Lazy Day Stamper - Stampin it up for YOU!

Clear-Mount Blocks Template - my gift to you!

Clear-Mount Blocks Template ... My Valentine's Gift to You! 

This is a very handy tool to keep in your catalog!  Print this PDF file on vellum so you can lay it over any catalog stamp set to see which size Clear Block would be best for that image.  Click the underlined words to get your copy!

Clear-Mount Block Template

 To get accurate sizing, when you print the file make sure to select "NONE" under Page Scaling, or Size Options = ACTUAL SIZE (or whatever setting your printer has to print to the correct proportions) otherwise it will alter the file and won't match the actual block sizes!

FYI ... all our Clear-Mount blocks are 3/4" thick.  They have a nice grove on all sides which makes it super easy to grip.  Use it with your Stampin' Up! Clear Mount sets and any others 'cling' you sets you might have.

As my Valentine's Gift to You ... click the underlined words for your own copy of the handy Clear-Mount Blocks Template!

Embossing with Framelits

Embossing with Framelits ... what a great way to add texture and dimension to your project! Click the image for a larger view so you can clearly see the embossed outline.

Fellow SU Demo Jan Farring shared this great tip (that she learned from Chris Smith) and now I'm passing it on to you.

Using your Big Shot and our new Framelits Hearts Collection (item #125599 from the Occasions Mini), create your 'sandwich' for the embossing as follows, top down:

1. Standard Cutting Pad (that comes with your BS)
2. Framelits to fit your image with the CUTTING SIDE UP
3. Card stock with your stamped image
4. 2 Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber pads
5. Multipurpose Platform with Tab 1 and Tab 2

It's great when we find a different way to use our tools ... and I hope you find these instructions helpful when you want your next project to include embossing with Framelits.

Tool Tip - Using Your New Stamps

Before (top) and After

Tool Tip - Using New Stamps the first time ... make sure you condition them FIRST!

Stampin' Up! designs and manufactures all our stamps at our factory in Utah.  The stamp molds are sprayed with a release agent, and although they are rigerously cleanned, there can be a little residue left on the raised image of any stamp.  That means that you could see a "bubble" or even "missing" ink the first few times you use that stamp.

So ... to avoid a problem, use one of our Sanding Blocks and lightly go over the image a few times - left to right, top to bottom.  Then clean it with a little Stampin' Mist on your Stampin' Scrub.  Ink up your stamp and try it on a scrap of paper to make sure it's ready.  If the image is not clear, repeat these two steps (it almost always works the first time for me!). 

In this picture (click for a bigger image) you'll see the difference.  It won't hurt the stamp or make it wear out faster ... it just get's ride of the gunk!

If you still have problems, send me an email and let me know.  We'll get a replacement set ASAP!

I know many of you have purchased stamps from our new Occasions Mini ... so before you stamp, try out this great Tool Tip!

 

How to Make a Card - I HEART You

How to Make a Card - I HEART You ... is the name I gave this fun card from the designers at Stampin' Up! (click the image for a larger view). 

This  is such a fun layout ... just the Pretty in Pink card base, a Very Vanilla layer, a strip of Blushing Bride Stitched ribbon with a "friends" sentiment on a Jewelry Tag Punch, then lots of Hearts punched with our Small Heart Punch.  They stitched the hearts to the Vanilla layer.  Click here to see the complete list of supplies they used.

Here's a few suggestions to make it your own ...

• Glue the hearts to the Vanilla layer, but adhere a couple with Stampin' Dimensionals #104430
• Replace the ribbon/ tag with a heart punched from Red Glimmer Paper #121790
• Cover a couple of hearts with Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details #125585
• "Sparkle" a row of hearts with any of our Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter® #114286
• Emboss a few of the hearts with Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Emboss® Powder #122949

Which ever design and style you choose, it's a lovely card that can be done in a snap ... and the lucky person who receives it will easily recognize your message ... I Heart You!

Stampin' Up! Tutorials

Stampin' Up! Tutorials: Taking Care of Your Ink Pads

How long will they last?

• We sell refills for all of our pads - Classic, Craft and Stampin Spots - so with proper maintenance, they will last for many years.  Just keep them well inked to prevent them from drying out and hardening.  
• Click here for a tutorial on how to ink your pads.

Mine got dirty - How do I clean it?

• Use a baby wipe or wet paper towel and press lightly on the pad to blot up the color.  Repeat with a dry paper towel until the contaminated ink is gone.  Now re-ink your pad.  
• Click here for a complete tutorial including a solution for removing black ink on a light-colored pad.

