Posts Tagged ‘Technique Tutorial’
Retiring List Rewind: Nature Walk & the Retro Brayer Technique
Gotta love a great technique! The Retro Brayer Color Block Technique should be on your list of favs. The Nature Walk stamp set (see it online) is a perfect one for this technique.
The directions for Retro Brayer Color Block are on my original blog post.
Have you been watching my Retiring List Rewind? Be sure to check all the project inspiration for stamps and accessories that are about to retire!
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Subscribe to the comments for this postRetiring List Rewind: Just Believe & the Misted Resist Technique
What a fun technique! Be sure to catch the Just Believe stamp set (perfect for this technique – see it online) before it retires. For directions for the Misted Versamark Resist Technique, check out my original post.
Have you been watching my Retiring List Rewind? Be sure to check all the project inspiration for stamps and accessories that are about to retire!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Sign up now for Stamps in the Mail Club!
Supplies for 4 projects — ready to stamp, delivered to your front door.
Win a $30 shopping spree!
Order online in my store by May 9th.
Use hostess code 4RRHRZ7N
Puzzle Piece Resist Technique – free printable tutorial
What’s more fun than a cool technique? A free printable technique tutorial! This Puzzle Piece Resist technique was shared with us by demonstrator Linda Yearsley at our Spring Into Stamping demo training event last weekend, and I loved it so much that I created this card with the Swallowtail stamp for my Stamp Club last week. (see Swallowtail online – 129216)
The steps are simple for Puzzle Piece Resist:
- Heat emboss image in white on white
- Use framelits to cut layers (all at once)
- Sponge layers in contrasting colors
- Assemble the puzzle
And the results are striking! Be sure to download my free printable tutorial for the Puzzle Piece Resist technique.
Supplies: Stamp – Swallowtail, Papillon Potpourri, Amazing Family; Ink: Calypso Coral, So Saffron, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Versamark; Paper: Whisper White, Pool Party, Calypso Coral; Accessories: Heat Tool, White Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Elegant Butterfly Punch, Rhinestone Jewels, Big Shot, Floral Frames Framelits;
Happy Stamping!
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8th Annual Spring Into Stamping: Ideas Galore!
What a GREAT weekend I had! This was the weekend for our 8th Annual Spring Into Stamping demonstrator training event. SO much fun to be had when demonstrators gather together!
The day was filled to the brim with training tips (thank you to the fabulous Laura Barto for sharing class ideas), great Make N Take projects, gorgeous demonstrations and a chance to gather with friends from around the country.
I even ran a game show – Family Feud, Stampin’ Style!
The demonstrator fair was a big hit – with stations set up to learn about stamping techniques or other topics like using My Digital Studio (that’s me behind the table).
And my friend and fellow LovenStampfuls demonstrator Linda Yearsley showed a WONDERFUL technique called Puzzle Piece Resist. I wrote up a summary with pictures from her booth here. Definitely watch my blog for more ideas with this technique – I’m loving it!
And of course it’s hardly a day of stamping when there aren’t door prizes — free stamps! So much excitement, it’s hard to contain 
It was a fabulous day — with MANY talented demonstrators helping to put it all together. About 30% of the demonstrators attending helped in one way or another — assembling Make N Take packets, sharing a stamping technique, organizing our Shoebox Swap, etc.
A big thank you to ALL who helped us put the day together, and to all who attended! I’m looking forward to next year’s Spring Into Stamping already!
Of course I have to mention… want to join us next year? Be sure to learn more about joining my LovenStampfuls demonstrator family, and let me know if you have questions!
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Oh Whale: How To Fold A Card (and keep the white inside!)
Yes, I realize that if you are reading my blog, you probably already know how to fold a card. But do you ever wish that the inside of your dark layered card was lighter? Do you always search your stamp table for a white gel pen to write? Here’s a simple trick that will make it oh-so-easy to write inside your cards!
Here’s the trick:
Instead of making your card a dark colored card stock, make your CARD Whisper White, and make only the back LAYER the darker color. Here are the dimensions I used:
- Pacific Point background layer: 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″
- Whisper White card: 4″ x 8″
See how easy it is? You get a layered effect on the inside of your card, you can write easily with a pen (and read it!) and you can decorate or stamp inside til your heart’s content.
So simple. Try it!
For these cards I used the stamps from the Oh Whale stamp set (129132 – see it online) to make two slightly different versions of this card. Each one is punny (pun + funny) but they each showcase a different one of the Cute Clips Elements shaped paperclips (see them online – 129939). Here’s another card idea for the Cute Clips, and here’s another card idea for Oh Whale.
Happy Stamping!
