Apr 15 2015

Monogram Note Cards!!!

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

These little note cards are so fabulous and simple to create, you could whip up tons of them in no time flat! I’m sure your Accountant would enjoy a little set of these! Happy Tax Day!!!! They would also make a perfect Mother’s Day gift which is just a few weeks away!!! The would be a fabulous gift for a Bridal or Baby Shower Gift too!! I packaged the cards up in a Gusseted Cellophane Bag with some Whisper White Organza Ribbon!

The Note Cards above are just a piece of cardstock measuring 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ and I layered a piece of Whisper White measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″ on top. I used the Sophisticated Serifs Stamp Set for the flowers and letter! I love this stamp set because the font is simple yet elegant and it offers each letter in both a big and small font! LOVE IT!! The little flowers for the corners are super fabulous as well!!! I pulled out all of my scraps that I had that were big enough for this size and quickly made up lots of these little cards! I haven’t stamped the letter on there just yet because I’m waiting to see who I will give it to! Perfect little gift to have on hand!

This little card is precious! I used the Note Card & Envelopes to create these. I took my Designer Series Paper Scraps and cut a piece 2″ x 5″. This card uses the Brights Background Designer Series Paper! For the Monogram, I used my Scallop Circle Punches and Circle Punch to layer the letter so perfectly! Super cute and another great way to use up some scraps.

This one is super fabulous because it uses the Sheltering Tree Stamp Set for the dotted background! I love using a random stamp set for a card like this – getting more out of a stamp set is fabulous!!!! You can see more samples using this stamp set here, here and here! You can see the 2 sizes of the alphabet font from the Sophisticated Serifs Stamp Set. LOVE IT!!! I also stamped a little corner of the envelope! Do you all like to coordinate your envelopes with your cards?? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Apr 14 2015

Technique Tuesday – Fork Bow!!!

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! That means I have a fabulous technique to share with you!!! Today the technique is cute, small, and uses a fork!!!

How adorable is that mini bow???? The technique to make it may seem a little confusing in the beginning but it is real simple and comes out perfect each time! Love it!

Supplies: Fork and Cotton Ribbon

You will need a piece of Daffodil Delight Cotton Ribbon anywhere from 6″-10″ (depending on how long you want your tails) and a fork with four tines. If you are right handed, you will place the fork in your left hand with your thumb up by the tines. Place the ribbon across front of fork with 1/3” of ribbon to left of the fork (this is the left side tail). Now wrap the right end of the ribbon around behind the fork, around left edge, over the top of the first end. It will look like a loop with the ends crossed over each other. Thread the that you just wrapped around the fork down through the space between the center fork tines below where the first ribbon crosses. Next you will pull that ribbon end up behind the fork and through the space between center fork tines. Then you will knot the two ribbon ends firmly. Slide ribbon from fork and trim the tails. If you need to tighten your bow, you will pull the tails, not the loops like in a typical bow!

I know this can be confusing at first which is why I did a Video Tutorial for you!!!! Woot Woot! You will see on the video that you can do this with all types of ribbon! For another sample using this technique, check out this post! I used my scissors for the larger style bow!

For the sample shown above, I used a Strawberry Slush card base and layered Blushing Bride on top! The Designer Series Paper is from the All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack. This card uses one of the sheets (both front and back) for the pink flowers and the yellow dots! I added a strip of Whisper White Scallop Punched cardstock behind the yellow dots! For the bow, I added a strip of Daffodil Delight Cotton Ribbon across the card and then adhered the bow with a Mini Glue Dot in the center! For the greeting, I stamped in Strawberry Slush using the A Dozen Thoughts Stamp Set. I added 2 little candy dots on either side to finish it off! I love it! It is pink, flowers, and just adorable. I think you could use this card for lots of different occasions – Baby Girl, Birthday, Anniversary, Wedding, Thinking of You, etc. Which would you use this card for? Leave me a comment down below!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 31 2015

Technique Tuesday – Center Step Card!!!

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

Happy Tuesday!!! That means I have a fabulous technique to share with you today and that is this fabulous Center Step Card!!! I got this idea from fellow stamper Julie Davison! I added a little of my own flare to it and had some fun!!!

Start with a piece of cardstock measuring 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″. With your piece in your Stampin’ Trimmer at the 1″ mark, you will cut from 1″ to 5-1/4″. Then slide your paper to the other side and 1″ from the edge you will cut from the 1″ to the 5-1/4″ mark. Now using a Stampin’ Trimmer or Simply Score, along the 8-1/2″ side, you will score at the 1″, 2″ and 5-1/4″ mark and only score in 1″ deep. Flip your paper around to the other side and do the same. When you are done, you should have two little squares and one long rectangle on both sides of your card. Again along the 8-1/2″ side, you will score at 4-1/4″ but rather than going all the way across your card, you will score just in the center leaving 1″ on both sides un-scored. Now you can fold creating a mountain/valley fold on the bottom portion and then all of the top score lines down. Now you have your card base and you can decorate as you wish!

