Posted in Avid Stamper, Birds, Birthday, Blender Pen, Coloring Techniques, Fun/Fancy fold card

Fancy Fold Bird Birthday Card

Posted on by tmcentee64

Hello everyone! Today I have a fun fancy fold card. You will be surprised to see how easy this awesome card is to make! It folds flat to fit in a standard A2 envelope. Currently I am visiting family for a wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina. I think this card could easily be changed to a wedding card if needed.

Measurements: 8 x 4 1 /4 inch Petal Pink card stock scored at 1 1/4, 2 1/2, 5 1/2 and 6 3/4 inches.

Additional paper needed: 4 x 2 3/4 inch of Basic Black; 3 3/4 x 2 1/2 inch and 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch of Very Vanilla; two 4 x 1 inch pieces of the Bird Ballad Designer Series paper in the floral print and 5 1/2 x 1 1/4 inch piece in the polka dot print; 5 1/2 x 1 1/4 inch of Petal Pink.

You will also need Memento ink, Stampin’ Up! Petal Pink ink and Stampin’ Up! Soft Sea Foam.

I used the Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers in : Light Petal Pink, Light and Dark Seaside Spray, Light Crumb Cake, Light Daffodil Delight and Light Granny Apple Green.

Here’s how to make this wonderful card. First fold the card base as shown above.

The following images are from Stampin’ Up!’s Free As A Bird stamp set. Using the Stamp Off Technique, stamp the leaves with the Sea Foam ink onto the 3 3/4 x 2 1/2 inch piece of Very Vanilla. This means you will first stamp onto a scrap of paper, then onto the card piece. This gives a faded image which is good since we will be stamping a sentiment over it.

Use the Stamp Off Technique again in the Petal Pink ink to stamp the flowers around the leaves.

Use the Memento ink to stamp the sentiment over the leaves and flowers. The “Happy Birthday” sentiment is from Stampin’ Up!s Itty Bitty Greetings stamp set. Set this aside.

Stamp the single bird in Memento ink onto the inch piece of Very Vanilla. Gather your alcohol markers.

Use the Light Daffodil Delight to color the beak and feet. Then use the Light Petal Pink to color the birds breast.

Using gentle brush strokes and the Light Balmy Blue, color the birds feathers. Apply the Light Crumb Cake around the body of the bird.

Use the Light and Dark Petal Pink to blend the Crumb Cake around the breast. Use the Light and Dark Balmy Blue to blend in the Crumb Cake in the feathers of the body.

Light Granny Apple Green was used for the grass.

Now get your Paper Snips to “fussy cut” the bird. This just means we are cutting the image out freehand. I leave a little border, but others will cut right on the line. Choose what looks best to you.

I like to use the Tombow Multipurpose Liquid glue, but you can also use any double sided stick tape. Apply the Bird Ballad Designer Series paper floral print to the ends of the card base.

Adhere the sentiment piece to the Basic Black. Adhere the completed piece to the center of the card base.

Adhere the Bird Ballad Designer Series paper polka dot print to the Petal Pink rectangle.

To adhere the polka dot piece to the card front, fold the left side down. Apply adhesive to the bottom end of both sided on the floral print, lay down the polka dot piece and hold in place with everything flat until the adhesive is stuck down.

Add Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back of the single bird and adhere it to the card front on the left hand side.

Use the Mini Glue Dots to adhere a bow made from the 3/8 inch Scalloped Lace Trim to the card front near the single bird. If you need help making a bow, see my blog about tying a bow which is from 02/2019: https://theresas-treasures.com/2019/02/15/making-a-bow/

Adhere one of the Flower Faceted Gems to the card front next to the bird.

And believe it or not that is all there is to this card!

Promotion!! I am having a Summer promotion. For every $30 ordered at my store, you can earn 3 tickets. The prize will be: the Free as a Bird stamp set, Bird Ballad DSP, a roll of 3/8 inch Scalloped Lace Trim, Memento ink and the Flower Faceted Gems–valued at over $50! The drawing with be on September 14, 2019. Good luck!

Stampin’ Up! Products used include: Stamp Sets: Free As A Bird #149468 and Itty Bitty Greetings #151331; Cardstock: Petal Pink #146985, Basic Black #121045 and Very Vanilla #101650; Designer Series Paper: Bird Ballad #149592; Ink: Soft Sea Foam #147102, Petal Pink #147108 and Memento #132708; Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Markers: Light Petal Pink #146866, Light and Dark Seaside Spray #149569, Light Crumb Cake #144582, Light Daffodil Delight #144586 and Light Granny Apple Green #146876; 3/8 inch Scalloped Lace #149593; Flower Faceted Gems #149479; Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue #110755; Paper Snips #103579; Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430.

Posted in beginner stamper, Birds

Mosaic Hummingbird

Posted on by tmcentee64

Hello! I hope you are having a good day. Every day is a good day when you have the time to create and stamp!

This quick card is made using Stampin’ Up!’s Memorable Mosaic stamp set and the Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series Paper. I again used the Scalloped Note Cards for the card base and envelope. The Scalloped Note Cards come in 4 colors and are all set and ready to craft on. Check out the last 3 blogs to see how I used the other colors of Note Cards.

