Challenges...

I've been a little busy lately but today I decided I would make a card.  I had 3 different challenges to inspire me, but due to be too busy I didn't make the card in time to submit it to all the challenges.  Anyways here's the card.

The three challenges that inspired this card are: 

1. Clean & Simple FTL 79
2. SP Color Combo # 35
3. Stampin' Royalty Masculine Challenge

The layout is slightly different from the the FTL challenge.  I didn't had the cute ribbon cut on the end of the Glorious Green cardstock.  I thought that was too feminine for this masculine card.  

The colors were a bit of a challenge.  I would never have thought to put these colors together but they work well.  I love the sharp contrast with the black background.  I really like the Only Orange cardstock.  I really need to use it more.

Making the card masculine wasn't too hard.  I just had to find the right stamp and a the Cheers to You stamp set was perfect.  What man doesn't love beer?

If only I had this card done in time to submit it to all the challenges...maybe next time.

I really do enjoy doing challenges.  They make me think.  The best part is I get to try things that I wouldn't necessarily think of on my own.  I really do encourage you to challenge yourself.  

Supplies for Cheers Card

All supplies is Stampin' Up! products unless otherwise stated.

Stamp Sets:

• Cheers to You (114944)

Paper:

• Basic Black cardstock
• Glorious Green cardstock
• Summer Sun cardstock
• Only Orange cardstock
• Whisper White cardstock

Ink:

• Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad

Techniques:

• I cut out the foam part of the image and popped it up using Stampin' Dimensionals.

To order any of the supplies that I used, please  visit my website.
Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you have a great day and remember to challenge yourself.

Kristy

Still Available...

Stampin' Up! has released a list of products from the Holiday Mini Catalogue that are still available to order and will be carried over to the new Idea Book & Catalogue. 

Here are the products:

• 116821  Stampin' Up! Magnetic Movers & Shapers Holiday Windows      $39.95
• 116819  Stampin' Up! Bigz XL Table Setting Die   $57.95
• 116820  Stampin' Up! Embosslits Folder Merry   $15.95
• 116823  Stampin' Up! Sizzlits Merry Details  $7.50 
• 116824  Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder Petal-a-Plenty  $10.95 
• 116822  Stampin' Up! O Christmas Tree Pop-Up  Bigz XL die  $57.95 
• 118140  Stampin' Up! Tree Decorations Sizzlits Die  $7.50 
• 116794  Ornament Punch   $22.95 
• 116806  Shimmer Paint Champagne Frost  $8.95 
• 116854  Shimmer Paint Frost White  $8.95 
• 116807  Shimmer Paint Plantinum  $8.95 
• 116829  Decor Elements Decor Blocks  $13.95 
• 116519  Charming stamp set  $26.95  

All princes are in Canadian Dollars.

If you would like to purchase any of these great products visit my website.  I also have a few Holiday Mini Catalogues left.  If you would like one, please email me.

Have a wonderful day.

Kristy

SWAPS...Here they are

Like I mentioned in my last post, the swaps have arrived.  I have decided to post my favorite ones.  As you will notice, the popular set is Vintage Vogue. I will definitely be purchasing that stamp set. 

Before I post the other swaps, I will show you the card that I sent in.

I wanted to make a simple card that demonstrated the Sizzix Big Shot. This card is perfect for birthday, sympathy, or thank you.  And it can be adapted to any color combination and stamp set.  Here is the list of products used:

• Sahara Sand cardstock
• Rich Razzleberry cardstock (In Color)
• Pale Plum cardstock
• Big Shot Top Note die
• Pocket Silhouettes stamp set
• Inspired by Nature stamp set
• Sahara Sand Classic Stampin' pad
• Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' pad
• Modern Label punch
• sponges

This card is super easy and quick.

What you can't see in the picture is that I sponged Sahara Sand around the card base. 

The funny part of this swap was that my mother and I used the same stamp set for our swaps.  We didn't arrange this.  Of course, we received each others swap.  So here is her card.Her card is super easy as well.   

 Here are some of the other SWAPs.  

This card was made by Kristy Taylor.

What I love about this card is the color combo and the sponging technique.  I really love the stamp set.

 

This card was made by Leslie Slanisky.

I love the background on this card.  I like how there are three different different backgrounds and they had different dimensions and textures.

 

This card was made by an anonymous SU demonstrator.  

I love the sharp contrast of the black and white.  

 

This card was made by Elizabeth Green.

I love the clean lines and the simple layout.  The colors are bold but soft. This card would be perfect for a man.

All the swaps I received were amazing.  I will be using them as inspirations for my next projects.  

This SWAP was open to demos only.  If you would like to particpate in a swap like this, join Stampin' Up! today.  You can do so by contacting me or visiting my website.

Have a great day stamping.  I know I will.

Kristy

New Inspiration

As a Stampin' Up demonstrator, there are some awesome benefits.  One of these perks is a demo-only website that allows all demonstrators to connect.  One fellow demonstrator (Desiree Spenst) decided to host a SWAP.  A totally Canadian swap (saves on postage).  I decided to join in.  I spent one whole weekend making my swap cards (20 to be exact).  On Feb. 5 the swaps were mailed back to the participants.  And today I got mine.

