June Blog Candy (Staying at the top)

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED! **Scroll down for SU Sneak Peeks & 0ther posts all month long!!**

Happy Crafting,


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Use It Tuesday #13

Every Tuesday, I am digging into my stash and using something I have been hoarding. I have a room full of stuff and I am going to try to USE IT!! I hope you will join me and start using your own stuff more.

Today, I decided to show you a project using my curly label punch. This is one of the punches I have that I hardly ever think to use, but it is so cute! I really need to use it more. I am sure you have some punches that have been neglected as well.

This card has TWO sneak peeks on it!

• The sentiment is from the new SNEAK PEEK Stampin' UP stamp set called Christmas Punch. This is one of the brand new hostess level 2 stamp sets that will be available in the catalog coming out TOMORROW!
• The sentiment was stamped and then punched out using the Stampin' UP Curly Label Punch.
• TIP: Stamp first and then punch out the shape. You can line it up easier when you punch out after you stamp.
  
• And the cute little snowmen are from the SNEAK PEEK Stampin' UP Stamp set called The More the Merrier. This is one of my favorite stamp sets from the new catalog. It is so versatile and comes with sentiments and shapes in the same set (I love when there are sentiments mixed with shapes in the same set)
• I colored in the Snowmen with Sakura glitter gel pens and Martha Stewart markers that I used when I was at my dear friend Karen's house.
• Cardstock used is Stampin' UP Old Olive cardstock
• Snowflake paper is from the Hobby Lobby christmas paper pack 2008.
  

Click here to see how to win a free Big Shot from Scrapmaster's Paradise! July 1st -July 29th

Tomorrow, the BIG SHOT GIVEAWAY begins!!! I already have one order ready to be placed for the giveaway so we need only 4 more entries :O)

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Colors & Toots

Today I would like to share some extra special news with you along with a cute little sneak peek from the Stampin' UP 09-10 catalog!

My, my how SP Color Combos has grown in 3 short weeks!! This week there were 31 entries!!!!! I am stunned and super happy that everyone is having some fun :O) If you haven't yet checked it out, come on over! As always, we've got an amazing sponsor this week!

Here is this weeks challenge:

Here is my project for this week:

• I have soooo many photos of my sweet little doggies and some of them are very random, so I decided to stick some of the random ones together on one LO.
• Paper is all DCWV brand from various stacks (I am a DCWV stack addict for sure!)
• Flower is made with a button and the Stampin' UP Scallop Circle Punch
• Title was made with Doodlebug alphas
• The bird border was made using the SNEAK PEEK Stampin' UP stamp set called The More the Merrier! This stamp set is sooooo adorable! It has the most adorable halloween border stamp in this set too.
• TIP: stamp the same image repeatedly to create a continuous border!
• I colored the birds and hearts in with my Stampin' UP markers to match the color combo challenge as well.
• On the pink polka dot patterned paper, I used the Stampin' UP scallop edge punch.
  

Now for some Toots! I have two of them. . .First, I have been contacted by Elmer's, and they want to send me some goodies!! You know Elmer's glue you used in school? Well they have a whole craft line of glue, and other crafty products, and they are working to make some new crafting products. I am so excited to get to test out and review some of their products!!! I have heard of really good scrappy bloggers getting goodies from great companies to review, but this is the first time it has ever happened to me so I am stoked! I didn't know I was in the category with the "really good scrappy bloggers"!!! I should be getting some new goodies soon, so get ready to learn about some cool new items. :O)

And secondly, this:
I received this beautiful prize pack from Wendi, one of the fab DT members at Serendipity Scrapbooks! I won a challenge over there at an online crop with my ABC's of Scrapping LO a while ago! Serendipity Scrapbooks is one of the nicest places to hang out and they always have great crops too.

Have a happy Monday, and come back tomorrow to see a new project for USE IT Tuesday.

Click here to see how to win a free Big Shot from Scrapmaster's Paradise! July 1st -July 29th

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Sketch Challenge #21

Here is sketch #21:
If you use the sketch please let me know!

I made this LO using the sketch above and I included a great little SNEAK PEEK from the upcoming Stampin' UP Catalog (comes out July 1st, Wednesday!!). It is a LO of my fiance being goofy with his birthday cake last year.

• Patterned paper, alphas, library card, journaling sticker, and deep orange cardstock are all from the June Vintage Plum Kit called Alphabet Soup.
• The alphas are raw chipboard covered with Stickles glitter glue
• The cupcakes are from the brand new hostess set coming out in the new catalog. This stamp set is called The More the Merrier. It is a hostess level 3 stamp set.
• TIP: This cupcake is one of many cupcakes all lined up on the same stamp to make a border, but I wanted to use just one. To use only part of an image on a stamp, pull out those markers! Go over the part of the image you want using a marker, breathe onto the stamp (to moisten the ink), and then stamp!
  
• Cupcakes were colored in with Stampin' UP In Color markers and then punched out with a Stampin' UP circle punch. Then I layered them onto Scallop Circle punch outs made with the deep orange cardstock that came with the VP Kit.

Also, I want to mention that the Raspberry DT giveaway is going on right now! Click here to check it out!!!

Click here to go to the Raspberry Website!

Click here to see how to win a free Big Shot from Scrapmaster's Paradise! July 1st -July 29th

Are you inspired by my blog? One way you can help support this blog is by ordering your Stampin’ Up products through me. Some helpful links are below my signature. Thank you!

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

Stamptivity #16

For this week's Stamptivity Challenge, make a scene on your card.

I had someone ask me the other day, "What is Stamptivity?" so I thought I would address this in case others were wondering. Stamptivity is a clear stamp company based in the UK. They sell amazing stamps that are of the best quality.

I will be honest, I don't usually care for clear stamps because they don't ink well, they don't stamp crisp, and they don't last as well. . . BUT Stamptivity stamps totally break the mold for clear stamps! Their clear stamps are rubber quality. They ink up perfectly and stamp perfectly. They also look as new as the day I got them. Oh yeah, and they stick perfectly to a clear block and then peel off when needed.

I highly recommend their stamps, and I wouldn't design for them if I didn't wholeheartedly believe in them. I have a link to them under my DT section in my sidebar.

Here is my card for this week:
This card features all Stamptivity stamps from the Stamptivity Merry Christmas Silhouettes set. I used a white gel pen around the stars to make them stand out a bit more. I wanted it to look like Santa and his reindeer were flying through the night sky.

Click here to see how to win a free Big Shot from Scrapmaster's Paradise! July 1st -July 29th

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

IBCC #22

IBCC stands for Idea Book & Catalog Challenge. The IBC challenges are intended to get everyone thinking about the Stampin' UP catalog as an idea book and not only a catalog (since it is intended to be BOTH). The Idea Book & Catalogs are all filled with great sample projects which you can use as inspiration for many different types of projects.

The LO below is from the current Idea Book and catalog. Use it as your inspiration for your project. Be sure to let me know if you make a project with the IBCC. I just may showcase you on my blog.

This beautiful LO features the Stampin' UP Big Flowers stamp set. The full stamp set is shown below.So much could be done with this stamp set and I hope to get it one day. It would be perfect for scrapbooking!

I am gong to get my LO made over the weekend. Today, I will be getting BRAND NEW Catalogs ready to mail out!!!!!! If you need one, please contact me ASAP to ensure you get one!

Click here to see how to win a free Big Shot from Scrapmaster's Paradise! July 1st -July 29th

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

I'm giving away a Big Shot!!

OK REALLY! The title says it all!

Scrapmaster's Paradise (AKA ME!!) is going to give away a Big Shot during the month of July -at least one!

Since July is the first month of the brand spankin' new Stampin' UP Idea Book and Catalog, I thought I would kick of the new catalog celebration right!

In order to be eligible at a chance to win a Big Shot, simply place a $100 order through my Stampin' UP Website http://stampinwithsami.stampinup.net (click on Shop Now) or via email scrapmastersparadise@yahoo.com between July 1st and July 29th. For every $100 you spend up to $500, you will get another chance at winning.

Don't want to have to wait and take your chance? If you place a $500 order by yourself, I will GIVE YOU a Big Shot for free so you don't even have to take your chances in the drawing.

Already own a big shot? Then I will give you $100 in FREE Big Shot Dies/Texture Plates/Accessories of your choice!

So start saving those pennies!!

Here are the details:

• The Big Shot(s) will be Stampin' UP and brand new in a sealed box.
  
• In order to place the random drawing, I must have a minimum of 5 participants in the $100 rally (this does not include the $500 orders, who get their own FREE Big Shot)
  
• Workshop orders are ineligible UNLESS you do the work of gathering your friends orders and payments and placing them as a SINGLE order to me (meaning, I don't want to have to track down 10 people and get payments from them).
• This offer cannot be combined with any other offer through me.
• During the month of July, the 25-25-25 board and the Frequent Stamper Club will be suspended except for hostess club orders.
• Depending on the number of entries OVER 5 entries, I may give away ADDITIONAL Big Shots.
• The $100 and $500 is before shipping and tax so it must be the merchandise total.
• Big Shot(s) will be ordered by me after July 29th but before the end of the month.
  

Need a catalog?? You can order one from me at my online store: http://samiville.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=7 for $7 including shipping or place an order before then end of June and get one FREE!


Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Cricut Purse Box

Happy Cricut Wednesday everyone!

Last Wednesday, I mentioned that I intend to show you projects featuring my Cricut cartridge. As promised, here is your next installment of Cricut Wednesday. . .

BUT first, I want to tell you that a BIG announcement is happening here at SP TOMORROW! You won't want to miss this!