Measurements: Scalloped Note Card in Old Olive, a 5 inch strip and hummingbird from the Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series Paper (DSP) and a 4 x 2 3/4 inch Very Vanilla cardstock.

You will also need the Soft Suede Stampin’ Ink pad and the Timeless Label punch.

Use your paper snips to “fussy-cut” the hummingbird of your choice from the Mosaic Mood Specialty DSP. Isn’t this hummingbird beautiful! I just love mosaic images! And the colors are so nice!

Use the Soft Suede ink to stamp the sentiment onto the Very Vanilla cardstock. Use the Timeless Label punch to punch the sentiment out.

Cut two 5 inch strips from the Mosaic Mood Specialty DSP.

Adhere the 1/2 inch wide strip to the inside of the card on the bottom. Adhere the 1 inch wide strip to the middle of the card front.

Apply Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back of the hummingbird and the sentiment.

Adhere the sentiment to the right side of the card front just under the patterned strip. Adhere the hummingbird to the left side of the card front as shown.

Viola! Can you believe how quick that was! You could make a set of these to have on hand for various occasions!

I am having a summer promotion. For every $30 ordered at my store, you can earn 3 tickets. The prize will be: the Free as a Bird stamp set, Bird Ballad DSP, a roll of 3/8 inch Scalloped Lace Trim, Memento ink and the Flower Faceted Gems–valued at over $50! The drawing with be on September 14, 2019. Good luck!

Well, this card is the last with the Free as a Bird stamp set. The next blog will introduce a new Stampin’ Up! stamp set!

Stampin’ Up! supplies used for the card today are: Stamp Set: Memorable Mosaic #149226; Ink: Soft Suede #147115; ; Paper: Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series Paper #149478, Very Vanilla Cardstock #101650 and the Scalloped Note Cards #149610; Punches: Timeless Label #149516; Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430; Paper Snips #103579 and Multipurpose Liquid Glue #110755.

Posted in beginner stamper, Birds, Stampin' Blends

More Birds!

Posted on by tmcentee64

Good morning everyone! I woke up to this beautiful sunrise! I just love the colors!

Today’s card is in one of my favorite colors, Calypso Coral, and uses Stampin’ Up!’s Free as a Bird stamp set. I also used the Memorable Mosaic stamp set for the sentiment, and the Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series paper (DSP) for the patterns. See the last 2 blogs in which I used the Free as a Bird stamp set with other colors of the Scalloped Note Cards.

Additional supplies from Stampin’ Up!: Soft Suede Stampin’ Ink Pad, Memento ink, Stampin’ Blends – Light and Dark Calypso Coral, Light Daffodil Delight, Dark Mint Macaron and Light Crumb Cake.

The two punches needed are: 2 1/4 inch circle and Timeless Label.

Measurements: Scalloped Note Cards and Envelopes in Calypso Coral, 6 x 2 3/4 inch Very Vanilla cardstock, and 5 inch strips of the Mosaic Mood Specialty DSP

Stamp the single bird in Memento ink and the sentiment in Soft Suede as shown onto the 6 x 2 3/4 inch piece of Very Vanilla cardstock.

Gather the Stampin’ Blends together and use the Light Calypso Coral to color the birds’ belly.

Using gentle brush strokes, blend on the Dark Calypso Coral. Go over the Dark Calypso Coral with the Light Calypso Coral to blend it all together and smooth out the lines between the light and dark color.

Again using gentle brush stokes, apply the Light Crumb Cake. Use the Light Daffodil Delight for the beak and legs.

Finish with the Light Mint Macaron for the grass.

Punch out the bird and the sentiment using the respective punches.

Adhere a 5 x 1/2 inch piece of the Mosaic Mood Specialty DSP to the inside of the Scalloped Note card on the bottom so the pattern shows.

Adhere a 5 x 1 1/4 inch piece of the Mosaic Mood Specialty DSP in a different pattern onto the left side of the front of the card.

Add Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back of the bird and sentiment.

Adhere the sentiment to the bottom quarter of the card front. Adhere the bird to the top half.

And there is your simple but beautiful bird card! I just love coloring with the Stampin’ Blend alcohol markers! It is so easy to create nice looking images with little effort.

I am having a summer promotion. For every $30 ordered at my store, you can earn 3 tickets. The prize will be: the Free as a Bird stamp set, Bird Ballad DSP, a roll of 3/8 inch Scalloped Lace Trim, Memento ink and the Flower Faceted Gems–valued at over $50! The drawing with be on September 14, 2019. Good luck!

My next blog will be the last in this “Bird” series. Hope to see you then!

Stampin’ Up! supplies used for the card today are: Stamp Set: Free as a Bird #149468 and Memorable Mosaic #149226; Ink: Soft Suede #147115 and Memento #132708; Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers: Calypso Coral Combo #144045, Light Daffodil Delight #144586, Light Mint Macaron #147020 and Light Crumb Cake #144582; Paper: Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series Paper #149478, Very Vanilla Cardstock #101650 and the Scalloped Note Cards #149610; Punches: 2 1/4 inch circle #143720 and Timeless Label #149516; Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430 and Multipurpose Liquid Glue #110755.

