Embellish

Trendy new take on Lovely As A Tree

You can't go wrong with a good tree silhouette stamp, and Lovely As A Tree has proved that by remaining a best seller since it was introduced well before I became a demonstrator for Stampin' Up! I honestly haven't used it myself in quite a long, time, however, so when I pulled it out today to make cards from my upcoming craft fairs, I was determined to see if I could come up with a new take on an old favorite. I think you'll agree there's nothing tired or traditional about these colors or layouts!

These images were stamped in Early Espresso ink and then sponged with the deeply intense colors of Crushed Curry and Cajun Craze.

TIP: You can use the spatter stamp from Gorgeous Grunge (seriously, all time favorite stamp set ever!) to add interference and take any image from modestly interesting to eye-catchingly modern and crisp.

The sentiment set I used on these cards is retired, but everything else is available to purchase. Click on the links below to go view the decriptions and prices in my online store. Thanks for stopping by today!

Spattered Lovely A Tree Cards Product List

• Lovely As A Tree Clear-Mount Stamp Set [127793]
• Lovely As A Tree Wood-mount Stamp Set [128655]
• Gorgeous Grunge Wood-mount Stamp Set [130514]
• Gorgeous Grunge Clear-mount Stamp Set [130517]
• Cajun Craze 8-1/2X11 Card Stock [119684]
• Very Vanilla 8-1/2X11 Card Stock [101650]
• Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad [126965]
• Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [126974]
• Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [131173]
• Stamping Sponges [101610]

Elegant Striped Scallops Cards

In the process of making some extra-special cards for some extra-special stampin' sisters, my fellow Advisory Board members, at convention in two weeks, but couldn't resist sharing these particular projects with you--shhh!!Aren't they pretty? I used my new Striped Scallop Thinlet die for the Big Shot for the first time, and I thought it really brought them up a notch.

Each one is different, because I chose colors for each of their unique personalities. I'm reminded as I work on these of my Advisory Board Retreat gifts, when I didn't know these precious ladies at all yet, and chose their flower pin colors based on what little I knew of them. Now, we've become so close working together as a team all year long, I get a little choked up thinking about the fact that our year is over in just a few short days, and while we will definitely keep in touch, it just won't be the same.

I have more to make, but these can tide you over for now. Here's a couple more ideas I have had for this amazing new Thinlet. It's at the very bottom of page 228 in the new Idea Book & Catalog. Don't have one yet? Well goodness, girl, let's fix that right away! Email me for a copy today. [email protected]

Here's just half of the Thinlet used as a panel across the card, with thin strips of the same color forming a frame. I honestly like this way of using it even better than the full-card version.

And another fun way to use it is to cut two pieces of cardstock at once. The bottom layer, closest to the plate, will not cut all the way through but just "etch" the design into the cardstock. It kinda looks embossed, but it's not raised at all. Fun and versatile! Click here to view the Striped Scallop Thinlet in my online store, and please leave me a comment if you liked today's cards. It keeps me encouraged to think that I might inspire your own creativity in any small way!

Brayered Embossing technique

My friend Michelle spotted a sample card done with this technique and begged to make it at her workshop. I was happy to oblige! it's actually quite simple--just emboss your desired pattern on the Sizzix Big Shot with an embossing folder (I used the Flower Garden design), flip it over to the "de-bossed" side, and ink up your rubber brayer in any color of ink you desire. Run the brayer over the debossed image as often as desired until you like how saturated the color is. Bingo! You're done!

I couldn't resist flipping my embossed piece over back to the raised side we normally use, and showing Michelle and her friends how you can add color to that with a brayer as well, for a completely different look.

Here's the inside. I used a "gate-fold" for my card base, just for different. These were designed as sympathy cards, but guests at the workshop made them into wedding and birthday cards to suit their various needs. That's the best thing about stamping--you always have the cards on hand for the occasions you need!

Nevere heard of a brayer? Need that Flower Garden embossing folder? Click on any of the items below to view the full description and shop with Lyssa 24/7! Or email me at [email protected] if that's better.

Brayered Embossing Technique Cards Product List:

123113	113439	102395	126841	101650
126845	126859	119247	125843	125845

 

Make your own patterned papers

One of the earliest stamping techniques I ever learned, and still a favorite, is making your own background patterned paper with stamps. I love taking a cute set and several coordinating colors and just going crazy with it! I used the Secret Garden stamp set for this card, with So Saffron, Calypso Coral, Pear Pizzazz and Blushing Bride ink colors.