I made this cute little goody bag for a friend of mine:

• This little purse box was made using the Cricut Tags, Bags, Boxes & More cartridge. I will admit, I have hardly even touched this cartridge since I got it because. . . I found it intimidating and I only had the Cricut Machine (cuts up to 5.5inches) so I didn't really think the boxes would work well on it. Now that I have the Cricut Expression, I am going to test it out more!
• The paper used for the outside of the box is from my June Vintage Plum kit called Alphabet Soup. This is one of the Vintage Plum brand papers (isn't that awesome!? They design their own papers just for each monthly kit!).
• I sprayed the outside of the bag with Glimmer Mist to give it a shimmery look.
• Then I used the brand new Stampin' UP In Color09-10, Soft Suede, to stamp a design over the patterned paper. The stamp is from the Stampin' UP Friends 24-7 stamp set.
• The alphas is a raw chipboard! To decorate the chipboard, I sprayed it with green Glimmer Mist and then stamped using a flower from the same stamp set as the one I used in the background (Friends 24-7). Then I just colored in the image to match the purse.
• I mounted the finished alpha on a torn piece of Stampin' UP Chocolate Chip cardstock. I crinkled up the edges to make it look more worn.
  
• ribbon is Stampin' UP 1/4inch Old Olive grosgrain ribbon.

I took a close up with my new camera and you can see the shimmer in the photo above! It just sparkles!

Then, I just filled it with candy and gave it to my friend :O)

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

Friendly Rose Card

Welcome to your 12th installment of USE IT Tuesday!

Every Tuesday, I am digging into my stash and using something I have been hoarding. I have a room full of stuff and I am going to try to USE IT!! I hope you will join me and start using your own stuff more.

Today, I pulled out my beautiful Manhattan Flower embossing folder. Anyone with a SIzzix or a Cuttlebug knows that dry embossing is such a nice way to jazz up a project. My poor embossing folders have been soooo neglected so I pulled this one out!
This is one of my fave cards I have ever made! It was so easy to make too, once I got the sponging figured out. AND there is a SNEAK PEEK on this card!

• Friend to Friend stamp is from the upcoming Stampin' UP Catalog (July 1st). This is one of the many great sentiments from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set. I really like this stamp set! It is honestly the first and only sentiment stamp set that I have purchased.
  
• The sentiment was punched out with the Stampin' UP Large Oval Punch and then layered with the Stampin' UP Scallop Oval Punch.
• TIP: Stamp your sentiment before using a punch. When punching, look through the bottom of the punch and line up your sentiment how you want it. Stampin' UP Punches have a comfort grip so you can flip them over and still punch out easily.
  
• The whisper white cardstock was embossed with the Stampin' UP Manhattan Flower texture impressions folder.
• Sponging was done using a makeup sponge ($1.70 a pack at Target!!) and the ink colors Riding Hood Red (retiring this month!) and Old Olive.
• Background paper is Old Olive cardstock.
  

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Spark of Happy LO

Come play along this week at SPCC http://spcolorcombos.blogspot.com!

• This is the LO I made for SP Color Combo #3 for this week. I really like the colors for this week and they came together better than I expected on my LO.
• Cardstock is Stampin' UP Lovely Lilac (for the background) and Garden Green (for the photo mat)
• Pattern paper is DCWV and K & Company
• I distressed the edges of the paper strips with an Edge Distresser tool
• The circles on the bacground paper are from the SNEAK PEEK stamp set called Circle Circus. I stamped them in Lovely Lilac ink so they would be subtle.
• TIP: Use the same color ink and cardstock for a tone on tone effect. You can create accents and stamped backgrounds doing so.
  
• Alphas are Thickers (glitter ones and felt ones)
• TIP: GO with the FLOW! Let me explain. . . I had a major accident on this LO, but you would never know it (well, if I wasn't about to explain it to you, LOL) I wanted the title to be "SPARKLE" as I was putting down the letters, I knew the alphas weren't going to fit. I couldn't rearrange them because there wasn't room for them and I wanted to use the green glitter letters so I thought of a new title. It ended up working for me! SO what I mean by Go with the Flow is when something doesn't "fit" or "work" for you, change it up!

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

Sketch Challenge #20

Whoa! I can't believe we are on 20 already! Well, here it is:
If you use the sketch, please let me know!! I would love to see your creations!

Here is my take on the LO:
Sorry my LO is so late! I have had really bad migraines this past week so I am lagging behind this week.

• To see a larger photo, click on the photo!
  
• This page was made for my precious fiance. This is one of the creepiest faces I have ever seen him make but it was soooo hilarious!! He was goofing around and I had to snap some photos!
  
• The background cardstock is Stampin' UP Not Quite Navy. This is one of my favorite Stampin' UP Colors.
• The tiny circles around the larger circles is a SNEAK PEEK stamp!! This stamp is from the Stampin' UP Circle Circus stamp set. I stamped them in Soft Suede, the new In Color for 09-10!!
  
• The patterned papers are from DCWV (blue), Basic Grey (dark brown), and K&Company (light brown).
• TIP: To cut out great circles, use the Stampin' UP Circle Cutter or the Martha Stewart Circle Cutter. They are easy to use, compact, and cut circles up to 5.5inches in diameter.
  
• The journaling circle is from my June kit from Vintage Plum. You need this kit!!
  
• The title was made with Thickers and Pink Paislee alphas. The small green alphas are the Pink Paislee ones.
• TIP: Try mix and matching letters if you run out. Notice the "teeth" alphas are different shades of green? I actually ran out of glitter letters, so I used other thickers and then covered them in green Stickles glitter glue. It isn't perfect, but it is close enough!
  
• TIP: To make letters stand out against similar colored paper, go around the edges with a black pen/marker. For the light green letters, I used my Stampin' UP Basic Black marker.
  

Next week, I am going to try to get on top of things a little better. I haven't been pre-scheduling posts like I used to and I was doing a good job keeping up until the migraines hit again. They really take a lot out of a person!

Tomorrow, I have some SNEAK PEEKS to share with ya along with a brand new color combo from SPCC!

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Stamptivity #15

For this week's Stamptivity Challenge, use paper glaze (Glossy accents is the same thing) on your Stamptivity card or project.

My sample is still drying so I will try to get it up tomorrow.

If you do the challenge, please send me a note so I can take a peek!

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

And the $25 gift certificate goes to. . . .

The 25-25-25 board is full!!!!!!!

SO it is time for me to reveal the name of the random winner of the $25 gift certificate!

The winner is. . . . .

Janice C!!!!!!!!!

Janice also has a lovely $5 gift certificate to spend because she filled up her Frequent Stamper Card!!

To find out more about how you can get your name on the 25-25-25 board and the Frequent Stamper Card, click on them in my Stampin' UP Corner in the sidebar!

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

How to Make Cricut Cutting Mats Resticky

Originally posted this on June 18th, 2008, but I wanted to bring this back up to the top for all my cricut friends!

Along with many Cricut users, I am fed up with the Cricut cutting mats / pads. They don't stay sticky for any decent amount of time. I think that this is rediculous because we pay HUNDREDS (Some of us even spend THOUSANDS) of dollars to their company so they should at least figure out a better way! Buying cutting mats all the time adds up!

So to counter this problem, many scrappers have come up with different methods of making the mats last longer or making them sticky again.

These are the ways I have read about so far:

*Using a lint roller -roll the lint roller back and forth over the cutting pad to get all the paper pieces and paper fuzzies off the mat. I didn't notice a difference with this method.

*Rotating cutting pads -use 2 or 3 cutting pads at a time, rotating which one you cut on. This does help some, but eventually they still lose the sticky.

*Spray the mat with adhesive -this is what we are going to concentrate on!

After many attempts, I have learned a lot of what not to do and I found a way that works!

I attempted to wash mine with soap and water, which helped a little bit but the mats were definitely NOT as sticky as the original mats.

The lint roller helps to get the little paper lint off, but didn't make the mat any more sticky.

I ALWAYS rotate cutting mats! I don't really see a difference if I am only cutting out a couple of pieces, but I definitely notice the difference when I am working on a big project. I rotate with six mats. I alternate two at a time and then switch to another two after a little while. I find that this extends them for a lot longer.

And finally, the number one best method I have found is adhesive spray!!! Here are a few tips and tricks to get the best out of it.

1. Use Krylon Easy-Tack Repositionable Spray #7020. I tried a few other sprays with no luck. They either didn't stick enough or stuck too much and messed up the paper. The Krylon spray makes the mats stick the same as when they are new! This stuff is AMAZING!!! This comes in the bottle shown below:

This spray needs to be sprayed outside where you have ventilation and away from children and pets. In my local scrapbooking store, this spray was in the isle with the wood glues and NOT with the scrapbooking glues so ask someone if you cant find it. At the store here, it costs $5.99 and lasts a long time. One bottle should last many, many months.

2. Tape off the edges of your mat. This is critical because the glue will get on the roller thing in your machine. I found taping of the mats to be tedious so I made a mat template out of cardboard and I lay it on top of my mat, align it with the mat and spray.

3. Spray lightly. I found that if you put on too much spray, it takes forever to dry.

4. Wait a couple minutes. If you spray and then stick the paper on immediately, it wont stick! The adhesive actually has to dry before it becomes sticky.

******Note: I recommend only using the spray method AFTER your warranty is up because doing this can void your warranty. Good luck saving your mats and your money!

Are you inspired by my blog? One way you can help support this blog is by ordering your Stampin’ Up products through me. Some helpful links are below my signature. Thank you!

