Feb 21 2018

Birthday Bows!!!

Posted on February 21, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Doesn’t these birthday bows look so real?? I am still loving the Picture Perfect Birthday Stamp Set and using it for so many different occasions!! Check out this beauty!

This card can be created in so many different color combinations for a masculine card, feminine card, or even matching school colors for a graduation! Don’t be scared about the 2 step stamping with the bow though! I have some create tips!

I started with a Bermuda Bay card base! Next, I took a piece of Whisper White measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″. Then I stamped the bow from the Picture Perfect Birthday Stamp Set all over for a background in Peekaboo Peach Ink! A few tips that I have for the bows are to stamp the smaller dark (full strength) image first and then stamp the larger, lighter (stamped off once) image second. This helps with lining up because you can see through the stamped off image easier than the full strength one. I will say try it both ways on which one is stamped first to see what works best for you! Another tip is to place the images on your clear blocks in the same direction. I like to do it where the engraved Stampin’ Up is on the top side on both images and that helps me not have to rotate it around and around each time! Also, I think the bow looks pretty fabulous without the second stamp too so that’s an option too!

After stamping the background, I added this piece to the card front and tied some Lemon Lime Mini Striped Ribbon around and into a knot. For the greeting, I die cut a Whisper White piece with the Stitched Shapes Framelits and a Lemon Lime Twist piece with the Layering Ovals Framelits! Then, I stamped the greeting in the center and layered them together. I added the greeting to the front of the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals! To finish it off, I added a few Bermuda Bay Enamel Shapes!!!

What color combinations would you use for this card?? I’m always up for trying new combinations and would love to hear your favorites. Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Picture Perfect Birthday Photopolymer Stamp Set

[145519]

Lemon Lime Twist 3/8″ (1 Cm) Mini Striped Ribbon

[145611]

Peekaboo Peach Classic Stampin’ Pad

[141398]

Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies

[145372]

Layering Ovals Framelits Dies

[141706]

Feb 20 2018

Technique Tuesday – Heat Embossing with Water!!!

Posted on February 20, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! You all know what that means! I have a fabulous technique to share with you and today we are heat embossing with water!!! Just splatter water all over and pour the powder on top!!!

I just love this stunning gold and purple card! It’s so wonderful…..just like the greeting says!

I started with a Whisper White card base. Then I took a piece of Elegant Eggplant measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″ and dripped/splattered water all over with an Aqua Painter! A good splatter can be done by tapping/hitting the Aqua Painter on your finger for that bump that makes the water fly. See the video tutorial below for that in action….I’m not sure how else to explain that. 🙂

Once the desired amount of water is on the cardstock, I poured Gold Embossing Powder over the top and the powder sticks to all the water spots. Using the Heat Tool, I melted the powder. The larger drops are full of water and you will notice the water wiggle below the powder when the heat tool blows it around. In order to not make the splatter drip or blow, I would apply the heat a little and then move to another spot and then come back again, repeating this a few times till everything was melted. I love watching the bubbles wiggle though. It’s so magical!

After I set the powder with the Heat Tool, I added this piece to the card front and then added decoration. I used the Cake Soirée Stamp Set and coordinating Sweet Cake Framelits Dies (Bundle & Save 10%). The cake was stamped in Elegant Eggplant Ink onto Wisteria Wonder cardstock. I used Gold Foil Paper for the cake stand and bow! When adding it to the card front, I did the cake stand flat and the cake with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Using the Fine Tip Glue Pen, I added the bow to the top.

For the greeting, I stamped it from the Cake Soirée Stamp Set in Elegant Eggplant Ink and punched either side with the Pretty Label Punch for that cut little rounded edges. Using a Sponge Dauber, I brushed a little color on all of the edges and added this to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals. I finished it off with some Gold Metallic Enamel Shapes on either end!!!

If you would like to see this all 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

Feb 19 2018

This Little Piggy….

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Isn’t this greeting just precious?!?!?! This Little Piggy Loves You!! This was the card that I gave Brad for Valentine’s Day last week. Of course the inside said “little piglet loves you too.” It’s just super cute!

I started with a Whisper White card base. Next, I took a piece of Real Red cardstock (4″ x 5-1/4″) and added a strip of Night of Navy Gingham Ribbon to the bottom portion. Simply wrapped the ends to the backside and added it to the card front. Then, I took another piece of Night of Navy Gingham Ribbon and made a little bow. Using Mini Glue Dots, I added the bow the card front. This is a fun way to save on ribbon and still get the sweet look of a bow. Also, you can position the bow any way you would like with this technique!

