Posted in 2020 August-December Mini Catalog, 2020-2021 Stampin' Up! Catalog, Emboss Powder, Punch Art

Stampin’ Up!® Ghostly Halloween Greetings and the Emboss Powder Technique

Hello everyone! It is good to be back home after my road trip to Kentucky. I had a wonderful time visiting my son who is in the Army. I am anxious to start stamping and making cards again!

I have a fun and spooky Punch Art Style card for you today. Punch Art consists of card designs made entirely by using different punches to make images. This is a very simple Punch Art card, where I just turned the Tulip Punch upside down to create the ghost shape. The Halloween stamp set is Hallows Night Magic in the Stampin’ Up! 2020 August-December Mini Catalog. The faces and bows were from the Hippo Happiness stamp set found in the 2020-21 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog. I will also go over using Emboss Powder to make the white sentiment on the Basic Black card stock.

Measurements: Basic Black Card Stock (CS): 4 1/4 x 11 inches with a score line at 5 1/2 inches and 3/4 x 4 1/8 inches; Whisper White CS: 4 x 5 1/4 inches (inside) and 2 1/4 x 4 1/2 inches; the black bat design in the Magic In This Night Designer Series Paper (DSP): 4 1/8 x 5 3/8 inches.

Additional supplies: Memento Black ink, Versamark ink, White Stampin’ Emboss Powder and Rhinestone Basic Jewels.

Embossing Supplies Here are the supplies I keep handy when I want to use Emboss Powder. I keep everything in a bag so that when I want to use it, it is all together. Pictured: Versamark ink, Embossing Buddy, White Emboss Powder, spoon, small paint brush and a microfiber cloth. Note: Stampin’ Up! is not currently selling the Embossing Buddy but there are several you can find online, or you can make your own with some tightknit fabric and cornstarch. I have seen instructions for the homemade version online as well.

In order to prepare the 3/4 x 4 1/8 inch Basic Black CS strip for embossing, it is very important to use the Embossing Buddy first to decrease the static and absorb oils from your skin that may be on the paper. Just move the Embossing Buddy firmly from left to right 2 or 3 times. There will be a white residue left behind that we will remove later. Use the Versamark ink and the sentiment “Happy Halloween” to stamp onto the Basic Black CS.

Take care not to touch the stamped sentiment. Hold onto one end of the strip and use the spoon to sprinkle a good amount of the White Emboss Powder onto it. Shake the excess off. Use the paintbrush to remove any of the Emboss Powder that is in the wrong place. Tip: I put my emboss powders in a plastic container because I find it much easier to use than trying to keep the powder in the little jar it comes in. This container has 3 jars of the White Emboss powder in it.

Hold onto one end and use the Heat Tool to apply an even flow of heated air to the Emboss Powder. I move my Heat Tool back and forth to avoid concentrating the heat in one spot and burning the paper. You will suddenly see that the Emboss Powder becomes a bright white and is shiny. Tip: Hold the strip up to a light and ensure that the entire sentiment is white and shiny. If it is still a little dull, apply more heat to that spot.

Allow the Embossed sentiment to cool completely for about 10 minutes, then gently use the microfiber cloth to remove the white residue. Set this aside for the time being.

Lay the 4 x 5 1/4 inch Whisper White CS in a landscape orientation. Use the Memento Black ink to stamp the sentiment “Trick-or-Treat” in the center of the bottom. Turn the card piece to a vertical orientation. Use the Memento to stamp the spider crawling along the side. Set aside.

I usually recommend stamping before cutting. However, I felt it was easier to put the ghost’s faces on after I punched them out. Punch one from each end first, then punch the one in the middle.

Use the Memento ink and the face from the Hippo Happiness stamp set to stamp the faces. I added a little bow to add some variety.

Fold the 4 1/4 x 11 inch Basic Black CS card base at the 5 1/2 inch score line. Use the Bone Folder to get a nice crisp fold. Adhere the black bat design from the Magic in This Night DSP to the card front.

