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 just love making Halloween cards because they are so much fun! Lil Inkers Designs has some really unique Halloween stamps and dies and today I want to share some of these with you. One of my very favorites is the Ghost Border. I discovered it last year too close to Halloween to order it so had to wait a year to get it. It was worth the wait because it is honestly so clever. It features LID's dual stitching which means the die cut ghost has stitching and so does the negative piece.
The die also features three different sets of eyes which can be used with the ghost border or independently as you will see on my card below.Lil Inkers Design die Ghost Border $11.00
Notice that the ghost border can be positioned in many ways both in landscape and portrait. I cut the ghost and the eyes in one pass. The googly eyes are really cute!
Boo To You – Lil Inkers Design die Ghost Border; Taylored Expressions stamp set Peek A Boo Pumpkins; TE Little Bits die Talk Bubble 2; design inspired by Laura Pryor
For this card I positioned the ghost diffferently and used another of the eye/mouth sets. Love the colorful background paper -- it's new from Doodlebug's Booville collection.
Ghostly Greetings – Lil Inkers Design die Ghost Border; Taylored Expressions stamp set Boo To You
For this card I used one of the three eye dies to cut three eye openings in the card. Then I added the perfect sentiment from Impression Obsession! To enhance the eyes I added black flat discs.Eyes in the Dark – Lil Inkers Design die Ghost Border; Impression Obsession clear stamp set If The Broom Fits; design inspired by Jen Carter
I turned the ghost on his head for this card!Boo – Lil Inkers Design die Ghost Border; Taylored Expressions die Tall Skinny Alpha; design inspired by Maureen MerrittSpooky – Lil Inkers Design dies Ghost Border and Spooky; Paper Smooches die Halloween Incons; design inspired by Jen Carter
One of the hottest pop culture trends is Zombies. So here's a card that any zombie lover would appreciate. The sentiment says it all!Zombie Hands – Impression Obsession dies Zombie Hands and Drip Edger; design inspired by Laura Fulcher
A Haunting We Will Go
A really cute stamp and die set from il Inkers this season is the "A Haunting We Will Go" set (pictured below). Here are some of the cards I made with it.Too Cute Bats – Lil Inkers stamp set and die Set A Haunting We Will Go; Taylored Expressions embossing folder Night Fright; design inspired by Lisa Henke Too Cute Moon – Lil Inkers stamp set and die Set A Haunting We Will Go; Lil Inkers die Deco Edge Border; Taylored Expressions die Stitched Clouds; Impression Obsession die Sun and Moon; design inspired by Karen BakerTrick or Treat – Lil Inkers stamp set and die Set A Haunting We Will Go; Memory Box die Stitched Circles; Tyalored Expressions die Rolling Hills
Trick or Treat – Lil Inkers stamp set and die Set A Haunting We Will Go; Memory Box die Stitched Circles; Cat’s Pajamas die Zig Zag Border; design inspired by Amy KollingHaunting We Will Go – Lil Inkers stamp set and die Set A Haunting We Will Go; Lil Inkers Die Dual Dotted Rectangles; Cat’s Pajamas die Zig Zag Border; design inspired by Laura Pryor Happy Meow-Loween – Lil Inkers stamp set and die Set A Haunting We Will Go; Lil Inkers Die Dual Dotted Ovals; Taylored Expressions stamp set Boo To You
Ghost Shaker Cards
Two other new Lil Inkers sets are FaBooLous (love the name!!) and the Ghost Shaker die. Here are some cards I made with these two sets.
FaBooLous – Lil Inkers dies Ghost Shaker and Stitched Stars; Lil Inkers stamp set FaBooLous; Memory Box dies Debutante Frame and Creepy Web Frame Small; Taylored Expressions die Scallop Border medium
Hey Ghoul – Lil Inkers die Ghost Shaker set and stamp set FaBooLous; design inspired by Chrissy Ano-Larson Boos Hisses – Lil Inkers die Ghost Shaker; Lil Inkers stamp set FaBooLous Got It Haunt It – Lil Inkers dies Ghost Shaker and Silly Stitched Rectangles; Lil Inkers stamp set FaBooLous; Impression Obsession die Halloween Hill
For all your Halloween supplies stop in The Stamp Act soon! All Halloween stamps and dies are 30% off when you spend $25. Be sure to take advantage of this FaBooLous sale! Ha! Ha!
