I wanted to make a bright and cheerful card for my friend's birthday and decided to use one of the stamp sets we received at convention – Hello Again. We also received the coordinating Stampin' Around Wheel – Retro Remix – and of course I had to use it as well. Here's the card I created:

The wheel was a lot of fun to do, though I only use this technique when I am doing a small number of projects (like 1!). This technique is to use your Stampin' Up! markers to color the individual images on your wheel instead of using an ink cartridge or inking your wheel on an ink pad. I used Pixie Pink, Summer Sun and Green Galore markers to color the parts of the wheel that I liked, then I took a small bottle of water and lightly spritzed the wheel to re-moisten the ink (similar to "huffing" on your stamp after using your markers). You really only get one revolution of the wheel before you need to reink, which is why I only use this on small projects and typically only one of a kind (i.e. this isn't a technique I would use for mass production).

My card includes a "peek-a-boo" window punched with the 1 3/8" square punch in the upper right corner. You can see the flower image peeking through from the inside layer. I inked the top of the flower with Melon Mambo (one of our luscious new In Colors), then using a cotton swab I removed the ink from the center of the flower so I could re-color it with my Summer Sun marker. I also used the Green Galore marker for the stem/leaf. Here's what the inside looks like:

The Whisper White card is cut 5 ¼" x 8", so it folds down to 4" x 5 1/4". Then I matted it with a piece of 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" Green Galore card stock. I also stamped my envelope to coordinate, though for whatever reason, I didn't get a picture of it before I sent it (sorry).

Stamps: Hello Again, Retro Remix Stampin' Around wheel, All Holidays

Ink: Melon Mambo (to ink the flower and greetings), Summer Sun, markers – Pixie Pink, Green Galore, Summer Sun

Paper: Whisper White, Green Galore

Accessories: 1 3/8" square punch, Stampin' Around handle, Stampin' Sponge

My daughter’s boyfriend is graduating from high school tomorrow and I realized that I didn’t have any appropriate stamps to make a card with.  So I started playing around and came up with this card, which I think turned out rather cute:

I wanted to use the school colors – black and gold, so I chose Basic Black (duh) and Summer Sun.  I was trying to make the black look sort of like a chalk board (though I’m not sure the kids graduating even know what a chalkboard looks like!).  I used the Congrats set from Sale-a-Bration and the new Jumble alphabet which will be coming out in the new 2009-10 Idea Book and Catalog (and you can still purchase until the end of this month as a sneak peek!), and stamped with Whisper White Craft ink.

I also texturized the Summer Sun card using the Texturz plates and the Big Shot, but I just couldn’t get a camera angle that shows the texture (dang it!).

I used my Basic Black marker to create the pupils, and then added a highlight from my white gel pen.

I was really struggling trying to decide between cute and more serious, but I think cute just won out!  And to complete my card, I made my own envelope using the Sale-a-Bration designer paper.  I love using the double-sided designer paper for making envelopes, because your envelope has an instant “liner”!

Now I wasn’t originally certain about giving this type of card to an 18-year old boy, but considering his graduation invitations were from the movie Madagascar – I figure he’s got to be game!

Don’t forget there are only a couple of days left to take advantage of this month’s specials – Buy 3 Get 1 Free on designer papers and 20% of the sneak preview of the new Jumble alphabet.  Head on over to my online store to order now.

Do you remember this post where I created the recessed window card for my Step-Mom's birthday? As I mentioned, the instructions were a little difficult for me to follow (I'm a very visual learner), so I finally created a video tutorial to show all of you visual learners how to create the recessed window (with my own spin on the technique, so you can easily mail your card without it getting smashed in the mail).

Here is the card I made in the video:

I also tried narrating the video for the first time (my camera doesn't pick up audio very well, so until now I've relied on music and text on the screen to help describe the technique). So please let me know whether you like the narration, or would prefer that I stick with text and music. J

I mention in the video, but I want to say it again here, that I do not recommend starting with dry embossed card stock for your first recessed window project. While it worked and I love the final card, it was not the easiest to work with. J

Here's the video:

Thanks for visiting and I hope you find the video useful!

- Kari

Check out this great article on making Christmas/greeting cards by Kate Pullen at About.com.

It's not too late to make your Christmas cards. Just remember to keep your design simple, and don't try to overdo it (e.g. don't try to make 100 cards in December – unless you are making them for next year). LOL!

