For Love of Paper

Super Simple Saturday: 3 Lessons from a Springtime Thank You

What is Super Simple Saturday?

Each Saturday I go back to the basics; ink, paper and stamps and post a sample that is simple and quick to complete. I generally try to keep the tool and supply list simple so that beginning stampers and paper crafters can follow along.

This week's project.

Today's card is simple and elegant. A combination I've come to love over the years. For the top of the card I took advantage of the wonderful embossed look created using the Backgrounds I Texturz Plate with my Sizzix Big Shot. If you don't happen to have a Sizzix, though Sale-a-bration is the best time to get one, you could use a piece of Designer Series Paper instead. Then with a few simple additions, ribbon, stamp and a tiny pearl the card is complete.

But today's project illustrates three more important points.

1. If you want to be good at something you have to practice.

One of the comments I hear quite often when people see my cards and other creations is, "wow, I could never do that." Well I'm here to tell you that simply isn't true. While some of us are born with creative abilities, and I'll admit that I'm one of them, to be good at anything you have to practice.

2. Even the most experieinced experts can get rusty.

Take me for example. I began my paper crafting adventure about ten years ago with scrapbooking. Then about five years ago I was introduced to stamping and card making. I've been so involved in the later that I haven't done a whole lot of actual scrapbooking in recent months. The last couple weeks I've started several scrapbooking projects and gotten creatively stuck. I think creative abilities are just like sports. If you don't practice you lose your touch and that is what has happened to my scrapbooking skills . . . they're rusty. So how do you get your creative skills up to par again? You practice.

3. We are all our own worst critics.

I'm sure when you saw today's card you thought, hmm, nice card. Well when I look at it here is what I see.

• When it lays flat you can see the Celery cardstock peeking out from the bottom of the ribbon
• The sentiment should have been further over to the right
• The little flower should have been stamped to the right of the sentiment instead of the left. This would even out the weight of the elements better because it would be opposite the knot

We are our own worst critics. We see imperfections other often couldn't find even if we told them they were there. Cut yourself some slack and have a little fun.

So what should you take away from these three important lessons. Just jump in, start creating, try to do so on a regular basis and in no time you'll be creating pages, cards and projects you can't wait to share.

 

Supplies

Stamps: Because I Care (hostess set, ask me how you can get this FREE)

Inks: Basic Gray Classic Ink Pad and Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write Marker

Papers: Whisper White Cardstock and Certainly Celery Cardstock

Adhesives: SNAIL and Mini Glue Dot

Other: 5/8" Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon, Sizzix Big Shot with Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plate, Corner Rounder and Basic Pearls

 

 

Watch It Wednesday: Create a Cupcake Ideas Day 3 Cupcake Pedestal

No you have not lost your mind. It is in fact Thursday. Yesterday as I was frantically working to get the Watch It Wednesday video done it hit me that my son had an appointment with the ENT. I quickly called school and ran out the door.  Better late than never right?

All week I've been featuring fun, out of the box ways to use the Create a Cupcake Stamp Set and Build a Cupcake Punch, what I'm calling the Dynamic Duo. Today we'll see how to make pedestals to put the cupcakes on.

In the video I'll be showing you how to make the sample above but I wanted to share another sample with you also. This one I CASED to showcase at Sale-a-bration Extravaganza.

 

Cupcake Pedestal Quick Reference Sheet

 

Supplies

Stamps: Create a Cupcake

Inks: Blushing Bride Classic Ink and Early Espresso Classic Ink

Papers: Blushing Bride Cardstock, Early Espresso Cardstock, Very Vanilla Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, Cherry Cobbler Cardstock and Certainly Celery Cardstock

Adhesives: SNAIL and Stampin' Dimensionals

Other: Sizzix Big Shot, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Build a Cupcake Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Scallop Border Punch and Crop-a-dial

Thrifty Thursday: Create a Cupcake Ideas Day 4 (purse)

What is Thrifty Thursday?

With the economy still on the rebound we all need to get as much bang for our buck as possible. So each Thursday I'll show you inexpensive ways to use your paper crafting supplies.

This weeks project.

All week I've been sharing alternate uses for the new Create a Cupcake Stamp Set and coordinating Build a Cupcake Punch found in the Occassions Mini Catalog on page 22. I decided to feature another out of the box idea using this dynamic duo (that's their new name). The fact that there are so many more uses for the same stamp set and punch are a perfect illustration of Thrifty Thursday.

Whenever I teach new paper crafters, be it stampers, card makers or scrapbookers I always tell them to think about their purchases. For example, if they were trying to decide which punches to purchase first I tell them to think about which one they would use more, a circle, which is a basic shape or a pineapple. How many times are you going to need a pineapple punch? Well not all that often, unless you can turn that pineapple into five other things like you can with today's featured stamp set and punch.

In my opinion the new Create a Cupcake Stamp Set and Build a Cupcake Punch are very thrifty. So far this week I've shown you cupcakes, ice cream and a basket full of apples/cherries. Today we're going to use the stamp set and punch to get the chic purses you see on today's card.

