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 papercrafting friends! It's beautiful here in the desert Southwest with spring in full bloom. I love sitting outside on my patio in the evenings and smelling the sweet honeysuckle and jasmine wafting in on the cool breeze. My trees have all bloomed and are growing leaves like crazy. So it's a perfect time to turn to Memory Box and Poppystamps, two sister companies that are known for their gorgeous flower dies and creative stamp sets. I have worked very hard to create dozens of brand new samples and a whole new display area. In addition I have a large order of brand new dies arriving any day. Here's a look at our display (be sure to click on the photo to see more detail).
Today I am going to share with you a cool technique that I taught years ago. You can use this technique with any die so look through your dies for flowers, corners or frames and give it a try. I will be using the Memory Box die Honeyblossom Sprig and will share several cards using this die at the end of the blog. Let me show you the finished card:Again, please click on the card to see the shiny detail on the die cut itself. First, I die cut the Honeyblossom Sprig from Neena 100 lb Solar White cardstock and colored it with Copic Markers. When I first taught this technique I used Ranger's Distress Stains which come in a wide variety of beautiful colors. Once the die cut was colored, I placed the die on my craft sheet and pressed my Versamark ink pad all over the die cut. Then I immediately covered the die cut with clear embossing powder. I shook off the excess powder and heated it with my heat tool. At this point you can quickly dip it into the embossing powder again while it's still hot (the powder will stick to the hot embossing) and heat it again. Or you can let it cool, cover it with Versamark ink again and cover it with clear embossing powder again. In any case do it three times to get a nice shiny surface.
Warning: Work on a craft sheet or other non-stick surface because if you work on paper, the die cut will stick to the paper!
And that's it! A fun technique that gives a beautiful clear, shiny finish to any die cut. I completed the card with the Memory Box Tessatina Border down the right side of the card and a sweet sentiment from Stampendous.
Let me show you other cards I made with this die and technique.
Memory Box Journey stamp, paper and Honeyblossom Sprig and Crisp Bows dies. We have both dies in stock. Memory Box Honeyblossom Sprig die.
Here are some other cards using this technique; it was fall and Christmas when I made these cards!
I hope you will give this technique a try and please stop in soon and see all the Memory Box and Poppystamps dies and stamps. I will be featuring cards using different products from these wonderful companies in my next few blogs but you can see them all right now when you stop by the store.
Remember, our huge sale is continuing. We have lots of interesting products on sale for prices of 50 cents to $4. Don't miss the bargains. Plus we have new dies and stamps from Penny Black, Impression Obsession and Lawn Fawn. I hope to see you soon.
Hello friends. Today I will share with you several ways to use the Poppystamps die Garden Bouquet, an outline die with lots of open areas perfect for showing a background treatment or inlaying with a contrasting paper. By the way, lest you be confused, Poppystamps had a previous die named Garden Bouquet (item #1188). This newer version is item #2016.
My first cards all feature the inlay technique and Lawn Fawn's new paper "Gotta Have Gingham." The papers in this collection are all very light so be sure to click on the cards to see them close up.
For each of these cards, I cut the Garden Bouquet die three times from white cardstock then glued them together. This gave the focal image lots of depth when I inserted the butterfly wings or flower petals. I added crystals to the open flowers and cut one little flower and glued it in the lower right corner. The focal image is framed with Poppystamps Double Stitched Scalloped Rectangles Frames. 3 Gingham Cards – Poppystamps dies Garden Bouquet and Double Stitched Scalloped Rectangle Frames; Lawn Fawn paper pad Gotta Have Gingham; design inspired by Jennifer Svare
The next two cards feature brighter, more dramatic backgrounds. I die cut the panel with Memory Box's Wrapped Stitched Rectangle Layers then masked off a rectangular area and sponged on Distress Oxide inks for a very pretty and bright background. I added the die cut Garden Bouquet next then embellished it with black Nuvo drops. To finish the card, I stamped "sending" and cut it out with the matching die. Finally to complete the sentiment, I stamped "happy thoughts" on the rectangle layer. One panel I mounted on a white card and the other panel I mounted on a deep pink card. Sending Happy Thoughts 1 and 2 – Poppystamps die Garden Bouquet; Poppystamps clear stamp set with coordinating dies Sending Scribbles; Memory Box die Wrapped Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Pam Sparks
My final two cards are similar, one mounted on stitched ovals and the second mounted on the Lattice Oval Frame. The flowers are accented with Nuvo drops (Apple Green).
Hi 2 – Poppystamps die Garden Bouquet; Memory Box die Stitched Ovals; Taylored Expressions die Hey, Hi, Hello Hi 1 – Poppystamps die Garden Bouquet; Taylored Expressions dies Lattice Frame and Hey, Hi, Hello
Our Huge Spring Sale
Lots of customers are grabbing the hot bargains!! We have marked down dies and stamps with original prices in the double digits to $1 to $5. All Christmas, Halloween and Fall dies and stamps are now 35% off and we have hundreds of punches on sale for $1 to $3. We also have boxes of bargains for $.50 cents to a few dollars.