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

Teeny Circle Cupcakes

I decided to make cupcakes for our work potluck. I made these super cute cupcake decorations using some SNEAK PEEK items from the upcoming Stampin' UP Catalog (you can order from it starting July 1st). I really love how they turned out!! These would be great for a picnic, birthday party, or any kind of special get together. I hope you like them!

• For these cupcake decorations, I used bamboo skewers and cut them into shorter lengths. You could use toothpicks, but I found them to be too small.
• The front of the tags were stamped with a stamp from the Circle Circus stamp set using Bermuda Bay ink.
  
• Then I stamped them with the "sweet treats" sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.
• I used a Stampin' UP Circle punch on the Whisper White cardstock and the Stampin' UP Scallop Circle punch on the In Color 09-10 cardstocks.
• The back was made using the "just for you" sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.
• For the scallop punchouts, I used Stampin' UP's new In Colors: Bermuda Bay and Melon Mambo.
• TIP: To make the scallops fit on the skewers, I made a punch out for the front and the back and then used adhesive to attach them with the skewer in the middle.
  

Here are some photos of the backs:


Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

We Will Miss You. . .

God's Beauty stamp set!!
This is a LO I made using the Stampin' UP stamp set called God's Beauty, which is a retiring hostess set! To get this set, you have to place an order of $150 or more (workshop or your own order).

• butterfly is from the God's Beauty stamp set. I stamped one in Baja Breeze ink (This ink is retiring so get it NOW) and then cut it out. Then I attached it to the LO with Stampin' Dimensionals. The other butterflies are stamped in Soft Suede, one of the new In Colors for 09-10.
  
• TIP: Stamp in Stampin' UP Whisper White cardstock to make a perfectly crisp image. I have tried other white cardstock and it is just not the same!
• Background cardstock, green cardstock, and larger green patterned paper are from the June kit at Vintage Plum. Check them out, you will love them!
• The smaller pieces are K & Company patterned paper. I inked the edges with Soft Suede ink.
• TIP: to make your layers POP, ink the edges of the paper slightly! This is one of my favorite little tricks to use.
  
• Flowers are Primas. I accented them with brads.
• The swirl coming off of the blue butterfly is a stamp from the Stampin' UP Flight of the Butterfly stamp set.
• On the green cardstock, I used the Stampin' UP Eyelet Border Punch.
  

Tomorrow, I will show you a super cute way to use some of the new Sneak Peek stamp sets!! I can't wait to see what you think!

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

New Cricut Wednesday!

I am going to try to make Wednesday's a special day around here: Cricut Wednesday!!! I really need to and want to use more Cricut die cuts on my LO's and cards so I am challenging myself to use 'em more!

This is also a SNEAK PEEK LO too!!

Today's LO is of my fiance when he was little. Isn't he cute?! LOL Now here are the deets on this LO:

• This week, I used the Cricut Life's a Beach cartridge to make these cute little fish!
  
• LO was made for a summer camp challenge over at Coordinates Collections, but I think I am too late to enter it! (I had it done in time, but I didn't get it posted in time!!)
• I used a sketch from 52sketches for the design.
• Bermuda Bay cardstock was used for the fish die cuts and the mat around the photo.
• TIP: Color on your die cuts!! I outlined they eyes with my Basic Black Stampin' UP Marker and I colored the fins with my Pacific Point In Color Marker I made with a VersaMarker.
  
• Alphas, borders, patterned paper, and journaling sticker were all from a Coordinates Collections kit.
• Tangerine Tango Cardstock was used for the circle mats.
• DCVW Citrus Stack was used for the patterned paper circles.
• TIP: For perfect circles, use a circle cutter! Stampin' UP and Martha Stewart both make awesome ones! They are pretty small and easy to use tools.
  
• On the photo, I used the Stampin' UP Ticket Corner Punch.

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Sneak Peek Cupcakes Card

• This card was made using a SNEAK PEEK Stampin' UP set called The More the Merrier. This set is a level 3 hostess set. It is very versatile because it comes with a bunch of holiday related shapes.
• The cupcakes were colored in with an aqua painter and In Color inks: Melon Mambo, Soft Suede, and Bermuda Bay.
• TIP: When using Stampin' UP ink with an aqua painter, close the ink, press on the top and bottom of the inkpad, and then you can use excess ink of the lid of the ink pad! Just brush the tip of the painter across the excess ink and paint away.
• TIP: To make darker shaded parts, go over the part twice. I always do a fairly light uniform color across the whole part and then go back and add a little extra where I want darker parts.
• To write "you're the" I used the Soft Suede In Color marker.
• The rest of the sentiment is from the Stampin' UP The More the Merrier stamp set.
  
• The patterned paper is also a SNEAK PEEK item. This paper is part of the Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Paper pack.
• Card measures 4.25X5.5inches
• Background paper is Bermuda Bay Cardstock, the new In Color.
  
• The lace edge was made with Close to Cocoa cardstock and the Stampin' UP Eyelet Border Punch.
  

This is one of my favorite sets from the Sneak Peek pre-order!! Let me take this chance to say it is so great to be a demonstrator for Stampin' UP. One of my favorite things ever is being able to order hostess sets before each catalog comes out! It is one of the many many perks of being a demonstrator. If you want to be a demonstrator too, I would love to have you join my team. We are the Inkalicious Divas! If you want to be an Inkalicious Diva, send me an email or click on Join Now on my Demo website at http://stampinwithsami.stampinup.net. The pre-order is only until June 30th so now is a great time to take the plunge. I am so happy I did it!

Now for something fun! My dear friend Deb made these awesome blinkies for my team!!! I am soooooo excited I can't even begin to tell you how much I love these blinkies. I am just now getting into digital things so there is no way I could have made anything close to this awesome. Thank you so much, Deb!!!






Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Use It Tuesday #11

Happy Tuesday everyone!
I am sorry I am so late posting today. I was sick with a migraine since late last night, but I am feeling much better now. I will post my sneak peeks later today once I get the energy to pull out my camera :O)

Every Tuesday, I am digging into my stash and using something I have been hoarding. I have a room full of stuff and I am going to try to USE IT!! I hope you will join me and start using your own stuff more.

This week, I am playing with a monthly kit I received -the Vintage Plum June kit called Alphabet Soup! The Vintage Plum kits are the best of the best. I love their kits and I they have a great online community too. Usually I jump into my VP kits as soon as I get them, but this month, I had some kit anxiety. It was just so pretty, I didn't want to use it up. Well this weekend, I tore into my kit and made 4 layouts with it. Here are two of them:

• All items are from the Vintage Plum kit except what I used to embellish the chipboard letters and the Stampin' UP Bashful Blue cardstock (used for the photo mats)
  
• For the yellow alphas, I painted them with acrylic paint and then once dried, I covered them with Paper Glaze.
• TIP: Paper Glaze takes a LONG time to dry, I use the paper glaze as the last thing on my page and then let it dry overnight.
  

• Everything on this LO came with the June VP kit except the tools and the pink Glitter Thickers.
• To make the Yeah Yeah Yeah alphas, I used my Cricut and the Platin Schoolbook Cartridge. I cut the middle letters out of the same patterned paper that I used on the page.
• TIP: To attach small die cut letters, I use my Xyron X. I think I paid like $10 for it at Target and I am still on the refill that came with it.
  

Happy Crafting,


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SPCC #2

Happy Monday everyone! Monday now means Color Combos. . . are you ready???

Here is my entry for this week's SPCC! Be sure to come check out my brand new Color Combo challenge blog at http://spcolorcombos.blogspot.com

• I used the Stampin' UP Manhattan flower embossing folder. This folder is so pretty and I have seen tons of different ways to use it. I created another card using this folder that I will share with you later this week.
• For the flowers, I used Stampin' UP's craft ink Whisper White and used a cotton ball to sponge it mostly in the center of the flowers. Then I inked the edges and the ridges of the Rose Red cardstock with Close to Cocoa ink.
• TIP: Heat set the Whisper White ink or you will smudge it with your fingers!! Whisper White Craft ink takes a long time to dry, longer than most of the other craft inks.
• For the Certainly Celery cardstock, I crinkled it and then inked it using Close to Cocoa ink.
• I added the Close to Cocoa Cardstock mat to make the crinkeld paper more sturdy and flat.
• The sentiment is from the upcoming Stampin' UP Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set. This is a SNEAK PEEK!! I am really loving this cute little stamp set because it is sooooo versatile!
• TIP: Use a Stamp-a-ma-jig when positioning sentiments directly on your card!! To find out more about the Stamp-a-ma-jig, click here!

Tomorrow, I will have a new SNEAK PEEK for you so stay tuned!!

Happy Crafting,


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Paper Kits are BACK!

I would like to talk a minute about paper kits that include Stampin' UP Paper. . .

As a demonstrator, I am allowed to make kits using Stampin' UP items to sell to my customers. Also as a Stampin' UP Demonstrator, I am not allowed to sell current product on Ebay. I have know these facts since I became a demonstrator last August.

What I DID NOT know what you cannot sell kits on ebay! I guess I never connected the two rules. I didn't see the kits as "selling current product" because to me I thought the rule was meant to prevent people from buying stamp sets and selling them on ebay.

I got in a little bit of trouble for doing so, and I took down all my paper kits as soon as I was told it was against the rules. BUT I am allowed to sell my paper kits online via etsy, my own website, basically anywhere that isn't Ebay. It did not matter that I had an ebay store and never did a single auction. I am sorry for breaking the rules because I had no idea I was breaking the rules.