How should they be stored?

• Make sure the lid is closed tightly - listen for the 'snap' and you'll know it's closed properly.
• Store them they so they rest 'level' - even a slight tilt will cause the ink to puddle in one area.
• Click here for info about our Color Caddy storage unit for ink pads and refills.

Do they require any 'genearl' maintenance?

• I use a baby wipe to clean the outside of the case so ink doesn't smear onto my projects.
• For my Classic Pads, which have a fabric top, I snip any threads to prevent wicking.  Again, you don't want ink to transfer on your just-complete, absolutely fabulous project!

Following these simple steps for your Ink Pads and Stampin Spots will help protect your investment in these important stamping tools.  So you'll have these notes for future reference, print this page and add it to your collection of other Stampin' Up! tutorials.

Stampin' Up! Tutorials

Stampin' Up! Tutorials ... what a great way to explain how you can recreate a project when it's convenient for you! 

Every issue of my newsletter includes 3 projects ... each with a detailed Tutorial including Supply List and instructions for cutting and assembly. 

Another perk of receiving my Newsletter ... you know that these are exclusive ideas ... they'll never be posted to this blog or anywhere else on the web!  They're just for my loyal readers!

Want to see what all the excitement is about?  Sign up today! and as my Thank You gift, you'll receive a instructions for a Mini Scrapbook - FREE!

Not sure if you're on my list?  Just complete the form ... the 'system' will tell you if you're already registered!

Sign up right here so you don't miss any of these exclusive Stampin' Up! ideas ... and their Stampin' Up! Tutorials!

How to Make a Card ... FREE Tutorial

How to Make a Card ... in My Digital Studio™ ... is so easy when you start with a template designed by the experts.  Just follow their ideas, add a few touches to make it your own, and in a few minutes you've created a masterpiece!  Here's a FREE TUTORIAL to show you how ...

I opened up the My Digital Studio software, clicked on New Project, then: Cards & Tags project, Greeting Card option, 5.5 x 4.25, Landscape size, Designer template, then selected The Write Stuff II template.  It loaded this card: Very nice, but I wanted a little more pizzazz ... so I added another paper from this set to the top half of the card, then removed the 'birthday' sentiment.  I replaced it with the ENJOY from the Enjoy Every Moment Stamp Brush Set, then jazzed it up by overlaying a circle flower from that set for the "o" and adding a Button in Chocolate Chip.  I also added a Chocolate Chip Button to the brown/ green flower.  I added a piece of Alpine Ribbon behind the message and an Alpine Ribbon bow too.  Finally ... I checked that all my embellishments had 'Drop Shadow' set as I wanted and Viola ... a very nice card!  Then I took it a step further (you know me!) and added some details to the "inside" of the card.  This is another fun feature of creating cards in MDS ... you can decorate the inside of the card too!  Here's what I did for the lower half ... the upper half is this same dotted paper without any embellishments. What you need to create this card ...

• My Digital Studio  #118108  $79.95
• Write Stuff Digital Kit  #120881  $9.95

That's it! I hope you find inspiration today to use this fantastic digital design and crafting tool.  And when you do, I hope you have fun and remember these simple suggestions on How to Make a Card!

Tool Tip: Heat Tool

HEAT TOOL (#100005) by Stampin' Up! is a must-have item for those who want to add dimension and interest to their cards, 3-D projects and scrapbook pages.  It allows you to melt & set embossing powders, melt Heat & Stick Powder to use with our glitters, and will "set" any Stampin' Up! Craft Ink.
 
Since this is such a vital tool, I want to share a few Tips to help you create beautiful projects each time you use your HEAT TOOL.
 
1.    Always swipe the surface to be embossed with an Embossing Buddy (#103083) before you stamp to eliminate errant specks of embossing powder.
2.    Save the Application Tool (looks like a mini Popsicle stick) from a Rub-Ons set to hold down your project while you're heating it up ... don't want your fingers to get too hot!
3.    Let your HEAT TOOL warm up for a few seconds before you aim it towards your project as it will deliver a more even heat and you'll be done a little quicker too.
4.    Use a 1/2" paint brush to dust off your Powder Pals® trays (#102197) to make sure you get all the material back into the container.