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Stamps: Oh, Whale!; Ink: Basic Gray, Pacific Point, Melon Mambo; Paper: Whisper White, Pacific Point, Sunshine & Sprinkles Designer Series Paper, Melon Mambo; Accessories: Cute Clips “Elements”, Small Heart Punch
Pleasant Poppies Gift Bag: I *heart* watercoloring
Pleasant Poppies is another of the gorgeous full-size images currently available from Stampin’ Up! (see it online – 129499). Last week I mentioned a few tips for using large stamps on small projects. Today I have a couple more technique tips for you: the Spotlighting Technique and a Watercolor Refresher! Both techniques are wrapped up in this paper lunch sack turned into a Gift Bag.
This project was actually one from my Stamps in the Mail Club during the last round. If you haven’t ever participated, get ready for the next round. Signups begin in April for the May Round!
Spotlighting Technique
Spotlighting is a nice way to highlight a certain part of a larger stamp, like with Pleasant Poppies or Swallowtail.
- Stamp your large image on the background.
- Stamp again on scrap paper and use a Circle Punch to punch out the piece(s) you’d like to highlight.
- Color the circles differently from the background and match them back onto your main image.
Here are a few more Spotlighting Technique card ideas on my blog.
Refresher Technique Focus: Watercolor
Watercolor Wonder Crayons (WWC) combined with an Aquapainter or paintbrush allow an artist to create realistic watercolor effects. Here are few pointers to perfecting your technique:
- Gently wipe the wet tip of the AQP across the end of the WWC, picking up color
- Begin with the lightest color layer: use a light touch and extra water to thin out your color
- Add a 2nd color layer, either of the same tone or different. Be sure to leave some of the lightest layer showing
- Add a 3rd color layer as the darkest layer, using the most pigment from the crayon and the least amount of water
- Consider your shadows – which direction does the light in your picture shine? Objects with a shadow around the outer stamped black line look more dimensional and realistic
Curious about how the gift bag works? I have a Video Tutorial that shows how to make these Card Topper Gift Bags.
And be sure to check for more Pleasant Poppies ideas on my blog!
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Supplies: Stamps: Pleasant Poppies, Curly Cute; Inks: Jet Black Staz-On Ink; Cardstock: Watercolor Paper, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Pacific Point; Accessories: Sycamore Street Ribbon (Sale-A-Bration gift), Jumbo Rhinestone, Pacific Point Stitched Ribbon, Watercolor Wonder Crayons – Brights Collection, Aqua Painters, Distressing Tool (optional – Spring Catalog), 1 ¼” Circle Punch, 1 ¾” Circle Punch
When You Really Mean “Thanks A Million!”
There’s a stamp set for that! The Million-Dollar Moments hostess stamp set (125137 – see it online) is perfect. And there’s a little goose stamped inside the card – notice how I echoed the Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper inside (126902 – see it online)?
Technique Tip: Dazzling Diamonds Glitter
Do you love the sparkle on the heart raindrops? Me too!! Bling is always good. This is an easy ‘add-on’ to any card.
- Stamp your image
- Use the 2-Way Glue Pen (100425 - see it online) to draw glue wherever you want glitter to stick.
- Shake Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter (102023 – see it online) over the glue, tap off extra and return to the container.
I always say that Dazzling Diamonds is like Jello… remember Bill Cosby? “There’s always room for Jello?” Well, there’s always room for Dazzling Diamonds, too.
Back to the Million-Dollar Moments stamp set (125137 – see it online). Notice how you can’t add this set to your shopping cart? And notice the fabulous $9 price tag? That’s because it’s available only as a Hostess Rewards item (or with Stampin’ Rewards dollars when you order $150 or more through my online store).
So put it on your Wish List and add it to your next party (book parties “To Go” are available ONLINE! Email me for details!) or add it when you place your next large order. This is a great stamp set if you have a baby shower, wedding shower or other shower thank you notes to write!
And thanks a MILLION for all the kind wishes and cards you’ve sent for healing and my broken leg. I’m hanging in there – crutches are turning out to be quite fun
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stampin’ Supplies: Stamps – Million Dollar Moments; Ink: Real Red, Early Espresso; Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Early Espresso, Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper; Accessories: Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Petite Curly Label Punch, Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter, Two Way Glue Pen
Sign up now for Stamps in the Mail Club!
Supplies for 4 projects — ready to stamp, delivered to your front door.
Triple Stamping: Swallowtail Butterfly Card
I’m in love with this gorgeous stamp! The Swallowtail single stamp from the Spring Catalog (see it online – 129216) is absolutely breathtaking – I don’t think my photo or the catalog do it justice!
And the Triple Stamping Technique is a perfect way to use your Swallowtail stamp. It may look complicated, but really, this technique is simple once you have your card stock cut to the right size.
I can help you with that! You’re going to want a good Paper Trimmer (love the new one from Stampin’ Up! – see it online).
