for the Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder:

Multi-Purpose Platform – if it is the older style with the hinges, open up Tab #2. If it is the newer style, leave off the Adapter layer.

Embossing Folder with cardstock inside

One Standard Cutting Pad (clear plate)

Due to the thickness of the folder, this layering only requires one Standard Cutting Pad. Another TIP for these folders is to spritz the paper ever so lightly with some water. This will moisten the fibers of the cardstock and allow for them to press into the folder without leaving creases in the cardstock. Many times I just grab my Stampin’ Mist because it’s right there and it works just as well! 🙂 You can always add some water to a Stampin’ Spritzer too!

In the photo at the top of the post, the images are Embossed and I lightly went over them with a Sponge Dauber to add color so you could see the image better. In this photo here, I flipped over the image to reveal the Debossed image and added some color. Both images are stunning so keep that mind when creating your next project. There are lots of ways to use embossing folders!

If you would like to see all of this in action, check out the Video Tutorial below or click here! I hope you found this super useful. Be sure to give the video a thumbs up if you liked it and don’t forget to subscribe if you are new. If you would like a notification when I post a new video, be sure to click the bell right next to the subscribe!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Big Shot

[143263]

Garden Trellis Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

[143741]

Lovely Floral Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

[148048]

May 14 2018

Butterflies & Rainbows!!!

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Monday!!! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! You all know I love bright colors and this card just makes me so happy. You could always change up the greeting because the image is so versatile. This Butterflies & Rainbows card could be done with lots of colors or just a few. It’s a great way to use up scraps too!

Rainbows & Butterflies are a sign of Spring to me and I just love Spring so much! It’s my favorite season for sure! A sign of new life and bright beginnings! I am so excited for our little rainbow baby to arrive and start that new adventure this Spring! 🙂

I started this card with a Basic Black card base. Next, I cut 2 pieces of Whisper White cardstock measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″. One is for the front and the other is for the inside to write on since black is hard to see. Then I added strips of cardstock that measured 1/2″ x 3-3/4″. The colors from top to bottom are Cherry Cobbler, Real Red, Calypso Coral, Powder Pink, Pear Pizzazz, Soft Sky, Bermuda Bay, Pacific Point, Night of Navy, and Rich Razzleberry.

TIP: Add 3 lines of adhesive up and down to the white piece and then just place the strips on top. This makes it easier rather than adding adhesive to each little piece. The other tip is to roll with the punches for this card. Spacing and all might not come out perfect for each card because cutting 1/2″ to the inside of the line is smaller and to the outside is larger. With so many pieces and slightly different measurements, it could be off a little. Simple trim the white to not exist or be smaller or leave off a color if you need to! It’s all okay and still made with love! Also, it’s okay if you leave out a color. It happens! 🙂

After getting the background all created, I stamped the butterfly from the Beautiful Day Stamp Set in Basic Black. BIG TIP: I used the Stamparatus for stamping the butterfly in my class so we could stamp it a few times for a nice darker look. You will notice on my sample above, it is not a crisp solid black butterfly. This tends to happen when you have a rough surface or solid stamped image. With the Stamparatus, simple stamp it, ink it up again, and stamp again. It is always in the same spot so no worries about it not lining up. I love that tool!

For the greeting, I used the same stamp set and stamped on a Whisper White piece and then cut banner tips on the right side. I added the greeting to the lower portion of the card. To finish off the card, I tied some Whisper White Classic Weave Ribbon around the spine of the card. This is for a little texture and to cover up any problems with spacing on the strips. 🙂

Let me know in the comments what colors you would use for this card! Would you stick with shades of one color? Rainbow? 2-3 of your Favorite Colors? Whatever you have the most scraps of? I would love to hear your ideas!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Beautiful Day Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[145915]

Whisper White 3/8″ Classic Weave Ribbon

[144159]

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

Stamparatus

[146276]

May 11 2018

Happy Mother’s Day & A Ziggy Update!!!

Posted on May 11, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

I would like to wish a BIG Happy Mother’s Day to all of the women out there. I feel like this is a holiday that all women should celebrate because we are all mothers. Whether it is to a pet, a child we gave birth to, married into, adopted, took under our wing, long and hope for, we are all motherly. Therefore we should all celebrate and know that we make a difference.

