"TREE" mendous Card Techniques class

 These three cards showcase trees using 3 techniques I will be teaching in this weekend's class.

The silhouette card to the left features the Double Embossing technique. Stamp sets used are Scenic Season and Welcome Christmas.

The shimmer and shine are even more dramatic on the actual card.

Our second card features the the Pie Wedge/Fan Fold technique.  What a cute tree to pop on the front of your card or tag!  The sentiment is from the Welcome Christmas set.  Don't you love the bit of bling those Rhinestone Jewels add?

I am sure you noticed the dramatic effect of the Whisper White card stock the focal image is mounted on.  Credit that to our new Snowburst embossing folder.

Our 3rd card highlights a currently popular variation of the Tea Bag Folding technique.  It gives quite a dramatic flair to our otherwise simple card.


Thank you for stopping by my blog. 
Hope your weekend is tree-mendous!

TRISH

Punch Penguin Treat card

Winter is a-coming!  And time to think of little treats to bring pleasure to those we love.  This little cutie is sure to warm the heart of anyone who receives it.  Made mostly with a Top Note die cute and punched pieces, it goes together in a snap.

Start with a 4" x 11" piece of Basic Black card stock, scored at 3/4", 6", 6-1/4".  The Simply Scored tool makes scoring a snap.   Stamp the little flap at the bottom and the large flap with a small snowflake using Whisper White craft ink. The image here  is from the Delightful Decorations.  If you wish also stamp a message on the inside.

Penguin details are created using Basic Black and Pumpkin Pie card stock and 3/4" Circle, Curly Label and Lg Oval punches.  I used the retired Small Oval punch to create the beak, but you could also use a 1" Square or the 3/4" x 15/16 Oval punch to fashion one of a somewhat different shape.  Use Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon to form the perky little bow and attach with a Mini Glue Dot.

When assembling, make sure the feet extend a little below the bottom edge of the upper flap.  They will help keep the card closed.  To finish, slip in a packet of your favorite treat.   Here we used gold fish honey graham cookies, but a packet of hot chocolate would be delightful as well.  Fold up the bottom flap of the card over the sealed edge of the treats packet, and staple in place.

Looks lovely and inviting when slipped into a clear envelope.  I plan to make these for my grandchildren and tuck a gift card inside as well.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. 

Warmly yours,

Trish

A Great Little Pick Up

Hi Stampers!
Two months is entirely too long to go without posting.  It has been a busy time - subbing more than usual, a visit from out of town relatives, creating new projects for classes, the Stamping retreat, scrap booking, (I am so very far behind, and the usual cooking and cleaning.
If I can get the pictures loaded and edited, I have lots to share with you over the next few weeks.

Isn't this card just the cutest?  What guy wouldn't be glad to receive this truck load of well wishes.
The top note die cut piece is folded in half and held in place with brads,  which mimic the hubcaps on the truck. The photo doesn't show it well, but the truck panel is layered on with stampin' dimensionals to give it a little boost.

Slip open the top note panel to reveal the clever message:
  "thought you could use a little pick up"  (love it!)

There's also a built-in pocket*, perfect for a gift card, or a special little note.  Clever, no?

To create this card you will need the following Stampin' Up! supplies:
CARD STOCK:  Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Whisper
PAPER:  Pumpkin Pie designer series paper (retired, name unknown, from my stash)
STAMPS:  Loads of Love
INKS:  Basic Black, Basic Gray, Pumpkin Pie,  So Saffron classic stampin' pads
ACCESSORIES:  Star brads (retired); Word Window, 1/2" Circle punches; Sticky Strip, Snail., stampin' dimensionals
TOOLS:  Top Note die; Big Shot & cutting mats; bone folder; cutting board, paper snips; stampin' sponges


*To create the gift card pocket:  Start with  a 5"X 11" piece of So Saffron cardstock.  Score at 4.25", 5.5", 6.75".  Mountain-Valley-Mountain fold to create an "M".  Secure the upper edge together using Sticky Strip.  Using the Word Window, punch out a pocket opening across the folded edge of the "tongue" of the "M"; punch across that edge as many times as you need to to create an opening wide enough to hold the gift card. Fold back together and  run through Big Shot using the Top Note die, with the open ends of the card stock aligned with the shorter edge of the die.