Posted in beginner stamper, Birds, Coloring Techniques, Friendship

Coloring a Bird Quartet

Posted on by tmcentee64

I just love the Free As A Bird stamp set by Stampin’ Up!. In addition to the single bird colored for the previous card, there is a quartet of endearing birds! More opportunity to practice coloring with the Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Markers!

I again used the Scalloped Note cards and Envelopes by Stampin’ Up! but this time chose the pink. Using the Scalloped Note Cards and Envelopes really makes card making quick and easy. Here’s how I made this card.

Measurements: In addition to the pink Scalloped Note card and envelope, you will need: 4 1/2 x 3 inch Whisper White cardstock and 5 x 1/2 inch strip of the Bird Ballad Designer Series Paper (DSP).

I used Memento ink, Clear blocks B and E, and the following Stampin’ Blend Alcohol Markers: Light Petal Pink, Light Daffodil Delight, Light and Dark Crumb Cake, Light Soft Suede, and Light and Dark Old Olive.

First, use the Memento Ink to stamp the bird quartet. Side note and tip: Whenever you are using an alcohol marker, you must use Memento Ink or Stazon Ink and not a water-based ink like the majority of the Stampin’ Up! inks. The reason for this is that the water-based ink will smear when exposed to the ink from the alcohol marker, making the edges of the image blurry and the color leaking out of the lines.

I colored the bellies of the birds with the Light Petal Pink. I then added a bit of the Light Soft Suede to the shadows.

I blended the Light Petal Pink with the Light Soft Suede by using the Light Crumb Cake. I followed up with another layer of the Light Petal Pink.

Using the Dark Crumb cake I added a little more shadow, then went back to the Light Crumb Cake to make sure everything blended well. Tip: When adding shadow, use a very small amount of the darker color, then blend it out with a shade or two lighter until you get the effect you like.

I used the Light Petal Pink for the flowers. The leaves were done in Light and Dark Old Olive. I colored the leaves with the Light Old Olive first, then added a small amount of the Dark Old Olive where the shadows were. I used the Light Old Olive again to blend the color. I used the Light Crumb Cake for the branch.

Here is the completely colored bird quartet. Aren’t they charming?

Next I fussy cut the bird quartet. To fussy cut means to cut around the image using scissors, as compared to using a punch or a Framelit to cut around the image. I usually leave a thin white border, although others cut right up to the black line around the image.

Apply Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back of the bird quartet.

Before adhering the bird quartet, place it where you want it so you know where to stamp the sentiment. Move the bird quartet out of the way when you stamp the sentiment so that it doesn’t interfere with putting the stamp all the way down on the paper.

Now adhere the bird quartet. I added a 1/2 inch border of DSP to the bottom of the inside of the note card so that it would enhance the scalloped edge and make the card a little more fancy.

That was the quickest and easiest card I have done yet! Fun!

Stampin’ Up! Supplies used include: Stamp Set: Free As A Bird #149468; Ink: Memento #132708; Stampin’ Blends: Light Petal Pink #146866, Light and Dark Crumb Cake Combo #144601 , Light Daffodil Delight #144586, Light Soft Suede #146874 and Light and Dark Old Olive Combo #144597; Paper: Scalloped Note cards and Envelopes #149610; Bird Ballad Designer Series Paper #149592; Clear Blocks: B #117147 and E #118484; Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430, Multipurpose Liquid Glue #110755.

Posted in Birds, Blender Pen, Coloring Techniques, Gratitude/ Thanks

Coloring Made Simple

Posted on by tmcentee64

Well, Hello!! The last month has been a whirlwind and I do apologize for being absent. As many of you know, one of my sons graduated and we went to Alaska for a great vacation! Now that I am back, it is time to get back to blogging but I must admit, it has been hard to settle down!

I thought I would try to settle down with some coloring, a great way to relax and calm yourself. Today I will show you a step by step way to color with the Stampin’ Blends, or any other alcohol marker you have, to be able to enjoy Stampin’ Up!’s Free As A Bird stamp set and make wonderful images to decorate your cards!

Here is my beautiful and fairly simple card made with the Free as a Bird stamp set by Stampin’ Up!.

One of the coolest items in the 2019-20 Stampin’ Up! Catalog is the Scalloped Note Cards and Envelopes #149610. This really makes card making quick and easy! I started with the blue note card and envelope.

Measurements: In addition to the blue Scalloped Card Base and envelope, you will need : 5 x 2 inches of the In Color 2019-2020 Designer Series Paper(DSP) in Pretty Peacock (the script design); 4 3/4 x 1 inch Pretty Peacock cardstock; 4 x 3 inch Whisper White cardstock; and 4 1/2 inches of the 5/8 inch Whisper White Flax Ribbon.

More supplies needed are: Memento ink, 2 1/4 inch circle punch, Clear blocks C and D, Stampin’ Blends (Light in Petal Pink, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Seaside Spray, Pretty Peacock and Old Olive); Glue Dots, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Dimensionals and Paper Snips.