It is crazy to think that last year I wrote this Mother’s Day post and revealed that I had just lost our sweet little angel and here I am a year later 39 week pregnant. I am very emotional this year…..probably more than last year because of it all. I will never forget our first little angel and I’m so excited to hold this one very soon……hopefully very very soon. This momma is super uncomfortable and ready to go……come on Ziggy! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and know that I wish you all the best in whatever situation you might be in. Stay strong through the tough times, cherish the sweet moments, make memories to last a lifetime, and know you are not alone in anything you do! Hugs to all of you!

Here is a little Ziggy update and photo!!! It is CRAZY how last week the trees were still sticks and this week its all green! I’m feeling absolutely giant. Going to bed at night is no longer the best thing ever because I just can’t seem to get comfortable. Everything else is going great though. I’m still working out and feeling good! Ziggy is growing strong and kicking harder than ever.

Have an amazing weekend! Happy Mother’s Day! I’ll see you back here on Monday!

~Laura

May 10 2018

New Catalog Pre-Order Haul!!!

Posted on May 10, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

I am sooooo excited for the New Catalog to come out on June 1. As a demonstrator, we get to pre-order some supplies from the New Catalog! Today, I wanted to share a sneak peak of my New Catalog Pre-Order Haul!!! If you just can’t wait till June 1, you can always join Stampin’ Up and enjoy these early release perks too. Click here to join my team!

Oh look at all of the goodies. Can you guess my favorite item?? To be honest, I’m not even sure what my favorite is just yet but if I had to pick RIGHT NOW I would say that fabulous floral paper in the lower right corner – Garden Impressions Designer Series Paper. Of course, no surprise there because I just love everything floral and bright colors. That pack includes Calypso Coral, Mango Melody, Melon Mambo, Night of Navy, Pacific Point, Petal Pink, and more!

The one item was blown away by and can’t wait to use on a project is this New Delightfully Detailed Laser-Cut Specialty Paper. It is below the floral paper and ribbon but you can see it more in the video below! This stuff is stunning and so amazing looking. There are 4 sheets of 2 different designs that are super detailed and perfect for so many projects. The one design is a full floral look and the other is a bunch of pieces for card fronts or borders. It is vanilla on one side and white on the other which makes it more versatile. Also, coloring it will be super fun! Stay tuned as I will be showing this off more after I play with it!

I can’t wait to start playing with the stamps and coordinating framelits! There is also a stamp set with a coordinating trio punch. What’s better than 1 punch? A 3 in 1 punch! Woot Woot! New ribbons, new colors, and new embellishments are all so exciting! I’m ready to play a little before lil Baby Ziggy arrives! 🙂

If you would like to see all of these items as I unbox them, check out the Video Tutorial below or click here! Be sure to give the video a thumbs up if you liked it and don’t forget to subscribe if you are new. If you would like a notification when I post a new video, be sure to click the bell right next to the subscribe!!! Also, if you would like a copy of the NEW Catalog, click here to send me your address and I’ll get one sent out to you!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

May 9 2018

Lots of Happy Card Kit!!!

Posted on May 9, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Today, I’m finally sharing the Lots of Happy Card Kit. I got this kit months ago as you can see in the unboxing and reveal video here! I finally completed one each of the 5 designs. Yes, just 1…..there is a lot of coloring in this kit and I just don’t have the patience. LOL The cards are super stunning though!

I mean look at these beauties. They are amazing and the envelopes have a fun black and white strip to them. But again let me just say…..it was way more coloring than I thought or I’m just slow. The kit comes with Exclusive colors of Watercolor Pencils – Flirty Flamingo, Lemon Lime Twist, Old Olive, and Rich Razzleberry. Simply coloring with the pencils works or you can also use a Blender Pen to get some fun color variation. I did that with a few but it slowed me down even more! 🙂

After finishing this sheet of coloring, I realized this was only 1 each of the 5 designs and there are 3 more sheets to go. I do love flowers and pinks though!

I think this is my favorite card because of the fun shape and design. Another thing I will point out is that I feel like some of the colored flower weren’t necessary for each card and I would use on another project. For example, see those two little flowers on either side of the greeting? They are hard to notice and cover up the gold foil banner. I think for the rest of the cards, I will add one to the inside of the card or use on another project.

