New papers and new stamps!

Last night my team of demonstrators came over to get a little head start on the new catalog kick off for next week.

We stamped, we laughed, we ate.  There were swaps, awards, prizes and challenges.

There was discussion of upcoming Stampin' Up! events.  We always have a good time.

Here is my swap card - and a few tips if you would like to try it!

I used some of the new items from the Wood Textures suite.  The wood textures designer series paper is super on trend right now.  The different wood colors and textures all would fit into rooms of our home!

I stamped the flowers from the Wood Words stamp set along with the single Stylized Birthday stamp. I tried a few different colors and settled on the black embossing.  The color was striking and held it's own with the textured look of the paper.

The Wood Words set is 15 pieces - and coordinate with the sweetest little box....I just chose the one floral image for this.  But - watch this space - I did a project for the girls (and will be a June Camp project) - that uses the box die and nearly all 15 stamps!

After I stamped them all I experimented with a couple of different coloring techniques.  This one above I colored with just watercolor pencils and blended them with a clear Stella.  I liked the overall look (you can tell it was on a card that I had tried just stamping in black ink - the embossing added so much more color - but I hated to waste a perfectly good piece of wood paper!)

I ended up coloring one layer of white watercolor pencil in the larger open images.  It made the ink stand out a little more, still being a nice aged look.  I then used ink refill to add color to the flowers.  Of course I gravitate toward the new In Colors (everything new is always more fun, eh?)  The flowers are Powder Pink, Berry Burst, Daffodil delight and the leaves are Tranquil Tide.

I have an obsession with Stella's......I would hate to count how many I have purchased (dozens and dozens at least).  Here is a 'tip' for you.  Once most of the glitter solution has run out, the pens themselves still make a great paint brush. I simply wrap some washi tape around those that are mostly used for the brush - so I know which one to reach for.

These I colored in with the non glittery - but when I was done painting - I went back and added some Stella glitter to the flowers.  I loved the overall Farmhouse, Shabby Chic look!

If you are still needing a new 2017-2018 catalog - contact me today!

It's Not Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Today's post is a mix of this and that.  I was cleaning files up on my phone - and wondered where some of the videos were I made at Christmas.  I guess I dreamed making them - because they were no where to be found!  I did have all the photos of the cards taken.

I know it's not Christmas - it's not even July where we can do a pretend it's Christmas...it's just plain ole May - not yet Memorial Day!

Many of the stamp sets and accessories used on these cards are no longer available.  BUT - when the 2017-2018 catalog is released next week - you can see what remains.  You can always take an idea and change it up using supplies on hand.

I LOVED the little copper pine cones.  I used them on both of these fun cards.  I kept some aside for future use.  Copper is my favorite metal color.  

Another love of mine - especially on Christmas cards - is the glimmer papers.  The cards I sent out this year were the copper wreath above and the 2 super shimmery ones below.  The Angel was one of my all time favorite cards in nearly 25 years of making my Christmas cards.

In my studio I have a card hanger that is made from an antique frame.  These cards all hung there as an easy Christmas decoration.  They just make me happy!

Everyday Inspiration with Lovely Laurel

I had a nice long nap on Sunday afternoon.  The sun was shining.  Lots of new things to play with.... You would think that would be a recipe for Stampin' success, no?

There is a fun new bundle that will be available in the upcoming catalog June 1.  I know it is supposed to pop up.  I cut all of the dies out of white cardstock to mess around with the mechanics.  I messed and messed.  Looked for any helpful tips online.  Made a mess.

An hour or so past.  I decided that I would use the dies as the focal point on the front - instead of the amazing pop up on the inside.  Wanted to use some new In Colors with copper accents.  I have several events coming up and not nearly enough copper paper.  I tried some other color combos.

Just when I was about to move on to another stamp set so I would get SOMETHING accomplished - I looked up at my studio wall.  There it was - right in front of me.

My studio wreath is green with a white wash - I used Garden Green and washed the white ink lightly over the top to subdue it.  The new wood paper stack had the perfect background paper.  Then I highlighted it with touches of gold.

 It took some time - but I was pleased with the end results.  The inside will get decorated as well - but it was late and my dinner cooking responsibilities took over!

Here it is - a great match of the overall look with the new wood paper stacks.  

Sometimes when you get stuck for inspiration - simply look around at what you love.  My office is 'me' - the only room in the house that all the say in is mine :) 

 We will be making this card at my new catalog kick off June 1st and 3rd.  I combine the new catalog debut with my camps.  If you are in the Indianapolis area and would like to try out some new product, simply let me know.

And - watch this space!  I WILL conquer the pop up eventually!

Home Sweet Home!

What a fun and welcoming set this new one is!  If you are like me and love to color - then this set will be right up your alley!

It's got all the things we love about Stampin' Up! stamps - 

It's seasonal - with Spring and Summer flowers, Autumn pumpkins and arrangements and of course fun Christmas images - you will find yourself reaching for it time and time again.

It has a great selection of words as well!  This one swings the door open (courtesy of the Big Shot framelit) to reveal a saying that is perfect for a surprise birthday gathering.

I used the watercolor pencils to color in the images.  The smaller ones I then blended with the clear Wink of Stella.  The gold one has retired, but if you got one while you could - it would be a great addition to the lamp lights and the door knob.

The color on the door, frame and the mat I blended with an aquapainter.  Even with being super careful with the amount of water, the vanilla cardstock almost didn''t stand up to it.  I thought all was well til the door was 'opened' a few times.  The crease is not attached as well as I would hope.  If you do a similar design, I recommend letting your watercolor dry completely before running it through the Big Shot and bending it.  But for the vibrant red of the blends of colors I used, it was a trade off I was willing to make!

This is one of the cards we will be making at my 2017 Catalog Kick Off.  If you are in the Indy area, let me know if you would like to attend.

I will get a video how to for this along with more information on the set, posted soon!  Stay tuned!

Supercard featuring Everyday Hero

It has been a minute - but here is another "3 minute video" (well it's a smidge over! but the inside was calling out to be colored as well.

this completely adorable set will retire the end of May, so if you love it as much as I do - don't wait any longer before adding it to your stamp collection.

This card is a very simple stamp and color.  Use a waterproof ink (I used memento).  Scribble the watercolor pencils over (leaving parts of the larger areas with no color) and then blend with the blender pens.  I used Stella (clear) to smudge the grey and the yellows.

I will be giving away samples of the May video cards when you purchase a Video Featured set as part of your $50 order.

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