Adhere the stamped 4 x 5 1/4 inch Whisper White CS card piece to the inside.

Stampin’ Up! has white and black Stampin’ Dimensionals. I used the white Dimensionals on the back of the ghosts, and the black Dimensionals on the back of the sentiment. Tip: If you cut the large Dimensionals in half they last longer and you still get a good effect.

Adhere the sentiment and the ghosts as shown.

Time for the Bling! I used the Rhinestone Basic Jewels and the Take Your Pick tool to embellish the background.

And Viola! You have a very fun and spooky card to wish someone a “Happy Halloween”! I know Halloween is going to be different this year. My youngest still wants a costume even though there will not be any house to house Trick-or-Treating. I hope folks can still find a way to have some fun!

Thanks for stopping by today. I feels good to be blogging again.

All of the supplies, except the Embossing Buddy, are available at my online store which you may access HERE, or you may click on any of the photos below to go directly to the store.

Product List

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Theresa

Posted in 2020 August-December Mini Catalog, Owl, Stampin" Blends Alcohol Markers

Have a Hoot Halloween Boo!

I love getting costumes made for my kids, even though now that they are older the costumes are more complicated. I love to sew and don’t get a chance until Halloween. However, even more than sewing costumes, I love to stamp and create fun Halloween cards to send out!

The card I created for today is very quick and simple to make. The images are from the Stampin’ Up!® Have a Hoot stamp set in the August-December 2020 Mini Catalog. The little owl is so adorable!

Measurements: Basic Black Card Stock (CS) card base: 4 1/4 x 11 inches with a score line at 5 1/2 inches; Whisper White CS: 4 x 5 1/4 inches and 2 x 2 3/4 inches; Mango Melody CS: 2 x 2 3/4 inches; and Magic in this Night Designer Series Paper (DSP): 2 x 5 1/2 inches. Note: when cutting the DSP, position a spider’s web in the center and on the top of the card piece.

Using the Memento Black ink, stamp the owl in the tree onto the 2 x 2 3/4 inch Whisper White CS.

Use the Memento ink to stamp the little owl hiding behind the pumpkin onto the lower righthand corner of the 4 x 5 1/4 inch Whisper White CS. Stamp the “Boo!” sentiment above the owl.

I used the Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Markers in: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Mango Melody, So Saffron, Cinnamon Cider, Bronze and Just Jade.

I started with the Dark Cinnamon Cider around the outer edges of the owl, then filled it in with the Light Cinnamon Cider.

I colored the tree with the Bronze, the spider with Basic Black, the talons and beak with Dark Mango Melody and the eyes with Dark So Saffron.

The pumpkin was colored along the outer edge with Dark Pumpkin Pie. Next I colored with Light Pumpkin Pie and then Dark Mango Melody blended in moving toward the center of the pumpkin. The eyes of the owl and pumpkin face are colored in Dark So Saffron. I colored the stem in Dark Just Jade.

The owl was again colored with the Dark Cinnamon Cider around the outer edges and Light Cinnamon Cider toward the center of the owl.

Adhere the 4 x 5 1/4 inch Whisper White CS with the owl and pumpkin to the inside of the Basic Black CS card base.

Use the Bone Folder to fold the Basic Black card base at the 5 1/2 inch score line to get a crisp fold. Adhere the 2 x 5 1/2 inch Magic In This Night DSP to the card front on the left with the spider’s web on top.

Adhere the owl in the tree to the 2 x 2 3/4 inch Mango Melody CS slightly off-set. Adhere this to the card front.

Now the Bling! The Iridescent Pearls in the 2020 Mini Catalog are so awesome! As you move the pearls, the color changes from Pretty Peacock to Gorgeous Grape to Shaded Spruce!

I added a few of the Iridescent Pearls to the center of the strip of DSP and then scattered around on the Basic Black CS.

