Stamping with the Stars

Bitty Box Color Challenge

A funny thing happened this week.  After five months of retirement, my body clock finally changed.  Instead of waking up a 5:00 a.m. and falling asleep at 10:00 p.m. like I did for 30 years, now I'm staying up past midnight and waking up around 8-8:30 a.m.  I love it!  I don't have to wait for reruns of The Jon Stewart Show and Colbert Report.   Unfortunately, I'm not especially creative that late at night, so my blog postings are getting later and later. So let's just assume it will be closer to noon CT, okay?

Enough excuses, let's get to today's project.  This doesn't really qualify for the clean and simple design at PPA, so I decided to try the color challenge at Diana Gibbs' site Stampin' With Di.  The colors we were challenged to work with are Ballet Blue, Apricot Appeal, Gable Green and Whisper White.

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp sets:  Flight of the Butterfly, Pg. 108 #111564; En Francais, Pg 134 #109521

Paper:  Whisper White CS, Pg. 155 #100730; Gable Green CS, Pg. 156 #102795; Ballet Blue CS, Pg. 157 #100613; Apricot Appeal CS, Pg. 157 #105124

Ink:  Ballet Blue, Pg. 157 #100907;  Apricot Appeal, Pg. 157 #105218

Accessories:  Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Pg. 194 #113439; Bitty Box & Envelope Die, Pg. 201 #115967; Stmp-a-ma-jig, Pg. 191 #101049,  Pretties Kit, Pg. 178 #109114; Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive, Pg. 192 #110755; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Two-Way Glue Pen, Pg. 192 #100425; Sweetest Stem Embosslit Die, Pg. 195 #114513; Butterfly Punch, Pg. 186 #116629; Scallop Square Punch, Pg. 186 #112081; Dazzling Diamonds, Pg. 180 #102023; Sponge Daubers, Pg. 192 #102892; Post-It Notes or other masking material.

Refer to yesterday's post for directions for creating the box using Ballet Blue CS.

Use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the dotted outline image of the butterfly at an angle on 2"x 2" Whisper White CS.  The first time I used this stamp set,  I stamped each butterfly image on Vellum CS with Staz-On so I could reuse the template over and over. 

Stamp a second image onto masking material and cut out.

Cover the image with the mask and overstamp with the En Francais background stamp.

Remove the mask and ink around the edges with Apricot Appeal.  Layer onto 2-1/8" x 2-1/8" Ballet Blue and 2-1/4" x 2-1/4" Gable Green.  Attach to the box top with Snail adhesive.

Punch the Sweetest Stem Embosslit from Gable Green.  Snip off the smallest stem and ink around the edges.  Attach to the box top with Tombow Glue.  Attach the white flower and half pearl from the Pretties Kit.


Stamp the flowered butterfly image with Ballet Blue onWhisper White CS.  Punch this image out with the Butterfly Punch.  Ink around the edges with Ballet Blue.  Use the Two-Way Glue Pen to put a tiny dot of glue in the middle of each flower and apply Dazzling Diamonds.  Score the butterfly to raise the wings slightly and attach to the box top over the dotted outline.

Cut Whisper White CS 2" x 4" and score halfway to create card base.  Layer 1-7/8" x 1-7/8" Gable Green and 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" Ballet Blue on the card front.  Stamp the small butterfly image on Whisper White with Ballet Blue ink.  Mask the butterfly the same way you did for the box top and overstamp with the En Francais background stamp.  Punch out with the Scallop Square Punch and ink around the edges with Apricot Appeal.  Stamp the tiny flower image with Apricot Appeal.  Use the Two-Way glue Pen to attach Dazzling Diamonds to the butterfly dots and flower center.  Attach to the card front.

Punch out the envelopes with Gable Green CS.  Stamp the small butterfly in the corner before assembling. (See yesterday's post)

We're all done! 

Thanks for stopping in today.

