Loads of Love

My friends and I are wanting to thank some childcare workers who so lovingly care for our boys each week (between us we have 8 boys). My sweet 2-year old Maddox literally RUNS into their arms - and that says A LOT about the way these women nurture our boys. They are two dear, sweet ladies, and a true blessing in my life. What better way to express that than with a homemade card, and what better set to use than the old standby, Loads of Love?!

These adorable trucks were watercolored with an Aquapainter and the Watercolor Wonder Crayons - except for the hearts, where I used the Riding Hood Red ink pad lid. Remember what I said in this post about how the ink pad lids give you a more vibrant color? These cards are the perfect example... the trucks are a softer color coming from Watercolor Wonder Crayons, and the hearts are more vibrant, coming from the ink pad lid. I chose to keep the trucks softer, because I wanted to draw attention to the hearts. Oh, and don't forget that you can get a single Aquapainter this month for only $7.25 - that's a great savings, and one is really all you need. No minimum purchase, no limits, but only while supplies last.

I knew I wanted to put some ribbon on these cards, but I struggled with it because it was too much when laid across the whole card. I knew I just wanted a touch of ribbon... and voila! The perfect solution presented itself!

One of my favorite things about these cards are the fun new Clips Assortment that is in the current catalog (#112580, pg. 184, $6.95). These things are so stinkin' cute!! I love the little chunky paperclip - which is what I used on the cards above. It provided the perfect way to tie on just a touch of ribbon. Another one of my "gotta have" products!!

Thanks for visiting, friends... Have a blessed weekend!

Card Recipe:
Stamp Set: Loads of Love
Ink: Black StazOn, Riding Hood Red
Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue, Watercolor Paper, Banbury DSP
Accessories: Riding Hood Red Taffeta ribbon, Clips Assortment
Tools: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Aquapainter, Cutter Kit

The Writing on the Wall

I finally put up one of my new Decor Elements and I want to share it with you! This beautiful design is called Home is Love, and it's from Phase II of the Decor Elements line. The best news is that you can get this one for FREE with a $300 workshop!!

Those of you who have been to my home for workshops recognize where this is - it's above my piano in the dining room, which is where I hold my workshops.

This design is 13" x 24", and it comes in either Black, Chocolate (like mine), or White. Here's a close-up:

These self-adhesive vinyl elemets are super simple to put up (and take down when the time comes) - it took me only 10 minutes to do this one! If you haven't tried one of Stampin' Up!'s Decor Elements yet, what are you waiting for?! You really should have a look at our brochure and give it a try!

The Beauty of Chipboard

You may already know this, but Chipboard is on SALE this month! With a $35 catalog order, you can order all the Chipboard you want for 25% off! This applies to any products on pages 178-179 of the current Idea Book & Catalog. Click on the flyer at left for full size viewing.

So what can you do with Chipboard? I'm so glad you asked! Chipboard can be used to embellish any of your cards and scrapbook pages. It adds another dimension and can be beautifully enhanced by coloring it with Craft inks, covering it with Designer Paper, accenting it with Rub-ons, or even just leaving it plain! One of the neatest things about it is that it can be punched with the Crop-a-Dile or handheld punches - this allows you to set eyelets in it or attach brads and rhinestones.

Below is a sample of something I made last night using a sheet of the large On Board Book Basics (which are basically 9-3/8" x 9-3/8" square pieces of Chipboard), along with a heart from On Board Accents. ...and keep reading for an opportunity to make one of these yourself!

Isn't it beautiful? This is designed to hang on your wall, fridge, or you can set it on an easel. It's basically a glorified - and STURDY - scrapbook page that showcases a favorite photo. This one shows off a terrific photo of my husband and our first two boys several years ago. For this project, I used the Fall Flowers DSP along with some Old Olive and textured Chocolate Chip cardstock layers. The edges are all sponged with Chocolate Chip ink to add to the aged look. There's several pieces from my Hodgepodge Hardware set (which I just LOVE to use). Here's a closer look at the bottom corner so you can see the hardware embellishments better:

For the swirly piece, I punched a couple of holes in the chipboard heart using my 1/16" handheld circle punch and then threaded some Linen thread through to tie it on. Easy as pie, but oh, so beautiful! Some Chocolate Chip Wide Grosgrain ribbon finishes the look by separating the two coordinating pieces of DSP. Another length of ribbon is secured through two Jumbo Eyelets to be used as a hanging loop.