This is my second favorite card! Again, there are 2 lavender pieces overlapped for a nice full arrangement but I really don’t think it is necessary. Most of my fabulous coloring is covered up. I could create another card with some Crumb Cake as a card base and the other extras from the kit!

I do love the little vellum leaves in the background. They are subtle but also add a fun pop to the card! Vellum is one of those things I always forget about….maybe because it’s almost clear. lol Adhering vellum can be a struggle but I just adhered it at the stem/base and let it peak out.

This little card is super cute and perfect for a gift topper or to attach to some homemade goodies to deliver! I was sad that the greeting covered up a lot of my coloring though. Can you tell I worked hard on that coloring and was sad to see it not showing. 🙂

Here is the final card! Did you notice that fun Lemon Lime Twist Ombre Ribbon? I love it!!! It’s so bright and cool looking! More little vellum leaves for this card too!

So that is the entire Lots of Happy Card Kit. This kit is an all inclusive kit which means it comes with the supplies, ink, clear block, and colored pencils. This makes the kit easy to gift or to grab and go. I really did love the kit but it was a lot of coloring which isn’t really my favorite! I do love flowers and pink though! 🙂 This kit also comes with the option to buy refills meaning you get all the consumables to make more cards. Click the photo below to get your kit today!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Lots Of Happy Card Kit

[146388]

Blender Pens

[102845]

May 8 2018

Technique Tuesday – Memorial Day & Summer!!!

Posted on May 8, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! You all know what that means….I have a fabulous technique to share. Awhile back I showed off my Welcome Frame (check that out here) and today I’m sharing some Memorial Day & Summer decor.

I love this flag decoration because it’s perfect for Memorial Day and 4th of July! Woot Woot! Let’s get started on how I created those amazing stars and stripes.

I started by die cutting Silver Foil with the Layering Circles Framelits. The bling and added texture of the scallop really made the flag pop, I thought! Next, I took the Swirly Scribbles Framelits and die cut out some Real Red for the stripes. I added this to a piece of scrap Whisper White that was big enough for the final circle to be die cut. The Fine Tip Glue Pen works wonders for small delicate images like this.

Then, for the stars, I tried two different ways. First, I stamped the stars from the Wood Words Stamp Sets in Night of Navy Ink all along the top of the white. Then I die cut out the circle. I thought it looked a little simple and wanted to step up my game with some silver bling! I took a piece of Night of Navy cardstock and stamped the stars in VersaMark Ink. Next, I heat embossed the stars in Silver Embossing Powder. Then to get that curve in the navy to match with my stripes, I used the outside edge of the Swirly Scribbles Framelit. Simply place it on the edge and run it through the Big Shot. It won’t come out perfectly the same but it gives a little swoop rather than being straight across. Check out the video below for more details on that as it’s a bit hard to explain! 🙂

Once I had the stars ready, I adhered them to the Whisper White and then die cut all of it with the Layering Circles Framelit. I did the circle at the end so that everything was cut out perfectly (the stars, stripes, and white base). Also, it was much easier than cutting the circle and trimming each piece that I layered on top!

I’m so excited that Summer is right around the corner. Eeeee I just love summer! This decor was super simple and just required lots of circles die cut to get each layer. First, I started with a Daffodil Delight circle die cut with the Laying Circles Framelits. Then I die cut out a Bermuda Bay one and snipped off the top to allow my sun to show through. I showed in the video how I used a scrap piece of Bermuda Bay which die cut out more like a strip with rounded edges. That works too as long as you have enough “ocean water” showing. Layering the ocean onto the sunset with the same curve of the circle.

Finally, for the sand, I spritzed some Crumb Cake cardstock with Chocolate Chip ink refill mixed with rubbing alcohol. This gives a nice speckled, textured look for my sand. Then I die cut out a circle and ripped it along the top to look like a rough edge of the beach. This gives some texture to the scene! Then I added the die cut Adirondack chair from the Seasonal Layers Framelits with the Fine Tip Glue Pen. I only added glue to the bottom rectangle and the arms of the chair. This allows the top (back) of the chair to not be glued down for a more 3D look. I love it!

Here are all of the amazing decor pieces I have created so far. Click here to see more details on the frame, Spring decor, and Birthday decor. Click here to check out the adorable box to store all the pieces in. Stay tuned for more decor pieces to come as we move throughout the seasons and holidays of the year!