Mickey

If you’d like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/iheartstampin/

Labels: Bitty Box and Envelope Die, Flight of the Butterfly

My First KISS Challenge, PPA8

Hee hee...That's not what it sounds like.  Actually, this is my first entry in the Pals Paper Arts Keep It Simple, Sweetie (KISS) challenge. If you ever need a quick and simple card idea, this is the place to look.  You can find it here:  http://www.palspaperarts.com/  In order to be 'kissable' the design has to be clean and simple, take minimal time to create and have minimual layers and embellishments.   I think this project qualifies. It looks like it took a lot more time than it did.

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp set:  Of the Earth, Hostess Level 1, Pg. 13 #115336

Paper:  Night & Day (DSP), Pg. 11 Holiday Mini-Catalog, #116768; Whisper White CS, Pg. 155 #100730; Basic Black CS, Pg. 155 #102851; Real Red CS, Pg. 156 #102482; Brushed Gold CS, Pg. 159 #102935

Ink:  Basic Black, Pg. 155 #101179

Accessories:  Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Pg. 194 #113439; Bitty Box & Envelope Die, Pg. 201 #115967; Mat Pack, Pg. 191 #105826; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Sticky Strip, Pg. 192 #104294; Bone Folder, Pg. 188 #102300; 1-1/4" Square Punch, Pg. 186 #104400; Gold Elastic Cord, Pg. 27, Holiday Mini-Catalog #109867; Needle

Cut Basic Black CS 5-1/2" x 8".  Position the CS on the Bitty Box & Envelope Die so it covers the box portion of the die and run it through the Big Shot.  Use the bone folder to fold all of the score lines toward the inside of the box (valley folds).  Fold the short flaps (1/2" x 5/8") in first, then fold the long flaps over the short flaps and adhere.

Cut Whisper White CS 2" x 2" and use Stamp-a-ma-jig to center the butterfly image on the CS.  Use the template in the Mat Pack to punch holes on two corners with a needle.

Layer this piece onto 2-1/8" Real Red CS and 2-1/4" Brushed Gold CS with Snail adhesive.  Attach to box top with Snail or Sticky Strip.

Cut Whisper White 2" x 4" and score in half to create card base.  tamp the bird image onto Whisper White CS and Punch out with 1-1/4" square punch.  Layer onto 1-1/2" Real Red, 1-3/4" Basic Black and 1-7/8" Brushed Gold. Attach to card front with Snail adhesive.

Cut the DSP 6" x 6" and position over the envelope portion of the die.  Run it through the Big Shot and fold all of the creases in.

You'll need to apply Snail or Sticky Strip to the narrow flaps of the envelope.  Here is how I apply the Snail adhesive.  Fold the long flap over the narrow flaps and use your bone folder to lightly crease along the curved edge of the narrow flap.  I marked the crease with a pencil line so it would show up in the photo.  Hmmm....I think I could use a new bone folder.  This one's looking pretty rough.

Now fold back the long flap and insert a piece of scrap paper to protect the inside of the envelope.  Run the Snail along the narrow flap and assemble envelope.

Four envelopes and note cards fit perfectly inside the Bitty Box.

Close the box and tie with Gold Elastic Cord so it can be easily opened and closed.

There you have it--my first KISS project.  It really is super easy and fun.  The trickiest part is assembling the box and even that is super easy---honest.

I hope this will inspire you to try out the Bitty Box & Envelope Die.  This little box would also be perfect for holding small treats and gifts.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Mickey

If you’d like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/iheartstampin/

Labels: Bitty Box and Envelope Die, Of the Earth

Greetings, Earthling!

This is one of those stamp sets that I just had to have as soon as I saw it. In fact, it was on my first order from the 2009-10 Idea Book and Catalog. Of course, that was the easy part, figuring out how to use it was a little harder, but I think it turned out pretty cute, if I must say so myself.

