Embellish

Scrapper's Sketch of the Week: 9/30/10

Here we go again after a week off for my scrapbooking retreat last weekend! That was so fun, and I got soooo much done! It was hard to come back to reality (and making school lunches) on Monday, for sure!

This week's sketch was designed for all those summer water photos you took. Whether it was the pool, the lake, or the beach, this fun, wavy layout will be perfect to complement them. You can get two of the waves from one sheet of 12x12--but split it in half first before you begin. Cut one wave to suit you and then trace the outline of it on the second piece and cut it out to match.

Run your headline in a differently wavy direction and you'll have a more visually interesting look than if you sent the headline swooping along with the other waves, a more expected approach. Keep the embellishments to a minimum because this is a busy spread and you don't want to interrupt the flow from left to right. 

Enjoy!

Bear with Hearts on a String card

I just love this little guy! He's too cute. The bear from Under the Stars, a camping themed set, is just too perfect for this fun card, inspired by several I've seen in cyberspace.

I stamped Mr. Bear and watercolored him with Watercolor Wonder Crayons and Aquapainters, and stamped a sentiment from the versatile set A Word For You. Then I added a strand of Hemp Twine with two rolled up mini glue dots in either hand. The Small Heart punch is just the right size to "string" along the line. I just love it!

The Woodgrain Background added a nice touch on Marina Mist, layered on the Riding Hood Red background. I also used the Cutter Kit to roughen the edges of the Marina Mist and add some more texture to balance out the mass of texture we have going on in the middle of the card with the hearts on the string.

We're making this card tomorrow night at Cheri's workshop. If you'd like to make this card, or you have a special request to learn a technique or use a certain stamp set, let me know and we'll set up a party for you and your friends! I'm a full-service demonstrator and I tailor my parties to please the hostesses, so call me today! PARTY AT YOUR PLACE!!! WHOO HOO!!

More inset embossing technique

Inset embossing is all the rage! Click here for a quick FREE photo tutorial on how to do it. I have seen some lovely examples of it from you all. I'm so glad you like it--it's so totally quick and simple, I'm not surprised! I was really taken with it when it was shared with me, too!

Here's a sample with circles:

The With All My Heart card is super easy--just do the inset embossing with punched hearts on a 3x4.25 inch rectangle of Whisper White, attach to the upper half of vertically-oriented card, and add a sentiment piece. I restrained myself from adding ribbon, aren't you proud? That's so hard for me!

Don't have the Square Lattice embossing folder yet? Or heaven forbid, you don't have a Big Shot yet? Call me right away and I'll set you up! Or head here to check it all out online: www.lyssa.stampinup.net

Fun with Waffle Paper!

I got some of the fun new Waffle Paper from the Holiday Mini Catalog and had to try it out! Waffle paper is a thin, crisp tissue-like paper that can be used in a variety of ways. We carry it in two packages of silver/gold and chocolate/black, and you can order it at my shopping website or by emailing me at zwolaneks@att.net.

These cards were made with a cute idea I got from my friend and fellow demo Jackie T. She pulled a little waffle paper up through a punched-out shape. I used the Full Heart punch for mine, and the silver waffle paper. I put a little puff of cotton batting behind the waffle paper to keep it fluffed up when it gets squished, and that works like a dream!

I also love how it was able to easily and quickly edge the punched out shape with the Basic Rhinestons, by using the long pre-assembled strip of jewels. Each heart took two strips and about three extra jewels to go around. I decorated the rest of the cards with sentiments from the Perfect Punches set, and some Big Shot Tasteful Trims in black, and Perfect Polka Dots embossing.

While I had it out, I had to play some more! Here's a crinkly gold party dress made with the Scallop Circle die for the Big Shot. The straps are more waffle paper, twisted into cord.

Isn't that cute? I used a new Glimmer Brad from the Holiday Mini for the flower at the waist. The flower is also waffle paper, glued to cardstock before punching. The cardstock stabilizes the thin paper so it doesn't become caught in the punch.

One more idea for you this morning... here are two Top Notes cut with the waffle paper. The silver one is just normal--the wrinkles make it look like silver leaf, which is amazing. The gold one I ran through with the Petals a Plenty embossing folder after I cut the Top Note. I wish the pictures could show you how incredibly awesome this looks! I will definitely be using this technique for my Christmas cards.

You can also stamp and emboss on this paper! It's really a fun, versatile addition to our line. Feel free to comment on uses you have found for waffle paper below, and be sure to let me know if I can order some for you to use on your holiday projects this year.

Incredible Cards Club--join now!

Here's a couple projects we made last night at Incredible Cards Club. We have two openings for this group, so let me know right away if you are free on the fourth Monday night of the month to come and make some fancy cards and some new friends!

