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 fellow papercrafters. It's Spring and while we here in the desert Southwest enjoy beautiful, mild, sunny weather, we don't get very many spring rains. But today I invite you to dream of nice soft rains as I share with you several cards made with Taylored Expressions' new large umbrella die called When it Rains along with their Falling Rain background die and Rain or Shine stamp set. Here are photos of the dies I used.
For my first card, I cut many umbrellas using only the solid background umbrella. Next I sponged each one with a different color of Distress Oxide ink and then misted the umbrellas with water to create water spots. To create the focal umbrella I first cut a white background then the three stitched sections. I sponged these pieces also. Here's a tip: I glued the middle (gold) section down first but before I added the pink and green sections I colored the outline of the section with a similar color Copic marker. Why? Because the white cardstock was peeking through the stitching. You could also sponge the white background with the same Oxide inks.
Adhere the umbrellas to the background arranging them in a pleasing way. Add a few handles or pieces of handle to the background.
Once the umbrella is finished, die cut the handle out of black cardstock and cut it into the two pieces as shown. Attach one piece to the umbrella and reserve the handle part to add after you stamp and gold emboss the sentiment on a die cut stitched rectangle. Add the umbrella with foam mounting tape.
When It Rains – Taylored Expressions dies When It Rains Umbrella and Stitched Rectangles; TE stamp set Rain or Shine; design inspired by Gayatri Murali
Next up is the Falling Rain background which is so cool. First sponge a background with Distress Oxide ink (I used Salty Ocean) then die cut it with the Falling Rain die. I forgot to spritz the background with water but I suggest you should to add more depth to the background. Heat set the bottom of the background to make sure it is dry before pouncing it with an anti static too (we sell the EK Success too). Next stamp and heat emboss in white the sentiment.
Die cut the Rolling Clouds (it's a set of three dies and I used two of them on this card). Lightly sponge the edges with Salty Ocean ink. Adhere these to the top of the background. Add the umbrella with a silver handle and you're done!Rain or Shine Blue – Taylored Expressions dies When It Rains Umbrella, Build-A-Scene Rolling Clouds and Falling Rain; TE stamp set Rain or Shine; design inspired by Melody Rupple
My next sample is a happy card and it's a lot easier than it looks initially. First I used the Taylored Expressions Cloud Border to create a cloudy sky. Then I die cut the Falling Hearts background from two colors of pink, two colors of red and the white "cloudy sky" cardstock. Make little piles of the pink and red hearts because you're going to inlay them into the white sky. Cover the back of the sky background with scor tape (double sided tape), turn it over and start inserting the pink and red hearts as desired.
Construct the umbrella from 2 colors of red cardstock and "fill" it with red and pink hearts cut with the TE Little Bits Hearts die. Die cut the Rolling Clouds being sure to leave enough room to stamp the sentiment in black Versafine ink. Mount everything and add it to a red card base.
Showered With Love – Taylored Expressions dies When It Rains Umbrella, Build-A-Scene Rolling Clouds, Falling Hearts and Little Bits Hearts; TE stamp set Rain or Shine; design inspired by Melody Rupple
I love the pretty papers on this card. I think it's pretty self explanatory so I won't go into details. Rain or Shine Floral – Taylored Expressions die When It Rains Umbrella; TE stamp set Rain or Shine; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
For my next card I switched to a smaller umbrella (TE's Little Bits Umbrella) which I die cut from three different decorative papers. For the background I embossed the Falling Rain die on blue cardstock. To do this simply use a rubber mat and the correct "sandwich" recipe for embossing for your die cut tool. OH! Be sure to stamp your sentiment first then emboss! Once I taped and glue everything together, I "colored" the raindrops above the umbrellas with Nuvo clear drops and let it dry. Dance in the Rain – Taylored Expressions dies Falling Rain and Little Bits Umbrella; TE stamp set Rain or Shine
I published this Rainbow card a few weeks ago but since it used some of the same stamps and dies I thought I would include it again. The umbrella is mounted on a background created with the Rainbow die with two stitched clouds tucked under and below it. The sentiment is stamped on white cardstock die cut with the Rolling Clouds.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
Spring Sale ... Spring Sale ... Spring Sale
I am still deep cleaning the store and our sale counter is stuffed with bargains from 50 cents to $4. There's paper, cards, stamps, dies and tons of fun embellishments. Lots of goodies that kids will love. All Christmas, Fall and Halloween stamps and dies are marked down 35%. I also have kits for making multiple cards with the stamps and dies included for just a few dollars. If you make cards for friends, your church or school, check these out. All the paper is precut and some is even stamped already so you need only finish them!
Please stop in soon because these bargains are too good to pass up!
When you need to make a quick card with lots of presence, reach for Taylored Expressions' fun Bubble Greetings and Bubble Greetings Spring. The large open letters are perfect for coloring, paper piecing, doodling or stamping on a colorful background. To further enhance the Bubble Greetings, stamp them on one of TE's Boxed in Basics cards which are unique 4" x 5 1/4" panels printed on 100lb cardstock. Each package includes 2 cards of 6 designs.
Now for some samples.
For my first four cards I tried my hand at doodling in the letters then colored them with Copic makers.
Hello Friend – Taylored Expressions stamp set Bubble Greetings; TE dies Stitched Rectangles and Inside Scallop Rectangles; design inspired by Danielle Lounds Thank You – Taylored Expressions stamp set Bubble Greetings; TE dies Stitched Rectangles and Frame in Frame 2; design inspired by Danielle Lounds Happy Birthday – Taylored Expressions stamp set Bubble Greetings; TE die Frame in Frame 2; design inspired by Danielle Lounds
For this next card I added flowers cut from wool felt. Just a Note – Taylored Expressions stamp set Bubble Greetings; TE dies Stitched Rectangles and Bloomers flower series; design inspired by Danielle Lounds
My next set of cards were created with the Spring Bubble Greetings and the Boxed in Basics. For this first card I paper pieced the letters and hung the bunny border across the top (thanks Mary for the suggestion!) The bunnies' little butts are felt!Hoppy Easter Pieced – Taylored Expressions stamp set Bubble Greetings Spring; Boxed In Basics Cards; TE die Spring Borders
For this next card I created the background on the Boxed in Basics card with Distress inks and the blending tool. I stamped the letters, colored them with Copic markers then embellished the card with flowers. Hello Spring Distress Bkgrd – Taylored Expressions stamp set Bubble Greetings Spring; Boxed In Basics Cards; TE dies Mini Bloomers 1 and 2; Distress inks for background; design inspired by Gayatri Murali
I love this next card with its soft pastel colors. After I colored the letters and the border, I framed the greeting with a spring scene then enhanced the border with Nuvo clear drops. Hoppy Easter colored – Taylored Expressions stamp set Bubble Greetings Spring; Boxed In Basics Cards; TE die Sitting Pretty Accessories; design inspired by Jen Shults
More paper piecing and another sweet Easter basket full of eggs, carrots and flowers. I colored the border then cut it out to enhance the unique shape.Be Joyful – Taylored Expressions stamp set Bubble Greetings Spring; Boxed In Basics Cards; TE dies Hippity Hop and Sitting Pretty Accessories; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
My favorite card? A pretty yellow shaker! I stamped the very pretty Petite Petals background in Versamark on yellow cardstock and heat embossed it in clear. I die cut the oval opening and die cut a piece of fun foam to create the "well" for the sequin filler. Next I stamped the Hello Spring Bubble Greeting on acetate with Versamark ink and heat embossed it in white. Here are two important tips for stamping and embossing on acetate. First, be sure to treat the acetate surface with an anti-static powder tool (we sell the EK Success tool and it's great!). And second, be sure to hold the heat tool well above the surface (about 10" to 12") so the heat does not buckle the acetate.Hello Spring Shaker – Taylored Expressions stamp set Bubble Greetings Spring; TE die Stitched Ovals; TE stamp Petite Petals Background; design inspired by Noriko Fairchild
Bubble Greetings are in stock so stop in soon and see them for yourself!
Happy Birthday Chloe and 17% Sale!
My little bichon frise Chloe had a birthday this week and turned 17! Fortunately she is still in relatively good health and still comes to work with me everyday. In her honor we are having a huge 17% sale on everything in the store when you spend $30 (after discounts and taxes) on non-sale merchandise. The sale will be from Thursday, March 8 through Saturday, March 17. Don't miss these savings on all merchandise!
It's hard to believe that Easter is only a few short weeks away. Today I will share with you samples using a cute set of stamps and dies from Taylored Expressions called "Bunny Tails and Happy Trails." There's nothing not to love about this set, but what I particularly like is the "road to recovery" sentiment which is perfect for cards for people recovering from an illness or surgery. Plus this set is also perfect for slider cards which are really popular right now. And the little critters are so cute you will use them all year.
For this first card I used partial die cutting to cut semicircle from a white cardstock panel. Behind the panel I used Distress inks to sponge a sky. I stamped and die cut the little critters and lined them along the bottom of the semicircle. A few sequins adds a little sparkle to the card and I love how you can color in the word "treat" on the sentiment.Easter Treat – Taylored Expressions stamp and matching dies Bunny Tails and Happy Trails; TE dies Stitched Circles and Sitting Pretty Spring Accessories (carrot); design inspired by Gayatri Murali
For my next card I pulled out the very, very old Memory Box die "Fringe Border." I cut the "grass" with this die and layered the "On The Road" track above it. The little critters are all line dup on the track while the rolling clouds hang in the sky above. I left the "Hello" uncolored but it certainly could be colored is you like.Hello Spring Fringe Border – Taylored Expressions stamp and matching dies Bunny Tails and Happy Trails; TE dies Build A Scene -- On the Road, Build A Scene – Rolling Clouds, Frame in Frame; Memory Box Fringe Border; design inspired by Stephanie Kraft
The Rolling Clouds from the card above become a green belt in this next card. The Rolling Clouds die is a set of three different cloud banks and I used two different cuts for the green belt. I also embossed one of the die cuts with the Cloudy Days embossing folder.Hello Spring Green – Taylored Expressions stamp and matching dies Bunny Tails and Happy Trails; TE dies Build A Scene -- On the Road, Build A Scene – Rolling Clouds, Door to Door Spring Décor; TE embossing folder Cloudy Days; design inspired by Courtney Kelley
All the critters make an appearance on this sunny yellow card. The On the Road die set includes both a curved and a straight track as well as companion dies to cut the backgrouond color (on this card white).
Hello Spring Yellow – Taylored Expressions stamp and matching dies Bunny Tails and Happy Trails; TE die Build A Scene -- On the Road; design inspired by Jean Manis
Here's the first card with the Road to Recovery sentiment. It's sure to make the recipient chuckle.Recovery Orange Truck – Taylored Expressions stamp and matching dies Bunny Tails and Happy Trails; TE die Build A Scene -- On the Road; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
On this card I colored in the word "trip" to give it some increased presence.Recovery Red Truck – Taylored Expressions stamp and matching dies Bunny Tails and Happy Trails; design inspired by Gayatri Murali
How fun slider cards are! Taylored Expressions desiged their slider die set to coordinate with the On the Road tracks. Unfortunately I didn't have that set when I made this card so I used the Lawn Fawn set which matched the track pretty well. Here are the steps to make a slider card (ignoring the rest of the layout on the card):
1. Cut the slider opening in the focal panel.
2. On the reverse side of this panel, place two layers of foam tape around the perimeter.
3. Cut 2 rectangles of foam tape that will fit inside the slider opening. Mount these rectangles on a penny. Use the EK SuccessPowder Tool to pounce the edges of the foam tape so that the tape will not stick to the slider opening.
3. Turn the card over and remove the release paper from the top of the foam tape and adhere the critter to the penny.
4. Test your slider -- it should slide freely.
5. Remove all the release paper from the foam tape and adhere the focal panel to the card.
Recovery Slider – Taylored Expressions stamp and matching dies Bunny Tails and Happy Trails; TE dies Stitched Cloud Duo, Build A Scene -- Trees and Build A Scene – On the Road; Lawn Fawn die Slide on Over; design inspired by Jen Shults
I love this "sending smiles" sentiment too! It's so perfect with the little critter and the track. And the little puffs of smoke add another cute element.Sending Smiles Red Truck – Taylored Expressions stamp and matching dies Bunny Tails and Happy Trails; TE dies Little Bits Sun and Clouds, Build A Scene – On the Road and Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Jen Shults
I am so into this color combination. And the large cloud die is one I don't use often but it's perfect for matting the sentiment. Another sloder card -- so fun!Sending Smiles Slider – Taylored Expressions stamp and matching dies Bunny Tails and Happy Trails; TE dies Cloud Stacklets, Build A Scene – Farm Fence and Little Bits Easter Confetti; Lawn Fawn die Slide on Over; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
Bunny Pop
Remember the Reindeer Pop from Christmas? Now we've got the Bunny Pop and he is soooo clever. The set comes with the Bunny, a plain circle and a scalloped circle. I cut the bunnies from off white card stock then stamped them with the Notable Blooms background in Versamark and embossed them in clear. I cut the scalloped circle with the plain circle to create an opening then cut fun foam with the two circle dies to form a barrier for the shaker card. I added jelly beans in one and sequins in the other. Each bunny is mounted on the Tagging Along box that can be filled with jelly beans and easter eggs!Blue & Purple Bunnies – Taylored Expressions die Bunny Pop; TE Background stamp Notable Blooms; TE dies Tags Stacklets 1 and Tagging Along; TE stamp and die combo Full of Beans; TE Sequins Pretty Pastels; design inspired by Noriko Fairchild
This bunny has an EOS lip gloss in his belly!
Mint Green EOS – Taylored Expressions die Bunny Pop; TE Background stamp Notable Blooms; Paper Smooches die Bows
All these stamps and dies are in stock plus lots more so stop in soon and see what's new for Easter! I look forard to seeing you soon.