There are many gift ideas this could be used for... decorate one for a bride and groom using a photo of them or their wedding announcement. Make one to hang on the door of a new baby along with a photo and the baby's name. How about a class photo decorated for a special teacher? Or use a Senior picture and make one for a new graduate! These are light enough to hang on a fridge, so they'd be a perfect way to showcase the kids for Grandma... use your imagination - I'm sure you can come up with many more ideas!

Workshop Opportunity!

This was so much fun to create and makes a wonderful gift... to me, that's the perfect recipe for a workshop! Here are the details:

When: Thursday, June 12th, from 7-9pm
Where: My home in Allen
Cost: $10.00 with a minimum catalog order of $35

I provide:
Ribbon, (2) Jumbo Eyelets, and coordinating cardstock layers
Use of my stamp sets, inks, punches, and other tools.

You provide (ordering these items satisfies the $35 minimum order):
Hodgepodge Hardware, Designer Series Paper, Large On Board Book Basics Chipboard sheet (25% off and comes 4 to a package), and any other Chipboard pieces you'd like to use (all 25% off)

Reservations for this workshop must be received by May 30th along with your $35 order and payment. I hope you'll join me!

If you liked this project, I have another one that is similar... I'll show it to you soon!

The Forgotten Pun Fun...

Well, he wasn't forgotten... it's just that there's only 7 days in a week and there's 8 stamps in the Pun Fun set! So here is the one you missed during my Week of Pun Fun last week!

I envisioned this little kitty as orange and brown, so that's where I started. He's stamped with black StazOn ink onto Watercolor paper and colored with Watercolor Wonder Crayons and an Aquapainter. The base cardstock is More Mustard, with a layer of Basic Black and some So Saffron prints. The scallop was made with the Corner Rounder punch (guard removed) and the ribbon is the smallest size in the pack of Twill Tape. A couple of black buttons fastened on with Linen Thread balances it out - I had to pull out my Crafter's Toolkit for the needle to get the thread through the watercolor paper circles behind the buttons. I added those because I felt it needed a touch of white in that corner. They were punched with the 1/2" Circle punch.

Looking again at this cute kitty, I think he might be fun in gray! Hmmmmm.....

A Week of Pun Fun - Day 7

Well, this is it! My Week of Pun Fun is coming to a close. I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have! Here's one last card I have to show you:

I got a little wild and crazy with this one and I'm pleased with how it turned out! Sometimes you just never know, do ya? Anyway, I remember as a kid really liking pink and grey together, so I thought I'd give it a try with this cute little sheep. The base cardstock is Pretty in Pink with a layer of Basic Gray and then some Vellum that has been wheeled with the Sweet Stars wheel using Whisper White CRAFT ink. I stamped the sheep with black StazOn ink on Whisper White cardstock and colored him with my Stampin' Pastels again, and then went back with a Blender Pen and the Basic Gray ink pad lid to give him some darker areas. His nose is actually Pretty in Pink, but you can't tell in the photo. I tied some Whisper White Taffeta ribbon below for the soft look it provides. Then I punched some Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose 3/4" and 1" circles, arranged them, and stitched them on with my sewing machine. I saw this basic idea in a recent issue of Stampin' Success (for you non-SU! demonstrators, that's the fabulous publication we demonstrators get each month - chock full of inspiration and ideas!!). Anyway, I've never tried it, but I thought it was a nice compliment to the curly wool on the sheep.

Okay... so there you have it! My Week of Pun Fun! Did you enjoy it as much as I did? Oh, I really had fun - and I know this stamp set will get a lot more use. It's super easy to use, and makes for some super cute cards. And remember that if you purchase it before April 30th, you get the coordinating Sweet Stars Jumbo wheel for FREE! I used it on several of the cards this week, so you can see that it goes well with any of these stamps.

...but that's not all! I promised you an extra bonus if you purchased the set from me. If I have convinced you that you simply must have this set (those were my words from Day 1 - remember?), and you give me the honor of taking care of your order, I will make one of these cards specifically for you - YOUR CHOICE! That's right - choose your favorite card from Day 1 through Day 7 and I will mail it directly to you! That's my way of thanking you for putting your trust in me. But don't forget - you have to place your order prior to April 30th to get the Sweet Stars wheel for free! (US addresses only)

Thanks so much for visiting me every day and for leaving such sweet comments here and in my e-mail. I hope you'll continue to come back often!