This card uses the new Scallop Squares Duo die from the Holiday Mini as a mat behind the focal point. I layered it up with Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, and River Rock. The card itself is Baja Breeze, with Elegant Soiree DSP that's been run through with the Square Lattice embossing folder for the Big Shot.

We stamped the image from Herb Expressions and colored it with River Rock and Baja Breeze markers, then added some Victoria lace and a little Vintage Trinkets button brad with a scrap of Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon for an accent.

This next card was intended as a little joke on my friend (and downline) Karri, as she hates pink! I try not to overdo the pink projects in IC Club for her sake. But after all that, Karri couldn't make club last night, so the joke was on me!

For this one, we embossing polka dots onto Very Vanilla, and then sponged them, mounted them on Basic Black and a Pretty in Pink card base. Torn Newsprint DSP was used as a mat over the Pretty in Pink wide grosgrain ribbon.

We used Pink Pirouette and Pretty in Pink markers to easily and quickly dye the Paper Daisy, then made a focal point with some Very Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware and a hand-cut flower from Vintage Vogue. The flower was embellished with self-adhesive Basic Rhinestone and the new Smooch Accent Ink in Silver Fox.

If you're interested in any of these products, they are all available 24/7 through Stampin' Up on my shopping website, www.lyssa.stampinup.net

Just type "incredible" in the search box to the left to see some of the projects we have made over the years, and then email me to join up. The fee is just a small minimum order, and the side benefits are great--we all pool our orders and take turns getting the hostess benefits. It's really the best deal in town! zwolaneks@att.net

Itty Bitty Owl cards

Looking forward to a fun workshop tonight with my neighbor Gabrielle and her friends! Here's one of the projects we're going to make, using the new Aviary stamp set in Pumpkin Pie and Tempting Turquoise. I discovered Gabrielle loves turquoise as much as I do, so I hope she really likes it!

Here's another card I made with Marina Mist, So Saffron and just a dab of Tangerine Tango. That combo is awesome together!
See the small scalloped rectangle mat under the words? I made that with the Scallop Square punch, but punched it twice--the first time regularly, and then again to cut a new, shorter edge on one side. You can do that easily with Stampin' Up punches because of the open bottoms. Try it out--you can make all kinds of different shapes by punching things twice, just like you can by running die-cuts through the Big Shot a second (or third) time.

85 and counting

My goal for this retreat is 100 cards! As of ten thirty tonight I have 85 done. Here's a few!

Walk by the lake

A little brisk on Lake Koshkonong today but still beautiful. We're having a fun productive evening here at the cabin, getting stacks of pages and cards made and watching a Twilight marathon. We've also gained like eight pounds each! Judy made these amazing Mexican crepes today that I seriously think might be the best thing I've ever eaten.

So because I'm awesome, here's the recipe: fry a flour tortilla in a little oil or butter. While it's still hot and puffy, spread some strawberry freezer jam on it. Fold it in thirds and sprinkle powdered sugar on it. Whoa baby... be prepared to stand at the stove for a while, because everyone is going to want more than one! Did I say eight pounds? I meant ten.

Pretty pretty roses on my walk today! And yes, we're also getting some stamping done in between meals. Here's a scrapbook page for my next Scrap A Stack Club. I was excited to use my new Varsity Alphabet and Numbers sets.

Ok, back to work now! We've started a Night At The Museum marathon. I couldn't take any more of the Golden Girls theme song for a while : )

What happens at the cabin, stays at the cabin

Unfortunately the calories consumed at the cabin go right to my hips and stay put, though! Here's our gang this year. We are having a blast! And we're already planning the next one. Let me know if you want to be on the waiting list if a spot opens up! As of nine p.m. tonight I had made an even fifty cards. My goal is 100, plus ten MDS pages and my cards and pages planned for the next two weeks of clubs. It's awesome to get so much done with no interruptions other than to shop and eat : )

Stay tuned for photos of what we've been working on. Got some talented friends, I do!

Pillow Gifts for the scrap retreat

I'm away at a scrapbooking retreat cabin this weekend and these are the pillow gifts I made for the girls. They are Regal Rose, Basic Black and Pink Pirouette, adorned with Newsprint DSP and the new Paper Daisies and Glimmer Brads.

They were cute, but then I added some trim with the new Tasteful Trims die for the Big Shot, using the adhesive sheets from the Holiday Mini, and that really took them up a notch! I also made some very thick Shimmer Spray, so these are very glittery and girly. Guess I was in the mood to putz!

They are all different... here's a few more of them. The round bucket one was the hardest. Watch for a photo tutorial on that one!

And what goes inside these lovely containers, you ask? Why, CHOCOLATE, of course!