TIP: You stamp this flower paper all in one piece and then cut it in three equal parts after it's done, isn't that cool? Here's some measurements if you want to try this layout at home!

• card base: 8.5x5.5 inches (half sheet of 8.5x11 cardstock)
• mat layer: 3.75x5 inches
• neutral layer: 3x4.5 inches (sliced in three 1.5-inch sections after stamping)

Easy! Are you going to try it? Leave a comment below if you are!

Easy Painter's Tape Technique cards

We had a super fun technique challenge at our November demonstrator gathering, and I wanted to share some of the cute cards people came up with using the Painter's Tape Technique.

Isn't that a cool look? So random! If you haven't tried this technique yet, literally all you need is an ink pad and some kind of tape--masking tape or painters tape works the best, but you can use any kind, including washi tape! Just press the sticky side of a strip of tape into the ink pad (doesn't hurt it, never fear) and then press it ink-side down onto your paper.

You can reuse the same strip of tape several times before it gets too inky to be effective any longer. And of course, this works best on well-inked pads.

There was also a plaid one that was just stunning, but I did not get a photo of it, I guess. Maybe Lori will link to it here in the comments? : )

This technique lends itself to all kinds of creativity. Joann masked off the center of her card using a Festive Flurry Framelits die cut, then radiated her tape strips out from the center. It took a while, but the finished effect is gorgeous!

So if you haven't tried this technique yet--go get some painter's tape and give it a go! There's a reason it's been all over the internet lately--it's super fun!

Need some of the new Firm Foam ink pads? Check out these links to our four Color Collections and three other important and useful pads every stamper should have in their craft room:

• Brights Classic Stampin' Pads
• Neutrals Classic Stampin' Pads
• Subtles Classic Stampin' Pads
• Regals Classic Stampin' Pads
• Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad (for stamping in white on colored cardstocks)
• Jet Black StazOn Pad (for stamping in permanent black for watercoloring or markering)
• Illuminate Glimmer Watermark Stampin' Pad (for stamping a subtle frosted shimmer)

Heartfelt Sympathy

Just a few simple sympathy cards to share with you today. If you're a regular around these parts, you know I prefer to keep my condolence cards quiet, without a lot of flashy techniques or embellishing. I don't enjoy making them, but it is a chance to reflect on how precious is the gift of life, and how short our time on earth truly is. Anything that makes us pause in the rat race and say "I love you" more often is a blessing in disguise...
I'm not sure I like this second one as much. The Pool Party aqua blue is pretty cheerful looking, even combined with Basic Gray and Whisper White... I think I might change out the sentiment, and color the poppies in and use it for something else instead.What do you think?

All supplies Stampin' Up! Items used can be found here:

• Pleasant Poppies
• Dictionary Wood-mount Stamp Set
• Scallop Oval Punch
• Extra-Large Oval Punch
• Color Spritzer Tool (retired)
• Basic Gray 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
• Neutrals Candy Dots

Framelits and new Magnetic Platform!

I had the unfortunate need for two sympathy cards this week, so I was really glad I had the Simply Sketched set on hand to make some appropriate expressions. To make the window, I used the new Deco Labels Framelits for the Big Shot and I tried out the awesome new Magnetic Platform for the first tim. Holy cannoli, Batman! That thing is amazing! No more slippage--no wasted paper--no need for washi tape or post-it notes to hold the Framelits down!

I used two nesting sizes of the Deco Labels, and adhered the slender frame horizontally over my vertically-cut window opening. I love this fancy look!

If you enjoy Framelits or other wafer-thin dies, I encourage you to RUN, not walk, to my shopping website and treat yourself to the new Magnetic Platform (item #130658, $39.95). You'll fall in love with Framelits all over again as you use the new platform to easily cut frames and windows and accurately cut out stamped images.

Oooh I also used the Flower Garden embossing folder, and the new Dictionary background stamp on these, almost forgot! I made two versions of this card, one in Elegant Eggplant and one in Perfect Plum. I think I like the plum one better. Which is your favorite?

Simply Sketched Sympathy Set

Stampin' Up's amazing new 2013-14 Idea Book & Catalog is right around the corner, and with it comes a whole lot of great new hostess-only stamp sets to push you over the edge and get you to schedule your party or private class right away! As soon as I spotted the SImply Sketched stamp set, I knew I wanted it. I can't show you all the images and sayings just yet, because it hasn't been released, but here are two simple sympathy cards made with just two of the stamps from the set (it contains six altogether, three images and three sayings).

