Friday, September 29, 2017

Room for S'Mores and a Punny Card

Our oldest son and his wife are celebrating their anniversary today.  When we visited them in August we spent one evening on the patio making S'mores and chatting while we watched our granddaughters goof off.  Was a fabulous evening!  I wanted to make them a card using inspiration from that evening.


I've had this stamp set, Always S'more,  for quite some time and this is the first time it's seen ink!  (I have a few sets that are still virgin.) I started by using 2 collections of PanPastels, Rich Sorbet and Party Pop (sale on these end tomorrow!) and a Large Dauber Dowel to make the background. on a piece of Whip Cream card stock. I stamped the branch and sentiment using Black Licorice ink.  I splattered some Sparkle Silk and watered down Gesso to look a bit like stars. I applied some Butter Cream ink on a scrap piece of Whip Cream and stamped the marshmallows.  I did heat set these before detail cutting and then sponged a bit of Oatmeal Cookie ink to make the mallows look a bit cooked.  In real life the mallows are brown and not grey like they look here.



I adhered the mallows with Foam Squares.  I tore the edges and adhered to a layer of Denim Days then on Black Licorice card stocks.

I'm sure they'll love this card!  I know I do!

I also had to make a fun card for a friend who turned 80.  His wife is having an open house tomorrow afternoon and I hope to get there.


I used an old Bloom Box card kit that my up-line gave me and our Punny, Punny stamp set. Card stocks used are: Cool Pool, Bubble Gum, Candy Apple, Lemon Drop, and Whip Cream.  I used 2 inks, Black Licorice and Cool Pool (sponged around the circle die cut.  Two dies sets were involved, Rectangles and Circles.



I colored the planets with our Color Burst Pencils, added some Journey Glaze and Blue Skies sequins. Also used was the Easy Glide Adhesive and Foam Squares.

Inside the card is stamped "you planet".  I love puns and had fun making this card!

StampinCarol

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

A Fall Wreath

I had a bunch of special projects recently and it's time to share them!


This card was made for a challenge, Fall colors and use an embossing folder.  I used our Harvest Wreath Bundle, Snapshot Frames die set, and Bubble Wrap embossing folder.  I used Pumpkin Bread, Oatmeal Cookie, Butter Cream, Tangerine Fusion, and Whip Cream card stocks.



After stamping the wreath in Oatmeal Cookie ink on Whip Cream card stock (should have used Buttercream) I stamped various pieces of the stamp set in fall color inks directly on the wreath and detail cut. I then stamped some more on another piece of Whip Cream and detail cut.  The center of the wreath was die cut with our smallest of circles dies. The embossed Butter Cream piece was lightly swiped with Oatmeal Cookie ink.  I die cut the word Fall in the Oatmeal Cookie layer then die cut it again in the Tangerine Fusion card stock.  I put a piece of scotch tape behind the word spot in the Oatmeal Cookie and adhered the Tangerine Fusion.  Turned out pretty good.  I also used some Natural Twine, Foam Squares, Easy Glide Adhesive, and my Amaze machine.

Other than not sticking to Butter Cream card stock for the stamped images I like how this turned out. Today I'm meeting with my downline and friends as we play and experiment with our Gel Presses. I'll share some of our "creations" later.

StampinCarol

Monday, September 25, 2017

A Last Sunflower for This Month

I've been sharing a few Sunflower cards from our Sept. Bloom Box and NOT using the card kits that came with the Box.  I'll get to those eventually.  But I seen a card kinda sorta like this, well, the background anyway, and I loved it!


I cut off the stem from this large image (yes, I mutilate stamps at times) and stamped it all over my Whip Cream layer with Black Licorice ink. I layered this piece on a piece of Summer Days then on a piece of Black Licorice. I die cut some circles out of the same 2 colors of card stock, adhered them together then embossed with our Petals Wall embossing folder.  I die cut the arrow from our Border Details die set from a piece of Black Licorice card stock and cut to fit the card front. I adhered the circles flat, no foam squares.


I stamped my Sunflower on Whip Cream, colored with Color Splash pencils and a med. Blending Brush, then detail cut. Before using Foam Squares to adhere it I added some loops of Black Licorice Twine.  Can you see the glimmer on the flower?  A bit of Sparkle Silk applied with the Blending Brush added some bling!

