Jan 3 2017

Technique Tuesday – Stamp-A-Ma-Jig!!!

Posted on January 3, 2017 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday!!! I hope you are all recovered from the New Year festivities and ready to get back into the swing of things! Today I’m sharing a fabulous technique using the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig! This is one of those handy tools that makes stamping perfect!!!

Are you wondering where that fabulous Thanks greeting came from??? It’s in the Double Take Stamp Set in the Occasions Mini Catalog which starts TOMORROW!!!! I’m super excited to start sharing with you all of the fabulous new products!!! This stamp set is a 2-step stamping set which allows for you to create those amazing drop shadows with different colors! I love it!! The stamp set is photopolymer which makes it super easy to see through to line it up. If you want to make sure it’s perfect every time though, you can use a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig!!!

For the greeting, I took a piece of Whisper White (1-1/2″ x 3-3/4″) and stamped the solid Thanks greeting from the Double Take Stamp Set in Mint Macaron. That’s the easy one! Then I took the other Thanks image (the one that’s more broken up and not as solid) and inked it in Night of Navy Ink. If you ink it lightly and don’t get ink on your block or all around the stamp, it is much easier to line up with the mint image and stamp it down. If you would like a sure fire way to know it’s going to be perfect, you can use a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig! This is a tool to help you line up your stamping images every time whether it be a perfectly straight and centered greeting or a 2 step stamping set. There is a “T” shaped plastic piece as well as a clear imaging sheet that is square. You will place the imaging sheet in the corner of the “T” shaped piece, either on the left side or the right depending on which you are more comfortable with. I am right handed and I place it on the right side. Then stamp your image onto the imaging sheet making sure that the block of the stamp is pressed against that “T”. So if you are doing it like me, your stamped image would be in the lower left corner of the imaging sheet. You want to make sure to use the “T” as a guide as you stamp your image down because this is creating your guide for the actual stamped image. Now place the imaging sheet over your white cardstock greeting exactly as you wish to stamp this 2nd image. Place the “T” in the corner like you did before, remove the imaging sheet without moving the cardstock, then place the stamp in the “T” corner and stamp it down.

Your image should have come out perfectly! A few tips – be sure to slide the block down along the “T” evenly and not at an angle. If it is angled it will hit the paper in a different spot and can move the cardstock. If you wish to add a small dab of adhesive to the back of your cardstock to ensure it won’t move that can be handy! Make sure you press the block against the “T” and not just close to it, otherwise your image won’t be lined up exactly. It’s okay if your stamp is on the block diagonal or crooked because the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig will help correct that and make it right. Just be away that it might look crooked when you are stamping, don’t over correct that. Trust the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig.

Now that you have your perfect greeting, you can finish the card! I layered the greeting onto Night of Navy cardstock (1-3/4″ x 4″). My card base is Daffodil Delight. I took a piece of Affectionately Yours Designer Series Paper (3-3/4″ x 5″) and layered it onto Watermelon Wonder cardstock (4″ x 5-1/4″) and wrapped some White Baker’s Twine around it! I added this piece to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals. I added the greeting to the card with them as well. To finish it off, I put a few Enamel Shapes randomly on the card for texture. I just love this look and all of the layers – both in cardstock and stamping!!!

To see this all in action, check out the Video Tutorial below or click here! Don’t forget to give it a thumbs up if you liked it and be sure to subscribe if you are new!!

Don’t forget that the Holiday Mini Catalog ends tonight! Tomorrow the Occasions Mini Catalog and Sale-A-Bration Promotion begin!!! WOOT WOOT!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Dec 26 2016

Stitching & Stamping!!!

Posted on December 26, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

I know that Christmas was yesterday but I realized I never shared this fabulous card!!! It was a bit time consuming with all of the stitching but it is super amazing and as always made with love!!! Many of the items used in this card are on SALE right now too!

I started with a Garden Green card base. I stamped the ornaments from the Festive Season Stamp Set in Real Red and Delightful Dijon Ink. Then using the coordinating Festive Stitching Framelits (Bundle & Save 10%) to add all of the little holes which make it super simple to stitch. Then I spent the next 10+ minutes…..okay probably more like 15 minutes…..stitching the ornaments with the Baker’s Twine Trio Pack!