Boy was I excited.  I had new inspirations.  Some of the cards were absolutely amazing.  I will definitely share with you my favorites, but another day.  I noticed that Vintage Vogue was a popular set. I think I will have to get it before it disappears forever (after April 30th).  I was really impressed with all the work.  I would definitely join in another swap.  

 

If you're interested in purchasing this absolutely gorgeous set, visit my website or email me.  Remember this set is only available until April 30th.

For those of you that aren't part of the Stampin' Up! family here are some of the other great PERKS.

• 20% discount on all products
• Able to get products in advance of everyone else
• A huge community of fellow crafters
• Earn free products and trips
• Share what you love doing
• Making new friendships

If you're interested in joining, visit my website.  I would be more than happy to answer any questions.

Thats all for tonight.

Kristy

recruit password:  m@uve07

Lazy...Sorry

So sorry for not posting.  I've been a little lazy due to a bed rest order.  That order has now been lifted and some much needed stamping is coming this way.  I'm lacking some inspiration, but I'll find it.  Looking out my window at the beautiful snow (don't shoot me) isn't inspiring me.  All I can think about is spring and golfing.  But thats a few months away.  Any ideas to inspire me would be greatly appreciated.  

But before I went on bed rest, I did create some cute candles.  Candle stamping makes such a great gift.   I just love doing it.  So here are 2 candles that I stamped.

This candle uses the Asian Artistry hostess stamp set. (You can earn this stamp set when you host a workshop with minimum sales of $395, contact me today.)

I really love working with this stamp set.  I colored the stamp set with Melon Mambo (bird) and Soft Suede.  I used hemp twine to wrap around the candle.

These are close up images of the details.  I also stamped my name on the back.  I would give this candle to someone special and with a coordinating card.

For the next candle I  used the Good Neighbor  stamp set. I stamped a little scene of nice home.  This candle would make a perfect housewarming gift.

 

                                                                                    

The scene on this candle wraps around the front half. I used the Pumpkin Pie striped ribbon to add a finishing touch.  I really love the colors.  The sentiment is from the Warm Words stamp set. 

If you have never done candle stamping, don't worry.  It's super easy and quick.  Here's how you do it.

Supplies:

Candle:  a white or vanilla candle works best.  Solid color ones have white inside and this shows through if you heat it too much.  If you want to use a colored candle, use one that is marbled.      

White Tissue paper:  cut to the size of the image you are stamping.  Make sure the tissue is flat.

Heat tool

Stamp set and inks

Embellisments: ribbon, tags, brads, etc

Directions:

Stamp your image on the white tissue.

Place the tissue on the candle in the position you would like it.

Using the heat tool, lightly heat the wax until the tissue paper settles into the wax.  Be careful not to heat it too fast or it starts to run.  This may take practice, but be patient.   The tissue paper looks like its disappearing, but the image stays.

Once the wax has cooled, you can decorate the candle with a ribbon, a tag, or whatever you would like.

Voila, you have a beautiful hand made gift.

Thats all for today. 
Have a great day stamping.  

Kristy

 

                                                      

Dressy Notebook

Yesterday I spent the day blog surfing.  I visited various different blogs, mostly other Stampin' Up! demonstrators (they have some awesome projects).  However I did check out Splitcoast Stampers, which is for stampers of all sorts.  The featured project was a file folder notebook.  You can find the tutorial for this project here.  Jenn Dierks (creator of this tutorial) used a fancy folder from the Thoroughly Modern File Folders (Stampin' Up!).  I didn't have one on hand, but I did have the plain jane ones you get at any office supplies store.  Once I figured out the folds, I decorated my new notebook cover with old DSP from Stampin' Up!.   It was time I did something with this paper.

This is the notebook in the closed position. 

I used Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon to tie the folder shut.  This ribbon coordinates perfectly with this DSP.  On the right flap, I cut a slit that would allow the ribbon to be fed through easily. 

This image shows how the folder opens.



 

 

This is the open position of the notebook holder.  As you can see I decorated the inside as well. 

This is an excellent project for recycling old file folders and using retired DSP.  Give it a try.

That's all today folks.  Enjoy your weekend.

Kristy

FTL 76 from Clean & Simple

Heres my attempt at a Fall to Layout sketch from the Clean and Simple blog.  I chose to try out two different stamp sets but I really like my first attempt.  

For the first card I used the For all You Do stamp set.  Its an excellent set for using pastels on.  As you can tell from my previous post, I'm loving my pastels.  This week as been dedicated to pasels.  I also used the Hostess Level 1 DSP  (remember if you host a workshop, you can earn this paper for free) and Whisper White 1/4" gingham ribbon.  I really love the simplicity of this design.  This layout can be applied to any stamp set and color combo.  I think I might spend a day doing up a bunch of birthday cards using this layout.  I could have a years worth plus some extra cards done.  