If you would like to see all of this in action, check out the Video Tutorial below or click here! Be sure to give the video a thumbs up if you liked it and don’t forget to subscribe if you are new. If you would like a notification when I post a new video, be sure to click the bell right next to the subscribe!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Layering Circle Framelits Dies

[141705]

Large Letters Framelits Dies

[141712]

Swirly Scribbles Thinlits Dies

[141497]

Wood Words Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[143928]

Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies

[143751]

Stampin’ Spritzer

[126185]

May 7 2018

Simple Sweet Soirée!!!

Posted on May 7, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Monday!!! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Let’s start off the week with this quick and simple Sweet Soirée card! I love this card because you can add any greeting and it uses up every bit of the 12″ x 12″ sheet of paper! Woot Woot!

This is a great card template to have on hand because it can work with any designer paper, ribbon, and greeting! Also, with all the colors in the paper, you can use any one of them as the card base. The same goes for the ribbon. I used up lots of different styles of ribbon making this card!

I started with a Marina Mist card base measuring 4-1/4″ x 11″. Next, I took a piece of the Sweet Soirée Specialty Designer Paper and cut it into 4″ x 4″ squares. One sheet of the designer paper will get you 9 squares! How awesome is that?!?!? Now for the greeting, I cut a piece of Whisper White measuring 4″ x 2″. Using the Special Celebrations Stamp Set, I stamped the greeting in Rich Razzleberry Ink.

To assemble the card, I added the greeting piece to the top portion of the card, leaving a nice border around the top and sides. Next, I took the designer paper and added it to the bottom portion, again leaving a border all around. There will be a little bit of overlap. Then, I tied some Calypso Coral Sheer Ribbon around the card to the inside on that overlap. I finished the card off with a few Subtles Enamel Shapes!

TIPS: I like to tie the ribbon to the inside of the card so that I can use less Whisper White. If I tied it around the front layer, I would need a full 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Whisper White to stamp and layer the designer paper on. This way I’m saving on paper and thickness of the card. Another bonus is that when I do tie my ribbon to the inside, I like to make the card base 4-1/4″ x 11″ so I’m using less ribbon than if I went 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″!

I hope you enjoyed this quick and simple card. Also, a few little tips on saving product is always a plus! 🙂 Don’t forget that the Sweet Soirée Designer Paper is retiring at the end of the month (or while supplies last). Click here to check out all of the retiring items before they are gone!

Happy Stampin!

~Laura

Product List

Sweet Soirée Specialty Designer Series Paper

[145564]

Special Celebrations Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[143885]

Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126950]

Calypso Coral 1/8″ Sheer Ribbon

[144173]

May 4 2018

May 2018 Free Stamp Set of the Month!!!

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Friday!!!! Today, I’m introducing my May 2018 Free Stamp Set of the Month! Drum roll………it is the Label Me Pretty Stamp Set!!!

For the entire month of May, all orders of $75 or more (before shipping and tax) will earn my Free Stamp Set of the Month! This offer is exclusive through me. The Stamp Set will come separate from your order in your place your order online!!! Click here to start shopping!

A Few Reminders for the Month:

The is the last month for the Retiring Items before the New Catalog comes out on June 1st! Click here to view the retiring items and make sure you get them before they are gone. All of these items are while supplies last!

Can’t wait for the New Catalog to come out…..me neither! Stampin’ Up has released the Share What You Love Bundles a month early for all of us with no patience. 🙂 There are stamps, designer paper, embellishments, and more in these bundles. There are 3 different ones at 3 different price points but each one has FREE Items included. Woot Woot! Click here to check out the Just Getting Started Bundle, A Little More Please Bundle, and the Gotta Have It All Bundle!!! The designer paper is just stunning…..and floral. Eeeeee! I love it!

Also, don’t forget that all orders of $40 or increments of $40 earn Laura’s Loyal Stampers Stickers! All the fun and fabulous stuff this month!!!

38 weeks and going strong with Baby Ziggy! Impatiently waiting for her arrival. 🙂

Have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you back here on Monday!!! Happy Stampin’

~Laura

May 3 2018

New 2018-2020 Stampin’ Up In-Colors!!!