BUT I still want to sell paper kits and I am going to do so as I am permitted to do. I have started my own webstore!!!

www.samiville.com

I plan on selling all the paper kits I can!! If you want paper kits, I am your gal! I still have a bunch of current (soon to be retiring) paper kits, and I will be making brand new paper kits once the new catalog comes out. Not very many items are listed in my store yet, but I hope to get them listed this week.

To the person who reported me: I really wish you would have approached me rather than reporting me. Had I been contacted, I would have done the right thing. I am a good person, and I am insulted that you didn't give me a chance to do the right thing before turning me in.

Happy Crafting,


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Sketch Challenge #19

Here is this week's sketch challenge:

For this sketch, I made the following LO:

• The background paper is from a Coordinates Collections kit I got this month. It is from Prima and it has flocking on it. The swirls reminded me of waves.
• The circles at the bottom are my favorite part of this LO. I cut the circles out using my Cricut and the Accent Essentials cartridge. Then I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the circles on the die cut circles.
• Circle stamp is from the brand new Stampin' UP Circle Circus stamp set. This is one of my faves from the sneak peek!! They are stamped using Melon Mambo ink.
  
• TIP: Tape the circles down before stamping so they won't move!
• There are coordinating brads between each of the circles so it looks like they are connected.
• The big shape in the background was cut on the Cricut from the Storybook cartridge.
• TIP: To make big shaped elements, use the "fit to page" button on the Cricut Expression.
• Title was made with Thickers.
• Cardstock is Stampin' UP's Melon Mambo, Baja Breeze, and Bermuda Bay. Melon Mambo and Bermuda Bay are both brand new In Colors for 09-10!
• There is hidden journaling on the tag, which was cut from the Cricut Zooballoo cartridge. I embellished the tag with fancy yarn from the knitting section of one of my local craft stores.

**I would like to add, this was me when I was a little girl. I do NOT condone putting photos of your children on the internet!!

Now I would like to hear from you. What do you think of the bullet point format? Does it make it easier to read? I want to know what your feelings are about it. Please let me know!

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

Stamptivity #14

For this weeks Stamptivity Challenge, tilt your card!!
I tilted my stamped image of the girl and the sentiment. The girl and the leaves are from the Stamptivity Set called Bella Panels. I just love this cute set. The panels are just so neat. I really like how the edges of the panels are so decorative and elegant.

The sentiment was stamped with KI Memories clear alpha stamps. They have so many cute fonts that I have on my wishlist! The background paper is from K & Company.

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

Spongebob is IN DA HOUSE!

I finally received my Spongebob Cricut Cartridge today!!!! YIPPEE! They are shipping! Who's excited? I know Spongebob is:

Here is the front cover of the Spongebob Cartridge:

And here is the back cover. Click on the image to see a bigger size.
Today I will be working to list these super fun shapes in my ebay store: http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Scrapmasters-Paradise

Happy Crafting,


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IBCC #21 & Sunset Brayer Technique

IBCC stands for Idea Book & Catalog Challenge. The IBC challenges are intended to get everyone thinking about the Stampin' UP catalog as an idea book and not only a catalog (since it is intended to be BOTH). The Idea Book & Catalogs are all filled with great sample projects which you can use as inspiration for many different types of projects.

The card above is from the current Idea Book and catalog. Use it as your inspiration for your card.

Here is my card:
For my card, I used a bunch of Sneak Peek items!!

• I used new In Color 09-10 cardstock colors: Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, and Soft Suede.
  
• On the background, I stamped using the Circle Circus stamp set using Dusty Durango ink.
  
• The tree is from the Lovely as a Tree stamp set and I used the In Color markers to acheive the multicolored effect. I inked the tree up with the Crushed Curry ink pad and then colored over random spots with the Dusty Durango and Soft Suede markers.
• TIPS: Ink your layers from lightest to darkest when doing multicolored stamping. That way you won't ruin your light colored inks/markers by getting dark ink on them.
• The sentiment is from the sneak peek set Teeny Tiny Wishes. I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to make the sentiment straight.
• The card measures approximately 3.75X 6.75 inches.
  

What do you think of the bullet point format? Is it easier to read?? I would love to hear your input.

Also, I forgot to mention the other day that I posted the Sunset Brayer Technique on my learning blog. Be sure to check it out here: http://stampinwithsami.blogspot.com/2009/06/lesson-26-sunset-brayer-technique.html

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

Eureka! LO

Happy Thursday everyone!! and Happy Birthday to me!!! I am going to be spending the day with Johnny and my mom so I thought I would go ahead and post this here for ya.

This LO above was made using one of my Coordinates Collections kit. I am a subscriber to both of their kit options. I have always loved their kits, but I just recently took the plunge and started subscribing to their kits. I love them because they are always fresh and pretty. I am really not up to date on the latest and greatest in the scrappy world except for Cricut cartridges and Stampin' UP products, so they help me to stay current on what's going on. They are only the second kit club I have ever subscribed to, and I am really enjoying my kits from them.

Everything came with the kit except the yellow vinyl brackets are from a Thickers accent pack.

Tomorrow, I will have another lovely SNEAK PEEK from the new Stampin' UP Catalog.

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Happy Birthday Lantern Card

SNEAK PEEK ALERT!!

So I have been loving the new stamp set called Circle Circus. There is just so much to be done with these cute circles. I decided to try to make the circles look like those cute paper lantern decoration. Do they look like lanterns to you? I am still not convinced completely, maybe disco balls or something?

This card was made with some of the great new items from the upcoming Stampin' UP catalog. The background was made with Raspberry Lemonade designer paper and Crushed Curry cardstock. The circles from the Circle Circus stamp set were stamped in Basic Black and then I drew the "strings" with a Basic Black Stampin' UP Marker. The Happy Birthday sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, which is also a new stamp set.

For the sentiment, I first stamped on Crushed Curry cardstock using the same ink color. That circle is also from the Circle Circus stamp set. This stamp coordinates with the Stampin' UP Scallop Circle punch! You gotta love it!!

Now, let's get down to some business. I was asked recently:

HOW DO I GET MY HAND ON A NEW CATALOG?
Well, the best way to get a catalog is to place an order with me this month and I will send you a catalog FOR FREE!!!! YES FREE! It doesn't matter if your order is only for a reinker (which are $2.95). If you order from me, you get a catalog. Simple as that! I preordered boxes of catalogs, and I will have them ready to ship around July1st when the catalog goes live.

If you don't want to place an order. . . then why would you want the catalog?!!? Seems like a crazy question, but the catalog is MORE than just a catalog. It is also an Idea Book. There are tons of samples in the book and it is a great inspirational tool. Even if you aren't interested in buying Stampin' UP products, the ideas from the catalog can't be beat!

S0 if you don't want to place a Stampin' UP order, then contact me at scrapmastersparadise@yahoo.com and I will send you a catalog for $5. I actually have to PAY for the catalogs. They cost about $5 for me to buy PLUS I have to pay about $3 to ship them to you so I am actually losing money selling them to you for $5. I am willing to do that because I THINK STAMPIN UP IS THE BEST and I know you will to!

Either way, make sure to get your catalog from me ASAP! I only have a set number to give out right now, so if you wait, it may take longer for you to receive the catalog.

REMINDERS:
**The brand new SP Color Combo Challenge Blog has been launched. Be sure to check it out and play along with me! I have 3 awesome sponsors already working on getting some fabulous prize packages together. It is going to be big!! http://spcolorcombos.blogspot.com. I will be having a DT call very soon and the more you play, the better your chances are.

**Be sure to get in on the June blog candy! http://thescrapmaster.blogspot.com/2009/06/june-blog-candy-giveaway.html

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Use IT Tuesday #10

Every Tuesday, I am digging into my stash and using something I have been hoarding. I have a room full of stuff and I am going to try to USE IT!! I hope you will join me and start using your own stuff more.

This week, I played around with my new Sneak Peek stamp set called Circle Circus. I made two cards using this stamp set. I tried to use them a little differently than I thought of initially.
My first card also features another new stamp set called Lots of Bots! This is the cutest little robot stamp set! There are some great boyish stamps in this set to make masculine cards. I'm loving it!! This little robot was colored in with In Color Markers, and I outlined him with a silver gel pen from Fiskars. The background of the card was stamped with one of the circles from Circle Circus. The orange patterned paper is from the Stampin' UP Raspberry Lemonade paper pack. To finish the card off, I stamped it with a brand new sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set. Seriously, this stamp set has so many different sentiments for everything!

Now on to my next card:
For my next card, I tried to go for a more feminine feel. I used the swirl and sentiment from the Stampin' UP Baroque Motifs stamp set (one of my fave of all time!!). Rather than decorating the swirl with flowers, I decorated it with circles from the Circle Circus stamp set. I used the new In Colors to make this card also.

REMINDERS: Be sure to check out my new SP Color Combo Challenge blog!! Click here!

Find out more by clicking the button!

And be sure to enter my http://thescrapmaster.blogspot.com/2009/06/june-blog-candy-giveaway.html> June Blog candy (click here) to get your hands on some of Stampin' UP's new In Colors!

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

My New Challenge Blog!!

Find out more by clicking the button!

I am sooooo excited to announce that I am creating a new challenge blog!!!!!

I had a great response to my color combo swatch the other day so I have officially launched my Challenge blog today :)

I hope you will play along with me! Here is the first SPCC:

A masculine color combo just in time for Father's day.

