Posted in 2020 August-December Mini Catalog, Aqua Painters, beginner stamper, Simple stamping, Watercolor wash background

Stampin’ Up!® Snowflake Wishes Watercolor Wash Notecards & Gift Box #simplestamping

Well, Thanksgiving is almost here and it is time to start thinking about Holiday Gifts. These festive Snowflake notecards and cheerful coordinating box will make a great handmade gift! This is a #SimpleStamping project because it is made primarily with Stamps, Ink and Paper. The only other tool you need is a Water Painter.

Although these cards look difficult, they are actually fairly simple. The variety of sentiments in the Snowflake Wishes stamp set makes this a great gift. There are lots of photos to easily guide you through this surprisingly simple project.

The Snowflake Wishes stamp set is rich with snowflake images. I am only going to use 5 of them.

The first step is to make the backgrounds. You will cut one sheet of the Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper at 4 3/4 inches. Next cut the 4 3/4 x 5 inch piece at 3 1/4 inches. This will give you 3 different backgrounds for 3 different notecards.

Watercolor Wash Background: Squeeze your Balmy Blue ink pad so some of the ink gets on the inside of the top. Using the Water Painter, apply a slight puddle of water on the 3 1/4 x 4 3/4 inch Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper. You want the puddle to be in the center, not touching the edge of the card piece. Note: I am using an old Aquapainter, but the new Water Painters can be found in the 2020-21 Stampin’ Up!® Annual Catalog on page 146, item #151298.

Take up some of the Balmy Blue ink with the Water Painter and apply it to the puddle of water on the Watercolor Paper. Move the ink and water around until you like the shape of the Watercolor Wash. If you desire a more intense color you could put a drop of the Balmy Blue Ink Refill on the top lid of the stamp pad.

Now for a little trick to make a creative effect. Shake some coarse sea salt onto the puddle of water. You will see that the salt crystals will take up some of the water and ink right away. Let this dry completely.

Repeat the above procedure using the 2 1/4 x 5 inch piece of the Watercolor Paper and Pacific Point ink.

The remaining 1 3/4 x 4 3/4 inch Watercolor Paper piece is done in Pool Party ink.

For the next step you will need to open up a package of Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes. These are available in the 2020-2021 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog on page 153, item #131527. Note: these notecards also come in Very Vanilla #144236.

While the backgrounds dry, we can stamp the envelopes. This envelope is done in the Balmy Blue ink. The larger snowflake is stamped at full strength. The next snowflake is Stamped Off first.

I added a smaller snowflake at full strength to complete the front of the envelope. Next I stamped several snowflakes on the back flap of the envelope. Note: Be mindful of leaving space for someone to write an address and return address, and place a postage stamp.

The next envelope only uses 2 snowflake stamps and is stamped in Pacific Point ink. Again, stamp on the front and the back flap of the envelope.

The last envelope is stamped in Pool Party ink. I stamped the larger snowflake, one on top of the other, to make it look more full. The remainder are smaller snowflakes stamped on the envelope front and flap.

In order to give the backgrounds a little more time to dry, we will stamp the sentiments. Make 2 of the 3/4 x 4 inch Whisper White cardstock strips with the sentiment “Snowflake wishes for a Merry Christmas.” Make one of the “May your season sparkle” on 1 1/4 x 2 1/2 inch Whisper White cardstock.

Trim both ends of one of the “Snowflake wishes…” strips to make a banner end. Tip: Make a cut in the middle, then from one corner to the middle on each side to have the banner look even every time.

When the backgrounds have dried completely, brush the salt off of the card piece. Each will have a different look. The most noticeable effect is on the Pacific Point color. You can see that the ink is darker around where the salt crystal was. I just love this effect!

We will start with the Balmy Blue background. Stamp the sentiment “Thank you Snow much” in Pacific Point ink onto the lower right-hand corner. Then use the Balmy Blue ink to stamp the larger snowflake, followed by the medium snowflake and finally the smallest snowflake.

Now we will stamp on the Pacific Point ink background. Using Pacific Point ink, stamp the larger snowflake on the left-hand side followed by the group of snowflakes.

For the Pool Party ink background, I stamped one image on top of the other for the larger snowflake in Pool Party ink.

Now stamp the medium sized snowflake and finally the smaller snowflake in Pool Party ink.

Now we will put everything together.

Complete the Balmy Blue card by adhering the stamped card piece to the front of one of the notecards.

Adhere the background done in Pacific Point ink to the front of the notecard. Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the “Snowflake Wishes…” sentiment with the banner ends onto the card front.

Adhere the Pool Party background to the front of a notecard. Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the “May your season…” sentiment to the card front.

Now that we have all the awesome notecards done, let’s create a nice box for them to go in. The Mini Paper Pumpkin Boxes on page 152 of the 2020-21 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog are perfect for these notecards. Lay the box flat with the matte surface on top. Stamp the largest snowflake in Balmy Blue ink.

Follow with the Pool Party ink and a medium snowflake. Finish with a small snowflake in Pacific Point ink.