Other products used: Easy Glide Runner and the Amaze machine

I love how this card turned out.  I like it way better than the one I shared last Friday. Bet you do to!

StampinCarol


Saturday, September 23, 2017

A Mystery Item Card

This morning I'm attending our local Tucson stamp group, SALSA.  Each month we make an item using a "mystery" item.  This month we got sparkly pipe cleaners.  Well, since I've had one of those weeks, sick hubby and dad had hand surgery, my mind just wasn't being very creative. Not surprised.  Anyway, I did get a card made...


I used our Blooming Details Die set, a background paper from a company I was with YEARS ago and has since closed (I really wanted all that color for this card), assorted cardstocks, and a stamp.


Card stocks: Candy Apple, Lemon Drop, Huckleberry Fusion, Limeade Splash, Whip Cream, and Gold Mirror.
Stamp: Must Have Sentiments
Ink: Candy Apple

I know I don't usually post on Saturdays but I've been making a bunch of cards lately for special purposes and didn't want to get so many piled up to share!  I'll be back on Monday!

StampinCarol

Friday, September 22, 2017

A Beautiful Sunflower

I have yet to make the 4 cards using our September Bloom Box but I've been making cards using the pieces of backgrounds I made with our Gel Press (which is on sale until Sept. 30). This card didn't quite turn out as I had envisioned and I'm not real happy with it.  What do you think?


If you look closely at the background you can just see this sunflower on it.  I used Summer Days ink and brayered it on my Gel Press.  I then took the stamp and stamped it dry on the Press.  Next I stamped the stamp on a piece of scrap paper then stamped again on the Gel Press. I did this quite a few times. I was basically pulling ink off the Press and got reverse images when I applied then pulled my Whip Cream card stock.  Next I embossed the piece with our Love Stripes embossing folder then flicked with some Citrus Cooler Silk. I layered this on Tangerine Fusion card stock and made 3 banner strips to layer my focal image over.



I stamped my small sunflower on Whip Cream card stock using Black Licorice ink and colored with our Color Splash Pencils and a small Blending Brush. I Rectangle die cut a piece of the Wheat pattern paper from the Fall Fest Collection.  I adhered the banner strips directly to the back of the Wheat rectangle then used Foam Squares to adhere to the background.  After detail cutting the sunflower I used Foam Squares to adhere it to the Wheat paper.  Can you see some sparkle on the sunflower?  I again used my small Blending Brush to carefully apply some Sparkle Silk where I wanted it.

Other products used: Easy Glide Adhesive Runner & Amaze machine,

StampinCarol

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Koi Dreams Thank You Cards

I recently had some orders and decided to make some Thank You cards for my customers.  I made 3 using a small stamp set from our Mystic Romance collection.


I used the Koi Dreams ATS stamp bundle and Embroidered Greetings stamp set.  Before adhering the Koi I used Cool Pool Silk to splatter the background.  The Koi was stamped with Summer Days and Tangerine Fusion inks.


To ink the lotus blossoms I used a new product found in our catalog, the Create-a-Palette.  It's a refillable ink pad with 5 sections.  I inked mine with Denim Days, Catalina Splash, Beach Ball, Beach Breeze, and Pool Play.


I used strips of coordinating card stocks to label the underneath of the ink pad to let me know what inks I used. A fellow coach came up with this idea and I love it!!


StampinCarol

Monday, September 18, 2017

It's a Bunch of Itty Bitties!

I recently took part in a swap of what us FSJ coaches call Itty Bitties, also known as Card Candy over on Pinterest.  Last Friday was the final day they're supposed to be mailed but Kathy has already received mine a week ago.  I made 4 to fit on an A2 sized piece of Clear View Sheet.


I chose a fall theme even though there wasn't a theme we had to follow.  I love this Hello Fall Bundle, and if you choose different inks you can use the stamps (except the sentiments) for spring or summer! But this stamp set is only available until Dec. 31!  It's in our cool Journey Holiday mini.





