Tag: create

Crafty Thursday #19: Shadow Box Cards

Hello, hello!

There are so many…SO MANY!…wonderful card creators out there online, and so many with You Tube channels. I mentioned a few in my last post about using card sketches, and my terrific team leader Lorraine just had a card featured as the inspiration for the August 2024 Oh So Inspired Hop which is hosted by (Call Me) Crafty Al. You can find so many great ideas to CASE (Copy And Selectively Edit or Copy And Share Everywhere). My Shadow Box Cards are inspired by Juli Baca of Sunny Day Stamping.

All stamped images and paper patterns copyright of Stampin’ Up!

I made the Peach Pie one first, and since I am woefully bad at making boxes, it took me a bit of time to get my score lines all properly aligned (which has absolutely nothing to do with Juli’s excellent instruction sheet). I’ll list all products used at the end of the post. Die cutting the circles was a breeze, the square needed to be a tad more centered, and turning it to create the diamond, well, I should have gone down one size. But, card making is a creative process, and there are no accidents, just happy discoveries! I used Tear Tape to secure the edge of the box, as I wanted a good hold. If you use the Tear Tape, be sure to align it well before you press it. You write your message on the back of the card, and it’s probably a good idea to write your message before you attach the back. Again, crafting is an adventure, lol.

I made the Summer Splash one next, and I did much better with the scoring and folding alignment. I feel that this is a great card to make using the Simply Score Board. I used my Trimmer, which has both a cutting and scoring blade. Ah, the shopping list certainly is never ending. 😉

I went back to the circle die cut, and I have been waiting for an opportunity to use this particular designer series paper. This shadow box technique was perfect! I love the soft colors and it makes an elegant card. Crooked was kind of my thing for the day, hahaha! And, I will say right here that I am not usually a fan of wasting expensive designer paper on an envelope, but these cards seemed to override me.

The last one is where I tried out the diamond shape. I will give it another go with the smaller die, because, who doesn’t love a diamond? These are also colors that I don’t often gravitate to, and I really liked the effect of the coordinating colors! On this card front I stamped with Versa Mark ink to get that tone-on-tone look, and I thought the punched image showing some of the paper on the back was a fun touch. I also got a bit creative and used the scrap that was left from the envelope flap to decorate the front of the envelope.

All in all, I had a fun afternoon creating these shadow box cards. They fit in an US A2 size envelope (4 1/4 in. x 5 1/2 in.), and I would suggest using the non-machinable stamps. They are a bit more expensive at $1.19 each, but your card will arrive in good condition.

I hope you enjoyed seeing these Shadow Box Card creations! Thanks for stopping by! I’m hoping to get back to You Tube in September, so keep an eye out!

God Bless,
Barb

Barbara Haropolous, Independent US Stampin’ Up Demonstrator

PRODUCT LIST:
Card Stock: Cajun Craze, Summer Splash, Peach Pie, Lost Lagoon, Basic White

Stamp Sets: Thoughtful Wishes stamp and die bundle, Labeled With Love stamp and bunch bundle

Die set: Stylish Shapes, includes circles, squares and banners used

Ink: Lost Lagoon, Peach Pie, Copper Clay, Gina K Designs Onyx Black (see my blog post comparing black ink pads), Versa Mark

Stampin’ Blends Markers: Peach Pie, Shy Shamrock, Summer Splash

Designer Series Papers: Frames and Flowers Specialty 12 in x 12 in Designer Series Paper, Unbounded Beauty 12 in x 12 in Designer Series Paper

White Envelopes, A2 size from envelopes.com

Other Tools: Stamp Blocks Clear Bundle, Paper Trimmer, Tear Tape Adhesive, Tombow Tape Runner, Art Glitter Glue

Crafty Thursday #18: Card Sketches

Hello everyone! Good to be back to the blog!

I’d like to share about card sketches today. Why? Because, this seems to have exploded online in the last month! Call them what you will (patterns, designs, templates, recipes) but this seems to be the latest buzz in the card making realm. In fact, the new 2024-2025 Stampin Up! catalog has 20 card sketches throughout the pages, and all of them are showcased along the bottom of page 22. Drop me a comment if you’d like a paper catalog, or see the right sidebar for a digital version.