A Week of Pun Fun - Day 6

We're on the home stretch now - almost done with my Week of Pun Fun! This little hippo card would make a great baby congratulations card, don't ya think? I'd use this one for a girl, but you could easily change out the pink for turquoise and you'd have a boy card.

The base color here is Lavender Lace, which I sponged and then wheeled with the Sweet Stars Jumbo wheel using Lavender Lace ink. Then there's a layer of Textured Certainly Celery, a swatch from Flowers for You DSP, and then some Regal Rose which I've faux stitched with a White Gel Pen. The hippo was stamped on some Whisper White cardstock using black StazOn ink and then I used that same new technique from yesterday, where I colored him a consistent shade of Lavender Lace using my Stampin' Pastels, and then gave him some dimension with a Blender Pen and the Lavender Lace ink pad lid. The cute bling-y (is that a word?) star is a piece of chipboard from On Board Accents which I coated with Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive and then sprinkled on some Orchid Stampin' Glitter from the Fine Cosmo set. It's fastened onto the Certainly Celery Wide grosgrain ribbon with some Linen Thread, but I didn't attach it to the card - it just dangles there! Doesn't it just sparkle?!

Okay, so I only have one more card to show you!! Catch ya tomorrow!

A Week of Pun Fun - Day 5

Need a Get Well... ahem... Get Whale Soon card? Pun Fun has got you covered! What I like best about this card is the color combination... It's Night of Navy, Tempting Turquoise, and a touch of textured Certainly Celery. Striking, isn't it?

I stamped the whale onto Whisper White cardstock using black StazOn ink. To color him in, I tried something new that worked rather well for me. Some of you may know that it is difficult to color in a large image like this with the blender pen and ink pad lids. Smaller areas are definitely much easier because you don't have a lot of time to "move" the color around with this method. So what I did here was I used my Stampin' Pastels to first color the whale a consistent shade of Brocade Blue. Then I pulled out my Blender Pen and the Brocade ink pad and gave him some depth along the edges! Voila! Problem solved! It worked beautifully! I colored the water with the Blender Pen and Tempting Turquoise (he must be in the Caribbean... *sigh*).

I sponged and wheeled the Tempting Turquoise layer with the Sweet Stars wheel and the same color ink. The Certainly Celery piece is pierced for interest, and the element in the lower corner is the Word Window punch with 3 Night of Navy eyelets. The card needed some more white, so I just tied on a scrap of Whisper White Taffeta ribbon, which mocks the whale's blow hole!

Only 2 more days left in my Week of Pun Fun! Have I convinced you to purchase it yet? Remember that on Saturday I will be telling you about an added bonus if you choose to purchase the set through me! Be sure to stay tuned!

A Week of Pun Fun - Day 4

Okay, so here's my favorite - so far... I still have a few more days to go, but as of now, I'm just loving this little rocket ship with this designer paper!

The base is More Mustard, which has been sponged and then wheeled with More Mustard ink using the Sweet Stars jumbo wheel - yours FREE with the purchase of this Pun Fun set! Then there's a layer of Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, and finally some East Coast Prep DSP. Again, I'm not usually a fan of bright colors, but since I keep liking them, perhaps I should stop saying that?! The rocket was stamped with black StazOn ink onto Whisper White cardstock and then colored using a Blender Pen and the ink pad lids. You can't see it in the photo, but the little window has Crystal Effects on it which is just darling!

...okay, I REALLY want you to see how cute it is, so I just went and took another photograph of it.

I think you can see a little glare now... but also imagine how it is raised up, a little "bump" of a window! Too cute!

I finished the card off with some Tempting Turquoise eyelets and a Clear Button with some Tempting Turquoise grosgrain ribbon. Again, the ribbon is threaded all the way through the card base (I used the 1/8" circle punch to make the holes) so there's no risk of it falling off.

I just love this card. Good thing I don't have anyone in mind to send it to because I think I'd have a hard time parting with it!! (we're entitled to keep some, aren't we?!)

Thanks for hanging with me... see you tomorrow for Day 5!!

A Week of Pun Fun - Day 3

Oh, isn't this fun? It's PUN Fun! :) Here is my 3rd card made using this wonderful set...

This one is for your best girlfriends... the ones you like to hang out at Starbucks with. I'm not even a coffee drinker and I still had fun making this. I love the combination of blues and browns, and I knew immediately that's the combo I would use for this one.

