Papercrafting with Polly

Cards with Spanish Greetings

Hello fellow papercrafters.  I love making card sets for gifts and for Christmas I made my housekeeper a set of cards with Spanish greetings.  I want to share the cards with you, but I have since discovered that the set I used has been discontinued.  I do have a new set of Spanish sentiments in stock so let me share that set with you first.

This Stampendous set with many sentiments in a beautiful script is $16.59.

In addition to this set of stamps, I have three dies with Spanish words:

The Sizzix single word die "gracias" is $7.59.

This set includes the die "feliz cumpleanos" and a corner die along with several word stamps in Spanish. ($15.99).
This Memory Box "gracias cursive" die is $5.99.
My first card features the beautiful Shade Tree die from Taylored Expressions and a few tiny butterflies from Memory Box.Muchas Gracias – Taylored Expressions die Shade Tree; Memory Box die Dancing Butterflies;  Impression Obsession stamp set Spanish Greetings

For most of the cards that follow I used two die sets from Taylored Expressions: Beauty Lies Within and Beauty Lies Within 2.  Here two birds are nestled in the trees.

Para mi Amiga – Taylored Expressions dies Beauty Lies Within 2 and Bloomin’ Stacklets 2; Spallbinders die Classic Circles; Impression Obsession stamp set Spanish Greeting

For a cute get well card I die cut band aids and arranged them with hearts. Feel Better Soon – Taylored Expressions Little Bit dies Bandage and Love Confetti; Impression Obsession stamp set Spanish Greetings

The following cards use a similar layout.  I stamped the background paper in Versamark for a tone on tone look then to make it the background standout more, I embossed the stamped images in clear embossing powder.  The focal image was cut from black cardstock and mounted on a Lacey Circle die cut.  Some black ribbon and the Spanish greeting complete the card.

Hola – Taylored Expressions die Beauty Lies Within 2; Spellbinders die Lacey Circles; TE stamp set Winter Florals; Impression Obsession stamp set Spanish Greetings
Felicidades – Taylored Expressions die Beauty Lies Within 2; Spellbinders die Lacey Circles; TE stamp set Winter Florals; Impression Obsession stamp set Spanish Greetings
Solo Para Ti – Taylored Expressions die Beauty Lies Within 2; Spellbinders die Lacey Circles; TE stamp set Winter Florals; Impression Obsession stamp set Spanish Greetings
Pensando en ti – Taylored Expressions die Beauty Lies Within 2; Spellbinders die Lacey Circles; TE stamp set Winter Florals; Impression Obsession stamp set Spanish Greetings

I didn't have the feliz cumpleanos die when I mad ehtis card hecne the English Happy Birthday! 

Happy Birthday – Taylored Expressions dies Beauty Lies Within 2 and Bloomin’ Stacklets 2; Spellbinders die Classic Circles; Elizabeth Craft die Happy Birthday

For all your papercrafting needs -- in English or Spanish! -- stop by The Stamp Act soon!

 

New Merchandise in Stock

Hello Friends and fellow papercrafters.  The weather is warming and spring and Easter cannot be far away.  But before Easter arrives with bunnies, chicks and eggs galore, let me share with you some cards I made using some of the new merchandise that's recently arrived at the Stamp Act.

We have tons of new merchandise in stock from all our favorite companies.  New dies and stamps and papers from Memory Box, Poppystamps, Impression Obsession, Taylored Expressions and many more.  We've got new stamps and dies from Deadbeat Designs featuring Texas and Bluebonnets; beautiful new pastel "springy"papers and unique and fun dies from Lawn Fawn; plus very soon we will be carrying the Misti stamp Positioner so don't order one on line -- come here and learn all about how to use it to its fullest.

The Square (Ornate or Lacey) Frame from Impression Obsession is so pretty and makes a perfect backdrop for some of the other new (or nearly new) dies from IO.