I would be happy to help you with designs and ideas for your Christmas cards this year.

- Kari

Stampin' Up! demonstrators are so creative, but especially so giving of themselves. The following tips were written by Jennifer Cotton, a SU demonstrator in Midlothian, TX. Thanks for sharing, Jennifer!

• To measure card stock to fit a stamped image, first measure the image, then round up to the next measurement on your ruler for your card stock. For example, if the measurement of a tree image is a little more than 3", cut your card stock to 3-1/4". Then, when you cut multiple pieces, you will easily be able to measure the next piece on your cutter.
• Use wood block size to determine what size card stock to cut. Using our tree example, measure the size of the wood block the tree is on, then cut your card stock that size. You should then be able to place the wood block over the card stock to center your image.
• To mat a piece of card stock, add 1/4" to the size you are matting. So, in the tree example above, if the tree is on a 3" x 3" piece, your mat will be 3-1/4" x 3-1/4".
• Cut 8-1/2" x 11" card stock in half for medium (invitation size) envelope size cards.
• To make an invitation size card with a matted front, cut your card stock to 4" x 5-1/4". The front will be slightly smaller than the base of the card (half a sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" card stock).
• Don't glue anything down until all stamping is done unless technique requires it. Then you can turn it over and try again if you mess up!

Happy Holidays!

Oops - I meant to include this picture in my previous post - Layered Sunsets - but it totally slipped my mind until now.  So you get 2 posts today (now, don't go into shock!).  Here's a differnt take on the sunset colors.

I made this card basically the same way, however I didn't brayer the entire piece of glossy card stock with Yoyo Yello - I left some white showing.  The colors I used were - Yoyo Yellow, Only Orange and Tangerine Tango (one of the new In Colors!).

So now that you've seen both - which do you like better?

Since I've been sharing a few cards with dry embossing recently, I thought it might be a good idea to review how to dry emboss your cards and projects. Dry embossing adds such a classy, elegant look to cards, scrapbook pages, etc. It's one of the first techniques that really hooked my on stamping (I love to dry emboss my envelopes – as the recipient, don't you just anticipate what's going to be in such an elegant envelope?!).

You can use all sorts of items for dry embossing from dry embossing templates (these are usually made from brass – Stampin' Up!'s line are called Classy Brass templates), folders (like the Cuttlebug embossing folders), paper trimmers with scoring blades, and I even like to use my punches to create shapes from sturdy card stock or thin paper board and use those as home-made embossing templates.

Here are the basic steps:

1] Secure the template to a light source, such as a light table or a window, with a piece of tape. I prefer to use painters' tape, or "invisible" tape (like Scotch brand), but to reduce the stickiness so it doesn't rip your card stock, I stick it to my pants/shirt a few times to pick up some lint and decrease the stickiness.

2] Rub waxed paper on the surface of the card stock so that the stylus will glide more smoothly and to help prevent tears in your paper.

3] Place the card stock over the template, positioning it so that you'll have the image where you want it. For a raised image on the front of the card, place the paper face down. **This is very important – I have seen many people get frustrated with dry embossing, because they try to emboss with the template on top of the card stock, not underneath.

4] Using the large end of the stylus tool, press the card stock through the open areas of the templates as desired. This produces the raised image. Note: Make sure to use the small end of the stylus to emboss small areas or patterns of the design.

Cool tip: To color the raised image, turn over the project so the template is on top of the card stock and use it as a mask to protect the surrounding areas. You can apply color with sponge daubers and ink, or pastels.

Happy Stamping!

I just returned from vacation (still cannot believe we went to Washington DC in July – but despite the heat/humidity, we had a great time!), and found my order of new products from Stampin' Up! It's so exciting to open a box and see all sorts of new goodies!! I'm in heaven – just wish there were more time in the day. Hmm, I bet some of you feel that way too.

Anyway, one of my new "goodies" is the scallop punch. This punch will be available in the new catalog starting August 11, 2008. (And as demonstrators, we were able to order it early as a preview of the upcoming catalog – now, don't you want to sign up to become a demonstrator? We get some amazing perks, including ordering early and FREE stamps!)

While I was playing with the punch, I accidentally created what I thought looked like rick-rack (don't ask me what I was trying to do – because it really, really didn't work!). LOL! Making rick-rack is actually quite easy. First cut a strip of card stock or DS paper about 1" wide (you will lose approximately ¼" off the size of the strip due to the way in which the punch works – 1/8" per side). The wider you cut your strip, the wider the rick-rack, and vice versa.