The base is Bordering Blue, sponged and stamped with the Sanded background using Bordering Blue ink. Then there's a layer of Chocolate Chip and some Berry Bliss DSP. The little teacup (or coffee cup in this case) was stamped with black StazOn ink onto Watercolor paper and colored using Watercolor Wonder Crayons and an Aquapainter. Then I started playing around with a Ruby Red piece from my Word Window punch and look what it turned out to be! A kiss and a hug, which is quite fitting for this sentiment! I made them stand out more with a White Gel Pen and then finished the card off with a little Button and some Linen Thread.

Hope you like it! And for all my loyal readers out there... I love you a latte!

PS: Have I convinced you yet?! Well you're gonna flip over tomorrow's card! It's my personal favorite so far. Remember that on Saturday I will announce an extra bonus for anyone who purchases this set from me! And also don't forget that when you purchase this set you will receive the coordinating Sweet Stars Jumbo Wheel for FREE!

A Week of Pun Fun - Day 2

Did you enjoy Day 1? Well, here is the second card I made with my Pun Fun set - and I think this little guy has my favorite sentiment... "I stink you're sweet" - Gotta love that!!

For this adorable card, I used a Pretty in Pink base with a layer of Basic Black, a layer of Regal Rose that has been distressed with my Cutter Kit, and a layer of pink polka-dot paper from Berry Bliss DSP. The little skunk was stamped with black StazOn ink onto Whisper White cardstock. I colored him with a Q-tip and my Stampin' Pastels - did you know that the Pastels come with a handy eraser for when you get chalk outside the lines? The flower was colored with Stampin' Write markers. I also used some Crystal Effects on his stripes and the little flower he's holding to make them shiny, but I don't think that shows up in the photo. I added a Photo Corner punch with some Pretty in Pink brads for balance, and then tied on some gorgeous Regal Rose wide Grosgrain ribbon.

I think this makes a darling card for a little girl - or it can even be a belated birthday card (hence the "I stink" part!).

Are you convinced yet??? Stay tuned for Day 3... Yippee!!

A Week of Pun Fun - Day 1

Okay, I don't normally do this. I feel it rude and pushy. But you're going to have to trust me on this one...

You simply MUST have the PUN FUN stamp set!

There. I've said it. Now it's up to me to back up that statement and I intend to do just that over the next several days. Every day, I will be showing you a new card I've made with this fabulous set! I'm going to tempt you beyond your wildest expectations! I can guarantee that by the end of the week, you will be convinced that my statement above is nothing but the utter truth! And what's better than that? Through April 30th, when you purchase this set, you will receive the coordinating Sweet Stars Jumbo Wheel for FREE! (See this post for full details).

But WAIT! There's more! On the final day of my Pun Fun week (Saturday April 19th), I will share with you an added bonus for anyone who purchases this set through me! ...but if I convince you earlier than that (which is a definite possiblity!), you can place your order at any time and on Saturday you'll just learn what the extra bonus is. Remember that I can ship anywhere in the US, and it is a high priority with me to provide the utmost in customer service. I accept payment via PayPal, immediately place the order, and I always e-mail the shipping information when I receive it so you know when to expect your goodies.

Ready to get started? Okay, here is PUN FUN - DAY 1:

Oh, I just love it, love it, love it! This set is too much fun! This cute card was made with a Brilliant Blue base that was wheeled with the Sweet Stars Jumbo Wheel (remember - it came FREE!) using Brilliant Blue ink. It also has a strip of sponged and pierced Bashful Blue, a layer of Pumpkin Pie, and a strip of Jersey Shore DSP. I stamped the birdie using black StazOn ink onto Whisper White cardstock and colored him with my Blender Pen and ink pad lids. The Clear Button is threaded all the way through the card (holes made with my 1/8" handheld Circle punch) with Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon. This eliminated the need for a glue dot and the risk of it falling off.

He is only the appetizer... keep coming back each day for MORE Pun Fun!! Whoopee!!!

Sparkly Friend

Here's a couple of new products I tried not long ago... the Sticky Cuts Letters with some Chunky Essentials in Red! Wow!! What a statement that makes!

