Experience the joy and excitement of creating cards, boxes, books and home décor items with stamps, dies, stencils and paper! Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter, you will quickly learn all about papercrafting through fun classes and beautiful projects.
Hello Friends. I hope you are having a very pleasant and abundant Thanksgiving. I have much to be thankful including wonderful customers like you.
To express my gratitude to good friends, I made these bread boxes and filled them with pumpkin bread. I got the idea from Jennifer Svare, a design team member for Poppystamps. You can read her blog post and see her video here. Here's a close-up photo:
The boxes themselves are actually quite easy to make, however the decorating did take a while. I created the box structure, embossed the same cardstock with a woodgrain embossing folder (Darice) then mounted the embossed panel on to copper metallic cardstock. These panels were taped to all four sides of the box.
The pumpkins (Poppystamp dies Harvest Pumpkin and Swirl Pumpkin) were cut from orange and copper cardstock, respectively. I distressed the orange Harvest Pumpkin die cut then glued the Swirl Pumpkin over it. The leaf vines were cut with the Poppystamps Oak Leaf Oval Collage die and enhanced with more leaves cut with the Impression Obsession die Oak Leaves and Rake.
Finally the "wings" on the top of the box were 2" strips of cardstock cut with the Poppystamps die Eyelet Stitches. After I cut the border design I scored the stips at 1" and folded them on the score line then taped them inside the box.
If you are interested in making some, I am happy to answer any questions you have. Jennifer has a PDF on her blog with all the measurements.
Black Friday Weekend Sale
Friday and Saturday, November 24 and 25, we will be open from 10am to 5pm and offering free dies with every $25 purchase as long as they last. The dies are pre-seleted and your $25 purchase cannot include sale merchandise, special order merchandise or taxes.
Black Friday promotions are as follows while supplies last:
Spend $25 and get 2 free dies.
Spend $50 and get 3 free dies.
Spend $75 and get 4 free dies.
You will receive an additional 10% off all Sale merchandise that's currently marked at 30% off for those 2 days only.
Happy Thanksgiving and I hope to see you shopping at your local papercrafting store this Friday and Saturday. Thanks!
Hello Friends. Days are growing shorter and cooler signals the arrival of fall. In fact, Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks away! Yikes! Today I have several cards to share with you ... some fun ... some pretty. Please stop in soon to see what's new in the store -- there are so many fun items to use for cardmaking and gift making. Over the next few posts, I will be sharing with you some holiday gifts I have made for friends and family. Please send me photos of what you are making. It's fun to share and inspire each other.
This is such a fun card! And yes it did take a while to make. I made the background by blending Distress Oxide Inks then die cut all the images and put them together. I love the new Little Bit dies Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie from Taylored Expressions -- they are perfect for Thanksgiving cards. And the Little Bit Turkey really looks scared!
Turkey Color Block – Taylored Expressions dies Color Block Mini, Sitting pretty Accessories Fall, Mini Caps Alpha & #’s and Stitched Banners; TE Little Bits dies Turkey, Silverware, Turkey Dinner, Pumpkin Pie and Talk Bubble 2; TE stamp set Thanksgiving Blessings; design inspired by Keia Shipp-Smith
This turkey looks a little more relaxed as he stands among the swirling leaves. I love, love, love the new Lawn Fawn Stitched Windy Backdrop die. It cuts a large rectangle and all the swirls that are perfect for leaves or snowflakes! Patchwork Turkey Happy Turkey Day – Impression Obsession die Patchwork Turkey; Taylored Expressions stamp set If Turkeys Could Talk; TE Little Bits die Leaves; Lawn Fawn die Stitched Windy Backdrop; design inspired by Karen Amidon
The turkey (above) and the leaves/acorns below are all from the Impression Obsession Patchwork collection and I love the homespun look they have when cut from paper stamped with some of the IO Mini Patterns stamps. The new Memory Box greeting is perfect for fall cards.
Patchwork Leaves – Impression Obsession die Patchwork Leaves; IO Stamp sets Mini Patterns 1, 2 and 4; Memory Box dies Autumn Greetings and Stitched Circles; design inspired by Karen Amidon
Next I am sharing several cards I made with the IO Wheat die which is one of my favorites. The first card is an easel card.
Easel Card front
Easel Card Open
Wheat Happy Birthday – Impression Obsession dies Wheat and Greetings Edgers; Taylored Expressions stamp Woodgrain Background; Memory Box die Stitched Ovals; design inspired by Jenny Gropp
For this next card I die cut the wheat then colored them with various inks (mostly Oxides).