And of course you will need the Free As A Bird stamp set! Isn’t this just adorable? I really love the mixed font for the sentiments and the bird images are so endearing!

The first thing I decided to do was to decorate the envelope. I used the Memento ink with the two flower stamps and made a very simple design on the envelope as shown.

I then stamped the single bird in Memento ink onto the 4 x 3 inch Whisper White cardstock toward the bottom half. Leave room to be able to punch out a circle. Tip: Color first before punching or cutting. I started coloring with the Light Petal Pink to color the bird’s breast. Tip: With alcohol markers use a very light touch to avoid having the ink bleed out of the lines.

Tip: Use small brush strokes to help blend two colors. I added the Light Crumb Cake around the Petal Pink. Then I used the Petal Pink again to blend the edges a little. This takes a bit of practice as well as a little patience.

One way to practice is to stamp a line of about 10 birds onto a piece of cardstock and just color.You will learn your own tricks as you practice!

Again using a light touch with brush strokes, I added Light Seaside Spray to the birds wing, tail and head. You may need to go back and forth between the colors to get everything blended. A word to the wise: Less is more!

I used the Light Pretty Peacock to enhance the tips of the tail and wing feathers, and the “shadows”. Next I use the Daffodil Delight for the beak and feet. Isn’t he such a lovely bluebird?!

Lastly I used the Light Old Olive for the grass. Use the 2 1/4 inch circle punch to punch out the bird. Set aside.

Using the “thank you” sentiment and the Memento Ink, I stamped the sentiment under the strip of Scripty Pretty Peacock In Color DSP. Adhere the strip of DSP to the card front with Multipurpose Liquid Glue or Snail.

Adhere the strip of Pretty Peacock with Multipurpose Liquid Glue or Snail. Cut the ends of the Flax Ribbon at an angle and use Glue Dots to adhere over the strip of the Pretty Peacock.

Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the colored blue bird to the front of the card.

And there you have a fairly quick and easy thank you card with some coloring using the Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Markers. If you use the prepared Scalloped Note cards and envelopes, you could make a dozen quickly and give them away as a gift! Or just have a bunch of Thank You Notes on hand for when the occasion arises!

It is so good to be back and making cards again!

Stampin’ Up Supplies used include: Stamp Set: Free as a Bird #149468; Punch: 2 1/4 inch circle #143720; Ink: Memento #132708; Stampin’ Blends: Light Petal Pink #146866, Light Crumb Cake #144582, Light Daffodil Delight #144586, Light Seaside Spray #149567, Light Pretty Peacock #149538 and Light Old Olive #144574; Paper: Scalloped Note cards and Envelopes #149610, Pretty Peacock #150880 and Whisper White #100730 Cardstock, and Pretty Peacock 2019-20 In Color 6 x 6 inch Designer Series Paper #149617; 5/8 inch Whisper White Flax Ribbon #148764; Clear Blocks C #118486 and D #118485; Glue Dots 103683, Dimensionals #104430, Multipurpose Liquid Glue #110755, Paper Snips #103579 and Snail Adhesive #104332.

Posted in beginner stamper, Blender Pen, flowers, Gratitude/ Thanks, Grunge style, Masking Technique, Photopolymer, Stamping-off technique, Two-step stamping

Tips for Learning the Masking Technique

Posted on by tmcentee64

Hello and welcome to my blog! Today I will demonstrate the Masking Technique to make the leaves appear to be behind the flowers. This adds dimension to your card.

This card is one of three that is made using Stampin’ Up!’s Painted Harvest stamp set. The first card was a Birthday card which you can see on the previous blog. This second card is one to express gratitude. Let’s get started!

Side note: My joint replacement in my right middle finger is doing well but I do still have a bandage on it. Today I chose a purple bandage. Might as well make it colorful!

I also used the Sea of Textures stamp set to add some grunge to the card.

Measurements: 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch Whisper White card base scored at 4 1/4 inches, 5 1/4 x 4 inch Blushing Bride and 5 x 3 3/4 inch Whisper White.

The Stampin’ Up! ink colors for this card are: Blushing Bride, Garden Green, Crumb Cake and Early Espresso. Tip: The Early Espresso dries more slowly than the other colors so take care not to smear the ink, which I have done many times!

The clear blocks needed are: B, C, D, and H.

Tip: The stamps in this set are Photopolymer so you will need the Stampin’ Pierce Mat.

I actually made a mistake when photographing this part. You do not need the Stampin’ Pierce mat for this red rubber stamp. However, it did not seem to affect the quality of the image. Ink the stamp from the Sea of Textures stamp set with Crumb Cake and Stamp Off onto a scrap paper before stamping on the 5 x 3 3/4 inch Whisper White card piece. The idea is to create a faint frame for the flowers.

Continue around the entire border.

The flower is a Two Step Stamp. The stamp on the left is larger and less detailed than the stamp on the right. I used the larger stamp first, but you could do it either way. Try it both ways to see which is easier. Sometimes when the two layers need to be lined up, it is easier to use the more detailed stamp first as it is easier to see through the less detailed stamp.