The greeting was stamped in Real Red Ink from the This Little Piggy Stamp Set and then punched out with the 3/4″ Circle Punch. I layered the greeting onto a Real Red 1″ Circle Punch and then onto a Night of Navy 1-3/8″ Scallop Circle Punch. Using Stampin’ Dimensionals, I added the greeting to the card front!

Now for the focal point, I used the Layering Squares Framelits for the scallop and smooth square. Then I stamped the piggy from the This Little Piggy Stamp Set in Memento Black Ink! I used the Stampin’ Blends to colors in the cutie!!! Pink Pirouette for the piggy. Bronze for the dirt and hooves. Old Olive for the grass! He’s just so cute!!! I layered these together and added them to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals! I just love dimensionals.

If you would like to see more samples using the This Little Piggy Stamp Set, click here and here!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Feb 16 2018

Sale-A-Bration Second Release!!!

Posted on February 16, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you had a wonderful week! I’m enjoying the Olympics but I sure wish they were on at a more normal hour so I can still get my sleep! 🙂 Before we head into the weekend, I wanted to let you know about the Sale-A-Bration Second Release of goodies!!!

Today, Stampin’ Up has brought out more items to pick from for your Sale-A-Bration freebies. There are $50 options as well as a $100 option item. You can check them out here – Second Release Sale-A-Bration 2018!

The Springtime Foils Designer Series Paper looks really fun and blingy! I think it’s super elegant as well for some wedding cards for this upcoming wedding season. It’s fabulous for lots of other occasions too though!

The Blooming Basket Bundle is for the $100 level. This bundle includes the basket/floral stamp set which you all know I’m excited about because I love flowers. Also, I’m not wanting to put down the Stampin’ Blends lately. Bring on some coloring!!! The bundle also has that basket embossing folder which is just fabulous! Perfect texture and background for a full card or cut into a basket piece. LOVE IT!!!

The Eclectic Expressions Stamp Set has some cool background images as well as great greetings for every day cards!

Which one is your favorite??? Let me know in the comments below! Mine is the bundle! Can’t wait to start playing with it!

Don’t forget that all orders of $40 (every $40 increment) will earn you Laura’s Loyal Stampers Stickers! I love awarding my customers for the loyalty! My way to give back to you!

Of course the February Free Stamp Set of the Month for every order of $75 (before shipping & tax) will earn you the Fruit Basket Stamp Set as well! So much to celebrate this month!

Click here to start shopping and earning!!!

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

~Laura

Feb 15 2018

40 Day Card Challenge!!!

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

Join me in this 40 Day Card Challenge!!! I will be sending out a card each day for the next 40 days!!! I got this idea from a fellow stamper in our group, Katie Senkarik! I’m so excited and a little bit nervous.

Here is my first set of cards going in the mail!!! These are Valentine’s and Thinking of You to friends and family of mine!!! I’m so excited for this push to brighten others days for 40 days…..maybe it will last longer than that too! 🙂 We all know how much a simple card or happy mail can impact someone’s day! Spread the love!!!!

If you are thinking that you don’t know 40 people to send cards too, here are some suggestions!!!!

~Parents, Grandparents, Children

~Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

~Old school and college friends, as well as New Friends

~Someone in your Church, Mom’s Group, Quilting Group, Stamp Group, etc.

~Your favorite teacher or family friend who you remember spending lots of time with in the past and/or present

~That person on Facebook that asked for prayers or mentioned they got a new job

~Someone who might be struggling with a rough week at work

~Someone who has been sick recently or dealing with sick children or a sick elderly parent

~A person you haven’t spoken to in weeks, months, or even years

Sending a card to just about anyone would be amazing for that person but also for you! I know that when I send a card, I pop it in the mailbox with a smile on my face, thinking I hope this makes them smile as well!

I hope that you will join me in this challenge and you can follow along as I will be posting on my Instagram, Facebook, and on here to keep held accountable. If you would like to keep me updated on your progress, be sure to let me know in the comments below, on social media, or with the #40DayChallege. Together we can all make a difference!!!

Check out my little Video Tutorial about this Challenge below or click here! There is also a little Bump Picture in there too for those who want to see how big little Ziggy is getting. 🙂 Don’t forget to give it a thumbs up if you liked it and be sure to subscribe if you are new!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Feb 14 2018

Happy Valentine’s Day From Me to You!!!