Wheat Mason Jar – Impression Obsession die Wheat; Taylored Expressions die Mini Tags and TE stamp set Many Minis Holiday and TE die set Mini Tags; TE stamp set and die set Mason Jar
Same for this card: cut then colored. Very simple but so pretty.
Wheat Give Thanks – Impression Obsession die Wheat; IO stamp clear stamp set Count Your Blessings
Another Oxide ink background, wheat in a more natural color and a lovely sentiment.
Wheat Favorite Color Fall – Impression Obsession die Wheat; IO stamp clear stamp set Fall Words; Taylored Expressions stamp set Simply Stamped Leaves
Finally, three stitched leaves cut and colored (Oxides) and mounted on the card front with a sweet sentiment. I could have cut the front panel of this card with the Lawn Fawn Stitched Windy Backdrop for more texture and interest.
Leaves Are Falling – Lawn Fawn die Stitched Leaves; Impression Obsession stamp Leaves are Falling
Black Friday Promotions for Nov 24 and 25
For Black Friday we will have these promotions:
Spend $25 and get 2 free dies.
Spend $50 and get 3 free dies.
Spend $75 and get 4 free dies.
Fine print: Only non-sale merchandise counts and totals are before taxes. Your choice of dies from a preselected group.
All Sale merchandise that's 30% off will be 40% off for those 2 days only. Plus I am adding more merchandise to the sale table.
Happy Fall to all and please shop at your local papercrafting store. Thanks!
Hello and Happy Fall to all! As the days grow shorter, sunsets come earlier, and the air is a little cooler, we know fall is coming. Everyone loves fall and for papercrafters it is a season rich with possibilities for card-making with pumpkins, leaves and fall foliage. Let me share with you samples of new dies and stamps.
Poppystamps' new stitched leaves dies make a beautiful wreath and the sentiment is so true to the season.Leaves Wreath – Poppystamps dies Stitched Maple Leaves, Stitched Oak Leaves and Brushed Give Thanks; design inspired by Robin Tharaldson
Taylored Expressions new Pumpkin layered stamp set is so beautiful. These pumpkins are all lined up in front of the arbor fence and gate. Arbor with Pumpkins – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Pumpkins; TE dies Garden Arbor & Gate, Arbor Accessories, Arbor Fence, Sitting Pretty Accessories Halloween and Build A Scene Rolling Hills; Memory Box die Stitched Clouds; design inspired by Jean Manis
More pumpkins positioned on an embossed background over wood design paper.Pumpkins on Notable Blooms – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Pumpkins; TE stamp Notable Blooms Background; TE dies Stitched Banner Stacklets; TE embossing folder Burlap; Memory Box dies Stitched Rectangles and Stitched Circles; design inspired by Jean Manis
Birch trees embossed in white make an appropriate background for these pumpkins and leaves.Happy Thanksgiving Pumpkins on Birch Trees – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Pumpkins; TE stamp Birch Tree Background; TE die Build A Scene Rolling Hills; Impression Obsession dies Mini Leaves; design inspired by Melody Rupple
Remember the fireplace I used on the Halloween card last week? Here I used the same die set and dressed it up for Harvest. TE's Sitting Pretty Fall Accessories is chock full of harvest-themed accessories.Harvest Fireside 1 – Taylored Expressions dies By the Fireside and Sitting Pretty Accessories Fall; TE embossing folder Brick; design inspired by Gayatri Murali
Another Harvest fireplace. I love the ghourds in the picture frame -- lools like a mama and a baby!Harvest Fireside 2 – Taylored Expressions dies By the Fireside and Sitting Pretty and Sitting Pretty Accessories Fall; TE embossing folders Brick and Bead Board; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
Other favorite new dies for fall are the Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie from Taylored Expressions. I used them on the next three cards.Shelf Pie Pitcher – Taylored Expressions dies Sitting Pretty, Sitting Pretty Accessories Fall and Pumpkin Pie; TE stamp set Thanksgiving Blessings; design inspired by Kim SingdahlsenThanksgiving Table – Taylored Expressions dies Sitting Pretty Accessories Fall, Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie; TE stamp set Thanksgiving Blessings; design inspired by Jean Manis
Thankful – Taylored Expressions dies Stitched Frames, Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie; TE stamp set Thanksgiving Blessings; design inspired by Michele Boyer
The Impression Obsession Patchwork Turkey looks so home-spun when constructed with papers from the new Carta Bella Hello Fall paper pad.Patchwork Turkey – Impression Obsession die Patchwork Turkey; Taylored Expressions stamp set Thanksgiving Blessings; Memory Box die Pinpoint Squares; design inspired by Leigh W.