Until the next time,  Stampers, keep on truckin'
Trish

PS  My husband Lou is doing very well; at his follow up with the endocrinologist, she said that they think they got all the cancer out cleanly and chemo was indicated at that time.  He will be having more follow up testing and consultation in mid-December.  We are so grateful to the Lord.

Let's Talk Turkey

"There's always something for which to be thankful." - that's the message inside this cute little 3 x 3 card, featuring Stampin' Up!'s circle treat cup.  Sponging the feathers and feet gives them added dimension, don't you think?

Wouldn't these be a fun treat for your Thanksgiving dinner guests?

To make this card, you will need:
Paper:  Old Olive, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight, Real Red card stock
Color: Early Espresso classic stamp pad (inside message), Basic Black stampin' write marker
Message:  Always Thankful (2011 Holiday mini catalog)
Cool Tools:  1.25, 1.75", and 2.5" Circle; 1.75" Scallop Circle; Large Oval; Small Heart punches
Etc.:  Circle Treat Cup, Stampin' Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL adhesive, paper   
         snips
Non- SU!:  wiggly eyes, special treat of your choice (here M&M's)

Not sure how to get it together?  Call me and we will arrange a class.  Invite your friends and we can make it a party?

Thankfully yours,
Trish

Flutter by Butterfly

Flutter by Butterfly

Hi Stampers!

I love to watch butterflies as they flutter about my wildflower garden.  They always bring a smile to my face and they dance on the wind and kiss each blossom.  Below is one of the cards my Cheaper Than Therapy club ladies will be making this evening. I really like its clean and simple design (CAS).  It's a CASE of one I saw a while back on Facebook but have lost track of the originator's name.  If I locate the name, I will repost at a later date so she gets the credit she deserves.

Though it may be hard to see in this picture, each butterfly was cut and embossed using Stampin' Up!'s esclusive Beautiful Wings embosslit, adding great dimension and texture.  The bottom edge was hand-torn to create the imagery of a horizon.  Rhinestone Jewels add just the right touch of sparkle. Inside a panel of Pool Party, with a butterfly stamped in Versamark, provides a lovely writing area for adding a personal message.

Stamp set:  Flight of the Butterfly

Ink:  Basic Black, Versamark

Card stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Pool Party

Tools etc:  Beautiful Wings embosslit;  Rhinestone Jewels; Big Shot, standard cutting pads, platform; Stampin'    

                 Dimensionals (under largest butterfly)

Technique:  dry embossing, edge tearing

May your day be filled with goodness and light,

Thanks for stopping by,

Never - Ending Thanks

Never - Ending Thanks

Recently I have been making Never-ending Cards - lots of fun, a whole lot easier than it looks, and a great way to use up Designer Series Paper scraps from other projects. The card features 4 pages, each opening up to the next until it returns you to the first page. 

My Never-Ending Thanks card uses both current, clearance,  and retired Stampin' Up! products.

Here's page 1.  

 stamps:  Thank You Kindly (ret.)
               Trendy Trees (I love this 2-step stamp set!)


This page opens from the middle 
to reveal........

a cute little owl and more on p.2
 stamps: Forest Friends (ret.)
               God's Blessings
 

Lift from the middle to find....

p.  3 and a sweet little tree

 stamps: Forest Friends (ret.)
              Picture This (ret.)


Swing back the sides
to get to . . .

p. 4, with plenty of room for a personal handwritten message.  


Flip up from the middle lands you back on p. 1.

stamp: Herb Expressions










Used throughout the card:
CS:  Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
DSP: Autumn Traditions (clearance rack)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke

Hope you enjoyed seeing my never-ending card.  It might seem a little fall-ish; but to me, giving thanks is always in season.