And here's a BONUS TIP!  Wrap a piece of cardboard with aluminum foil (securely adhere the foil to the back of the cardboard piece).  Set this "foil board" on a protected work surface and then aim your heat gun at the center of the board.  Place your project on top of the 'warm' section and watch how  much faster your project heats up!  This is because you're heating the item from the top and the bottom.  Try it next time ... you'll be happy you did!
 
Join me at my next class as I'll be demonstrating my "foil board" and my Heat Tool.

How to Make a Card ... FREE TUTORIAL!

How to Make a Card ... as a kid's birtyday party invitation ... using a photo ... neat idea!

In fact, I thought it such a great idea (even if I do say so myself!) that I created a FREE TUTORIAL and posted it to my Ezine Articles library.  Here's the direct link ... How to Make Creative Invitations for a Kid's Birthday Party.

You'll find the tutorial there and at the end of the article you'll find the link to pictures of my TWO completed projects. 

I hope this idea inspires you to create some great invitations for your next party ... or use it as a tutorial for any occasion when you need to know how to make a card!

My Digital Studio ... 12 more images released today!

MY DITIGAL STUDIO™ released 12 new images today ... including 2 Designer Series Papers, 7 stamp sets, and 3 templates.  WOO HOO ... gotta love digital crafting!

Here's the complete list with pictures, prices and descriptions ... My Digital Studio releases April 26

If you're inspired to purchase any of these images ... for use in My Digital Studio or any other digital crafting software that accepts .jpg files ... then call me and I'll explain the process (913) 485-8263.  And if you have any questions, I am a Certified MDS Trainer ... I'd be happy to help you with any questions you have about My Digital Studio.

 

Earth Day 2011 - FREE TUTORIAL for a great recycling project!

EARTH DAY 2011 ... and this year's theme is a BILLION ACTS OF GREEN.  Here's one way you can Go Green today and every day ... combine your love of crafting with recycling!

In a project tutorial I posted in March 2010, I shared instructions on how to craft with recycled Food Tubes - you know, those cylindrical potato chip and drink mix containers!  Well, I still think they're grand ideas so I want to share them again today! 

Here's the Before and After pictures ... the chip can is now a Gift "bag" for Bath & Body Works Hand Soap!  The larger drink mix can holds 8 - 10 Ghiredelli chocolates.  The smaller drink mix can holds a Gift Card!  Bet you didn't think about that when you were mixing a refreshing class of tea!

  

If this looks like something you'd like to do ... for yourself, with the kids, or as a Scouting project, please click on the underlined words and you'll find the FREE TUTORIAL!  So have some fun and enjoy EARTH DAY 2011

Dazzling Diamonds or Iridescent Ice?

Dazzling Diamonds or Iridescent Ice ... which should I use for my project? 

Dazzling Diamonds is a GLITTER and so it gives a "sparkly" look to your image.  You adhere it with any strong glue or glue-tape.

Iridescent Ice is an EMBOSSING POWDER and so it gives a "glossy" look.  You adhere it with a combination of "juicy" ink and a Heat Tool. 

Here's how I decide which one to use:

DIAMONDS =  BLING so if I want sparkle, it's Dazzling Diamonds.

ICE = SLICK so if I want a shiny look, it's Iridescent Ice.

Either way, you'll be adding interest and dimension to your next project when you use Iridescent Ice or Dazzling Diamonds!

Gift Card Holder Template in the shape of a CUPCAKE!

Gift Card Holder Template - use it for a creative way to say Happy Birthday!  This sample, from page 57 of the Stampin' Up! catalog, is so cute and very easy to make - here's how!

They used the SIMPLE BIRTHDAY THANKS stamp to create the cupcake, stamping it on cardstock for the frosting, cherry and base, and again on patterned paper for the cake.  The tag is from the BIRTHDAY BLISS set.  Punch out a few flowers, add a little bling and you've got the cutest Gift Card Holder! 

To make this Holder: stamp the complete cupcake onto Whisper White first.  Stamp and cut out the 'cake' part from the Patterned Paper and make a slot wide enough for the Gift Card.  Adhere to the base, making sure your adhesive is only around the edges (so you leave plenty of room for the card!).  Add the 'frosting' piece to the base, making sure you don't cover the slot. Stamp and decorate your tag; decorate the 'frosting.'  That's it!