I added Stampin’ Dimensionals to the ends of the thread to secure them and double as adhesive to add to my card! I used the same Framelit set to die cut the ornament tops in Gold Foil Paper! I added the gold Baker’s Twine through the ornament top and secured it on the back. Then I tied little bows with the twine and added them with the Fine Tip Glue Pen. The greeting is actually from the Star of Light Stamp Set! I stamped it in Delightful Dijon Ink. That is so not my favorite color but I really like how it looks golden and that’s fabulous for this time of year. Love it. This is one that you will only make a few of…..or you can get started now and will have tons completed by next Christmas! 🙂

Check out all of the items on the Year End Closeout here! Many items are up to 60% off. The Holiday Mini Catalog ends on January 3rd so get these items before they are gone!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Dec 23 2016

On the 11th Day of Stamps-Mas!!!

Posted on December 23, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

On the 11th Day of Stamps-Mas, my true love gave to me…..Ribbon!!! This is one of my favorite embellishments. I just love the texture and elegant or rustic look! Super fun!!!

There are so many different styles of Ribbon like Satin, Taffeta, Striped, Stitched, Ruched, and Organza. I love how each one gives a different look – elegant, rustic, playful and more. I mostly use ribbon by wrapping it around the cardstock and tying it into a bow or knot. A few other ways to use it are just a strip behind your focal point, folded in half peaking out of the edge, or in loops behind your focal point. Ribbon is great on gift packaging and other 3D items too! I just love how versatile it is!!

How do you like to use ribbon? Do you love ribbon as much as me? Let me know your favorites in the comments below!

If you have missed out on the past days of Stamps-Mas, you can check them out here – Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, and Day 10. Be sure to subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss the last one tomorrow! You can do that by adding your email address in the subscribe box on the right hand side (on a computer) or at the bottom of the page (on a phone).

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Dec 12 2016

All of the Ornaments!!!

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Monday!!! Can you believe that Christmas is in 13 days?? That’s crazy!!! Here is a fabulous card that you could create with all of the ornaments on there using the Merriest Wishes Bundle (Save 10%)!!!!

I started with a Cherry Cobbler card base. Then I took a scrap piece of Very Vanilla cardstock to stamp all kinds of ornaments on it from the Merriest Wishes Stamp Set. I used Cherry Cobbler Ink and Garden Green Ink. Using the Merry Tags Framelits, I die cut out all of the ornaments. To keep with the theme of the colors, I used the Baker’s Twine Trio Pack which has Gold, Cherry Cobbler, and Garden Green Baker’s Twine in there. I tied little knots around the loops of the small ornaments. For the large ornaments, I placed the Gold Baker’s Twine through the loop and secured it on the back with a Stampin’ Dimensional. Then I tied a small bow with the Gold Baker’s Twine and attached it with a Mini Glue Dot. All of the ornaments were attached with Stampin’ Dimensionals to give that 3D look! I wrapped the tops of the twine around the top of the Very Vanilla cardstock (4″ x 5-1/4″) and secured it to the card front!

I love the traditional colors and amazing look of this simple card! The greeting is one of the ornaments so no need to save room for one! Super fun!!!

Are you Christmas Cards in the mail yet? Do you still need inspiration? Check out all of my samples this season here! Reach out if you need help with anything as I am happy to assist you! 🙂

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Don’t forget to shop the Year End Clearance Sale!!! Click here to check out the fabulous products!!!

Dec 8 2016

Shaker Card Ornaments!!!

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Shaker cards are so much fun so why not combine shaker cards with holiday ornaments and create lots of FUN! The color combination, the fun greeting, and the shaker card magic make this card so wonderful!!!

I started with a Rose Red card base. Then I took a piece of Night of Navy (4″ x 5-1/4″) and Whisper White (3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″) for the next layers. I stamped the greeting from the Merriest Wishes Stamp Set in Rose Red Ink on the bottom right corner. I used the dotted image from the same set and stamped it in Night of Navy Ink twice along the top to look like snow falling….or just a cool background! For the ornaments, I used various images from the same stamp set. I stamped the large circle in Night of Navy Ink onto Night of Navy cardstock and die cut with the circle frame from the coordinating Merry Tags Framelit Set (Bundle & Save 10%). I stamped the large circle image (the one without a center) in Night of Navy Ink onto Rose Red cardstock. You can either punch these out or use your Layering Circles Framelits to do the center and the outside circle. Be sure to keep that inside circle though!!! Die cut out the large ornament from the Merry Tags Framelits and place the stamped circle over top of it. Place the punched out center back in the middle of the ring you created. Now remove the ring but hold the middle circle in place. You should be left with the middle circle in the middle of the large ornament. This is so you can find the spot on your ornament for the shaker pieces so you don’t have to flip it over later when the sequins are inside. Now you will want to trace the punched out circle with a pencil. I lightly trace out farther rather than close to the circle so I am wide enough and the adhesive doesn’t show in the window. Now that you have your traced circle you can remove it and place some Foam Adhesive Strip around your pencil mark. If you traced right next to the circle, make sure your adhesive strip is out farther than that circle. Next I filled the open hole with all the sequins from the Metallic Sequin Assortment. You can use punched pieces, sequins, or silica gel colored to match your project. It is all up to you. You can see other samples using those items here and here as well as Video Tutorials! Now that you have your goodies in there, I placed a circle of Window Sheet over the top to seal in the sequins. You can use the same punch or Framelit you use for the larger circle. Then I added the ring that I stamped and punched out over the top as decoration!