In the sample above, I used some of the Birthday Bash Designer Series Paper for the side pieces. Those measure 7/8″ x 1″ and 7/8″ x 3-1/8″. Those were leftover scrap pieces that I had after doing another project. I love being able to use up my scraps! For the center decoration, the Bermuda Bay cardstock measures 3-3/8″ x 4-1/8″ and then the Whisper White is 3″ x 4-1/8″. I stamped the greeting from the Big Day Stamp Set which is one of the Sale-A-Bration items you can get for free!!! I brushed the edges with my Sponge Daubers and colored in the cake!!!! Love it!!!

I’m sure I lost you all in the directions above and so a Video Tutorial is a must! Julie did an amazing job showing this off and providing a template so you can check that out here!!!

I hope you try this out and add your own flare. I would love to see what you create. Also, today is the last day of Sale-A-Bration which means this stamp set used for this card will no longer be available after today! Earn your Sale-A-Bration items today when you place a $50 (US) order!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 24 2015

Technique Tuesday – Card In A Box!!!

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

Happy Tuesday!!! I have a fabulous technique to share with you today!!! It is super fabulous and has a major WOW factor! This card is for sure one to put on the mantel or desk to display!!!

How amazing is this card? It is like a flower bouquet but in 3D. If you want a flat flower bouquet, click here! Now you can see why I said this card is one to display for sure!!! LOVE IT!! You can create in with flowers, butterflies, balloons, stars and so much more!!! Now lets get started on how to create it!!!

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Cardstock, Scoring Tool (either your Stampin’ Trimmer or Simply Scored), Sticky Strip, Designer Series Paper, Stamps, and Embellishments

You will start with a piece of cardstock measuring 5-1/2” x 9”. I used Bermuda Bay in the sample above. Now using your scoring tool on the Paper Trimmer or the Simply Scored Tool, you will score along the 9” end at 2 1/8”, 4 ¼”, 6 3/8” and 8 ½”. Rotate the cardstock 90 degrees and score at 2 ¾”. Now using scissors, cut down to that 2-3/4″ along each score line to create flaps on the top half. Trim off the tiny strip left over at the end (this leaves a tab on the bottom half). Fold on the creases and use sticky strip to adhere the box together with that little flap. The best way to do this is to fold the card flat and stick the tab to the other side. By laying it flat you know it will adhere flat rather than trying to do it in the air and having it not lay flat. (I hope that didn’t super confuse you.) Now to create the tabs for inside the box which your decorations will be adhered to, you will need 2 pieces of cardstock measuring 1” x 3-1/8” and you will score at both ends at ½”. Fold the tabs to form a “z” and adhere sticky strip to the ends (opposite ends) and set aside. Now to decorate!!!!

For the back of the box, add cardstock for writing your message – this piece is 5 1/4” x 1-7/8”. Be sure to stamp before adhering it to the back of the card since it isn’t smooth. For decorating the flaps, you can use Designer Series Paper or cardstock for the top four panels. In my sample, I used Blackberry Bliss measuring 2″ x 2-5/8″ and then the Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper measuring 1-7/8″ x 2-1/2″. To add your two “Z” strips to the inside of the box, you will adhere them with one tab towards the back and then close the box and let the other tab attach to the other side of the box. For the other one, you will put it towards the front of the box and then close it to attach the other tab. See the video tutorial for more on this because I’m sure if I try to explain any more, I will only confuse you more! 🙂 Now you can embellish as desired. I used the Flower Shop Stamp Set and Pansy Punch. I also stamped a few butterflies from the Papillon Potpourri and Bitty Butterfly Punch! For the leaves, I used the Bird Builder Punch! I used little strips of Mossy Meadow to stand my flowers taller and for the butterflies, I used little strip of Window Sheet!

The other awesome thing about this card in a box is that it folds flat and fit into a regular envelope!!! Woot Woot! For the back, I used the Sale-A-Bration Stamp Set – Simply Wonderful! LOVE IT!!!!

Okay so what you have been waiting for….the Video Tutorial! I know this can be a bit confusing which is why I just had to film it. If you liked it, be sure to give it a thumbs up!!!

You can see another sample I created before by clicking here and here! I hope you enjoyed this and try it out! I would LOVE to see what you come up with so please share with me!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Mar 18 2015

Simple Sequin Birthday Card!!!

