More Peaceful Water

 Maybe it's because I've been near the oceans twice this year, that I'm being pulled toward the images that we have with water.  Although, the reason why I love this "Lilypad Lake" set is because of one of the sentiments "Be Calm and leave it to God."

This is another bundle offer with the stamp set and matching framelit dies.  I like how there are "extra" framelits included - ones that don't cut out the images, but provide additional pieces.  The grass, for instance, is not a stamped image, but is a nice addition.  There are also two "label" framelits to cut out the sentiments with.

For my first card, I used watercolour paper and the "water" image.  I stamped from the bottom up in Night of Navy, Pacific point, and Bermuda Bay. I stamped twice: once to provide deep colour and the second time to help merge into the next colour.  After all the colours were placed, I spritzed the piece of paper with water, causing the colours to run just a little bit. For the sky I used Balmy Blue, which I painted on with an aquapainter.

 Watercolour paper was used for this second card also, providing a background for the silhouetted diecut images.

The coordinating "water" framelit was used to create the background for this card.  I noticed, in the samples from the catalogue, that the crane's legs were tucked in behind the water, making the birds look like their legs were emerged - so that's what I did with this card.  The grasses were tucked into the "water" too.

Bundles really are the way to go.  You get a 10% discount and you get extra pieces to help create your cards or scrapbook pages.

That's it for today. When ordering your bundles, remember to use this month's hostess code:
B4QRHEDV

Have a terrific day.

Joan

 

Lilypad Lake Bundle - Wood Mount 148365 - $70.00 (save 10%)

Lilypad Lake Bundle - Clear Mount 148366 - $60.25 (save 10%)

Lilypad Lake Stamp Set - Wood Mount 146493-$41.00 Clear Mount 146496-$30.00

Lakeside Framelits Dies - 146351 - $37.00

Cat CASE

I have to be honest and say that I have been doing a lot of casing lately of cards that are in the new Annual Catalogue.  After all, our catalogue is overflowing with lots of creative ideas, so why not copy.

I always look for different ways to use the cat punch other than using it for Halloween.  I'm glad it made it into the annual catalogue.  This card is found on page 16 of the catalogue and I've made a couple of changes to it because I didn't have all of the products that were used in the photo.

I love the gold embossed background, and the way that the cat was coloured and the layers created by using little bits of different items!  I used the new Itty Bitty Greetings and fussy cut the flower from a piece of our "Share What You Love" specialty DSP.  Our new tiny coloured Artisan Pearls are perfect for adding a subtle bit of bling to the card.

If you haven't received a catalogue of your own, let me know and I will get one out to you as soon as possible.  You'll love flipping through to see all the creative ideas you can copy.

Thanks for dropping by,

Have a wonderful day,

Joan

Rooting for Rooted in Nature

 I'm a nature sort of girl.  I love walking in the woods: listening to sounds around me, taking in the aromas and looking for nature amidst the nature.  So, I love our tree and leaves sets through the years.  I'm excited about this Rooted In Nature set because it can be bundled with the Nature's Roots Framelits so the images can be cut out easily to create different arrangements on your cards.

However, for my first card with this set, I didn't use any framelits.  I just stamped the leaves multiple times in three different colours: Cajun Craze, Grapefruit Grove and Mint Macaron.  These are three of the  colours featured in the Nature's Poem Designer Series Paper that coordinates with this set.  I've used some of the paper on a number of my samples.

 This big tree is one of my favorite images.  The shading among the leaves is wonderful.  I like the sentiment from this set also.

 For this card, I cut out the leaves with the framelits and then embossed them with the embossing framelits.  I much prefer when paper has some texture in it rather than leaving it flat.  I sponged some coordinating colour onto each leaf just to add a bit more interest.

 Rich Razzleberry and Petal Pink are also colours included in the Nature's Poem DSP.  Paired together, they make for a more feminine tree card, for those nature gals in your life.

Finally, I embossed some Soft Suede and Gold Foil together with the Woodland embossing folder and then popped up the tree image and the sentiment (from Happy Birthday, Gorgeous)  This sentiment could easily be changed for a retirement, sympathy or anniversary card.

I'm having fun playing with my new toys and creating a bunch of cards from one set.  I hope you find some inspiration here and are also moved to create cards for events in your family and friends' lives that go beyond Birthday.

Thanks for stopping by,

Joan

 Rooted in Nature Bundle - Clear Mount 148353 - $99.00 (Save 10%)

Rooted in Nature Bundle  - Wood Mount 148352 - $115.00 (Save 10%)

Rooted in Nature Stamp Set - Clear Mount - 146482 - $57.00

Rooted in Nature Stamp Set - Wood Mound 146479 - $75.00

Nature's Roots Framelits Dies -  146341 - $53.00

Nature's Poem DSP 146338 - $15.00

Transforming Stained Glass

 It's exciting when one card transforms into another.  The above card is one that I will be using in my Products on Parade class later this month.  It uses one of my favorite new products "Graceful Glass Designer Vellum".  The 6x6 sheets in this package are wonderful to leave plain or to colour in.