For my first card I cut the frame from purple cardstock and the interior embellishment piece (comes with the frame) from white cardstock.  I adhered these pieces to a white card using foam tape.  Next I cut the IO die Lily Trio from green and purple card gluing these together then adhering them on top of the frame.  This is such a pretty card that's very quick and easy. Purple Lily Trio – Impression Obsession dies Square Ornate Frame and Lily Trio; design inspired by Kitty Caracciolo

For my second card I switched the color palette to white on purple and placed the beautiful new die Garden Bird inside the frame.Garden Bird – Impression Obsession dies Square Ornate Frame and Garden Bird; design inspired by Kitty Caracciolo

Need a wedding card?  This one is perfect!  On a silver metallic folding card I placed the square frame cut from white shimmery card and filled it with the Songbird Branch die.  I cut two of the Songbird Branch and mounted a second pair of birds over the birds and added extra foliage to give the focal image a fuller look. Wedding Card 1 – Impression Obsession dies Square Ornate Frame and Songbird Branch; design inspired by Kitty Caracciolo

Inside the card I cut another Songbird Branch from silver and positioned it across the top of the mats cut with Spellbinders Labels 1.  The lovely sentiment is from a wedding stamp set from Taylored Expressions. 

Wedding Card 2 – Taylored Expressions stamp set In & Out Wedding; Impression Obsession die Songbird Branch; Spellbinders Labels 1; design inspired by Kitty Caracciolo

My last card from Impression Obsession features the Songbird Branch die too.  I guess I still had weddings on the mind when I made this an anniversary card.  I cut the Songbirds from white cardstock and watercolored them using Memento markers.  I sponged the blue sky background (Memento ink Summer Sky) and framed the birds with rectangle frame die from IO. Happy Anniversary – Impression Obsession dies 6-in-1 Rectangle Frames and Songbird Branch; Hero Arts sentiment; design inspire by Kitty Caracciolo

These pierced hearts from Taylored Expressions are so versatile.  Here I used them to make a simple card that I intend to use as a thank you for one of my neighbors. I die cut the white cardstock with the Stitched Squares then with two of the Pierced Hearts (there are 5 in the set).  I then cut one of the Stitched Hearts (coordinates with the Pierced set) from the lighter pink and placed it behind the smaller pierced heart to carry on the two-tone pink color theme.  To complete the card I stamped the "You're So" words and die cut the "Sweet Script" and mounted them inside the hearts. 

So Sweet – Taylored Expressions dies Pierced Hearts, Stitched Hearts and Script Sweet; TE stamp set How Sweet It Is; Memory Box die Stitched Squares; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen

Here's another card using the same wording and a yummy cupcake! You’re So Sweet – Taylored Expressions dies Sweet Script and Little Bits Cupcake; TE stamp set How Sweet It Is

Pretty, colorful and very springy, this next card uses lots of fun new dies from Taylored Expressions.  Look closely and you'll see the blue sky is embossed with the Raindrops embossing folder.  A colorful rainbow and umbrella take center stage and the sentiment is perfect sentiment for sending encouragement to a friend.  Rainbow – Taylored Expressions dies Rainbow, When It Rains Umbrella, Stitched Cloud Duo and Build-A-Scene Rolling Clouds; TE stamp set Rain or Shine; TE embossing folder Raindrops; design inspired by Jean Manis

While you may not think of Saint Patrick's Day as a card sending occasion, Taylored Expressions' new "Shake Your Shamrock" set makes a wonderful friendship card.  With this set you stamp all 9 shamrocks (in 3 different patterns) at once then die cut them with one die so making lots of shamrocks is super fast.  I love the inside sentiment!
Shamrock – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Shake Your Shamrock; TE dies Stitched Banners 1 and Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen

Another set of new dies that recently arrived are the Stitching Circle and Stitching Square from Paper Smooches.  I have not had time to play with these a lot, but here are two samples I made.  The die cuts cardstock and then you stitch whatever pattern you want on the "canvas." I adore the snowman -- I cut the square from kraft cardstock then cross stitched the snowman and the white frame.  The sentiment is also from Paper Smooches.For the rose I was following a pattern I found on line (there are tons of free patterns), but then I started improvising to fit the space.  The rose is framed with an embroidery hoop die from Paper Smooches too.
Snowman – Paper Smooches dies Stitched Square and Warm Wishes; and Rose – Paper Smooches dies Stitched Circle and Embroidery Hoop; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Kindness Sampler

That's just peek at the new products we have in stock.  You will be receiving several blogs this week as I have been busy playing with even more new products.  Let me know what you think!

Support your local papercrafting store ... stop in soon at The Stamp Act.  We're open 10am to 5pm, Wednesday through Saturday.  Thanks!

Fall and Thanksgiving Cards

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! 

More Fun Halloween Cards

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 Baker Trick 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 Kolling Haunting 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!