Besides all the bargains we have lots of new merchandise in stock so it is worth your time to stop in and check out all the wonderful new and sale merchandise. I hope to see you very soon!
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 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.
Memory Box and Poppystamps dies and stamps are perineal favorites and today's samples will hopefully show you why. I used my Oxide inks to make several of the backgrounds including on this first card. Please be sure to click on the photos to see the backgrounds up close.
I used the direct-to-paper technique with several colors of ink, blending the colors with a blending tool then sprinkling a little water on the background to "oxidize" the ink. I used the new Pinpoint Circle Frame to die cut the circle. I created the gold background by die cutting some cardstock with the Penny Black Dots die and sponging on the Delicata ink.Dragonfly Corner – Memory Box dies Pinpoint Circle Frame, Dragonfly Stems Left Corner and Beautiful Day; Penny Black die Dots and Swirls; oxide inks and Delicata Golden Glitz ink; design inspired by Jean Okimoto
Another background created with Oxide inks. I sponged several colors on a craft mat then spritzed them with water and dragged (Tim Holtz) watercolor paper through the inks. I dried the cardstock with a heat tool and repeated layering the inks one more time. I love the "wishing you a " die -- the inside of the card is the next photo.
Wishing You A Beautiful Day – Memory Box dies Pinpoint Circle Frame, Wishing You Manuscript, Antilles Floral Bouquet and Beautiful Day; oxide inks
Oxide ink background 101 -- use direct-to-paper-technique to apply ink to watercolor paper. The sprinkle with water to "oxidize" ink (see spots?). Pinpoint Circle Frame – Memory Box dies Pinpoint Circle Frame, Antilles Floral Bouquet, Tall Cattails, Swirling Stitches and Pointed Leaf; Fired Brick Oxide ink; Memory Box Perky Thank You die and coordinating Thank You Sentiments clear mini stamp set; design inspired by Penny Ward
I die cut the mums then spoged each flower and the stem with different dye inks. Magnificent Mums – Memory Box die Magnificent Mum Bouquet; Memory Box Perky Thank You die and coordinating Thank You Sentiments clear mini stamp set; design inspired by Lindsay Amrhein
You can see Dave Brethauer's video where he makes this card here. I made 6 cards fast by die cutting the 6 borders, three from each set, from 6 colors of cardstock and glueing the borders to a white top folded card. The Taylored Expressions sentiment is perfect!
Stitched Borders – Poppystamps dies Tailored Stitches and Pretty Stitches; Taylored Expressions stamp set A Life She Loved; design inspired by Dave Brethauer
OK, I am slipping in one sample using a new Impression Obsession die called Abstract Florals. I made a background using Oxide inks then die cut the three flowers from it. Abstract Florals – Impression Obsession dies Abstract Florals, Rectangles Frame in Frame 2 and Typewriter Alphabet Upper Case; oxide inks; design inspired by Jenny Gropp
I hope you enjoyed these cards. Stop by The Stamp Act after we return from vacation on Tuesday, September 5 and see all the beautiful Memory Box and Poppystamps die for yourself.
Hello Friends and Happy Christmas in July ... or rather August! Do I hear a collective "ugh?" Well the holidays are coming and I know that you will want a new stamps or dies to inspire you so I am sharing some exciting new things from Memory Box, Poppystamps and Lawn Fawn. These are in stock now so stop in after Tuesday, September 5 and see them for yourself, or call/email me to reserve yours.
Memory Box and Poppystamps dies and stamps
You can see the entire Holiday collection (complete with sizes) from Memory Box here or from Poppystamps here.
Snowman Heart Collage $13.99 -- see a darling card by Laura Fulcher here. Snowy Cabin $5.99 -- be sure to see the tiny fawns, snowmen and polar bears below because they will be darling with this cabin! See a great sample here.Merry Christmas Gift Scroll $8.99 -- this die will cut out all these pieces so you can place one or more colors of cardstock behind the openings or inlay the pieces cut from another color cardstock back into the openings.
Snowscape $13.29 -- can't wait to place the little snowmen into this scene! See a great card here. Sloping Hillside $9.99 -- snowmen, fawns and polar bears -- oh my! Simple Little Snowmen $4.49 -- too cute and great for little scenes. Tiny Fawns $5.99 Tiny Polar Bears $5.99Small Polar Bear $4.49Brilliant Leaf Frame $27.99 -- This frame is gorgeous and it will look wonderful cut from copper paper and layered over an oxide ink background just like the one Dave Brethauer (Owner of Memory Box/Poppystamps) shows you how to make in this video. And we also have the Floral Fantasy die and all the colors of Oxide ink that Dave uses in the video. Brilliant Leaf Border $14.39 -- Same design as frame above but in a border.
