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Archive for the ‘Stamp Club With Meg’ Category:
Watercolor How-To: Magic Tips to Use
The most common thing I hear when I demonstrate watercoloring is that people can’t seem to make it look “right”. Guess what? There are some easy tricks that will make your watercolor look ‘right’ every time. Here’s a card that we made at stamp club last week, using the soon-to-be-retired Beary Best Friends stamp set (see it online).
Beary Best Friends and the matching Beary Nice Wishes set (see it online) will be available along with the rest of the Build-A-Bear Product Suite (see it online) but only until May 31st (learn about the retiring items & sale).
The bear is on the inside of the card — peeking through the window!
Tips to make your watercolor look fantastic:
- Use Stampin’ Up! Watercolor Paper for best effects. I know, it sounds like I just want you to buy paper from me… but I’ve tried other papers from big craft stores, and they just don’t work right. If you want to be successful, it’s important to start with good quality materials.
- Draw a small line with a Stampin’ Write Marker where you want color to be darkest.
- Use Aqua Painters to wet the line and move the color around on the paper – leave blank spots to get an authentic watercolor effect.
- Remember that you can always add more color, but it’s tricky to remove color if you start with too much.
- Outline with River Rock Stampin’ Write Marker & blend to finish. This will keep your image ‘anchored’ to the paper and add dimension to the background so that it doesn’t look flat.
Looking for more Build A Bear ideas? Here are several on my blog.
Or more watercoloring technique samples? Here you go! Or if you’re looking for ideas on Watercolor Wonder Crayons, here’s a how-to video tutorial from my blog.
Happy Watercoloring! (and stamping)
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Subscribe to the comments for this postFlower Fancy: Three Windows How-To
Only a couple of weeks left for the stamp sets on the retiring list! Both the sets on this fun card are retiring on May 31st – Oval All (see it online) and Flower Fancy (see it online).
Here’s a card that includes three windows and three techniques!
First — want to learn how to line up those three holes? It’s pretty easy, actually!
- Punch ‘placer’ circles from scratch paper.
- Adhere lightly on card front where holes are desired.
- Punch over the ‘placers’ so that holes will be exactly where you want them.
Second — love the doily on the inside of the card? It’s from the Flirtatious Designer Series Paper (see it online) which is on sale for 25% off while supplies last (or until May 31st). The paper includes 2 sheets of 12 doilies each. Use them all at once, or clip them apart to make them last longer.
Third — like the technique on the flowers? That’s pretty easy, too. Just ink the bold image stamp in Daffodil Delight ink first, then use Stampin’ Sponges to dab Pumpkin Pie and Melon Mambo onto the stamp before applying to your paper.
Looking for more retiring stamp set ideas? Be sure to check my blog!
And if you’re interested in the Flower Fancy stamp set, you’ll definitely want to see some of my favorite Flower Fancy ideas.
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Mixed Techniques: Poppin’ Pastels plus Rock N Roll
Poppin’ Pastels is an OLD technique – and very simple:
- Stamp in Versamark ink
- Swirl a Sponge Dauber in a Stampin’ Pastel color
- Pounce onto the stamped image.
It always used to bother me that the edges of the stamped image ended up a little bit wishy washy. I’m embarrassed to say that when I pulled out my Stampin Pastels (see them online) for this project, they were still sealed! I used to use them all the time, but somehow my new set had at least 2 birthdays before getting opened. (eek!)
But with this NEW twist on Poppin’ Pastels, I think I’m going to be seeing my Pastels much more regularly again. By adding the Rock N Roll technique, I made the edges of the image well-defined and the finished image looks much cleaner. The Tea Shoppe stamp set (see it online) has the perfect stamp for this combo technique, too!
Here are some tips for using Rock N Roll and Poppin’ Pastels together:
- Use a bold image stamp (not great for line art)
- Ink the stamp first with Versamark, then rock the darker ink around the edges to keep your Versamark pad clean.
- Remember to pounce (not wipe) with your Sponge Dauber to keep the ink from smearing.
- If you don’t get enough color on your image, try mooshing (yes, a technical term) the Dauber more in the Stampin’ Pastel.
A couple other things about this card from my April session of Stamp Club with Meg:
- Yes, that’s a tea bag! The piece of Twitterpated Designer Paper makes a little pocket to hold the bag in place. Use Sticky Strip at the two ends to hold it tight.
- I love the Paper Doily Sizzlit (see it online). It helps to have a few tips on making it work easily.
