Stamp-a-Stack, Day 2

Kristie and I designed eight cards for a Stamp-a-Stack we had on Saturday. Today I’m showing you the four cards Kristie made, I showed you my cards on Tuesday.

Stamp-a-Stack, Day 1

Kristie and I designed eight cards for a Stamp-a-Stack we had on Saturday. Today I’m showing you the four cards I made, I will show you her cards on Thursday.

I created these cards to showcase retiring stamp sets and use up some of my paper hoard. The first three cards were inspired by Kristie Marcotte (not the Kristie I run classes with) and were based on Freshly Made Sketch 625, CardzTV Sketch 2, and OWH Sketch 218, respectively.

Embossing Folder Stamping

This month, I learned a new embossing technique where I used the embossing folder as a stamp but I don’t actually emboss the paper. Although I’ve previously inked the folder and then embossed it, this was a different approach. To try this technique, I needed a stack of paper, water, and a rag to experiment with different options. I think this design looks better with a repeating pattern, my attempts with the Countryside Blossoms embossing folder did not turn out as pretty.

There are a few ways to apply ink to your embossing folder. I started by using sponge daubers, but eventually, I switched to using my ink pads directly. While the sponge daubers allow you to use multiple colors, I found it easier to use just the stamp pad.

For the technique, I began by applying ink to the side of the embossing folder that has the Stampin’ Up! logo. Then, I sprayed the folder with water, placed my watercolor paper onto it, closed the folder, and used a brayer to apply even pressure. Please note that this technique does not involve actual embossing, but it can still yield beautiful results. If you decide to emboss, I think it would also be beautiful.

Kendra’s Card Challenge 14

I really marvel at Kendra’s Card Challenges because she uses such unique layouts that inspire me. However, I tend to make quite a mess on my craft table with all the supplies I pull out to make them.

I created all of these cards using Kendra’s Card Challenge 14. Although I followed the instructions for most of the cards, for some of them, I swapped out the recommended paper because the color combinations didn’t look good together. There were a few combinations that I didn’t like, but I still decided to keep them.

April 2024 Sheetload of Cards

I just wanted to share something with you! I’m a big fan of sketches and making multiple cards at once. So, I pulled out the April 2024 Sheetload of Cards and made many cards using it. The first two cards I made following the directions, but I realized the patterns were too bold for my liking. So, I modified the rest of the cards using a 3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ mat and added a piece of 1″ wide white cardstock to tone down the patterns. I drew where I needed to cut the piece using a pencil and ruler and then stamped my sentiment. It turned out pretty well!

I would like to say thank you to the woman who created the instructional videos on how to make sketch #4 for Kendra’s Card Challenge #14. Her use of temporary tape to hold some of the pieces in place was a brilliant idea that helped me tremendously with this card. If I had used this method before, I had sadly forgotten it. Thank you once again!

It’s so nice of you to be so nice

I was inspired by Sketch 644 from the “Try a Sketch on Tuesday” Challenge. I use the Happy Hedgehogs stamp set, coordinating punch, and the Inked Botanicals patterned paper for this project. I colored the tree using Calypso Coral and Old Olive Stampin’ Blends, then outlined it with the light Pool Party Stampin’ Blend. The hedgehog was colored using the Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends.

Thank You For Everything

I made a card based on Sketch 571 for the Atlantic Hearts Challenge and decided to focus on the retiring 2022-2024 In Colors. For the card, I cut each of the five colors into 1/2″ x 4″ strips and attached them to a 4″ x 5 1/4″ piece of Basic White cardstock. I then used the Timeworn Type 3D embossing folder to add texture. Although I’ll miss using that embossing folder for blog posts, it will remain in my craft room. To be honest, I didn’t use these colors very much. They were too bright for me, and I never really warmed up to them.

Robot Buddies Extra Cards

During the Sale-a-Bration event in February, Stampin’ Up! released some new options to choose from. I had been considering purchasing the Robot Buddies Kids Card Kit for a while, so I decided to get it as my free item. The stamp set that came with the kit was perfect for creating cute cards for the Missing Grace Foundation. I finally opened the kit and made the cards. I discovered that two of the designs included card bases with full patterns, so I cut them in half to get some extra cards. I used those extra card base pieces as patterned paper to make more cards along with the stamp set and the extra stickers. I even have stickers left to make more cards,

You’re in my thoughts

Kristie was sick for our card class on Saturday so I whipped up another card the day before. It was inspired by Freshly Made Sketches #628.

I made a beautiful card that showcases the stunning Forever Love patterned paper. The design is simple and elegant with very little stamping. Firstly, I used a 2 3/4″ x 4″ piece of the Forever Love patterned paper and layered it on a piece of Blackberry Bliss cardstock that is 1/8″ larger, which created a thin border. Next, I attached the layered papers to a Crumb Cake card base using dimensionals to add a bit of depth to the card. I then die cut a 2″ stitched circle from Pretty Peacock cardstock and added it to the lower left side. For the sentiment, I stamped it using Early Espresso ink and die-cut it with a die from the Something Fancy dies. Lastly, I added some iridescent rhinestones to give the card a touch of sparkle and shine, which makes it perfect for any occasion.

Back-Fold Card

This month, for my Cookies & Cards class, we created a Back-Fold Card. This was my first time designing one after seeing Rachel Tessman make one.

Stamp flowers and leaves from the Textured Floral stamp set on Very Vanilla Thick cardstock with Moody Mauve, Bubble Bath, and Lost Lagoon stamp pads. Cut them out using the corresponding dies. Stamp the sentiment on Very Vanilla Thick cardstock using Pretty Peacock ink and die-cut with the stitched circle die.

To create the card base, cut Lost Lagoon cardstock to 5 1/2″ x 7 1/4″ and score at 3″ & 6″. Adhere Forever Love 2 3/4″ x 5 1/4″ patterned paper to the small front panel. Attach 1″ x 5 1/4″ piece between the scored line and edge of the back panel. For inside, attach a 2 3/4″ x 5 1/4″ piece of basic white cardstock.

On the front, use Stampin’ Dimensionals to attach the sentiment circle to the lower right side of the card. Die cut Lost Lagoon cardstock using a stitched circle die. Glue leaves to the back of the large flower and use Stampin’ Dimensionals to attach them to the Lost Lagoon circle with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Use Tear & Tape to attach the circle to the 1″ side panel on the back of the card, it should just tuck under the sentiment circle to hold the card closed. Tuck small flowers behind the large flower and add gold pearls.