Viola! Such an adorable Halloween card that was so quick to put together! Thanks for visiting today!

There is a 24 hour Stamp Sale coming up! The 15% off selected stamp sets starts September 23, 2020 at 12 am and ends at 11:50pm. More information is below including a list of the stamp sets on sale. Consider purchasing stamp sets for gifts to give this holiday season. Shop HERE and use Host Code: RVC2GE3V before check out.

Happy crafting!

Theresa

Posted in 2020 August-December Mini Catalog, Blender Pen, Sponging technique

It’s Live! Stampin’ Up!® August-December Mini Catalog is live today!

I showed a sneak peak of the wonderful and festive Stampin’ Up!® Mini Catalog with an adorable Winter card on my last blog. Today I am going to show a spooky Halloween card. I will plan on showing a Fall card on Friday. I recommend you spend some time looking through a PDF of the Mini Catalog here and start planning for the holidays coming up now. If you act now, you will have plenty of time to design some handmade cards!

This Halloween card was a lot of fun to make with the Magic In The Night Designer Series Paper (DSP)! Lots of creepy spiders!

Measurements: Blackberry Bliss Card Stock (CS) card base: 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches with a score line at 4 1/4 inches; Smoky Slate CS: 4 x 5 1/4 inches and 2 x 3 1/2 inches; Basic Black: 4 x 5 1/4 inches; Magic in the Night DSP: 3 7/8 x 5 1/8 inches; and Basic Grey 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches.

This is the Hallows Night Magic stamp set in the Stampin’ Up!® Mini Catalog. The design detail on the bats is awesome!

Let’s start stamping!

Oops! First I wanted to show you how to deal with a “halo“. That is when the ink gets on the part of the stamp surrounding the image and makes a mark on your card that you do not want. This is a BIG halo!

One way to fix this issue once and for all, is to trim the stamp. I use a sharp pair of Paper Snips. Others use an Exacto knife. I just trim a little away as shown.

That’s better! I used the Memento black ink to stamp the spider onto the 4 x 5 1/4 inch Smoky Slate CS. This will be the inside of the card.

I added a few of the smaller spiders. I used a straight edge to draw a string of web with the Stampin’ Write Basic Black Marker.

Using the Memento Black ink stamp the larger spider onto the 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch Basic Grey CS. You can fussy cut the spider or if you do have a cutting machine, you could use the Halloween Magic Dies to cut the spider out.

Stamp the frame for the sentiment in Memento Black ink onto the 2 x 3 1/2 inch Smoky Slate CS, then stamp the sentiment “Happy Halloween” in the middle of the frame. Next, squeeze the middle of your Blackberry Bliss ink pad so that you get a little ink on the lid. Use a Blender Pen to take up a little ink and color in the flowers in the frame.

Now we are going to sponge the sentiment to make it more interesting. First I just dabbed the sponge right over the sentiment and around the frame. Next I flicked the sponge along the edge to darken the corners and edges of the card piece. Finally, lay the card piece on some scrap paper and move the inked sponge in small circles to darken more of the edge. Now that is interesting!

Use the Bone Folder to make a crisp fold at the 4 1/4 inch score line on the Blackberry Bliss CS card base. Adhere the Smoky Slate CS stamped with the spiders to the inside of the card base.

Adhere the Blackberry Bliss spider design from the Magic in this Night DSP to the 4 x 5 1/4 inch Basic Black CS. Now adhere the card piece to the front of the Blackberry Bliss CS card base.

I used the Black Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the sentiment piece to the card front.

Now some Bling! The Mini Catalog has Self Adhesive Black Iridescent Pearls! I used the Take Your Pick tool to transfer the Iridescent Pearls to the large spider and to a few other spiders in the background. When you move the card around, the pearls look purple, blue and green!

I decided the card needed just a little more Bling! so I added the Wink of Stella Glitter Brush to the body of the large spider and to the flowers in the frame.