How To

1. Stamp and punch either of the cupcake bottoms, turn it upside down so the wider part is at the bottom.
2. Punch a 3/4" circle, cut in half, this makes the purse flap. Add a Basic Rhinestone or Basic Pearl for button
3. To make the handle punch a 1/2" circle and then around that punch a 3/4" circle. Adhere the loop you've just made to the back.

Here is another card using the cupcake turned purse. This was last week's Watch It Wednesday video tutorial. Click here to watch it now.

Supplies

Stamps: Create a Cupcake

Inks: Early Espresso Classic Ink and Pink Pirouette Classic Ink

Papers: Whisper White Cardstock, Early Espresso Cardstock and Pink Pirouette Cardstock

Adhesives: SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots and 2-Way Glue Pen

Others: Build a Cupcake Punch, 1/2" and 3/4" Circle Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Sizzix Big Shot, Framed Tulip Embossing Folder, 5/8" Early Espresso Satin Ribbon, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch

Create a Cupcake Ideas Day 2: Ice Cream Cone

With the help of the Presto Patterns Specialty Paper it is so easy to turn the Create a Cupcake Duo (stamp set and punch) into the perfect ice cream cone.

Here's How

• The ice cream itself is created by stamping and punching the cupcake top twice.
• The cone portion is just a triange of the Presto Patterns paper sponged with Soft Suede Classic Ink. 

Then I thought I'd see if I could make use of my remaining Love Impressions Designer Series Paper and used this for the background. That's how I have paper with those little white hearts. It really is useful for more than Valentine's.

Stop back again tomorrow for Watch It Wednesday. I'll be showing you another use for the Create a Cupcake Duo.

Supplies

Stamps: Create a Cupcake

Inks: Pink Pirouette Classic Ink, Soft Suede Classic Ink and Basic Gray Classic Ink

Papers: Whisper White Cardstock, Pink Pirouette Cardstock, Riding Hood Red, Certainly Celery, Presto Patterns Specialty Paper and Love Impressions Designer Series Paper

Adhesives: SNAIL and Stampin' Dimensionals

Other: Build a Cupcake Punch, Eyelet Border Punch and  5/8" Organza Ribbon

In honor of President's Day . . . a basket of apples (cherries)

Today is President's Day here in the U.S. I'm sure for many of us this brings to mind the story we were all told as children about our first president, George Washington. The story goes when he was asked by his father if he chopped down the apple tree or cherry tree (depends on who is telling the story) he admited he had. Historians agree this is most likely a fable created to teach children not to lie.

In honor of President's Day I thought I would share with you this card featuring a basket of apples or it could be cherries, which ever you like. This card is a terrific example of an alternate use for the new Create A Cupcake stamp set and coordinating Build a Cupcake Punch.

Here is a look at the stamp set.

I know this isn't the clearest image. Just click on the image for a better look.

This stamp set, especially when combined with the coordinating punch, makes adorable cupcakes perfect for birthdays and many other occassions. But you won't believe how many other things you can make, just like today's basket full of apples/cherries.

Stay tuned all week to see just how versitile this duo really is.

Supplies

Stamps: Create a Cupcake and Woodgrain

Inks: Soft Suede Classic Ink and Basic Black Classic Ink

Papers: Soft Suede Cardstock, Crumb Cake Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, Baja Breeze Cardstock, Old Olive Cardstock and Red Glimmer Paper

Adhesives: SNAIL and Stampin' Dimensionals

Other: Build A Cupcake Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Mini Library Clips, Hemp Twine and Stamping Sponge

Today's card was CASED (copy and share everything) but I cannot remember who created the original. If it was you or you know who did please let me know.

Happy Valentine's Day

I'm always curious about holidays. How and where they began? Where the traditions of each holiday originate? How have they changed over the years to become the modern holiday's we all know?

For this reason I did a little reading up on Valentine's Day.

I had known for some time the holiday started with an actual person named St. Valentine but I didn't know much more than that. Apparently in the days of ancient Rome sometime in mid February, as a commemoration of boys passing to man hood, the boys would draw a girls name from a box. For the next year these two would be "companions" (trying to keep it clean). The pagan god Lupercus was associated with this ceremony.

Pope Gelasius was not happy with this practice and made a few changes. Instead of drawing names for "companions", now both young men and women would draw the name of a Saint. For the remainder of the year they were to conduct themselves as the saint would have. In addition to the customary changes the Pope also wanted to change from a pagan god to a patron saint.

They decided upon St. Valentine who was beheaded by the Roman Emperor Claudius in 270 AD for secretly marrying Roman soldiers. During Claduius' reign he decided unmarried men made much better soldiers and outlawed marriage. While St. Valentine was in jail he fell in love with the jailors blind daughter. Through his undying love and faith he miraculously healed the daughter. Before he was taken from the jail to be served his sentence he left her a note signed, "from your Valentine".