Posted on March 18, 2015 by Laura's Stamp Pad

This card is simple and fabulous! I love it!!!! I started with a card base of Whisper White (4-1/4″ x 11″) and layered on some of the Birthday Bash Designer Series Paper (4″ x 5-1/4″). I love this paper because it is so versatile and fun!!! Then I stamped the greeting from the Balloon Bash Stamp Set in Bermuda Bay. I did like the card just like that but I thought I would add a little POP! I cleaned the stamp and got out a little strip of scrap paper and my Calypso Coral Ink. I inked up the top half and stamped it onto my scrap paper, making sure that center banner was on the paper. Then I cut out the banner…..I know fussy cutting is no fun but this is straight (ish) lines and fairly simple!!!! 🙂 Using my Stampin’ Dimensionals, I add that coral banner to my project on top of the Bermuda Bay banner! LOVE IT! For a little more pop, I add a strand of Bermuda Bay Sequin Trim. This was really simple because I just cut a piece and added to my card in the corner with 2 Mini Glue Dots!!! Simple and Fabulous!!! You could leave off the trim and change the colors to make a more masculine card as well!

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

Feb 24 2015

Technique Tuesday – No DSP Waste!!!

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

Happy Tuesday!!!! You know what that means…..I have a fabulous technique to share with you today! Today, I’m going to show you how to get the most out of your Designer Series Paper (DSP). After all when it is this gorgeous, you can bear to think some might go to waste. Have no fear, I’m here to cheer you on to USE that Designer Series Paper and use it ALL!

This is the Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper from the Occasions Mini Catalog! It is so amazing and beautiful….of course I would say that being a flower fanatic and all but still it is just fabulous! Well thanks to a fellow stamper friend of mine – Patty Bennett who showed off the perfect way to create 6 cards using the sheet of paper on the far left which is a field of flowers. Even Stampin’ Up didn’t want to cut this paper up and so they framed it!!!

So lets see how to create 8 cards with this one sheet of Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper!!!! First you will start with the top of the Designer Series Paper and measure 5-1/4″ down and cut all the way across. Then to the same again….measure from the cut line you just did 5-1/4″ down and cut all the way across. You will be left with a strip of flower stems that measures 1-1/2 inches wide. Now taking those two pieces that are 12″ x 5-1/4″, you will cut along the 12″ side at 4″. This will create 6 pieces measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″. With that bottom strip that is 1-1/2″, cut that along the 12″ side at 5-1/2 creating two pieces that measure 5-1/2″ x 1/1/2″. Those are your 8 pieces and you are only giving up that little corner piece but you could always find a use for that as well. Now you can adhere your Designer Series Paper to the card base color of your choice. I used Blackberry Bliss, Rose Red, Pool Party, & Whisper White!

As you can see in the photo, the piece of paper was all used up! After you adhere the Designer Series Paper to your card base, you can decorate and embellish as you wish! I used the Million & One Stamp Set, Label Love Stamp Set and Lots of Thanks Stamp Set for my greetings. I used the Butterfly Thinlits on a few of them and thought that no greeting was necessary! I love how they turned out! Just beautiful!

To see these cards in action and maybe understand the cutting a little bit better, I created a Video Tutorial for you! Be sure to give it a thumbs up if you enjoy it!

Don’t worry if you use up all of your Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper….I know where you can get more! 🙂 Want to see other ways to get lots of cards out of one sheet of Designer Series Paper? Check out this post!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Feb 5 2015

Birthday Bash!!!!

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

I am loving the Birthday Bash Designer Series Paper in the Occasions Mini Catalog! Remember my love for the Birthday Basics Designer Series Paper and how sad I was when it retired…..well Stampin’ Up has brought back it’s cousin!!!! WOOT WOOT!

How fabulous is this quick and simple card? I used Bermuda Bay as the card base and added a piece of the Birthday Bash Designer Series Paper (DSP) measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″! For the greeting, I used two images from the Big Day Sale-A-Bration Stamp Set! I colored in the letters with my Blendabilities!!!! A stamper friend of mine said this paper looks like books and it would be fabulous to write book titles on the books! Isn’t that a great idea?!?!?!

I “think” this one is my favorite but it is so hard to pick! I just love the stripes and color combination. I used Tangelo Twist for the card base here! LOVE IT!

This one is fabulous too! It was the favorite at my Girls Night Out Stamp Event! I think more people picked this one than any other design! This one uses a Crushed Curry card base! So many fabulous options and each one looking amazing as ever!!!!