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY INTO MY June Blog Candy. . . simply spread the word about my new challenge blog! Post about it on your blog, a forum, twitter, facebook, where ever. You will get an extra entry into the blog candy for every time you spread the word. Be sure to leave me a link on the Blog Candy thread HERE each time you post a new link so I can enter you. You will get an extra entry for simply playing along too :)

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Saying Goodbye & A Toot!!

I made this LO using the Manchester Designer paper. I really like the colors in this paper and I love the masculine patterns in the paper. This paper is RETIRING, and I am going to miss it :O( Be sure to check out the retiring lists (they are linked in my SU Newslflash section on my sidebar) before they are gone!

For this LO, I also used a chipboard element from the Stampin' UP Holiday COllection kit 08. I wrapped the chipboard with Whisper White Taffeta ribbon. There are some Prima flowers with decorative brads in the centers. The photos and photo frames were made with Nestabilities. The title is Thickers.

Now for the tiny toot. . . Paula featured my ribbon organizer on Crafty Storage Blog!!! I am a frequent visitor at Crafty Storage because there are so many great organization idea posted on there. Paula does a great job finding the best ideas out these. I am very pleased to have my idea posted on here. If you haven't stopped by Crafty Storage, be sure to check it out.

Be sure to check back tomorrow because I will be sharing some Sneak Peek cards for Use IT Tuesday!!

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

Sketch Challenge # 18

Here is this week's sketch challenge:

If you use the sketch, please post a link so everyone can check it out!!

Here is my example:This LO is another SNEAK PEEK from the upcoming Stampin' UP catalog (that starts July 1st). The background cardstock is Soft Suede, one of the new In Colors. AND all that beautiful patterned paper is from the new Stampin' UP paper pack called Tall Tales. This is THE perfect boy paper pack. It uses very masculine colors and there are cute little animals and trees on the papers. I cut the trees, owl, and elephant out of the patterned papers and then used Stampin' Dimensionals foam dots to make the elements have dimension on my page.

There is a matching stamp set that coordinates with this patterned paper, but I didn't have enough in my pre-order budget to get it :O( I hope to get it later because it is cute. The coordinating stamp set is called Animal Stories.

***I would also like to get up on my soap box and say that ordinarily, I do NOT condone putting children's photos online. I know 99% of visitors are good people but that little percentage of weirdos is enough to keep me from posting my future children's photos on the computer. You never know who is viewing the photos. With that said, I made this exception because. . . this is my fiance when he was little!! He is grown up now so it doesn't matter if someone bad sees these! Isn't he a doll??


Happy Crafting,


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I have an announcement. . .

I LOVE Color Combos!!

In fact, I love color combos so much, that I am creating a new feature/element to my blog. . . I have been goofing around with PhotoShop Elements so I could make this super fancy color swatch to showcase my color combos. I will be showcasing color combos made with Stampin' UP Colors. The colors below are a combo made with the new Stampin' UP In Colors 09-10 that are set to come out on July 1st!!

I wanted to design something cutesy and funky to showcase my color combos and I think I did that. . .I hope you like it!

I will be introducing new color combos (not sure how often they will be yet). I might make them a weekly feature on the blog or I might just make them at random. I haven't made up my mind yet.

What do you think of my design?? Do you love color combos? I would love to hear your input.

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Ribbon Organizer!!

My dear fiance, Johnny made this for me yesterday:

I had this exact idea in my head, but he made it reality! We got all the parts at Home Depot. I just love the way it turned out.

The dowels are resting on little tracks on the side of the oeganizer so that I can adjust the shelves to different heights depending on the ribbon spool sizes.

Here is the look at the back of it:

I took one row off so you could see the tracks better:
I told Johnny that he could open a business selling ribbon organizers! It looks so great I am just blown away by it.

There was way more ribbon in my containers than I had realized. I must have been in ribbon denial because I honestly thought that I would only have half of the shelves full of ribbon. I was definitely mistaken! I actually have a bunch more loose or off the spool ribbons left and I got rid of like 10 spools of ribbon I no longer wanted. . . My name is Samantha and I am addicted to Ribbon!


Happy Crafting,


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June Blog Candy Giveaway

***This blog candy is now CLOSED!***

I said this would e BIG because June is my birthday month. Yes I say month, because I like to celebrate my birthday all month long!! My actual birthday is on June 11th, but I already know what my gifts are. I racked up this year: An Olympus E-450 Digital SLR, A Cricut Expression (I have the little one, but I am getting an upgrade), a photography book, Photoshop Elements, a Photoshop book, and 5 Cricut cartridges!!!! I am truly blessed, and I really want to share some of my scrap goodies with you! Enough about me and onto the candy!!


Isn't is lovely???

Included in this amazing blog candy prize is the following:
*3 Sheets of 8.5X11 Stampin' UP Melon Mambo Cardstock
*3 Sheets of 8.5X11 Stampin' UP Soft Suede Cardstock
*3 Sheets of 8.5X11 Stampin' UP Dusty Durango Cardstock
*3 Sheets of 8.5X11 Stampin' UP Crushed Curry Cardstock
*3 Sheets of 8.5X11 Stampin' UP Bermuda Bay Cardstock
*3 Sheets of 8.5X11 Stampin' UP Rich Razzleberry Cardstock (Cardstock Retail $5.50 per pack)
*1 yard of each Stampin' UP In Color 09-10 Polka Dot 1/2inch Grosgrain ribbon (Retail $9.95 per roll)
*1 set of Stampin' UP In Color markers (1 of each color, 6 markers total, Retail $17.95 for a set)

I just love these new colors In Colors and I know you will too! The winner will be able to play with these goodies before any customers even receive their orders :O)

How can you enter to win????
* Post about my candy on your blog and link back to this post on my blog.
* Leave me a comment so that I can see your blog post about my candy. Also, be sure to tell me what your favorite type of birthday cake is!!

For an extra entry you can become a follower of my blog, or post about my candy on another place in cyberspace (a forum where acceptable, twitter, facebook, etc), or join my Stampin' UP Newsletter (link is at the top of my blog). If you post to another place, be sure to let me have the link so I can count your additional entry. Also for every $25 Stampin' UP purchase made from me, cusomers will receive an entry.

Edit: ALSO FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY INTO MY June Blog Candy. . . simply spread the word about my new challenge blog! SP Color Combos (click here to view my new challenge blog!!) is a weekly color challenge blog. Post about it on your blog, a forum, twitter, facebook, where ever. You will get an extra entry into the blog candy for every time you spread the word. Be sure to leave me a link each time you post a new link so I can enter you. You will get an extra entry for simply playing along too :)


NOW HERE IS THE BEST PART. . . for every 100 entries I receive, I will ADD SOMETHING TO THE BLOG CANDY!!!!! The more you spread the word, the more I give.

Here is the fine print: All entries are due by June 30th at midnight EST. I will pick the winner on July 1st and ship as soon as I receive the winners mailing address. This way you will be one of the first ever to play with these new colors (well, besides demonstrators, it rocks to be a demo!!).

Happy Crafting,


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IBCC #20 & Reveal #4

For this week's IBC Challenge, I made a card using some SU Sneak Peek items!!! Be sure to read everything so you don't miss out on my hints :O)

Here is the inspiration card:


IBCC stands for Idea Book & Catalog Challenge. The IBC challenges are intended to get everyone thinking about the Stampin' UP catalog as an idea book and not only a catalog (since it is intended to be BOTH). The Idea Book & Catalogs are all filled with great sample projects which you can use as inspiration for many different types of projects.

The card above is from the current Idea Book and catalog. Use it as your inspiration for your card.

The above card features two awesome stamp sets that I wish I owned: Puns From the Past and Curvy Verses (both are shown below, click to see larger images).
And here is my version of the inspiration card:
Aren't these new In Colors lovely?! I really like them together. They are so funky and bright. My Color Combo here is Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, and Bermuda Bay.

For my card, I basically used the inspiration card as a sketch. All the stamps except for the sentiment are from the Stampin' UP Wings of Friendship stamp set. This set is going to be a hostess set in the upcoming Idea Book & Catalog. The sentiment "Just for you" is from the amazing stamp set called Teeny Tiny Wishes. This is a must have with 24 different occasion/holiday sentiments! I colored the Melon Mambo flower with the new In Color Markers.

I hope everyone has a happy Friday! I will be posting my June Blog Candy tonight! HINT HINT: you won't want to miss this because it is going to include NEW IN COLORS!!! Yippee!

And remember, I am going to be offering sneak peeks all month long from the upcoming catalog, so stay tuned!

What do you think of the new In Colors? Leave me a comment by Sunday at 12Midnight EST
for a chance to win a little RAK from me!

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

June Stamp Set of the Month + Sneak Peek #3

Wanna see the last two In Colors??? Well let me introduce you!


The brownish color (used on the ribbon and mat part of the stamped image) is the new In Color 09-10 called Soft Suede. The orangey color (in the sunset and as the background of the card) is Dusty Durango.

I made the sunset using a cool technique I learned (I will post a tutorial when I get around to it). I used the following colors in the sunset: Rich Razzleberry, Dusty Durango, Melon Mambo, and Crushed Curry. The colors worked well for what I was doing.

Notice that little sentiment? It is in a brand new sentiment stamp set called Teeny Tiny Wishes. This is the ultimate sentiment stamp set. It has 24 sentiments in it featuring all sorts of holidays and non-holiday sentiments!!! I will be using this stamp set quite a bit on my sneak peeks this month so be on the look out for more cute sentiments coming up!