The Sticky Cuts Letters are basically the same thing as the Sticky Strip - it's incredibly sticky. It holds that glitter and it 'aint lettin' go... know what I mean?! Well, I decided Bold and Bright was the only way to go on this card. The base is Real Red with a layer of Textured Only Orange on top. Then there's some Whisper White with some Old Olive Summer Picnic DSP. I scalloped the bottom of the Real Red strip with the Corner Rounder punch (guard removed) and then punched the small holes with the 1/16" Handheld Circle punch. The sentiment comes from the Level I Hostess set, For a Friend, and is done in Basic Black ink. I punched out three Old Olive flowers with the Three For You punch, and stuck a Real Red brad in the center of each one.

Now, when I showed this card to my husband, he said that he thinks it would look better if the Old Olive/Whisper White strip didn't go all the way to the edge. He thinks it should only go to the edge of the Only Orange... he may be right, but instead of dis-assembling the whole thing to find out, I thought I'd ask all of you what you think... ?? Should I hire him?? :o)

Time With Friends

While in Hawaii, we had such a good time at the beach with one of Michael's coworkers that I wanted to make them a card to let them know. The sentiment from the Hostess Level III Time Well Spent set was perfect!

The base card is Old Olive with a Naturals White layer, sponged with Old Olive ink. The patterned paper across the bottom is from the NEW Summer Picnic DSP that is in the Occasions Mini Catalog. The flower also came from the mini, as it uses the Die-cut Blooms set - I'm absolutely LOVING those! They layer together so nicely and with four different colors to choose from and a multitude of different shapes, that package will go a LONG way! In the center of the flower is a Fire Rhinestone brad, and I curled the edges of the petals up a bit to give it more dimension. I colored the sentiment with Stampin' Write markers and then finished it off with some Old Olive Wide Grosgrain Ribbon.

I've also made some Easter cards that I will try to post either later today or tomorrow... and then that will have to hold you over as we're off again on another adventure. This one won't be so far from home though... just some camping and visiting with family for Easter. I do hope you all are gearing up for a wonderful Easter celebration! Remember to get those cards in the mail early this week to wish your loved ones a happy holiday as well.

Wide Grosgrain Ribbon Share Reminder

Three posts in one day? How can that be? Well, I never like to leave you with a lot of babbling... so I whipped this card up tonight just for you. As I've said before, I know you come here for the pictures. :o)

This card showcases the Wide Grosgrain Ribbon... which is what we're currently sharing in my Ribbon Share! See this post for complete details. I'm going to place the order on Monday (March 3rd), so here's one last opportunity to get in on this round. If you are interested, please contact me right away! (mgf@forceworld.com) If you didn't see this post until after Monday (shame on you! :) - but contact me anyway. If the demand is high, I'll do another round.

The card above was created using Close to Cocoa as the base, along with a strip of Close to Cocoa Designer Series Prints and Chocolate Chip Wide Grosgrain ribbon. The flower comes from the gorgeous Pretties Kit and I tinted it with my Stampin' Write markers. The center of the flower is from the So Many Scallops Sale-a-Bration set, stamped on So Saffron cardstock with Chocolate Chip ink and punched with the 1" Circle punch. Then I held it all together with a Rhinestone Fire brad. The sentiment in the upper right-hand corner comes from the Lots of Thoughts Sale-a-Bration set, stamped in Chocolate Chip ink. I also sponged the center of the flower and the edge of the card using Close to Cocoa ink. I really like how that makes it look more antique.

Okay, I'm done working for today. And I think I'll take tomorrow off... my house is in desperate need of cleaning! :) Enjoy your Sunday!

One of a Kind

Thank you all so much for your suggestions on my previous post. I will see if I can't make some improvements and post it again in the future.

Today is a dear friend's birthday... I will keep it anonymous because I don't know if she'd like me blabbing it all over the world! If she wants it known, I'm sure she'll reveal her identity in a comment. But in any case, here is the card I made for her... gosh, I sure do hope it arrived in the mail before she sees this post!

This was my first time using the fantastic new Flower Fusion felt flowers, and oh, what a statement they make! I paired them up with the One of a Kind stamp set and made one flower stand out with different colors and an olive Rhinestone brad so it would "fit" with the sentiment! The base cardstock is Apricot Appeal with a layer of Old Olive and then the Apricot Appeal DSP from the Hostess Level 1 Prints Pack (that pack is going to get a LOT of use in this house!). I sponged the edges of the Apricot paper with the same color ink, and the sentiment is stamped in Old Olive. Those Pumpkin Pie flowers each have an Old Olive brad in the center of them.