Here's the list of supplies:
I've already given you the stamp bundle...
Card stocks: Pumpkin Bread, Oatmeal Cookie, Butter Cream, Dark Roast, Tangerine Fusion, and Fall  Fest Prints (also only available through Dec. 31)
Inks: Dark Roast, Oatmeal Cookie, Tangerine Fusion, Citrus Cooler
Silks: Bronze, Citrus Cooler, Sparkle, & Dark Roast
Dies: Circles, Tag Elements, Detailed Foilage, Ovals, & Journey Blooms Holiday
Embellishments: Natural Twine and Rainbow Drops

I won't receive the swap back for a couple weeks and I'm excited to see what the others made. There are so many creative crafters in this company!

StampinCarol

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Autumn Greetings

Recently Richard Garay made  a video using our fabulous PanPastels (ON SALE THIS MONTH!) and before viewing it I made this card.  I had to laugh while viewing as I used the same stamp bundle, Hello Fall (available through Dec.). His video is shared on my FB page, Stampin Hot with Carol on Sept. 8.


I'm trying to remember all that I used as after a week my mind goes a bit fuzzy.




So, other than the Bundle I think I used:
Card stocks: Butter Cream, Green Olive, and Mirror Gold
PanPastels: Mother Nature collection, Rich Sorbets collection: Party Pop Collection, and Gold
Dies: Rectangles Long
Inks: Clear Pigment
Silks: Sparkle mixed with some "dust" from our Green Olive PanPastel and Citrus Cooler
Journey Gold Thread, Large Dauber Dowel, Med. Blending Brush, Amaze machine, Easy Glide runner, Foam Squares

After making the main leaf I lightly dusted it with the Gold PanPastel.  It really shimmers and the first close up barely shows that.

Please head over to my website by clicking on the FSJ logo at the top of the side bar then click SHOP.  All the products on sale are listed under the Media Mix Sale button.  Check out the great deals!

StampinCarol

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Gel Press and Sunflowers

I am so excited! I just got my September Bloom Box with the gorgeous stamp set Hello Sunflower.  This stamp set is exclusive to THIS MONTH ONLY and can only be guaranteed for delivery if ordered today.  After that then it's as supplies last.


The stamp set consists of 4 stamps, 2 sunflowers large and medium, and 2 text. You also get 4 card kits to make the cards shown above.

I was playing a bit with my Gel Press and made some backgrounds with this set in mind using Whip Cream card stock.


I used 2 different stencils, Nature Collage and Starburst Lines, assorted inks and Limeade Splash Liquid Color.  Then I used one of the A2 sized pieces to make a card...


I started with a folded base of Tangerine Fusion card stock.  I trimmed my background to 4" x 5 1/4" and, using my Punch Handle and 1 1/4" punch cartridge, cut out the 1/2 circles on each side. I die cut an oval piece of Hazelnut Blend card stock and attached.  I stamped the large sunflower on Whip Cream and, using my Color Splash Pencils, colored the flower with my med. Blending Brush.  I soaked the image until my paper started to fuzz then kinda sculpted it.


I adhered the flower with Foam Squares then added some Sparkle Silk in spots again using my Blending Brush.  I wrapped some Black Licorice Thread around the layer, tied a bow, and adhered a little wood button (retired).  I then adhered this to the card base.


I stamped this sentiment on Whip Cream, fussy cut and added some Color Splash pencil color and adhered.

Also used the Amaze machine and Easy Glide Adhesive.

This month many of our Mixed Media products are on sale, such as the Gel Press, stencils, PanPastels, and Paints.  Don't pass up getting your favorites and even soon-to-be favorite products at 20% off!

I know this post is a bit early but I don't want you to miss out on a great deal! And I've been on a kick making cards so have oodles to share!

StampinCarol

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

WOYWW Desk and a Couple Cards

It's a glorious Wednesday!  The temperature is coming down (below 100*F anyway) and the smoke in the air from the fires in Los Angeles has cleared.  Allergies are minimal, too.  Yeah!  But today is a grand day to tour desks all over this globe!  And Julia at the Stamping Ground is the place to go for the links.

My desk, picture taken yesterday, was in the throes of making a couple cards a lady called and wanted.  It took a bit to tidy up so I can start on some more projects today.