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

Happy Valentine’s Day!!! I would like to wish you all a wonderful day filled with love! No matter what, just know that you are loved and you have made a difference in my life and many others too!

This simple and classic card is perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day you would like to share you love….which should be every day! 🙂

I started with a Whisper White card base. Next, I layered on a piece of Pink Pirouette that was ran through the Big Shot in the Garden Trellis Embossing Folder. I love how much texture this adds to the card! Then, I took a piece of Real Red (5-1/4″ x 2″) and added it to the center with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Using these to adhere it on helps secure it because the foam falls into the grooves of the embossed cardstock for a smooth look!

Next, I took three Whisper White squares measuring 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″. I stamped the hearts in Memento Black Ink as a bit of a diagonal….stamping perfectly straight isn’t going to happen so I had fun with it! For the third heart, I stamped the greeting in Real Red Ink. All of these images are from the Ribbon of Courage Stamp Set! Then I colored in the hearts with the Cherry Cobbler, Pink Pirouette, and Old Olive Stampin’ Blends Markers. I didn’t really do any blending but just colored with the light and dark in different spots!

After coloring, I added the squares to the card front. There are a few ways to do this for perfect placement. One way is to place them all down and then pick up each one individually to add adhesive and the other is to adhere the left and right and then center the middle one! To finish off the card, I added some Wink of Stella to the flowers for a pop of shine!

Again, Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Feb 13 2018

Technique Tuesday – Perfect Tree Placement!!!

Posted on February 13, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! You all know what that means! I have a fabulous technique to share with you all today! Create the perfect tree placement from the In The Trees Stamp Set using the Stamparatus!!!

Doesn’t this scene just look so relaxing, peaceful, and Spring-like?? Oh how I am counting down the days till Spring (34 more days)!!!! Let’s get started on this beauty!

I started with a Crumb Cake card base! Next, I took a piece of Whisper White measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″ for all the stamping! I started with the trees, then the hammock, and finished with filling in with flowers and birds! All of the images were stamped in Memento Black Ink since I colored them in with the Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers! I used the Stamparatus for the perfect placement on the trees and hammock. Stampin’ Up created the amazing notched hinges so we can move the stamp over. After stamping the first tree, I moved it over 2 full spots (into the 3rd spot over) which is the perfect spacing amount for the hammock to hang between them! How simple and cool is that?!?! I love it!!!

For the coloring on the tree, I did not color each individual leaf! Heck no do I have the patience for that. LOL I colored big spots with the dark Old Olive and then blended it all together with the light Old Olive for a little variation in color! The trunk was done in Crumb Cake and the hammock in Real Red! I colored the flowers with Old Olive and Daffodil Delight. Then I thought it needed some green grass. There is a grass stamp in the set but I went with use swiping some of the light Old Olive Marker across the bottom. The awesome thing is that there aren’t streaks like when using a marker! I loved how it turned out!

To finish off the card, I added this piece to the card front and added the greeting onto a strip of Real Red. For a little bit of texture, I tied some Linen Thread around the greeting and added it to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

In The Trees Photopolymer Stamp Set

[145850]

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

Stampin’ Blends Markers Collection

[147475]

Linen Thread

[104199]

Feb 12 2018

Ombre Birthday Greeting!!!

Posted on February 12, 2018 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Monday!!! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Today, I’m sharing this simple and yet fabulous ombre birthday card!!! I just love Ombre…..check out more samples here! The Stampin’ Blend make creating an ombre look super easy too!

I started with a Whisper White card base and layered on a piece of the Picture Perfect Party Designer Series Paper (4″ x 5-1/4″). This paper has so many perfect patterns for this style of card – bows, cookies, donuts, confetti, and more! I love it! Now for that fabulous ombre birthday greeting!

I stamped the greeting from the Birthday Wishes For You Stamp Set in Memento Black Ink onto Whisper White! Then using the Bermuda Bay and Pool Party Stampin’ Blends, I colored the greeting. Starting with the “bi” using the dark Bermuda Bay marker and doing 2 letters with each color. I went from dark Bermuda Bay, light Bermuda Bay, Dark Pool Party to light Pool Party! These colors were perfect for creating that ombre look! Next, I layered this onto a piece of Peekaboo Peach and added it to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals. To finish off the card, I added a few Bermuda Bay Enamel Shapes! This card is super simple and easy to change up the colors to the designer paper you have on hand or colors you prefer!