Here are the supplies I used:


Stamp set: Greetings Earthling, Pg. 82 #113810

Paper: Whisper White CS, Pg. 155 #100730; Night of Navy CS, Pg. 157 #100867; YoYo Yellow, Pg. 156 #102824; Brushed Silver CS, Pg. 159 #100712

Ink: Barely Banana, Pg. 157 #101170; Brocade Blue, Pg. 157 #101102; Night of Navy, Pg. 157 #102977; Jet Black Staz-On, Pg. 190 #101406; Real Red Stampin’ Write Marker Pg. 156 #103133; YoYo Yellow Stampin’ Write Marker, Pg. 156 #102717

Accessories: Stamping Sponges, Pg. 192 #101610 (Cut into quarters); Stamp-a-ma-jig, Pg. 191 #1010492; 2-Way Glue Pen, Pg. 192 #100425; Dazzling Diamonds, Pg. 180 #102023; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Stampin’ Dimensionals, Pg. 192 #104430, VersaMarker, Pg. 190 #105394; Clear Embossing Powder, Pg. 188 #109130; Heat Tool, Pg. 188 #100005; Double Rectangle Punch, Pg. 186 #105088; Wide Oval Punch, Pg. 186 #112082; Mat Pack, Pg. 191 #105826; Needle; Post-It notes or other masking material.

Cut Night of Navy CS 4-1/4” x 11” and score to form the card base.

Cut Whisper White CS 5-1/4” x 4”. Use Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the “ET” (hee hee) at the bottom. Use the markers to color in the lights on his body. Go over the image with the VersaMarker and heat emboss. Even though I stamped the image with Staz-On, it still bled when I used the VersaMarker. Luckily, the grayish color works for the little guy.

Place two pieces of masking material on the CS as shown. Use the Stamping Sponges to fill in the triangle with Barely Banana. Go over the Barely Banana with YoYo Yellow toward the top of the triangle.

Remove the mask and reposition as shown to cover the yellow area. You’ll have to trim the top to a point.

Now use Stamping Sponges to cover the rest of the CS with Brocade Blue. Go over this area with Night of Navy, leaving a little Brocade Blue showing toward the light. Now, very lightly, sponge the outer edges with black. Remove the mask. Attach this pieces to a 5-7/8” x 4-1/8” piece of Brushed Silver. Attach to the card base.

This is the fun part: Use the Double Rectangle Punch to punch a row of rectangles. To keep them evenly spaced, punch the first two rectangles, then turn the punch over and line up one of the punches and punch the next rectangle as shown in the photo. Punch 8-10 rectangles. Now center the Wide Oval Punch over the row of rectangles and punch. Score a line about ¼” from the top and bottom of the punches.

Use the template from the Mat Pack to punch a row of holes on each side of the score lines. Cut thin strips from the edges of the Stampin’ Dimensionals and attach to the back of the oval and attach to the card front as shown.

Cut a ½” strip of YoYo Yellow and stamp the greeting using the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position it in the center. Cut the two words apart leaving about 1/16” on each side. Attach these pieces to a 5/8” strip of Night of Navy and again trim leaving about 1/6” on each side. Attach to the card front with Dimensionals. Finally, dot the sky with the 2-Way Glue Pen and add the Dazzling Diamonds.

I hope you enjoyed this project as much as I did!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Mickey

If you’d like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/iheartstampin/

Labels: Earthling, Greetings

One of a Kind

Hi readers!  Thanks for sticking with me while I catch up on my tutorials.  It's been a busy couple of days, but hopefully things will get back to normal soon.  In the meantime, I wanted to post my latest card.  I hope I'm not overdoing the Halloween thing, but it's so much fun to work with all of those cute Halloween stamps.  Here are the supplies I used for this one:

Stamp sets:  Twick or Tweet, Pg. 10 Holiday Mini-Catalog #116497; One of a Kind, Pg. 130 #113624

Paper:  Whisper White, Pg. 155 #100730; Basic Black, Pg. 155 #102851; Pumpkin Pie, Pg. 156 #105117; Cast-A-Spell DSP, Pg. 161 #115677

Ink:  Jet Black Staz-On, Pg. 101406; Basic Black, Pg. 155 101179; Only Orange Stampin' Write Marker Pg. 156 #100051; Lovely Lilac Stampin' Write Marker, Pg. 156 #100056; Green Galore Stampin' Write Marker, Pg. 156 #100048