First stamp a flower in the lower left hand corner, slightly off to the right, using the Blushing Bride ink.

Then stamp a flower in the upper left hand corner and another to the right of the flower on the bottom left hand corner. Tip: Try not to make them perfectly spaced as this does not look natural.

Now use the smaller more detailed flower stamp and stamp directly over the top of the first stamp lining up the center. It isn’t so obvious here, but the flower looks more full after the second layer is stamped on.

To stamp the center of the flower, use the Early Espresso ink and Stamp Off onto the scrap paper first.

Now to prepare for the Masking Technique. Start with three sheets of sticky note paper and stamp the image of the larger flower over the edge with the sticky on it.

Now cut around the edge. Some people cut really close to the stamped edge and others leave a little border. I left a little border.

Separate the papers so you have the three sticky note flowers.

Stick the sticky note flowers on over your stamped flowers.

Tip: Take care to line up the mask properly. Identify a recognizable part of the image to be able to place the mask over the stamped image easily.

The leaves are a Two Step Stamp also. Tip: I made a mistake when I first did this card and used the less detailed stamp on the left first. I found that it was easier to line up the second layer if the more detailed stamp on the right was used first.

Stamp the first layer of the leaves as desired around the flowers.

Go over the first layer of leaves with the second stamp.

Peel the mask off.

Oops! I had not lined my mask up properly and this left a hole in my leaves! Not to worry, there are two ways to fix this that I can think of. The first fix is to do it all over. Urgh!

The second fix is to use a Stampin’ Up! Blender Pen.

The way to use the Blender Pen is to first get some ink on the lid of your stamp pad case. Flip the ink pad over and apply firm pressure. Then open up the stamp case and there should be a nice layer of ink in the lid. Scribble the Blender Pen at the edge of the ink spot and blend it out so that there is a light amount of ink on the pen.

Now apply the ink to the paper gently with a small circular motion until the leaf looks whole again. Not too bad, eh?

When you are finished blending, scribble the Blender Pen on a scrap piece of paper until all the color is out. Now it can be used again with another color! How cool is that!?!

Okay, back to the card we were making. Use the Early Espresso ink to stamp the sentiment in the upper right hand corner. Take care not to smear the ink by allowing extra time for it to dry.

Adhere the stamped card piece to the 5 1/4 x 4 inch piece of Blushing Bride.

Adhere the Blushing Bride to the card base. Flip the card over before rubbing it so that the ink doesn’t smear.

And there you have it! Wasn’t that fun? You can do a lot of really interesting cards using the Masking Technique. Take time to play with this technique. If you liked this card and the instructions, please Like my blog. Thanks for stopping by!

The Stampin’ Up! products used include: Stamp Set: Painted Harvest #144783, Sea of Textures #146488; Cardstock: Whisper White #100730 and Blushing Bride #131198; Ink: Crumb Cake #147116, Blushing Bride #147100, Early Espresso #147114 and Garden Green #147089; Clear Blocks: B #117147, C #118486, D #118485, and H #118490; Stampin’ Pierce Mat #126199; Paper Snips #103579; Blender Pen #102845; Multipurpose Liquid Glue #110755.

Posted in Cleaning Stamps

Cleaning your stamps

Posted on by tmcentee64

This is very basic but also very important. If you clean your stamps properly, they will last a long time.

I have often used Baby Wipes to clean my stamps. The advantage is that the wipes are easy to use and to take with you, they do clean the stamps (although not as well in small crevices), and you can throw them away. The disadvantages are that the wipes leave behind lint. This can affect the quality of the stamped image and the lint comes off onto your ink pad. The lint then goes back onto your stamp and will leave little fuzzies on the stamped image.

One of the most effective and easy ways to clean the stamps is to use Stampin’ Up!’s Stampin’ Scrub. Mine is near worn out in the center. The benefits are that you can clean small crevices really well, clean completely, and not leave any lint on the stamp. You also condition the red rubber stamps which makes them last longer.

To condition the stamp and clean it gently, I spray the Stampin’ Mist onto the left sided pad of the Stampin’ Scrub. There are water droplets in the upper left hand corner.

The right side is kept dry. After you scrub off the ink, you can dry the stamp. Note the sun sign in the upper left hand corner of the right scrub pad.

I usually stamp my stamp onto scrap paper to remove as much ink as possible. The scrub pads do need to be cleaned when the stamp doesn’t come clean. Just remove the pads and soak them in warm water with a little Dawn detergent. I usually give them a scrub with a scrub brush, then rinse them until the water runs clear. Dry overnight.

Another way to clean your stamps is to use the Simply Shammy. Mine is a little stained from use.

Just add water to make the Shammy damp. You can store it in one of the Standard Stamp Cases. If you live in a humid climate, you may not want to do this as there will be some mildew. Here in Arizona it works well.

To help keep the Simply Shammy as clean as possible, I stamp the rest of the ink onto a scrap paper first. Then I rub the stamp onto the shammy until it is clean. The advantages of the Simply Shammy are that it is very easy to take with you, there are not any chemicals, trash or lint.

I hope this helps. I should have included this post in the beginning but I overlooked this very important detail.