I used the same paper pad on this card featuring a truck loaded to the brim with pumpkins. Truck with Pumpkins – Impression Obsession dies Classic Truck and Pumpkin Patch; IO stamp Pumpkin Spice; design inspired by Karen Amidon
Whether you are making Halloween, Fall or Thanksgiving cards, stop by the The Stamp Act for lots of supplies and inspiration! We would love to see you.
Cooler temps and colorful leaves means fall has arrived, in fact Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away. I love creating fall cards with colorful motifs like pumpkins and falling leaves. Let me share a few with you today.
Impression Obsession Fall Cards
This is my favorite card of the season. I stamped the hymn in Rich Cocoa Memento ink, tore the edges (tip: tear the paper toward you for the pretty edge) then distressed it with Tea Dye, Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain Distress inks. I stamped the background in Taylored Expressions Dijon ink, distressed the edges with the Tonic Paper Distresser and inked the edges with Vintage Photo. Lastly I stamped the pumpkins in black Memento ink and colored them and the table with Copic markers. I cut one of the pumpkins off and mounted the rest below the hymn which was mounted using foam tape.Come Ye Thankful – Impression Obsession stamps Come Ye Thankful People, Pumpkin Row and Distress Background; Distress inks Tea Dye, Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain; design inspired by Impression Obsession design team
Adding cork and twine give a rustic look to this card. I also added stitching with a white pen to the dark brown cardstock mat.
Sunsets – Impression Obsession stamp Falling Leaves; design inspired by IO design team
I just love the little ghosties haunting the pumpkin patch but you could certainly leave them off for more of a classic fall card! I stamped the pumpkin line three times and colored them with Copic markers. Then I distressed the background with Tea Dye ink and added a cute sentiment.
Pumpkin Ghosts – Impression Obsession stamp Pumpkin Line; IO die Mini Ghosts; sentiment from Pink Ink Rubber Stamps; design inspired by Anna Wright
This card is copied from the incomparable Kitty Caracciolo who is a master colorist as well as designer. The pumpkins were distressed with Distress ink Spiced Marmalade; leaves colored with Spiced Marmalade, Fired Brick and Peeled Paint using small sponge applicators; and the squirrels colored with Tea Dye and Antique Linen. She has tutorials on her website -- check them out here.
Thankful Pumpkins – Impression Obsession dies Pumpkin Set, Thankful, Grass Border, Squirrels and Rake & Oak Leaves; design inspired by Kittie Caracciolo
I love this die. The Tree Frame lends itself to cards for all seasons. The leaves were colored as stated above. I added apples in a bushel basket and pumpkins and gourds.
Tree Frame – Impression Obsession dies Tree Frame, Grass Border, Bushel of Apples, Rectangle 6 in 1 Frame and Rake & Oak Leaves; Poppystamps die Pumpkins and Gourds; design inspired by Kittie Caracciolo
Here's another version of the card using colored cardstock in lieu of painting the leaves.
This version of the Tree Frame card is stunning with its white on white motif and just the leaves colored brightly.
Taylored Expressions Door to Door Cards
One of Taylored Expressions most popular die series is Door-to-Door along with its companion dies sets such as Door-to-Door decor, Door-to-Door fall decor, Door-to-Door spring decor and now the roof and molding. For this card I added the molding and the roof to the door along with fall decor. I glued vellum behind the molding's windows to soften the background.Happy Fall Roof – Taylored Expressions dies Door to Door, Door to Door Fall Décor, Door to Door Décor, Door to Door Roof and Door to Door Molding; design inspired by Michele Boyer
Here's a similar design minus the roof and plus more fall decor.
Red Door – Taylored Expressions dies Door to Door, Door to Door Fall Décor, Door to Door Molding, Little Bit Leaves and Little Bit Fall Harvest; Memory Box die Pinpoint Pumpkins; sentiment stamp by Pink Ink Stamp Co; design inspired by Michele Boyer
I added acetate behind the windows on the door molding.
Blue Door – Taylored Expressions dies Door to Door, Door to Door Fall Décor, Door to Door Molding and Little Bits Fall Harvest; TE embossing folder Brick; design inspired by Pam Sparks
A turkey greets you at this door!
Turkey Door – Taylored Expressions dies Door to Door, Door to Door Décor, Little Bits Leaves and Little Bits Turkey; TE embossing folder Brick; design inspired by TE stamp set If Turkeys Could Talk; design inspired by Charmaine Ikach
Memory Box Fall Cards
Memory Box and Poppystamps have some very fun and creative dies that are perfect for fall cards. I cut the Oak Leaf Swirl die in copper and light gold then inlaid those pieces into the opening I die cut from darker gold cardstock.