Stitched Maple Trio $10.49 -- These maple and oak leaves will look great scattered across the Windy Backdrop die from Lawn Fawn (see below).Stitched Oak Trio $9.39
Lawn Fawn dies and papers
Lawn Fawn Windy Backdrop die $30.99. These stitched swirls make a wonderful windy sky, starry night, or underwater ocean scene. Size: 5½” x 4¼”. See a video introducing this die here.
Snowy Backdrop $30.99 is perfect for creating a snowy scene for your cards! Size: 5½” x 4¼”. See a video introducing this die here. Brand New -- Stitched Woodgrain Backdrop $30.99 instantly create a beautiful woodgrain texture with this large background die! Size: 5½” x 4¼”.
Brand New -- Gift Card Pop-Up Die – This pop-up surprise is sure to make anyone smile! Adhere this gift card pop-up inside a standard sized greeting card, and tuck the gift card inside the slot to create a pop-up surprise. Scalloped and stitched details make this functional die extra cute! Approximate die size: 5½ " x 2⅝”. Magic Color Slider – Everything is black and white… until you pull the tab to “magically” reveal a colorful scene! This fun set of dies contains everything you need (minus the color!) to create an impressive interactive slider, including multiple choices for frame style, pull tab, and some bonus goodies. See a video demonstrating the Magic Color Slider die here.
Let’s Bokeh in the Snow decorative papers –The Let’s Bokeh in the Snow papers is a versatile holiday collection featuring beautiful bokeh patterns and stripes. With hues like holly berry, pine needle and ice blue your creativity will shine bright! Papers are 12” x 12” with coordinating pattern on the reverse. See a video working with this paper here.
Memory Box and Poppystamps other new dies and stamps
In stock now are more new dies. Check these out.
Mini Faeries $6.69 -- Faeries are still very popular and these are very small so they will fit anywhere on a card or page layout. Leafy Ring $15.49 -- you can see a beatuiful card using this die and the Hibiscus Flower here. You can also stamp or die cut a sentiment to fit inside the wreath. I think it is so delicate and pretty.
Sheer Circle Wreath $7.99. What a pretty circle -- use it to highlight any card. Pinpoint Circle Frame $18.79. The center piece comes out so you can use it as a frame or pop it up for a dramatic mat for another stamp or die cut. Jennifer McGuire did an interesting technique with this die here using Nuvo Crystal drops which we also have in stock.
Pinpoint Single Frame $14.59. Stitched Frame $14.59. Love the loops on the corners of this die.Floral Fantasy $27.99. Place over a sponged ink background, various colors of cardstock or inlay colored cardstock back into the openings.
Perky Beautiful Day Die $6.59. What a lovely card this sentiment will make. Use it with the Floral Fantasy frame above.Beautiful Day Clear stamp set $8.99. These phrases coordinate with the die above. Perky Thank You Die $5.99Thank You Sentiments Clear stamp set $8.99
So many stamps and dies ... so little time! The Stamp Act is closed Monday, August 21 through Labor Day so stop in on or after Tuesday, September 5 to see all the new products for yourself. Thanks!
OK, today's blog is a little crazy because it's all about frogs! It just so happens that I have a lot of frog dies and stamps in stock and they all jumped on my desk at the same time so here they are! I hope you will enjoy them. I even went into the archives and pulled out some frog cards from years past. Enjoy!
It all started with the new Frog/Bear die from Paper Smooches (shown below). All the cards shown here used just this die so you can see the set is really versatile.This is the third die in their trilogy of fun card dies including their Bunny Card die here and their Cat/Dog die here. I will show you the Bear cards first then it's all about frogs! Each of these die sets is $19.99.
For this card I cut a party hat for the bear and added the sentiment below.Happy Birthday – Paper Smooches dies Bear/Frog Card and Hearts; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Salutations; design inspired Teri Anderson
Love the sentiment on this sweet bear! Bear Hugs – Paper Smooches dies Bear/Frog Card and Word Bubbles; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Courteous Cuties
This cute bear is holding a letter that opens to reveal heartfelt wishes. For his hands I cut the (face) oval in half and added claws made from the nostril die.
