Looking forward to 2017 Stamp Classes!

I have been hard at work creating the projects for this winters camps!  It was easy to do with so many fun new things in the upcoming Occassions 2017 and Sale-A-Bration catalogs.

2017 camps kick off in January with your choice of 2 time slots.  Friday January 6 at 7pm or Saturday January 7 at 9 am.  I think we will do 8 projects - they are all ready, I just have to figure out how to best work them in with the time we have!  Camps are $15 or free with a $50 purchase - and because it is January - you will also get a free Sale-A-bration selection from Stampin Up.

My classes are in Indianapolis - west side.  If you have never been or it's been a while - feel free to join us!  RSVPs are needed by Jan 1st.

I have moved camp up a week from our traditional time of the middle of the month.  Weather often plays a factor in winter camps.  This will give me some extra weekends to work with if one needs to be moved.  If we are fortunate and get them all in - there may be an additional event in March!

Here are the first three cards of 2017!

These two cards use the stamp set and die cuts Basket Bunch.  We will be making a third - using some hearts on a matching card below that can be used as a valentine.  No one wants a hollow heart!  More chocolate all the time.  The dies that go with this set are adorable!  They are called Basket Builder framelits and will be available Jan 2.  If you don't have a new Occassions catalog - let me know and we can take care of that!

This Engagement congratulations card uses a fun new bundle called Custom Tees.  Love it!   There are sneak peeks of new paper and some of the FREE SAB ribbon on the card as well!

If you can't make it to camp - but would like to get your hands on one of my cards {for free!} - watch this space to find out how!  When I put one of my 3 minute video how to's up I will include the information then!

Christmas Angel Gift Card Bag

I have several videos that I have ready - just have been too crazy busy to post them!  Keep checking back here and I will try to get them up before Christmas.  Today's project features  a fun bag - that was all one big experiment to me!

I used Stampin Up's stamp set WONDER OF CHRISTMAS - which if you look a few weeks back, you will see a card that showcases this same set.  I had ordered the glassine bags - and wanted to use them at camp, but had not played around with them much - so it was an experiment - but one that turned out well.

I ran the bags thru the Big Shot with the embossing folder.  It looks great, but you will see that afterward you need to 'unstick' the two layers from being pressed together.

I stamped using memento black and then colored in with refills and clear Stella.  I did not test it to see if it would eventually dry - but be careful when painting, it all stays wet for quite a while.  To add to the vintage look AND save time, I simply poured clear powder over the image and heat set it.  It looks great in person.   With the smearing AND trying to stamp over the dry embossing, you can see some of the image is missing.  I just chalked it up to looking vintage!

Twinkle Trees - Non traditional Colors Card

This is a fun card - it was actually a collaboration between my friend, Tonya, and I.  I had an idea in my head - sort of explained it to her and she went to town!  It turned out lovely.  It is fairly quick - but very easy.  Of course when I decided to use it for my swaps for an upcoming event this weekend with Stampin Up! (On Stage in Atlanta) - I didn't account for the glitter accent and running so many of them thru the Big Shot.  However - if I was able to create that many for swaps in an evening - it will be a breeze for your Christmas cards.

This set - Twinkle Trees - will be one you reach for year round!  Other than the Christmas tree (which really in other colors wouldn't even have to be Christmas) - the bokeh accents are just lovely.  There are all kinds of bokeh techniques on the internet, but if you have these stamps - just stamp it!  No technique is necessary.

I have included a card with just the backgrounds on a design with the Halloween Cookie Cutters.

I hope you notice little things I do in my videos that can help you in your stamping.  In this one you will see that to attach the sequins - add the drops of your glue, then ever so slightly stick your tool in the glue.  This will 'grab' your sequins from the container and allow you to easily stick them to your card!

We made this card at camp - it was white on white.  I did change it up for my swaps and used the new In Color Sweet Sugarplum as the background.  The color is very strong, so stamp off once before stamping onto your card.  The other change up from our camp card is I colored the tree in with clear Stella - because frankly I don't see a reason to ever make a card without that Stella sparkle!

If you will be in Atlanta - maybe you will get one of these from me!

Star of Light - quick and easy Christmas Card

Good News! I got two really quick cards on video this weekend.  Bad News! It gets dark so early now that it is hard for me to get them done in Natural Light.  So - you will see that they both have some shadows and don't show all the sparkle that is on the cards.  That said they are done!

My goal in my videos is to keep them as quick as possible.  I don't really care to watch someone stamp for over 25 minutes to make one card and I bet that some of you are like me.  If you need to slow it down, your video player should be able to do that.  This week both videos are just over 3 minutes.  Quick enough to give you some inspiration - and watch on your break!