For the ribbons attached to the ornaments, I used Gold Ribbon and adhered the end behind the ornament and then wrapped it over the top of the cardstock. I tied little bows and added those on top with a Mini Glue Dot. Now you can add this layer to the Night of Navy and the card base!!! Fun little holiday card with non-traditional colors!!!

Today I did an Up Close & Personal look at the Layering Circles and Layering Ovals Framelits, you can check that out below or click here! I have been loving these for greetings and so much more. The scallops are just perfect for adding a little pop of fabulousness! Be sure to give it a thumbs up if you liked it and don’t forget to subscribe if you are new! Let me know in the comments below if there is a product you would like to see Up Close & Personal and I will do my best to make it happen!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Don’t forget to shop the Year End Clearance Sale!!! Click here to check out the fabulous products!!!

Dec 6 2016

Technique Tuesday – Star of Light!

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday everyone!!! I hope you are having a fabulous week so far! Today I have a fabulous card to share with you! It’s odd that this was the first Holiday card I made this season and yet I have waited this long to share it with you!! This card is also part of my Cut For Christmas Special Offer!!!

I made this card with the Star of Light Bundle (Save 10%) and I loved it so much I put the set back away and moved on to the next set I had. It was like I had made the perfect card and didn’t need to make more. I have since pulled this one back out and played with it some more!! 🙂

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Heat Tool, Silver Embossing Powder, VersaMark, Star of Light Bundle, Silver Metallic Thread

I started with a Whisper White card base. Then I took a piece of Dapper Denim cardstock (4″ x 5-1/4″) and brushed it over with the Embossing Buddy to reduce any static before embossing. I used the large swirl image from the Star of Light Stamp Set and inked it up in VersaMark. I stamped at an angle from the left bottom corner up and the top right corner down so that it looks like it is going across your card. After stamping the swirl, pour the Silver Embossing Powder all over it and then heat it with the Heat Tool to set the powder. Remember to focus the heat on one section until it melts and then move it around rather than swinging it all over the entire image. When you do that, it just disperses the heat and takes longer. Once it is all set, you can take a paper towel or your shirt (like me) and wipe over the top to take off an extra powder from the Embossing Buddy! I stamped the greeting from the Star of Light Stamp Set in Dapper Denim in the lower right corner and added this to my card base. Next up, I stamped the large star image from the Star of Light Stamp Set onto a piece of Whisper White and die cut it out with the coordinating Starlight Thinlits. Then I took some of the Metallic Silver Thread and wrapped it around my fingers a few times. I usually do it about 8-10 but I forget about half way through so it can be as many times as you wish! Slide the loops off of your fingers and twist them in the middle to create a figure eight. Now place the loops onto the back of the die cut star and secure in the middle with a Stampin’ Dimensional. Fan out the loops and add more dimensionals securing the loops in the desired location. Now you can add this to the card front and you are all set!

That silver embossing shine and the texture of the metallic thread but makes this card POP! Plus, I always love silver and dark blue whether it be Dapper Denim or Night of Navy. If you would like to make these for your holiday cards, you can get a head start by having me do all of the cutting. Check out my Cut For Christmas offer as this is one of the cards in the selection!!

If you would like to see this in action, check out the Video Tutorial below or click here! Don’t forget to subscribe if you are new and be sure to click the Like button!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Dec 2 2016

Baby Bears!!!

Posted on December 2, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

These little bears are just so cute and cuddly!!! Who didn’t look at this card and not go, “Awwww”??? You know you did!!! I have been loving the Cookie Cutter Christmas Stamp Set and coordinating Cookie Cutter Builder Punch (Bundle & Save 10%). It is just so much fun and the images are so adorable!!!