Beary Loved – Paper Smooches die Bear/Frog Card; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Courteous Cuties; Taylored Expressions die Stitched Heart Stacklets; design inspired by Savannah O’Gwynn
Thank You Beary Much – Paper Smooches dies Bear/Frog Card and Hearts; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Courteous Cuties
Now for the frogs. Our first one is bringing "hoppy" birthday wishes. I used the cat/dog eye lash die for the "hands." As you look at these cards notice how all the ways you can make the frogs look just by varying the pieces of the set you use. Hoppy Birthday Wishes – Paper Smooches dies Bear/Frog Card and Cat/Dog Card; Avery Elle clear stamp set Ribbit Ribbit; design inspired Lisa PetrellaRibbiting News – Paper Smooches die Bear/Frog Card die; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Critter Card Puns; design inspired by Jill HawkinsToadally Ribbiting News – Paper Smooches dies Bear/Frog Card and Hearts; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Critter Card Puns; design inspired by Teri Anderson
Now for another set of frog dies: Poppystamps dies Tiny Frogs and Lovely Lily Pads:
Poppystamps Die Tiny Frogs, $5.99
Poppystamps Die Lovely Lily Pads, $5.99
And with these I used a set of stamps and dies from Avery Elle:
Avery Elle clear stamp set Ribbit Ribbit, $8.99 Avery Elle die set Ribbit Ribbit, $14.89
Jumping For Joy – Poppystamps die Tiny Frogs; Poppystamps clear stamp set Hope and Thanks; Avery Elle clear stamp set Ribbit Ribbit; design inspired by Michele Ferguson
Wart’s New – Poppystamps die Tiny Frogs; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Word Salad; Avery Elle clear stamp set Ribbit Ribbit
Oh Hoppy Day – Poppystamps dies Tiny Frogs and Lovely Lily Pads; Memory Box die Splashing Puddles; Poppystamps clear stamp set Into the Words; design inspired by PMT Meg’s Treasures
Hopping a Terrific Birthday – Poppystamps dies Tiny Frogs and Lovely Lily Pads; Poppystamps clear stamp set Hope and Thanks; design inspired by Lezlye LauterbachHoppy Birthday Wishes 1 – Avery Elle stamp and matching dies Ribbit Ribbit; Memory Box Stitched Circles; Taylored Expressions Stitched Tags; design inspired by Amy KollingHoppy Birthday Wishes 2 – Avery Elle stamp and matching dies Ribbit Ribbit; design inspired by Caryn Davies
For this next card I cut the clouds and lily pads from felt; sponged a background on a vellum panel; and embossed the Warts Up sentiment in white on black cardstock. The "hello" is from Penny Black's die set called Doodles.
Wart’s Up – Avery Elle stamp and matching dies Ribbit Ribbit; Penny Black die Doodles; Memory Box die Clouds; design inspired by YaineaJumping for Joy – Avery Elle stamp and matching dies Ribbit Ribbit; Taylored Expressions Stitched Tags; design inspired by Heather CampbellWart’s New – Art Impressions stamp Wart’s New; Cottage Cutz die Mini Frog; Taylored Expressions dies Frame in Frame, Cloud Border and Little Bits Sun and Clouds
This next card is made with an older Poppystamps die set of frogs called Pond Frogs. The inside of the card is also shown.
Hoppy Birthday – Poppy die Pond Frogs; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; Impression Obsession die Plain Alphabet; Taylored Expressions stamp set And Many More; design inspired by Stephanie Serrano
The next several cards are made with a stamp set from Taylored Expressions called A Pocketful of Sunshine.
Frog Sending Love – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Pocketful of Sunshine; design inspired by Joan Ervin
Purple Hoppy Day – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Pocketful of Sunshine; design inspired by Joan ErvinYou Make Me Smile – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Pocketful of Sunshine; Impression Obsession dies Instant Photo Frame and banners and Tails; Penny Black clear stamp set Snippets; design inspired by Taylor VanBruggenFlowers Hoppy Day – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Pocketful of Sunshine; design inspired by Shelly Mercado
Froggie – Taylored Expressions stamp set And Many More; My Favorite Things die Stitched Speech Bubble Edges; Memory Box die Stitched Circles; Spellbinders die Classic Circles; design inspired by Charmaine Ikach
Well I think that's enough frog cards for one day. If you're "hopping" for some "Toadally Awesome" frogs, stop by the Stamp Act and let some hop home with you! Have a great week.
Hello friends. Today's blog is all about dogwood blossoms. Poppystamps has a variety of dogwood dies and I have put together samples using each one. Plus, dogwoods have been a popular floral motif for many years so I am including some samples from the archives. Enjoy!
Oh, I continued the pink and green color theme that I started last week!