- It’s easier to stamp on the back side of the Mini Vintage Tags (see them online). I used Staz-On ink here to keep the image from smearing.
Happy Stamping (and tea drinking)!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Teeny Tiny Treats: a bag of tags
Have an irregular edge that needs a scalloped border? Like on the little edge of the Petite Purse Die front flap? (see it online) Try using your circle punches to make the curve for you. Just punch several circles (shown are ¾” circles) and attach them to the edge on the back side. You can also cover up the back side with another piece of card stock.
The Bright Blossoms stamp set is a perfect match for the Summer Smooches Product Suite (see it online). I used it on the little tags here (yup, Decorative Label Punch to make these).
Marker to Stamp Technique: To make the multi-colors, ink your stamp with a Stampin’ Write Marker or two or three. When all the colors are on the stamp, THEN apply the stamp to your card stock. Voila! (see some other Marker to Stamp projects on my blog)
And yes, remember I’ve been calling this little purse the Mary Poppins Purse, since it seems bigger on the inside than the outside. So yes, all three tags & candies do fit inside.
Have fun with these little treats & tags! Give the whole package as a gift, or carry the purse around with you and hand out little candies to people you see during the day. With the greetings from You’re A Gem (check out some other samples) they’re perfect little “just thinking of you” treats.
Remember that the Summer Smooches suite will only be available for a limited time — until the end of April! (more Summer Smooches project ideas)
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Patchwork Paper Quilts: Everyday Enchantment
Are you hoarding the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper yet? There are only 2 weeks left to add this paper to your collection before Sale-A-Bration runs out! When you have only a few 1/2″ strips left for this paper (or any other paper you love), here is a great project for making the most of them – Patchwork Paper Quilts with the Big Shot Adhesive Sheets (see them online)!
Are you coming to Stamp Club with Meg today? You’ll be making this card as one of your projects. If you can’t make it, here is the ‘how to’ on the Patchwork Technique:
Cut a piece of neutral card stock to the final size of your patchwork piece.- Press onto a piece of Big Shot Adhesive Sheet. Remove backing paper and place adhesive-side up on your table.
- Begin with a ½” strip of Designer Series Paper across the center.
- Add strips of paper at right angles, repeating your pattern as desired.
- Trim ends and adhere to project.
Looking for more Everyday Enchantment paper projects? Here are a few on my blog! This paper is from the Sale-A-Bration Mini Catalog – download it now – and can be selected for free with a $50 order until March 31.
Did you know that I tag everything on my blog? Be sure to click the tags in the vanilla box at the bottom of my post to see more posts with similar products or techniques!
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Scallop Square Note Cards: add an envelope
The other day when I posted my Scallop Square Note Card, I received an email from my friend and fellow LovenStampfuls Demonstrator Carol Jones. She inspired me with her project and I decided to make a few envelopes, too! Here’s a smaller version of my Scallop Square Note Card, created using the Scallop Square Duo Die (see it online). The finished card is about 3 x 3″.
Having trouble deciding which Sale-A-Bration items to pick for free? Sorry, my post here isn’t going to make it any easier! I used several of the Sale-A-Bration selections:
- Elementary Elegance stamp set – great frame, which matches the Curly Label Punch and includes “Happy Birthday” and “Hello” words that fit the style & size
- Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper – gorgeous colors that match the Ribbon & Brad Bundle, of course
- Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Bundle – includes 2 rolls of the 1/8″ Organdy Ribbon (Lucky Limeade & Calypso Coral) as well as a pack of assorted brads to match
Need all three choices? Just place an order that comes to $150 before shipping/tax, and you’ll earn all 3! Plus you’d earn Hostess Benefits (called “Stampin’ Rewards” for online ordering), which means you’d get another $25 to spend for free. And you’d earn 3 Idea & Inspiration Sheets from me!
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Sweet Treat Cups: Valentine Candy Hearts
Looking for fun Valentine treat ideas? Here’s a fun way to use your Heart Sweet Treat Cups (see them online) and the matching Full Heart Punch — it’s on the Clearance Rack still (see it online)! Did you know the Sweet Treat Cups have the adhesive on them already? Yeah, I know!! They could hardly be easier!!
These use the Scallop Squares Duo Die (120903) for the background, as well as the Sweetheart stamp set (120780). The tiny hearts are punched from the Red Glimmer Paper (see it online) which looks even BETTER in person. Absolutely gorgeous, and a little goes a long way.
The sticks are lollipop sticks from any big box store — just add a little flag banner with a heart, adhere them to the back and you’re set!