Now, lets talk about the Stamp Set of the Month for JUNE!! I have decided to pick the stamp set featured on the above card, which is called Lovely as a Tree:
This stamp set is a very old stamp set in Stampin' UP time, and I am not surprised that it keeps making its way into the catalogs. This stamp set is timeless and there are so many great techniques that can be done with this set. With all that said, I want YOU to own this stamp set so I am offering it for 10% off all month long!!! I will also be showing some projects showcasing this stamp set during the month of June (along with all the great sneak peeks).

LOVELY AS A TREE GALLERY:
1. IBC #21


Happy Crafting,


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Lesson 26: Sunset Brayer Technique

In this lesson, learn how to make this Sunset using ink and a brayer!

Supplies Needed:
*Brayer (can be purchased in the stamping isle of any craft store)
*Sunset colored inks -I used a yellow, pink, orange, and purple (Stampin' UP's New In Colors used here: Rich Razzleberry, Dusty Durango, Melon Mambo, and Crushed Curry)
*Whisper White cardstock cut to size (my square is approx 3.5inches square)
*Cotton balls
*Black ink
*Tree stamp (Stampin' UP's Lovely as a Tree stamp set used here)

Important!! I am using 4 colors (from the bottom) yellow, pink, orange, and purple. I will be refering to them in the guide by their order:
yellow -1st color
pink - 2nd color
orange - 3rd color
purple -4th color
I am doing the number order in case you are using different colors than I chose :O)

1. Using a clean brayer, run the left half of the brayer over the 1st color (yellow) a few times. This should be your lightest color so that you don't mix darker ink into a lighter ink pad.

2. Run the other half of the brayer into the 3rd color (orange).

3. Roll the brayer over the white cardstock. Try to roll with even pressure (as you can see, I didn't, but errors will be covered up, just wait!).

4. Using the cotton balls, sponge the 2nd color (pink) and 4th color (purple). When sponging, it helps if you rotate the cotton ball so that the sponging marks don't look identical.

5. Stamp the tree image with black ink and you are done!!

For all the details about my card, visit my regular blog: http://thescrapmaster.blogspot.com/2009/06/june-stamp-set-of-month-sneak-peek-3.html

Are you inspired by my blog? One way you can help support this blog is by ordering your Stampin’ Up products through me. Some helpful links are below my signature. Thank you!

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

In Colors LO- Copy Cat

Are you ready to see more new In Colors for 09-10????




Well here they are!!! Can I just say that I thought I could never love new colors as much as I loved the current colors. BUT I think I can safely say, I LOVE EM!!!!

Let's go through them. . . The background is a funky purple called Rich Razzleberry. The pink(in the stamped image) is Melon Mambo. And that gorgeous yellow (around the photo and in the patterned paper) is Crushed Curry!!

The patterned paper is from a new Designer Paper Pack called Razzleberry Lemonade. It is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!

Edited to add:
My layout was based on a Pagemaps sketch. I loved the big circle element on the Pagemaps sketch so I really wanted to test the sketch out.

The bird is from an upcoming hostess set named Wings of Friendship. This set will be a level 2 set in the new catalog. I just have so many ideas for how to use that cute bird stamp!

I used a circle cutter to make the ring of designer paper and to make the white cardstock circle. The little flowers were punched out of the new In Color cardstock using the Boho Blossoms punch. Now if you enlarge the photo (click on the photo), you can see a tiny adorable little stamp in the center of the little blossoms. That is one of the many beautiful stamps in the Circle Circus stamp set I mentioned yesterday! This one would be a perfect stamp for faux brads, flower centers (like shown), build a brads, or to make designs over a layout.

So now we are up to 4 of the new In Colors revealed! Check back later today to see the last two gorgeous colors!

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

Reveal #1

I would like to introduce you to Bermuda Bay, one of Stampin' UP's beautiful new In Colors for 09-10!!! UPS finally brought me my pre-order package and I am so excited to finally see everything up close and personal. Let me tell you.. . it is all sooooo lovely!! I will be revealing all the lovely items in due time so stay tuned all month long.

The Circle is also a sneak peek stamp from the Circle Circus stamp set. I will be showing a lot more from this neat stamp set. It has a bunch of neat decorative circles in it (I think the name gives it away, but I like to state the obvious, LOL).

So this year, the In Colors come in a few brand new items: MARKERS and 8.5X11 TEXTURED CARDSTOCK!!!! YIPPEE! I am so thrilled to finally have some markers that I don't have to make myself!! I wrote the "thanks" with the new Bermuda Bay marker.

Plus, the In Color ribbon this year is super cute. It is 1/2inch grosgrain ribbon with polkadots! I used some of the Bermuda Bay ribbon on my card above.

The pattern on the white paper was made with the Stampin' UP Perfectly Pretty wheel. This wheel IS RETIRING this month so be sure to order it ASAP. It is by far one of my favorite wheels so I am sad to see it go.

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Creative Cafe Purse Boxes

This is what we made last night when I hosted Creative Cafe night at Vintage Plum. You can find the steps of the tutorial here: http://www.vintageplum.com/forums/vintage_plum_forums/creative_cafe/cc_6209

The box on the left was made with Stampin' UP Pink Flamingo paper and Stampin' UP Tempting Turquoise ribbon. The box on the right was made with DCVW Spring Glitter stack patterned paper and Stampin UP Very Vanilla ribbon. Both box flaps were punched with a Martha Stewart border punch.

UPS should be here with my new Stampin' UP goodies any second now so I will be back later today with a sneak peek post!! You are going to love the new In Colors! :O)

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

SNEAK PEEKS are Coming!!

TOMORROW!!!! I expedited my Stampin' UP Pre-order so I am getting all my wonderful new goodies tomorrow!!! Check back tomorrow afternoon to see some great sneak peeks!

All month long, I will be showing off sneak peeks to celebrate the new catalog release!!

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

May Blog Candy Winner!

Thank you everyone for all your support and I am so unbelievably amazed that I am at 41,500 views since October 08!!! It is just incredible! I really just don't know what to say. I am just blown away with everyone's kindness.

Now, lets get to the goodies!

The May Blog candy winner is. . . . ..


ILUVCARDS!!!!


Iluvcards, please be sure to send me an email with your address so I can send off your goodies! sstracha@utk.edu.

I will be posting the June Blog Candy in the next few days and it is going to be GOOOOOOD! June 11th is my birthday so this blog candy is going to be birthday blog candy!!!

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Summer Fun Campaign

It Pays (More) to Have Fun

From June 1-30, in addition to the already fantastic hostess benefits, get even more hostess awards when you host a qualifying workshop:

• Hold a $250-$399.99 workshop and receive an additional $20 in hostess free dollars!
• Hold a $400 or more workshop and receive an additional $40 in hostess free dollars!*

Earn more rewards while having fun with friends and family this summer! Contact me today! sstracha@utk.edu

*Awards are not accumulative; hostesses receive $20 in free merchandise for a single $250-$399.99 workshop, and $40 in free merchandise for a single $400+ workshop.

I would also like to add, you don't have to hold a workshop to receive the above benefits. You can place a single order for yourself or you can just get a bunch of your friends to place orders along with you. As long as the total reaches the totals listed above, you can get the extra hostess dollars.

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Stampin' With Sami Archive

***UNDER CONSTRUCTION*** Be sure to check my Saturday post to see my newest lesson!

I am in the process of moving all my Stampin With Sami lessons to this blog so I can have all of the lessons in one place. Some of the lessons are listed below and some of the lessons can be found by clicking here: STAMPIN' WITH SAMI

Lesson list:

1. Where to Begin
2. Stamp Using a Small Stamp
3. Cleaning Rubber Stamps
4. Bad Stamping Pathologies
5. Using Stampin' Spots
6. Stamping With a Medium Sized Stamp
7. Basic Heat Embossing
8. Mounting Stampin' UP Stamps
9. Pigment Vs. Dye Inks
10. Masking
11. Watercoloring Basics
12. Perfect Placement -Stamp-a-ma-jig
13. Make your own In Color Markers
14. Using Glitter on your projects
15. Make your own tile coasters
16. How to use SU Wheel Stamps
17. Using the SU Wheel Guide
18. Make your own colored ribbon
19. Make your own colored wheel cartridges
20. Embossing with SU wheel stamps
21. Use Glitter with SU Wheel Stamps
22. Faux Ribbon Bow
23. Mosaic Background
24. Faux Tile Technique
25. Embossed Sanding Technique
26. Sunset Brayer Technique
27. Rubons Lesson -Space Ranger Build-a-Bear Card
28. Masking & Subtle Coloring
29. Emboss Resist Technique
30. How to get to the Sweet Treats Tutorial
31. Peek-a-boo Pocket Tutorial
    

Are you inspired by my blog? One way you can help support this blog is by ordering your Stampin’ Up products through me. Some helpful links are below my signature. Thank you!

Happy Crafting,

Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here! Go to the SP Store for Handmade Cards & Goods Go to the SP Color Combos Challenge Blog Join my monthly ribbon Club! Get a Stampin' UP Catalog

Retirement List Summer 2009!

The Retirement list is now called "The Last Chance List". And it is here NOW!!! To order online, click here! To order via email, send me a message at sstracha@yahoo.com or scrapmastersparadise@yahoo.com .

Here it is!!!! (Click here to see the PDF: http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Retired_Lists_0609_US_alph.pdf) I will try to get it posted on here later.