There is a pile on the far left of stamps, dies, and 3 containers of PanPastels.  Middle has an old stamp set from The Angel Company of moose, elk, and other animals, an ink pad, my square dies, and a plate to my Amaze machine.  Far right,  a computer generated phrase ready to die cut sitting on my Amaze and my ATG adhesive runner.  I finished both cards and here they are.


She wanted this card for her brother.  It had to have a moose.


She wanted a cat card for a friend going through chemotherapy.  I no longer have the stamps of the card she seen and this is the only cat I have.

I hope she likes these.  I'll call her tomorrow and make arrangements for after work on Thursday to get them delivered.  She was very complimentary of my cards and that felt very good!

I hope your hump day is going well.  Please remember to head over to the Stamping Ground and check out the deskers willing to share their work areas!

StampinCarol

Monday, September 11, 2017

A Trio of Sympathy Cards

Since most all of my sympathy cards sold last month at the store where my card rack is located I had to make some.  We live in an area where the average age is in the 70's so Sympathy cards are in demand.  A week ago I made 3. I'll share them all but I'll just list the products used instead of telling you how I made these.



Stamps: Sentimental Prints
Dies: Journey Circles & Blooming Details
Card Stocks: Whip Cream, Summer Days, Lemon Drop, Lemon Grass, & Limeade Splash
Ink: Black Licorice
Other: Amaze machine, Foam Squares, Easy Glide Adhesive
I also used some Crystal Stickles in the flower centers as these cards need to be easily mailed without
extra postage.



Neither photo shows the true colors of the card stock.  Top is too purpley and the bottom is too blue.
Stamps: Every Day
Dies: Mystic Vine (a host exclusive die that you can get free with a $150 order)
Ink: Lavender Fusion
Embossing Folder: Brocade Imprints  (a FREEBIE you can get with a $100 or more order)
Card Stocks: Lavender Fusion, Pretty Amethyst, and Grape Fusion
Other: Amaze machine, Foam Squares, Easy Glide Adhesive
And I used my Corner Chomper and some Lavender Stickles.



I made a similar card a couple years ago but I like the image and style of this card.  Did you take a closer look at the sky?  I used a Clear Stardust Gel Pen to make stars.  My white pen was dead and I couldn't revive it.
Stamps: Stay Wild ATS and Sentimental Prints
Ink: Black Licorice
PanPastels: Rich Sorbets collection
Dies: Journey Ovals
Card Stock: Whip Cream
Other: Amaze machine, Foam Squares, Easy Glide Adhesive

I'm sure the 4 cards I took in earlier this week will sell fast (1 card I shared using our Embroidered Rose set) so I'll be making more to keep in stock.

StampinCarol

Friday, September 8, 2017

A Retiform Halloween Card

Our challenge this week by a fellow coach was to make a retiform card.  I haven't done this in a few years and it was nice to revisit this technique!  It took a few post it notes to make but I like the effect.


To do this I laid the post it notes to make sections.  Each section was sponged (sponges are on sale this month!) on the edges with Black Licorice ink and stamped. I used just 1 stamp bundle, Jack O'Lanterns.  As I finished each section I repositioned the notes to make another section. I only used Tangerine Fusion and Black Licorice card stocks. After stamping I splattered some Citrus Cooler and Silver Silks.


Here's a closer look at a corner of some sections.


I stamped the 3 pumpkins, added faces, then used my Blending Brush to add Sparkle Silk to the faces.  I also added a strip of Licorice Sparkle washi tape to layer them over. A few Foam Squares, our Easy Glide Runner, and the Amaze machine were also used.

So you can see not many products were used!  Yet the effect is really cool!  Give it a try!

StampinCarol

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Desk, Swaps, and a Halloween Card

This has been one of those weeks.  Saturday I pulled a back muscle and it still hurts. Worked like crazy over the weekend, too, to get 2 dozen cards ready and packaged to put on my rack at a store where I sell cards (2 dozen sold so had to replace), and yesterday... my Canon printer decided not to be among the living.  Hello Amazon!  Ordered a Canon PIXMA MX922. And wouldn't you know it that now I need to do some printing of invoices! Bummer.  May have to download them to a thumb drive and take to a printer or the library in town to get them done.