Viola! You have a very spooky spidery card! So much fun!

A lot is happening today. As I stated above the Stampin’ Up!® August to December 2020 Mini Catalog is going live! Also, Stampin’ Up! has updated their catalog website to make your shopping experience better. There will be new features including the ability to sign off but keep items in your cart so you can come back to shopping later. The new website my not keep your link to my store. Try the link here to go to my Online Store. Please double check to be sure you are still shopping with Theresa McEntee from Bisbee Arizona 85603. Thanks so much for all your support of my small business. I would not be able to do this without your support. Thank you!

Product List

Happy “planning to craft”!

Theresa

Posted in Designer Series Paper

Last Chance for the Monster Bash!

I am always amazed at how quickly time goes. However, I was able to make and mail out 15 cards for Halloween! Yippee!!

Halloween is days away so we better use up the Monster Bash Designer Series Paper(DSP)!

For this “Spooky” card I used 3 different designs of the Monster Bash (DSP). Let me show you how simple this card is!

The stamp set is Stampin’ Up!s Spooktacular Bash. I love this set and have had a lot of fun making cards with it.

Measurements: Basic Black card base: 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches scored at 4 1/4 inches; Pumpkin Pie 5 x 2 1/2 inches: Whisper White: 5 x 2 1/2 inches and 3 x 3/4 inches; Monster Bash DSP: 5 x 2 inches, 4 x 1 1/2 inches and 3 x 1 inches.

The 3 punches I used are: 2 inch circle punch, Triple Banner Punch and Starburst Punch.

The vampire is stamped using Memento ink onto the 5 x 2 1/2 inch Whisper White piece. I did not like the first image because part of the cape did not stamp well. I put the stamp on the Memento stamp pad and twisted it a little to help get more ink all over. The second image looks much better. If this happens you could also use the Stampin’ Write Marker in Basic Black to color in the cape in.

Stamp the “Spooky” sentiment in Memento ink onto the 3 x 3/4 inch strip of Whisper White.

To make a banner end, use Paper Snips to cut to the center first. Then cut from the outside corner to the center cut.

Repeat the cut from the other corner. I made a banner on each end.

To make a banner end more quickly, you can use the Triple Banner punch. It is called a “Triple” because it will cut 3 different sizes of paper, the largest being 2 inches wide. Put the 2 inch strip of Monster Bash DSP all the way in and use the heel of your hand to make a quick, firm punch.

Repeat for the 1 1/2 inch wide strip of Monster Bash DSP.

For the 1 inch wide strip of Monster Bash DSP, I flip the punch over so I can see where the paper is. This way I am sure to have the banner end centered.

Fold the 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch card base at the 4 1/4 inch score line. Use the Bone Folder to get a crisp fold.

Adhere the 2 inch strip of Monster Bash DSP to the card front by placing it 1/4 inch from the folded edge and lining up the top.

Adhere the 1 1/2 inch strip with the right hand edge about 1/4 inch away from the right hand edge of the first strip.

Adhere the 1 inch strip of Monster Bash DSP 1/4 inch away from the left hand edge of the first strip.

Here are all 3 strips adhered to the card front.

Use the Starburst Punch to punch the Pumpkin Pie strip. Tip: I lay the punch on the table and use the heel of my hand to push firmly and quickly downward.

Now line up and punch out the vampire with the 2 inch Circle Punch.

Apply Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back of the Pumpkin Pie Starburst and the vampire piece.

Adhere the vampire to the Pumpkin Pie Starburst.

Adhere the vampire piece to the card front.

Adhere the sentiment flat onto the vampire piece.

To add a little sparkle, I used the Holiday Rhinestone Basic Jewels. As you can see I only have a few left!

Use the Take Your Pick tool to slide under the adhesive dot on the rhinestone. Place the rhinestone where you want it and gently hold it to the card while removing the pick.

Add a couple more. In general, an odd number of items looks more appealing.

And there you have it! A “spooky” card using the Monster Bash DSP! See you next week!

Stampin’ Up! products used include: Stamp Set: Spooktacular Bash #150544; Ink: Memento #132708; Card stock: Basic Black #121045, Pumpkin Pie #105117 and Whisper White #100730; Designer Series Paper: Monster Bash 150447; Punches: 2 inch Circle #133782, Starburst #143717 and Triple Banner #138292; Holiday Rhinestone Basic Jewels #150457; Adhesives: TomBow Multipurpose Liquid Glue #110755 and Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430; Take Your Pick #144107, Paper snips #103579 and the new Stampin’ Up! Paper Trimmer #152392.k

Posted in Uncategorized

Halloween is Almost Here!

Wow! This month has gone by so fast! I feel as though I have just got my new Halloween and Fall stamp sets and I haven’t had time to play with them! I did make this cute card using Stampin’ Up!’s Spooktacular Bash stamp set.

The Monster Bash Designer Series Paper(DSP) is so silly! And the coordinating stamp of the jars is great!

Measurements: Crumb Cake 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch card base scored at 4 1/4 inches; Very Vanilla 5 1/4 x 4 inch and 2 1/2 x 2 inch; Pumpkin Pie 5 1/4 x 2 1/4 inch and 3 3/4 x 1 inch; and the Monster Bash DSP 5 x 2 inch.

Using Memento ink, stamp the jars onto the 2 1/2 x 2 inch piece of Very Vanilla card stock.

You will also need Stampin’ Blends combos in Call Me Clover, Basic Black and Gray Granite.

I started with the Dark Call Me Clover using it to outline parts of the frog.

Then I blended with the Light Call Me Clover.

I used the Dark and Light Basic Black on the spider.

Next I added a little Gray Granite in both the Dark and Light onto the bones.

When I was finished coloring, I realized that the panel was too big. I cut off 1/4 inch on each side.

Use the Bone Folder to make a nice fold on the Crumb Cake card base.

Inside the card I added a 5 1/4 x 4 inch panel of Very Vanilla to make it look nicer to write on.

Adhere the Monster Bash DSP to the 5 1/4 x 2 1/4 inch Pumpkin Pie card piece.

Cut the ends of the 3 3/4 x 1 inch pie of Pumpkin Pie into a banner edge. Tip: Cut the center cut first, then from the corner to the center on each side.

Use the Stampin’ Dimensionals on the back of the banner-edged strip of Pumpkin Pie.

Adhere the Pumpkin Pie strip to the card front. Now adhere the jars piece to the Pumpkin Pie banner.

Oops! Forgot the sentiment. Usually I stamp first so if I mess it up the card isn’t already almost done. Fortunately the sentiment stamped well! Whew!

Use the Mini Glue Dots to adhere a bow made from the Basic Black 3/8 inch Scalloped Edge Ribbon.

And viola! you have a really cute Halloween card!

Stampin’ Up! products used included: Stamp Set: Spooktacular Bash #150544; Paper: Card stock: Crumb Cake #120953; Very Vanilla #101650; Pumpkin Pie #105117; Designer Series Paper (DSP): Monster Bash #150447; Ink: Memento #132708; Stampin’ Blends combos: Call Me Clover #147282, Basic Black #147942 and Gray Granite #149537; Ribbon: Basic Black 3/8 inch Scalloped Ribbon #150449; Adhesives: Mini Glue Dots #103683, Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430 and Multipurpose Liquid Glue #110755; Paper Snips #103579; Clear Blocks: B 117147 and C #118486.

Posted in Uncategorized

Creepy Monster Bash and Paper Saving Tip

One of the most fun things about fall is all the silly costumes and cute monsters of Halloween! Stampin’ Up!’s Spooktacular Bash stamp set and Monster Bash Designer Series paper are full of fun images and sentiments to make just the right card for the season!