Here are the accessories that are going away: If you want any of these order NOW because they will run out quickly. As you can see, many are already out of stock!! Many of these are discounted 25% or even 50% off!!!!!!!!!!
(List Updated June 7th! The bottom two items are newly added)

Item #	Product Description	Price	Sale Price	Availability
112735	RUB ONS HIDDEN GARDEN	10.95	5.48	Available
112970	LO MEJOR DE TODO	19.95	9.98	Available
105143	DAYS TO REMEMBER 6X6 FR	9.95	4.98	GONE!
113888	RUB ONS MANY OCCASIONS	10.95	5.48	Available
109044	PUNCH SNOW BLOSSOM	10.95	5.48	Available
111364	RIBBON POLY TWILL SO SAFFRON 7/8"	8.95	4.48	Available
106961	STAZON REFILL WHITE	4.95	2.48	Gone
114341	COURDUROY BUTTONS PACIFIC POINT	9.95	4.98	Available
114316	RIBBON ORIGINALS PIG TAILS	13.95	6.98	Available
111414	RUB ONS HIDDEN GARDEN	10.95	5.48	Available
114351	DESIGNER HARDWARE HOORAY	4.95	2.48	Available
114338	COURDUROY BUTTONS KIWI KISS	9.95	4.98	Available
114019	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS FLEURETTES	9.95	4.98	Available
114317	RIBBON ORIGINALS DRESS UP	12.95	6.48	Available
102875	HEMP TWINE RED	2.95	1.48	Available
101259	HEMP TWINE BLACK	2.95	1.48	Available
113979	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS CANVAS CUTS	7.95	3.98	Available
114350	DESIGNER HARDWARE SOHO	4.95	2.48	Available
111363	RIBBON GROSGRAIN PINK PIROUETTE 1 1/4"	7.95	5.96	Available
111365	RIBBON TAFFETA RIDING HOOD RED	6.95	5.21	Available
111847	RIBBON DOUBLE STITICHED BAJA BREEZE 1"	8.95	6.71	Available
111371	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED TANGERINE TANGO 5/8"	9.95	7.46	Available
111373	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED PINK PIROUETTE 5/8"	9.95	7.46	Available
111372	RIBBON GROSGRIAN STRIPED KIWI KISS 5/8"	9.95	7.46	Available
113884	RUB ONS FASHION DISTRICT	10.95	8.21	GONE!!
114318	RIBBON ORIGINALS VALET	12.95	9.71	Available
111374	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED RIDING HOOD RED 5/8"	9.95	7.46	Available
111370	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED PACIFIC POINT 5/8"	9.95	7.46	Available
111415	RUB ONS GREATEST MOMENTS	10.95	8.21	Available
113887	RUB ONS BRIGHT DELIGHTS	11.95	8.96	Available
111416	RUB ONS CHATEAU BELLA	10.95	8.21	Available
111338	NOTES TEXTURED LOVE ASSORTMENT II	12.95	9.71	Available
111879	RIBBON SATIN KIWI KISS VERY VANILLA	7.95	5.96	Available
111277	RUB ONS A PERFECT DAY	10.95	8.21	Available
110730	DIE CUTS POCKETS & PIECES	8.95	6.71	Available
107272	PUNCH KEY TAG	15.95	11.96	Available
113980	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER CANDY LANE	9.95	7.46	Available
111375	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED BAJA BREEZE 5/8"	9.95	7.46	Gone!!
112010	DIE CUTS BLOOMS AGAIN	8.95	6.71	Gone!!
113991	TASTE OF TEXTILES	9.95	7.46	Available
101399	STIPPLE BRUSHES	6.95	5.21	Available
112092	BUTTON BOUQUET	7.95	5.96	GONE!!
112139	NOTES CAROUSEL II	11.95	8.96	Gone!!
111336	NOTES SCALLOP II	11.95	8.96	Available
111840	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL PACIFIC POINT	2.95		Available
111841	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL TANGEIRNE TANGO	2.95		Available
111843	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL PINK PIROUETTE	2.95		Available
111839	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL RIDING HOOD RED	2.95		Available
111842	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL KIWI KISS	2.95		Available
112161	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS KIWI KISS	9.95		Available
112042	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER URBAN GARDEN	9.95		Available
112156	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS PINK PIROUETTE	9.95		Available
112150	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS PACIFIC POINT	9.95		Available
112153	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS TANGERINE TANGO	9.95		Available
111844	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL BAJA BREEZE	2.95		Gone!!
111836	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD RIDINGHOOD RED	5.95		Available
111838	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD PINK PIROUETTE	5.95		Available
113966	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE	9.95		Available
109123	STAMPIN WRITE JOURNALER BASIC BROWN	3.25		Available
113981	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BELLA BIRDS	9.95		Available
112157	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS BAJA BREEZE	9.95		Out of Stock
113975	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RASPBERRY TART	9.95		Available
114037	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY SWEET SLUMBER	11.95		Available
113978	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER URBAN OASIS	9.95		Available
112041	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BELLA ROSE	9.95		Available
112468	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SWEET ALWAYS	9.95		Gone!!
111834	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD TANGERINE TANGO	5.95		Available
114039	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY ROCKABILLY	11.95		Available
108590	CARD STOCK NATURALS ASST 12X12	8.95		Available
111337	NOTES GIFT ASSORTMENT II	9.95		Available
112471	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RAINBOW SHERBET	9.95		Out of Stock
112464	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MANCHESTER	9.95		Available
112006	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS FLOWER FUSION II	14.95		Available
111837	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD PACIFIC POINT	5.95		Available
112461	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WASHINGTON APPLE	9.95		GONE!
113993	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY PARISIAN BREEZE	11.95		Available
112155	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS RIDING HOOD RED	9.95		Available
111353	CARD STOCK KIWI KISS 8-1/2 X 11	5.5		Available
111348	CARD STOCK RIDING HOOD RED 8-1/2 X 11	5.5		Available
112172	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN ROCK A BYE BOY	19.95		Out of stock
100900	GIFT SACKS WHITE	2.95		Available
114605	SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT MORE THOUGHTS	42.95		Out of stock
102264	COLUZZLE STARTER KIT	19.95		Gone!!
111346	CARD STOCK IN COLOR 12 X 12	8.95		Available
111835	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD KIWI KISS	5.95		Available
111350	CARD STOCK PACIFIC POINT 8-1/2 X 11	5.5		Available
105668	TATTOO KIT I	13.95		Out of stock
111349	CARD STOCK TANGERINE TANGO 8-1/2 X 11	5.5		Available
109231	SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT SENDING HAPPY THOUGHTS	54.95		Available
111351	CARD STOCK PINK PIROUETTE 8-1/2 X 11	5.5		Available
112165	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN ROCK A BYE GIRL	19.95		Out of stock
113950	DIE CUTS BUILD-A-FAIRYTALE	8.95		Available
111345	CARD STOCK TEXTURED IN COLOR 12 X 12	11.95		Available
105669	TATTOO KIT II	13.95		Out of stock
111833	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD BAJA BREEZE	5.95		Available
113936	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN HOPPY MEMORIES	19.95		Gone!!
111347	CARD STOCK IN COLOR 8-1/2 X 11	7.95		Gone!!
107288	ENVELOPE WHISPER WHITE EXTRA LARGE	5.5		Available
104310	CRAFTERS TOOL KIT	39.95		Available
111352	CARD STOCK BAJA BREEZE 8-12 X 11	5.5		Available
113943	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN 2 SWEET	19.95		Available
113925	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SWEET NOTHINGS	19.95		Available
112179	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN LOVE STORIES	19.95		Available
113911	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUNSHINE GARDEN	19.95		Out of stock
112054	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN BEST EVER	19.95		GONE!
111253	Blooms & Bulbs	6.5		Available
109684	Doodle	8.5		Available
111257	Happy, Happy Birthday	8.5		Available
109692	Love	6.5		Available
109568	My ABCs	6.5		Available
109682	Perfectly Pretty	6.5		Gone!!
109687	See You Around	8.5		Available
109683	So Swirly	8.5		Available
111260	Something Fishy	8.5		Available
111262	Stems & Silhouettes	8.5		Available
105516	Watercolor Joy	6.5		Available
116210	Birthdays Count	9.95		Available
116209	Note of Thanks	9.95		Available

Here is the Decor elements PDF: http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Decor_elements_Retired_List_0609_US.pdf



Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!

Lesson 11: Watercoloring Basics

This lesson is the start of many coloring lessons to come.

If you want to learn to watercolor, the best purchase you can make is an aqua painter and a set of watercolor crayons. Watercolor crayons come in Stampin' UP's color families (set of 12) in all the SU colors and neutrals. Watercolor crayons are not made for the In Colors.

The pack I am using is the Earth Elements color family. The photo above shows watercolor crayons, an aqua painter, and white cardstock.


This is an aqua painter. If you want to watercolor, this tool will be your best friend! This tool has a brush tip which has a very fine tip. The barrel part unscrews so you can fill it with water.


So there are 3 basic methods for using an aqua painter:
1. Loading the aqua painter with water color crayon
2. Directly coloring an image with the crayons
3. Loading the aqua painter with ink from a Stampin' Pad

Shown above, is where I colored using one of the crayons.


To turn the crayon into watercolors simply color over it using the aqua painter.
The photo above shows how the crayon looks once it is covered with water, and marks made with an aqua painter that is loaded with crayon. To load the aqua painter, color using the crayon on a piece of scratch paper and rub the tip of the aqua painter over the crayon marks. Then paint where you want to paint.

To load the aqua painter with ink directly from an ink pad, you need the full size Stampin' Pads so you can get the ink from the lid. While the Stampin' Pad is closed, press firmly in the center of the ink pad and then open it. There should be a think layer of excess ink on the lid.