This is my favorite card. I love the bird (appropiately called Serene!) as he sits among the falling dogwood blossoms. To add texture to the bird I embossed him in an embossing folder. Sweet Wish – Poppystamps dies Falling Dogwood Blossoms, Dogwood Blossoms and Serene Bird; Memory Box die Woodland Branch; Penny Black clear stamp set Happy Snippets; Sizzix Embossing folder; design inspired by Pam Going Postal
For this next card I used the same large Falling Dogwood Blossoms die and combined it with the pretty Monterey Vine die plus some individual dogwood blossoms and a ltitle twine. Thanks 2 – Poppystamps dies Falling Dogwood Blossoms and Monterey Vine (retired (: ; Impression Obsession die Greeting Set; design inspired by Irena Kowalczyk Rudlis
Poppystamps and Memory Box have a number of triptych dies and this card combines two of them. I die cut the Dogwood Triptych from pink cardstock and overlaid it on top of the Stem Triptych cut from green cardstock. The right edge of the white mat is die cut with the Eyelet Stitches die and embellished with Viva Decor yellow pearl pen.
You Make Me Smile – Poppystamps dies Dogwood Blossom Triptych, Stem Triptych and Eyelet Stitches; Taylored Expressions embossing folder Leafy Vines; Penny Black clear stamp set Snippets; design inspired by Pam Going Postal
I used the same technique for this card with different colors.Spring – Poppystamps dies Dogwood Blossom Triptych, Stem Triptych and Freehand Happy Spring.
Another pink and green card!Fluttering By – Memory Box die Fillipa Corner; Poppystamps die Dogwood Blossoms; Penny Black clear stamp set Snippets; design inspired by Pam Going Postal
Be sure to click on this card to see it up close. I cut the Stick Frame die several times and glued them to vellum to make the background. Then I die cut a square opening and framed it and the vellum background in white. I added three branches and lots of dogwood blossoms and a pretty pink "happy spring" sentiment. Happy Spring – Poppystamps dies Dogwood Blossoms, Happy Spring and Stick Frame; Memory Box die Woodland Branch; Lifetime Crafts die Rectangles; Spellbinders die Classic Squares; design inspired by Olga Direktorenko
The next two cards are examples of what I call "positive and negative" or "2 for 1" backgrounds. First I took a piece of 4¼” x 5½” white cardstock and sponged it with several colors of Memento dye ink. Next I die cut it with the large Falling Dogwood Blossoms saving the individual blossoms. I mounted the die cut "negative" background to black metallic cardstock with foam mounting tape and embellished the card with the Delicate Dogwood, Thanks sentiment and pearl centers.Thanks – Poppystamps dies Falling Dogwood Blossoms and Delicate Dogwood; Paper Smooches die Quote Tag; design inspired by Lezlye Lauterbach
For the "positive card" I took the individual blossoms from the die cutting above and inlaid them into a white die cut background. I added a sentiment and black centers and the card is finished.With Sympathy – Poppystamps die Falling Dogwood Blossoms; Elizabeth Crafts die With Sympathy; design inspired by Lezlye Lauterbach
The Dogwood Corner is a versatile die that easily makes a beautiful card.Corner Sympathy – Poppystamps die Falling Dogwood Blossoms; Memory Box dies Butterflies Cascadia and Leavenworth; Taylored Expressions stamp set Flowers for a Year; design inspired by Pam Going Postal
Here's another treatment starring the corner die. In both cases I cut the die from green then cut it again from fucshia or purple and layered the flowers on the vine. Corner Birthday – Poppystamps die Dogwood Corner; Elizabeth Craft die Happy Birthday; Taylored Expressions embossing folders Dotted Lattice and Leafy Vines; design inspired by Inspiration Station
For this card I simply cut the Falling Dogwood Blossoms die and layered the Heart Swoosh die on top. Heart Swoosh – Poppystamps dies Falling Dogwood Blossoms and Heart Swoosh; Hero Arts sentiment; design inspired by Irena Kowakczyk
Samples from the Archives: Circa 2012
Before there were dies, there were stamps! Remember those days? Memory Box released three wonderful dogwood stamps in 2012: the Dogwood Bloom, the Dogwood Wreath and the Dogwood Branch. I featured these stamps in a class using three coloring techniques. The two Dogwood Wreath cards below are colored with Prisma Watercolor pencils; the Dogwood Branch (first card) is colored with Copic markers; and the Dogwood Bloom (fourth card) is colored with Twinkling H2O watercolors.
I stamped the Dogwood Wreath on white cardstock in Versafine Onyx Black ink and colored the flowers with Prisma watercolor pencils. Then I cut out the wreath (yes with scissors!!!) and mounted it on a Lacy Circle (Spellbinders) cut from white cardstock. I die cut two Tessatina Borders (Memory Box) and glued them across an A2 card. Before I layered on the wreath focal image, I used my Scor It Mini scoring tool to score a line on either side of the Tessatina Borders. This gives the background a little more definition and presence on the card. Finally I layered the focal image with foam tape and add a few butterflies (Martha Stewart punch) and blings. The sentiment is from Memory Box.
The Dogwood Blossom was stamped in Versafine black ink and colored with Twinkling H2O watercolors. The branch die and sentiment are from Memory Box.