Now punch along the length of the strip (I turned my punch over to easily see where to align the edges to create a smooth line all the way across the strip).

Next, flip the strip around 180 degrees, and then offset the scallops by ½ of a scallop (i.e. instead of lining up the scallops, slide the strip over by a bit, so the scallops do NOT line up). I'm not sure if this makes sense, hopefully this picture will help:

Here's the card I created using my accidental rick-rack – this also uses a new stamp set called – Heard from the Heart. I am sending this card to my sister-in-law for her birthday next week. I hope she likes it!

I used my retired Afternoon Tea DS paper, Soft Sky card stock, Chocolate Chip card stock for the rick-rack and scallop circle, and a clear button which I tied with a sliver of the DS paper.

I hope you enjoy my happy "accident"! And don't forget you can always click on a picture to see a larger image.

- Kari

Crystal Effects is a clear dimensional lacquer used to add a high-gloss finish to projects without the need for embossing. This product can be used with any stamped image that has been colored any way you choose (e.g. Watercolor Wonder Crayons, markers, pastels, reinkers and stamp pads).

Directions:

1. For an all-over gloss, use a paintbrush to apply a thin, even coat of Crystal Effects to the entire image. Let dry (about 3-5 minutes).

2. For a thicker layer, use the applicator tip to apply Crystal Effects to select elements of your design such as leaves and flower petals. For spot gloss, apply a thick layer of Crystal Effects directly to the stamped image with the applicator tip. Let dry completely (about 30-60 minutes) before handling.

3. For colored Crystal Effects, pour a small amount of the Crystal Effects into a container (old film containers work well), and then add a couple drops of the reinker of your choice. Ta-da - colored Crystal Effects! Apply as mentioned above.

4. Use as an adhesive – I like to use my Crystal Effects with my Hodgepodge Hardware (which is on sale 25% off - while supplies last!) to adhere the card stock image inside the frames.

Tips:

• Use a straight pin to poke a hole in the top of your applicator (instead of cutting the tip off with scissors). You will have greater control over the "flow" of the liquid.
• Use our Stampin' Glitters® with Crystal Effects. While the Crystal Effects is still wet, sprinkle glitter on the top. When it dries, you have a totally cool effect. You can also combine these products on a plastic window sheet. Just stamp in a permanent ink and let it dry completely. Put Crystal Effects where you want the first color. Pour glitter over the top and dust off any extra. Let it dry and then add additional colors until the project is finished. (AKA Caught in Crystal)
• Use Crystal Effects to attach our beads to your project (follow directions listed above for glitters).
• Do not shake Crystal Effects as it causes bubbles, which show up in your work. Recap after use to prevent the tip from drying and clogging. Use the pin to unclog the tip as needed.

I know I do. Or sometimes I have an idea in my head, but I can't get it just right on paper. It can be quite frustrating! So what do I do? I've started creating exemplars for myself. So you might be thinking – what is an exemplar? It's a way to test out different ideas in a format that you can keep for future reference.

For example, I had an idea of stamping snowflakes onto vellum, but I started to flounder when thinking of all of the possibilities. What color should I choose (white, blue, clear, silver, gold, etc.)? Should I try heat embossing? If so, which embossing powders? Which vellum weight will work best (card stock or regular)? Should I use glitter? You get the idea – lots of choices and I didn't want to try it out on my project just to be disappointed with the results.

So, I created my exemplar. I had some scraps of vellum that I tested out various colors, embossing powders, etc. to see what I liked best.

Here are my examples:

Unfortunately some of the color and brilliance don't show up well in the picture (real life is always better, isn't it?).

Now that I have my exemplar created, I can easily choose the combinations I like best. Or perhaps it will spark some additional testing that I didn't think of originally (this happened with testing the Iridescent Ice embossing powder – originally I thought about just using white or versamark, but then I wondered what I would get using colored craft inks – what fun!).

So in the next few posts I will share some projects I created after I completed my exemplars.

Do you have any design challenges? Please leave a comment on this post, or email me. I'm interested to know what stumps you and if you have any tips for overcoming these obstacles (and if I have any tips, I will be happy to share).

Happy Autumn Stamping
- Kari