With thanks to you for visiting my blog,
Trish

Lucas' Thank You Card

Our 10 year old grandson Lucas loves stamping and making his own cards.  Tomorrow is his last day of swim lessons.  He made this card for his instructor, Jake.

Pretty nifty.  Who says stamping is just for girls?

To make his card, Lucas used:

CS:  Whisper White, Real Red, Old Olive, Pacific Point and Tangerine Tango

Paper:  Celebrations designer series paper (retires June 30)

Ink:  Real Red, Old Olive, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango classic stampin' pads

Stamps:  Little Layers II (retired), Curly Cute

Tools: 1-3/8" circle punch

Not Stampin' Up!:  1-1/2" circle punch.

Swimmingly yours,

Trish & Lucas

Graduation Card

Hi Stampers!

Today's card is just so basic yet has such a WOW! factor.
Though I used a stamp set from the 2010 Occasions Mini catalog, the layout is easily adaptable. Personalize each card by changing it up to match your grad's school colors.

Even the flower is easy to make:  simply distress 4 punched flowers by crumpling each in your hand, smoothing out, then crumpling again multiple times until each flower is soft.  Stack them up; poke a hole in the middle; secure layers together using a brad.


Supplies for this card
stamps
Happy Grad (retired)

cardstock
Night of Navy, Real Red,Whisper White

ink 
Night of Navy and Real Red stampin' write markers

accessories
Night of Navy 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Regals brad; mini glue dots

tools
Fancy Flower Extra Large Punch, Mat Pack,  Paper-Piercing Tool, Square Lattice embossing folder, Big Shot

Thanks for stopping by.  Until the next time, happy stamping!
Trish

Hi Stampers!

I don't live anywhere near water, but sailboats have such an appeal for me.  This new stamp in the Summer Mini Catalog has quickly become my new favorite. This card is CAS (clean and simple).  To make it, you will need:

Stamps:  Sail Away
Paper:  Whisper White. Marina Mist card stock
Accessories:  Watercolor Wonder (watercolor crayons), Aqua painters, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, SNAIL adhesive, Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool

Stampingly yours, Trish

Funky Fold card

My grandson Kevin is an avid soccer player.  In celebration of his birthday soon, I made him this Funky Fold card.

Here's how I did it:

Cut Bashful Blue 4-1/4" x 11".  Cut and score following template provided below.

Cut Whisper White card stock to fit each panel:
7/8" x 4-3/8" (cut 2);
7/8" x 4-3/8";
2"x 4-1/2"
Then decorate using stamps and inks according to your theme. Here I used Bashful Blue classic ink pad and the Whimsy Jumbo wheel; Night of Navy and Basic Black classic ink pads and the Just Soccer and Sporting stamp sets (both retired); Stars #2 die and the Big Shot; Night of Navy, Basic Black and more Whisper White card stock to create the embellishments.

It was a lot of fun to create, and not all that hard.

Thanks for stopping by.
Creatively yours,
Trish

Red Hat Invite

Recently a friend ask me to make invitations for her to send out for a Red Hat event she will soon be hosting. 

Card base:  Real Red card stock, cut to 5-1/2 X 8-1/2, scored at 4-1/4, front embossed using Petals Aplenty embossing folder and Big Shot.

1st layer: Lovely Lilac textured card stock (retired) die cut using Top Note die and Big Shot.

2nd layer: Certainly Celery card stock, cut to 2-1/2 X 5-1/2


Top layer: Whisper White, cut to  2-1/4 X 5-1/2, edge textured using Paper Piercer and Mat Pack. Hat image from Garden from the Heart set (retired) and sentiment from Sincere Salutations were stamped using Stazon Jet Black ink.  Hat was watercolored using Real Red, Lovely Lilac (retired) and Green Galore (retired) stampin' write markers, water color crayons, and blender pens.

The invitation details were printed onto Whisper White card stock from my computer and adhered to the inside.

My friend was delighted with the results.

Thanks for visiting.  And until the next time, happy stamping!
Trish

Hello Friend

Hi Stampers!