I started with a Pool Party card base! Then I took a piece of Whisper White (4″ x 5-1/4″) and stamped the greeting from the Greatest Greetings Stamp Set in Bermuda Bay Ink. Then I adhered it to the card front. I stamped the teddy bear from the Cookie Cutter Christmas Stamp Set in Bermuda Bay Ink once for the darker full strength bear and then again without going back to the ink for the lighter bear. I stamped the face in Basic Black Ink and then punched him out with the Cookie Cutter Builder Punch. I stamped the ears the same way and fussy cut those out but leaving them connected together down underneath them. This way the spacing is correct and I have something to add adhesive onto to stick to the back of his head. You can see this in action here! I added the bears to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals for a little 3D look and because I love dimensionals. I finished off the card by creating a bow with the Bermuda Bay Stitched Ribbon and adding it to the card front with a Mini Glue Dot. Just precious for a baby boy!!!

Of course I just had to do a baby girl card as well! I used Blushing Bride for the card base and Melon Mambo for the teddy bears. I stamped once in full strength and then again without going back to the ink pad. I used the Melon Mambo Stitched Ribbon for the bow! It would be perfect to make a few of each of these up to have on hand for sending out throughout the year!!! Just precious!

You can check out more samples using the Cookie Cutter Bundle here, here, and here!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Need help getting your Christmas Cards complete in time! Let me help you with my Cut For Christmas Offer!!!

Nov 30 2016

More Reverse Watercoloring!!!

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

So yesterday I showed you how to do Reverse Watercoloring with snowflakes and all winter/holiday themed! You can check that out here. Today, I’m bringing bright and cheery flowers to you with the Reverse Watercolor Technique!!!

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Shimmery White Cardstock, Aqua Painter, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, VersaMark, Stamp Set of your choice and embellishments

I started with a Peek-A-Boo Peach card base. Then I took a piece of Shimmery White Cardstock (3-3/4″ x 5″) and went over the entire piece with the Aqua Painter to wet it down a little. This will help the color bleed and sort of prime the paper. You don’t need to soak it but just a little brush of water over the top. Now pick up some Peek-A-Boo Peach Ink and watercolor wash over half of the paper. Clean off the brush and do the other half in Elegant Eggplant. You can go to the edge or leave a border. That is all up to you! Now allow this to dry by setting it aside or using the Heat Tool!

Side Notes while it dries……I use Shimmery White cardstock because of the fabulous shimmery look but also because it is a little bit thicker than Whisper White but not as thick and textured as Watercolor Paper. Watercolor Paper has too much texture so it won’t get a nice stamped image for clear embossing. Also, when you are using the Aqua Painter, you can either press your ink pad into the lid and use that as your color palette or you can press a clear block into the pad and use that. I prefer using the clear block because it isn’t as messy and I can easily clean it up. You could also drop re-inker onto the clear block and do it that way as well!

Once it is dry, you will stamp all over in a solid image stamp set with VersaMark Ink. I used a large and small flower from the Perfectly Wrapped Stamp Set. Apply Clear Embossing Powder over the top and set it with the Heat Tool. You can see a tutorial on Heat Embossing here. Now that your embossed image are set, they will hold the color underneath. Using your Aqua Painter, you will gently brush over the entire cardstock like you did in the beginning but this time with no color on your brush. You are just adding water which is taking some of the watercolor wash off that you applied earlier. The color is still being held under the images so they are popping more now. That is the Reverse Watercolor Technique!!!

Once your watercolor is dry, I added this piece to some Elegant Eggplant measuring 4″ x 5-1/4″! I used Fast Fuse for a strong hold since the cardstock is warped a little. Then I wrapped some of the Peeka-A-Boo Peach Ruched Ribbon around it and tied it in a knot. For the greeting, I used the Perfectly Wrapped Stamp Set and stamped onto Whisper White. I added a few flowers to the greeting as well to really pull it all together! Using the Layering Circle Framelits, I die cut the greeting as well as a scallop in Elegant Eggplant. I added the greeting to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

See you can use this fabulous technique for holidays, all occasion, and so much more! I hope you have really enjoyed this technique as much as I have. You can see the complete Video Tutorial on this technique here!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Nov 29 2016

Technique Tuesday – Reverse Watercoloring!!!

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

Happy Tuesday everyone!!! I hope you have survived the fabulous turkey feast and shopping craziness! Now it is back to the craft room to prepare for the next holiday!!! This technique is super fabulous for Christmas Cards and cards all year long!!!