The vellum on the card comes on a sheet with four of the same images.  I liked the clean simple look of the card and wanted to use it for a swap I'm in this month.  However, because the images are limited (4 to a sheet, 2 sheets), I needed to duplicate the card using different images.  Voila - the card below was created.

The stained glass image is part of the "Painted Glass" stamp set.  I simply used one of the "Stained Glass Thinlits" dies to create the frame around the circle.  It's been cut out from our silver Foil Sheet.  Everything else about the card is the same.

That's it for today,

Here is a video from Stampin'Up! showing you all the pieces of this Graceful Glass Suite.

Have a great day,

Joan

A Serene Garden

 Lately, I've been playing around with the "Serene Garden" stamp set and the coordinating thinlit dies.  I just love the flowing lines of this set, the butterfly and the bird.  There aren't any sentiments included in this set, so you can pull from the greetings you have on hand and pair  them with punches or framelits.  It's the time of year for Grads, Retirements and saying thank you.

For the above card, I stamped the image in "Memento" ink and used regular markers to colour around the edges of the image.  I then used a blender pen to bring the colour into the rest of the image.  I am loving the new coloured Artisan Pearls to add a subtle bit of bling.

 This design could easily be used for absolutely any occasion.  The embossed gold makes it perfect for retirements, birthdays, anniversaries; but it's also suited for sympathy and well wishes. 

 You can't tell from the photo but the three little bits of colour on this card are popped up with dimensionals.   I love that the stamp set is bundled with a matching thinlit set.  The bird, butterfly and flowers can be easily cut out and popped up off the card.

Finally, the thinlit set includes an embossing piece to add a subtle depression into the cardstock.  I haven't tried it yet, but I'm sure it would work perfectly on an envelope too.

That's it for now.  I hope you've found some inspiration here.  I'm not done playing with new toys yet, so stay tuned.

Have a great day,

Joan

Serene Garden Bundle - 148395 - $56.50 (save 10%)

Serene Garden Stamp Set - 146501 - $22.00

Garden Scene Framelits - 146355 - $41.00

Kick Butt and Enjoy the day

 There are some stamp sets that you have to have simply because there are people in your life who fit the images.  I have friends who are cyclists, friends who are runners, and friends who just like to get up in the morning and kick butt - so the "Enjoy Life" set fits the bill.  Not necessarily a specific occasion to send a card - just for inspiration and  to let someone know you're thinking of them.

I redid the above card in a different colour scheme just to see how it worked out.  Calypso Coral isn't for everyone.

 The "Kick Butt" sentiment is perfect for just about anyone and you could match it with images from other stamp sets also.

Here is a clean and simple card using images from the set and a piece of the "Tranquil Textures" DSP.

I hope to get some more posts up featuring a variety of cards using the same stamp set.  The last card featured here will be one of the cards at my Tuesday Coffee and Cards class.

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

9:00-11:00am

Cost $6.00

Please contact me if you are interested in coming.....

or register

HERE

Thanks for dropping by,

 Have a good day,

Joan

New Catalogue NOW live!

WooHoo!

The 2018-19 Annual Catalogue went live on June 1.  

You can flip through it on-line at my website...

HERE

 If you would like to have a hard copy of the catalogue, please let me know and I will get one out to you as soon as possible.

The Hostess code for the month of June is

B4QRHEDV

Keep within your Budget by joining my

Stamp Club

New Club-New Benefits starting in June. You can join any time.

HOW THE CLUB WORKS

• 10 ladies simply commit to e-mailing or phoning a minimum $40 (+ S/H and GST) purchase each and every month for 12 months
• Each month one club member gets the hostess benefits without doing a thing!

Benefits:

• Members receive a FREE current Annual Catalogue, all seasonal catalogues, and the new Annual Catalogue when it comes out in June.
• Members are guaranteed a MINIMUM of $20 in free spending... to be used on any product in any current catalogue.
• During your hostess month you will receive 25% off your personal order.
• There will be exclusive FREE monthly draws for products
• Every member chooses a FREE stamp set valued at $21 or less during her hostess month.
• Club members can host classes at their home, or mine, during their hostess month.
• Club members receive a little "Thank You" card or gift in their order each month.
• Club members receive a discount on some classes and events through the year and get priority at these events if they reach capacity. 

I have a lot of catching up to do with you - so stay tuned for cards using new products.

Thanks for visiting,

Joan

You CAN judge a book by it's Cover!

 In my opinion......this is the prettiest Stampin'Up! cover that we have had in the 13 years that I have been a demonstrator.  I love all the bright colours  and especially love how the images almost pop off the cover because of the shadows.  It's wonderful.