It is no secret that I am really challenged when it comes to understanding and using all things digital.  Despite the fact that everyone I consult says that it is SO easy, frustration is usually the emotion I feel when attempting to do anything on my computer.
So the thought of digitally creating a card quite frankly was not an appealing one.

However, last night I decided it was time to take a deep breath, plunge in and give it a try.  The image to the left is the product of my first attempt using My Digital Studio.  Not too shabby.

While I still prefer traditional stamping, I think I may start to like this a lot.  May next time I will try a scrap book page.  Until the next time, Happy Stampin'!
Trish

Spring is here and I am so looking forward to the return of the butterflies.  While waiting, I can make my own lovelies.

This one was made using my Big Shot and Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Beautiful Butterflies die.  The Whisper White card face is trimmed using our Framed Tulips embossing folder and the Big Shot (what did I every do before I got mine?!?) The background stamp (used also on the foremost butterfly is from the Bliss stamp set (Sale-A_Bration 2011 - now retired) using Tangerine Tango classic ink. A Rhinestone Jewel gives it just the right touch of bling.

Below is the inside of the card.  Stamps used were from the Bliss and Messages For Mom sets.  Corners were trimmed out using the Scallop Trim Corner punch.  Thanks for looking.  Until the next time, Happy Stampin'!

Trish

Cute as a Cupcake

Hi Stampers,

Is this little chick simply too cute?!!!

It was made for me by my delightful and talented downline and friend Amy for my birthday.

Amazing the fun things one can do with a Big Shot and Stampin' Up! exclusive Top Note die, some cardstock, punches, and ink.  Wouldn't these bring squeals of delight when discovered tucked into an Easter basket next month?

Thanks for stopping by.  

Until the next time, HAPPY STAMPING!

http://www.facebook.com/stampwithtrish

Faux Silk Technique

Hi Stampers!  Today we are going to take a look at a great technique called Faux Silk. The card shown was featured in Stampin' Success, a monthly magazine for Stampin' Up! demonstrators. 

My club members made one last night and everyone loved, loved, loved the technique (it is so easy to do!)as well as the look and feel of the card  So let's get started.

You will need:  light colored cardstock, stamp, ink, glue stick (our Anywhere Glue Stick is the best!), white tissue paper cut somewhat larger than the cardstock, scissors

 

1. Ink up the image and stamp onto card stock.  Allow a few minutes for ink to set and dry.

2.Gently crinkle a piece of tissue paper and then flatten it back out.

3.Cover your image and card stock with adhesive -be sure to give it a good coat all over including the edges.

4. Adhere the tissue paper to your card stock, patting down it down all over to keep it wrinkly.   Trim away the excess tissue paper.

                                                                

For a bolder look, stamp your image onto the tissue paper.  Then follow steps 2-5.

Try it out on your own card and let me know what you think of the technique.

Until the next time,  HAPPY STAMPING!

Trish

Many Marvelous Markers

Q: I've heard that the Stampin' Write Markers are great to have, but I'm not sure what to do with them. Any ideas?

A: Well, you've heard right! The Stampin' Write markers are a great value and hugely versatile. Read on to learn more about the markers, techniques, and more!

What are Stampin' Write Markers?
These are not your kids' markers! Stampin' Write Markers are high-quality, artist-grade markers that are specially designed to coordinate with the Stampin' Up! exclusive colors. They should probably come with a warning label, because they are so fun and versatile they can become addictive! For new stampers, Stampin' Write Markers are a great way to get a lot of colors without having to purchase all the ink pads right away. The Stampin' Write Markers are water-based dye ink, acid-free and odorless. Each marker is dual tipped. The .5mm tip is perfect for coloring detailed images and journaling, while the other tip is a flexible brush, great for coloring and a variety of techniques. Colored caps with finger grips make it easy to identify the color you want and to remove the caps.