I just love the shades of blue this card has and, without the snowflakes, I can dream of blue water and white sand on the beach! I said I can dream…..I know that doesn’t exist in Illinois especially this time of the year!!! Let’s get started on this amazing technique!

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Shimmery White Cardstock, Aqua Painter, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, VersaMark, Stamp Set of your choice and embellishments

I started with a Bermuda Bay card base. Then I took a piece of Shimmery White Cardstock (4″ x 5-1/4″) and went over the entire piece with the Aqua Painter to wet it down a little. This will help the color bleed and sort of prime the paper. You don’t need to soak it but just a little brush of water over the top. Now pick up some Bermuda Bay Ink and watercolor wash over the paper. You can go to the edge or leave a border. That is all up to you! Now allow this to dry by setting it aside or using the Heat Tool!

Once it is dry, you will stamp all over in a solid image stamp set with VersaMark Ink. I used the snowflake from the Tin of Tags Stamp Set. Apply Clear Embossing Powder over the top and set it with the Heat Tool. You can see a tutorial on Heat Embossing here. Now that your embossed image are set, they will hold the color underneath. Using your Aqua Painter, you will gently brush over the entire cardstock like you did in the beginning but this time with no color on your brush. You are just adding water which is lightening the watercolor wash that you applied earlier. The color is still being held under the images so they are popping more now. That is the Reverse Watercolor Technique!!!

Once your watercolor is dry, you can add it to your card base. I used Fast Fuse for a strong hold since the cardstock is warped a little. For the greeting, I used the Tin of Tags Stamp Set and stamped onto Whisper White. Using the Layering Circle Framelits, I die cut the greeting as well as a scallop in Bermuda Bay. I adhered these together and added loops of Metallic Silver Thread to the back and then placed it on the card front. For the Metallic loops, just wrap it around your finger as many times as you wish (8-12 times). Then twist the loops in the middle to create a figure 8 and place it on the back of the greeting. Using Stampin’ Dimensionals to secure it to the back of the greeting and then add it to the card front! I still thought it needed a little bit more bling so I added some Rhinestones all over! Love it!!!

Be sure to check back tomorrow as I will be sharing another sample using this technique! Tomorrow’s sample is a card for any time of the year!

If you would like to see this in action, check out the Video Tutorial below or click here. 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

Nov 24 2016

Happy Thanksgiving….and some Reindeer Food!!!

Posted on November 24, 2016 by Laura's Stamp Pad

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! I love this holiday because it is fairly low key! It’s a great reminder of all of the amazing things we have in our lives and to take a moment to be thankful for them! I am so incredibly thankful for the many blessings in my life including all of you and my stamping business. I get to do what I love every day and it is amazing!!! I hope you all have a wonderful day today and every day!!! Thank you for being you!

Don’t forget that you can shop fabulous Stampin’ Up deals from the comfort of your home. Check out the Online Extravaganza here!

I also wanted to share these adorable little things! Remember the September Paper Pumpkin Kit which came with these little test tubes?? I said I was saving those for a special project…..well this wasn’t the one in mind but I love it! I saw these on Pinterest and just had to make some myself. I filled the test tubes with some oats and some Metallic Sequins. Then I created the tags with the Cookie Cutter Christmas Stamp Set and coordinating Cookie Cutter Builder Punch (Bundle & Save 10%). I stamped the reindeer in Early Espresso Ink and added a Red Glimmer Circle to his nose! I used some of the Candy Cane Lane Baker’s Twine to tie it to the test tube! I just think they are adorable!!! Now I still have a few left for yet another project! 😉 What have you done with your test tubes? Let me know in the comments below!!!

If you would like to see this in action, check out my Video Tutorial below or click here. Don’t forget to give this video a thumbs up if you liked it and be sure to subscribe if you are new! I post every Tuesday and Thursday!

Have an amazing day!!! I’m going to be working with my Mom on her Christmas Cards today and then enjoying a fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner!!!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

Laura's Stamp Pad

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

Tag Archives: Ribbon

Technique Tuesday – Stamp-A-Ma-Jig!!!

Stitching & Stamping!!!

On the 11th Day of Stamps-Mas!!!

All of the Ornaments!!!

Shaker Card Ornaments!!!

Technique Tuesday – Star of Light!

Baby Bears!!!

More Reverse Watercoloring!!!

Technique Tuesday – Reverse Watercoloring!!!

Happy Thanksgiving….and some Reindeer Food!!!