What is a card sketch? It’s simply the pattern you will use to create a card. You can find them on Pinterest (look for me while you’re there!), on You Tube, the sources are endless! My wonderful Team Leader, Lorriane Cich has some great videos using her simple and elegant sketches; check her latest on using Designer Series Paper squares. I have printed numerous instruction sheets from many of the people I watch, and I have Julie Bolhuis’s book with 54 fun fold templates.

Essentially, you follow the directions! It’s like following a sewing pattern or a cake recipe. Gather your ingredients, measure them, and add them in the correct order. A sketch typically doesn’t have directions to go with it, so it’s a “use your imagination” type recipe rather than specific ingredients. You don’t have to use a specific color card stock or the exact circle die. You can pick and choose from among your stash of great supplies! Is it fun to get “all the things”? Of course it is! But, the point of using a sketch, with no specific products attached to it, is for you to use the products and supplies you already have. I bet many of you have an entire shelf of stamp sets, card stocks and ink pads. Dig in and find ones that you haven’t used in a while, and CASE a sketch! (Copy And Selectively Edit)

To show you just how simple this can be, I will share what I am working on creating to keep my card ideas and ones I’ve made. It’s simple dot grid notebook paper that I printed from Printable Paper. I like the dot grid because I can make nice, straight lines or other shapes and get them pretty good on scale. I’m sure there’s a way to do this digitally as well, but I just like the feel of plain old pencils and paper. 🙂

I used the left side to sketch out the card base. To the right, I have a place for the date, who I CASE’d it from or is it my own idea, the dimensions, card stock and Designer Series Paper used, stamp set and any other pertinent info. I did realize after I copied my template and punched it for my disc binder, that I forgot to make a spot for inks used! *facepalm* But, there’s plenty of room on the back of the sketch for other comments and instructions, so…yeah, let’s go with that! Then you simply sketch out your design pattern.

In my example, I’m using my team leader Lorraine’s latest team challenge. It featured an A2 size card (5.5 in x 4.25 in), an embossed layer, 3 rectangles and a sentiment strip.

I created 2 cards using this sketch; a vertical Christmas card and a horizontal anniversary card for my hubby (we celebrated 41 years on Tuesday!) I used the ideas and modified to my supplies and needs. I added a bit of bling to them as well, but this is a simple and easy pattern to follow without any extras. On the Christmas card, I only used two of the three rectangles. Another modification that is easy to make once you have the basic idea. I have the template tucked into the back of my binder so I can print more when needed. And, don’t forget: no naked envelopes! 😉

There are several sources for free PDF’s to keep a card sketch list. Search on Pinterest or Google for “card making supply list.” You can also purchase a Creative Companion, which is a collab between Trinity Stamps and Mary Gunn of Craft Roulette. I highly recommend you watch an episode or 6 of Craft Roulette. It’s fun and informative and you’ll have more card ideas than you can make!

I hope this has helped you in your card making and crafting endeavors! Do you keep a sketch/pattern book of your creations? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for popping in! See you next time, and blessings to you!

Barb

Barbara Haropolous, Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, USA

Product Comparison: Black Ink Pads

Hi crafty friends!

Today, I am going to compare two black ink pads.

*Anything written in this post from here on out is my express opinion and nothing more. No one offered me compensation in any way, shape or form. The only LINKS that are my affiliates: the Memento Tuxedo Black ink and the Unbounded Love stamp set.

Black ink is very important for any stamping. You need a crisp outline for coloring that won’t bleed, and you want very clear sentiments. I have used Stampin’ Up! brand inks, Distress Ink and Gina K Designs ink.

To be very honest, I’m disappointed that Stampin’ Up! Doesn’t offer black ink. I love their inks and their trademark pads. However, for black, they carry Memento Tuxedo Black, which is widely available in craft stores and online. I have never liked this ink as much as the Stampin’ Up! brand inks, and I find myself constantly having to reink it (good think I got the reinker!). I don’t know if that has anything to do with living in the Denver, CO area (super dry!) or not. Please comment if you think that’s a possibility!