Stampin’ Up! products discussed include: Stampin’ Scrub #126200, Stampin’ Mist spray bottle #102394 and Stampin’ Mist refill #101022, the Simply Shammy #147042 and the Standard Stamp case #119105.

Posted in Avid Stamper, Fun/Fancy fold card, Graduation, Stamping-off technique

Graduation Card and Gift Card Holder

Posted on by tmcentee64

This time of year is so exciting for many folks! Graduation from High School or University is such an accomplishment! What better way to help the person celebrate than sending a handmade card that holds a gift card!

The actual idea for the gift card holder came from my stamping friend Dawn. The image on the front of the card has been posted by several folks on Pinterest. The combination is my original idea.

This card is more involved than the cards I have been posting. There are a lot of supplies needed which I will show first. A complete list will also be at the end of the instructions. Let’s get started!

The card base is an 11 x 4 1/4 inch Basic Black scored at 1 3/4 and 5 1/2. Along the 4 inch side on the left end, make a small mark at 2 1/8 inches with the scoreboard.

The front of the card is a 4 x 3 1/2 inch piece in the school color (for this card I used Pacific Point), and a 3 3/4 x 3 1/4 inch Whisper White.

The inside of the card is Whisper White in 5 1/4 x 4 inches, 4 x 3 1/2 inches and 4 x 1 1/2 inches. Along the 4 inch side of the 4 x 1 1/2 inch piece, make a small mark in pencil at 2 inches.

For the graduation cap you need a 4 1/4 x 1 inch piece of Basic Black. The diploma is made from a 1 1/2 x 3/4 inch piece of copy paper.

This card uses 3 different Stampin’ Up! stamp sets: Beautiful You, Itty Bitty Greetings and Wood Words.

Ink: Memento and Stampin’ Up!’s Pacific Point (or the school color).

Stampin’ Write Markers: Basic Black and Pacific Point (or the school color). Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Markers: Dark Basic Black, Dark Granny Apple Green, Dark Daffodil Delight (or other hair color) and Light Petal Pink (or other skin color).

Stampin’ Up! punches: 1 inch circle, 1 1/4 inch circle (retiring) and Triple Banner.

Clear blocks: C and E.

You will also need embroidery thread in the school color and in black.

Most of the adhesive I used is the Multipurpose Liquid Glue. In order to ensure the gift card holder was secure I used Tear and Tape adhesive.

Alright! Now that you have the supplies, let’s see how to make the card! Warning- this is a long post but well worth it! There are several Tips along the way.

Lay the 5 1/4 x 4 inch piece of Whisper White on the right side of the inside of the card. Fold at the score lines and burnish with the bone folder.

With the card folded closed, use the Basic Black Stampin’ Marker to draw a line. Set aside.

Use the Memento ink to stamp the lady onto the 3 3/4 x 3 1/4 inch piece of Whisper White. Tip: Be sure to leave room underneath the lady for the sentiment.

Using Memento ink stamp the sentiment “Congratulations” under the lady. Set aside.

Next we will stamp on the inside card pieces, the 4 x 1 1/2 inch and 5 1/4 x 4 inch pieces of Whisper White. We will only be stamping on the right side of the line drawn on the larger piece.

Starting with the 4 x 1 1/2 inch card piece, use the Stamping Off Technique with the school color ink (Pacific Point) to stamp the stars onto the card piece.

Stamp until the card piece is full of stars. Set aside.

For the 5 x 4 1/4 inch Whisper White card piece, use a copy paper mask. Tip: Do not use a cardstock for the mask because there will be a white space between the line and the stamped image if you do. You will see a little white space even with the copy paper (shown later).

Again use the Stamping Off Technique to stamp the stars on the right side of the black line only.

Tip: Take care not to push the stamp into the ink pad too far. The ink will get around the stamp and leave a halo on the card. Fortunately, this halo was very small so I did not do anything about it.

Continue Stamping Off and fill the right side with stars. Note the white space between the second and third stars and the black line. This can be minimized by pressing a little more firmly when stamping.

Tip: Mount the sentiment “Happy Graduation” about 1/4 inch from the top edge of the C block to aid in spacing the sentiment. Take extra care to go straight down and up when stamping without rocking.

Use the top edge of block clear block to line up with the top edge of the paper for the first stamped sentiment. Thereafter, line up the top edge of the block so it is underlining the sentiment you just stamped.

Repeat the process on the smaller strip of stars. Set the card pieces aside.

Using the Dark Black Stampin’ Blend Alcohol Marker, color in the lady’s dress to make the graduation gown. Leave the ruffles under the skirt uncolored.

Draw in the sleeves of the gown to complete it.

Color the hair. I used the Dark Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blend. Then color the ruffle and legging in the school color. I used Pacific Point.

I used the Light Petal Pink Stampin’ Blend for the skin color and the Dark Granny Apple Green Stampin’ Blend for the grass.

In order to get the graduation cap right, I punched the 4 1/4 x 1 inch Basic Black piece with the Triple Banner Punch. I used the smaller piece.

I used the Paper Snips to cut parallel to the punched edges to create the diamond-shaped graduation cap.