Happy, Happy Birthday, [dear friend]!!

What a Difference a Marker Can Make!

Ready for a lesson in Stampin' Write markers? Ready for a SCREAMING good deal on how to get the whole set?? Well, first let me show you how this "lesson" came about, and then I'll share with you the screaming good deal!

I had yet another sympathy card to create recently and here is what I came up with:

I used the Close As A Memory stamp set along with a swirl from Carte Postale. The base cardstock is Always Artichoke (one of my favorites) and the layer on top is Ruby Red. The flowers and sentiment are both on Naturals Ivory. The sentiment is stamped with Always Artichoke ink and I used the Ticket Corner punch on the corners. To make it stand out more, I inked up the edges a bit and added a couple of Ruby Red brads. The swirls were stamped in Ruby Red ink... I really like the way they spiced up an otherwise plain background! I also sponged the edges of the Ruby Red to soften it.

For the bouquet, I knew I wanted to use the markers so I could have a different color for the stems and the flowers. To do this, you simply color the rubber with the brush tip end of the markers. You color the whole thing just how you want it... and right before you stamp it, you must "huff" (breathe as if you're fogging up a window) on the rubber to re-moisten all of the ink. I started with Cameo Coral for the flowers and Always Artichoke for the stems. These two colors turned out nice... but it seemed a bit flat to me.

I immediately saw a "lesson" in the works, so I snapped a picture of it thinking you might like to see the difference a marker can make... compare the above photo to the one below:

See the difference?? Nice, huh? The only thing I did differently was I added my Ruby Red marker for another layer. I used it over the Cameo Coral in different places to give the flowers a more dimensional look.

EDITED TO ADD: I don't believe I was too clear on my description here, so let me clarify... in the first picture, I colored the rubber using only 2 markers, then stamped it. In the second picture, I colored the rubber the same way, but then dabbed some Ruby Red over the Cameo Coral before stamping. Both images were stamped only once - this is not a Two-Step stampin' technique.

The markers truly open up a lot of options when you're stamping. This was a prime example! I also use them when I only want to stamp part of an image. Instead of inking up the whole stamp on an ink pad, I just color the portion I want to use. Another frequent use is when I sign my cards or address my envelopes. I use a coordinating color so it all matches the paper I used. I also use my markers to dye the flowers in my Pretties Kit as I did in this post. And, of course, it goes without saying that they are just the tool you need when you are coloring in detailed images because they have the fine tip end in addition to the brush tip end. These are just a few of the ways I use my markers.

Now let me talk about how you can get your markers... there are basically 3 ways that you can purchase them:

1) individually at $3.25 per marker. (Looks pretty lonely, doesn't he?)


2) by color families at $31.95 for 12 (a $7.05 savings!). Not bad, but I assure you, that box is flimsy and they all get bunched up like an overstuffed box of crayons!


3) the whole set at $125.95 for all 48 standard colors (a $30.05 savings!!). The bulk savings alone make this a good deal, but the real beauty of purchasing the whole set is first, that you have them ALL!! And second, it comes in a FABULOUS hard-shell handled box with compartments for each marker, along with a chart that labels where each marker goes. Mine sits right on my stamping desk and I never have to worry about where they are, or which ones I have or don't have.

So... would you like to have a set? Let me give you one more option... and this is that SCREAMING good deal I promised you! Purchase your set during Sale-a-Bration (February 1 - March 17) and get 2 FREE Sale-a-Bration stamp sets in addition to the markers!! Remember that during Sale-a-Bration you get to choose a free stamp set for EVERY $50 you spend! So better yet, add another $24.05 onto your order and receive THREE Sale-a-Bration sets, PLUS a Level I Hostess Set, PLUS $15 more dollars in FREE merchandise! WOW! Now that's the way to buy your markers...!

Remember that I can help you with your order no matter where you live in the US, and your goodies will be delivered right to your door! I hope you'll take advantage of this excellent time to make this worthwhile purchase!

Comparison

Greetings! I hope everyone had a SPLENDID Christmas! I sure did... but as always, it's good to be back in my stamp room.