Oak Leaf Swirl – Poppy die Oak Leaf Swirl; Taylored Expressions stamp set Peek-a-Boo Pumpkins (sentiment); design inspired by Lezlye Lauterbach
The background for this sample was created with the falling leaves stencil from Memory Box. I sponged it with two inks: Taylored Expressions Dijon and Memento Morocco.
Maple Leaves Stencil – Memory Box die Berry Sprig; Memory Box stencil Falling Maples Leaves; Lawn Fawn die Stitched Leaves; Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo Pumpkin Bouquet (sentiment); design inspired by Sherry Hester
For my cat loving brother and sister I thought this little kitty watching the leaves fall was perfect!
Cat on Ladder – Poppystamps dies Garden Ladder and Pots and Buckets; Memory Box die Stitched Squares; Taylored Expressions dies Spooky Clouds (dirt falling out of pot) and Little Bit Leaves; Impression Obsessions die Cat set; sentiment by Amuse Art Stamps; design inspired by Michele Henderson
I recently got a set of Zig Clean Color Brush Markers so I decided to experiment with them using the Drifting Oak Leaves background stamp from Memory Box . I inked the script on the stamp in Memento Rich Cocoa ink and wiped off any brown ink that got on the leaves with a baby wipe. Then I inked the leaves using markers in a variety of fall colors. The Zig markers are water-based and have a tip that is just like a watercolor brush.
Once I inked the leaves I spritzed the entire stamp with water using the Ranger Mini Mister and stamped it on white cardstock. The first picture shows the stamped background.
I decided to soften the card by adding vellum over it and then adhering the die cut sentiment.
Drifting Oak Leaves – Memory Box stamp Drifting Leaves; Penny Black die Words of Gratitude; design inspired by Shelby Thomas
My second Drifting Oak Leaves card features the same background inked in shades of green. I inked the background in Peeled Paint Distress ink then added a little Twisted Citron (a lighter green). Next I stamped the background off lightly before stamping it on the white cardstock. It took me a few attempts before I was satisfied with the results.
The pumpkins are cut with the Pumpkin Harvest Oval Frame die with the frame cut away. I distressed them with Spiced Marmalade and Morocco then mounted them along with the leaves. The leaves (from Juicy Grapes die) were cut from white cardstock and colored with Peeled paint and Dusty Concord Distress inks.
Drifting Leaves Pumpkins – Memory Box stamp Drifting Leaves; Memory Box dies Harvest Pumpkin Oval Frame, Juicy Grapes; Poppystamps die Give Thanks; design inspired by Sherry Hester
Texas Calendar -- Limited Edition
Deadbeat Designs, the creator of all the wonderful Texas stamps and dies, has created a totally Texas Calendar for 2017. The Calendar has12 individual pages and comes housed in its own stand (it's a clear CD case) that measures 5" x 5.75". Each page was stamped by Mark at Deadbeat and then printed on high quality glossy cardstock. To learn more about this calendar, here's a link to Deadbeat Designs. These calendars are a great gift for the men in your life or for any Texan! Check it out and come get yours soon as these are very limited. The calendars are only $17.95 each. Here is a look at each of the pages. Be sure to double click the image for a close up, larger view.
Deadbeat Designs Texas Calendar for 2017 $17.95 each
Stamp Perfect -- Pre-Order NOW
The Hampton Arts Stamp Perfect stamp positioner is very, very popular. I have already increased my order twice and if this tool is like other popular tools, it will most likely sell out immediately then be on back order forever! So please, if you are interested in the tool for yourself or a gift for the holidays, pre-order today by sending me an email or calling me at 915-833-9500.
Making small mistakes in paper crafting and stamping isn't always a problem — in fact, sometimes little mistakes can create really inspiring projects! But other times, you can't afford a mistake. Everything needs to be in the right place.
That's where stamp positioners like the Stamp Perfect save the day. Stamp positioners are used to align, center, layer, create patterns and more. Any time you need an element stamped into an exact location, the Stamp Perfect is the tool to grab.
Any stamp, clear or cling mounted, can be used multiple times in the exact location over and over again. Whether mass producing a project or perfecting a not-so-solid impression, it is an incredibly handy tool. Use it for stamping any image but it’s especially useful for stamping solid images (hard to get them inked uniformly); oversize images like big background stamps (sometimes difficult to stamp the entire stamp); multiple colors within one stamp for an ombre or rainbow effect; and multiple colors with one sentiment stamp so one word really stands out.