Accessories:  Silver Elastic Cord, Pg. 27 Holiday Mini-Catalog #109866; Silver Brads, Pg. 179 #104336; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Stampin' Dimensionals, Pg. 192 #104430; Sponge Daubers, Pg. 192 #102892; Paper Piercing Tool, Pg. 191 #116631; Optional:  Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Pg. 194 #113439; Matchbox Die, Pg. 201 #114890

Cut Pumpkin Pie CS 4-1/4" x 11" and score to form card base.  Cut a piece of Cast-A-Spell DSP 5-1/4" x 4" and ink around the edges.  Cut a contrasting piece of DSP 5-1/4" x 2-1/4' and tear about 1/4" on one long side.  Ink around the edges and attach to top of the first DSP as shown. 

Cut four pieces of Whisper White CS 1" x 2".  Use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the pumpkin image on each pieces, leaving off the sentiment.

Tip:  Whenever I use the Stamp-a-ma-jig, I stamp the image on a piece of Vellum CS so I can reuse it over and over again.

Color the images with Stampin' Write Markers as shown.

Cut four pieces of Basic Black CS 1-1/8" x 2-1/8" (or attach the image to CS and trim to 1/16" on all edges to form mat.)

Wrap Silver Cord around top of front piece and attach to the card base as shown.  The One of a Kind sentiment was stamped on a left-over punch from the Matchbox Die . It could go on any shape you choose.  Use the Paper Piercing Tool to add silver brads and attach to the card front with Stampin' Dimensionals.

To position the pumpkin images, I laid a ruler about 1/4" from the bottom edge. Attach to the card front with dimensionals.

Wow! I actually got a whole tutorial done this week.  Now maybe I can get caught up on the others

Thanks for checking in today!

Mickey

If you’d like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/iheartstampin/

Mojo Monday Challenge

Here's another Mojo Monday Challenge card.  I have to tell you my mojo was really, really hard to find this morning.  The tutorial will have to wait until later today.  For now I'll just tell you that I used the Very Thankful stamp set on the last page of the catalog and the Cottage Wall DSP.  I'll be back with a complete list of supplies later.

Thanks for stopping by.  I'm off to find my mojo...

Mickey

Opposites, Part Two

As long as I was doing a tutorially on the 'opposites' card, I thought I'd try another, slightly softer version.  First, I should tell you that the inspiration for this card came from my upline, Dawn Griffith.  Dawn used a window sheet instead of the blank rubber stamp to create the mirror image.  You can see
Dawn's video here:  http://dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com/dawns_stamping_thoughts/2009/04/mirror-image-video-.html.

I never got around to trying that method before I found the Opposite Rubber Stamp.  (I think I ended up finding it on ebay.)


Here are the supplies I used to make this card:

Stamp Sets:  Lovely as a Tree, Pg. 110  #115026; Teeny Tiny Wishes, Pg. 145 #115370

Paper:  Mellow Moss CS, Pg. 157 #102898; Not Quite Navy CS, Pg. 156 #101722; Summer Sun CS, Pg. 156 #103124; Whisper White CS, Pg. 155 #100730

Ink:  Jet Black Staz-On, Pg. 190 #101406; Bordering Blue, Pg. 157 #102265; Brocade Blue, Pg. 157 #101102; Not Quite Navy, Pg. 156 #103008; Summer Sun, Pg. 156 #100537; Pumpkin Pie, Pg. 156 #105216; More Mustard, Pg. 156 #103162; Mellow Moss, Pg. 157 #102774; Always Artichoke, Pg. 157 #105219

Accessories:  Ribbon Originals, Pg. 182 #116231; Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon, Pg. 183 #109069; Word Window Punch, Pg. 186 #105090; Modern Label Punch, Pg. 186 #116630; Sponge Daubers, Pg. 192 #102892; Stamping Sponges, Pg. 192 #101610; Blender Pens, Pg. 192 #102845; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Stampin' Dimensionals, Pg. 192 #104430; Opposite Rubber Stamp; Stamp-a-ma-jig, Pg 191 #101049; Post-its or other masking material; 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Pg. 186 #104403; Hobby Blade, Pg. 191 #102449; Cutting Mat, Pg. 191 #101087