 

Fall and Thanksgiving Cards

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 Singdahlsen Thanksgiving 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.

Cool Treats

What's better in the summer than a delicious cool treat?  Whether you prefer ice cream, watermelon or lemonade, you will love all these fun cards.  Check them out and stop in for all the supplies to make one for yourself.

Newton's Nook clear stamp set Summer Scoops

Let’s Chill – Newton’s Nook clear stamp set Summer Scoops; Copic markers; washi tape

What’s the Scoop? – Newton’s Nook clear stamp set Summer Scoops; Copic markers; Taylored Expressions Label Stacklets 3
Happy Birthday Sprinkles – Newton’s Nook clear stamp set Summer Scoops; Copic markers
Let’s Chill 2 – Newton’s Nook clear stamp set Summer Scoops; Copic markers

Impression Obsession Good Old Summertime Sweet Summertime – Impression Obsession clear stamp set Sweet Summertime; Spellbinder die Classic Circles; Copic markers; design inspired by Ilina Crouse Sweet Summer – Impression Obsession clear stamp set Sweet Summertime; Taylored Expressions die Script Sweet; Copic markers

Paper Smooches products

Sweet Summertime – Paper Smooches die Cool Treats; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Summer Sampler; Memory Box die Scallop Border; Impression Obsession clear stamp set Good Old Summertime; IO die Ice Cream Set; Taylored Expressions Little Bits die Ice Cream Sundae (cherry); Spellbinders die Scallop Circles; TE embossing folder Burlap; design inspired by Geraldine Andrade
Anything is Popsicle – Paper Smooches die Cool Treats; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Summer Sampler; design inspired by Paper Smooches
Melt Popsicle – Paper Smooches die Cool Treats; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Summer Sampler; design inspired by Seven Hills blog
You’re Cool and Relax and Chill – Paper Smooches die Cool Treats; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Summer Sampler; Poppystamps die Delicate Stitches; Memory Box die Scallop Border; design inspired by Paper Smooches and Alice Wertz
Chocolate – Paper Smooches die Cool Treats; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Summer Sampler; Impression Obsession die Drip Edger; Newton’s Nook clear stamp set Love & Chocolate

Taylored Expressions products

Color Block Summertime – Taylored Expressions dies Color Block Background, Rolling Hills and Tall & Skinny Alphabet; Little Bit dies Beach Umbrella, Beach Ball, Sandcastle, Ice Cream Cone, Popsicles and Sun and Clouds; design inspired by Kay Miller

Vacation

The Stamp Act will be closed from Monday, August 21 through Monday, September 4 for vacation.  We will reopen on Tuesday, September 5 at 10am.

Please come see us now!

Happy Hollyhocks

Hello fellow papercrafters.  What's more summery than colorful flowers? The Impression Obsession Hollyhocks die has been super popular ever since it was released several years ago.  So today I am welcoming summer with a series of cards starring the hollyhocks in vibrant colors.

For this first card, a cat sits patiently staring at the hollyhocks growing beneath the window.  I added a little fence and a birdhouse to the vignette and a sweet sentiment. (Be sure to double click on the card to see more detail). Window – Impression Obsession dies Hollyhocks, Birdhouses and Cats; Poppystamps die Madison Window small; Taylored Expressions dies Wrought Iron Fence and Designer Mini Tags; TE stamp set Many Minis Occasions; Cuttlebug embossing folder Swiss Dots; design inspired by Jenny Garlick

Another cat prowls the garden dwarfed by the tall hollyhocks.

Hello – Impression Obsession dies Hollyhocks and Cats; Penny Black die Flower Tags; Poppystamps die Grassland Border; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Salutations; Cuttlebug embossing folder Swiss Dots; design inspired by Jenny Garlick

The sentiment "You Color My World" says it all!You Color My World – Impression Obsession die Hollyhocks; Poppystamps die Madison Window large; Amuse sentiment stamp; Cuttlebug embossing folder Swiss Dots; design inspired by Jenny Garlick

One more garden of blooms, this time with a sweet bird. Miss You – Impression Obsession die Hollyhocks; Paper Smooches die Word Bubbles; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Salutations; Memory Box dies Perched Reedbird and Wildflower Landscape; Cuttlebug embossing folder Swiss Dots; design inspired by Jenny Garlick

Ok, I went from all that color to a very neutral gray, but the hollyhocks are still stately even when cut from white cardstock.  This would be a nice sympathy card too.Congratulations – Impression Obsession dies Hollyhocks and Scribble Circles; design inspired by Melissa Kay By Design

From the Archives ...