Even die cuts can benefit from the Stamp Perfect. Let’s say you have a set of stamps with matching dies, but the dies are solid meaning you cannot see through them to line them up over the stamped image. Consequently you have to die cut the image then try to line up the coordinating stamped image on top of the die cut. I have found it to be very difficult to get a perfectly stamped image. However, the Stamp Perfect will line them up perfectly.
Finally, the increasingly popularity of stamp layering sets has made a stamp alignment tool a must have. Stamp layering sets usually have at least 3 stamps that layer on top of each other to form an image with depth and detail. With the Stamp Perfect there’s no problem layering the images perfectly on top of each other.
Here are some facts about the Stamp Perfect:
7” x 9” with lid closed; 7⅜” x 5½” stamping area; includes 2 magnets and 1 foam pad
The best news is that the pre-order price is just $24.99. Compare this price to comparable tools at $60.00. The Stamp Perfect should arrive atThe Stamp Act the first week of December. Pre-order yours today by sending me an email or calling me at 915-833-9500.
Enjoy the cooler days of fall and stop in soon at The Stamp Act! Thanks!
Hello Friends and fellow papercrafters. Today I want to share with you some fun cards featuring new dies by Taylored Expressions. Let me show you the dies first:
By the Fireside
By the Fireside Holidays
By the Fireside Santa
Taylored Expressions is known for their Build-A-Scene dies and these follow that tradition. Each die creates a scene and they all work together beautifully.
Now for some sample cards using these dies:
For the Santa card I used elements from all three sets plus the wonderful Woodgrain Background stamp and Brick embossing folder.
Santa – Taylored Expressions dies By the Fireside, By the Fireside Holidays, By the Fireside Santa, Little Bits Santa Hat; TE stamp Woodgrain Background; TE embossing folder Brick; design inspired by Jen Shults
These dies are perfect for making scenes for any occasion. Here I embellished the fireplace with Halloween dies for a spooky Halloween scene.
Halloween – Taylored Expressions dies By the Fireside, Little Bits dies Cauldron, Broom, Spider and Web, Potion Bottles and Witch’s Hat; TE Stamp set with coordinating dies Peek-A-Boo Pumpkins; Memory Box die Stitched Circles; TE embossing folders Bead Board and Brick; design inspired by Melody Rupple
Taylored Expressions line of Door to Door dies work wonderfully with the fireside dies. Here I used the Door to Door decor die set to dress the fireplace for fall. Sorry about the reflection (yes I turned off the lights and the flash!) -- it's hard to photograph mirror paper.
Fall – Taylored Expressions dies By the Fireside, Frame in Frame 1, Little Bits Leaves and Door to Door Décor; TE embossing folders Bead Board, Weathered and Brick; design by Pam Sparks
Here's a traditional Christmas fireplace decorated with stockings, holly and a glittering reindeer in a frame!
Reindeer – Taylored Expressions dies By the Fireside, By the Fireside Holidays, By the Fireside Santa, Little Bits Reindeer and Frame in Frame; TE embossing folder Brick; design inspired by Keia Shipp-Smith
New Products
Stamp Perfect Tool $24.99
In a recent post I announced that Hampton Arts was releasing the new Stamp Perfect stamping tool for positioning stamps accurately. Because this tool is brand new and because Hampton Arts is dealing with the aftereffects of Hurricane Matthew, I do not have a video showing this tool at work. So I am linking here to a Misti video that will introduce you to how this tool works and its many benefits. Please know that Misti is the original tool in this category and has a patent pending on its tool.
Stamping is now easier than ever with the Stamp Perfect stamp positioning tool! It allows you to precisely position your image and create perfect impressions every time you stamp. No more wasting time or money throwing away failed attempts. Simply re-stamp images that didn't transfer perfectly. Quickly and easily create identical cards and projects. Use with cling mounted rubber stamps or with clear stamps with the foam mat provided.
Quick Overview
• Stamp Perfect measures 7" x 9" • Hinged design with grid and ruler guides • Features magnetic backing allows you to align, center, layer and more. • An inexpensive solution to your everyday stamping problems!
The Stamp Perfect tool will be released in late November (just in time for mass producing Christmas cards!) and I am selling it now for an introductory price of just $24.99 -- half the price of the Misti tool. I have ordered quite a few, however, these will sell out and I will not be able to get more this year. So I urge you to reserve yours today at this introductory price. Just send me a email and tell me how many you need and I will hold them for you.
We R Memory Keepers Frame Punch Board
WRM has a new release in their long line of very popular punch boards. This new board make frames so rather than having to have dies of every size, you can customize frames to practically any size! With the Frame Punch Board you can make customized frames in multiple sizes. Quickly create 2 to 12 inch frames with this cut and punch system. This tool works with any scrapbook paper, cardstock and more. Make frames in various styles, including Insta- and Polaroid-style frames.