Pierce a hole into the center of the cap using the Stampin’ Pierce Mat and the Paper-Piercing tool.

Using the black embroidery thread, tie a knot on one end. With the knot on the top side, thread it through the hole in the graduation cap. Secure the underside with scotch tape.

Trim the tassel and set aside.

You will need the 1 1/2 x 3/4 inch piece of copy paper, the Paper-Piercing Tool and the school colored embroidery thread for the diploma. Use the end of the Paper-Piercing Tool to start rolling the diploma.

Trim the excess copy paper once you like how the diploma looks. Tie the school-colored embroidery thread around the diploma and make a double knot. Trim the excess thread. Set aside.

Take the stamped 4 x 1 1/2 inch piece of Whisper White and place the 1 1/4 inch circle punch so that the small mark you made at 2 inches is in the middle. Use about 1/3 of the punch to create the thumb notch.

Take the Basic Black card base and place the 1 inch circle punch so that the mark you made at 2 1/8 inches is in the middle. Punch using about 1/3 of the circle punch to create the thumb notch.

Finally! We have all the pieces and we can start putting everything together! Start with the inside of the card. Adhere the 5 1/4 x 4 inch stamped Whisper White on the right-hand side and the 4 x 3 1/2 inch blank Whisper White in the middle.

Place the tear tape as close to the outside edge as you can. This allows enough space for the gift card to fit.

Flip the card base over. First adhere the lady to the 4 x 3 1/2 inch piece of the school color (here it is Pacific Point). Then adhere the combination to the front panel of the Basic Black card base.

Tip: Use the Paper-Piercing Tool to slide under the protective cover of the Tear Tape. This is an easy way to remove the covering. Close the panel toward the inside of the card. Press firmly to ensure the Tear Tape securely adheres. Place the gift card in the space.

I used a Stampin’ Dimensional on the graduation cap.

I used a generous amount of the Multipurpose Liquid Glue to adhere the diploma. Note: Since there are raised portions on the front of the card, place an extra 5 1/4 x 4 inch piece of Whisper White cardstock over the front before mailing. This card can be mailed in the USA with a regular US postage stamp.

Congratulations! You have made it through – and you now have an extraordinary Graduation card and gift card holder to help that special someone celebrate their accomplishments! Thanks to everyone who stuck with me! Visit my Facebook Page at Theresa’s Treasures Arts and Crafts Store to see this card in more colors on the post from April 19, 2019.

Stampin’ Up products used include: Stamp Sets: Beautiful You #143637, Itty Bitty Greetings #146667 and Wood Words #143928; Punches: Triple Banner #138292, 1 inch circle #119868, 1 1/4 inch circle(retiring, available only while supplies last!) #119861; Cardstock: Basic Black #121045, Whisper White #100730 and Pacific Point #111350; Ink: Memento #132708 and Pacific Point #147098; Stampin’ Write Markers: Basic Black #100082 and Pacific Point (available in a set-Brights Stampin’ Write Markers #147157); Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Markers: Dark Basic Black #147941, Dark Daffodil Delight #144585, Light Petal Pink #146866 and Dark Granny Apple Green #146877; Clear Blocks: C #118486 and E #118484; Stampin’ Pierce Mat #126199; Paper-Piercing Tool #126189; Paper Snips #103579; Tear and Tape #138995; Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430; and Multipurpose Liquid Glue #104430.

The Stampin’ Up! 2019-20 Annual Catalog is just around the corner! For now there are great deals, up to 60% off of the Clearance Rack and a complete list of all the retiring product. Select the Click Here for My Store or Shop Now button above to go to my Stampin’ Up Webpage and then select “Shop” to get to the store. Enjoy!

Posted in Birthday, flowers, Stamping-off technique, Two-step stamping

Recovery, Creating, and Sneak Peek all in one

Posted on by tmcentee64

Well it has been awhile since I have been able to type a blog. My middle finger joint replacement is healing well and I am giving it a shot today. We’ll see how it holds up!

One of the best benefits of stamping and creating is that it takes your mind off of any pain you may be suffering from. Stamping allows you to shift your focus to something more positive and fun!

Today I will show you 2 stamp sets that will not be retiring, and a new embellishment coming on June 4, 2019 in the 2019-20 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog. I will also share several tips and techniques.

Today’s card is a beautiful and fun Birthday card. This is easier to make than you may think. Let’s get started!

I will be using two Stampin’ Up! stamp sets that are not retiring. The first is Painted Harvest and the second is Perennial Birthday. These are both great sets to have in your collection.

Measurements: 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch Whisper White card base scored at 4 1/4 inches; Gorgeous Grape 5 1/4 x 4 inches and 4 1/4 x 1 inches; Whisper White 5 x 3 3/4 inches and 4 1/4 x 1 inches.

This card uses Stampin’ Up! ink in Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather, Granny Apple Green and Soft Suede. You will also need the Stampin’ Pierce mat, paper snips and adhesive. I prefer the Multipurpose Liquid Glue.