And, I can tell you, in all confidence, the inside images are just as fantastic.  What a lot of wonderful product.  I'm actually surprised that I'd forgotten to show you both the cover and the projects we completed at On Stage in early April.  Sheesh!

 Here is a product that I think is going to be a favorite.  This particular piece of die cut cardstock helps create a wonderfully delicate card.

 

Vellum is going to be a special favorite this next year too.  This piece is nice, although I wish I'd had one extra colour to use,.....but the other pieces in this package are beautiful.

 

I have a couple of friends who are going to be grabbing up this new tree set. Stampin'Up! has designed this new set to coordinate with Lovely as a Tree.  I also love this colour combination and the embellishments.

That's it for sneak peeks today.  I get to start opening boxes and using new products now that my May classes are planned out.

Thanks for dropping in.

Hope you have a wonderful day.

Joan

All that Glimmers.....

 All that glimmers is not gold - sometimes it's turquoise or green.  I'm going to miss this set of Myths and Magic Glimmer paper.  It sparkles so much, it's amazing.

I'm still using up retiring products and stamp sets for my workshops in May.  These little butterfly from the "Bold Butterfly" framelit set are a great way to use up scraps!

 To be honest, I just inked up this "In the Trees" stamp set.  I love the little "we need to hang out more" sentiment.  The tree's leaves get a soft look by using sponge daubers to add the ink to them.  I coloured in the tree trunk using Chocolate Chip ink and a blender pen.

 

I'm going to miss this little flower punch.  I like making scrunched up flowers with it.....although some of my stampers get a bit scared when I scrunch up the flowers after punching them.  I wet them first in order to break down the fibers a bit so they scrunch easily.

If you are currently subscribed to Paper Pumpkin you're in for a surprise in June.  The June Pumpkin is going to coordinate with one of the product suites in the new catalogue.  They aren't revealing which suite yet - but you'll either have in your hands, or have access to the new catalogue, on June so you can take a look at the options.  Extra products to coordinate with a Pumpkin - too much fun!!!

 

So - if you don't have a Paper Pumpkin Subscription, now is the time to subscribe.  As long as you subscribe before June 10 you will receive the Show Stopping Pumpkin.

HERE is the link to begin your subscription.

Finally, a quick share.  Last Sunday, my Grandson had his first piano recital.  We were so proud of him, and he looks so grown up.  The time is flying and he's growing up fast.

That's it for today.

Have a wondeful weekend and thanks for stopping by.

Joan

Working with Old so there's room for the New

 

I'm still creating for workshops this month; using products that are retiring at the end of May.  I'm working with stamp sets, cardstock and DSP that are retiring.  

The above card uses the plainer side of the Naturally Eclectic DSP.  It sure helps the black to pop.  I'm going to miss the watercolour words.  I have used them a lot because of their sentiments and the font.

 

I was introduced to this, Rose Wonder,  retiring set sort of late in the game.  I will be keeping ahold of it though because of it's  sentiments, and the die cut roses can look quite different depending on the colours used.

 

Everything in this card will be remaining in the upcoming catalogue.  I love these little bees, especially the fuzzy stamped image.

All of these cards will be created at the May Stamp Club Class.

May 15, 2018

6:30-8:30pm

My House

Cost $15   Club Members $10

Register HERE to join the fun.

The following are a couple of cards featuring images from stamp sets which will be available in the  new upcoming Annual Catalogue.  I love the little Rhino!

Hope you have a wondeful day.

Thanks for stopping by.

Joan

Variations with Vellum

 

Happy Monday - I do hope it's magical.

I put together these three cards for my upcoming Varations in Vellum workshop. Vellum is a wonderful paper type that can add a little something different to your cards no matter what the theme may be.  

In the Mermaid card, I used one of our embossing folders and embossed the vellum with the "Seaside" impression.  You DO need to be very gentle when taking it off the embossing folder, because it will tear.  My happy mistake is that I like the torn look for the edges of the sea foam, and I followed that idea through with the embossed cardstock.  To add a bit more dimension, I inked up the embossing folder (on the labeled side) with some Island Indigo Ink.....which is one of our retiring inks.

 

This card demonstrates the standard use of vellum...using a strip on the card to add an opaque window. I am so happy that this Petal Palette stamp set, from the Occasions Catalogue, is going to be included in the 2018-19 Annual Catalogue.  I will miss this DSP though!

The floral image is stamped on black with the White Craft Ink.

Finally, heat embossing on vellum.  I had the intention of colouring in the vellum with Blends/Markers, but these flowers looked better on this DSP without the colour added.  The Remarkable You stamp set is retiring at the end of this month.

You can create all of these cards by attending my Variations with Vellum Class

Thursday, May 17

6:30 - 8:30pm

at my home

Cost - $15.00 ($10.00 if you are a club member)

You can register for the class  HERE

That's it for this morning.  I hope you have a wonderful day.  

Thanks for stopping by.

Joan