Stampin' Write Marker Options
Stampin' Write Markers can be purchased individually, as Color Collections, or as a full set. It's nice to have the option to purchase them individually in order to get a favorite color, but you'll save money and have more options by purchasing a Color Collection or the Many Marvelous Marker set. When purchasing Color Collections, there are six options: the New Color Kit (#120948) featuring the 13 new colors introduced in the 2010-2011 Idea Book, the In Color Collection (#119801) featuring the 5 In Colors available in the 2010-2011 Idea Book, the Subtles (#119700), the Regals (#119701), and the Brights (#119702) Collections each with 10 markers, and the Neutrals Collection (#119703) with 8 markers since Whisper White and Very Vanilla are not available as markers. Each of these Collections come in a simple plastic case for storing the markers. The easiest option, and very best value, is the Many Marvelous Markers set (#119806). This set includes the 38 markers from the Subtles, Regals, Brights, and Neutrals Collections in a sturdy plastic case with a handle, and has individual compartments for each marker. The handy case keeps markers stored on their sides and easy to access. Plus, there is room in the case to add two In Color Collection sets, so all of your markers can be stored together for easy organization and access. And when you purchase the Many Marvelous Markers set during Sale-a-Bration, you'll qualify for two Sale-a-Bration rewards, so now is a great time to splurge on these essentials!

Versatility
Stampin' Write Markers are one of the most versatile products in the catalog. You can use them for journaling on your scrapbook pages, writing in your cards, coloring stamped images, as well as coloring directly onto stamps and then stamping. They are also used for a huge variety of techniques like watercoloring, thumping, Joseph's Coat, omitting, Color Spritzer, and many, many more! I'm happy to show you any of these techniques at a workshop or a class. If you don't have a lot ink pads, Stampin' Write Markers are an affordable way to get a lot of the ink colors.

Care & Value
You'll love your Stampin' Write Markers so much that you'll want to give them a bit of TLC. For best results, store markers laying on their sides to keep the ink evenly distributed between both tips. While kids can't do much damage to ink pads, you'll want to keep your high-quality markers for your personal use and let the kids stick to markers designed for them.  If one does get damaged or used on every project because it's your very favorite color, it's great that you have the option to replace an individual marker for a low price and not have to do without or purchase a whole new set!

Summary
Stampin' Write Markers are fun and versatile, and they are one of the first things I recommend to new stampers as well as to stampers who like learning stamping techniques. With so many color choices that coordinate with Stampin' Up! products, you'll love what you can create. I bet you're ready to dive into the world of markers, so take advantage of Sale-a-Bration and earn two exclusive stamp sets or other rewards when you purchase the Many Marvelous Markers set during Sale-a-Bration! Contact me to order and for even more ways to use your Stampin' Write Markers.

Benson Spring Boutique

Hi Stampers!
Thanks for stopping by my spot.  Earlier today my downline Amy and I had our first experience as craft fair vendors at the Benson Spring Boutique, an annual event which benefits the instrumental music program at Benson High School.  Spring craft fairs are generally smaller and not as well attended as the ones held in the Fall, but it was a good opportunity for newbies to get their feet wet. (As a side note, after being on our feet for just under 9 hours, they are definitely ready for a good soak and a night of pampering!)

We offered one novelty item for sale:  soda can pins, die cut on the Big Shot using our Daisies #2 die, layered together with a Neutrals Jumbo Brad to hold everything in place. (If you would like to learn how to make these, be sure to contact me.)

The pins are eye-catching and definite conversation starters, which helped us meet our main goal of meeting new people and sharing with them our love of paper crafting and the wonderful products to be found through Stampin' Up!  Mission accomplished!  Until the next time,

Happy Stamping!
Trish

Love Your Big Shot class

Video time

 A message from Shelli Gardner, co-founder and CEO of Stampin' Up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tGKQ1OVHow

Happy Valentine's Day

Hi Stampers!  Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

Love is in the air...  Happy Valentine's Day to all my creative friends.

We have thawed out here in Omaha -- in fact yesterday we were lavished with a warm 62*, with many more similar days in the forecast.  Most unusual for us in the Heartland this time of year, and so especially treasured.