To add dimension to the sentiment I used the Stampin’ Dimensionals. The embellishment called Bird Ballad Trinket will be in the new catalog available online on June 4, 2019. The clear blocks I used are “B”. “C”, “D” and “H”. (One of the perks about being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator is that you get to order the new stuff early!)

The first step is to use the Gorgeous Grape ink and stamp the Happy Birthday sentiment onto the 4 1/4 x 1 inch piece of Whisper White cardstock.

Next, apply adhesive to one half of the 4 1/4 x 1 inch piece of Gorgeous Grape cardstock, and adhere the Happy Birthday sentiment to it with a little Gorgeous Grape border on the bottom edge.

Tip: To cut a perfect banner , use the paper snips to cut in the middle first. Then cut from one outside corner to the inside of the middle cut. Now cut the other side from the corner to the inside of the middle cut.

Viola! A perfect banner!

The flower is a Two Step Stamp. This means that you are going to stamp one part, then with the same color, and over the first stamp, you will add the second stamp. For this flower I stamped the larger, less detailed flower stamp first. I used Highland Heather ink. Tip: To stamp an organized random pattern, I start in the upper left hand corner and stamp a partial flower. Then I stamp additional flowers moving to the bottom right hand corner, but not exactly in a straight line. I rotated the flower as I went so that the image would not be identical.

Next I stamped the flower in the open spaces to fill it all in.

This is the completed first step of the Two Step Stamping.

The second step of the Two Step Stamp is to stamp the smaller, more detailed stamp directly over the top of the first stamp. You can use a different color if you wish, but I used the same color of ink as I used for the First Step.

Here is the completed card piece done withTwo Step Stamping.

I used Soft Suede ink for the center of the flower. You will need a scrap piece of paper to be able to Stamp Off .

Stamping Off. First apply ink to the center stamp and stamp onto the scrap paper lightly but evenly. Next stamp onto the card piece. This gives a slightly lighter color to the stamped image. It is good to use when using a dark color and not wanting the color to be too strong.

Continue with the stamping off until all of the flowers have a center.

I used Granny Apple Green and one of the leaf stamps from the Perennial Birthday to add some greenery between the flowers.

Use your adhesive to adhere the stamped card piece to the 5 1/4 x 4 inch piece of Gorgeous Grape.

Now adhere the card piece to the Whisper White card base.

Apply the Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back of the Happy Birthday sentiment.

Remove the backing on the Dimensionals and adhere to the bottom of the card.

Now to use these wonderful Bird Ballad Trinkets.

I have tried glue dots but they do not last. I recommend a generous amount of the Multi Purpose Liquid Glue. This glue dries clear. Place the trinkets on the glue carefully so you do not have to move them. Leave them be for 20 minutes before moving the card.

And that is all there is to it!

The new catalog is coming June 4, 2019! Here I gave you a sneak peek at some embellishments and non-retiring stamp sets. I plan on showing some new stamp sets soon. For the next 2 cards I will use the Painted Harvest as the main stamp set. That way, when you buy this beautiful stamp set, you will already have 3 different card ideas!

The Stampin’ Up! products used include: Stamp Sets: Painted Harvest #144783 and Perennial Birthday #145760; Cardstock: Whisper White #100730 and Gorgeous Grape #146987; Ink: Gorgeous Grape #147099, Highland Heather #147103, Granny Apple Green #147095 and Soft Suede #147115; Embellishments: Bird Ballad Trinkets #149594 (not available until June 4, 2019); Clear Blocks: A #118487, B #117147, D #118485, and H #118490; Stampin’ Pierce Mat #126199; Paper Snips #103579; Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430 and Multipurpose Liquid Glue #110755.

Posted in Butterfly, Fun/Fancy fold card

Butterfly Explosion Card

Posted on by tmcentee64

This is a really great card that I made for a special Fancy/Fun Fold Swap at Onstage in San Antonio. Several people have asked for the directions so I am going to do my best here.

Here is how the card “explodes”!

Start with an 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch piece of Designer Series Paper (DSP). This design is from the Animal Expedition pack.

With the design facing the way you want it, fold down the top to fold it in half.

Open it back up and then take the left hand corner and fold it across to make a triangle.

Open it up and do the same with the right hand corner.

Open it back up. Now fold the left handed middle fold line inward.

Fold the right handed fold line inward. Note that where the 2 fold lines meet, it is the middle of the triangle.

Take the top left hand bottom corner and fold it to the middle. Do the same with the right handed bottom corner.

Flip it over and do the same on the back side.

Open it up and fold the ends inward on the fold line.

Flip it over and fold the backside ends inward on the fold line.

Cut a 4 1/2 x 9 inch piece of coordinating cardstock and score at 4 1/2 inches. This cardstock is Call Me Clover. Apply adhesive to one side and lay it down in the card as shown. Be sure that the top point is on the fold line.

While holding the folded DSP closed, apply adhesive to the topside. Close the card over the top and press firmly.

Open it up and viola! You have an explosion card!

The Fancy/Fun fold swap was so much fun! I got 12 great ideas to use in my classes. I always try to do a fun fold in each class. I hope you enjoyed learning about this card. I really enjoyed making them and swapping them!