The board lets you choose the width of the frame's borders from ¼" to 1" in ¼" increments. Here's a link to a video showing you how it works. We have this new punch board in stock at $29.99.
Please stop in soon and see all the new items in stock! And if you are looking for anything please give me a call at 915-833-9500! Thanks!
Hello Friends. Today I have a miscellany of fall holiday cards. A little Thanksgiving, a little Halloween and a little Christmas. Enjoy!
This card and the next one use the Taylored Expressions Mini Color Blocking die which is only "mini" (4" x 4") compared to their larger version (4" x 5¼”). The scalloped and straight-sided squares and rectangle dies inside the 5 window opening come with the die which adds endless versatility to your layouts.
This card measures 4½” x 4½”. The critters on this card and the next are from TE's stamp set Calendar Critters and the sentiment is from the coordinating (Calendar) Critter Correspondence stamp set.
Celebrate the Season – Taylored Expressions Calendar Critters stamps and coordinating dies; TE dies Mini Color Block, Build-A-Scene Calendar and Snowflakes; Critters Correspondence stamp set; design inspired by Jean Manis
Happy Turkey Day – Taylored Expressions Calendar Critters stamps and coordinating dies; TE dies Mini Color Block, Build-A-Scene Trees, Build-A-Scene Calendar and Little Bits Leaves; Critters Correspondence stamp set; design inspired by Michele Boyer
For a little Halloween fun, I used the new Poppystamps Haunted Mansion set inside the Halloween Circle Frame. I cut the mansion from black and silver cardstock then added scor tape across the window openings on the back of the house, exposing the sticky side through the front openings. I sprinkled on silver glitter to "light" up the house!
Then to make the card seasonal and colorful, I cut a bunch of leaves using the new Poppystamps Fall Leaf Collage and very colorful cardstock. I added the leaves to the left side of the card and colored them with the clear Wink of Stella glitter pen. So in real life they are shiny too!
Haunted House Leaves – Poppystamps dies Haunted Mansion, Hip Halloween Circle Frame and Fall Leaf Collage; Spellbinders die Classic Circles; design inspired by Marybeth Lopez
Now, who says a Haunted Mansion can only be a Halloween house? I used the Haunted Mansion in a winter scene, setting it against a background created with the Birch Tree Stencil and distress inks. I use Viva Decor pearl Pen in White Ice for the trim and added a seasonal greeting.
Haunted House Christmas – Poppystamps dies Haunted Mansion, Old Fashioned Lamp Post, and Old Fashioned Merry Christmas; Memory Box stencil Garden Birch Tree; design inspired by Ilona Zbeig
I love, love, love this snowman! He is so cute and all the little parts to decorate him come with the die. For the shiny background I first sponged a blue background using Memento dye inks then used the Shimmer Stars stencil and Pearlescent embossing paste on top. Honestly this background took 5 minutes to make!
Snowman Collage – Memory Box die Snowman Collage; sentiment by Hero Arts; Memory Box stencil Shimmer Stars; Dreamweavers Pearlescent embossing paste; design inspired by Jenny Griffiths
Last but not least, the new Carved Diamond Pumpkin makes a great shaker card. I cut it twice and sandwiched a bag of sequins in between. I added the leaves and the greeting and the card was finished.
Carved Diamond Pumpkin – Poppystamps dies Carved Diamond Pumpkin, Stitched Pumpkin Leaves and Give Thanks; design inspired by Marybeth Lopez
New Products
We've gotten lots of new fun items in stock -- here's a link to our What's New page -- take a look!
Must Have's for Die-Cutting -- Tools that will enhance your die cutting experience.
Metal Shim -- shims your "sandwich" so you can cut intricate dies more easily. Available for $13.29
Rubber Embossing Mat -- for embossing dies and plastic stencils. Available for $9.99
Score 'n Pierce Tool -- pokes out dies after they are cut and scores cardstock ($11.00)
Adhesive Eraser -- picks up all those pesky bits of stray adhesive ($2.69)
Others: Tweezers ($6.29); Fine tip glue bottle ($5.49); Tombow glue ($4.49); Detail Scissors ($5.99); Wire Snips ($11.00)
Must Have's for Stamping -- Tools that will help you stamp like a pro!
Stamp Positioning Tool -- You have probably heard about the MISTI stamp positioner. Well fortunately other companies are now coming out with similar tools that are less expensive. They are just now announcing them so they won't be available until later in the fall. Here's a new one from Hampton Arts:
The Stamp Perfect tool will retail at $24.99. It has a hinged design with an easy to read ruler, etched grid, foam pad and 2 magnets. It is 7" x 9'. The Stamp Perfect positioning tool allows you precise positioning of your image every time. It will be available in late November.