You'll want to start by stamping the mirror image because it's easier to use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the original stamp.  Now, in the photo on the left, the image was stamped too low, leaving too little room for the reflection.  You'll have to practice until you get an idea of where the image will end up.  Also, I cut the Whisper White larger than the final size and cut it down once I finished stamping.  The finished size is about 4-1/8" x 3-3/4".

Use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the tree image above the opposite stamp.

Punch a 1-1/4" circle in a piece of masking material.  Position the mask over the tree image and use sponge daubers to fill in the circle with Summer Sun, More Mustard and Pumpkin Pie.  Flip the mask over to the opposite side and repeat.

Now, cover the sun,or moon depending on your mood, with two circle masks. 

Use a sponge dauber to apply Mellow Moss  and Always Artichoke for the grass.  Use a blender pen and Always Artichoke to add a darker shadow at the base of the trees.

Use a stamping sponge (cut into quarters) to apply Bordering Blue very lightly for water and sky.

Sponge Brocade Blue around the edges, leaving the lighter blue toward the center.  Then sponge Not Quite Navy on the outer edges.

Remove the masks from the sun/moon circles and trim the image to 4-1/8" x 3-3/4".  Mat on Summer Sun and use the hobby blade to trim 1/16" around edges.  I still have a set of Perfect Layers I bought at a Stampin' Up! party a few years ago.  I don't know why they quit selling them, they're great for trimming mats.

I finished the card by applying the image piece to Not Quite Navy CS cut 5-3/8" x 4-1/8".  It should be about 1/16" from the right edge.  This leaves just enough room to wrap the 7/8" Not Quite Navy ribbon from the Ribbon Originals.  Wrap the Mellow Moss Taffeta ribbon over the NQN ribbon and tie in a bow.

Stamp a sentiment in Mellow Moss and punch out with the Word Window punch.  Layer onto a NQN Modern Label and attach to the card with dimensionals.

The final measurements on your card may be slightly different depending on how you trim the stamped image, but they should be pretty close. 

I hope this will inspire you to work with masks if you haven't tried it yet.  Thanks for stopping by today.

Mickey

Opposites

This card is my first attempt at using an opposite stamp.  It's basically a blank stamp that you stamp an image onto and then re-stamp onto your card.  That's how you get the reflection on the water without reversing the image.  I found the opposite stamp online a few weeks ago and just got around to trying it. 

I know I'm getting behind in tutorials, but I was asked to help with a benefit this week, so duty calls...

Anyway, I promise to catch up this weekend, so don't give up on me yet.  Okay?

Thanks for stopping by.

Mickey

Labels: friends 24-7, Lovely as a Tree

Dream Garden

I was so excited to get my Dream Garden stamp set today.  I had to force myself to get my workshop kits done before I started playing with it!  Well, it's almost midnight and I finally finished my first Dream Garden project. Well, two projects, actually.  The smaller gift card is another sneak peek at one of the workshop projects.  It wasn't in my original plan, but I couldn't resist.

I'll be back later with a tutorial  on both cards.  Right now it's waaaaay past my bedtime.

Goodnight all.

Mickey

Labels: Dream Garden

Mini-Mojos

Today's project is a mini version of the Mojo Monday challenge I posted on Monday. To see the original sketch click on the Mojo Monday button on the left.  I think red, white and black is becoming my new favorite color combination.


Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp set: Of the Earth, Hostess Level 1, pg. 13 #115336

Paper: Bride Specialty, Pg. 158 #115669; Christmas Cocoa Specialty, Pg. 21, Holiday Mini-Catalog #116770; Night & Day, Pg. 11 Holiday Mini-Catalog #116768; Basic Black CS, Pg. 155 #102851; Real Red CS, Pg. 156 #102482; Whisper White CS, Pg. 155 #100730

Ink: Basic Black, Pg.155 #101179

Accessories: 1-1/4” Square Punch, Pg. 186 #104400; Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Pg. 183 #114319; Black ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon, Pg. 183 #109027; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Stampin’ Dimensionals, Pg. 192 #104430

Cut Black CS 3” x 6” and score to create card base. Cut Bride Specialty 2-7/8” x 2-7/8”. Cut contrasting Bride Specialty 2-1/2” x 2-1/2” and layer the two pieces. Wrap ribbon around the layered pieces to cover the seam and tie a bow. Attach to the card base with snail.

Cut contrasting red and black patterned strips from the Christmas Cocoa Specialty paper. The center strip was cut 2” x ½”. The two side strips were cut 1-3/4” x 1/2”. Ink around the edges and attach to the card front.

Stamp the bird image on Whisper White CS and punch out with 1-1/4” Punch. Ink around the edges and attach to 1-1/2” mat with dimensionals. Attach to the card front with more dimensionals.

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial.  Now, go create something!

Mickey

If you’d like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/iheartstampin/

Labels: mojo monday, Of the Earth

Invitation to a Graveyard Gala

Here are the supplies I used for this project:


Stamp set: Graveyard Gala, Pg. 20 #115458; From the Crypt, Pg. 21 #115460; Wedding Sweet, Pg. 48 #115466; I Heart Lists, Pg. 116 #116473; House of Haunts, Pg. 22 #111574

Paper: Basic Black CS, Pg. 155 #102851; Cast-A-Spell, Pg. 161 #115677; Whisper White, Pg. 155 #100730

Ink: Basic Black, Pg. 155 #101179; Old Olive, Pg. 156 #102277

Accessories: Sponge Daubers, Pg. 192 #102892; Stampin’ Dimensionals, Pg. 192 #104430; Snail, Pg. 192 #104332; Stamp-a-ma-jig, Pg. 191 #101049; Dotto Repositionable Adhesive, Pg. 192 #103305; Distressing Tool (Inc. in Cutter Kit) Pg. 191 #106458; Circle Fire Rhinestone Brad, Pg. 179 #109110

Cut Black CS 4-1/4” x 11” and score to form card base. Cut Cast-A-Spell DSP 2-1/4” x 5-1/4”. Use Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the tombstone and crow images from the Graveyard Gala stamp set. Distress and ink the edges. Attach to the card front with Snail.

Stamp the skull image from the From the Crypt stamp set on Whisper White CS. Use paper snips to cut around the image. Hint: When you’re cutting around a detailed image, turn the paper, not the scissors. Attach the skull image to the card front with Dotto Repositionable Adhesive and place in paper cutter as shown. Carefully cut down to the image about 1/8” from the edge of the DSP panel. Lift the cutter blade and position it just below the image and continue cutting. (You could also use a craft knife and ruler.) Carefully cut around the image. Remove the image and distress the edges of the front.

Ink around the edges of the skull image with Old Olive and attach the rhinestone brad. Attach the image to the card front with dimensionals.

Cut another piece of Cast-A-Spell DSP 4” x 5-1/4”. Distress and ink the edges. Attach to the inside of the card with Snail. Cut a light contrasting DSP 2” x 5-1/4”. Use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the ‘RSVP’ from Wedding Sweet, lines from I Heart Lists. (Place a post-it or other mask over the bottom of the panel before stamping the lines.) The sentiment is from House of Haunts and the spider is from the From the Crypt set. Distress and ink the edges and attach inside the card near the fold. Stamp the crow image on DSP and cut out. Attach to the card with dimensionals.

Stamp another skull image to attach inside the card as shown. I also added spiders with Whisper White craft ink, Pg. 155 #101731 to hide a scratch I made when I cut out the front. I’m not sure I would have added them otherwise. 

That’s it for now. Thanks for stopping by today.

Mickey

If you’d like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/iheartstampin/

Labels: Graveyard Gala, Halloween, house of haunts