Editing to add: I mainly use Stampin’ Up! Pebbled Path for my “black” outlines and sentiments. It’s a nice, deep gray and I like the look of it.

I’ve been intrigued lately by Gina K Design’s videos. She has her own line of inks, so I tossed caution to the wind and ordered her Onyx Black ink pad and a cool, round stamp block.

Here’s the side-by-side, which I took with my Samsung Galaxy S24, natural lighting:

Cases are both easy to open. As you can see, the cases are about the same size, but the Gina K ink pad surface is larger. It’s a full half inch loner and a quarter inch taller. The thickness is the same (about 1/4 inch).

I used a simple Happy Birthday sentiment from the Unbounded Love set, stamped on Stampin’ Up! Basic White card stock. The Memento Tuxedo Black needs a second stamping; the image just doesn’t have the oomph I want with a single stamp. I don’t always want to break out the stamp positioning tool for a simple sentiment and multiple stampings. The Gina K Black Onyx has a wonderful, deep black color with only one stamping. The image is clear and really stands out.

What I loved:

  • The ink is great! My outlines and sentiments are all crisp and clear, and all in one application
  • Cost: at $7.99 for the ink pad
  • Dries fast!
  • Can be used for all techniques
  • Refill available, $5.99

What I would like better:

  • If it had a foam pad
  • If the pad was a bit bigger, but it is bigger than the Memento
  • If it had a nifty all-in-one case

None of those “better” things, however, are deal breakers. I much prefer the Gina K Designs Black Onyx ink over the Memento Tuxedo Black. The Gina K will be my absolute go-to black in for the foreseeable future.

What is your favored black ink? Is there another one I should try out? let me know in the comment section!

Next product comparison: that groovy round stamp block 😉

Thanks for popping in, and, as always. blessings to you!
Barb

Barbara Haropolous, Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, USA

Stampin’ Up! June 2024 Promotion!

BIG NEWS!!!

💥 June 5 – 30, Stampin’ Up! is having a HUGE “Bundle” promotion! There are so many great bundles in the new catalog!

💥 Get an additional 10% discount on stamp and die bundles only. Not applicable on suites or stamp and punch bundles. Stamp and die bundles are normally 10% off, and in June you get even MORE off!

💥 Save 10% on BOTH the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine and the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (White or Boho Blue)!!! THIS is a great deal! The machine comes with all plates and is ready to go! You only need to attach the crank handle and you can die cut and emboss to your heart’s delight!

💥 The 10% discount will automatically apply. There’s no special codes needed for the promo! Please, though, do use my June Host Code, which will be available on June 1!

💥 Get your shopping list ready for June 5! Shop early, as products go FAST, FAST, FAST!

👉 Please note: Close To My Heart products are not included in this sale

#creating #createandblessothers #stampinopolous #stampinup #cards #cardmaking #papercrafts #salesalesale

Create With Me! 12×12 Sampler

Companion Video on Facebook and You Tube

Hello Friends! I’m so excited that my new blog/website is finally ready. I hope you enjoy looking around 🙂

Today, I went live (FINALLY!) on FB and YT with my sampler project. It was fun to recreate from the original video by Rachel Tessman (StampYourArtOut.com) that I saw a while back. She used the beautiful Perennial Lavender paper and elements, but I wanted to try it out with some fun spring colors. I opted for one of the Sale-A-Bration DSP’s, Sunny Days, and some bright colored card stock.

I also went a little crazy making several using some other fun DSP and embellishments; I made a Rock and Roll sampler, one for my amazing hubby with Trusty Toolbox DSP, another Sale-A-Bration offering, and a smaller sampler for Easter featuring the Easter Lilies stamp set. I also created one using the NEW 2024-2026 In Colors in the video! Pictures of all below and in the Gallery

Below is a list of general measurements and the products I used. The highlighted products are available in my online store. Don’t forget, the new catalog goes live on May 1, and many of the products featured in this post may be retiring. Stampin’ Up! has it’s big sale going on now through April 30, so you may be able to grab some sweet deals, some products are as much as 60% off! Retiring products are available as supplies last, so my advice is, go shop quickly! To the best of my knowledge, as of this posting, all highlighted products are available.