The first one I made yesterday and it is just simply Pear Pizazz ink on Pear Pizzazz cardstock, mounted on Old Olive. The one below is by my team member Makalah W, who used Smoky Slate and a brand new Sizzix Big Shot embossing folder called Modern Mosaic. I love how elegant it looks.

This one's a must-have, ladies! Contact me ASAP to schedule your party or to set up dates for an online book party so you can add SImply Sketched to your collection, too!

Silhouetted Sympathy

Of all the occasions out there where a card is appropriate, sympathy cards are my least favorite to make. They are a sad fact of life, however, and it's good to have some on hand like this design we made at Calendar Club this week. I like this layout and I may try it again with different colors later on.The new Stampn' Up Ovals Collection Framelits are so awesome, I wonder where they have been all my life! And the coordinating paper piercing mat.. hooray for that!

I like to keep my handmade sympathy cards simple and organic. To me, this is not the place for lace and frou-frou, lots of color, or for showing off the latest fancy technique you learned. I used Naturals White cardstock with River Rock sponging and Early Espresso ink and cardstock layers. I kept down the femininity of the Lacy Brocade embossing folder by only sponging the edges and by using the subtle backside of the embossed piece (called the de-bossed, or negative, side). I did use two types of ribbon but you'll notice neither is in a bow. Just my personal preference, to keep the focus on the simple message: "I care."

Simple Sympathy Cards Class added to fall schedule

I've had an opening appear in my schedule for Tuesday, November 6th, and since I've been asked several times lately to hold a sympathy card-making class, I decided we'll pop it in there! Everyone needs cards for sad occasions, but no one likes having to make them! Many of us know first-hand how meaningful cards from friends can be during a difficult time... and having them on hand will prevent a lack of cards keeping you from expressing your support and love.

There is room for eight to join me at my house that evening from 6:30-8:30 to make five beautiful sympathy cards with simple, elegant layouts and meaningful sentiments, similar to these three I made this weekend. There will be a variety of sentiments and Scripture stamps for the inside, including options that would be also acceptable for terminal illnesses or loss of a baby.

Class is just $15 or free with any $50 order! Bring your own adhesive or purchase some at class. Everything else is included. Email me no later than November 1st to RSVP. [email protected]

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Simply Sympathy

I tend to keep my handmade sympathy cards simple. I figure it is not the time to WOW someone with my expertise, but to keep the focus on the message I want to make sure they receive--I am genuinely sorry they are hurting.

I like the subdued color scheme of this one, although it started out monochromatic. I added the Bravo Burgundy to the card after doing the self-watercoloring technique on the stamped flowers, because the ink separated out to a pinkish brown. Turned out to be an improvement over the browns I had originally envisioned. I also really liked the way the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder for the Big Shot added some texture, especially when sponged with Sahara Sand ink to coordinate with the card base.

Here's another version with a different sentiment and Chantilly lace trim instead of the Very Vanilla velvet ribbon. I just ADORE how the Loving Thoughts stamp set goes so well with the Apothecary Art stamp set and coordinating Labels Collection Framelits. When you have the two, you have endless combinations of frames and sentiments to suit just about any occasion that might arise. And of course, since it's Sale A Bration time, getting the two together will earn you a free reward choice from the SAB brochure! Dig out your mini catalog and take a peek--the mini catalog goes through the end of April, but Sale A Bration has just over ONE WEEK LEFT!

Wet Leaves--spritzed adaptation of the faux silk coffee filter technique

Unfortunately I have the sad occasion to make two sympathy cards this week. I'd been playing around trying to develop this technique, and I think the look of wet November leaves catches some of the nostalgia for summers spent as those who remain behind face their season of sadness. I love fall and am always sad to see it end, even while getting excited for Christmas ahead, so I thought I'd share this one last fall-themed project today.

I liked the look of the leaf piece so much that I almost didn't even put a saying on the front, but in the end went with this understated sentiment from Blessings From Heaven. The spritzed adaptation of the Faux Silk technique a beautiful look, and fairly easy to do. Grab those coffee filters and give it a try! Click here to see the original Faux Silk with Coffee Filters photo tutorial. I used the Gently Falling stamp set's solid images, with More Mustard, Cajun Craze, and Early Espresso inks, to stamp on the tissue paper before doing the technique. After the Faux Silk was all completed, I added some additional steps.

First, I spritzed the whole thing with plain water. This caused the leaves to spot and run, and gives you a lot of blurred edges and different color gradients--greens, blues, almost purples. If your spritz didn't turn out quite like you were hoping, you can go back in with an Aquapainter to add water in more precise areas. But casual and messy is the key here (as with so many of my favorite techniques!) so don't let yourself get too caught up in it.