Here are two cards from the past, both of which show off the beauty of the hollyhocks.  Hollyhocks by the Picket Fence – Impression Obsession dies Hollyhocks, Tall Grass, Grass Border and Picket Fence; Memory Box die Dancing Butterflies and Puffy Clouds; Poppystamps die Fancy Clouds; design inspired by Kitty Caracciolo

I love this next card because the rusty pail looks so real.  To create this card, die cut the white cardstock with the IO die Fancy Cutout Border and adhere it to a blue card with foam tape.  Die cut the pail and handle then color them using a dry brush and Distress Ink Rusty Hinge.  Die cut the hollyhocks, chalk the centers then cup the flowers on a foam mat using a large stylus. 

Arrange and adhere flowers in this sequence (front to back):

•  3 hollyhocks (bottom parts trimmed)
•  2 tall grasses
•  1 leafy branch (stem trimmed)

Glue the pail’s handle to the pail and adhere pail to card with foam tape.  Stamp greeting on flower die; tie on twine and tie in bow; glue greeting to pail.  Chalk butterflies and glue to card as shown. Hollyhocks in a Rusty Pail – Impression Obsession dies Hollyhocks, Tall Grass, Leafy Branch, Fancy Cutout Border and Pail; Memory Box die Dancing Butterflies; Taylored Expressions stamp and die set Many Mini’s All Occasions

One more card and this one is from my customer Bea Mieckowki.  It features the rusty pail too but she placed her Hollyhock garden against a brick wall.  So pretty!  Thanks Bea for sharing.

Enjoy your summer and stop in the The Stamp Act for all your papercrafting needs. 

New Stamps and Dies from Impression Obsession

Hello friends.  I recently ordered some very pretty stamps and dies from Impression Obsession's new Spring 2017 catalog and today I would like to share them with you.  I love coloring with Copic markers and these stamps were perfect for bright colorful treatments.

Doesn't this mischievous kitty peaking out from under the covers tug at your heartstrings?  And the cute sentiment is perfect!

Kitty Under Covers – Impression Obsession stamps Kitty Under Covers, Tried to Behave and Cover-A-Card Confetti Dot; design inspiredby Jenny Gropp.

A perfect birthday card -- just stamp and color.  Use the Stamp Perfect for stamping your image and make multiple cards easily.  I die cut the IO Birthday Candle Border for the candles in the lower left corner. Party Without Cake – Impression Obsession stamp Party Without Cake; IO die Birthday Candle Border; design inspired by Karen Amidon.

Love this Layered Roses background and stamping it is a breeze with the new Stamp Perfect.  The roses (Taylored Expressions) surround the pretty Get Well die from IO.

Get Well – Impression Obsession stamp Cover-A-Card Layered Roses; IO die Get Well Soon; Taylored Expressions stamps and dies Simply Stamped Roses; Lovely Flower and Bloom Where Planted

The new Lovely Flower from IO is aptly named as it is very lovely no matter what color you choose.  Lovely Flower Planted – Impression Obsession stamps Lovely Flower and Bloom Where Planted; Memory Box die Primula Bloom

Lovely Flower Hello – Impression Obsession stamps Lovely Flower and Hello My Friend; design inspired by Laura Fucher Lovely Flower Thank You – Impression Obsession stamps Lovely Flower and Stacked Thank You; Taylored Expressions die Stitched Frame Stacklets; design inspired by Jenny Gropp

IO's new Square Tree Window is a fun die that can be used in a variety of ways.  Here I used it as a background for the Truck (IO die).  In the foreground I placed the IO Winding Road (die) and the Birthday Edger die.Truck – Impression Obsession dies Truck, Square Tree Window, Greetings Edgers and Winding Road; design inspired by Vicki Garrett

For this card I cut the Square Window Tree die from white cardstock and placed it over red mirror cardstock.  Ignore the glare (can't help it with this reflective paper). Square Tree Window – Impression Obsession die Square Tree Window; IO stamp Expect Miracles; design inspired by Dina Kowal

And here's another card that snuck in the Impression Obsession post even though it was made with stamps from Art Impressions!  How cute and trendy is this?  I made it for a friend who is older than me for a few months each year -- and I always remind her of it!

