Posted in beginner stamper, cactus, desert, Hello, Occasions Catalog 2019, Simple stamping

Beautiful Desert

Living in the desert can be very peaceful and colorful. When the cacti bloom and add color to the usually brown desert, it is breath-taking!

Today I am using the Stampin’ Up! stamp set called Flowering Desert. I have had a great deal of fun with this set! I am using the same colors I have used in previous blog posts, Shaded Spruce and Pineapple punch. I have added Granny Apple Green.

Here is today’s card. In addition to the cardstock and ink in Shaded Spruce, Granny Apple Green and Pineapple Punch you will need Whisper White cardstock and some adhesive. If you would like pink flowers on top of the cacti, you may use Melon Mambo ink.

I started with Whisper White cardstock cut at 4 1/2 x 3 1/4 inches using the larger cactus ‘leaf’ stamp in Granny Apple Green ink.

I added a couple more leaves allowing space in between for other smaller cactus leaves.

I added more to the cactus with the smaller leaf.

Keep adding more of the small leaves until you like how it looks.

Next I used the Agave leaves stamp in Shaded Spruce ink.

Top the cactus using the Pineapple Punch ink and the larger flower stamp.

To finish the design, I used Pineapple Punch ink to add the flower branch.

I used the Shaded Spruce ink for the sentiment “Hi There!”.

I am now done with the stamping.

Tip: Some of the ink will get on your Pierce Mat. This can easily be removed with a baby wipe or wet washcloth. Another option is to wrap white copy paper around the mat so the extra ink goes on the paper instead of the mat.

In order to assemble the card I cut a piece of Pineapple Punch cardstock at 5 1/4 x 4 inches and adhered it  to the Whisper White card base. The card base measures 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 and is folded in half.

I cut a piece of Shaded Spruce the same size as the stamped piece of Whisper White, 4 1/2 x 3 1/4 inches.

Place the Shaded Spruce piece at a slight angle and adhere to the card.

Adhere the stamped piece horizontally parallel to the Pineapple Punch piece.

And now you have the completed card! Be sure to send it to someone special. It’s always nice to get a handmade card in the mail from a good friend just saying “Hello”!

Here are some other variations. Have fun creating your own. To order any of the supplies listed below, click on the shop now button at the top of the blog and you will be connected to my store. If you have any questions about ordering please contact me. There is a special sale right now called Sale-a-bration which lasts until March 31, 2019. During Sale-a-bration, for every $50 ordered, you my choose a free item from the Sale-a-bration brochure. So, check out my store and get your deal on stamping supplies today!

Products used included: Stamps: Flowering Desert  #148700; Cardstock: Shaded Spruce #146981, Pineapple Punch #146971, Granny Apple Green #146990 and Whisper White #100730; Ink: Shaded Spruce #147088, Pineapple Punch #147141 and Granny Apple Green #147095; Clear Blocks: A, B, C and D; Multipurpose Liquid Glue #110755 If you wish to have pink flowers on top of the cactus’ you may use Melon Mambo ink # 147051.

Posted in beginner stamper, cactus, desert, Occasions Catalog 2019, Photopolymer, Simple stamping

Let’s Get Stamping!

Today I will show you how to use the Photopolymer stamps that Stampin’ Up! has. This set is Flowering Desert and is found in the Occasions Catalog. I just love to give a handmade card to someone to let them know I think they are awesome!

These are the supplies you will need to make this card. In addition to the stamp set, I used Shaded Spruce ink, Whisper White cardstock, Clear Block E, the Stampin’ Pierce Mat, and (not shown- Clear Block H, Gingham Gala Adhesive-Backed Sequins, Multipurpose Liquid Adhesive and Stampin’ Dimensionals)

The first step is to carefully remove the Photopolymer stamp from the sheet and place it on a Clear Block as shown.

Next is to tap the stamp onto the ink pad with a light to moderate pressure. You want to get ink on the image and not around the image. Be sure to press straight down, and lift straight up. If there is ink on your block, try using a lighter pressure.

When using the Photopolymer stamps you will need to have the Pierce Mat or a magazine under it to get the best image. Place the stamp straight down onto the paper and apply light to moderate pressure for about 5 seconds. This allows the ink to transfer onto the paper.  Lift the stamp straight up. It may take some practice to get a nice clear image. If there is ink around the image, that is called a halo, and it means you need to place the stamp on the ink with a lighter touch.

To finish the card, I stamped the sentiment onto a 3/4 inch strip of cardstock and cut a banner on one end. The cactus was cut to measure 4 x 2 1/2 inches and adhered to a 4 1/4 x 2 3/4 inch piece of Shaded Spruce. I then adhered the cactus piece onto a card base which measured 8 1/2 x 5 1/2, folded in half length-wise. The “You’re So Awesome” sentiment was adhered using Stampin’ Dimensionals to give it lift and add dimension to the card. I finished it off with some sequins.

This is a really nice, simple card that can definitely be given to someone to express how you feel about them, and pass on some positive energy!