This card uses the holiday mini bundle Star of Light.  I love when sets have enough stamps that you can really make the inside special - and this one does!  There are several star images included, but this was letting the paper literally shine, so I didn't include any.

A few things:
*Endless color combos are possible - Silver and Gold, Blue and Silvers, Black and metallics, Copper and Pink - start with a background paper you love and base your star colors from that.
*Glitter paper - it is available in so many colors now!  When using a more intricate die and the glitter paper in the Big Shot - I find it best to roll it few a couple of times and then flip it over and roll once with the cutting edges off.  It ensures that all parts are cut through.

Starburst Angel Card

This was my favorite card from October's camp!  I don't know if I have enjoyed any technique in over 20 years of stamping as much as watercoloring with the Wink of Stella.  So very pretty!

Here is a quick 3 minute video to show you how to make this gorgeous card!

A couple of things you will notice as you watch:

I am coloring with ink refills,  you only need a drop or two of each color.  While she would be even more stunning in multitudes of color - this is geared for multiples so you can use it for Christmas cards.

For her wings - they are straight Stella, the gold and the clear.  Her skin I didn't want to sparkle (she isn't in a Twilight novel, lol) so I colored with a blender pen.  When using the refills, always be careful to just pick up a TINY BIT of ink - it is easier to add more than to try to work in a way too dark blob!  You will notice that when I begin, I start on her foot.  Don't start on a main focal point (her face) that was as the ink becomes lighter on your pen you can move to the more important areas.

I always start coloring from the left of the image - and don't fill all the way in - leave some areas of lighter color and even some white.  On her dress you might think at first it looks a hot mess....but the longer you go, it evens itself out.  I start with the lighter color (Pool Party) and once that is finished, I pick up a tiny bit of Bermuda Bay and add that between the very left edges and the darkest edge of the Pool Party.  Once you watch, you will see what I mean!  When you look at the card closely, the coloring is done with a light touch - it is rare that I color in so it is all color from edge to edge

When you have to fussy cut (there is no Big Shot to help cut her out!) don't cut right to the edge of the design, leave a small border of white.

Fuse holds this all together nicely - although the acrylic printed paper is SO pretty - and it gives some depth to adhere it with dimensionals.

Let me know what you think of this card - and if you have any questions about watercoloring!

Santa's Sleigh

This card takes a bit longer than some Christmas quickies - but the results give you something to send that will earn it's place on someone's mantle!

This is a great bundle.  You can see that I let the embossing powders be the 'star' of this show on this card.  Originally I also had the sleigh embossed in copper, but it was one step too much - so I chose the sleigh to shine with the copper foil paper.

I did use red, green, black and silver powders.  They give a nice strong outline to the images.  Note if you use the red and green that because they are glitter based - you will want to use them heating from the underside of your paper.  Once they are melted a quick wave of heat over the top ensures they stick and don't lose the shimmer.

I think I am addicted to the watercolor with the Stella - especially on the Christmas cards it gives such a nice shimmer to all of the colors!

The folder embossed snowflakes were too pale on just white - too blue on the pool party - but a quick wipe over with the white craft ink gave a perfect backdrop for the sleigh.  My original card had more trees and an another reindeer - but even this "more is more" girl recognizes when it's just too much!

Those of you attending October camp will get to make and take this home!  Can't make it?  Watch for my camp to go offering!

Glamper Birthday!

This card is almost as much fun to make as it is to give!

A little bit of two step stamping - and a little watercolor with a blender pen - all you need to pull off this.

Not only is the camper old style, but the stamp set is too.  What do I mean by that?  There is no Big Shot accessory set with it, so it will require just a touch of fussy cutting.....Not too much as most of the photopolymer allow for perfect positioning while stamping.

Because we had made this card at camp in September, I opted to use the ink spots (collected from past Paper Pumpkin kits) - but you can easily swap those over for full size pads and/or markers.

Multi texture Paisleys and Posies card

This card has a lot of texture - as you will see by the number of different papers used on it.

The colored paisleys are stamped on watercolor cardstock and painted with clear Stella and ink pads.

The large paisley is cut with the gold foil acetate and the smaller more intricate from the new copper paper.

Add some copper cord - a pretty stamped background (almost too pretty to cover up!)

Happy World Card Making Day!

Happy World Card Making Day (seems like they should have combined this with World Coffee Day that was earlier this week, lol). Do you have plans to make a card? If you make any Stampin Up card THIS WEEKEND, snap a quick pic and add it to the comments on this same post on my Facebook page! I will draw from the names for a $10 gift certificate!! Watch this space for further specials! Happy Stampin!