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!
Hello Friends. I know some of you don't "do" Halloween, but for those who do, Taylored Expressions has some darling new Halloween stamps and dies. Let me share them with you today.
Gone Batty --How cute is this?
This combo set has a bat stamp with your choice of 6 different faces plus a die to cut the bat out. Three cute sayings complete the set.
For this card I created the background using the TE Cloud Border die as a stencil with purple and gray dye inks. Be sure to notice the different faces on each bat -- too clever. Oh, I just had to add the googly eyes!!
Happy Haunting – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Gone Batty; TE dies Haunted Accessories and Cloud Border; Memory Box Die Grand Willow Die
Gone Batty – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Gone Batty; TE embossing folder Zig Zag; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
A simple card that shows off the new TE paper Pad "Haunted" well. I paper pieced the bat and cut the Spooky Clouds from another of the papers.
Fangtastic Halloween – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die set Critters in Costume; TE die Spooky Clouds; TE sequins; design inspired by Courtney Kelley
For Trick or Treat gifts, TE's new Tagging Along die is perfect. Cut it out twice and assemble it together with glue or tape and you've got a very cute little box to hold all kinds of treats. And the best news? Use it for any holiday or party when you need favors. TE's Tag Stacklets 1 makes perfect layers for decorating your box.
Tagging Along Treat Box ($39.99)
Tag Stacklets 1 ($29.99)
Here are two samples:
Tagging Along Treat Boxes – Taylored Expressions dies Tagging Along and Tag Stacklets 1; Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die set Critters in Costume; TE Stamp and die combo set Gone Batty; TE stamp Graphic Greetings Halloween; TE embossing folder Fright Night Flight; designs inspired by Shannon White and Kerri Michaud
The other new set of Halloween stamps and dies I used is Critters in Costume:
Critters in Costume stamp set ($24.99)
Critters in Costume die set ($18.79)
The new Fright Night Flight embossing folder doesn't show up well in this photo so be sure to click on the picture to see a larger version. It's full of flying bats.
Smell My Feet – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die set Critters in Costume; TE die Tag Stacklets 1; TE Big Bold Halloween; TE paper pad Haunted; design inspired by Tracy Clemente
Trick or Treat Witch Hat – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die set Critters in Costume; TE Little Bits die Witch Hat; Impression Obsession die Spider and Spider Web; Memory Box die Scary Spiders; design inspired by Taylor VanBruggen
For this card I die cut the Starry Night die from white cardstock then inked it with Memento inks Teal Zeal and Paris Dusk using a jumbo dauber. I cut a piece of white cardstock just slightly smaller than this piece and inked the center with Memento Dandelion and Cantaloupe leaving the outside uninked so some stars would be white while others were yellow and others gold. I stamped the jack-o-lantern, colored it with Copic markers and cut it out. It is sitting atop the Spooky Fence. After the card was assembled, I painted the pumpkin's teeth with Ranger's white Enamel Accents!
Starry Night – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die set Critters in Costume; TE dies Starry Night and Spooky Fence; design inspired by Courtney Kelley
This is one cute kitty!
Trick or Treat – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die set Critters in Costume; TE paper pad Haunted; design inspired by Taylor VanBruggen
Here's the whole crew in their colorful costumes all ready for a night out trick or treating! Love the dog in costume and the pirate kitty!Too Cute to Spook – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die set Critters in Costume; TE dies Spooky Clouds; Spooky Fence; and TE die Stitched Banners; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Keri Michaud
If you're longing for something new and different in your papercrafting, stop by The Stamp Act. We have tons of samples and lots of advice just for you. No matter what kind of card or paper project you're working on, we can help. Shop here first and see what you can find!