I " heart " shoes cards

Played with a retired set here for a bit the other day when my brain was fried and I couldn't think Christmas or craft fair any more for a while. I had some leftovers from a workshop card all cut out and ready to be used up, so this filled the need for a nice brainless activity.

This quad layout, composed of four nested square punches, is always a favorite--you know me and my thing about symmetry! I like stuff to line up.

I love pink and black for fun girly cards, so I chose Basic Black, Melon Mambo and Pink Pirouette, and tossed in a little Certainly Celery to shake things up. Love the KA-POW of the Basic Black rick rack cut on the new Tasteful Trims Big Shot die.

 

Too bad it doesn't show up very well in the photographs--I went all out with Smooch Moonlight Accent Ink and Crystal Effects on the shoes. I totally want a pair of glittery pink platform sandals now!
I'm packing for my scrapping retreat today! I will be setting up some posts in advance, as well as posting from the retreat, too, so keep checking in. Look for some fun MDS pages, and the little pillow gifts I made (well, not so little--advantages to a small retreat!).

Song of My Heart Stampers is on Facebook!

Click here to be taken to my stamping Facebook page, and I hope you "like" what you see! Check it every day for last-minute openings for stamp camps, challenges with prizes for the winners, and fun stamping chatter. You'll also see links to my Charity of the Month projects, where you can get more details on doing good in the community. Upload your latest projects if you'd like to share, and connect with other stampers in your area! it's all happening now at Song of My Heart Stampers on Facebook.

Lattice die quilts

I had a wonderful time last night with the employees of Nancy's Notions in Beaver Dam, WI. Many thanks to Betty H. for arranging it all and providing a great meal! I was privileged to instruct these ladies in the fine art of the Big Shot. They already knew about the Big Shot for its many awesome quilting uses, but I was able to introduce them to the myriad of ways you can use it with other materials, from paper and cardstock, to magnet, vinyl, window sheet, wood, felt and much more!

One of the three projects we made was a quilt card like these fall ones above (we made baby ones). The Lattice die, exclusive to Stampin' Up, makes adorable quilts. I like doing it with double-sided paper so that you have lots of options when you're fitting the little cut out pieces back into the pattern and gluing them down. And of course, when you finish it and run it through an embossing folder, it looks just like fabric. More samples of quilt cards here and here. 

One of the reasons Betty's party worked out so well was that it was right after work got out at five p.m. If that's an option for you, I'd be thrilled to come and do a show at your workplace. Clear it with your boss, and give me a call! I'm also available to do monthly after-work clubs. We can make it fit with your schedule! Contact me today. (920) 261-3962 zwolaneks@att.net

Grunge N' Roses card with Waffle Paper

Ok, maybe I had a little too much fun with this card. I enjoy getting out of my comfort zone once in a while, and while I love a lot of the techniques involved in the grunge look, like sponging, tearing, splattering, rips, etc, the grunge look is definitely "out there" for me.

I had some extra Magic Reinker Spread roses left over from another project that I needed to use up. But as soon as I held up the new silver Waffle paper from the Holiday Mini Catalog to the Melon Mambo cardstock, I knew where I wanted to go with this one! The thing Waffle Paper is used the most for is ruffles, so that's where I started with it. I laid Sticky Strip on the card and ruffled a strip of the Waffle Paper (amazingly flexible, yet strong) onto it. I covered the edge with a strip of Basic Gray cardstock and Basic Gray taffeta, with a smidge of Basic Black gingham ribbon for an unexpected touch.

I colored some Newsprint DSP a deep Melon Mambo with my brayer, distressing it, to layer under my rose and the sentiment, which I printed on Whisper White using My Digital Studio (love that!). added some pearls, some sponging, an Antique rose brad, and turned down the corner with the Faux Suede technique. 

Here's a couple more traditional cards I also made with all the same products. I used up some leftover Bride specialty DSP (you could sub in Presto Patterns), along with Whisper White taffeta ribbon and a lot more pearls. Love those things! and the subtle gleam from the Shimmery White cardstock on the embossed roses is nice... although I admit I pumped it up a notch with Shimmer Spray!

A Musical Cardinal Christmas

I'm humming Christmas carols and my house was filled with the smells of Christmas cookies baking this weekend--know why I'd be doing such a thing in September? Tonight is Christmas Club! Join us and make 12 cards each month--four each of three designs--for the next three months--I have one spot open!

Here's a card we're going to be making tonight. It's a lighter, updated take on a vintage Christmas card, using vintage-style images, papers and trims, but a modern layout and cooler color scheme of Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler. The stamp set is A Cardinal Christmas (catalog page 39) and I've embossed the main image in Basic Black. It looks awesome colored with our vibrant, rich markers.