BFF Birthday – Art Impressions clear stamp set Hot Java Mama; Taylored Expressions die Stitched Scalloped Edger; Spellbinders die Petite Ovals; design inspired by Cheri Burry.

Impression Obsession has some wonderful new dies that just arrived so be sure to check page 4 of our What's New Section to see them.  I love the Lily of the Valley die -- we also a "Lily of the Valley" word stamp to coordinate with it.  What a lovely card that would make!

Please stop in soon to see all the new products that are arriving daily.  We have lots of Easter stamps and dies in stock whether you want cute, funny or religious. Thanks for reading the blog today -- I look forward to seeing you soon!

Happy Fall Y'All!

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

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Pass the Cupcakes Please

Hello Friends.  Sometimes when I come to work I walk past a single stamp or die day after day, month after month.  Customers pick it up, comment on how cute it is, but always put it back.  These poor little orphan dies or stamps get really lonely just hanging there by themselves.  I finally decided to put one of these orphans through its paces and let me tell you that it emerged a top notch winner!

Impression Obsession Cupcake Stand ($20.99)

The die set contains the stand and six cupcakes that each have three parts: cupcake liner, cake and frosting.  Good news: six of each makes cutting multiple cupcakes fast.  Bad news?  Keeping up with all 18 tiny dies is challenging!  Ask me how I know!!!

As if all those little pieces weren't enough to handle, I added a tiny leaf and red berry.  The leaves are from Impression Obsession die Leaves and Stems and the red berries (⅛”) were punched with my Japanese Screw Punch.

Let me show you the samples!

Chocolate Cupcake Stand

For this card I embossed the Birthday embossing folder on white cardstock and cut it to 2¾” x 5½”.  I cut the front of the card to the same size and adhered the embossed panel.  I cut the pink polka dot paper (Doodlebug) to 1½” x 5½” and adhered it to the inside of the card.  Finally, I cut the ovals, stamped the greeting and adhered half of the brown oval to the top outside of the card.

Chocolate Cupcake Card -- Outside

For the cupcakes themselves, I used just the cupcake liners and frosting, omitting the cake part.  My advice on assembling the cupcakes is to run a little line of glue along the bottom of the chocolate frosting piece and lay the liner on top of the glue line.  Next I glued the cupcakes to the stand then adhered the stand to the card with foam tape.  Finally I glued on the leaf and berry embellishment.  That way you can point the leaf in the desired direction.

Chocolate Cupcakes Closeup

For inside the card I added a cute saying (Impressi0n Obsession) and another little cupcake.

Chocolate Cupcake Card -- Inside

Chocolate Cupcake Stand Supplies Used:  Impression Obsession dies Cupcake Stand and Leaves and Stems; Taylored Expressions embossing folder Birthday; Spellbinders die Petite Ovals; Impression Obsession clear stamp set Life Stuff Sentiments; IO cling stamp Keep Calm; design inspired by Dina Kowal.

Blue and Pink Cupcake Stand

For my next two samples I used IO's 6 in 1 Rectangle Frame to frame the cupcake stand.  In case you are not familiar with the 6 in 1 frame, it cuts 6 frames at once.  I used two on the outside of the card (dark and light blue) then I used two more on the inside of the card.  And FYI, the 5th frame is shown above on the inside of the Chocolate Cupcake card.

I assembled the cupcake stand the same way as I did the one above but adding the cake (dark brown) to the mix.

Blue Cupcake Stand -- Outside

Blue Cupcake Stand -- Inside

Cupcake Stand Pink and/or Blue – Impression Obsession dies Cupcake Stand, Foliage, Rectangle Frame 6 in 1 and Leaves and Stems; Taylored Expressions die Mini Tags with coordinating stamp set Mini Minis All Occasion; sentiment inside is Hero Arts; design inspired by Kitty Caracciolo

Here are the other two Impression Obsession dies I used:

Impression Obsession Foliage die ($19.99)

Impression Obsession Leaves and Stems die ($6.09)

Here's the blue card above done in pink.

Pink Cupcake Stand -- Outside

I now have a colorful stash of cute birthday cards.  If you're interested in any of these products just email me at here.

Please stop in soon and see samples, shop and make a free make it and take it card.  Thanks!