I used the Good Neighbor DSP from SAB (Only 2 months left to get this paper for free) and the Good Neighbor stamp set.  I like the warm colors of Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, Old Olive and Kraft.  I slightly adjusted the layout and I didn't use a sentitment.  I just didn't have the right sentiment.  This card is for someone that just bought a home or had a baby.  A welcome home sentiment would be perfect, but I don't have one.  

Well I'm off to make more cards.  I'm going to continue to use the Good Neighbor set.

If you're interested in getting this stamp set for FREE, visit my website or email me. 

Have a great day.

Kristy

Poppin' Pastel art

Yesterday I decided to spend the day making cards using a new technique.  Most of you probably have used this technique many times, but it was my first time.  I decided to use my pastels and do the Poppin' Pastels technique.  WOW!!! I can't believe how amazing these cards turned out.  I had so much fun doing them.  I'm going to be going through my stamp sets and looking for more stamps to use this technique with.  Here are the cards

I used Asian Artistry for both the cards.  I really do love this set.  You can earn this stamp set by hosting a workshop of $395 or more.  Right now, during Sale-A-Bration, you can another stamp set on top of the hostess one.  If you're interested in hosting a workshop, just email me or visit my website Here.

On this card, I stamped the Dragonfly image on the base card (Lavendar Lace) and used the Lavendar Lace pastel to color the image.  On So Saffron, I stamped the Grass image and used Old Olive and Lavendar Lace pastels to color it.  Doesn't the image just pop out.  WOW!! I used Not Quite Navy and Old Olive as the background layers.  On the bottom I stamped the quote on So Saffron, colored it with Not Quite Navy pastel and punched it out with the Modern Label.  I stamped Confucius name on the base and used Not Quite Navy to color it.  These pastels make the images glow with color and I love the effect it has on words.

I really really love this card.  It turned out way better than I expected.  I used the following color combination  (from the Color Wheel).
        Sage Shadow (base)
        Bravo Burgundy (bottom layer)
        Pretty in Pink (middle layer)
        Whisper White (image layer)

I used Sage Shadow and Bravo Burgundy to color the image.

On the bottom of the card I stamped the quote and colored it with Bravo Burgundy.

 All you really can say is WOW!!


This card was so simple to make.  The best part about pastels is that you have all 48 colors to work with.  Its a must have when first starting out.  I can't believe I waited this long to really use them.

For those of you that don't know the technique, here are the directions.

1. Stamped the image with Versamark.
2. Using a sponge dauber (you can purchase these through SU), color the image with the pastels.
3. Blow of the excess powder.
4. You're done.  Sit back and admire.

Before I leave I will show you a few other cards I made using this technique.

Have a wonderful day.

Kristy

Asian Artistry

I just love the Asian Artistry hostess set from Stampin' Up.  I just got in the other day and am having lots of fun with it.  Its a perfect set for watercoloring and using markers.  So here are a few cards I made with this set.

 

The first card uses a different fold.  I'm not sure what the correct name for this fold is, but I'm calling it a tri-fold.  As you can see the card has two flaps, which cause the card to open in the front.

The measurements for the cardstock are 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and score at 2 1/8" from either end.  

I stamped the flower image from Asian Artistry on to Sahara Sand cardstock with Basic Black Classic ink.  I then colored it in using Stampin Write markers from the In Color set.  

The dimensions for the cardstock are as follows:

Sahara Sand:  2 1/2" by 2 1/2"

Crushed Curry and Dusty Durango: 2 1/4" x 2 1/4"

The Crushed Curry square is not whole. I trimmed one corner off so that the card stock was flush with the edge of the card face. 

I used the Elegant Bouquet Impressions Embossing folder to add texture to the front flaps.  I embossed one flap at a time.

To finish the card off, I stamped Happy Birthday on the top left corner.

This next card uses layers.  I used Sahara Sand for the base, Old Olive for the back layers, and Good Neighbor DSP (from SAB) for the top layer.  I stamped the grass image from Asian Artistry on to Very Vanilla with Old Olive.  Before stamping the image, I wiped away the ink on the flower portion of the image.  I then used the Melon Mambo Stampin Write marker to ink the flower image.  I then stamped the image on the card stock.

 I used Melon Mambo to stamp the greeting, then punched it out with the Modern Label Punch.  

Here are the dimensions for the layers:

Top left layer:  Old Olive:  2 1/4" x 2 1/2"

DSP:   2" x 2 1/4"

Top Right layer: Old Olive:  1 3/4" x 1 3/4"

 DSP:   1 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Bottom layer:  Old Olive:  4" x 3"

DSP:  3 3/4" x 2 3/4"

 Image layer:  Old Olive:  2 1/2" x 3"

 DSP:  2 1/4" x 2 3/4"

I placed the greeting on to Old Olive punched out with Designer Label punch.  You can use any sentiment for this card and any color combination.

I'm going back to the drawing table to come up with more gorgeous cards.  Let me know what you come up with.

Have a great day stamping.

Kristy