One last tip on the Sweet Treat Cups? Don’t overfill them. My strategy is to fill them until they look even, then remove one more M&M. (and it eat — you wouldn’t put it back in the bag, right?) But this way you’re sure there won’t be too much stress on the adhesive on the back of the Sweet Treat Cup.
Need more Sweet Treat Cup ideas? Check a few out on my blog.
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stampin’ Technique “How To”: Embossed Resist
Do you {Heart} Hearts, too? Between the I {Love} Love Stampin’ Around Wheel (see it online) and the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set (see it online), Valentine’s Day is more than covered! This is a great technique for these stamps, too — the Embossed Resist Technique, using Clear Emboss Powder and a Brayer.
Here are the instructions for the Emboss Resist Technique:
1. Stamp on light colored card stock.
2. Use Versamark Ink and stamp over the background.
3. Using Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Emboss the Versamark images.
4. Brayer over the entire paper.
5. Use a tissue to wipe away ink from the heat embossed areas.
Voila! Have fun creating your Valentines!
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Gift Givers: A Stamp & Punch for EVERY Holiday
Heads up — get ready for Valentine’s Day! The Gift Givers stamp set (see it online) goes out with the Holiday Mini Catalog, at midnight on January 3rd (MT). So if you’d like to add it to your stamp shelf, don’t wait. I promise that you’ll keep this one handy all year long, since it has an image for every holiday, as well as a punch to match!
Plus cocoa is perfect all winter long — and especially as a gift with 2 packets for Valentine treats! This was one of my Stamp Club projects from December. We meet again on January 11th (check my calendar)
Here’s what you need to know about this project:
- The 6 Panel Box is created from the Mini Milk Carton Die for the Big Shot. Here’s a brief set of instructions for putting it together. I just wrapped a piece of Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Paper around the top instead of folding the tops down. (yes, it’s glittery on one side!)
- The nested hearts around the Sweetheart Treat Cup (see them online) are created with the Large Heart Punch (hole for the cup) and the NEW Framelits Dies Hearts Collection (coming January 4th in the Occasions Mini Catalog).
Here are all the SPECIALS and Limited Time Availability on the items in this project, if you’d like to get any of them on sale (up to 80% off!) or before they’re gone:
On the Clearance Rack (due to the change in body style on the punches):
- Large Heart Punch — matches the owl/heart image (see it online)
- Scallop Circle Punch — matches Gift Givers (see it online)
- Curly Label Punch — matches Gift Givers (see it online)
- 1-3/4″ Circle Punch — matches Gift Givers (see it online)
And from the Holiday Mini Catalog (only until January 3rd at midnight MT):
- Gift Givers stamp set (see it online)
- Holly Berry Designer Series Paper (see it online)
So head on over to shop now — don’t miss out!
- Click to shop the Holiday Mini Catalog (before midnight, Jan 3rd, MT)
- Click to shop the Clearance Rack Blitz (before midnight, Jan 3rd, MT)
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Merry & Type: A Cocoa Slider Packet
I’ve been a demonstrator for nearly 10 years. Boy, the time sure flies when you’re having fun! I pulled this Cocoa Slider Packet design from the recesses of my stamping brain…I remember demonstrating this project when I first started! Here’s an updated version though: with the Merry & Type stamp set (see it online) and the Peekaboo Frames Die for the Big Shot (see it online).
Know what’s cool about this little holiday treat? It moves! When you pull the ribbon end, an inner panel with the treat (cocoa) slides out to the side. And the Peekaboo frame opens, too, revealing a message from the Merry & Type stamp set inside.
I know! Isn’t it fun? Sometimes I can’t believe that I haven’t made one of these for 7-8 years. Definitely an ‘oldie but goodie’ kind of project. Want to learn how to make these? Here are the directions:
Start with a ½ sheet of Very Vanilla card stock and a ‘slider’ piece cut to fit your cocoa packet—about 3 ¾ x 5 ½”.- Place the slider and cocoa in the packet and use Sticky Strip to make a flat tube.
- Remove the cocoa. With the slider still inside, punch through all layers at one end, about ½” from the edge. Pull the slider out and flip it left/right and insert back into the packet so the holes line up.
- String a ribbon through all the holes at once, then add cocoa packet back and push slider & cocoa into packet. Tie at end to hold cocoa in place.
Add a cocoa packet, a tea bag or a hot apple cider and you have a perfect holiday neighbor gift! Or keep the packet flat by using it to hold a Gift Card for birthdays!
Happy Stamping!
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