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Making your first Christmas Gift

Hello Friends. Impression Obsession just released two very fun dies that you can use to make Christmas gifts for everyone.  The dies make a business card holder, but think "outside the box" as you can use these to hold little note cards, post-it notes or even little items on your desk like postage, paper clips or mints.  I am sure you can think of lots of uses for them.  The best part about the dies is that they are super easy to put together and loads of fun to decorate.  You can personalize them for everyone on your list.  These are also a wonderful gift for people like your vet, hairdresser, doctor, and many more!  Let me show you the dies first then some samples.

For the business card holder samples I made, I cut the holder from 80lb cardstock and the layers from decorative paper.  You can also cut the holder from decorative paper and fold the two together as one piece.  In the picture below, the long skinny rectangles are where you put tape and then fold the box onto itself in front and back.  Next the sides are folded in and adhered with tape or glue.  I cut layers for both the front and back and for the inside too since it shows. 

Impression Obsession Business Card die ($41.99)

Impression Obsession Business Card Layers die ($20.99)

For this first sample, I cut the business card die from cardstock and decorative paper and then folded the two together to create the holder.  I decorated it with a butterfly (Memory Box).

My next sample is for my business cards so it's decorated with crafty grumplings from Taylored Expressions and a stamp and die set from Paper Smooches (I Heart Art and Paint Easel). 

I had to decorate the back of the card holder too!

And just on my card holder, I even decorated the bottom! Don't you love this saying!!! And don't you wish it were true!!

My next holder is for my niece Jennifer, the teacher. To decorate this holder I used Taylored Expressions Little Bits dies Schoolhouse and Globe; TE die August sayings; and Paper Smooches stamp set Smarty Pants.

Jennifer doesn't have business cards so I am going to make her some "From the desk of" card that she can use to write notes to students or parents.

And the back:

 

My next holder is for my other niece Emilee, the veterinarian.  She has both cats and dogs!  I used Impression Obsession dies Cat set, Dog set and Puppy set; Taylored Expressions dies Build A Doghouse and Doghouse Accessories; and Paper Smooches die Cat Icons.

And the back of each:

I can think of so many others I want to make: realtor, dentist, business owner, etc.!  Start now and you will have lovely handmade gifts for all the special people in your life.

Stop in soon!

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Zinnia Bouquet

It's flowers again!  With so many flower dies I could blog a different one every day!  Today I am spotlighting the Memory Box dies Zinnia Bouquet and Zinnia Bouquet Background.  The background die makes it easy to cut matching background papers for each flower.

Zinnia Gold Mirror – Memory Box dies Zinnia Bouquet, Zinnia Bouquet Background and Stitched Squares; Memory Box stamp Seeds of Happiness; design inspired by Jean Okimoto.

I wish you could see this "in real life" -- the shiny gold mirror paper really catches your eye.

Zinnia Pink Orange – Memory Box dies Zinnia Bouquet and Zinnia Bouquet Background; Impression Obsession die Cutwork Border; Penny Black clear stamp set Happy Snippets.

This card is similar to the one above with the addition of a border die and ribbon.

 

Zinnia Hello – Memory Box dies Zinnia Bouquet and Zinnia Bouquet Background; Savvy Stamps die Hello; design inspired by Louise Charlton.

Add some rhinestones and a die cut greeting for a quick card.

 

Zinnia Bright Orange – Memory Box dies Zinnia Bouquet, Zinnia Bouquet Background and Stitched Rectangles and Stitched Squares; Memory Box stamp Happy Day; design inspired by Jean Okimoto.

For this card I embossed the flower die (tops) on white cardstock by using the tan rubber mat with my die cut machine.  Then I watercolored each flower and adhered them over the green stems.  I added Wink of Stella glitter pen to the centers.

Now for the Butterflies

Here are the Impression Obsession dies I used on the following cards:

Butterfly Block

Square Ornate Frame

Butterfly Block White – Impression Obsession dies Butterfly Block; Lifestyle Crafts die Nesting Rectangles; design inspired by Kitty Caracciolo.

I cut the Butterfly Block from white cardstock then cut a frame using the nesting rectangle dies.  The picture does not show it well, but I cut the butterfly again and popped it up on top of the first butterfly for added dimension.

 

Butterfly Block Painted – Impression Obsession dies Butterfly Block; design inspired by Kitty Caracciolo.

Wow -- lots of color!  I colored the Butterfly Block with Copic markers and then to add more interest, I took my Versacolor embossing ink pad and "sponged" ink all over the image and heat embossed it in clear.  This really makes the color shimy and vibrant. 