If you shop and your order is under $150, before tax and shipping, please use my host code, linked on the sidebar. If you’re over that amount, you will receive your own Stampin’ Rewards!

Have a fantastic weekend! Bless someone with a hand made card this week!
Barbara

  • Basic White Cardstock
    • 12” x 12”
    • 1” x 4” sentiment strip
    • 2-5/8” x 2-5/8”
    • Scraps for hearts & leaves
  • Colored Cardstock of choice
    • (7) 3” x 3” , 2 of which are dry embossed
    • 3” x 6-1/4”
  • Designer Series Paper of choice
    • (4) 2-3/4” x 2-3/4”
    • 2-3/4” x 6 for lower right
    • 2-1/2” x 2-1/2”
    • Scraps for leaves
  • Ribbon
    • (2) 3-1/2″

I used:

Fun Patterns Embossing Folder, set of 2 (available May 1)

Nested Essentials dies

Card Stock, various colors

Layers of Beauty Bundle (stamps, dies, masks, available May 1)

Bee Builder punch

Perennial Postage stamp set

Rock and Roll 12×12 Designer Series Paper

Rock and Roll stamp set and dies, linked above in post

Poetic Expressions 12×12 Designer Series Paper (Easter sampler)

Paper Trimmer

Saturday Afternoon Crafting #1

Hello Crafty Crew! 

So sorry about my Thursday post…I’m having a hard time getting a short video made for the heat embossing technique to add to my post. I will get to it, I promise!
In the mean time, I had a nice afternoon working on some cards to share with you. The original design is from my great team leader, Stamp With Lorraine’s You Tube page. 
All products used are linked under the pictures.
 
Smoky Slate card base, 8 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in., score @ 4 1/4 in
Crumb Cake embossed strip, 1 in x 4 in, sentiment strip approx 1/4 in x 3 in
Early Espresso Ink Pad (used on all 3 cards)
Nature’s Sweetness 12 in x 12 in Designer Series Paper, 3 in x 5 1/2 in
Floral image cut from Nature’s Sweetness DSP
Softly Said stamp set (used on all 3 cards)
Basics 3D Embossing Folders, set of 3 (used on all 3 cards)
Blooming Pearls embellishments
Smoky Slate and Crumb Cake Card Stock available in Neutrals Card Stock Pack
(used on all 3 cards)
Crumb Cake card base, 8 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in, scored @ 4 1/4 in and embosssed strip, 1 in x 4 in
Hello Irresistible 6 in x 6 in Designer Series Paper, 3 in x 5 1/2 in and a small coordinating piece, 2 in x 2 1/2 in
Flowers cut from Hello Irresistible DSP
 Paper Pumpkin Leaf Die 
Blooming Pearls embellishment
Crumb Cake card base, 8 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in, scored @ 4 1/4 in, embossed strip 1 in x 4 in
Trusty Toolbox Designer Series Paper. a Sale-A-Bration $50 level reward choice
Hexagon embellishments, retired

I also made 2 slim line cards, which I think will be the subject of another post 😉 Here’s a shot of all of them together


   

It’s the final few weeks (through Feb 29) of Sale-A-Bration, and Stampin’ Up! added some other fun rewards! If you have a wish list of $50 in product, you qualify for some great choices! If you have a wish list of $100 or more, you have even MORE choices! If you decide to shop, please use my February Host Code*, below 🠟

I appreciate you coming by, reading, commenting, etc. Don’t forget to follow this blog and my other social media, all under Stampinopolous. 
Thanks!
Blessings,
Barb 
FEBRUARY 2024 HOST CODE: YH7YXNSK

*What is a Host Code?
A Host Code is how the “host” of the stamp class/demonstration earns products from purchases. When you shop for products I am demonstrating, I act as the host. By using the Host Code (you add it as you order) you help me earn products.
YOU can earn products, too, if you’d like to host a demonstration! YES, you can do a virtual demonstration! Message me for details!
If your order is $150 in product, you don’t add the host code, as you will earn your own Stampin’ Rewards!
Stampin’ Up! LOVES their customers and their demonstrators…and who doesn’t love free stuff! 😉

Crafty Thursday #13: Dry Embossing

*FEBRUARY 2024 HOST CODE: YH7YXNSK

Hello Crafty Crew!