Need a birthday card? Our Sweet Tooth Tower stamp and die combo set is perfect for making quick birthday cards. The stamp set comes with the die for cutting out the cupcake tower and several cute sentiments. Here are some samples using this set.Birthday Calories Red – Taylored Expressions Stamp and die combo set Sweet Tooth Tower; TE die Stitched Scalloped Border; design inspired by Taylor VanBruggenHappy Birthday to You – Taylored Expressions Stamp and die combo set Sweet Tooth Tower; Lawn Fawn die Happy Birthday border; TE embossing folder Sprinkles
Love You More Than Cupcakes, Happy Birthday Sweetie and Birthday Calories Blue – Taylored Expressions Stamp and die combo set Sweet Tooth Tower; Memory Box die Stitched Circles; WRM die Rounded Squares; Elizabeth Craft die Dotted Scallop Squares; design inspired by Melissa Roell
Flag Hearts Banners – Taylored Expressions Stamp and die combo set Sweet Tooth Tower; TE dies Valentines Borders and Stitched Scalloped Border; design inspired by Sankari Wegman
Hey Sugar – Taylored Expressions Stamp and die combo set Sweet Tooth Tower; TE die Picture Perfect Smile-Hello; TE embossing folder Sprinkles; Memory Box die Stitched Circles; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen Happy Happy Birthday – Taylored Expressions Stamp and die combo set Sweet Tooth Tower; TE die Block Party Happy; TE stamp Goody Goody Gumballs; design inspired by Keia Shipp-Smith
Whether it's birthday, Easter or any other occasion, we have everything you need to complete your papercrafting project. Stop in soon. Remember, we are closed Sunday through Tuesday; open Wednesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
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!
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!
Valentine's Day is next week and I have created both funny and elegant Valentine Make and Takes just for you! Join me Thursday through Saturday, February 8-10, 10am to 4pm and Wednesday, February 14, 10am to 4pm. You may choose to make any one of the Valentine's Day cards shown below plus a customized envelope! And it's free! These cards are perfect for your honey, your friends or your co-workers. I hope to see you soon!
My funny Valentines are created with Taylored Expressions Foodie Friends stamps and matching dies. I stamped the image, colored it with Copic markers then cut it out with the matching die. Each stamp has a funny greeting for the insde of the card.
Cheesy and Corny (outside) 3" x 3" bracket notecard
Cheesy and Corny (inside) 3" x 3" bracket notecardPizza and Fries (outside) 3" x 3" bracket notecard
Pizza and Fries (inside) 3" x 3" bracket notecard
For each of the cards above I diecut the bracket notecard, stamped a background (TE Brushed Hearts or Luv-a-Doodle) then stamped, colored and cut out the focal image.
For my elegant Valentine, I stamped the large heart from the Memory Box Wirework Heart set in Versafine Black ink on white shimmer cardstock then embossed it in clear. I die cut the center of the heart with one of the hearts from the Memory Box Have a Heart die set. Next I colored the die using the Clarity Stencil Brushes and dye inks. Love these brushes!!! See more samples using the Clarity Brushes below.
I matted the colored heart on one of the hearts from the Memory Box Wrapped Stitch Hearts set. To finish the card I stamped one of the sentiments included in the Wirework Heart set on cardstock cut with the one of the Taylored Expressions Double Ended Flags. This greeting was also embossed in clear. Simple yet elegant.
Please join me for our Free Make and Take all this week and next week on Wednesday.
More Samples with Wirework Heart Set from Memory Box
Here's a photo of the Wireworks Heart stamp set. It includes several hearts, flowers and sentiments. For a video tutorial on coloring and shrinking the heart, you can see Dave Brethauer, owner of Memory Box, here.
For my first sample I stamped the largest heart and colored it with Copic markers.
For this sample I stamped the large heart in black permanent ink on sanded shrink plastic then colored it with Prismacolor colored pencils. Then I cut it out (with scissors, not a die) and shrank the heart. I mounted it on a mat cut with one of the Memory Box Wrapped Stitched Hearts. The border is cut with Poppystamps die Petit Four Border and the "loved" sentiment is die cut with Taylored Expressions Loved Script die. These next two cards are done exactly the same way. The first card with Copics on white cardstock and the second card with colored pencils on shrink plastic. The Happy Valentines sentiment is from Poppystamps and the dot border die is from Paper Smooches. More Samples with Clarity Brushes and Mandala Die from Taylored Expressions
Mandalas are very trendy and this full card size Mandala die is beautiful and versatile. The die cuts the Mandala and the frame.For this first card I die cut the Mandala from turquoise cardstock and left most of the pieces in the die cut. I think it makes a dramatic focal image. I embellished the image with clear Nuvo enamel drops and a sentiment (TE Spring Florals). Design inspired by Regina Mangum.
Next I cut the Mandala from white cardstock and colored it with dye inks and an ink blending tool. The Hello (TE Script Hello) is cut twice and glued together for extra dimension, and the "friend" word is from TE's Friendly Phrases. It is cut with TE's Double Ended Flags die. Design inspired by Melody Rupple. Now to show you how I colored with the Clarity Stencil brushes. For this card I die cut both the Mandala and a background from white shimmer cardstock. Then I used the brushes to apply the ink in a rainbow effect, overlapping the colors. The brushes give the background a soft and shimmery look that is really beautiful. (Design inspired by Jen Schults) The sentiment is from TE's In & out Get Well stamp set.
For my last card, I cut the Mandala from black cardstock and the background from white cardstock. I applied the colors (dye inks) with the Clarity Brushes. The Thanks script die (TE) is cut twice from gold mirror cardstock. (Design inspired by Jean Manis)Come to the free make and take this week and learn more about these wonderful Clarity Stencil brushes! They are a fun and easy way to apply color. See you soon!
Just a Reminder ...
Just a friendly reminder ... The Stamp Act is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm. We are closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Stop in soon!
Hello Friends. Days are growing shorter and cooler signals the arrival of fall. In fact, Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks away! Yikes! Today I have several cards to share with you ... some fun ... some pretty. Please stop in soon to see what's new in the store -- there are so many fun items to use for cardmaking and gift making. Over the next few posts, I will be sharing with you some holiday gifts I have made for friends and family. Please send me photos of what you are making. It's fun to share and inspire each other.
This is such a fun card! And yes it did take a while to make. I made the background by blending Distress Oxide Inks then die cut all the images and put them together. I love the new Little Bit dies Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie from Taylored Expressions -- they are perfect for Thanksgiving cards. And the Little Bit Turkey really looks scared!
Turkey Color Block – Taylored Expressions dies Color Block Mini, Sitting pretty Accessories Fall, Mini Caps Alpha & #’s and Stitched Banners; TE Little Bits dies Turkey, Silverware, Turkey Dinner, Pumpkin Pie and Talk Bubble 2; TE stamp set Thanksgiving Blessings; design inspired by Keia Shipp-Smith
This turkey looks a little more relaxed as he stands among the swirling leaves. I love, love, love the new Lawn Fawn Stitched Windy Backdrop die. It cuts a large rectangle and all the swirls that are perfect for leaves or snowflakes! Patchwork Turkey Happy Turkey Day – Impression Obsession die Patchwork Turkey; Taylored Expressions stamp set If Turkeys Could Talk; TE Little Bits die Leaves; Lawn Fawn die Stitched Windy Backdrop; design inspired by Karen Amidon
The turkey (above) and the leaves/acorns below are all from the Impression Obsession Patchwork collection and I love the homespun look they have when cut from paper stamped with some of the IO Mini Patterns stamps. The new Memory Box greeting is perfect for fall cards.
Patchwork Leaves – Impression Obsession die Patchwork Leaves; IO Stamp sets Mini Patterns 1, 2 and 4; Memory Box dies Autumn Greetings and Stitched Circles; design inspired by Karen Amidon
Next I am sharing several cards I made with the IO Wheat die which is one of my favorites. The first card is an easel card.
Easel Card front
Easel Card Open
Wheat Happy Birthday – Impression Obsession dies Wheat and Greetings Edgers; Taylored Expressions stamp Woodgrain Background; Memory Box die Stitched Ovals; design inspired by Jenny Gropp
For this next card I die cut the wheat then colored them with various inks (mostly Oxides).
Wheat Mason Jar – Impression Obsession die Wheat; Taylored Expressions die Mini Tags and TE stamp set Many Minis Holiday and TE die set Mini Tags; TE stamp set and die set Mason Jar
Same for this card: cut then colored. Very simple but so pretty.
Wheat Give Thanks – Impression Obsession die Wheat; IO stamp clear stamp set Count Your Blessings
Another Oxide ink background, wheat in a more natural color and a lovely sentiment.
Wheat Favorite Color Fall – Impression Obsession die Wheat; IO stamp clear stamp set Fall Words; Taylored Expressions stamp set Simply Stamped Leaves
Finally, three stitched leaves cut and colored (Oxides) and mounted on the card front with a sweet sentiment. I could have cut the front panel of this card with the Lawn Fawn Stitched Windy Backdrop for more texture and interest.
Leaves Are Falling – Lawn Fawn die Stitched Leaves; Impression Obsession stamp Leaves are Falling
Black Friday Promotions for Nov 24 and 25
For Black Friday we will have these promotions:
Spend $25 and get 2 free dies.
Spend $50 and get 3 free dies.
Spend $75 and get 4 free dies.
Fine print: Only non-sale merchandise counts and totals are before taxes. Your choice of dies from a preselected group.
All Sale merchandise that's 30% off will be 40% off for those 2 days only. Plus I am adding more merchandise to the sale table.
Happy Fall to all and please shop at your local papercrafting store. Thanks!
Hello and Happy Fall to all! As the days grow shorter, sunsets come earlier, and the air is a little cooler, we know fall is coming. Everyone loves fall and for papercrafters it is a season rich with possibilities for card-making with pumpkins, leaves and fall foliage. Let me share with you samples of new dies and stamps.
Poppystamps' new stitched leaves dies make a beautiful wreath and the sentiment is so true to the season.Leaves Wreath – Poppystamps dies Stitched Maple Leaves, Stitched Oak Leaves and Brushed Give Thanks; design inspired by Robin Tharaldson
Taylored Expressions new Pumpkin layered stamp set is so beautiful. These pumpkins are all lined up in front of the arbor fence and gate. Arbor with Pumpkins – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Pumpkins; TE dies Garden Arbor & Gate, Arbor Accessories, Arbor Fence, Sitting Pretty Accessories Halloween and Build A Scene Rolling Hills; Memory Box die Stitched Clouds; design inspired by Jean Manis
More pumpkins positioned on an embossed background over wood design paper.Pumpkins on Notable Blooms – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Pumpkins; TE stamp Notable Blooms Background; TE dies Stitched Banner Stacklets; TE embossing folder Burlap; Memory Box dies Stitched Rectangles and Stitched Circles; design inspired by Jean Manis
Birch trees embossed in white make an appropriate background for these pumpkins and leaves.Happy Thanksgiving Pumpkins on Birch Trees – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Pumpkins; TE stamp Birch Tree Background; TE die Build A Scene Rolling Hills; Impression Obsession dies Mini Leaves; design inspired by Melody Rupple
Remember the fireplace I used on the Halloween card last week? Here I used the same die set and dressed it up for Harvest. TE's Sitting Pretty Fall Accessories is chock full of harvest-themed accessories.Harvest Fireside 1 – Taylored Expressions dies By the Fireside and Sitting Pretty Accessories Fall; TE embossing folder Brick; design inspired by Gayatri Murali
Another Harvest fireplace. I love the ghourds in the picture frame -- lools like a mama and a baby!Harvest Fireside 2 – Taylored Expressions dies By the Fireside and Sitting Pretty and Sitting Pretty Accessories Fall; TE embossing folders Brick and Bead Board; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
Other favorite new dies for fall are the Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie from Taylored Expressions. I used them on the next three cards.Shelf Pie Pitcher – Taylored Expressions dies Sitting Pretty, Sitting Pretty Accessories Fall and Pumpkin Pie; TE stamp set Thanksgiving Blessings; design inspired by Kim SingdahlsenThanksgiving Table – Taylored Expressions dies Sitting Pretty Accessories Fall, Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie; TE stamp set Thanksgiving Blessings; design inspired by Jean Manis
Thankful – Taylored Expressions dies Stitched Frames, Turkey Dinner and Pumpkin Pie; TE stamp set Thanksgiving Blessings; design inspired by Michele Boyer
The Impression Obsession Patchwork Turkey looks so home-spun when constructed with papers from the new Carta Bella Hello Fall paper pad.Patchwork Turkey – Impression Obsession die Patchwork Turkey; Taylored Expressions stamp set Thanksgiving Blessings; Memory Box die Pinpoint Squares; design inspired by Leigh W.
I used the same paper pad on this card featuring a truck loaded to the brim with pumpkins. Truck with Pumpkins – Impression Obsession dies Classic Truck and Pumpkin Patch; IO stamp Pumpkin Spice; design inspired by Karen Amidon
Whether you are making Halloween, Fall or Thanksgiving cards, stop by the The Stamp Act for lots of supplies and inspiration! We would love to see you.
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.
Impression Obsession Good Old SummertimeSweet Summertime – Impression Obsession clear stamp set Sweet Summertime; Spellbinder die Classic Circles; Copic markers; design inspired by Ilina CrouseSweet 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.
Hello friends. I hope you are enjoying your summer. July is the unofficial kickoff of Christmas crafting and while I am not ready to make Christmas cards just yet, I am determined to get some Christmas presents started and finished before the hectic holidays are upon us. A popular gift that I make every year for an increasingly long list of friends and family are calendars. This year I am making two calendar versions and today I want to share with you the stamped version.
For the stamped calendars I used Taylored Expressions' stamp set with matching dies Flowers for a Year and the TE die set Build a Calendar 2. Here's what they look like:
Each year Taylored Expressions releases their new printed calendars in two sizes, 3" x 4" and 5" x 7". I like the smaller size because there is less to decorate -- very important when you're making multiples! The set of 12 calendars cards in 3" x 4" size is $4.49 and, as you can see, the frame die (above) just fits around the colored rectangle on the card.
The Flowers for a Year stamp set is so versatile -- it's not just for calendars -- it makes beautiful cards too. First I will show you the calendars I made (inspired by Melody Rupple's samples). Be sure to click on the photos to see more detail.
Now you're probably wondering how I display these calendars. I have used three options. First we have a Mini Easel that just fits the cards. It's inexpensive ($5.99 for a package of 2) and takes up no room.
A second popular option is the 7 Gypsies Shadowbox Frame (12 compartments) which have been discontinued but can still be found on line.My last option is new this year. It's the Tim Holtz Flip Frame ($19.99). It's a standing frame that measures 7" x 5" on a small round stand with a 5½” x 3½” center opening. The frame comes with two 1⅜” rings. I made the sleeves for the calendars using page protectors and the WR Memory Keepers Fuse Tool which heat sets a seam along the edge of the cut plastic. I punched holes at the top of each plastic sleeve, inserted the calendar then hung the 12 sleeves from the rings. The pages flip right over the top. The Flip Frame makes a very nice presentation for both men and women.Now for some card samples. This first set of cards is inspired by some that Michele Boyer made. These white on white cards each have an embossed panel matted on colored cardstock. The simple white layout draws all your attention to the pretty flowers and simple greetings (also in the same stamp set).