You can find my Facebook Page here -  https://www.facebook.com/Cherish-art-and-inspiration-150399058335135/ 

Oh - guess what - Autumn is here!

Here in the midwest we have been enjoying an Indian Summer.  Literally have not had socks nor a jacket on since late spring!  Well - autumn kissed us last night - the air is crisp and bright.

Perfect time to whip out this all seasonal card featuring Totally Trees by Stampin' Up!

With the images included you will be able to use this set year round.   Several pieces will work as background and what's always a plus - it works for guy cards!

This video is under 2 minutes.  Switch out the colors and you can do the same quick card EVERY season!

Enjoy!

Quick Video

Here is literally a 2 minute video on how to make this super easy, but such fun card featuring the Cookie Cutters - Halloween stamp set from the current Holiday Mini.

A couple of hints - the folder is 3D - super thick.  I ran it thru my Big Shot with the new platform LESS the thin die adaptor and used only ONE cutting plate on the top.  You can have a deeper indentation if you want, but for this card it was plenty as is!

The frame is made with the new Square thinlets.  Nestle one RIGHT INSIDE the other and it cuts a perfect little scallop frame.  There are so many die sizes - you can frame anything, lol.  

The orange glitter paper is super sparkly and a nice addition to the colors already available.  

If you watch carefully, you can see my little tip on how to adhere something so thin.  Simply lay it on a piece of backing from dimensionals.  When you roll the fuse over the frame, it won't stick to the backing and all clings back onto itself and whatever you are sticking down!  Fave tip of the day for you!  

Order this set and punch via my webstore  - see link on the sidebar - and I will send you all of the card pieces by mail so you can stamp whichever card is your favorite!    Offer expires Oct 10, 2016.

My Creative Space

One day the stars might align....My space will be clean.  I will have some spare time.  All of my 'stuff' is put in its proper place.  Today it is one out of three!  I still have all my camp buckets out, hoping to video the projects soon - and I need to run some errands.

But the space is clean.  And oh, so, inviting.  If only I could just spend some time working on some scrapbooks - that is what I want to do.

For now - just take a peek into my Stampin Up creating space!

Little Boos!

I used several new items on these cards!  They can be used for October birthdays - or include them with a treat to send to the little ones you might not have the chance to see in person for fall festivities!

One fun new thing is the first ever 3D embossing folder - this thing is so.....hefty, lol.  When I first took it out of the packaging I thought it must have had cardboard in it - but nope!  It is just really sturdy.

Cable Knit Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder	143537
Price: $10.00
It’s easy to make a great impression! Just place flat cardstock in this embossing folder, run it through the Big Shot, and out comes cardstock with a bold textured design.  Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folders take embossing to the next level, with deeper, more detailed impressions than standard embossing folders—great for card fronts and accents. * 1 folder * 6" x 6" (15.2 x 15.2 cm) * Use with Big Shot

New to the Holiday Mini are the stamps - Cookie Cutter Halloween and the ORANGE glimmer paper.  I love the glitter papers, so having another color is always fun!

Cookie Cutter Halloween Wood-Mount Stamp Set 142252 Price: $23.00 This is your official warning: Just a few stamps in and you may find yourself liking these gingerbread-shaped Halloween characters better than your real-life friends. We're only a little sorry about that. Our classic wood-mount rubber stamps * Have deeply etched images so you get a superior stamped impression each time. * Are precut so you don't have to trim. * Come with farmed-maple wood blocks—you don't need to buy blocks separately. * Permanently mount on the blocks so they're ready to go when you are. * Come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference. Quantity: 10 rubber stamps

The Labeler stamps are new this year and are in the regular catalog.  Watch soon for the How To Video!

Purchase this set by Sept 30 - and I will send you the ready cut pieces of cardstock and frames so you can make your own!

Stampin Up! Paisleys and Posies

Love this bundle!  I was pleased the top panel was so pretty, because the bottom card front is so stinkin cute it was hard to cover it up!!

This is one of my September camp projects - although camp is full this time.  We will use the set again in October :) It reminds me of my wardrobe in the 70s!

Flourish Thinlit Dies card

Another video to inspire you!!  This one features a BEAUTIFUL die cut for the  Big Shot called Flourishes......  

The background paper is lightly colored with a sponge roller.  The fun thing about this set of paper - it will match WHATEVER ink you are using - since you color it yourself!

I use small labels to mark which color the sponge daubers with.  Because we made this card at camp, you can see I used a dimensional to stick them to their ink pad, making sure that colors don't get smushed onto the wrong pad.   