This card is so “Creepy”! I just love the bats on the Monster Bash DSP.

Here is the Spooktacular Bash stamp set. The mummy and vampire are just too cute!

Measurements: Pumpkin Pie: 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch card base and a 2 1/2 x 1 inch strip; Black Foil: 5 1/4 x 4 inches; Monster Bash DSP: 5 1/8 x 3 7/8 inch; Whisper White: 2 x 7/8 inches and 4 x 2 1/2 inches.

Set up the Whisper White pieces. Use the Memento Ink to stamp the vampire image on the left hand side, leaving space to punch a circle around the image.

Stamp the mummy image on the right hand side next to the vampire leaving space to punch a circle around the mummy. Stamp the sentiment “Creepy” on the strip of Whisper White.

The sentiment “Creepy” will go onto the Pumpkin Pie strip.

You will need 2 Stampin’ Up! circle punches, a 1 3/4 inch and a 2 inch. (Oops-after I photographed this card I realized the punch was retired. You can use the 1 1/2 inch circle punch)

Use the 1 3/4 inch circle punch to punch out the mummy and vampire. Tip: Set the punch upside down on the table, position the image to be punched, press lightly to hold the paper in place, then use the heel of your hand to push firmly and quickly.

Use the 2 inch circle punch to make the Black Foil circles to border the vampire and mummy. Paper Saving Tip: Use the 5 1/4 x 4 inch black foil card piece to make the circles to border the mummy and vampire images. Be sure to leave a 1/4 inch border near the edge of the Black Foil card piece so that the overlying DSP card piece covers the punched out spaces. Note: Sometimes the top color layer of the foil will come off when punched. That is why there is a little silver showing on the edge. One way to minimize this is to punch through the back of the foil. I realized this after I had already made my circles.

To add a little color to the vampire and mummy, I used the Stampin’ Blends in Dark Real Red, Light Petal Pink, and Light and Dark Gray Granite.

I used the Light Petal Pink to outline the face and hands of the vampire, although it is hard to see in the photo.

Add a touch of the Dark Real Red to make a tie.

Use the Dark Gray Granite to shadow one side of the mummy. Blend the Light Gray Granite with the Dark Gray Granite to extend the shadow a little.

Add Stampin’ Dimensionals onto the back of the vampire and mummy images.

Adhere the vampire and mummy to the 2 inch Black Foil circles.

Adhere the 5 1/4 x 4 inch piece of Black Foil to the card base. Now adhere the 51/8 x 3 7/8 inch Monster Bash Designer Series paper over the black foil. No one would ever know there are “holes” in the Black Foil!

Make a banner end on the sentiment piece by first cutting in the center, then from one corner to the center. Repeat on other corner.

Adhere the Creepy sentiment to the strip of Pumpkin Pie.

Cut the banner end first by cutting up the center. Position the scissors to be parallel to the Creepy sentiment border to cut from the outside edge to the center on each side.

I decided the border around the sentiment was too thick so I trimmed it. I did adjust the measurements so you would not have to do this step.

Position all of the pieces on the card front to get the proper spacing.

Adhere each piece to the card front.

And there you have a really “Creepy” Halloween card! Hope you enjoy a Spooktacular Halloween! See you next week for another Halloween card!

Stampin’ Up! products used included: Stamp Set: Spooktacular Bash #150544; Paper: Pumpkin Pie #105117, Black Foil #147898, Monster Bash DSP #150447 and Whisper White #100730; Ink: Memento #132708; Punches: 2 inch circle #133782 and 1 3/4 inch circle (oops-retired, recommend using the 1 1/2 inch circle #138299; Stampin’ Blends: Light Petal Pink #146866, Light Real Red #147933, Light and dark Gray Granite combo #149537; Clear Blocks: C #118486 and D #118485; Paper Snips #103579; Adhesive: Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430 and Multipurpose Liquid Glue #110755.