There are a few ways to achieve texture on your cards. Adding elements such as ribbon, embellishments like rhinestones or pearls, layering papers or vellum. All of these are fun and add lots of pizzaz to a card.

Let’s discuss embossing. Embossing creates texture on the paper using either a pressure method (embossing and die cutting machine) or special ink and powders added to an image to enhance it (raise it up from the paper). You can also use decorative masks and embossing paste. So many fun choices!

I like dry embossing using different patterned folders to create patterns on your papers. You can use about any paper you have, including vellum. Vellum is a bit tricky, but it can be done. 

Here are some embossing folders that I have, some are made specifically  for the mini machine and all may be used in the big guy. My two youngest granddaughters, ages 6 and 2.5, love to emboss paper with me!

In these examples I left the cards fairly plain so you can see the difference the embossed piece makes. I used the same stamp set, Softly Said, for all of the cards. I just love the large sentiments and the distinctive brush stroke type font. I will add some ribbon or bling to them before I send them out. 

Adding an embossed background layer to a card elevates a simple design to elegant, especially if you use the same color. Using white-on-white somehow makes a card appear very elegant. (Sorry the Very Vanilla one doesn’t show as well)


Adding an embossed strip for accent can bring out other design elements used on the card.

Showing the difference between a layer of Designer Series Paper and an embossed card stock background. (I realized after I had already stuck the sentiment down with dimensionals that it should have been a horizontal card…ooops! Happy mistake!)

Now, with this last one, I got a wild hair, and not only embossed the card stock and the DSP, but I also die cut the sentiment from the embossed background layer! I know, I’m so crazy! 😅You have to stamp prior to embossing.

I hope you enjoyed this look at how embossed layers and strips can elevate your cards in just a few simple steps. Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Next week I’ll feature some embossing with powders. Below is a list of all products I used on these projects. You can find them all in my online store. If you don’t already have a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I would love to be yours! You can contact me through the website or at stampinopolous@gmail.com

Thanks for popping in! Till next time stay crafty and get your hands inky!

Blessings, Barb

Did you know that the Bible says that Jesus is the exact imprint of the Father?

He (Jesus) is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. Hebrews 1:3, ESV

Read more about Jesus being the imprint of God here on gotquestions.org

*any links provided are for my online store through Stampin’ Up! I earn a commission on any sales from those links.

*Please use the February 2024 Host Code at the top of the post when ordering. This helps me earn products to show you! If your order is above $150 in product, don’t use the code, as you will enjoy your own rewards! 

*If you join Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator during February 2024 Sale-A Bration, you can get the Glass Mat Studio as a sign-on bonus for free. Email me for details!

Products used:

Basics 3D Embossing Folders (set of 3) 

Geometric Patterns Embossing Folders (set of 2, works with mini machine)

Stampin’ Up! Card stock: Blueberry Bushel, Gorgeous Grape, Bubble Bath, Basic White, Very Vanilla
Stampin’ Up! Ink Pads: Blueberry Bushel, Misty Moonlight, Pebbled Path, Gorgeous Grape

In the Word Wednesday #11: Using Stamps in Your Faith Journal and Planner

Happy Wednesday, friends! I’m so glad you came for a visit. Pour some tea or coffee, pull out your faith journal/planner and some supplies and let’s get creative!

Wait a second…what does stamping have to do with worship?

 We worship the CREATOR of the universe; the sun, moon and stars, mountains, valleys, birds, butterflies, rivers, lakes, oceans, you get the picture. Why not incorporate creativity into your journaling? 

I don’t always “feel” like it; sometimes I just want to write, write, write. But there are times when some pretty stamps or washi tape (and let’s not forget stickers…but that’s a whole different rabbit hole!) inspire some praise, or worship can inspire the decor! 

You don’t need to run out and buy anything; chances are if you read this blog, you already have stamps, ink and paper. 😀 Why not use them for more than card making?

I wanted something a bit different this year for my planner, and I decided to once again try out a disc-bound system. My friend Kristi of LifeinLine123 creates really nice, functional pages that you can print and use in your planners or journal. All her info is in the link, she’s passionate about incorporating faith into planning, wellness, and all of life! Here are a few shots of my February spread and weekly pages. Nothing too fancy, just reminders to trust God as I make plans, write appointments, etc.I also have a spiral notebook that I use for worship and prayer. 