Square Ornate Frame – Impression Obsession dies Square Ornate Frame and Butterfly Block; Memory Box die Stitched Squares; design inspired by Kitty Caracciolo.

The Ornate Square Frame (which I did not use on this card) comes with an ornate corner piece.  I created a frame using the Memory Box Stitched Squares then adhered the corner pieces to the underneath side of the frame.  The butterfly is from the Butterfly Block die.

And a Few Miscellaneous Cards

Here are some more samples I made recently ... I hope they give you some inspiration:

Forest Birthday – Impression Obsession dies Forest and Greetings Edgers; IO Cover-A-Card stamp Bark; design inspired by Kitty Caracciolo.

Super easy card and great for a man's birthday.  I stamped the kraft card front with the Bark stamp (6" x 6") then cut the trees (all one die) and sponged them with Vintage Photo Distress ink.  I adhered the trees to the card with scor tape rolls (see Tip below).  The Impression Obsession Edgers dies cut the top of the word out but leave the bottom attached.  I cut the bottom edge to about 1" and adhered the edger word to a strip of brown cardstock.  This strip was popped up with mounting tape.

Tip:  To pop up a very skinny die like the trees on this card, cut a 2" to 3" piece of Scor tape (double sided tape).  I use 1/2" wide or 1" wide Scor tape.  Adhere this tape to a non stick surface like a Craft Mat or your desk surface.  Working with the length of the tape, use your fingertips and roll the tape into a roll.  You can adhere this roll to the back of the trees cutting it to any length you need.

Mountain Birthday Wishes – Impression Obsession dies Boy with Flowers, Mountain Landscape Layers and Puppy Set; design inspired by Harriet Head and Darlene at darscraftycreations.

I wish you could see the card Harriet made using the same paper and mountain die set.  It is truly awesome!  The paper is the Believe collection from Bo Bunny and one of the papers contains all these colors (and more).  The Mountain die set has three mountain profiles so you can "build" your mountains in any number of ways.

Paint Strokes – Paper Smooches clear stamp set I Heart Art; Paper Smooches die Paint Strokes; design inspired by Michele Boyer

Rush Arrow – Poppystamps die Rush Arrow; Penny Black clear stamp set Happy Snippets; design inspired by Jeanne Jachna

I love this very graphic die.  I used the same Bo Bunny Believe paper for the backgrounds behind each arrow.  Another idea for this same layout would be to stamp sentiments in some or all of the arrow openings.  Be creative and have fun!  The die also comes with a skinny arrow die.

 

Boddington Treescape – Memory Box dies Boddington Treescape, Puffy Clouds, Auto Parts, Tiny Village, Stitched Circles and Butterfly Delights; sentiment stamp by Amuse Artstamps; design inspired by Jeanne Jachna

My friend Molly recently moved to Virginia and this is the card I sent her to welcome her to her new home.  I embellished the Boddington Treescape scene with cars, houses, sun, clouds, butterflies and a sentiment.

 

Wedding Cake Card – Impression Obsession dies Wedding Cake and Love Doves; Spellbinders label die

Here are the dies:

Wedding Cake Card – Impression Obsession dies Wedding Cake and Love Doves; Spellbinders label die

 I am sorry there is a shadow on the middle and top of this card. 

Adhesive Tip:  Adhering the two trim pieces on each cake layer can be very tedious and messy if you use glue.  White shows every imperfection -- ask me why the my first card took forever to complete!  So my tip is to use Stick It Adhesive Paper.  Take a piece of cardstock, white in this case, and adhere it to one side of a Stick It double sided adhesive sheet.  Cut the cardstock away from the Stick it sheet and die cut the trim pieces from this now self adhesive paper.  Important: Be sure to cut the cardstock side so the adhesive side is the back of the die cut.

Now all your tiny trim pieces are self-adhesive and easy to apply to your cake layers.

If that's not clear, stop in and I will show you how to work with Stick It.  It is sold in a packet of 5 sheets (8" X 12¼").

Dimension Tip:  It is hard to tell in this photo, but the cake layers are curved.  To do this I put a double layer of  foam tape behind the center of each cake layer.  I also added dimension to the wedding couple by die cutting three extra couples from chipboard, gluing them all together then coloring the sides of the chipboard black. 

I added dimension to the doves, the cake layers and cake stand by die cutting these pieces from fun foam and gluing the cardstock die cuts to the top of the foam.