Assemble the box and add the second “Snowflake wishes….” sentiment to the front.

Match the envelopes to the notecards and place in the Mini Paper Pumpkin Box.

Viola! You have a cheerful set of Holiday cards in a lovely box to give to someone special.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I am having a “Black Friday” ordering special. For any order of $35 or more between November 22 to November 27, 2020- you will receive a package of Rhinestone Basic Jewels for free from me! I really value your business and appreciate your support!

You may click on any photo below to be directed to my Online Store, or click HERE to go right to the Online Store.

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Take some take to start crafting today and have a wonderful week!

Theresa

Posted in beginner stamper, Hello, Stampin' Emboss Powder, Watercolor wash background

Embossing With Forever Fern

Hello! Hope you are all doing well and are ready to craft!

I had a customer request that I go over how to use the Stampin’ Emboss Powder to emboss on a card. I’m excited to show you the Emboss Resist technique because it is just magical! This is a very simple card meant to highlight the embossing process.

You will be surprised how simple this lovely card is to make! I used the Stampin’ Up! Forever Fern stamp set for the bunch of leaves and the sentiment.

Measurements: Shimmery White Card Stock (CS): 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches with a score line at 4 1/4 inches, 5 1/4 x 4 inches and a 3/4 inch strip measuring at least 3 inches. Tip: I chose the Shimmery White CS because it holds up better to watercoloring than the Whisper White CS. You could also use the Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper for the 5 1/4 x 4 inch piece.

Embossing. The first step is to use an embossing static remover powder. (Stampin’ Up! had one called the Embossing Buddy but unfortunately it retired. Information on where to get one is at the end of the blog.)

The second step is to use Versamark ink which is a high viscosity ink so that the Stampin’ Emboss Powder will adhere to it. Tip: I ink the larger stamps upside down to be sure to get the ink evenly distributed.

Carefully stamp the bunch of leaves image onto your 5 1/4 x 4 inch Shimmery White CS in Versamark ink. It will be hard to see. Take care not to touch the Versamark ink on the card because it will smear. Stamp the sentiment “HELLO” in Versamark ink onto the 3/4 inch strip of Shimmery White CS.

The third step is to apply the emboss powder to the image stamped in Versamark ink. I used White Stampin’ Emboss Powder. I use a spoon to put enough of the emboss powder to cover the image. Tip: I keep my Stampin’ Emboss Powders in a plastic container so that it is easier to use. You can just pour the powder from the jar onto the image and catch the extra powder with a piece of paper. Then pour the powder back into the jar.

I use the spoon to tap the paper and remove any excess emboss powder. You can see the image somewhat. Notice that the Stampin’ Emboss Powder is dull. When you use the Heat Tool it will become shiny.

I use a small paint brush to remove emboss powder that is on by mistake before heating it.

For this step I am using Shaded Spruce CS to better show you the process. The fourth and final step is to use the Heat Tool to melt the Stampin’ Emboss Powder. I usually let the Heat Tool run for 10 seconds before waving it in front of the paper. I keep the Heat Tool moving about 1-2 inches away from the paper. You will see a change in the emboss powder as it melts. For the White Stampin’ Emboss Powder you will see it turn from dull to shiny. The leaves on the left are before heating, on the right after heating.

Now we can watercolor! I used the Aqua Painter that is retired. There are new Water Painters in the new Stampin’ Up! 2020-2021 Annual Catalog. I just haven’t gotten them yet. They work the same. I applied a layer of water to the paper. Using Old Olive ink I started at the top of the image using wide brush strokes. Tip: To get the ink on the lid of the ink pad, squeeze the pad in the center.

I used Shaded Spruce ink for the bottom part of the bunch of leaves, blending the two ink colors in the middle. Dab the image with a paper towel to remove excess ink over the embossed image. I used the Shaded Spruce alone for the watercolor wash behind the sentiment. Tip: Squeeze the Watercolor Painter brush onto a paper towel before changing colors to remove the ink. Be sure to clean it when you are done watercoloring.

Adhere the embossed piece to the 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch Shimmery White CS after you have folded it at the 4 1/4 inch score line. Trim the sentiment and apply it to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Now for some Bling! The Gold Glitter Enamel Dots are perfect for dressing up this simple card.

Apply an odd number of dots for best results. Tip: Apply the Gold Glitter Enamel Dots using the Take Your Pick tool. It makes transferring the dots from the acetate sheet to the card much easier.

And Viola! there you have a beautiful card to say “HELLO” to someone special.

I hope you enjoyed learning to emboss. If you already knew the magic of embossing, I hope you will try this card. Have a most wonderful day and find some time to craft today!

Promotion

There is a special for the month of June when you join my Stamping Gems team! For $99 you not only get to choose $125 of product for your Starter Kit, you also get to choose a free bundle of your choice. The bundle can be one stamp set with a punch, or one stamp set with dies. Email me at theresastreasures.az@gmail.com if you are interested or have any questions.