Samples from the Archives: Circa 2010
Hero Arts' large Dogwood stamp was really popular in 2010 and I used it in a variety of ways on these card. For the first card I stamped it in red ink on kraft cardstock and added a script stamp below it. The doily die was stamped and embossed in white for a pretty background. Isn't this card pretty? I stamped the Dogwood stamp several times in pink and added a sentiment in brown ink. For this card I colored the stamped image with Copic markers, fussy cut it out and mounted it with foam tape on a stamped background. And the most impressive card of the bunch is this one. I stamped the Dogwood stamp on the back of the pewter (metal) and using metal working tools embossed or debossed the image. Thanks to Kathi Anderson for teaching the class! One more card that while it does not have Dogwood Blossoms, is very springy! I cut the Floral Stem die from white and green cardstock and layered them on top of each other. Then I cut the accompanying flower head die from two shades of pink cardstock and added them to the flower. Next I mounted the flower frame to an embossed background and added a sentiment.Just Saying Hello – Poppystamps die Floral Stem Collage; Taylored embossing folder Leafy Vines; Hero Arts sentiment; design inspired by Marybeth Lopez
New Products Coming: Oxide Inks!
One of the most exciting new products at CHA 2017 was the introduction of the next generation of Distress Inks. Ranger and Tim Holtz have released the new Distress Oxide Ink Pads, a water-reactive dye and pigment ink fusion that creates an oxidized effect when sprayed with water. You can use these inks with stamps, stencils, watercolor brushes and direct to surface. Blend using Ink Blending Tools and Foam. All oxide colors are available in 3” x 3” ink pads and coordinating .5oz re-inkers.
When I watched Tim Holtz’ video introduction I was impressed but not convinced I needed them. Then I watched Jennifer McGuire’s video and completely changed my mind. Please take a minute (well about 30 minutes) and watch these videos to see how these inks are different from all other inks.
The inks should be available later this month. To reserve yours, please send me an email and let me know what you want. They are sure to sell out quickly so don’t delay, reserve today! Individual ink pads will be $6.25 each and you can save 10% by reserving all 12 ink pads. And while you’re buying ink pads, don’t forget to buy another set of replacement foam pads for your Ink Blending Tool because you will want to have pads just for the oxide inks.
New Products Coming: Waffle Flower Stamps and Dies!
We will be stocking a new company soon: Waffle Flower. This company has some very exciting and pretty dies that I hope you will love. All the new products are posted on our What's New Page (click here or on the navigation bar above) and here's a video introductionto the Lacy Layers -- two dies that I think are particularly beautiful. Plus the Waffle Flower Tribal Die and Tribal Bear stamps and dies are perfect for the Southwest! Check them out in this video introduction.
These dies should arrive here in about a week so please stop in and see them for yourself. Very exciting!
I hope you have enjoyed these dogwood cards and the trip down memory lane. Please stop in soon and see all the pretty products for spring and Easter. Have a wonderful week.
Hello friends. Our recent warmer weather and my desire to wish winter away has turned my thoughts to pretty flowers and lush greenery. And no one does flower dies as well as Memory Box and Poppystamps. I recently re-ordered the ever popular Poppystamps die Massa Leaf Frame which lets you make a very impressive card quickly. It cuts all the leaves and the frame so all you have to do is fill the opening with whatever you like. You can see I chose mostly butterflies!
For this first card I chose the very preppy (am I dating myself with that term?) color combo of bright green and dark pink. Be sure to click on the card to see it close up -- on the left you will see the new Eyelet Stitches dies from Poppystamps. They make a really beautiful border and add just that extra little something that finishes the card beautifully.Welcome Spring – Poppystamps dies Massa Leaf Frame, Eyelet Stitches and Dream Butterfly; Savvy Stamps sentiment; design inspired by Mona Pendleton
I used the same color combo on this card, but instead of die cutting the frame I used it to emboss the background. I filled the opening with white cardstock and mounted two butterflies (Memory Box dies Darla and Isabella) in the center.Butterfly Kisses -- Poppystamps die Massa Leaf Frame; Memory Box dies Darla and Isabella.
For the next card I embossed the white mat with the Memory Box stencil Mini Dots and added a vellum layer to the butterfly. Adding little touches like these really “amp” up your cards to the next level!Blue Butterfly -- Poppystamps die Massa Leaf Frame; Memory Box dies Darla and Vivienne; Memory Box stencil Mini Dots.
This soft pink card is oversized (4" x 8") and makes a very pretty statement.
Pink Butterfly -- Poppystamps dies Massa Leaf Frame, Groovy Flower and Classic Ribbons; Memory Box dies Pippi and Isabella.
No matter what color youi choose this frame can handle it! I love the red!