Then I stamped the coordinating outline images over the leaves in the same color, to retain some of the idea of the form of the leaves, as some of them no longer looked terribly much like themselves. It's not a super precise technique either, due to the wrinkles in the faux silk.

This card will never turn out the same way twice--I love the individual artistry of each "canvas." I hope you'll take a moment to try this technique some time soon, maybe for a masculine birthday card.

Cast Thy Burden sympathy cards

Inspired by a card I got at Founder's Circle 2011, by my friend and fellow Workshop WOW presenter Dena Renkow, I made these simple sympathy cards (her original was a Thanksgiving card made with the Hand-Penned Holidays set, which I don't have--yet). Everything about it was awesome--especially love the scored frames, done with the new Simply Scored tool; and the color scheme: Pool Party, Sahara Sand and Certainly Celery.

Stamped on the rougher texture of the Natural Ivory cardstock, the leaves from the Gently Falling set look even more distressed. I finished mine off with a spritzer from the Color Spritzer Tool and a verse from the Blessings from Heaven stamp set. Hers also had a torn strip of the Spice Cake Designer Series Fabric as an embellishment, but I didn't care for it on a sympathy card. You could add a different ribbon as desired.

Thanks for the inspiration, Dena!

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Vintage Vogue Sympathy

Unfortunately finding myself in need of sympathy cards lately so made several up. For this one, I used the new Scallop Trim Corner punch in my favorite way to use it--just on selected corners. It tones down the overly girly, lacy effect of having the border go all the way around the rectangle. I don't like to make sympathy cards either too dark or too light, so I went for muted colors in Not Quite Navy and Old Olive. Some sponging to tone things down.

As always, I reached for Crystal Effects to finish things up--a line of dots running parallel to the main image, and accents on the flowers to make them pop. On an everyday card, I would either spritz it with Shimmer Spray or sprinkle a hint of Dazzlin' Diamonds over the wet CE, but I opted to leave the glitz off on this one. The sentiment is from the ever-useful Teeny Tiny Wishes set. 

Craft Fair Craziness!

I am up to my eyeballs in cards--literally hundreds of them--and other projects for tomorrow's enormous craft show at Maranatha College in Watertown. I am looking forward to it immensely! I hope you can swing by--it's the best craft fair in the area--and I'm not just saying that because I have two booths there : )

Yep, that's duct tape on the one card!! I love my Big Shot. I will have a variety of masculine cards to suit all the men in your life.

I always make a lot of inspirational cards especially for this fair, so I have enjoyed getting out my extremely varied collection of Scripture stamps from all over the place and making cards with those. I always get lots of requests for my "Shadow of the Almighty" cards.

As you can see I have done a lot of heat embossing lately! Last week it was Iridescent Ice, this week it was Brushed Gold. My craft room looks like a Saharan dust storm came through. I just can not keep that stuff in the container and the Powder Pals trays no matter how hard I try to stay tidy!

Since there's so many music majors and music teachers at the college, I always try to have a lot of musical cards made up. I enjoyed using the retired set Musical Manuscript for this set. It's not showing up, but there is a subtle sheen to these cards--the shimmer paint spray struck again!

And while I mostly mass-produce for craft shows, I still have more than 150 single cards, many of which  could never be recreated exactly the same way. These vintage cards are made with the Pun Fun set and each one is different and unique. If you like one of a kind cards instead of sets, you will not be disappointed! 

Last but not least, I am offering something new this year. I have made up about 20 Mega Tote Bags (see photo tutorial) and will be offering them as a package deal with either a set of cards or a "pick your own" assortment of cards. Fun! Hope to see you there.

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Razzleberry & Sage Sympathy Card

Just trying out my new watermark, which I finally figured out how to add, with the help of some online buddies! Love the new In Color Rich Razzleberry with the classic Stampin' Up color Sage Shadow. Rich Razzleberry is one of those colors that goes with a surprising number of colors, some of which you would never dream would pair well! If you love color combos, check out the color combo link on the left hand side of my blog--but don't go unless you have a lot of time to spare, because it is so fun and addictive!

Supplies: Rich Razzleberry, Sage Shadow, Very Vanilla, Kraft cardstocks; Rich Razzlebery Classic ink; Sweet Stems Embosslit for the Big Shot; Bella Toile background stamp, Thoughts & Prayers stamp set, sponge, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack, Sage Shadow narrow grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals.