2013 Artisan Finalist Blog Hop--Day 3

It's Day 3 of the Blog Hop already!  If you started at the beginning, you just came from Kaitlyn Zumbach's blog.  When you are done here, be sure to click the next button below to continue on to Wendy Wiexler's blog.

I'm going to start sharing my card entries today.  This is one of my favorites!

When I received the Quatrefancy Specialty Paper, I was in awe of the bright colors and loud prints.  My first thought was "What am I going to do with this?"   I am usually a much more subdued paper-crafter.

How about a new twist on an acetate card?

The front panel is a 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" piece of the printed window sheet.  The yellow paper that you see in the back and the pink paper that you see at the top is one continuous sheet of paper.  Clear as mud?

I stitched the window sheet and yellow/pink paper together so that no adhesive would show.


A few paper banners, a paper flower, some ribbon, and a cute sentiment were the finishing touches.  This card just makes me smile!

Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy the rest of today's projects!

Back to Kaitlyn Zumbach

    

Next to Wendy Weixler

2013 Artisan Finalist Blog Hop--Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of our Blog Hop!  I hope you've enjoyed everything you've seen so far.  Amazing, right?  If you started from the beginning, you just came from Kaitlyn's blog.  You can use the buttons at the bottom of my blog to continue on your hop.

But first, I've got a fun little project for you.  Unfortunately, my pictures of this item did not turn out so I had to rely on one of my fellow artisan finalists for a pic (Thanks, Elizabeth).

I started with an unfinished open frame.  After painting it white, I created the back by covering heavy chipboard with some Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper.  My husband was nice enough to let me borrow his staple gun to adhere it securely.

The "B" was purchased at a craft store.  I just traced it onto Designer Series Paper, cut it out, and adhered it to the front with Modge Podge.  The edges of the "B" were sanded lightly to make them smooth.  The "B" was then hot glued onto the backing.

Butterflies, flowers and leaves were the finishing touches.  I think this would look perfect in a little girl's room, don't you?

Thanks for stopping by today!  Enjoy the rest of your hop!

Back to Kaitlyn Zumbach

    

Next to Wendy Weixler

2013 Artisan Finalist Blog Hop--Day 1

Welcome to the first day of the Artisan Finalist Blog Hop!  You are in for a real treat.  Ten days of AMAZING projects from 10 of the most AMAZING artists!  I feel so privileged to be included among these wonderful ladies.

The first project I'm sharing is actually my least favorite.  I decided that I wanted to do a mixed media project and I had a good idea of what I wanted to look like.  THIS is NOT what I had in mind, but it still looked kinda cool.

 I started with a blank 12" x 12" canvas.  I adhered a slightly smaller piece of the Natural Composition Specialty paper to the canvas with Modge Podge and allowed it to dry.  Then, I painted on a thin coat of Gesso.  I was hoping that some of the print from the paper would show through (it didn't), so I used a sanding block to rough it up a bit.  Next a stamped a few images in Black StazOn ink onto the canvas.  Unfortunately, I stamped one in the middle, upside-down.  I had planned to leave the middle area blank and concentrate my design in the bottom corner.....on to Plan B.

The rest of the canvas is heavily embellished with items from the Spring Catalog.  Some are still available and I'll be providing a supply list for all of my projects at the end of the blog hop on August 20th. 

Here is a close-up view of one of my favorite embellishments....the banner.  It features lots of stamping, sponging, sewing, and ribbons.

Thanks for stopping by today!  Be sure to click the next button and visit Wendy.  She's got a project for you that is just ducky!

Back to Kaitlyn Zumbach

    

Next to Wendy Weixler

Paper Pumpkin Promo

Did you know you can get a Paper Pumpkin subscription for just $10 a month for the first 2 months if you sign up before August 31st?

But why wait?  If you sign up by August 10th, you'll get your first Paper Pumpkin this month!  If you sign up after the 11th, your subscription will begin in September.

Click the image below to get started (try not to click on the P)

This is a great way to try out Paper Pumpkin and find out if it is right for you.  You can always skip a month or add on more kits to share with friends & family.

 

Most projects take 30 minutes or less and you'll only need a few basic supplies.

Plus, I'll be posting additional project ideas on my Pinterest Board each month.

 

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.  Your carriage awaits.....

 

Happy Stampin'

 

Happy Thoughts

Have you ever wanted to throw your computer across the room?  Yeah, me too.  It's not playing nice with me and it may be time to throw in the towel.

But, I'm going to think happy thoughts and share a "happy" card with you today.  This is another card that I created for the display boards at convention.