I did this ombre look using just the dark and light Bermuda Bay and creating the ombre from top to bottom. The only problem I had with this was that the middle where I had to color more to get the blending (rather than a distinct line) bled out. When going over a spot over and over, it will bleed wider on the paper and so that is how this happened. I think maybe if I did a little bit of blending on each one and allowed it to dry more in between, I might not have had this problem!

I have really fallen in love with the Stampin’ Blends and have been having lots of fun with them! Have you tried them? What are your favorite colors? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Picture Perfect Party 6″ X 6″ (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[145559]

Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Blends Markers Combo Pack

[144600]

Pool Party Stampin’ Blends Markers Combo Pack

[144605]

Birthday Wishes For You Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[145742]

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

Feb 9 2018

My Big Shot Broke!!

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

Happy Friday, everyone!!! The Olympics have started and I couldn’t be more excited! I just love them and have moved my office into the living room for the next 2 weeks! Today, I wanted to share with your how my Big Shot broke…..and got fixed!!!

This is my first Big Shot that I bought back in 2008 and have used so much all of these years. I can’t even begin to count how much I have used this Big Shot for die cutting and embossing! I’m super impressed it lasted this long. While using the Big Shot and pushing through the plates with the die, I heard a pop and rattle and thought…..that’s not good! The handle then cranked smooth in one spot. I was still able to use it this whole time! It just slipped at that spot each time. If you notice in the photo above, what happened was that the cogs were breaking off. Then one day, more little cogs popped and rattled and I knew it was over. I was sad that my first Big Shot was shot! My husband said if it is broke, I can’t break it more so let’s see if I can fix it!

After taking the Big Shot apart and seeing that I just needed another cog and it would work again, my husband called Sizzix to see if we could buy the part! They said they would send a new part for free and took our address down! How amazing is that?!?! Due to the age, I was not expecting that at all. A few days later a new cog set arrived and my husband installed it!

Here are all of the parts of the Big Shot before my husband put it all back together!!! If you have any specific questions about this process, I would love to ask my husband for you and answer them for you! He was amazing and fixed it completely with the help of the new parts from Sizzix!!

It’s like new again!!! I’m so excited!!! I can’t be more thankful to Stampin’ Up for carrying such amazing products and partnering with excellent companies. Love it!!!

If the Big Shot has been on your wish list for awhile now, I think you need to get one NOW! I love love love mine so much and couldn’t live without it. It does so much for each of my projects! Also, right now you will be earning Sale-A-Bration freebies as well! Woot Woot!

I hope you all have any amazing weekend and I’ll see you back here on Monday!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Product List

Big Shot

[143263]

Feb 8 2018

New Ways I Have Started Using Ribbon!!!

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

So I love ribbon and probably use it most as my embellishment of choice! I have knots and bows down to an art and I know my class attendees probably curse me every time they see ribbon…….practice does make perfect though! That is how I got good! 🙂 Lately, I have been using ribbon in other ways and I thought I would share those with you!!!

I love adding ribbon behind a greeting to make it pop and add texture!!! It’s fun and there are no knots or bows! 🙂

Linen Thread is fun to use because it isn’t very bulky and it adds a little rustic touch! I like using Linen Thread for man cards a lot! For this technique, I wrapped it around my fingers a few times, slid the loops off my fingers and twisted the loops into a figure eight. By doing this, it really helps the loops flare out so perfectly! Then I place the figure eight on the back of the greeting or image and placed a Stampin’ Dimensional in the center to secure it. Next, I fanned out the loops and secured them in place with more Stampin’ Dimensionals! You all know I love those things anyway! 🙂 Check out this sample to see it used!

Who doesn’t love a little bling?? Adding loops of Sequin Trim is super simple. Start by securing the end with a Stampin’ Dimensional and then loop it around as you wish, securing it along the way with Dimensionals. TIP: Make sure that the thread side of the sequins is showing up when securing it down because when you flip the greeting over, the correct side will be showing! Here is a sample show off this style used!

Here is just a simple ribbon swoosh behind a greeting! Again, for this one, I placed the end at the top with as much as I wanted hanging off. Then, I secured it with a Stampin’ Dimensional. Next, I made a loop and placed a Stampin’ Dimensionals in V of the ribbon making sure to be touching both sides of ribbon and the cardstock in the middle. Then I did this one more time. If there is a spot that needs a Stampin’ Dimensional to help even things out, just add more! Here is a sample using this technique!

This last one is rather simple but does require a knot! I took a piece of ribbon and wrapped it around the cardstock with both ends on the right side. Then I took some Metallic Thread and tied the ends together to hold them in place.

Let me know your favorite in the comments below!