Who doesn’t love Washi tape? I’m pretty low on it, but I’m NOT low on ink and stamps!

I used the Easter Lilies and Courage and Faith stamp sets on the February monthly spread. 🠞

I love me a good Bible verse set! Encouraging words for the month are always good to review. I love the background stamps, too, to add just a bit of interest to the pages. If you use Kristi’s or any printable pages, you don’t have to disc-bind your journals. You can 3 hole punch, put them in plastic sleeves, the sky is the limit! If you have a comb-binder, you can do that, too. I may splurge on some better quality printer paper as I go forward. 

🠜Here I’ll use the tiny heart from the Sending Love set to mark off my daily goal boxes..SO CUTE!!! 💛 I think that tiny heart is my very favorite stamp. Do you have a favorite stamp or set? Break it out and use it for more than cards! 

I’ll share my March spread at the end of February…it’s birthday month 🎆and I’ll try adding some fun papers to my monthly and weekly spreads, as well as some hand made dividers using a retired color card stock and some overstock of Sale-A-Bration DSP.

I hope this inspires you to get out some ink and stamps (and, maybe some washi 😉 ) and do a little creative stamping in your journals or planners.

Till next week, stay creative and prayerful!
Blessings

Barbara 🌻

Facebook LIVE Card Class February 9

Hello crafty friends!

Join me on the Stampinopolous Facebook page on Friday, February 9th at 1PM, Mountain Time for a live card class. I’ll walk you through making three cards, two fun ones and one that can be considered elegant. I’ll be using products from the Bee Mine Suite, the Perennial Postage bundle and the beautiful Most Adored Specialty Designer Series Paper. The Most Adored paper is a Sale-A-Bration exclusive, available free with a $50 or more product purchase.

Kits to craft along will have everything needed to create the cards except the STAMPED IMAGES/STAMP SETS*. This includes all die cut pieces, card bases, DSP*, any embellishments and dimensionals. Below is a list of other supplies you may want to consider purchasing. 

*Bee Mine and Most Adored DSP designs may vary

Available for several purchase options:

~ Purchase Option #1: Place an order for the Bee Mine Suite Collection (#162560), $75 by Friday, JANUARY 26, using the Valentine Live Host Code AVDT69RX , and I will send you the kit and instruction sheet via email. You will qualify for a Sale-A-Bration $50 level free product with this option. The highlighted LINK or HOST CODE must be used, as it is specific to this live class. That is how I will know who to send the kit to. Supplies for 6 cards, 3 different designs (2 each).

~ Purchase Option #2: Place an order for the Perennial Postage Stamp and Die Bundle  (162608) $51.25, by Friday, JANUARY 26, using the Valentine Live Host Code AVDT69RX, and I will send the kit and instruction sheet via email. You will qualify for a Sale-A-Bration $50 level free product with this option. The highlighted LINK or HOST CODE must be used, as it is specific to this live class. That is how I will know who to send the kit to. Supplies for 6 cards, 3 different designs (2 each).

~ Purchase Option #3: Place an order for the Bee Mine Stamp Set and Punch Bundle (#162554), $38.50, by Friday, JANUARY 26, using the Valentine Live Host Code AVDT69RX, and I will send you the kit and instruction sheet via email. The highlighted LINK or HOST CODE must be used, as it is specific to this live class. That is how I will know who to send the kit to. Supplies for 4 cards, 2 different designs (2 each).

~ Purchase Option #4: You may purchase a kit from me for $40 PPD. Supplies for thee cards, one of each design. Contact me: stampinopolous@gmail.com, Valentine Card Kit in the subject box.

I’m excited for you to join me!

Blessings,

Barbara 

*Stampin’ Up! policy: Images are the copyright property of Stampin’ Up! and may be purchased through Stampin’ Up! or a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator. Individual stamped images are not for sale.