Adhere everything lightly first with an outline of SNAIL or FUSE, then once it is all placed where you want add a bit of the tiny glue to hold it.  One of the pretty things about this card is the dimension.  So you don't want to glue it all down, just enough to hold it in place.

Sparkly Cottage Greetings

Here is another how to video!  It features the stamp set from Stampin' Up! Cottage Greetings and the embossing folder, washi tape and Designer Series paper from the Affectionately Yours suite.

I embossed with the folder onto watercolor cardstock, so there is lots of impression.  Watercolor was done with the Wink of Stella pens.  So pretty in person!

Firefly Birthday with Jars of Love

This is a fun summer birthday card from those of us that live in the midwest!  Nothing says warm wishes like the thoughts of warm summer nights with lightening bugs aglow all around.

Here is a short 'How To" video on making the card.

Some helpful hints:

When stamping the jar - you have the option for the lid on or off!  For example - if you are adding flowers to use the jar as the vase - lid off.  But so our fireflies don't escape, we need the lid on.  Simply stamp the jar and then the lid directly on top - exactly where a mason jar lid would go!

Then - so your flies are not on top of your vase - cut the spaces for them with the big shot die - then once you have cut the flies out themselves, simply pop them back in - just like  a puzzle.

If you have been in my kitchen, you know my love of old green glass, thus my choice of pool party for my jar.  The only added 'color' is the gold Wink of Stella pen to the bodies of the flies.  Glowing wings and light in the jar are added with clear Stella.

You can see in the video when I run the words thru after the first initial 2 rolls, I flip it upside down and roll it again.  Especially when using the thicker glitter paper, this helps gets a nice perfect cut all the way through.

Stampin Up! items used
Jar of Love bundle
A Little Foxy designer series paper

Sneak Peek of Office Renovation!

Last spring we renovated my office - it is 'this close' to being done.  But, summer came - and there is nothing I love more than summer evenings by the pool, weekend getaways and vacations.... so my office is still not quite complete.  A few more things to put away, a few more things to hang.  Which all means it is not ready just yet for it's big photographic reveal.  Til it is (soon!) here are some sneak peek pics at my new storage unit.  One word describes it:

FABULOUS!!

Video of Deer Baby card

Here is a quick little video to show you how easy it is to make this cute little baby deer card.

Materials Needed:
Stamp sets - Foxy Friends, Celebrate Today, B.Y.O.P
Inks - Soft Sky, Creamy Caramel and Memory Black
Papers - Soft Sky, Whisper White, Irresistibly Floral designer series paper
Misc - Foxy Friends Punch, Celebrate Today framelits, Sponges, adhesive

Just a couple of tips - when using the foxy friends punch, I always flip the punch over and slide my paper in BEFORE I stamp - then you can make sure you stamp the direction that will punch.  For some reason stampers remind me of kids learning to put on their shoes. More than half the time the stamp is the wrong direction to fit into the punch :)   You can see how I do it in the video.

Secondly - if you find that your framelits don't fit the stamp and you are using photopolymer, you are probably 'bending' the stamp a bit as you adhere it to your block.  Instead - try this - lie you die down and the stamp just under it so it is nestled inside.  Lift it up and lay it on your block, press - and it will fit perfectly!

Be careful when stamping on resist paper - it will take a second longer to dry.

And when stamping onto foam pads, all that is needed is a SUPER LIGHT press - otherwise you will find that you have ink on your block.  You can see in the video, I stamp in the 'corners' of my pads so as little as possible of the block is over the pad.

Enjoy!  If you would like to order any of the materials shown - I will be happy to help you!  If you order the Foxy Friends bundle by Sept 30, 2016 from me - I will send you the paper materials you need to make this card at your home!

September Stamping Specials

I have a 24 hour sale on starting NOW on orders from the hot off the press Holiday Mini!
If you would like details on how to save 20% on your order - contact me!

This September Stampin Up is offering weekly special offers - the first is shown above!

Projects from August Camp

Fireflies for a Birthday Wishes card featuring Jar of Love

Fun card with resist paper background.  Featuring Flourishing Thinlit dies

Love so many things about this Sweet Cupcake Bundle.  Those frosting swirls - so cute!  the banner that 'pops up' on it's own.  The WISH words (that I used on the lightening bug card at the top of this post) AND the fun 3 step stamping (which is so easy!) that gives the images such depth.

 Oh deer baby!  Use the Foxy Friends bundle to whip up a cute card for a dear baby!  The resist paper is used again for a muted background.

Who says a card always needs stamps??!  This one uses only the die folder from the Floral Affection bundle.  Running it thru the watercolor cardstock gives such a nice crisp image.

Stamp Projects from July Camp!