BUT!  Today is your opportunity to take a look at my desk and quite a few others, should you decide to enjoy a tour.  This fun desk tour has been organized by Julia at the Stamping Ground and it's week 431.  My desk has just cleared a bit from finishing some of the cards I had to take to the store.


You can see a pile of paper, stamp packages, and die packages on the front far left.  Center has 2 manila envelopes I'm working on to send off a swap of Itty Bitties (Card Candy) but I can't show those yet.  Far right is a package of envelopes.  Back part of my desk, left is my Cricut and baskets of often used stuff.  Center is my water bottle and blue stamp cleaning rag, and more often used stuff.  And far right, my inks. Top center, my phone holder ready for when I start making some videos for my team and customers.

I guess I'll show you one of the Halloween cards I made to sell.  All products from the company I'm with.




I bet this card will sell fast along with the other I made.

Ok, please head over to the Stamping Ground and check out the links to other desks and projects. I need to work on a couple projects but will be visiting around them.  Have fun!

StampinCarol

Monday, September 4, 2017

Boo Cubed

Here's the 2nd of the 4 card samples for my Sept. 29 class.  


I just love the little Party Ghost from the Party Ghost Bundle.  He's stamped on Whip Cream card stock with Black Licorice ink.  And the Boo! die cut is from one of my favorite die sets, Snapshot Frames, cut from the Black Licorice card stock.  I started with a Black Licorice card base and added a layer of Whip Cream embossed with our fun Spooky Boo embossing folder.  I lightly swiped our Black Licorice ink pad over the embossed piece.  I layered the ghost on a circle of Summer Days card stock then lightly sponged some Citrus Cooler ink around the edge.  I added a strip of Black Licorice card stock wrapped with some Pumpkin Patch Ribbon then  added a bow of Black Licorice Thread.



Do you see the sparkle on the ghost?  I used our Sparkle Silk on him.  I put a drop or two on an acrylic block then used a Blending Brush to carefully fill him in. I found it's better to do it like I do than to use the brush that comes with the Silk as you get WAY too much Silk on the image and the paper warps. And he's been popped up with our Foam Squares.  Last I used small Foam Squares to pop up the Boo!s.  As of this posting I already have 3 signed up for my class!

Also used was the Amaze machine and Easy Glide Tape Runner.

This past weekend I did a lot of work on my blog.  I deleted a bunch of labels (about 10 - 15) as some were using products that FSJ doesn't carry or companies that have gone out of business or I don't want to promote.  I know the list is still long but I think it's easier to look through if you're looking for a particular theme, tool used, or other items of interest.  I also have to get some cards ready to sell.  Over 2 dozen of my cards sold at the store where I have them displayed.  For a "slow" month, holy cow!

I hope you have a fun and safe Labor Day!  Both hubby and I will be working today. I looked up this holiday and found some interesting facts.  Just click HERE if you're interested.

StampinCarol

Friday, September 1, 2017

You're Being Watched

Now that I've sent out my email to my customers I will show you more Halloween cards I'll be teaching Sept. 29.  This card was inspired by a card I have pinned on Pinterest.  It's probably the scariest card I have...



Kinda weird, huh!  I used a host stamp set (can earn with a $600 qualifying order) called Family Forever.  It consists of 23 stamps!



Isn't this set amazing!  Anyway, I also used Journey Bloom Holiday die set for the bat and Snapshot Frames die set for the Boo! Both were cut out of Black Licorice card stock.  The base card is using Tangerine Fusion card stock layered over Black Licorice card stock.  I stamped the tree with Dark Roast ink and used a Color Burst pencil to make the ground (can't have a floating tree....)  I added some Licorice Sparkle washi tape to the corners.



A few Wiggle Eyes completed the card front. Also used was our Easy Glide Tape Runner,  Foam Squares, and the Amaze machine. And I wanted to show you our Washi Tape Dispenser...



Here's mine in use.  It's 3 separate pieces that stack.  I LOVE it!  If I purchase any more washi tape (you know I will) I will have to purchase another set as this one is full!

I also need to get about 2 dozen cards made for the store where I sell.  They had a run on them this past month!  Oh my!  At least I have my Halloween cards done and a swap ready to go.  And how is your September starting?

StampinCarol