Posted on May 3, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Today, I’m introducing the New 2018-2020 Stampin’ Up In-Colors and new style of ink pad!!! I am giddy, little girl squealing over these colors. You all know I love bright colors and these make my heart happy! Also, I always notice after Stampin’ Up released In-Colors, I start to see them all over in stores as clothes, decorating pieces, etc so I’m even more pumped!!!

Look how pretty they are!!!!! What color is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below! I haven’t played with them a lot so I don’t know which one I’m honestly be drawn to and love the most. For now, my pick is the Lovely Lipstick though!!!! Eeeeee!!!!!

These 5 ink pads are available NOW which is even more fun! You can purchase them as a bundle here! If you aren’t really sure yet, you can always purchase one of the Share What You Love Bundles which includes the Grapefruit Grove Ink Pad. Click here to see those! There are lots of goodies in the New Catalog coming out June 1 in these colors too like ribbon, designer paper, cardstock, and more!!! 🙂

Now let’s chat about the New Ink Pad styles!!!! They are stackable which you can see in the photo above. Notice the little dimples on the 4 corners of the Grapefruit Grove Ink Pad. The bottom of the ink pad has little nubbins (or whatever you want to call them) on each corner to fit in the grove. This comes in handy for stacking and for smaller storage space!

When you get the New Ink Pads, be sure to apply the labels for easier use!!! On the back of the ink pads there are labels in different languages. Peel off the one you wish to use with the wording and place it on the end of the ink pad (see stacked photo above). This way when the ink pads are stacked or facing out, you can quickly and easily find the right one. There is another label in the row that is just a solid color. That one is meant to go in the little slot next to the ink as shown above. This makes it super handy to know the color when you have multiple ink pads open! After all, if there are a few dark ones open, they all look the same like in the video below!

Here is a side by side photo of the old style of ink pad and the new one. Overall size, they are about the same. The new ones are more smooth and rectangle whereas the old style has all the bumps and groves like that front lip. The new style is much skinnier (shorter) than the old style. You can see this better in the video below! The major difference in the new ink pad is the ease of opening. Just flip it open like a ladies compact mirror and slide it back. No more push, pull, flip, slide confusion!

Don’t forget to let me know your favorite color and remember that you can purchase the New In-Colors now! No waiting till June 1st for those! Click here if you just can’t wait any longer!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

May 2 2018

Hope!!!

Posted on May 2, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

This week seems to be flying by kind of…..anyone else out there think so? I always feel like some weeks fly by and others so go slow when really they are all the same. I find that super crazy! If your week is going slow…..this Hope card will give you the strength to power through to the weekend! 🙂

This card could be created in many different colors. I know that different ribbon colors stand for different types of cancer and diseases. Also, the fun floral pattern can be colored any way you wish for any type of thinking of you card! I love it!

I started with a Pink Pirouette card base. Next, I die cut out the letters in Rich Razzleberry from the Large Letter Framelits. Rather than using an “O”, I used the ribbon from the Support Ribbon Framelits Dies. I die cut out 3 ribbons in Bermuda Bay and then stamped the floral image from the Ribbon of Courage Stamp Set onto Whisper White. I stamped the ribbon in Memento Ink and colored it with Stampin’ Blends. Most of the images were so small that I didn’t blend much but just colored light and dark in spots.

Now it is time to assemble it all. First, I took a piece of Whisper White measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″ for the background. After placing the letters and ribbon on it, I realized it looked too plain. Using the flower from the Ribbon of Courage Stamp Set, I stamped it all over the background. When I did this in class, one of the ladies used Pink Pirouette for the little flowers rather than Rich Razzleberry like me. I think I liked her’s better because it filled in but was more subtle.

Using the Fine Tip Glue Pen, I added the letters and layers of the ribbon. The extra layers really made the ribbon pop and I loved that look and texture! The hardest part of this card is just the spacing and making sure the letters all fit. I find it best to place them down and then pick up one at a time to glue down.

What color(s) of ribbon would you use for your card? Let me know in the comments below! Also, to purchase any of these items used for this card, just click the photos below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Large Letters Framelits Dies

[141712]

Ribbon Of Courage Clear-Mount Bundle

[145342]

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

Fine-Tip Glue Pen

[138309]