Red Butterfly -- Poppystamps die Massa Leaf Frame; Memory Box dies Pippi and Isabella; Hero Arts sentiment. Card is 4½” x 6¼".
Finally I used something other than a butterfly! What a cute Easter card this frame makes with bunnies and flowers and a stenciled background.
Bunny Frame – Poppy dies Massa Leaf Frame, Chocolate Bunnies and Hydrangea Blooms small; Taylored Expressions die Hippity Hop; Memory Box stencil Texture Disperse; design inspired by Sherry Hester
One final card that shows that this frame is versatile enough to handle a shabby chic design. I love the nuetral color palette.
I hope you enjoyed seeing the versatility of this pretty die.It's availbale along with many others at The Stamp Act now!
Big "Half Dollar" Sale
Spring has given me the "itch" to clean house and move things around the store. As I did, I pulled lots of stuff for the sale table. Before I could even announce it, customers were already scopping up the values. I have a large number of stamps and miscelaneous merchandise on sale for $.50. Plus a large selection of Christmas, Halloween and Fall dies and stamps on sale at 30% off. I do not have room to keep this sale table going indefinitely so please come in before the end of the month -- assuming there's anything left!
Brand New Merchandise
OMG! There's a lot of new merchandise coming your way soon -- like this week! Check it out on our What's New Page (click here or on the navigation bar above) to see all the new goodies. If you see something you want please email me or call me at 915-833-9500 so I can hold it for you for a few days.
One item we just got in is the new larger 10" x 10" Stamp Perfect. I got in 6 yesterday and 4 were sold within hours! The smaller version is out of stock at the manufacturer until mid-March :( so grab this one if you don't have one. This tool is truly revolutionary and trust me once you start using it you will be so happy you have it!
And FYI: I do have a limited number of the bar magnets for the Stamp Perfect if you are interested.
And speaking of the Stamp Perfect, my class this Saturday will show you more than 10 ways to use this great tool. Check it out and sign up. And if you'd rather come at another time, just give me a call to arrange a time.
Well that's all for now. I hope to see you soon at The Stamp Act!
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
Hello Friends. I hope you had a good weekend. Today I'd like to share with you several samples that I recently made with new products that have arrived at The Stamp Act. You can see all the new products on our What's New page hereand see these cards and more in our Gallery here.
The Mad Rider from Art Impressions
A friend of mine lives in a senior community and recently traded in her car for a golf cart. I thought this stamp was a perfect way to commemorate the occasion! I stamped Mad Rider, colored her with Copic markers then cut her out. I drew the sidewalk and mounted it at the bottom of the cute house paper. One thing I love about Art Impressions is that they always have really cute sentiments to go with their stamps. The sidewalk sentiment is sold separately -- Mad Rider comes with the "Born to be Wild" sentiment (see below). Design inspired by Diane Zechman.
For this version I stamped The Mad Rider and die cut it with Memory Box Pinpoint Squares. Where the two papers met I added a Ric Rac Border die from Taylored Expressions. The retirement sentiment is also by Art Impressions. Design inspired by Tammie Koehnen.
To Go Please by Art Impressions
Who hasn't had a day like this? I think I am having one today because I took my car in for maintenance and the service rep just called with the price to fix the driver's side window -- Wowza! I think I need that special cup of coffee!
For this card, I die cut Penny Black's Love Cup die from orange, white and kraft cardstock and glued it together. I added the bright pink heart and the straw cut from striped yellow paper (both are part of the die set). The background is green cardstock punched with the EK Success Binding Edge Border punch; I added the stitched line with one of the dies from the Stitched die set by Paper Smooches. The notepaper is white cardstock stamped with an Impression Obsession Grid Stamp. Embellishing this piece are some yellow and white twine and a little strip of bright pink, polka dotted washi tape. The sentiment (Art Impressions To Go Please) was stamped and die cut with Memory Box die Stitched Ovals. The final embellishment was a scattering of coffee beans die cut with Impression Obsession Coffee Set.
The inside sentiment is Bad Day by Art Impressions. I stamped it then die cut it with Memory Box Stitched Squares. The cute little coffee cup is Memory Box die Coffee to Go Small.
Triptych Dies from Poppystamps
These are the new Triptych Stem and Triptych Dogwood Bloom dies from Poppy dies.
For this card I die cut the Triptych stem from green cardstock and the Triptych Dogwood Blooms from white cardstock and glue the white frames over the green -- they were designed to match perfectly! Then I die cut the Stems Triptych from blue cardstock and inserted these pieces on the back to form the background. Finally I die cut the Dogwood Blooms from yellow cardstock and inserted the flower centers. "Spring" is die cut with Poppystamps die Freehand Happy Spring. A really clean and simple Spring card.