Powder Tool -- To eliminate stray embossing powder, always treat your cardstock with the EK Success Powder Tool before stamping and embossing. ($5.99)
Acrylic Blocks -- We have a new footed acrylic block that is fabulous. It has a grid on the top so you can easily line up your stamps and foam feet that lets you position your stamp precisely then press on the block for stamping. Check it out on our What's New Page.
Please stop in soon and shop at The Stamp Act! Chloe and I would love to see you!
Temperatures are cooling, days are getting shorter -- can fall be far away? Buckle your seat belts today because if you like fall the way I do, I have many samples for you to savor. Have fun with this fall-colored eye candy and stop in the store and see the samples and products IRL. NOTE: Be sure to click on the photos to see a larger view with more detail.
My first card is the one that started the avalanche of fall cards. Harriet Head made it and I copied her sample. The "Autumn" die cut is one of the new Elizabeth Craft Designs 4 Seasons dies based on Suzanne Cannon's beautiful calligraphy. The other die is a new one from Poppystamps (Oak Leaf Swirl) and the paper is a favorite from several years ago: Bo Bunny's Autumn Song. We still have some in stock so if you love it come and get it! Thanks Harriet.
4 Seasons – Elizabeth Craft Designs die 4 Seasons; Poppystamps die Oak Leaf Swirl; Bo Bunny Song of Autumn paper; design inspired by Harriet Head
Here's a look at the 4 Seasons die set:
4 Seasons die set ($21.99)
Oak Leaf Swirl die ($13.79)
I used some more of that sheet of Bo Bunny paper for this card -- again inspired by Harriet's card above.– Elizabeth Craft Designs die 4 Seasons; Poppystamps die Oak Leaf Swirl; Bo Bunny Song of Autumn paper; design inspired by Harriet Head
4 Seasons Big Leaf – Elizabeth Craft Designs die 4 Seasons; Poppystamps die Oak Leaf Swirl; Bo Bunny Song of Autumn paper; design inspired by Harriet Head
I love Poppystamps new Stitched Fall Leaf Collage die; it cuts the leaves and stitches the veins at the same time!
Fall Leaf Collage die ($19.99)
Here I cut the die from the middle of the white cardstock then cut it from many colors of cardstock. I inlaid some of the leaves into the die cut negative space then adhered others to the top of the card to extend the design to the entire card front. The same 4 Seasons Autumn die was cut from gold and deep orange cardstock and slightly offset to show both colors.4 Seasons Fall Leaf Collage – Elizabeth Craft Designs die 4 Seasons; Poppystamps die Fall leaves Collage; Spellbinders die Mega Rectangles; design inspired by Joanne Jachna
I used the same die for this card to create a wreath. Here's a helpful hint: cut a circle frame using two circle dies and adhere the leaves to the frame. It really makes it easier to arrange the leaves. The wonderful sentiment is from a new Taylored Expressions stamp set that you'll see more of later in this post.
Leaf Wreath – Poppystamps die Fall leaf Collage; Taylored Expressions Simply Stamped Leaves; TE paper Pad Harvest; TE sequins Harvest
In the first two cards above you can see the new Poppystamps Oak Leaf Swirl die and I showcase it here. I cut two from white cardstock and colored them using small sponge applicators and Distress inks. The colorful little sequin flowers are from Taylored Expressions' new sequins Harvest.
Oak Leaf Thankful – Penny Black die Words of Gratitude; Poppystamps die Oak Leaf Swirl; Taylored Expressions sequins Harvest
Another new set from Taylored Expressions is the Pumpkin Bouquet stamp with coordinating die.
Pumpkin Bouquet stamp ($9.99)
Pumpkin Bouquet die ($17.69)
I made three cards using these two items. The first card is stamped in black Memento ink and colored with Copic markers. The background panel is embossed with a woodgrain embossing folder and to add color to the circle, I left the cut cardstock in the circle die and sponged on some light tan dye ink.
Pumpkin Bouquet Hello Autumn – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die Pumpkin Bouquet; TE paper Pad Harvest; TE sequins Harvest; Memory Box die Stitched Circles; Darice embossing folder Woodgrain; design inspired by Kerri Michaud
The next two cards were stamped and embossed in gold then colored. To add a little texture and more gold to the card I wound some gold cord into a circle and adhered it behind the focal image.
Pumpkin Bouquet Many Blessings – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die Pumpkin Bouquet; TE paper Pad Harvest; TE sequins Harvest; TE dies Quatrefoil and Stitched Tags; design inspired by Kendra Wiestock
For this card I added the sentiment by stamping it in black on vellum then embossing it in clear embossing powder.