Here's another card made with the same Wedding Cake die.  This one also features the Impression Obsession dies Ornate Frame Rectangle and tiny flowers.

Sunshine Birdhouse – Taylored Expressions die Little Bits Birdhouse, Picket Fence and Picture Perfect – Sunny Days; TE embossing folder Walking on Sunshine; Memory Box die Marshmallow Clouds, Resting Birds and Mini Heart Collection; design inspired by Jean Manis.

Just a happy and colorful card that anyone would love to get.

 

I know it's hot and you are probably burrowing into your air-conditioned home, but should you decide to pop out and shop at The Stamp Act, you will be rewarded with a FREE make and take card that's perfect for summer.  I would love to be relaxing in a hammock with a cool glass of lemonade, a good book and a powerful fan! 

Stop in soon!

 

 

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Hello Friends. Summer is in full swing offering lovely flowers and greenery.  Today's blog is all about flowers, both summer and spring!  Enjoy!

The first cards I will share are created using Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Oh Happy Day.  The set includes 4 flowers with matching dies and 2 sentiments -- a real bargain.

Oh Happy Day Flowers – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Oh Happy Day; TE dies Picket Fence, Grass Border, and Cloud Border; Memory Box die Scalloped Border; Cuttlebug embossing folder Swiss Dots; design inspired by Shannon White.

I created the sky using the TE Cloud Border die and Distress ink Tumbled Glass.

Red Gingham Flowers – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Oh Happy Day; TE dies Picket Fence and Label Stacklets 3; design inspired by Wanda Guess

 

My next set of cards uses the Taylored Expressions stamp set Spring Tulips and coordinating die along with TE's Picture Perfect Sunny Days die which really adds the perfect touch!

Spring Tulips Sunshine – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die Spring Tulips; TE die Picture Perfect Sunny Day; Taylored Expressions embossing folder Brick; design by Cindy Lawrence.

How to make stripes on your tulips?  Easy.  Color tulips with Copic markers, let dry or heat set then make stripes with the Copic blender pen.  It "erases" the color!

 Spring Tulips Fondly – Taylored Expressions stamp set and coordinating die Spring Tulips; design inspired by Joan Ervin 

 Spring Tulips Happy Birthday – Taylored Expressions stamp set and coordinating die Spring Tulips; TE die Frame in Frame; TE embossing folder Leafy Vines; design inspired by Kendra Wiestock

Spring Tulips Friends – Taylored Expressions stamp set and coordinating die Spring Tulips; TE die Frame in Frame; TE embossing folder Leafy Vines; design inspired by Shelly Mercado

A big bouquet of flowers is what Impression Obsession's Bouquet Flower die delivers!  Everything is included in the die -- a dozen different flowers, lots of stems and 2 different leaves!

You can arrange your flowers in either the Memory Box Garden Watering Can or the Vases die set from Impression Obsession.

Here's the die set from Impression Obsession that I used for the sentiments:

Bouquet Watering Can – Impression Obsession dies 6-in-1-Rectangle Frame, Edgers Everyday and Bouquet; Memory Box die Garden Watering Can.

The Edgers dies cut the words out but leave them attached at the bottom so the bottom can be as deep as you desire.  For this card I die cut the frame and attached the words behind the frame.

Bouquet Vase – Impression Obsession dies Vases, Edgers Everyday and Bouquet; Taylored Expressions embossing folder Garden Party.

How appropriate to mount a beautiful vase of flowers on a background embossed with the new Garden Party embossing folder!

 

Oval Ornate Bouquet – Impression Obsession dies Bouquet and Oval Ornate Frame; Memory Box die Butterfly Delights; design inspired by Kitty Caracciolo.

I cut the flowers twice, cupped them on a soft rubber mat with a stylus then glued them together, offsetting the petals slightly.  I punched a tiny circle from yellow or orange paper and glued this in the center of each flower.  The gorgeous Oval Ornate Frame has three pieces and I taped these together on the back using Scor tape then added foam mounting tape over this to elevate the frame.  I arranged the flowers and added butterflies -- so pretty!

And one more "flower" card where butterflies are the flowers!  Thanks Jane!

Tall Bamboo – Memory Box dies Tall Bamboo and Mini Butterflies; Taylored Expressions embossing folder Sheet Music; Penny Black clear stamp set Snippets; card by Jane Smith

 

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