I used the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set to create the drippy rainbow effect.  There are a few rhinestones scattered throughout and I tied it together with simple white baker's twine.  It is such an easy card that you could use for almost any occasion by changing the sentiment.

Feel free to Pin any of my projects.  If you hover over any of my photos with your cursor, a Pinterest icon will show up.  Click on it and follow the prompts.  It's easy....I promise!

Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

Display Sample Featuring Gorgeous Grunge

I'm busy working "behind the scenes" on upcoming classes, project suites for UStamp, and the Artisan Finalist Blog Hop which starts this weekend.  So now is the perfect time to start sharing some of the samples that I created for the display boards at convention.

I tried to make all my display cards easy on the eyes and not too difficult.  Even though this card has a lot going on, it is really quite simple......just some basic stamping and a few well-placed accessories.

STAMP SETS:  Chalk Talk, Gorgeous Grunge

INK:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip

PAPER:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Whisper White

BIG SHOT:  Chalk Talk Framelits

PUNCHES:  1-3/8" Circle

ACCESSORIES:  Simply Pressed Clay & Molds, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Paper Doilies

All items may be ordered in my Online Store.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

Meet Bucky

This is Bucky.  He is my stamp studio mascot.  I'm not a big fan of dead animals hanging on a wall, but I tolerate Bucky pretty well.

My husband went on his first hunting trip a few years after we were married.  That first day, he shot a doe in the morning and Bucky met his fate later that evening.  Thankfully, my husband only had beginner's luck and we don't have a house full of these things.

A few years later, Bella came along and I had to give up my stamp room so that she could have a nursery/bedroom.  The only option for me was to share a room with Bucky.  See how he is glancing off in one direction?  Yeah, that's my desk area. 

When I saw the Remembering Christmas stamp set, I had to have it.  I knew it would be perfect for masculine cards plus it definitely resembles Bucky, don't you think?

I created this card using another sketch from Freshly Made Sketches.  The Designer Series Paper is called Sweater Weather.  I cut a piece of the Burlap ribbon in half lengthwise to create one of the flags at the top.  I think it adds a nice rustic touch.

All of these items are available in my online store.  Thanks for stopping by!

Crazy, Mixed-Up Love

Here is my take on the Paper Players Challenge #156.  Before I get too carried away with all the goodies in the Holiday catalog, I thought it might be a good idea to play with some of my new catalog stamps.  After all, they're still really new!

Crazy, Mixed Up Love   Item#131071  $14.95

This image is from the Crazy, Mixed-Up Love stamp set.  I just love the quirky images and the pun greetings, don't you?

I pieced the blender together by stamping the image in Real Red and Basic Black, then cutting the pieces apart.  Hopefully, you can see some of the paper-piecing in this photo.  I also added some Dazzling Details to the hearts.  It's a little hard to tell in the picture, but the Dazzling Details adds sparkle & dimension.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Things to Know for August 1

 

 

View the online holiday catalog now

The holiday catalog launches today, and it's filled with plenty of products so you can get started on your holiday projects.  And be sure to try out the new augmented reality feature--available today--to see videos that show our products in action. It's easy enough for newbies, fun enough for tech-savvy users, and free!

1. Install the free Layar app to your smartphone or tablet.
2. Using the Layar app, scan any catalog page that has the Stampin' Up! Interactive icon on it.

You can also see all of the catalog videos at www.stampinup.com/showmehow

 

 

This is a new product that I am SUPER EXCITED about!  We saw it in action at convention, and well......you just need to check it out for yourself!  And they are available to order today.

Circle Card Thinlits Die  ITEM#133480  $32.95

Label Card Thinlits Die  ITEM#133479  $32.95

 

 

 

  I don't know about you, but I LOVE Halloween!  So, I was absolutely thrilled that this month's Best of 25 Years Stamp set is......Best of Halloween!!!  Squeel!

Best of Halloween Stamp Set   ITEM #134381  $14.95

 

 

 

If you haven't tried My Paper Pumpkin yet, here is the perfect opportunity!  Sign up for a new membership by August 31st and receive your 1st 2 months for only $10 a month!  And that includes shipping!  Join Now!

 

 

Now would also be a great time to sign up for my Virtual Stamp Club.  You have until the 15th of the month to sign up and receive this month's exclusive class.  Check out the details here.

 

You can shop anytime in my Online Store.  There are even more new products and clearance items in the store....too many to add here.  There is definitely something for everyone, so check it out.

Thanks for stopping by today!