I was playing around with a card tonight and in trying to decide which method I wanted to use to color in this cute little mouse, I thought I'd share with you some differences between several Stampin' Up! products. Here are 5 different methods to color in this image from the new Happy Heart Day set. I used the same colors on all examples - Ruby Red, Old Olive, Brocade Blue, and whichever Gray each method allowed. I have included my own personal description of the pros and cons below each image. I hope this gives you some insight on the many ways you can color your images!

1) Blender pen with ink pad lids

For this method, you take a Blender pen and dip it into a well of ink that you create inside the the lid of your ink pads by squishing the ink pad together while it's closed. If you need more ink (the squishing technique typically doesn't give enough ink for the lighter colors), you can squeeze a drop of ink from the re-inker bottle directly on the inside of the lid. Tip: You should always start coloring where you want it darkest, and then blend it out from there.
Pros: Quick method; creates a strong, vibrant look; easy to blend and make areas darker than others (the Olive shirt looks fabulous using this method!); not limited by colors because all 48 standard Stampin' Up! colors are available plus In Colors and neutrals
Cons: Not practical for larger areas as the Blender Pens only blend so far before needing to re-ink (I do not like the way the big heart turned out using this method... it was too big); if you color too long in one area (ie. to make an area darker) you will rub the cardstock raw

2) Watercolor Wonder Crayons with Aquapainter

For this method, you use an Aquapainter (which is a brush tip that stays wet using the water stored in the barrel) and touch it to the Crayons to ink up the brush.
Pros: Fairly quick method; this is by far the easiest method to blend; all 48 standard Stampin' Up! colors are available plus black, gray, white, ivory, and sand; creates a vibrant, but more loose look
Cons: A little more difficult to create dark areas (notice the Olive shirt is not as dark and vibrant); you have to be careful at how much water you use - too much water prevents the vibrant color from showing

3) Stampin' Pastels with QTips

The Stampin' Pastels come with several fine-tip applicators which I use for small areas (like the Brocade stripe and flower). For larger areas, I just use QTips.
Pros: All 48 standard Stampin' Up! colors are available plus black, white, and gray; you can use the eraser (included) to remove errors; very affordable at $24.95 for the whole set
Cons: Not practical for small areas; hard to blend; not as precise as other methods (ie. the color doesn't go all the way to the lines); typically a lighter look

4) Stampin' Write Markers

Self-explanatory method... I prefer the markers when I'm coloring very small, detailed images, like a bunch of flowers. This is not the method I would normally choose for an image such as this one!
Pros: Strong, vibrant color; all 48 standard Stampin' Up! colors are available; you can purchase the markers individually, in color families, or the whole set; markers have a brush tip and a fine tip, so it's easy to color larger areas as well as small, detailed areas
Cons: Cannot blend at all; not available in In Colors; not all neutrals are available (that's why the mouse is not colored - there's no gray!)

5) Watercolor Pencils with Blender Pen

For this method, you start by loosely coloring in the image with the pencil, and then use the Blender Pen to blend it all together.
Pros: Easy and fast to use; very affordable at $19.95 for 24 colors
Cons: Colors are not Stampin' Up! colors so you have to just pick the best one to match; hard to gauge how much to color because once you use the Blender Pen on it, you can't add more color

And there you go! Wanna know my personal favorite? I typically use either method 1 or 2... but I do reach for the other methods when the circumstances call for them. What about you?? Have I left anything out? Do you have a Pro or a Con that I should add to my lists? (it's late and I'm sure I've left a few things out!)

Punch a Bunch!

I promised to show you some ideas for the darling little Love Notes that come with this month's special offer...

These little guys were so simple to whip up - took me just over a 1/2 hour to do all three, and that includes thinking up each idea. Imagine how fast they would be if you just wanted to CASE them? (CASE stands for "copy and share everything" and is a totally acceptable and widely used practice in the stamping community!)

Let me tell you again about this wonderful offer... For the month of August, when you purchase the beautiful Three for You Punch Box (pictured below), you will also receive a package of thirty (30) 3"x3" textured Love Notes (a $12.95 value) FREE! The package has ten (10) each of Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, and Purely Pomegranate notes along with thirty (30) envelopes.

The Punch Box contains the exclusive Trio Flower punch, a coordinating 9-piece Three for You stamp set, and three Stampin' Spots in Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi, and Basic Black. All of these items come packaged in a sturdy tin box with a windowed lid - perfect to use as a gift box later on! The Punch Box is $45.95 which is a great value for all that you get, and even BETTER when you add on the adorable Love Notes.

Contact me to order yours today!