I love the classy accent of the self-adhesive pearls on the Always Artichoke seam binding ribbon from the Holiday Mini. We'll be stamping and sponging the Newsprint DSP with Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke to help it soften and blend with our colors. I love the musical motif on these pages. I tell you, that Newsprint DSP was just the best new product this year!

Have you started YOUR Christmas plans for this year? A handmade, memory-filled holiday doesn't just happen! Contact me today to schedule a workshop and you and your friends will learn some quick and easy ideas to put together a wonderful Christmas season, without breaking the bank.

Don't miss out on the next PMS Ladies' Club!

FEELING CRANKY?

PMS LADIES CLUB IS THE ANSWER!

For those of you wondering WHAT in the WORLD could a PMS Ladies Club possibly be, it stands for “Pizza, Movies, and Stamping,” and it’s great fun!  Your “back to school blues” could be “Gone With The Wind” very shortly if you plan now to schedule that one night off for yourself each month!

The next PMS Ladies' Clubs are scheduled for 6-10 p.m. on Fri. Oct. 15th and Fri. Nov. 19th. The cost is $10 per person, with specialty pizzas and beverages included. I’ll provide one intermediate to advanced stamping project to get your juices flowing. The rest of the evening, you can use all my stamps, punches, inks, and tools to work on any project you have been wanting to get done, or just sit and make some cards. Bring your own adhesive and paper, and go to town!

Space is limited, so RSVP for yourself and your best bud today! There now. Can’t you just feel that excess estrogen slipping away? I feel better already!

 

Tote box from the group meeting

I just love this little two-sided tote, made with boxes from the Box #2 die for the Big Shot. It's so easy, and so adorable! You can fill it with candy, of course, or tea bags, gum, mints, Post-It Notes, mini pencils--or it's also the perfect size for business cards!

We made this one at my group meeting last Monday night. It uses Regal Rose 12x12 for the boxes (one sheet per person), Basic Black for the trim (Tasteful Trims die with the new self-adhesive sheets), and Melon Mambo for the scrunch punch flower (tutorial here). 

The tote is so easy--just assemble the two boxes but leave the lids untouched. Adhere the boxes back to back with Sticky Strip (preferred) or a strong liquid adhesive like Tombow Multi or Crystal Effects. Adhere the lids together, too. Then punch through all the layers with the Oval Punch to make the handle. The trim was SOOOOO EASY to apply, since I stuck the Basic Black cardstock down on the adhesive sheets before I ran them through the Big Shot. Then I just peeled off the backing and stuck the trim where I wanted it. LOVE that I will never run out of trim in any color ever again!

We decorated our tote with the new Glimmer Brads from the Holiday Mini Catalog, available to view by clicking on the catalog on my right hand sidebar. The tag was made with Oval punches and attached with the new skinny Basic Black narrow taffeta ribbon. The stamp came from Chic Boutique, but you could use any small word stamp for the tag.

And of course, Shimmer Spray was used liberally :) If you STILL haven't jumped on that bandwagon, click here to go to my shopping site and order some, and then click here for the recipe to mix up a bottle. You will really regret it if you don't try this stuff--you are going to FLIP! Do it now so you have it for Christmas!

Scrapper's Sketch of the Week: 9/17/10

Going with an industrial-minimalist layout with a retro-1950's crispness here. Be bold with the colors for this one, especially for small embellishments that are placed ever so precisely. Everything is rigidly lined up on these pages, except for the embellishments, which lends them that much more visual ka-pow. To really play up the minimalism, don't use any patterns or textures. Allow the simple design and the color to be the stars.

Get out your ruler and do the measurements for this layout, because there aren't any shortcuts and it will spoil the effect if you aren't careful in your placement. After those are placed, line up your larger photos and your journalling along the visual grid.

The six small photos should be identically sized and matted. Notice how they are further apart on the left hand side of the spread than on the right? It's like the pattern is falling into place from left to right.

This spread is not for the traditionalists or the faint of heart. Be bold and go for it big! I encourage you to try a layout that is not like your usual style. You may find you really enjoy the break in routine and can start to mix it up a little, adding more interest to your books.

Happy scrapping! 

Just Believe card from Diane

Love this pretty card from my friend and fellow Stampin' Up demo Diane Vander Galien. Didn't she do a lovely job? You can tell a lot of care goes into what Diane creates. She used the Marker Spritz technique, where you color directly on the stamp with the markers, then mist it very lightly with water before you stamp it on your paper. It creates a totally unique, soft watercolored look--especially awesome with flowers. Try it!

Photos from the 10-10-10

What a fun day! That low rumble you heard was 30 women stampin' up a storm on Saturday. Thank you to everyone who came, and a big thank you to Lori and Penni for helping out with set up and clean up.