Pumpkin Bouquet Thankful – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die Pumpkin Bouquet; TE paper Pad Harvest; design inspired by Shelly Mercado
For this next card I used a new Little Bits die called Fall Harvest and the handy Stitched Frame Stacklets 1. You may have a set of stitched rectangles; these are not panels, rather they are frames.
Fall Harvest Little Bits die ($6.69)
Stitched Frame Stacklets 1 ($29.99)
I cut two frames and layered the pumpkins and gourds on top.
Happy Fall – Taylored Expressions dies Fall Harvest and Stitched Frame Stacklets 1; Stampendous sentiment stamp; design inspired by Shelly Mercado
Here's another card using the Fall Harvest die. The background was sponged with dye inks and jumbo daubers.
Give Thanks – Taylored Expressions dies Fall Harvest, Door to Door Décor Fall and Picket Fence; TE stamp set Simply Stamped Leaves; design inspired by Courtney Kelley
One of my favorite fall dies is the Wheat Stalks die from Impression Obsession.
Wheat Stalks – Impression Obsession die Wheat Stalks; Taylored Expressions die Label Stacklets 2; TE stamp set Simply Stamped Leaves
There's a lot happening on our next card. I took inspiration from the very talented Kitty Caracciolo and used a new die from Cottage Cutz: Pumpkins and Gourd plus lots of others from Impression Obsession. Here's a tip to make the white washed worn fence. Cut it from kraft cardstock then press it on a Versamark embossing pad (not full pressure). Sprinkle on white embossing power, rubbing off some with your finger before heat embossing the fence. Finish the fence by distressing it with Vintage Photo Distress ink.
The squirrels and leaves were colored with small sponge applicators and Distress inks.
Pumpkin Patch – Cottage Cutz die Pumpkins and Gourd; Impression Obsession dies Tall Fence, Tall Grass, Grass Border, Squirrels, Rectangle Frame in Frame 2 and Rake and Leaves; design inspired by Kitty Caracciolo
One of the biggest trends in stamping is layered stamping and the new Simply Stamped Leaves set is perfect for this technique. Here's a view of the set and the coordinating dies.Please notice the fabulous fall sentiments!
Simply Stamped Leaves stamp set ($26.59)
Simply Stamped Leaves die set ($19.79)
As you can see from the stamp set above, each leaf is made of 3 layers: solid base leaf; partially solid middle layer; and thin veins on top. Here are some tips for playing with layering stamp sets:
Pull out all your dye inks and play -- you may find some unexpected color combinations that you love.
Stamp layering sets suggest you use a stamp positioner to align the layers perfectly on top of each other. I was too lazy to get mine out and honestly I didn't need it. The leaves may not be perfect, but by the time you die cut them, you will not notice any misalignment.
Add a touch of bling by embossing the top layer (veins) with gold or copper embossing powder.
For some of the cards I stamped and die cut the solid layer and used it as a mat below the fully stamped leaf.
For the first two cards below I created the background by using supplies that were already on my desktop: ink and stamps. I swiped my Delicata gold ink pad (a very glitzy gold pigment ink pad) across my kraft sheet then picked up the ink with a waterbrush and scribbled the ink on the background. Next I used the vein stamps to stamp the background.
Simply Stamped Leaves Thanks 2 – TE stamp set Simply Stamped Leaves; Taylored Expressions die Block Party Thanks; TE embossing folder Bead Board; design inspired by Shannon White
3 Maples Leaves – TE stamp set Simply Stamped Leaves; Taylored Expressions die Label Stacklets 2; design inspired by Shelly Mercado– TE stamp set Simply Stamped Leaves; design inspired by Shelly Mercado Simply Stamped Leaves Calling – TE stamp set Simply Stamped Leaves; Taylored Expressions dies Frame in Frame 1 and Label Stacklets 2; design inspired by Kendra Wiestock
Simply Stamped Leaves Thanks 2Have fun with color -- who says purple can't be a color of fall? – TE stamp set Simply Stamped Leaves; Taylored Expressions die Block Party Thanks; TE embossing folder Bead Board; design inspired by Shannon White
Add a little bling to your card by die cutting letters from gold mirrorcard -- it's bright and shiny and beautiful!
Simply Stamped Leaves Thanks 1 – TE stamp set Simply Stamped Leaves; Taylored Expressions die Block Party Thanks; TE embossing folder Weathered; TE paper pad Harvest; TE sequins Harvest; Memory Box Stitched Circles; design inspired by Charmaine Ikach