Did you know this is Teacher Appreciation week? I made this card for my niece Jennifer who teaches high school geography in Central Texas. She will be honored at an awards ceremony this week because one of her students wrote an essay about how she inspired him to succeed in his studies. That makes the blackboard quote above especially appropriate for her. For the front of the card I used Memory Box die Jumbled Alphabet and inside I used Taylored Expressions stamp set Make the Grade and the TE die Blackboard.
I love this die. It's very graphic and makes a very quick and easy card that is appropriate for lots of occasions including "guy" cards! I used Poppy die Mod Hex Background and Poppy clear stamp set Hope and Thanks. Design inspired by Irena Kowalczyk.
The last card I will share with you today is made with Penny Black's stamp set Totally Fabulous. I have three good friends with black poodles and I know they will love this card. I stamped the elegant lady and colored her and the dogs with Copic markers. The sentiment stamp comes with the set. Fun!
Please stop in soon and see all the new fun products! Thanks!
Hello friends. Today’s post is going to be a compilation of miscellaneous samples starting with a few cards suitable for the men in your life. March means birthdays for my brother and brother-in-law so I always have to scramble for guy cards. Here’s what I came up with:
Masculine Cards
Mustache Birthday 2 – My first mustache card and I must say I like it. I didn’t have one of the cute mustache joke stamps so I made my own using various stamps and dies.
Supplies – Paper Smooches die Mustaches; Memory Box die Pinpoint Rectangles; Paper Smooches stamp set Sentiment Sampler; Impression Obsession stamp set Sentiments 2; Memory Box die Classic Alphabet U/C and Numbers
Mustache Birthday 1 – This is a simple version that you can make lots of and keep on hand for male birthdays. Switch the sentiment for other occasions.
Supplies – Paper Smooches die Mustaches; Memory Box die Pinpoint Rectangles; Paper Smooches stamp set Sentiment Sampler; design inspired by Jocelyn Olson
Hoppy Birthday – My brother grew up loving all animals; he even had an iguana in college! So a card with a frog jumping across is perfect for him.
Supplies – Poppy die Pond Frogs; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; Impression Obsession die Plain Alphabet; Taylored Expressions stamp set And Many More; design inspired by Stephanie Serrano
Here's an easy card perfect for any man's birthday. I cut a strip of the numbers paper and then cut it in 2 pieces (the reverse side was a perfect match!) and rounded the ends. I added two brads, wrapped natural twine around the brads and tied a bow. Add a sentiment and a balloon and you're done!
Supplies – My Favorite Things die Brushstroke Birthday sentiments; Penny Black die Uplifting
Diamond Border – I love this card! The new diamond border die from Penny Black cuts the solid and the outline diamond borders. Choose a color scheme and cut 2 of each from both colors. Glue the outline borders on top of the solid borders. Cut a strip of cardstock 1” x 5½” and adhere the middle border to the middle of this strip. Then adhere one border above and one below, leaving a little space between the borders. Finish the card with a sentiment die cut from same colors and adhered slightly off set. I plan to make this same card in a variety of different color schemes and sentiments.
Supplies – Penny Black die Diamond Border; Paper Smooches die Quote Tag; design inspired by Elizabeth Allan
Welcome – The die does all the work for this card. I cut the die from white cardstock and mounted it to blue cardstock. Then I cut the same die from green and inlaid the hills. Next I cut the houses and trees from various colors and glued them over the white version. I added cloud above and a sentiment below.
Supplies – Poppy die Brevilla Hillside; Taylored Expressions Stitched Clouds; TE stamp set Welcome Home
Ironwork Window Bird – It’s easy to spot a Penny Black die! I stamped the background with a PB stamp then cut the window in the center of the stamped panel. Next I cut the window again from white and glued it on top of the stamped version. The bird was mounted behind the window. Finally I die cut the finished piece with the Memory Box die Pinpoint Rectangles to add some more textural interest.
Supplies – Penny Black dies Ironwork Window and Perched Bird; Taylored Expressions stamps and dies Many Minis All Occasions; Memory Box die Pinpoint Rectangles; Penny Black cling stamp Star Ivy; design inspired by Jean Manis
Ironwork Window – Quick and easy. Cut the window from white and glue it over yellow cardstock. Add a few red hearts, a sweet sentiment and an embossed background and you’re done!
Supplies – Penny Black die Ironwork Window; Taylored Expressions embossing folder Leafy Vines; TE Little Bits die Love Confetti; sentiment stamp from Printworks; Memory Box die Pinpoint Rectangles; Penny Black clear stamp set Snippets; design inspired by Jean Manis
I hope you've enjoyed these cards to day. Be sure to click overto the classes page to see the samples for the Negative Die Cutting class coming up Saturday, April 2 at 10am. And stop in soon to shop. All Easter stamps and dies are 40% off until April 9!