Here are two more cards using the same stamp set.
Sunshine – Taylored Expressions stamp set with matching dies Flowers for a Year; TE dies Picture Perfect - Sunny Days and Stitched Circle Stacklets; design inspired by Jean Manis Notables Card – Taylored Expressions stamp set with matching dies Flowers for a Year; TE dies Build A Calendar 2, Picket Fence and Grass Border; TE background stamp Notables; TE embossing folder Bead Board; design inspired by Melody Rupple.
Keep watching for more gift ideas and please let me know what you are making with your papercrafting supplies. For calendars, stamps, dies and papers, head on over to the Stamp Act! We would love to see you.
Hello Friends! Today's blog is all about us crafters! How fun are these cards?! They are perfect to send to other "addicted" crafter's and to friends who know about our obessions! Enjoy!
These cards are made with a preciously released set of stamps from Taylored Expressions and the newly released matching dies (not shown).
Taylored Expressions stamps set A Life She Loved, $18.79. Matching dies are $22.99.
My first card is very colorful and features the TE Little Bit Paint Brush die. I die cut the paint brushes from kraft cardstock and the tips from white cardstock then adhered the tips to the brushes. I colored them with the same color Copic marker that I colored the sentiment with.Color My World Paint Brushes – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies A Life She Loved; TE Little Bit die Paint Brushes; TE paper pad Rainbow Brights; design inspired by Michele Boyer
This card is similiar except it includes the Little Bit Colored Pencil die as well as the Paint Brushe sand the Paint Palette. I colored the sentiment with colored pencils which show up well on the balck cardstock.
Color My World Colored Pencils – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies A Life She Loved; TE Little Bit dies Colored Pencils, Paint Brushes and Paint Palette; design inspired by Jean Manis
You can make a quick background using the focal image in a neutral color and mounting a die cut piece of vellum on top. The paint brushes are stamped in black, colored with Copic markers and glued on top of the vellum. Then it's easy to mount the vellum by placing foam tape on the vellum under the brushes. TIP: I stamped the sentiment on the vellum with Memento black ink and let it dry before I colored it. Alternatively you could stamp it in Versafine black and emboss it with clear embossing powder.
Color My World Vellum – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies A Life She Loved; TE die Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Gayatri Murali
A few layers in different colors adds a fun touch to this card.
Make Beautiful Things – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies A Life She Loved; TE dies Stitched Rectangles, Stitched Circles and Frame in Frame; design inspired by Jen Shults
I love the layer son this card. The kraft corrugated card and the white card are both cut with the Stitched Rectangles and splattered with green and blue ink. I added Glossy Accents on top of the ink spots on the palette to make them look more realsitic.Paint Brushes Designed a Life – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies A Life She Loved; TE Little Bit dies Paint Brushes and Paint Palette; TE die Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Melody Rupple
OK, there are crafts other than papercrafting, and knitting and crocheting are very popular these days.
Knitting – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies A Life She Loved; TE Little Bit die Needles and Yarn; TE die Frame in Frame and Stitched Banner Stacklets; TE embossing folder Swiss Hearts; design inspired by Melody Rupple
News You Can Use
Recently Jennifer McGuire released a video blog showing 5 Must Have Tools for papercrafters. The Stamp Act has carried all these tools (or something very close to them) and interestingly enough I had several on order when her blog released so they will be coming soon. Here is my top useful tools list:
Stamp Perfect-- If you don't have it (or another similiar stamp positioning tool) you need to run not walk to The Stamp Act and buy one. It is extremely useful and will increase your stamping pleasure as it decreases your stamping mistakes. We have the larger size Stamp Perfect for $29.99.
Fine Tip Glue Bottle -- I agree with Jennifer that a fine tip glue bottle is a must have. We have the Precision Tip Applicator Bottle that lets you apply tiny drops of glue on thin little die cuts. Does it clog up occassionally? Yes. So go to Hobby Lobby and buy some corsage pins and clean the tip out every once in while. Or leave the pin in the bottle as a "lid". Jennifer recommends the Darice Bottles which come 4 to a set and I have those on order also.
Tombow Mono Sand Eraser-- This little eraser can help erase tiny bits of stray ink from your stamping. Very helpful.
Jewel Picker-- is very handy tool with a sticky end that picks up jewels or sequins. We carry the Lifestyle Crafts Quicker Picker Upper and the Embellie Jellie. The Embellie Jellie is an ingenous tool that comes with a small box of a jelly material that you mold into a ball and stick on the end of a wooden skewer. Then just use the skewer to pick up small embellishments from tiny crystals to heavier buttons. I also have the Uchida Jewel Picker on order.
The Scor 'n' Pierce Tool-- ranks as one of my top tools. It has 4 retractable tips: 2 that pierce and 2 that score (ball stylus). When you need to poke paper out of a die this tool’s tip fits into the tiniest holes.
Milwaukee Heat Tool -- gets hotter than other heat tools so it embosses faster. It’s the best!
Die Snips -- make snipping apart dies a breeze. Unlike regular wire snips that are big and clunky, these have a tapered end so they easily fit into tight places to snip dies apart. Check them out – I reach for mine almost every day! And if you need to smooth out the burrs left from snipping, use a Dremel tool with a sanding tip. Be sure to wear safety gogges!!
Tweezers -- I know that using tweezers is a personal preference (passion!) of mine but if you try them you too will love them! We carry the Elizabeth Craft Tweezers which have very thin, curved tips which make picking up the smallest of embellishments or die cuts easy.
Shop for all the tools, papers, dies and stamps you need for your papercrafting at The Stamp Act! And if you are looking for a tool or have a question about a tool, just stop in for some advicce. Thanks for stopping by the blog today.
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. A new stamp set from Stampendous inspires today's blog. The clear stamp set is "Family Home" and includes several houses embellished with tiny words and phrases as well as several sentiments about home. The tiny words on the stamps add a darling touch of whimsy!
Stampendous clear stamp set Family Home, $16.59
I chose to color them in bright colors. On this first card I die cut the background with the Fluttering Hearts die and placed pink cardstock behind the cut out hearts. Then I cut the coloring by leaving the houses in the background in black and white, and coloring just one house for a focal image. Finally, I used two of the tiny hearts to embellish the sentiment.
Love of a Family – Stampendous clear stamp set Family Home; My Favorite Things die Fluttering Hearts
For this sample I created a side-step card. You can easlity find the directions for making a side-step card on line. Love and Dreams – Stampendous clear stamp set Family Home; Impression Obsession die Cloud and Moon; Memory Box die Marshmallow Clouds; Spellbinder die Classic Ovals
For this card I created a road with a TE die and placed the house along it. A little grass and a cute tree complete the scene. Love Brings Us Home – Stampendous clear stamp set Family Home; Taylored Expressions dies On the Road, Grass Border and Build-a-Scene Trees; Memory Box die Stitched Clouds
One of the most versatile and useful dies I have recently discovered is the Winding Road/Stream die from Impression Obsession. It cuts the perfect little pathway up to this house.
Where Our Story Begins – Stampendous clear stamp set Family Home; Poppystamps die Stitched Landscapes; Taylored Expressions die Stitched Clouds; Impression Obsession die Winding Road/Stream
Taylored Expressions "There's No Place Like Home" stamp set
Houses are very popular this season so here's another set of samples using TE's new stamp set, No Place Like Home (pictured below).
Taylored Expressions stamp set There's No Place Like Home, $18.79
Along with the stamp set, I used the two new Sitting Pretty die sets from TE. The first one pictured below is a series of frames and the Accessories set has dies to cut out a variey of typical house accessories. And it even cuts out a shelf to set them on! How fun is that?
Taylored Expressions die set Sitting Pretty, $19.99
Taylored Expressions die set Sitting Pretty Accessories, $19.99
If you watch any of the home decorating shows on TV you've seen a subway tiles used in updating kitchens and bathrooms. So TE brings us an embossing folder that gives that same background to our decorated houses.
This first card shows the shelf decorated with some of the cute accessories. To get the two-toned look on the word "home" I used the Stamp Perfect stamp positioner. I covered the heart with a double thickness of post-it notes as I inked the h,m and e with green ink. Then I removed the post-its and stamped the word on my focal image. Leaving the stamp in place on the Stamp Perfect, I cleaned the green ink off the stamp and inked the heart in red. I stamped the heart and because of the wonderful Stamp Perfect, it fit perfectly into its place. Yeah! Another option is to stamp the letters and place a die cut heart in the place for the heart.
Home Where Heart Is – Taylored Expressions stamp set There’s No Place Like Home; TE dies Sitting Pretty and Sitting Pretty Accessories; design inspired by Michele Boyer
This next card shows the neighborhood stamp in the background and the little cottage die in the foreground. The sky is decorated with several of the TE enamel stars. Here's a look at the inside of the card.Happy New Home – Taylored Expressions stamp set There’s No Place Like Home; TE dies Little Bit Cottage and Frame in Frame; TE embossing folder Subway Tiles; design inspired by Jami Sibley. Congratulations on Your New Home – Taylored Expressions stamp set There’s No Place Like Home; TE die Stitched Hearts Stacklets
You can also substittue the TE Little Bit die House in place of the heart in Home. Hearts Can Build – Taylored Expressions stamp set There’s No Place Like Home; TE die Little Bit House; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Jean Manis
To create this next card, I stamped the neighborhood stamp in black on white cardstock. Then I cut a sheet of acetate the same size as the focal image (white cardstock). Once I knew where I wanted to position the heart, I die cut the acetate with a heart die to make a mortise mask -- which will protect the area around the stamped image (in this case the neighborhood). Then I placed the actetate mask over the cardstock and sponged on red ink. I colored the window openings with a yellow Copic marker and stamped the sentiment. Finally I inserted the House over the heart and glued on the word "home" die cut from the new Mini Caps Alpha dies. Home Where Heart Is – Taylored Expressions stamp set There’s No Place Like Home; TE dies Sitting Pretty and Sitting Pretty Accessories; design inspired by Michele Boyer
The next card uses the new Sitting Pretty dies and the result is a perfect card for a new neighbor.
Welcome – Taylored Expressions stamp set There’s No Place Like Home; TE die Sitting Pretty, Sitting Pretty Accessories and Scalloped Border; Spellbinders die Petite Ovals; design inspired by Melody Rupple
I love this card because it looks impressive and it's easy too! I used the TE Ray of Sunshine die to cut a stencil from white cardstock. Then I placed the stencil over the white cardstock and sponged on yellow ink to create a sunrise behind the little cottage. I completed the card with gras and flowers and a little white fence.
Cottage in Sun – Taylored Expressions stamp set There’s No Place Like Home; TE dies Little Bit Cottage, Farm Fence, Ray of Sunshine and Grass Border; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; Impression Obsession die Tiny Flowers; TE embossing folder Burlap; design inspired by Jean Manis
If you haven't been in The Stamp Act for a while, you will be pleased with our large selection and inpiring samples. Stop in soon and let your creativity blossom!
Hello Friends. Today I want to share with you some cards that while perfect for Mother's Day, will work just as well for new baby or friendship cards. I am using a set of stamps with matching dies from Taylored Expressions called Mama & Me. When you are thinking of Mother's Day, please consider all the mothers in your life. While my own Mom is gone, I like to remember my sisters, my friends and even my neices who are Moms to fur babies. Being a Mom comes in many forms so be sure to think outside the family tree!
Here are the set of stamps and dies I am using today.
Taylored Expressions cling-mount stamp set Mama & Me, $18.79
Taylored Expressions cling-mount stamp set Mama & Me, $23.99
My first card stars two cute fish swimming in an ocean created by die cutting the Poppystamps die Waverly Collage twice. The blues and greens are much more vibrant IRL so be sure to click on the photo to enlarge it and see more detail and color. To give the fish a wet look, I added Glossy Accents on top of the coloring. A few clear round gems add bubbles to the scene!
Fish – Taylored Expressions stamp set with matching dies set Mama & Me; TE die Frame in Frame; Poppystamps die Waverly Collage; Impression Obsession die Hearts
For this card I die cut white cardstock with the TE Falling Hearts die to create a stencil. I laid the stencil over white cardstock and pressed my Versamark ink pad over the heart cut outs. I then embossed the hearts with clear embossing powder and sponged pink and yellow dye inks on top of the hearts. The embossed hearts resist the inks and show up as white (the color of the underlying cardstock). Once the background was completed, I stamped, cut and colored the elephants, mounted them with foam tape and added the Sweet (die cut) and Sweet Little One (stamp) sentiments.
Sweet Elephants – Taylored Expressions stamp set with matching dies set Mama & Me; TE dies Frame in Frame 2, Sweet Script and Falling Hearts; design inspired by Keia Shipp-Smith
I gave the elephants a whole new look when I stamped them on plaid paper and positioned them behind some grass. Isn't this sentiment the bomb?!!
Mini Me Elephants – Taylored Expressions stamp set with matching dies set Mama & Me; TE die Grass Border; design inspired by Kendra Weistock
These colorful birds are perched on the shore near the sea. The friendship sentiment is one that any friend would like to receive.Birds – Taylored Expressions stamp set with matching dies set Mama & Me; TE die Skinny Mini Borders 1 and Little Bit Unbrella; design inspired by Charmaine Ikach
And finally the kitties on the doorstep -- how cute are they? I created the scene using several of the Taylored Expressions Door to Door series dies. I embossed the background with the TE embossing folder Bead Board then built the scene with the door and decor. The kitties were stamped, colored and die cut. The tiny opening in the middle of their tails is a heart so I inlaid a pink heart into the space. The sentiment can be used so many ways, but it's perfect on the front door.
Kitties – Taylored Expressions stamp set with matching dies set Mama & Me; TE dies Door to Door, Door to Door Décor, Door to Door Spring and Wispy Grass; TE embossing folder Bead Board; Impression Obsession die hearts; design inspired by Pam Sparks
Be sure to remember all the Moms in your life with personalized cards you create yourself with papercrafting supplies from The Stamp Act. I hope to see you soon.