You can make these cards with the following items:

Bermuda Bay Cut & Ready Card Bases….$4.95

Crushed Curry Cut & Ready Card Bases….$4.95

Tangelo Twist Cardstock…$6.95

Birthday Bash Designer Series Paper….$12.95

Memento Ink Pad….$5.95

Bermuda Bay Blendabilities….$11.95

Daffodil Delight Blendabilities….$11.95

When you order all of these items you get the Big Day Stamp Set for FREE with Sale-A-Bration!!!!! You can make 40 cards and have lots of supplies leftover to use on other projects!!!! Get your’s today!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jan 28 2015

Happy Hearts!!!

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

Tis the season of seeing hearts and love EVERYWHERE!!!! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner so lets get started on card making and treat packaging!!! You can check out this post to see some adorable treats!!!

This card is fairly simple! I started off with a Pink Pirouette card base (4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″). I would use those dimensions for your card base so that you can adhere your Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper on the bottom and tie the Blushing Bride Baker’s Twine all the way around the card. (Note: I used a 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ piece and the tied my twine around the Designer Series Paper and I found it really bumped and pulled on that little piece of paper.) So once you have your paper and twine on the bottom, you can start working on your hearts. I used the Hearts Collection Framelits (4th Up for the Smallest) for the Whisper White heart. Then I stamped the greetings from the Hello Life Stamp Set from the Occasions Mini Catalog in Real Red Ink! Then using the Hearts Collection Framelits (2nd Up from the Smallest) again, I cut out the Black/Heart from a piece of the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper!!!! I love this paper because it is lovey with shades of pink on one side and Black and White on the other!!!!!! LOVE!!!! Okay back to the card, I attached the black heart with Stampin’ Dimensionals for a little texture and dimension. The little red heart is stamped from the Hello Life Stamp Set!!!! Cute & Simple! I hope you are enjoying my Valentine’s Day samples! Let me know your favorite – This One? This One? or This One?

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Jan 12 2015

Chalkboard Fun!!!

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

While I am not a huge fan of real chalkboards……chalk gives me the chills just to touch it or think about it, let along writing with it on a chalkboard….I so love this look! I know you are probably thinking but Laura doesn’t like rustic or dirty. It’s true, I’m more of a clean, bold stamper but I do love this chalkboard look! It mostly reminds me of a bakery like Panera (YUM!) or a little bistro restaurant and I love that! Stampin’ Up! has made getting this look easy and fun with no chills crawling up your spine!

How fabulous is this card? I love the polka dots and ribbon and chalkboard and ALL OF IT! I started off with a Whisper White card base. Then I took a piece of Birthday Bash Specialty Designer Series Paper (4″ x 5-1/4″) and wrapped some Calypso Coral Seam Binding around it and tied a knot. Now you can adhere that to your card front. For the greeting, I used some of the NEW Chalkboard Paper in the Occasions Mini Catalog! I found that this image is small enough that you can stamp first or after cutting it out. I stamped the greeting from the Big Day Stamp Set which is one of the Sale-A-Bration items you can earn for FREE! I stamped it with the Aquamarine Colorbox Chalk Ink Pad and then cut it out with the Labels Collection Framelits and my Big Shot. Then I used my Chalk Marker to create the border!!! Love it!!! NOTE: The Aquamarine color comes out really light but it slowly gets darker as it dries and it is just a light look. Also, a few tips for using the Colorbox Chalkboard Ink:

~Be sure to stamp straight down and right up again because it could slide and smear if you wiggle it.

~Be sure you are stamping on the slick/sort of rubbery/textured (not sure how to describe it) side of the Chalkboard Paper. The back side feels and looks like regular paper.

~Be sure to allow it to dry for a bit as it takes longer than traditional ink. If you would like to speed up the process, you can set the ink with your Heat Tool.

~For a more bold look, you can stamp the greeting once and then using your Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to stamp again right on top.

I hope you try out this new Chalkboard Paper and Ink! It is super fun! Don’t forget that every $50.00 (US) order placed between now and March 31st earns you a FREE Sale-A-Bration item!

Happy Chalkin’

~Laura

Laura's Stamp Pad

Laura Borchert ¤ Independent Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator ¤ Laura@LaurasStampPad.com

Tag Archives: Designer Series Paper

Monogram Note Cards!!!

Technique Tuesday – Fork Bow!!!

Technique Tuesday – Center Step Card!!!

Technique Tuesday – Card In A Box!!!

Simple Sequin Birthday Card!!!

Painted Blooms & Friday the 13th!!!

Technique Tuesday – No DSP Waste!!!

Birthday Bash!!!!

Happy Hearts!!!

Chalkboard Fun!!!