Most Adored Specialty Designer Series Paper, #162976, Sale-A.Bration $50 Exclusive Free Item

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad, #132708 – $6.50

Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Ink Pad #147094 – $9.00

Real Red Stampin’ Ink Pad #187084 – $9.00

Clear Stamp Blocks I #188488 (5 7/8 in x 2 1/4 in) $13;

                                 C #118486 (2 in x 2 in) $8.00; 

                                 D #118485 (2 7/8 in x 2 11/16 in) $9.50

Simply Shammy Stamp Cleaner #147042 –  $8.50

Bone Folder #102300 – $7.00

Stampin’ Seal + #149699 – $12.00 (

Multipurpose Liquid Glue #110755 – $5.50

Mini Glue Dots #103683 $5.75

Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430 $4.25

Crafty Thursday #11 The Rock and Roll Suite Sneak Preview!

Good morning, crafty friends! 

Today’s cards feature a preview of  the Rock and Roll Suite, and man, oh, man! This is a fun group of products! This suite will be available for purchase January 4th – April 30th, 2024 from the new Mini Catalog. The December 2023-January 2024 Host Code is M6C34D2G *

Just take a look at all those fun things! The 12×12 Designer Series papers are all black and white themed, so you can use them for many different occasions, not just Rock and Roll birthday greetings!  The stamp set is red rubber, and there are coordinating dies with a few extras thrown in. I love the big guitar pick, and with the right DSP, it looks perfect! 

What suite would be complete without some embellishments? The stars and lightning bolts really complete your cards. On a few of the samples I also used the Gold Faceted Sequins, since the larger ones looked like guitar picks. 

To make my sample cards, I used a simple layout that shows both sides of the DSP. I will put the measurements at the end of the post. I created one simple card that you can create with minimal supplies, then I made a few stepped up versions with die cuts and embossing folders. You do not need a lot of tools to make beautiful cards…but they are fun to use!

For the simpler card, I used a 2 3/8 in circle punch for the focal point, stamped in black on white card stock. The decorate strip on the left side of the card is a coordinating piece of DSP. All of these patterns work well together as they are all black and white.

The only embellishments on the front are a few of the Gold Faceted Sequins. Inside I used the “Thanks for Being an Icon” stamp from the set, that sentiment just makes me smile! Nothing fancy, just some black ink and white inside, on a black card base. I wanted  to emphasize “simplicity” with the layout and supplies

For the stepped up versions, I used some colored card stock, embossing folders and dies. The strips on the left have been embossed, and the focal points all use different die cuts, some that are in the matching set, and others are from the Nested Essentials and Stylish Shapes die sets. Some of the cards have a few points of color using the handy sponge daubers to create highlighted areas on the DSP or the inside sentiment. A few of the focal points have been heat embossed. I used Wink of Stella  on some of the cards to highlights the records on the DSP for a bit of shine! 

Today (Dec 28) is my brother’s birthday, and his card has ALL the fun stuff on it, and was also a jumbo sized card. 

I used  a similar layout as the featured cards, as well as the matching die cuts, and some markers to color the guitar to match his. You can also see the lightning bolt and star embellishments, as well as a few of the star die cuts that are extras in the set. The banner is from the Nested Essentials die set. Inside was more or the same, I added the large die cut guitar pick and microphone, more lightning bolts…It was a pretty full card! He said it was “the best birthday card ever,” and that makes me a very happy card making sister! 😁 

Schnibby, if you read this, Happy, Happy! 

Here are the measurements for the featured cards, which fit in a regular, A2 envelope.

Card base: 5 1/2 in x 6 in, scored at 4 1/4 in

DSP front: 3 in x 5 1/2 in

Decorative strip on front: 1 in x 5 1/4

                                                                Inside blank: 4 in x 5 1/4 in

I’d love to know if you made this card or used this template with other colors and Designer Series paper.

 You can read about singing a new song to the Lord at this gotquestions link.

Thanks for taking some time to spend with me today. Have a wonderful and blessed New Year and I’ll see you again in 2024! 

Blessings,
Barb

*My December 2023-January 2024 Host Code is M6C34D2G. Thank you for using it when you order. If your order is over $150 in product, don’t use my code, you will be able to enjoy your own rewards benefits! If you order $50 or more in product, you will receive a thank you gift from me personally.