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The static remover powder can be bought at any online scrapbook store. One that I found is at Scrapbook Pal. Click here to purchase.

Thank you so much! Have a wonderful day!

Theresa 🦋

Posted in Aqua Painters, beginner stamper, Watercolor Techniques, Watercolor wash background

Springtime Squirrel

Hello! I am back after having a wonderful family visit. I am so grateful to have family to enjoy time with!

I also had a joint replacement in my right middle finger on Monday, compliments of osteoarthritis. This has slowed me down a bit, but I wanted to share these next 3 cards with you as soon as I could, and the first day of Spring is the perfect time for this card!

This little squirrel is just so cute! I will also show you how to get this fun watercolor background!

The stamp set I will use for the next 3 cards will be Stampin’ Up!’s Fable Friends. This is available in the 2019 Occasions catalog. Isn’t it so cute!

Measurements: Shimmery White card base 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches scored and folded at 4 1/4 inches, Granny Apple Green 5 1/4 x 4 inches and 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 inches, Shimmery White 5 x 3 3/4 inches and 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches. Note: I am using the Shimmery White because it holds up to watercolor a little better than the Whisper White. You can use Whisper White if that is what you have.

You will also need Stampin’ Blends Light and Dark Crumb Cake, and Stampin’ Write Markers in Granny Apple Green, Mango Melody, Pineapple Punch and Pacific Point, and a package of Glitter Enamel Dots.

We will be using Stampin’ Up! Granny Apple Green ink, Memento ink and an Aqua Painter.

There are 2 Aqua Painters in a package. For the watercolor wash we will use the larger tip.

The first step is to squeeze the Aqua Painter onto a paper towel to get the water flowing. Then brush the water onto the Shimmery White 5 x 3 3/4 inch paper. The paper may curl up a little. Just push it down flat again.

Now firmly squeeze the back of the Granny Apple ink pad to get the ink onto the inside of the lid.

Put a drop of water onto the lid near the ink and swirl the Aqua Painter in the puddle until there is ink on the Aqua Painter. Apply to the bottom of the paper moving back and forth, and work your way up so you get an ombre effect. When applying more ink, always start at the bottom and work upwards.

Clean the Aqua Painter by squeezing water out onto the paper towel until it is clear again.

Let the watercolor wash dry completely. I just set it in the sun on the window sill. If it is still curled, put it under something heavy to press it straight when it is still a little damp. Using Memento ink, stamp the sentiment ” Happy Spring” in the bottom right hand corner. Oops! I had forgotten to stamp the sentiment on when I first made the card, so the next 2 frames will have the sentiment missing. Oops!

Adhere the watercolor wash panel to the Granny Apple Green 5 1/4 x 4 inch piece, then adhere the two to the card base. Set aside.

Use the Memento ink with the squirrel stamp to stamp onto the 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 piece of Shimmery White.

Use the Stampin’ Blend alcohol markers to color the squirrel. Start with the Light Crumb cake. Try to just put one layer on the face. If you go over it too many times it gets too dark.

Add the Dark Crumb Cake to areas you want shaded. Go over the Dark Crumb Cake with the Light Crumb Cake to blend the edges.

Use the Stampin’ Write water based marker in Mango Melody for the center of the daisy.

Use the Stampin’ Write Pineapple Punch to add a little color to the petals.

The Stampin’ Write Granny Apple Green marker is for the leaf and stem. Tip: I generally use the brush tip except when the area to be colored is very small, like the stem. In this case I use the fine tip.

I used the Pacific Point Stampin’ Write marker for the little sailor jacket. Isn’t he so adorable?

Adhere the finished squirrel to the 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 inch square of Granny Apple Green.

Apply the Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back of the squirrel card piece and adhere to the card front as shown.

Using the Paper-Piercing Tool, remove the Glitter Enamel dot in Granny Apple Green from the sheet and place on the upper right hand corner of the card front. Add one more dot to each side to create a corner.

So the same in the lower left hand corner of the card front. I just love how sparkly these dots are!

And now you have made a wonderfully cute card to help welcome Spring! Have a very Happy Spring!

Sale-a-bration is only for another week and a half! Time sure does fly! Remember that you may choose a free product from the Sale-a-bration brochure for every $50 you purchase! Select the Shop button at the top to go to my store for more details. Contact me if you are having any trouble with ordering.

Stampin’ Up! products used include: Stamp Set: Fable Friends #148670; Cardstock: Shimmery White #101910 and Granny Apple Green #146990 ; Ink: Granny Apple Green #147095 and Memento #132708; Clear Blocks: B #117147 and D #118485; Stampin’ Blends: Light and Dark Crumb Cake combo #144601; Stampin’ Write Markers: Mango Melody, Granny Apple Green and Pacific Point in the Brights Set #147157 and Pineapple Punch in the 2018-20 In Color set #147159; Aqua Painter #103954; Glitter Enamel Dots #146934; Paper Piercing Tool #126189; Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430 and Multipurpose Liquid Glue #110755.