The mid-February holiday continued but changed again. Now it was customary for Roman men to give women they admired hand written messages, often containing Valentine's name.

Information for this article was taken from this article.

The Valentine pictured is from c. 1920 and is approximately 2 inches tall. (Photo taken from Wikipedia).

Super Simple Saturday: Botanical Gazette Thank You

What is Super Simple Saturday?

Each Saturday I go back to the basics; ink, paper and stamps and post a sample that is simple and quick to complete. I generally try to keep the tool and supply list simple so that beginning stampers and paper crafters can follow along.

This week's project.

If you're looking for quick today's project hits the mark. I simply cut a piece of the Botanical Gazetter Designer Series Patterned Paper, added a stamped "thanks" and a ribbon.

If you've got some patterned papers laying around take a quick look through them to see if you can add a sentiment and ribbon to make a card for the next occassion on your calender.

The stamp set used on today's card is one I turn to over and over and even better right now you can get it for FREE!

The Thank You Kindly Stamp Set is one of the many choices you have for Sale-a-bration. Click here to see all your choices and remember you get a FREE item of your choice for EVERY $50 you purchase.

Supplies

Stamps: Thank You Kindly

Inks: Early Espresso Classic Ink

Papers: Early Espresso Cardstock and Botanical Gazette Designer Series Paper

Other: Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Hemp Twine and Stamping Sponge

Watch It Wednesday: Scallop Circle Dress

Last Saturday was the Lone Star Stampers annual Sale-a-bration Extravaganza. This is a terrific FREE event hosted by several demonstrators from the group, including myself. Everyone that attends gets to complete two make'n takes, watch live demonstrations and see lots of samples using new products. This year I was asked to demonstrate the Sizzix Big Shot. I decided to take three of my favorite dies and show multiple ways to use them.

This little dress is one of four examples I showed for the Scallop Circle Die and today I'm going to show you how to make one yourself.

 

Over the next few weeks I will be showcasing several of the projects I shared at Sale-a-bration Extravaganza so stay tuned.

Supplies

Stamps: Create A Cupcake (clear)

Inks: Pink Pirouette Classic Ink

Papers: Basic Black Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, Vellum Cardstock and Love Impressions Designer Series Paper

Other: Sizzix Big Shot, Scallop Circle Die, Framed Tulip Embossing Folder, Build a Cupcake Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Basic Rhinestone, Paper Daises and 5/8" Organza Ribbon

Super Simple Saturday: Let the paper do the work

What is Super Simple Saturday?

Each Saturday I go back to the basics; ink, paper and stamps and post a sample that is simple and quick to complete. I generally try to keep the tool and supply list simple so that beginning stampers and paper crafters can follow along.

This week's project.

So often we as paper crafters fall in love with gorgeous patterned paper like the one I've used on today's sample from the Love Impressions Designer Series Paper pack. So why not let that wonderful paper do a bit of the work for you?

Today I'll show you three ways you can let your favorite designer series paper (aka patterned paper) work to your advantage.

1. Color Inspiration: Patterned papers are designed by professionals with years of color experience. The next time your looking for a new color combo pull one from your favorite patterned paper.
2. No Stamping Needed: The graphic punch of this paper is such that it stands well on its own. There is no need to add a lot more to this card. With the addition of a simple stamped sentiment and ribbon the card is nearly complete.
3. Save Money: Most of us have stamps for Christmas and birthdays because these are the two occassions we create cards for most often. Perhaps you'd like to create a card or scrapbook page but don't have the appropriate stamp set or don't think you'll use a holiday specific stamp set very often, not really making it worth the money to purchase. Patterened paper is a terrific alternative to stamps. 

Take a look at all of the wonderful patterened papers Stampin' Up! has to offer by clicking here.

Supplies

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Inks: Basic Black Classic Ink

Papers: Whisper White Cardstock, Basic Gray Cardstock, Red Glimmer Paper and Love Impressions Designer Series Paper

Other: 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon

Watch It Wednesday: Key to My Heart Flip Box

When I first saw the You're A Gem stamp set and the new Trinket Keys in the Occassions Mini Catalog I knew they were meant to go together like peanut butter and chocolate. Then when I was getting some Valentine's together using the Heart Treat cups it dawned on me to put one of the keys inside and today's project was born.

Check out today's Watch It Wednesday video to see how to make one yourself. This is a high definition video so you should have no problem watching it full screen. Just click the full screen button on the bottom right of the player. It looks like this.

Key to My Heart Flip Box Quick Reference Sheet

Need supplies?

To order any of the supplies used in this project just click on them below.

Supplies

Stamps: You're A Gem (clear)

Inks: Early Espresso Classic Ink, Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Write Marker and Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker

Papers: Basic Black Cardstock, Riding Hood Red Cardstock, Very Vanilla Cardstock and Love Letters Designer Series Paper

Adhesives: SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals and Sticky Strip

Other: Sizzix Big Shot, Scallop Square Duo, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Full Heart Punch, Modern Label Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Heart Treat Cup, Trinket Keys and Stamping Sponge