Hello fellow papercrafters. I hope your day is going well and you are enjoying the warmer spring days we are having. The new Taylored Expressions stamp and matching die "Rainboot Bouquet" is perfect for spring. This first card is set against a background embossed with TE's embossing folder Dotted Lattice. I paper pieced the boots by stamping on some polka dot paper and cutting out parts of the rainboots then gluing these pieces on to the die cut rainboots.Rainboot Hello Spring – Taylored Expressions stamp set Rainboot Bouquet; TE dies Rainboot Bouquet, Script Hello and Pocket & Pages April; Taylored Expressions embossing folder Dotted Lattice; design inspired by Jean Manis
I paper pieced again on this card (more polka dots!) I created the background with TE's Prairie embossing folder and sponged in clouds using a template cut with TE's Cloud Border die. The prairie grass is sponged with a light green ink.Rainboot Thank You – Taylored Expressions stamp set Rainboot Bouquet; TE dies Rainboot Bouquet and Build A Scene Rolling Clouds; Taylored Expressions embossing folder Prairie; design inspired by Kerri Michaud
Love the bright aqua and fuschia on this card. I sponged light yellow over the background; added flowers with one of the Skinny Mini Spring Borders; and grounded the card with another of the Spring Borders.
Rainboot Happy Easter – Taylored Expressions stamp set Rainboot Bouquet; TE dies Rainboot Bouquet and Skinny Mini Spring Borders; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Melody Rupple
Same stamp and die but a totally different look. I embossed the vellum background with TE's Walking on Sunshine embossing folder then colored it on the back with Copic markers. I mounted the vellum background over decorative paper (clouds) and added the pretty purple boots.Rainboot Sending Sunshine – Taylored Expressions stamp set Rainboot Bouquet; TE die Rainboot Bouquet; Taylored Expressions embossing folder Walking on Sunshine; design inspired by Keia Shipp-Smith
Taylored Expressionshas some beautiful background stamps and their new Blooming Background is a great example. It is fun to color and can be used for any occassion. I colored the first two cards with Copic markes and the third card with Zig Clean Color makers. So pretty!Blooming Background Hello – Taylored Expressions stamp Blooming Background; TE die Hello Script; Copics
Blooming Background Happy Easter – Taylored Expressions stamp Blooming Background; TE die Stitched Ovals; Spellbinders die Classic Petite Ovals; Memory Box die Perky Happy Easter
Blooming Background Zig Clean Color – Taylored Expressions stamp Blooming Background; Memory Box die Perky Happy Easter; design inspired by Gayatri Murali
Stop in soon and shop for all your papercrafting needs.
Every holiday has its icons, but who doesn't love the Easter Bunny in all his many forms including this fine sir. Unfortunately he is retired, but I just could not resist pairing him with the jelly bean sentiment! So cute!
Do I Smell Jelly Beans – Art Impressions stamps Rabbit (retired) and Jelly Beans; Taylored Expressions Little Bit die Easter Confetti; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles
Now for some newer bunnies. Taylored Expressions new Skinny Mini Spring Borders features four dies: bunnies, birds, flowers and a chevron pattern. I paired two of the borders with the Easter Wishes banner set, substituting the "Happy" from the TE Happy Birthday Banner die for the "Wishes." Along the bottom of the card is a picket fence festooned with the flowers border, a bunny and a birdhouse. Happy Easter Birdhouse – Taylored Expressions die Easter Wishes Banner, Happy Birthday Banner, Eventful Bunny Border, Little Bit Birdhouse and Picket Fence; Memory Box die Resting Birds; design inspired by Jean Manis
For this next card I used a variety of dies -- some new, some old -- to create a pretty Easter scene. The new Lattice Frame die from Taylored Expressions is available only through brick-and-mortar stores like The Stamp Act. I used the Easter Wishes Banner again and cut the bunny from felt, dressing him up with a cute little bow.
Easter Wishes Basket – Taylored Expressions dies Chocolate Rabbit, Lattice Frame, Easter Wishes banner, Peek-A-Boo Easter and Wispy Grass; Impression Obsession die Basket; Memory Box die Peter Cottontail
This scene was created with the new TE Eventful Bunny die paired with a picket fence, clouds and trees. Plus there are Easter eggs hiding in the grass! Eventful Bunny Border – Taylored Expressions dies Eventful Bunny Border, Build A Scene Trees, Wispy Grass, Cloud Border; Little Bit Easter Confetti and Picket Fence; Memory Box die Stitched Clouds; design inspired by Melody Rupple
And why not decorate your fireplace for Easter with bunnies, flowers and an Easter basket? How cute is this? Easter Fireplace – Taylored Expressions die By The Fireside, Little Bits Chocolate Bunny, Skinny Mini Spring Borders, Grass Border; Little Bit Easter Confetti, Frame in Frame, Little Bit Easter Basket and Door to Door Spring Décor; design inspired by Keia Shipp-Smith
Here I used the Eventful Border again, this time cutting it apart and nestling the pieces among the "hills" which were cut with the TE Rolling Stitched Clouds dies. The sky was embossed with the TE Cloudy Days. Easter Wishes Bunny Border – Taylored Expressions die Easter Wishes Banner, Eventful Bunny Border and Build A Scene Rolling Clouds; TE embossing folder Cloudy Days; design inspired by Jean Manis
While you're decorating don't forget the front door! This scene is full of spring colors and icons. Love the polka dot rainboots sitting on the doorstep.
Hello Spring Door – Taylored Expressions stamp set Spring Florals; TE dies Door to Door, Door to Door Spring Décor, Door to Door Décor, Stitched Banner Stacklets and Wispy Grass; Taylored Expressions embossing folder Corrugated; design inspired by Kerri Michaud
Now for a couple of bunny cards that are colored with Copic markers.Bunny with Eggs – Impression Obsession stamp Bunny with Eggs; Copic markers; design inspired by Karen Amidon
This bunny really lives up to his name: "Cuddle Bunny." I copied a card that Harriett Head (good friend and customer from Las Cruces) designed. Her choice of papers was inspired (they are from Penny Black). I feel like I could reach into the card and hug the soft, cuddly bunny. Thanks Harriett for the inspiration!Cuddle Bunny – Impression Obsession stamp Cuddle Bunny; Copic markers; design inspired by Harriet Head
Stop in at The Stamp Act soon for all your papercrafting needs! Thanks!
Hello friends. Today I am sharing with you some cards I have called "thoughtful" because they use more spiritual icons and words. This first card is almost regal in its purple hues. It's hard to tell by looking at this photo, but I cut TE's new Ornate Frame from silver metallic cardstock and glued it to a vellum panel. Then I turned the vellum over and colored the frame's border with a Copic marker (V06). I glued this frame to a top folding lavender card that I had previously cut with a rectangle die so the center was open. To finish the card I cut another Ornate Frame and glued it on the inside. I stamped and die cut the cross, colored it (Copics V01, V04, V05 and V06) and mounted it with foam tape in the center of the frame. I hid the foam tape that shows on the inside of the card by gluing another cross (die cut from lavender cardstock) over the the "front" cross. I hope that makes sense! I finished with some flowers and a sympathy sentiment. Change the sentiment to Happy Easter for a stunning Easter card.Sympathy Cross – Taylored Expressions stamp set My Redeemer Lives; TE dies My Redeemer Lives, Ornate Frame Bloomers 2, Bloomers Greenery, Stitched Banner Stacklets and Arbor Accessories; senimtnet from Paper Smooches clear stamp set Salutations; design inspired by Jen Shults
I made two more cards using TE's My Redeemer products. For the first card I embossed the background with the Redeemer embossing folder then stamped and embossed a cross in gold and mounted it with foam tape over the background. It fits perfectly! The sentiment is part of the Redeemer stamp set. Alleluia – Taylored Expressions stamp set My Redeemer Lives; TE dies My Redeemer Lives; TE embossing folder Redeemer; design inspired by Michele Boyer
Similar to the card above, for the next card I embossed the gray background and the die cut oval with the Redeemer embossing folder. Before mounting the gold embossed cross I punched a circle in a scratch piece of cardstock and sponged a soft blue circle in the center of the background. To highlight the sentiment, I stamped it in black and die cut it with a stitched circle die. I left it in the circle die and sponged the background with yellow ink.He Is Risen – Taylored Expressions stamp set My Redeemer Lives; TE dies My Redeemer Lives, Stitched Ovals Stacklets and Stitched Frame Stacklets; TE embossing folder Redeemer; Memory Box die Stitched Circles; design inspired by Kerri Michaud
TE's "You're in My Prayers" stamp set and matching Prayers Script die have been very popular -- I think because they send the perfect sentiment to friends and family. This card uses the Ornate Frame set against a sponged background and decorated with pretty flowers. The prayer sentiment is three die cuts glued together to give it dimension.In My Prayers Frame – Taylored Expressions stamp sets You’re in my Prayers and Spring Florals; TE dies Spring Florals, Prayers Script and Ornate Frame; design inspired by Melody Rupple
Remember that you can always use your dies to make a stencil. I cut one of the smaller crosses from scratch cardstock to form what's called a "mortise mask" which masks the surrounding area while you sponge the blue cross in the center of the background.
In My Prayers – Taylored Expressions stamp set You’re in my Prayers; TE dies My Redeemer Lives, Stitched Frame Stacklets and Stitched Banner Stacklets; design inspired by Kerri Michaud
Pretty flowers and a thoughtful sentiment make a lovely card. I gave the vase some texture using TE's Kaleidoscope embossing folder.Thoughts and Prayers Vase – Taylored Expressions stamp sets You’re in my Prayers and Spring Florals with coordinating dies Prayers Script and Spring Florals; TE dies Various Vases and Bloomin’ Birthday combo set; TE embossing folder Kaleidoscope; design inspired by Jean Manis
Super easy and so elegant, this card is perfect for any occasion. I cut two of the Budding Peony and glued them togther. Then noting the placement of the flower buds and leaf, I sponged on some pink and green inks. Add a sentiment and a few sequins and the card is done.Budding Peony – Memory Box die Bubbing Peony; Poppystamps die Eyelet Stitches; Hero Arts sentiment; design inspired by Lindsay Amrhein Be sure to stop in soon and see these samples and many more in person! Thanks!
Hello friends. Today's blog is all about birthdays and balloons. What's impressive about these cards is not so much the final results -- although I hope you like the cards -- it's the technique for achieving them. If you recently bought the Stamp Perfect stamp positioning tool or if you have another brand tool, you can learn these techniques in my Birthday class on Saturday, February 4th at 10am. You will learn how to mass produce stamped die cuts; how to perfectly align two images (in this case the string on the balloon); and how to repeatedly stamp an image in a perfect row. I hope you can join us -- I promise you will have fun and learn a lot!
For more information on classes, please click on the Classes link on the Navigation Bar above.
Enjoy these samples created with Taylored Expressions stamps and dies Bold Balloons. 3 Balloons Pink Dot – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Bold Balloons; design inspired by Michele BoyerWhoop-dee-doo – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Bold Balloons; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; Stampendous clear stamp set Birthday Assortment; design inspired by Joan Ervin 4 Balloons Happy Birthday – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Bold Balloons; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Shelly Mercado Happy Birthday Banner – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Bold Balloons; TE die Happy Birthday Banner; Stampendous clear stamp set Birthday Assortment Happy Birthday Balloons – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Bold Balloons; TE die Frame in Frame 2; design inspired by Gayatri Murali Wish Big – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Bold Balloons; TE die Frame in Frame 2; design inspired by Michele Boyer
This next card is an example of creating a border by repeatedly stamping a word, in this case "happy." You will learn a couple ways to do this technique.Happy Birthday – Paper Smooches stamp set Fun & Flirty; Paper Smooches die Happy Birthday; design inspired by Penny Ward
Mirror image stamping is trending these days because using the Mirror Image Blocks from Paper Smooches and the Stamp Perfect makes it easy. Aren't these the cutest little dogs?!! I will be teaching this technique in the Introduction to the Stamp Perfect class on Saturday, February 4 at 2pm.Dogs Wonderful – Paper Smooches stamp sets Woofers & Tweeters and Mirror Blocks; Paper Smooches dies Woofers and Linked Hearts; Taylored Expressions die Falling Hearts; design inspired by Jennifer McGuire
More cute dogs achieved with mirror image stamping. And another tip: I die cut the "Smooches" sentiment from red cardstock and did not remove the word. Then I inked the entire piece with Versamark ink and embossed it with Iridescent embossing powder. Easy way to achieve a sparkling sentiment for your card!Dogs Smooches – Paper Smooches stamp sets Woofers & Tweeters and Mirror Blocks; Paper Smooches die Smooches; Taylored Expressions die Falling Hearts; Memory Box die Glorious Hearts; design inspired by Jennifer McGuire
Thanks for stopping by today. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Hello friends. I hope your new year is starting off well. I have been working with the Stamp Perfect and Layering Stamps from Taylored Expressions and I am really enjoying both. Because TE's layering stamps are red rubber, having a stamp positioner is a must in order to align the stamps accurately. There are two different techniques for aligning the stamps and I will be showing both of them in the upcoming Stamp Perfect class (see classes link on the navigation bar above or click here). Please enjoy these samples -- the stamp sets are perfect for making cards for all occassions.
Taylored Expressions Simply Stamped Roses $19.79
Taylored Expressions Simply Stamped Tulips $19.79
For stamping the tulips, roses and leaves/stems, I used 2 or 3 shades of ink. The most solid image is stamped in the lightest shade of ink; the semi-solid image is stamped in the medium shade; and the most detailed image is stamped in the darkest shade of ink. For this card I made a template (stencil) using TE's Floral Lattice die and sponged various shades of Distress ink through it for a soft colorful background.
Tulips Thank You – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Tulips; TE die Floral Lattice; design inspired by Jen Shults Tulips Just a Note – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Tulips; TE dies Stitched Banner Stacklets and Frame in Frame; TE embossing folder Leafy Vine; design inspired by Jean Manis
I love TE's Picture Perfect die Sunny Days and it makes a perfect frame and background for the colorful tulips. Tulips Sunshine – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Tulips; TE die Picture Perfect Sunny Day; TE embossing folder Dotted Lattice; design inspired by Melody Rupple Tulips Spring – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Tulips; TE die Pocket and Pages April; TE embossing folder Leafy Vine; design inspired by Pam Sparks
Tulips Full Bloom– Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Tulips; TE die Stitched Frame Stacklets 1; TE embossing folder Garden party; design inspired by Kerri Michaud
Tulips Easter – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Tulips; TE dies Label Stacklets 8 and Stitched Banner Stacklets; Cuttlebug embossing folder Swirls; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Jen Shults
Roses Just Because – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Roses
TIP: To add double dimension to the Hello die-cut sentiment, I also cut it from white fun foam and glued the black die cut on top. Not only does this add depth to the sentiment, but the white fun foam forms a shadow that adds a nice dimension also.Roses Hello – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Roses; TE die Script Hello; design inspired by Jen Shults Roses Hello Valentine – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Roses; TE embossing folder Dotted Lattice; TE die Pocket and Pages February; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen Roses Hello Lovely – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Roses; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; TE embossing folder Dotted Lattice; design inspired by Jean Manis Roses Thinking of You – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Roses; TE embossing folder Swiss Hearts; TE die Stitched Banner Stacklets; Memory Box die Stitched Circles; design inspired by Kerri Michaud
TIP: Attach vellum to your cards with 1/8" scor tape. It does not show!
Roses Happy Birthday – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Roses; TE embossing folder Kaleidoscope; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Shelly Mercado
Roses Birthday – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Roses; Mmeory Box die Stitched Circles; Spellbinder die Classic Circles; TE embossing folder Swiss Hearts; design inspired by Melody Rupple
Roses Lovely – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Simply Stamped Roses; TE die Frame in Frame and Stitched Banner Stacklets; design inspired by Kendra Wietstock
Stamp Perfect Stamp Positioning Tool News
If you follow Jennifer McGuire's blog (see her video here), she recently published a post with tips for using stamp positioning tools like the Stamp Perfect. One tip that she gave was to use a bar magnet instead of the little round magnets that come with the tool. She cited several advantages: (1) you can use just one of the larger bar magnets (3” x ½” x ⅛”); (2) you won't have to be so worried about the little round magnets clinging to each other then breaking when you have to pull them apart, or losing the magnets; and (3) the larger/heavier bar magnet holds your paper more securely. I thought this tip sounded good so I have ordered these bar magnets and will have them available to you in about a week. They will retail for $5.99.
For more tips and tricks for using the Stamp Perfect, come to one of our upcoming classes. You can see them listed here.
Another tip she gave was to laminate a sheet of grid paper so you can easily wipe off inks. This makes a lot of sense and in fact I had just laminated a sheet of the grid paper pad that we sell to accompany the Stamp Perfect Tool. Now when you buy a pad of the grid paper, I will laminate one sheet for free!
As many of you know, the crafting industry is holding its big wholesale merchandise show right now. There will be lots of new products released at the show and I will bring you interesting news about new products as I receive information. Here are some I saw today:
Tim Holtz -- Ranger is releasing a new line of Oxide Inks which are a hybrid of dye and pigment inks.
Impression Obsession -- is also releasing a new line of Hybrid Inks.
Tim Holtz --Tonic is releasing a "Tim Holtz" stamp positioning tool. It is 8.5" x 8.5" and will be released in late March for $39.99.
Stamp Perfect -- is releasing another size stamp positioning tool. It will be 10" x 10" and retail for $29.99.
New Dies from Memory Box and Poppystamps
We have new dies arriving from Memory Box, Poppystamps, Taylored Expressions and Impression Obsession, and you can see all of them with prices on our What's New Page (see navigation bar above or click here.)
Thanks for reading the blog today and please stop in soon to see everything in the store. It's a new year so resolve to stamp and paper craft more! Have fun!
Hello friends and thanks for stopping by today. The new year inevitably brings new resolutions and many of us promise to exercise more. The new Taylored Expressions set, Exercise Grumplings (with matching dies), turns our resolutions on their heads and expresses what's really in our heads! I laughed out loud when I saw these cuties and I am sure you will agree.
The new Let's Talk Edger 3die forms the perfect word bubble for this cute Grumpling, and the Little Bit dies of hamburger, french fries and donuts capture all the yummy food we don't want to give up!
Fitish Blue – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Exercise Grumplings; TE dies Little Bits Donut, Hamburger and French Fries; TE die Let’s Talk Edger 3; design inspired by Gayatri Murali
Make this card quickly by minimizing your coloring and adding strips of colorful paper instead. A few sequins also adds a pop of color. Diddly Squats – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Exercise Grumplings and Clocked Out Grumplings combo set; design inspired by Kim Singhdahlsen
Here the Stitched Rolling Cloud die does double duty as a thought bubble filled with Little Bit food dies. Fitish Food – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Exercise Grumplings; TE dies Little Bits Donut, Hot Dog, French Fries and Ice Cream Cone; TE die Stitched Rolling Clouds; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; Spellbinders die Labels 11; design inspired by Kerri Michaud
Here the sentiment says it all! Cardio – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Exercise Grumplings; TE die Let’s Talk Edger 3; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; TE embossing folder Ah-Mazing; design inspired by Jean Manis
Make your donuts look even more yummy by die cutting the top layer from white glitter paper. Diet Day 1 – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Exercise Grumplings; TE die Little Bits Donut; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; TE embossing Folder Burlap; design inspired by Melody Rupple
This grumpling looks exhausted after her "run"! Ran Once – Taylored Expressions stamp set with coordinating dies Exercise Grumplings; TE dies Little Bits Sun & Clouds and Grass Border; Memory Box dies Stitched Rectangles and Stitched Clouds; design inspired by Michele Boyer
Classes
Check out these classes scheudled for the next few weeks. If you wish to take one of these classes during the week, just give me a call to discuss. You can see our Class Calendar by clicking on the Class link on the navigation bar above.
Saturday, January 28, 10am (2 hours), $25
Be My Valentine – Learn many techniques while making several pretty Valentines. You will learn how to color and emboss cardstock with an embossing folder; how to double inlay a die; and how to create an ombre or gradient background using the new Stamp Perfect stamp positioning tool. I will also show you how to “stitch” a pocket using a die. This will be a fast-paced, fun class so come with lots of energy! Please call Polly at 915-833-9500 by Thursday, January 26 to register for class.
Saturday, January 28, 2pm (2 -3 hours), $25
Introduction to the Stamp Perfect Tool– The new Stamp Perfect stamp positioning tool has so many applications in stamping from stamping clearly and accurately to stamping on die cuts to creating gradient backgrounds. This class will introduce you to 10 ways to use the Stamp Perfect including mirror stamping, stamping with layering stamps and multiple stamping. This is a workshop which means you will not make finished cards. You must bring your own Stamp Perfect tool and other supplies to class. Please call Polly by at 915-833-9500 by Thursday, January 26 to register for class.
Saturday, February 4, 10am (2 hours), $25
Happy Birthday– Make several birthday cards using the new Stamp Perfect tool. We will explore several techniques including multiple stamping, gradient stamping and mirror stamping. Please call Polly at 915-833-9500 by Thursday, February 2 to register for class.
Saturday, February 4, 2pm (2 - 3 hours), $25
Introduction to the Stamp Perfect Tool– The new Stamp Perfect stamp positioning tool has so many applications in stamping from stamping clearly and accurately to stamping on die cuts to creating gradient backgrounds. This class will introduce you to 10 ways to use the Stamp Perfect including mirror stamping, stamping with layering stamps and multiple stamping. This is a workshop which means you will not make finished cards. You must bring your own Stamp Perfect tool and other supplies to class. Please call Polly at 915-833-9500 by Thursday, February 2 to register for class.
Saturday, February 11, 2pm (2 hours), $25
Be My Valentine – Learn many techniques while making several pretty Valentines. You will learn how to color and emboss cardstock with an embossing folder; how to double inlay a die; and how to create an ombre or gradient background using the new Stamp Perfect stamp positioning tool. I will also show you how to “stitch” a pocket using a die. This will be a fast-paced, fun class so come with lots of energy! Please call Polly at 915-833-9500 by Thursday, February 9 to register for class.
Saturday, February 11, 2pm (2 - 3 hours), $25
Stamp Layering with the Stamp Perfect Tool– The Stamp Perfect tool makes it possible to layer stamps on top of each other. I will show you two techniques for layering rose and tulip stamps in this class and although we will not complete finished cards, you will have flowers to take home. Please call Polly at 915-833-9500 by Thursday, February 9 to register for class.
Hello Friends. A friend asked me to order the Memory Box Snowflake Scrollwork Sleeve die for her and while searching for inspiration using this die I found several beautiful and creative examples by the very talented design Pam Sparks. Be sure to check out her blog here.
FYI: Be sure to double click the photos to see a larger version.
Here's a photo of the Scrollwork die. As you can see, it is called a sleeve because it scores the cardstock around three sides so that it will form a sleeve to slip on a card. Frankly I found this to be a bit cumbersome so I cut off the "sleeve" edges and adhered the die to the card front.
Besides the scrollwork die, the other thing today's Christmas cards have in common is that they are either predominately baby blue or bright gold in color. Please keep in mind that the blue is much richer and prettier IRL and the gold mirrorcard is quite hard to photograph. Be sure to double click on each card to see it in more detail.
The Memory Box die Snowman Collage is a real favorite of mine. For this card I cut the main panel from white cardstock using the Stitched Rectangles dies. Next I cut and decorated the snowman (everything is included with the die) then adhered the Scrollwork snowflakes behind the opening. Cute and simple and fast! The sentiment is an old one from Memory Box and one of my favorites.
Here's the die:
And the card:
Snowman – Memory Box dies Snowflake Scrollwork Sleeve, Snowman Collage and Stitched Rectangles; Memory Box sentiment stamp; design inspired by Pam Sparks
I showed another sample with this die in an earlier post ... Let me share it with you again. For this card I sponged the background with dye inks then embossed the Shimmer Stars stencil with pearlescent embossing paste.Snowman Collage – Memory Box die Snowman Collage; sentiment by Hero Arts; Memory Box stencil Shimmer Stars; design inspired by Jenny Griffiths
This card really shows off the scrollwork die. I cut a blue card to 5½” square and centered the Merry Christmas die in the center front panel. The channel die cuts the words out but does not cut above or below the words. I cut two scrollwork dies and adhered them to the top and bottom of the front panel. Finally I added a white cardstock panel inside the card. Pam's original card with this design was bright red and quite stunning too!
Merry Christmas – Memory Box dies Snowflake Scrollwork Sleeve and Fancy Merry Christmas Channel; design inspired by Pam Sparks
I love building scenes so it was a natural to use the Night Before Christmas Town as a backdrop for the big sleigh full of presents. This is a step card cut to 5½” x 11" and scored at 4¼” and 1¼” twice. The front panel is covered with white cardstock embossed with snowflakes, and the back panel is stamped with snowflakes and embossed in white. The rest is cutting and assembling the dies. Once I added the town the foreground seemed very plain so I cut some snowdrifts, glued them on and outlined them with Diamond Glitter Glue (Ranger).
Dashing Through the Snow – Taylored Expressions dies Eventful – Night Before Christmas, Dashing Through the Snow and All Wrapped Up; Impression Obsession cover-a-card stamp Snowflake Background; Cuttlebug embossing folder Snowflakes
For my first gold card, I used several Memory Box dies and layered them on top of each other to form a scene with trees, snowdrifts and snowflakes. The red cardinal and gold deer add just the right pop of color. Deer in Trees – Memory Box dies Snowflake Scrollwork Sleeve, Country Hills Oval Frame, Forest Clearing Oval Frame and Deer Trio; Impression Obsession die Birch trees (cardinal); Taylored Expressions stamp set Rejoice; design inspired by Pam Sparks
Another gold deer stars on this pretty white card.
Birch Tree Deer – Taylored Expressions dies Birch Tree Accessories and Banner Stacklets 1; TE embossing folder Snowfall; TE stamp set A Winter View
I used the scrollwork snowflake die again on this card, hanging the ornament from it. I added lots of medium and small snowflakes and a pretty gold embossed sentiment.
Ornament – Memory Box dies Snowflake Scrollwork Sleeve, Hooks and Caps and Brittaney Ornament; Penny Black die Blizzard; Taylored Expressions die Snowflake Confetti; Memory Box sentiment stamp; design inspired by Pam Sparks
While neither blue nor gold, I had to include this colorful card. The green cardstock was embossed with a new embossing folder from Taylored Expressions (Twinkling Holidays) then cut on the diagonal to form a tree. A strip of colorful paper across the bottom defined the color palette for the presents. A happy sentiment and a few sequins finished off this cute card.
Tree with Presents – Taylored Expressions die All Wrapped Up; TE embossing folder Twinkling Holiday; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
I hope these samples inspire you to start creating your own Christmas cards. Thanks to Pam Sparks for her inspiration. Please stop in soon to see these and many other samples in person.
Sale ... Sale ... Sale
All Halloween merchandise is 40% off this week! We've got ghosts and goblins, witches and skeletons so stop in soon!
Hello friends and thanks for reading my blog. Today it's all about the new Holiday Florals stamp and die sets from Taylored Expressions. This set has a wide variety of floral images and dies to match. What I found fun and useful was to first stamp 6 or 7 of each image then die cut them. Once I had a pile of floral images I could start laying out each card and arranging the florals on each layout.
For the background on this and several other cards I used the new TE Woodgrain Background stamp. I stamped it for this card in a light beige ink and after the card was finished I realized the background kind of disappeared into the kraft cardstock. For subsequent cards I used a darker ink and liked the results much better.
The bottom of the card is decorative paper and the florals are arranged atop a Stitched Bracket die cut from white.
Joy – Taylored Expressions stamp set and coordinating die set Holiday Florals; TE die Stitched Bracket Stacklets and Stitched Tag Stacklets; design inspired by Kerri Michaud
I love this card. The new Little Bits Nativity die is just the right size to top the sentiment inside the golden oval. And the holly leaves and berries add just the right amount of color to the neutral card.
True Meaning – Taylored Expressions stamp set and coordinating die set Holiday Florals; TE die Little Bits Nativity; Memory Box die Stitched Ovals; TE stamps Woodgrain Background and Rejoice; design inspired by Taylor Van Bruggen
From a very neutral card to one that's bright and lively! The TE Little Bits Jingle Bells are the perfect touch to the ribbon.
Peace and Joy – Taylored Expressions stamp set and coordinating die set Holiday Florals; Memory Box die Stitched Squares; TE die Little Bits Jingle Bells; design inspired by Joan Ervin
Another Woodgrain background with lots of colorful florals.
Merry Christmas – Taylored Expressions stamp set and coordinating die set Holiday Florals; Memory Box die Stitched Ovals; design inspired by Melody Rupple
Here the florals add color to the very popular Penny Black Whirled Wreath die cut from kraft and brown.
Believe – Taylored Expressions stamp set and coordinating die set Holiday Florals; Penny Black die Whirled Wreath; Penny Black clear stamp set Believe
Love, love, love the new TE embossing folder Peaceful Poinsettias. For this card I die cut an oval from gold cardstock then embossed it. I added the florals and a pretty sentiment from the same set.
Gold Poinsettia – Taylored Expressions stamp set and coordinating die set Holiday Florals; Memory Box die Stitched Ovals; TE embossing folder Peaceful Poinsettia; design inspired by Jean Manis
Embossing folders are very versatile! I inked the inside of the folder for the next two cards. For this card I inked the side with raised lines and for the next card I inked the side with indented lines. Be sure to clean your folder well after using dye inks -- and be prepared to have red hands for a while!
Red Poinsettia – Taylored Expressions stamp set and coordinating die set Holiday Florals; TE die Stitched Bracket Stacklets; TE embossing folder Peaceful Poinsettia; design inspired by Jean Manis
Red Background Poinsettia – Taylored Expressions stamp set and coordinating die set Holiday Florals; Memory Box die Stitched Ovals; TE embossing folder Peaceful Poinsettia; design inspired by Charmaine Ikach
Beautiful florals for Christmas and winter. Enjoy!
Hello Friends and fellow papercrafters. Today I want to share with you some fun cards featuring new dies by Taylored Expressions. Let me show you the dies first:
By the Fireside
By the Fireside Holidays
By the Fireside Santa
Taylored Expressions is known for their Build-A-Scene dies and these follow that tradition. Each die creates a scene and they all work together beautifully.
Now for some sample cards using these dies:
For the Santa card I used elements from all three sets plus the wonderful Woodgrain Background stamp and Brick embossing folder.
Santa – Taylored Expressions dies By the Fireside, By the Fireside Holidays, By the Fireside Santa, Little Bits Santa Hat; TE stamp Woodgrain Background; TE embossing folder Brick; design inspired by Jen Shults
These dies are perfect for making scenes for any occasion. Here I embellished the fireplace with Halloween dies for a spooky Halloween scene.
Halloween – Taylored Expressions dies By the Fireside, Little Bits dies Cauldron, Broom, Spider and Web, Potion Bottles and Witch’s Hat; TE Stamp set with coordinating dies Peek-A-Boo Pumpkins; Memory Box die Stitched Circles; TE embossing folders Bead Board and Brick; design inspired by Melody Rupple
Taylored Expressions line of Door to Door dies work wonderfully with the fireside dies. Here I used the Door to Door decor die set to dress the fireplace for fall. Sorry about the reflection (yes I turned off the lights and the flash!) -- it's hard to photograph mirror paper.
Fall – Taylored Expressions dies By the Fireside, Frame in Frame 1, Little Bits Leaves and Door to Door Décor; TE embossing folders Bead Board, Weathered and Brick; design by Pam Sparks
Here's a traditional Christmas fireplace decorated with stockings, holly and a glittering reindeer in a frame!
Reindeer – Taylored Expressions dies By the Fireside, By the Fireside Holidays, By the Fireside Santa, Little Bits Reindeer and Frame in Frame; TE embossing folder Brick; design inspired by Keia Shipp-Smith
New Products
Stamp Perfect Tool $24.99
In a recent post I announced that Hampton Arts was releasing the new Stamp Perfect stamping tool for positioning stamps accurately. Because this tool is brand new and because Hampton Arts is dealing with the aftereffects of Hurricane Matthew, I do not have a video showing this tool at work. So I am linking here to a Misti video that will introduce you to how this tool works and its many benefits. Please know that Misti is the original tool in this category and has a patent pending on its tool.
Stamping is now easier than ever with the Stamp Perfect stamp positioning tool! It allows you to precisely position your image and create perfect impressions every time you stamp. No more wasting time or money throwing away failed attempts. Simply re-stamp images that didn't transfer perfectly. Quickly and easily create identical cards and projects. Use with cling mounted rubber stamps or with clear stamps with the foam mat provided.
Quick Overview
• Stamp Perfect measures 7" x 9" • Hinged design with grid and ruler guides • Features magnetic backing allows you to align, center, layer and more. • An inexpensive solution to your everyday stamping problems!
The Stamp Perfect tool will be released in late November (just in time for mass producing Christmas cards!) and I am selling it now for an introductory price of just $24.99 -- half the price of the Misti tool. I have ordered quite a few, however, these will sell out and I will not be able to get more this year. So I urge you to reserve yours today at this introductory price. Just send me a email and tell me how many you need and I will hold them for you.
We R Memory Keepers Frame Punch Board
WRM has a new release in their long line of very popular punch boards. This new board make frames so rather than having to have dies of every size, you can customize frames to practically any size! With the Frame Punch Board you can make customized frames in multiple sizes. Quickly create 2 to 12 inch frames with this cut and punch system. This tool works with any scrapbook paper, cardstock and more. Make frames in various styles, including Insta- and Polaroid-style frames.
The board lets you choose the width of the frame's borders from ¼" to 1" in ¼" increments. Here's a link to a video showing you how it works. We have this new punch board in stock at $29.99.
Please stop in soon and see all the new items in stock! And if you are looking for anything please give me a call at 915-833-9500! Thanks!
Hello Friends. I know some of you don't "do" Halloween, but for those who do, Taylored Expressions has some darling new Halloween stamps and dies. Let me share them with you today.
Gone Batty --How cute is this?
This combo set has a bat stamp with your choice of 6 different faces plus a die to cut the bat out. Three cute sayings complete the set.
For this card I created the background using the TE Cloud Border die as a stencil with purple and gray dye inks. Be sure to notice the different faces on each bat -- too clever. Oh, I just had to add the googly eyes!!
Happy Haunting – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Gone Batty; TE dies Haunted Accessories and Cloud Border; Memory Box Die Grand Willow Die
Gone Batty – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Gone Batty; TE embossing folder Zig Zag; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
A simple card that shows off the new TE paper Pad "Haunted" well. I paper pieced the bat and cut the Spooky Clouds from another of the papers.
Fangtastic Halloween – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die set Critters in Costume; TE die Spooky Clouds; TE sequins; design inspired by Courtney Kelley
For Trick or Treat gifts, TE's new Tagging Along die is perfect. Cut it out twice and assemble it together with glue or tape and you've got a very cute little box to hold all kinds of treats. And the best news? Use it for any holiday or party when you need favors. TE's Tag Stacklets 1 makes perfect layers for decorating your box.
Tagging Along Treat Box ($39.99)
Tag Stacklets 1 ($29.99)
Here are two samples:
Tagging Along Treat Boxes – Taylored Expressions dies Tagging Along and Tag Stacklets 1; Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die set Critters in Costume; TE Stamp and die combo set Gone Batty; TE stamp Graphic Greetings Halloween; TE embossing folder Fright Night Flight; designs inspired by Shannon White and Kerri Michaud
The other new set of Halloween stamps and dies I used is Critters in Costume:
Critters in Costume stamp set ($24.99)
Critters in Costume die set ($18.79)
The new Fright Night Flight embossing folder doesn't show up well in this photo so be sure to click on the picture to see a larger version. It's full of flying bats.
Smell My Feet – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die set Critters in Costume; TE die Tag Stacklets 1; TE Big Bold Halloween; TE paper pad Haunted; design inspired by Tracy Clemente
Trick or Treat Witch Hat – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die set Critters in Costume; TE Little Bits die Witch Hat; Impression Obsession die Spider and Spider Web; Memory Box die Scary Spiders; design inspired by Taylor VanBruggen
For this card I die cut the Starry Night die from white cardstock then inked it with Memento inks Teal Zeal and Paris Dusk using a jumbo dauber. I cut a piece of white cardstock just slightly smaller than this piece and inked the center with Memento Dandelion and Cantaloupe leaving the outside uninked so some stars would be white while others were yellow and others gold. I stamped the jack-o-lantern, colored it with Copic markers and cut it out. It is sitting atop the Spooky Fence. After the card was assembled, I painted the pumpkin's teeth with Ranger's white Enamel Accents!
Starry Night – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die set Critters in Costume; TE dies Starry Night and Spooky Fence; design inspired by Courtney Kelley
This is one cute kitty!
Trick or Treat – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die set Critters in Costume; TE paper pad Haunted; design inspired by Taylor VanBruggen
Here's the whole crew in their colorful costumes all ready for a night out trick or treating! Love the dog in costume and the pirate kitty!Too Cute to Spook – Taylored Expressions stamp and coordinating die set Critters in Costume; TE dies Spooky Clouds; Spooky Fence; and TE die Stitched Banners; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Keri Michaud
If you're longing for something new and different in your papercrafting, stop by The Stamp Act. We have tons of samples and lots of advice just for you. No matter what kind of card or paper project you're working on, we can help. Shop here first and see what you can find!
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. Today's cards are all about playing with some new dies from Taylored Expressions. Here's a list of the supplies I used from Taylored Expressions:
Build A Scene Barn die
Build A Scene Farm Fence die
Little Bits dies: Silo, Windmill, Barn, Tractor, Sun and Clouds
Green Acres stamp set and matching die set
Embossing Folders: Chicken Wire and Corrugated
Build A Scene Rolling Clouds die
Build A Scene Rolling Hills die
Build A Scene Mountains Tops die
Picket Fence die
Wispy Grass die
Frame in Frame 1 die
Other supplies:
Memory Box dies: Puffy Clouds, Pinpoint Squares and Stitched Ovals
Impression Obsession Sunburst die
Samples
Design inspired by Charmain Ikach
Design inspired by Regina Mangum
Designs inspired by Sankari Wegman
Design inspired by Jean Manis
Design inspired by Jodi Collins
Design inspired by Shelley Mercado
Design inspired by Jodi Collins
Design inspired by Keia Shipp-Smith
Design inspired by Jodi Collins
Design inspired by Joan Ervin
Design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
Design inspired by Kendra Wiestock
Design inspired by Regina Mangum
This accordion/stair step card is a lot of fun to make and could be easily adapted to any theme.
Design inspired by Wanda Guess
Design inspired by Courtney Kelley
I hope you've enjoyed being down on the farm. Please stop in the store soon and see them for yourself. We are receiving orders every week with new Fall, Halloween and Christmas stamps and dies. I have FREE make and take cards of your choice and lots of tips and tricks to share. I hope to see you soon. Happy Papercrafting!
Hello Friends. I hope everyone is having a good week. I must tell you that it's a delight to come to work these days as my new refrigerated air conditioner is keeping the store so cool. Chloe is enjoying it too and sleeping much more comfortably.
As we gear up for fall and winter papercrafting, new dies and stamps are arriving! It's like Christmas opening the packages and seeing the new goodies. From Penny Black we have new dies including one that I personally think is a hoot! It's called Silly Birds -- birds dressed up as ghosties!
Penny Black die Silly Birds ($17.49)
In our recent order we also got the die and stamp to make this very popular card. Here's the outside of the card.
Penny Black die Glorious Poinsettia ($19.69) and stamp Snowy Hamlet ($13.09)
Inside of card (design inspired by Marika).
Another popular die is Penny Black's Into the Woods (birch trees).
Penny Black die Into the Woods ($25.19)
Here are a couple samples:
Penny Black dies Into The Woods and Love and Joy; Penny Black stamp Letter;Impression Obsession die Snowflakes small; design inspired by Judy Jung
Penny Black cling stamp Tall Timbers; Penny Black die Into the Woods; Impression Obsession die Snowflakes, large and small, and Small Deer set; Taylored Expressions die Frame in Frame; design inspired by Jill Foster
I love these two deer as they lend themselves to lots of different uses. Here are some samples:
Penny Black die Together (20.79)
Penny Black dies Together and Very Merry Christmas; Penny Black stamp Woodland Wonder
Penny Black dies Together and Crystal Trio; Penny Black stamp Woodland Wonder; Spellbinders die Circles; Taylored Expressions die Build A Scene Rolling Hills
Penny Black dies Together and Exultations; Penny Black stamp Woodland Wonder
Back to August 10 ... did you know today is National Spoil Your Dog Day?
Of course at my house it's spoil your dog day every day! Any way, it's a good day to share some cards that feature new stamps and dies from Taylored Expressions. But first let me show you the new dog set from Penny Black:
Penny Black stamp set Love Me ($8.99)
Penny Black matching die set Dog Days ($15.29)
Here are the samples with Taylored Expressions' newest dog stamps and dies:
Max and Doghouse 1 – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Max; TE dies Build A Doghouse and Doghouse Accessories; Impression Obsession die Frame in Frame Rectangles 2; design inspired by Shelby Mercado
Max and Doghouse 2 – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Max; TE dies Build A Doghouse and Doghouse Accessories; Marianne Designs embossing folder Paws; design inspired by Jean Manis
Care and Comfort 1 – Taylored Expressions stamp Care and Comfort Pets; TE dies Doghouse Accessories and Frame in Frame 1; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
Care and Comfort 2 – Taylored Expressions stamp Care and Comfort Pets; TE dies Doghouse Accessories and Grass Border; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Stephanie Kraft
Happily Homed – Memory Box die Large Madison Window set; Poppystamp dies Cozy Kitties and Friendly Kitties; Paper Smooches stamp set Lucky Dog; design inspired by Yoonsun Hur
If you'd like to see more dog cards, go to this earlier post.
Thanks for reading the blog and stop in soon and shop at The Stamp Act.
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!
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
Hello Friends. What's trending in papercrafting? Dogs! Taylored Expressions has new stamp and die combo sets that feature Mimi the poodle and Max the labrador. They are cute and clever and the sentiments that come with them are perfect! In addition they have released Build A Doghouse die and Doghouse Accessories die as well as Care and Comfort --Pets. Unfortunately, they are sold out at TE right now but I should have them back in stock in about a week. Here are the new products:
Max Combo (stamps on left, die on right) $18.79
Mimi Combo (stamps on left, die on right) $18.79
Build A Doghouse die $22.00
Doghouse Accessories $15.49
Care and Comfort -- Pets $15.49
Now let me share some samples my friend Jane Smith and I made with these products.
Mimi White Diva – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Mimi; Memory Box die Stitched Circles; design inspired by Charmaine Ikach
Mimi Cowboy Hat – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Mimi; My Favorite Things die Country Charms; Memory Box die Mini Butterflies; card by Jane Smith. Jane bought the Country Charms die set and the Mimi set at the same time and decided to put them together! Love the "Real Poodle of Dallas!"
Mimi Lavender – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Mimi; Taylored Expressions dies Silhouette Stems 4 and Grass Border; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; Impression Obsession die Heart Collection and Wedding Cake (bow); design inspired by Joan Ervin
Max Thanks – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Max; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; Taylored Expressions dies Little Bits Flower and Stem and Rolling Hills; Taylored Expressions embossing folders Zig Zag and Weathered; design inspired by Courtney Kelley
Max Live Love – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Max; Taylored Expressions die Pinking Border; Taylored Expressions embossing folder Zig Zag; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
Poodle Doghouse – Taylored Expressions dies Build a Doghouse; Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Mimi (flowers and sentiment); Die-Versions die Poodle and Dress; Memory Box die Mini Butterflies; card by Jane Smith
Life is Good Poodle – Penny Black die Flower Portrait; Die-Versions die Poodle and Dress; Tim Holtz stamp set Hashtags; card by Jane Smith
Retro Dress – Die-Versions die Poodle and Dress; Taylored Expressions die Ray of Sunshine; card by Deb Widger
Doghouse – Taylored Expressions dies Build a Doghouse and Stitched Banner Stacklets; Taylored Expressions embossing folders Bead Board and Weathered; Taylored Expressions stamp set Care and Comfort Pets; Cuttlebug embossing folder Hearts; Impression Obsession die 6-in-1 Rectangle Frame; Paper Smooches die Dog Icons design inspired by Kendra Wietstock
Our Pets – Taylored Expressions dies Stitched Bracket Stacklets and Stitched Frame Stacklets 1; Taylored Expressions stamp set Care and Comfort Pets; Lifestyle Crafts embossing folder; Memory Box die Glorious Hearts; Paper Smooches dies Dog Icons and Woofers and Tweeters; desgin inspired by Sankari Wegman
Our Pets Heart – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Max (paw prints); Spellbinders die Hearts; Taylored Expressions stamp set Care and Comfort Pets; design inspired by Taylor Van Bruggen
Patriotic Cat Nap – Impression Obsession stamp Cat Nap; design inspired by Karen Amidon.
I hope you've enjoyed seeing these cards starring darling dogs. Penny Black has a brand new stamp and matching die set featuring five different dogs and it will be available soon at The Stamp Act.
Holiday Hours
The Stamp Act will be open all this week including Friday and Saturday, July 1 and 2. We will be closed on Tuesday, July 5 for a little holiday break. Please stop in and shop soon. We have a ton of products on sale (at least 40% off) and new merchandise coming in all the time.
Classes
I will be planning some Christmas in July classes as well as classes on other topics. Please let me know if you are interested in a class on a particular topic. Thanks!
Hello Friends. Whether it's Father's Day, Birthday or just appreciation, we all need masculine cards from time to time. And I often hear customers say they have no ideas. Well today I have some great ideas for you using new stamps from Impression Obsession.
June FREE Make It and Take It
The photo of this card is a little misleading. The card is pictured on a white background with a black border so ignore those aspects. The central image is called Roadster Grill which, along with the Gears background stamp and the You Are A Classic sentiment stamp, portrays a handsome vintage automobile. The "Celebrate in Style" is a Hero Arts stamp from my stash. Stop in the store anytime and make this card for Free!
Masculine Cards
Same stamps with a different look. I stamped the Roadster Grill on kraft cardstock then watercolored it in red, finishing it with a spritz of water to make the ink run a little. I embellished the card with gears, die cut with Memory Box Gearworks Border and Mini Gears dies, and a brad with a "screw top." Design inspired by Dina Kowal.
Here's a third idea with these stamps. OK I am really going to date myself now -- this roadster reminded me of the old movie (1965 -- yikes!) The Yellow Rolls Royce with Rex Harrison so I thought it would be fun to play with an unconventional color scheme. I used a Diagonal Stripe background stamp from My Favorite Things and embellished the card with the same gears dies from Memory Box. Design inspired by Laura Fulcher.
The other new stamp I played with is the Truck Collage from Impression Obsession. I stamped it in black and colored the truck with Prismacolor pencils blending with Gamsol, an artist-grade odorless mineral spirit. We sell Gamsol in a convenient, sponge-top dabber bottle that results in a pretty, almost watercolor-like look since it essentially melts the pencil's waxy lines and erases any grainy appearance. Simply color in a stamped image with colored pencils and apply Gamsol using the blending stumps. Note: this technique is for colored pencils that are waxy (like Prismacolor) not watercolor pencils. Our Gamsol Kit includes a 2 ounce bottle of solution, 2 blending stumps and a sandpaper pad for sharpening the paper stumps. We also sell additional stumps.
If you haven't ever tried blending with Gansol, here's a link to a video that demonstrates the technique. The houndstooth square is stamped with one of the new Mini Pattern stamps from Impression Obsession. This card is based on one that Kathi Anderson designed.
Another sample with a tip: I stamped the Gears background in dark brown ink on the corrugated paper then stamped it several times in tan ink in the corner. This gives the sentiment stamp more depth and the card more interest.
The last card in our series features the Collage Truck stamp with a Gears border. The sentiment stamp is from Tim Holtz Hashtags stamp set.
Here's another card I made using the Gears dies:
I used the same Memory Box gears dies and the Impression Obsession die set Greetings.
Retro Masculine Die
A must have die set for making masculine cards is the Retro Masculine set from Impression Obsession. Look at all the pieces: mustaches, glasses, hats, pipe and ties!
Here are a couple cards made with this set:
For this card I embellished the stamped sentiment (My Favorite Things) with the Retro set. The frames are from a frame in frame die from Impression Obsession.
Same Retro and Frame in Frame sets along with a thanks die from Paper Smooches.
This card was created by my friend and customer, Bea Mieckowki. I love the mix of papers and square brad embellishments. I am not sure if Bea inspired me or vice versa, but here's a somewhat similar card I made:
For this card I used dies from Paper Smooches (Frame 2 and Kudos Words) with the Retro Masculine set.
Just a few more samples that are classic masculine cards. For these Bea and I used the Taylored Expressions set All the Fixings stamp and die combo set and the Pegboard die.
To see other masculine card designs, please visit The Stamp Act Gallery here.
Huge Sale Continues
Don't forget that our huge sale continues until June 18. All Christmas, Halloween, Fall, Easter, Valentine and Graduation products are on sale 40% off. Stop in and shop and make a free card -- Chloe and I would love to see you! FYI: Chloe is feeling great these days and although this isn't the best picture, I wanted you to see her fresh from being groomed. Come say hello in person! Have a great day!
Hello Friends. I hope you had an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. Chloe and I had a good time binge watching Downtown Abbey -- it's so good!
Today's samples are all cute, funny and sometimes punny! I really enjoy these cards because everyone needs a good laugh from time to time. As you look through the samples remember that to order anything you see on the blog, just contact Polly at 915-833-9500 or [email protected]. I am happy to help you with anything you need!
Our first card features a cute frog die with a punny sentiment! IRL the colors are much more vibrant and the background is a cloudy blue sky. I drew the lilly pad then cut it our of white cardstock and edged it in light green ink. One die that is a must have is a frame die -- this one is Taylored Expressions Frame in Frame die which includes four different frames.
Wart’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
Patchwork Animals
New from Impression Obsession are the Patchwork Animal dies. These are very detailed dies (meaning lots of individual pieces to cut the ears, eyes, arms, etc.) and are meant to work with the new Mini Pattern stamps. You can see the dies and the stamps on our What's New page here. For these cards I stamped the Mini Pattern stamps (there are 4 sets of 3 stamps each at 2.75" square each) in colored ink on colored cardstock. I chose a rainbow of colors and stamped away so I had a wide selection of colors and patterns to choose from when I started die cutting. Even though I used 3 of the new Patchwork Animal dies for baby cards, they can be used for lots of other occasions too.
Hippo – Impression Obsession die Patchwork Hippo; Taylored Expressions dies Welcome Spring, Build-A-Scene Nursery, Love Confetti and Treat Toppers Baby; IO stamps Painted Stripes and Mini Patterns
Elephant – Impression Obsession die Patchwork Elephant; Paper Smooches die Cardbooking; Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo Love You More; IO stamps Mini Patterns
Sheep – Impression Obsession die Patchwork Sheep; Taylored Expressions die Block Party Love; IO stamps Mini Patterns; IO die Typewriter Alphabet Lower Case
This die is actually a gator but to me it looks like a dinosaur. The sentiment is perfect for a "T-Rex" and adding the "brother" die cut word really personalizes your card.
Dinosaur – Impression Obsession die Patchwork Gator; Taylored Expressions stamp Punny Man; Spellbinders die Labels One; IO stamps Mini Patterns; IO die Plain Alphabet Lower Case; Cottage Cutz die Brother; Taylored Expressions die Stitched Frame Stacklets 1
TE Pocketful of Sunshine
This is a very versatile stamp and die combo set from Taylored Expression. The image stamps all fit in the pocket which is stitched to look just like a jeans pocket. The possibilities are endless with this cute little pocket and clever sayings.
Tip: See the stitching on the circle? How did I make the stitching continuous even though part of the circle is cut off? Here's the tip: First die cut a rectangle with a stitched die then die cut the stitched circle from this rectangle. Easy yet very impressive!
Orange Sending Love – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Pocketful of Sunshine; Lifestyle Crafts embossing folder; Memory Box die Stitched Circles and Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Jean Manis
Denim Pocket – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Pocketful of Sunshine; TE die Build-A-Bookmark; TE die Little Bits Love Confetti; design inspired by Shannon White
Braided Hoppy Day – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Pocketful of Sunshine; TE embossing folder Braided; Memory Box die Stitched Scallop Circles; TE die Tag Stacklets 1; TE border die Zig Zag; design inspired by Kendra Wiestock
Frog Sending Love – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Pocketful of Sunshine; design inspired by Joan Ervin
Don't forget to use your labels or stacklet die sets for backgrounds. Here I used the Postal Stacklets set from Taylored Expressions.
Hot Pink Hello – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Pocketful of Sunshine; TE dies Hi Hey Hello and Postal Stacklets; design inspired by Joan Ervin
Add a little polka dot paper to the top of the pocket for an interesting detail.
Flowers Hoppy Day – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Pocketful of Sunshine; design inspired by Shelly Mercado
Pink 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 Ervin
You 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 VanBruggen
Tips on Storing Dies
As we consumers demand more and more detailed dies, our wonderful vendors are more than happy to oblige. Pictured here is the new Patchwork Hippo die set with its 15 separate tiny dies! Safely storing a set like this is critical which is why I just ordered a huge roll of magnetic "paper" so I could keep all those tiny little dies secure inside the CD Keepers that I use for storing dies. The magnet is strong enough that once the dies were on it I could shake it vigorously and they didn't go flying. I am selling some of the magnetic paper in packages of 10 (cut to 4" x 4.5") for $4.99 each. Quantities are very limited so stop in soon for a free sample.
Big Summer Sale
I am out of room for new dies and the new Christmas and Fall releases will be coming out next month so I am having a huge sale starting June 1 through June 18 on selected merchandise including all Christmas, Halloween, Fall, Valentine and Easter products. Every product in these categories is marked down 40% and when you spend $100 (excluding sales tax), you will get an additional 10% off your total expenditure. There is too much sales merchandise to picture on the website so if you're looking for something specific, come in the store as soon as you can for best selection. First come, first served! Questions? Please contact Polly at 915-833-9500 or [email protected]. I am happy to help you with anything you need!
Hello Friends! I hope you are planning an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. Today I want to share with you a variety of welcome baby cards plus a few other samples for get well and other occasions.
Welcome Baby Cards
This card and the one below it are pretty straightforward. I did sponge the background behind the Welcome die with blue or purple to give the die a little more presence. You could easily turn this into a shaker card too.
Welcome Little One Boy – Taylored Expressions die Welcome Little One; TE stamp set Onesie Twosie with onesie die; design inspired by Jen Shults
Welcome Little One Girl – Taylored Expressions die Welcome Little One; TE stamp set Onesie Twosie with onesie die; design inspired by Jen Shults
Block Party Baby Feet – Taylored Expressions dies Block Party Baby, Treat Toppers Baby and Stitched Banner Stacklets; design inspired by Kerri Michaud
The star of this car is the Cable Knit embossing folder -- it looks just like a baby blanket.
Block Party Baby Safety Pin – Taylored Expressions dies Block Party Baby, Treat Toppers Baby and Stitched Banner Stacklets; TE embossing folder Cable Knit; TE stamp set Little Bits of Baby; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
Welcome Teddy Bear – TE dies Little Bits Teddy Bear, Welcome Baby and Build-A-Scene Nursery; Memory Box die Pinpoint Squares; TE stamp set Little Bits of Baby; design inspired by Courtney Kelley
Don't you love this little nursery? Taylored Expressions has such clever Build-A-Scene dies! See how the rug, curtain, lampshade and baby mattress match? So cute!
Nursery – TE dies Build-A-Scene Nursery and Build-A-Scene window; TE stamp set Little Bits of Baby; design inspired by Sankari Wegman
Get Well Soon
It's always a good idea to have a stash of get well cards so if you're going to pull out dies and stamps and papers to make one, go ahead and make several with the same design. For these cards I used the Memory Box die Curved Get Well; Paper Smooches die Bandaids; and Taylored Expressions dies Mini Bloomers and Bloomers Greenery. The papers are from Penny Black's paper pad Beau Jardins. I chose the papers and matching cardstocks then cut flowers and greenery in every shade I needed. I cut the bandaids from kraft cardstock then cut them again from coordinating cardstocks for the hearts. Assembly was quick and I embellished with butterflies and sequins.
Flower Portrait Frame
Penny Black's Flower Portrait Frame die is a very versatile frame with tiny openings all around. The middle of the frame is filled with flowers. I recently used this frame in a variety of different ways.
For this card, I cut the frame from white cardstock three times and glued them together to give the frame more heft and dimension. Then I removed the inner piece, sponged a background of greens and blues, sponged the flowers with red and green and arranged them around the dog.
Bring Me Joy – Penny Black clear stamp sets Man’s Best Friend and Happy Snippets; Penny Black die Flower Portrait; Impression Obsession die Banners and Tails; Taylored Expressions embossing folder Corrugate
Here the frame is sponged with orange and yellow inks. OMG Mom – Penny Black clear stamp sets Man’s Best Friend and Happy Snippets; Penny Black die Flower Portrait; Taylored Expressions die Conversation Bubbles; Penny Black stamps Skyline and Dots in Space; design inspired by Therese Schaffer
For this card I die cute frame and removed the flowers while I sponged the grass and sky background. I colored the flowers with Copic markers and reinserted them into the frame securing them on the back with tape. I also inlaid the flowers centers in white. Black-White – Penny Black die Flower Portrait; Penny Black clear stamp set Snippets
Remember in the cards above I cut the frame multiple times? Well that meant I had a lot of "middles" left over. I decided to sponge the middle (background) using Distress Inks Picked Raspberry, Wild Honey and Ripe Persimmon. I mounted the background on textured white cardstock then mounted this piece on a white card with foam tape. The flowers and stems are open except for the centers which I also sponged and inserted in the center of each flower.
Sponged Flowers – Penny Black die Flower Portrait; Penny Black clear stamp set Sprinkles and Smiles; design inspired by Therese Schaffer
One more sample: I embossed the background with the Zig Zag embossing folder then added color to the embossing by holding my ink pad (Memento dye ink New Sprout) perfectly level and sliding it across the top of the embossing. I die cut the frame several times then glued them together over the stamped flower image.
Zig Zag Background – Penny Black die Flower Portrait; Penny Black clear stamp sets Enamor and Snippets; Taylored Expressions embossing folder Zig Zag; design inspired by Elizabeth Allan
Bookmarks
I know these days many people don't need bookmarks as much because they read books on their tablet or e-reader, but bookmarks are still fun to make and give. Taylored Expressions has a new die set called Build-A Bookmark and a new stamp set called Plot Twist that coordinate with their previously released Mark Your Spot Bookmark die and stamp set to create delightful bookmarks.
Tip: Add a ribbon accent that's not bulky by threading ribbon through the die cut opening then tying twine or thinner ribbon around it into a bow.
Bookmarks -- Taylored Expressions dies Mark Your Spot Bookmark and Build-A-Bookmark; TE stamp set Plot Twist
A Few More Fun Samples
Memory Box has several Triptych dies. Perhaps you remember I just posed this sample using the Dogwood Blooms and Stem Triptych dies.
Today I have two samples using the tree Triptych die.
I die cut the tree triptych and the fence from decorative paper that is embossed with a woodgrain design (American Crafts). To bring out the woodgrain, I colored the embossed woodgrain with a Prismacolor pencil (Dark Brown). I glued the tree frames to green decorative paper and added pink flowers accented with tiny crystals.
Tree Triptych 1 – Memory Box die Tree Triptych; Memory Box stamp Seeds of Happiness; Poppy die Johnny Jump Ups; Taylored Expressions die Picket Fence; design inspired by Pam Going Postal
For this card I die cut the Tree Triptych from the front of a top folding card then adhered blue cardstock behind the openings. I inlaid the tree frames and added little flowers, sequins and a sweet sentiment.
Tree Triptych 2 – Memory Box die Tree Triptych; Penny Black clear stamp set Happy Snippets; Poppy die Hydrangea Blooms small; design inspired by Michele Henderson
Switching gears a little, here's a very happy birthday card! I cut the balloons from glitter paper (blue and white which I colored with a yelow Copic marker); cut the candle border from white cardstock then colored it with Copics; and cut the Best Day Ever from blue cardstock. Cute card!
Best Day Ever – Impressions Obsession dies Rectangle Frame 6 in 1, Best Day Ever, Heart Balloon and Candle Border; Penny Black die Balloons; design inspired by Kittie Caracciolo
One more ... my friend Jane Smith made this funny gal -- isn't she hilarious! I love the way Jane made her standing in the corner -- very cleverly drawn lines and coloring. Thanks Jane!
Sylvia – Art Impressions stamp Sylvia; sentiment stamp unknown; card designed by Jane Smith
Have a great weekend and please stop by the Stamp Act soon!
Hello Friends. Today's post is all about turning the negative space left from die cutting a shape into beautiful cards. Using the negative space is easy if you keep a few tips in mind. First, choose dies that look recognizable in the negative. Second, plan the card's design and spacing keeping in mind what will be placed behind the opening. And third, keep any small pieces cut out in case you need to reinsert those to complete the design. Finally, make the negative space pop with colorful cardstock, decorative paper, washi tape or sponging inks. Let's look at some samples.
For this card I used Taylored Expressions die Hey, Hello and it illustrates the importance of spacing the design before cutting. I cut the three words out of the white cardstock panel initially cut with Memory Box die Pinpoint Rectangles leaving room to add the telephone on top of the panel. To highlight the words, I mounted colored cardstock behind each opening then matted this panel on black. For a cute embellishment I created a telephone cord using Taylored Expressions Skinny Mini Borders 2. This card's design was inspired by Kim Singdahlsen.
For this card I cut the Taylored Expressions Silhouette Stems 4 die three times from turquoise cardstock being careful to keep the small pieces cut out so I could reinsert them to complete the flowers. I sponged a piece of white cardstock with an ombre effect using dye inks of light and medium yellow and light and dark orange. Other supplies used on this card are TE stamp set Free Spirit, TE embossing folder Leafy Vines and Penny Black die Polaroid Frame. The design was inspired by Jean Manis.
Here the negative space of the pot is filled with decorative paper while the leaf and the flower are filled with colored cardstock. Again planning the design before cutting is crucial. I used Taylored Expressions dies Bloom Where You're Planted, Various Vases and Frame in Frame to cut the openings and orange panel. Notice that the leaf is actually a positive and a negative! The negative leaf shape in the orange cardstock panel is filled with a positive leaf cut from green. To finish the card, I added a tiny butterfly (Memory Box die Mini Butterflies) and a Smile sentiment (Penny Black die Hooray Words). This card was inspired by Joan Ervin.
Negative space is perfect for a clean and simple look. To create the opening I cut two of the feathers from Taylored Expressions die Fine Feathers one at a time overlapping the tips. For the background I sponged Distress Inks Twisted Citron and Peacock Feathers. I added a tiny twine bow to tie the feathers together and a sentiment from TE stamp set Free Spirit. This card's design inspired by Courtney Kelley.
Colorful and whimsical, this card shows off Taylored Expressions dies Bloomers Greenery, Mini Bloomers and Bloomers 1 as well as the TE stamp set Free Spirit. IRL you can see the white panel is popped up with foam tape so the colorful negative spaces really pop. The flowers are embellished with sequins with tiny rhinestones in the centers. Design inspired by Charmaine Ikach.
For the final card today I cut Taylored Expressions die Silhouette Stems 1 from an oval white cardstock panel (cut with Spellbinders die Ovals Petite). This panel is mounted to a vellum oval just a bit larger then to a vellum panel cut with TE's Bold Lace Background. The white card is sponged with Distress ink Squeezed Lemonade and Memento inks Rosebud, Tangelo and Morocco. I colored the seam binding with Distress Stains Squeezed Lemonade and Picked Raspberry, tied it into a bow and mounted it to a paper flower. This card's design was inspired by Julia Stainton.
I hope you've enjoyed learning more about stretching your dies by using the negative space. Be sure to check our updated Class Calendarhere and stop in soon to shop. Have a great weekend!
Negative die cuts will be our class this Saturday, April 2 at 10am. For more information, just click here to go to our class page. Let me share some samples with you.
Hello friends and Happy Easter! I hope you are having an enjoyable weekend with friends and family. Easter always reminds me of hot cross buns, a spiced sweet bun made with currants or raisins, marked with a cross on the top and traditionally eaten on Good Friday, marking the end of Lent. So last weekend I baked these buns and packaged them to give to friends. They are really delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Here’s a link to the very informative video I followed.
Stamps with Matching Dies
One of my favorite papercrafting items are stamp sets with coordinating dies. You will find stamps and dies sold as combo sets, or stamps and coordinating dies sold separately. I am often asked whether to stamp first then cut out, or die cut the shape first then stamp on top of the die cut?
The answer is simple: If the dies are open such as these from Taylored Expressions Sunny Days combo set, you will stamp first, line up the die on top of the stamped image (because it’s open and you can see through it) and die cut second.
If the dies are solid, like these from Paper Smooches Little Lovin' 2, and you cannot see through them to line it up on a stamped image, so you will cut the shape first then stamp on top of the die cut.
My personal favorite: the former. I like to stamp first then die cut.
Today I would like to share with you some fun cards I made recently using 3 stamp and die combo sets from Taylored Expressions.
Simply Succulents
The Simply Succulents set contains all the stamps seen on the left and 3 matching dies. Here are samples made with these. FYI: Watch for an upcoming class with the succulents stamps!
Hello Frame – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Simply Succulents; TE die Picture Perfect Frames Smile/Hello; TE embossing folder Brick; design inspired by Melody Rupple
Color Block Frame – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Simply Succulents; TE die Color Block; design inspired by Pam Sparks
Get Well Circle – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Simply Succulents; Memory Box dies Scallop Border and Stitched Circles; TE embossing folder brick
Smile Frame – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Simply Succulents; TE die Picture Perfect Frames Smile/Hello; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; TE embossing folder Brick
Block Party Hello – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Simply Succulents; TE die Block Party Hello; TE embossing folder Weathered; design inspired by Gayatri Murali
Get Well Flower Box – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Simply Succulents; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Gayatri Murali
Get Well Sky – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Simply Succulents; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; TE die Cloud Border; design inspired by Kerri Michaud
Happy Hens
The Happy Hens set includes 6 stamps and dies to cut the single chicken and the two chickens.
Smile Frame – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Happy Hens; TE dies Picture Perfect Frames Smile/Hello and Skinny Mini Party Borders; TE embossing folder Chicken Wire; design inspired by Sankari Wegman
Shaker – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Happy Hens; TE dies Frame in Frame, Skinny Mini Party Borders, Easter Confetti and Grass Border; TE embossing folder Chicken Wire; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; design inspired by Kendra Wietstock
Scallop Stitched Border – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Happy Hens; TE die Stitched Scallop Border; design inspired by Shelly Mercado
Hen House Red Check – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Happy Hens; TE embossing folder Chicken Wire; Memory Box dies Stitched Squares and Stitched Rectangles; My Favorite Things die Stitched Speech Bubble Edges; design inspired by Stephanie Kraft
Chicks on Egg – Smile Frame – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Happy Hens; TE dies Picture Perfect Frames Smile/Hello and Egg Stacklets; TE embossing folder Chicken Wire; design inspired by Kerri Michaud
Block Party Hello – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Happy Hens; TE dies Block Party Hello, Little Bits Sun and Cloud and Grass Border; TE embossing folder Chicken Wire; design inspired by Courtney Kelly
Black and White – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Happy Hens; TE stamp set Made in the Shade; My Favorite Things die Rounded Banner Stax; design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
Koffee Time
This fun set contains 5 sentiment stamps and dies to cut the coffeemaker and 2 mugs.
Perk Up Mugs – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Koffee Time; Memory Box die Stitched Rectangles; Paper Smooches clear stamp set Birthday Bash (face); design inspired by Courtney Kelley
What’s Brewing Coffee Machine – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Koffee Time; Authentique paper pad Infused; Memory Box dies Stitched Rectangles and Mini Heart Collection
Thanks a Latte – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Koffee Time; Memory Box die Coffee on the Go Small; TE dies Little Bits Mug and Teacups; Paper Smooches die Stitched Flourishes
What’s Brewing Frame – Taylored Expressions stamp and die combo set Koffee Time; Paper Smooches die Stitched Flourishes; Impression Obsession die Borders 1
I hope you enjoyed learning more about stamps with coordinating dies and seeing samples of cards made with combo sets. Be sure to check the Gallery for new cards posted and the class page for new classes. Stop in soon to shop and have a happy Easter!
Happy Spring friends! Welcome to The Stamp Act blog. You are reading this blog post in your email, but to see the entire blog including previous posts with links to our Gallery, What's New and Class pages, just click on the blog title above. To subscribe or unsubscribe, please scroll down to the bottom of this post. Thanks!
I love spring when brown yards turn green and dead looking trees sprout tiny new leaves. It’s a time of renewal and rebirth. Taylored Expressions has some wonderful new products that let us express the promise of spring. Their new die In the Garden constructs a whole spring scene while the stamp and matching die Spring Tulips celebrates the colorful flowers of early spring. Let me share some samples with you.
In the Garden Tri-color Primary
So easy! Just cut three panels of cardstock -- you can easily vary the colors -- and adhere to a top folded card. Then cut the In the Garden die from black cardstock for a silhouette look. Add a sun and you've got a cute card that's perfect for many occasions. Supplies:Taylored Expressions die In the Garden; design inspired by Charmaine Ikach
In the Garden Scene
First I created the cloudy sky (which is blue IRL not gray) using the very handy Cloud Border. Then I cut the die from white cardstock and colored it with Copic markers which went surprisingly fast. I could have added some shading on the tree for a more realistic look. I added a few butterflies and a sweet sentiment.
Supplies: Taylored Expressions dies In the Garden and Cloud Border; TE stamp set Spring Tulips; Memory Box die Mini Butterflies; design inspired by Sankari Wegman
In the Garden White
Easy! Cut the die from white cardstock and layer it over yellow cardstock embossed with the "Walking on Sunshine" embossing folder (TE).
Supplies: Taylored Expressions die In the Garden; TE embossing Folder Walking in Sunshine; sentiment stamp from Amuse Art Stamps (discontinued); design inspired by Jean Manis
In the Garden Mono
A variation on the card above using green and blue. The clear sequins remind me of raindrops.
Supplies:Taylored Expressions die In the Garden; TE embossing Folder Walking in Sunshine; sentiment stamp from Memory Box (discontinued); design inspired by Kim Singdahlsen
Spring Tulips Fondly
Stamp and emboss the tulips in clear then color with Copic markers. Die cut the tulips and mount them on a couple strips of decorative paper against a waterclored background.
Supplies: Taylored Expressions stamp set and coordinating die Spring Tulips; design inspired by Joan Ervin
Spring Tulips Friends
Such a pretty card combing bright red tulips against a neutral background. The tulips were stamped and embossed in clear then colored with Copic markers. The sentiment was stamped on vellum.FYI: Using the heavyweight vellum hides the Scor tape I used to mount it.
Supplies: Taylored Expressions stamp set and coordinating die Spring Tulips; TE die Frame in Frame; TE embossing folder Leafy Vines; design inspired by Shelly Mercado
Spring Tulips Happy Birthday
Supplies: Taylored Expressions stamp set and coordinating die Spring Tulips; TE die Frame in Frame; TE embossing folder Leafy Vines; design inspired by Kendra Wiestock
Classes
For a look at our Class and Events Calendar including class descriptions and photos of class samples, please click here. This Saturday we have two classes: 10am is 2 for 1 Backgrounds, and 2pm is Stencil Mania.
Make both these backgrounds at once!
Check out the other samples on the class page here.
Create a gorgeous card using several stencils and dies!
Check out the other samples on the class page here.
Thanks for reading the blog today. Please stop in and shop at The Stamp Act soon. This week we are continuing to offer our FREE Easter make and take card and Chloe's birthday discount. FYI: Chloe is feeling much better. I hope to see you soon!