Who knew, but it turns out that this paper trimmer is super convenient to use when you can’t get around easily… like if you’ve broken your leg and you’re supposed to keep your foot up in the air, but you just can’t help wanting to stamp!
Just saying.
Back to the technique – here are the sizes I used for my card stock:
- Whisper White card stock:
5 1/4” x 8
3 x 4 1/4”
2 x 3 1/4” - Island Indigo card stock:
4 1/4” x 5 1/2”
3 1/4” x 4 1/2”
2 1/4” x 3 1/2″
The technique itself is simple. You’ll arrange the layers of white card stock, then stamp on all the layers at the same time. Then just take the layers apart and put the colored card stock layers in between. Voila!
I definitely have some special tips though:
- Adhere just the white layers with small amounts of SNAIL adhesive so they don’t move while stamping
- With a small image, be sure to cover most of the card stock surface
- Don’t worry if your image leaves a small gap where the layers change – this is normal and will be mostly covered by the colored card stock layers you’ll add at the end.
- After stamping, pull the layers of card stock apart by twisting them, rather than peeling them back. This will keep the fibers in the paper from breaking and no one will be able to tell that they have been pulled apart
- Re-layer the white card stock with the colored layers in between.
Other elements from this card? I used the Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit (see it online -131395) for the flower. Watch for more samples with this fun kit in upcoming blog posts! There are tons of flowers in the kit…I think they must multiply when you’re not looking…
The lucky stampers in my Stamps in the Mail Club are making this card in March as part of their Month 2 Club Kit! It’s not too late — I have a few Stamps in the Mail kits from Month 1 if you’d like to jump in and join us! Just drop me an email or check the details on my website.
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Supplies:
Stamps: Oh Hello, Swallowtail
Inks: Island Indigo
Cardstock: Whisper White, Island Indigo, Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Designer Build A Brads, Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit
Pre-Punched: Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Bitty Butterfly Punch
Sign up now for Stamps in the Mail Club!
Supplies for 4 projects — ready to stamp, delivered to your front door.
New Stampin’ Technique: Misted Alcohol Resist
Last month at my Stamp Club we made a fun card with a free form and flow-y technique. Is that a word? I think you’ll see what I mean though! The technique is called Misted Alcohol Resist (click below for a bigger picture). And you can never go wrong with the Lovely As A Tree stamp set (see it online – 127793)
Meg’s tutorial directions for Misted Alcohol Resist:
- Heat emboss image on Glossy White card stock (see it online – 102599). I used Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (see it online -101930)
- Spritz card stock with Stampin’ Mist, water or alchol. Drip 5-6 drops of reinker and tilt card stock to distribute.
- Blot any drips that gather at the edges of the card stock to prevent saturating edges.
See how the ink runs but the image resists? I don’t know about you, but we’re dreaming of white Christmas here at our house!
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, Greetings of the Season; Ink: Midnight Muse, Versamark, Reinkers in Lucky Limeade, Midnight Muse & Pool Party; Paper: Whisper White, Glossy White, Midnight Muse; Accessories: Iridescent Ice Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Ink refills, Stampin’ Mist
Mixed Techniques: Poppin’ Pastels plus Rock N Roll
Poppin’ Pastels is an OLD technique – and very simple:
- Stamp in Versamark ink
- Swirl a Sponge Dauber in a Stampin’ Pastel color
- Pounce onto the stamped image.
It always used to bother me that the edges of the stamped image ended up a little bit wishy washy. I’m embarrassed to say that when I pulled out my Stampin Pastels (see them online) for this project, they were still sealed! I used to use them all the time, but somehow my new set had at least 2 birthdays before getting opened. (eek!)
But with this NEW twist on Poppin’ Pastels, I think I’m going to be seeing my Pastels much more regularly again. By adding the Rock N Roll technique, I made the edges of the image well-defined and the finished image looks much cleaner. The Tea Shoppe stamp set (see it online) has the perfect stamp for this combo technique, too!
Here are some tips for using Rock N Roll and Poppin’ Pastels together:
- Use a bold image stamp (not great for line art)
- Ink the stamp first with Versamark, then rock the darker ink around the edges to keep your Versamark pad clean.
- Remember to pounce (not wipe) with your Sponge Dauber to keep the ink from smearing.
- If you don’t get enough color on your image, try mooshing (yes, a technical term) the Dauber more in the Stampin’ Pastel.
A couple other things about this card from my April session of Stamp Club with Meg:
- Yes, that’s a tea bag! The piece of Twitterpated Designer Paper makes a little pocket to hold the bag in place. Use Sticky Strip at the two ends to hold it tight.
- I love the Paper Doily Sizzlit (see it online). It helps to have a few tips on making it work easily.
- It’s easier to stamp on the back side of the Mini Vintage Tags (see them online). I used Staz-On ink here to keep the image from smearing.
Happy Stamping (and tea drinking)!
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