Supplies used:

• Simple Birthday Thanks (cupcake)  #111546  $17.95
• Birthday Bliss (tag) #115442 $15.95
• Pretty in Pink card stock (frosting) #100459  $6.95 (24 pcs)
• Regal Rose card stock (cherry) #105130  $6.95 (24 pcs)
• Whisper White card stock (tag) #100730 $8.50 (40 pcs)
• Patterns Designer Series Paper - Subtles (cupcake) #117152  $19.95 (40 pcs)
• Assorted scraps of card stock for the flowers
• Marina Mist Classic Ink (tag) #119668  $5.95
• Early Espresso Classic Ink (cupcake) #119670  $5.95
• Basic Rhinestones #119246 $4.95 (150 pcs)
• 5/8" Satin Ribbon - Whisper White #114616  $8.95 (15 yds)
• Itty Bitty Shapes Punch (flowers) #118309 $16.95
• Large Tag Punch (tag) #119876  $15.95
• Dotted Scallop Border Punch (tag accent) #119275  $15.95
• 1/16" Hand Held Punch (tagt) #101227  $8.95
• Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (candle flames on tag) #102023 $4.50 (1/2 oz)
• SNAIL Adhesive #104332  $6.95
• Hobby Blade #102449  $4.50
• Cutting Mat #101087  $15.95

I hope you like this project!  Click the underlined words to purchase any item from my on-line store, or call me and I'll place the order for you.  And ENJOY this fun GIFT CARD HOLDER TEMPLATE!

 

 

Tool Tip: How to Clean Dirty Ink Pads

We've all done it more than once ...  you're really in the groove ... stampin away ... and Oh My Gosh!  You put a stamp covered with dark ink onto an ink pad of a much lighter color!  YIKES!

Well ... don't panic ... it can be cleaned!  Here's two ideas that I know will work ...

• Wipe the stained pad with a baby wipe to get off the dark color.  This will be easy as the ink is close to the surface.  Then reink the pad with the correct color.  There may be a 'stain' on the pad, but it's just that ... a stain "residue" but not the ink itself.
• For a more agressive situation (the ink stood in the pad a little too long) put the pad under water until all the ink comes out.  Now reink your pad with the correct color and you'll be back in business ... no problems!  This too may result in a stained pad but it will be just the stain, no 'bad' ink!

So the next time you (or your customers!) accidently put a stamp with a dark onto a pad with a lighter ink ... you'll have 2 options to get you back to stampin' ... easy peasy!

And remember ... every Stampin' Up Ink Pad can be replenished with matching ink.  So check your inventory of pads and make sure you have the matching refill.  If not, write it to your Wish List and add it to your next order.

Need a refresher on inking pads?   Check out this post ... Re-ink your Stamp Pads.  

Brayer Technique with Embossing Folders

Brayer Technique with Embossing Folders is very pretty and very easy to do!

For this Brayer Technique you'll need your Brayer, a Craft White Ink pad and our Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder  

1. Roll your Brayer over the Craft pad until it's well inked.
2. Open your folder and find the EMBOSSING side - the one where the images are bumped out.
3. Ink this side of the folder until all areas are well covered. 
4. You need to use a Brayer for this process so you don't get any ink inside the EMBOSSING areas as that will transfer to your project and you won't like it!
5. When the folder is well inked, carefully place your cardstock inside.
6. Make your "sandwich" with the Standard Platform and Plates and put it through the Big Shot.
7. Pop open your folder and Viola!  a beautiflly embossed, inked image!
8. NOTE: You can use this same process but ink the DEBOSSED side.  Your in will be in the "flat" areas of the image ... this is pretty too ... it just depends on the look you want for your particular project!

That's it!  Let the piece dry for a few minuts (Craft Ink takes longer to set) or carefully use your Heat Gun to set the ink.

Here's the supplies used for this card:

• Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (a Stampin' Up! exclusive #120175  $7.95)
• Craft Ink - Whisper White #101731  $7.50
• Perfect Punches stamp set  #120516 (clear mount) #17.95  #117022 (wood mount) $24.95
• Scallop Trim Border Punch #118402 $15.95
• 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon - Early Espresso  #119959 $5.95
• Classic Ink - Early Espresso #119670 $5.95
• Baja Breeze card stock #111352 $6.95 (24 pcs)
• Whisper White card stock #100730 $8.50 (40 pcs)

I hope you are inspired to try this technique for your next project!  Call me if you have questions (913) 485-8263 on how to do the BRAYER TECHNIQUE!

FYI: This is not my project - I found it in my "Must Try This" folder on my computer ... it's from July 2010!  So if you recognize it as yours, please let me know and I'll add your name to this post!