Hope your day is especially lovely.

Until the next time, HAPPY STAMPING!

Trish

Hearts Galore

Hi Stampers!
Thanks for stopping by today. Most of the Midwest and beyond is under weather alerts due to the Arctic front bearing down on us. A great day for staying inside, drinking hot cocoa and....... stamping!

Today's card is great for using up random pieces of scraps left over from other project. So gather your favorite tools, stamps, scraps, and let's play.

All the hearts are punched out using Stampin' Up's Full Heart punch. Each heart is features a different color and one other element: embossing, stamped image, sponging, paper piercing. tagged, and unadorned. For the tag, first I stamped "hello" from Tiny Tags set, then used the Jewelry Tag medium punch, popping a little hole using a paper piercer. It is hung using Linen Thread.

Hearts are layered onto the card front (I used Whisper White) in a random arrangement, adhered with Snail. The green one in the center is popped up with a dimensional. The brown one is surrounded by paper piercing (you will want to do this BEFORE adhering the card front to the base)

The card front is outlined in inked dashes using a ruler and a Stampin' Write marker, then adhered to the card base of your choice.

Have fun playing today, and keep warm and safe.

Happy Stamping!

Trish

Love is in the Air!

   
                                                             Hi Stampers!  Thanks for stopping by.

Today's is a sweet quick and easy card -- perfect for Valentine's Day but one that can be adapted to all sorts of occasions.

You will need:
Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White cardstock
Well Scripted and EnFrancais stamp sets
Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink classic ink pads
Scalloped Heart embosslit
Small Heart punch
Pretty in Pink 1/4" grosgrain ribbon - 5.75"
Big Shot, cutting pads, platform
Snail adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

1. Cut card base 8.5"x 5.5" from Regal Rose; score at 4.25"
2. Cut card front 4"x5.25" from Whisper White
3. Using Big Shot and embosslit, cut 2 hearts from Regal Rose and Pretty in Pink scraps.  Also punch 2 small hearts from scraps.
4. Stamp card front with Pretty in Pink ink using En Francais stamp.  In lower right hand corner using Regal Rose ink, stamp sentiment.
    5. Adhere ribbon to card front, then card front to card base.  Adhere small hearts to scalloped hearts, then scalloped hearts to card front, using dimensionals to pop up top heart.

All done!

Until the next time, HAPPY STAMPING1

Valentine goodies

I am so excited about my class coming up this weekend!  Each of the 3 projects is "fillable" and will surely please that someone special. 

Seating is limited so be sure to register by emailing or calling me.

Friday January 28, 7:00-9:30 pm

Saturday January 29, 1:00-3:30 pm

Class fee:  $10.00, with you supplying the adhesive

Because I Care

Every day is a good day to tell someone you care.
This card features the Because I Care stamp set. I just love the hydrangea!
Perfect Plum and Garden Green dye inks were painted onto the the stamped and embossed image. The card base was embossed using my Big Shot and Friend texture plate #4, then brayered with Perfect Plum. Top Note and tag were sponged with Perfect Plum. Sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.

All images and supplies are from Stampin' UP!

Thanks for visiting today. May all your stamping be happy!

Trish

New Year's resolutions

Hi Stampers!  Thanks for stopping by today. It's hard to imagine that January is half over.  So much has happened since I last posted.  Crafting classes and stamping club have filled many of my days and evenings.  I have just recently decided to buckle down and all the pictures we have accumulated over the years.  This past summer I started Scouting scrap books for 3 of my grandsons.  I loved every minute of it, but upon returning home from Houston, it seemed there never was enough time.

Today I worked on a scrap book of my husband's military career -- and completed 4 pages plus a cover and page of a book of favorite recipes before being called away.  Not a monumental thing, but every journey begins with the first step and is completed one step at a time.  Have succeeded in this small step encourages me to pick up the project again soon.

No pictures today, but soon I hope.

Until the next time, HAPPY STAMPING and grace to you.
Trish