To load the aqua painter with the ink, rub over the excess ink like shown above.

Shown above is a line made with the aqua painter loaded with ink. When you actually water color with the loaded ink or crayon, you will get a nice automatic shading as the ink runs out of the aqua painter.

To color directly on a stamped imaged, just color with the crayons like you are coloring a coloring book! Then go over each color with the aqua painter. When moving between colors, be sure to run the aqua painter across scratch paper to make sure all the color is removed so your colors don't mixed.

The three techniques outlined above are just the very basics. Test out more advanced techniques by layering crayon colors, coloring certain areas with a thicker layer of crayon to make a deeper color, the possibilities are endless.

Do you sell scrappy supplies and want to be spotlighted on my blog? Click here to find out how!

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!
Go to the Scrapmaster's Paradise Online Store
Go to the SPCC Challenge Blog
Order a Stampin' UP Catalog

Lesson 10: Masking

Masking is one of the simplest stamping techniques that create depth. The butterflies above are all stamped using the same rubber stamp, but it looks like the two outside butterflies are behind the butterfly in the center. This depth is created with masking.You will need a stamp, ink pad, scissors or cutting blade, piece of cardstock, and scratch paper.

STEPS:
1. Stamp your image onto the cardstock where you want it. Stamp the same image onto the scratch paper.

2. Trim closely around the stamped image you made on scratch paper. This piece is going to be your "mask".

3. Temporarily attach your mask over the stamped image on your cardstock. You can attach it with a piece of tape or simply hold it in place while stamping over it.

4. Stamp your other images where desired making sure that the mask stays in place.


5. Peel your mask off and you have a masked image!

Do you sell scrappy supplies and want to be spotlighted on my blog? Click here to find out how!

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!
Go to the Scrapmaster's Paradise Online Store
Go to the SPCC Challenge Blog
Order a Stampin' UP Catalog

Lesson 9: Pigment Vs Dye Ink

The two most common types of ink for rubber stamping are Pigment ink and Dye ink. They are different and have different uses. It is important that you have the correct type of ink for your project so that you get the look you want. There are other types of ink including chalk ink and solvent ink, but right now we are going to focus on pigment and dye inks.

DYE INK:
Dye ink is a water based ink that is what most people think of when they think of ink for stamping. It is thin and dries almost instantly.
Dye ink is used for stamping on lighter colored papers because the color "dyes" the paper and the ink will only show up correctly on lighter colored paper. Dye ink is most commonly used if not embossing since it is so easy to work with and it dries almost instantly.

PIGMENT INK:
Pigment ink is a thick, almost paintlike ink. It is super slow drying and sometimes doesn't dry at all without being heat set (using the heat gun to dry the stamped image).
Pigment ink is better when stamping on dark colored papers because the ink will show up since the ink sits on the surface of the paper.
Pigment ink is also the ink you use for embossing. When using pigment ink, you can use clear embossing powder to emboss if you want the ink color to show up.
When Pigment ink dries, sometimes you can feel the ink raised up on the paper slightly.

Do you sell scrappy supplies and want to be spotlighted on my blog? Click here to find out how!

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!
Go to the Scrapmaster's Paradise Online Store
Go to the SPCC Challenge Blog
Order a Stampin' UP Catalog

Lesson 8: Mounting Stampin' UP Stamps

Stampin' UP stamp sets come unmounted meaning you have to put them together by yourself. Each stamp set comes with a set of wooden blocks, a plastic container, a sheet of clear stickers and a sheet of the rubber stamp images.

Mounting your Stampin' UP Stamps is easy now that most of the stamp sets come with the rubber parts die cut. This means the rubber part is always cut around each of the stamped images. In the photo above, you can see some of the die cut rubber pieces already punched off of the rubber sheet. Some sets are still not die cut, so if your stamp set comes with an uncut sheet of rubber, cut around each stamp with craft scissors. Make sure to cut close to the images but not close enough to cut the image itself. Use small, straight cuts.
STEPS FOR MOUNTING YOUR STAMPS:
1. Make sure to match up each wooden block size with the corrent image size. When you have them matched up, peel off the backing from the foam side of the stamp part.
2. Stick the rubber piece in the center of the stamp.

3. Cut closely around the clear adhesive image. The sheet of images actually comes with dotted lines that you can tear each image apart with. I find it difficult not to rip the clear stickers and the clear stickers hang off the wood block slightly so I just cut around them.

4. Peel the clear sticker from the backing.


5. Check the orientation of the rubber part of the stamp. You want the sticker to line up in the correct orientation with your rubber stamp so you can stamp correctly. In the photo above, I am just holding the clear peice up to the rubber part. Then I flipped over the wooden block so that the rubber side is down.
6. When you know that the clear sticker is lined up correctly, place it on the wooden block and rub over it to make sure that it is stuck down.

Do you sell scrappy supplies and want to be spotlighted on my blog? Click here to find out how!

Happy Crafting,


Order Stampin' UP from me 24/7, click here!
Go to the Scrapmaster's Paradise Online Store
Go to the SPCC Challenge Blog
Order a Stampin' UP Catalog

Lesson 7: Basic Heat Embossing

Heat embossing is one of the simplest, yet most "professional" looking elements you can add to your project. The heat embossing adds dimension and texture to an otherwise flat element.

What you will need:
1. Heat gun -they are in the stamping section of a chain scrapbook store. Stampin UP also sells one as do many other stamping companies. They all work basically the same so it doesn't really make a difference what brand you get.
2. Paper
3. Embossing Powder -these come in many colors! I HIGHLY recommend one without glitter in it. The ones that are mixed with glitter don't get as good of an embossed image. The embossing turns out lumpy looking. The extra fine glitter always gets everywhere and sticks to everything!
4. VersaMark watermark ink -I highly recommend this specific ink pad for embossing. I have yet to find anything even close to as good as this ink pad for embossing! The VersaMark ink is sticky so the embossing powder sticks perfectly! Pigment inks work well too, but if you are using color embossing powder, the ink color will mess up the color of the powder. VersaMark is clear.
5. A powder tray -Stampin' UP sells them in a set of two called and they are called Powder Pals. The trays are great because they contain the embossing powder when you pour it over your paper you are embossing. Also, they are easy for clean up because they have a hole on the side so you can pour the powder back into the container!
6. And of course you need a stamp!
EMBOSSING STEPS:
1. Ink your stamp using the VersaMark watermark pad. Stamp your image using the good stamping techniques we've previously discussed.

2. Place your stamped paper into the powder tray.

3. Sprinkle embossing powder over the stamped image.

4. Gently pick up your paper from the corner and gently shake the powder around over the image until the whole image is covered. Then dump the excess powder into the tray. Tap the edge of the paper on the bottom of the powder tray to get off all the excess powder.

5. Now your image should have a layer of powder over it. If there is a corner that isn't covered with powder, repeat steps 2 through 4 to coat the whole image completely.


6. Hold the heating gun about 2 inches from the paper, turn it on, and move it in a circular direction around the whole image. Make sure not to stay in one spot for very long as this can burn the paper. The embossing powder will become glossy, melt together, and puff up slightly when it is heated enough.
In the photo above, notice how the petal right by the heating gun (the blue thing) looks different than the rest of the flower (the rest looks grainy). That smooth looking part of the flower is heated enough and the rest isn't.
Notice in the image above how there are areas on the flower that still look grainy -mostly around the edges. Those areas are not heated enough. The center of the flower looks smooth because it has been well heated.
The photo above shows a good example of what heat embossing is supposed to look like. The flower is glossy looking and smooth.
The last step is cleaning up the embossing powder. This is simple with the powder tray. Simply turn the tray so that the hole is directly over the container of embossing powder and gently tap the tray until all the powder is back in the container.

Tips:
*If there is excess powder around the edge of your image -BEFORE you heat, try to brush off the excess powder with a small paintbrush.
*If your paper has a lot of static on it -rub the paper with a dryer sheet to remove the static. Some people rub any paper they are going to emboss on with a dryer sheet before they emboss.

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Lesson 7: Stamping with a Medium Stamp

For this lesson we are going to use a medium sized stamp. Medium sized stamps are a few inches across, but they are large enough that it can be difficult to get the whole image stamped clearly. With this technique, you should be able to stamp any medium stamp clearly and crisply.

First, start with a well inked stamp, remember to hold it to the light and make sure the whole image is shiny. To stamp, you will need both hands. With one hand, firmly hold the sides of the stamp -this hand will keep the stamp in place so the image won't smudge. The other hand will be used to press the top of the stamp.With your "pressing hand" firmly press over the top of the whole stamp, moving your fingers from place to place until you have pressed over the whole top of the stamp. In the photo above, I am only applying pressure with the tips of my fingers. Remember to keep the stamp in place with your other hand while you press.
If you press over the whole stamp, you should come out with a clear image. This technique takes practice so use some scratch paper for your first couple of times. If there are places that don't get stamped enough, the stamp is either not inked enough or not pressed enough. Notice the top corner of the heart on the right side of the paper -there is an uninked gap. I just didn't press well enough on that corner of the stamp :)

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Lesson 5: Stampin Spots

Stampin' Spots are so easy to use! If you don't know what Stampin' Spots are, look at the intro to Stampin' Spots here: http://stampinwithsami.blogspot.com/2008/10/intro-to-stampin-spots.html . Simply dab over the whole rubber part of your stamp. To ensure your stamp is well inked, hold it up and make sure the whole rubber surface looks shiny in the light.
Dab repeatedly over the surface.It is hard to see in the photo, but the surface looks shiny.

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Lesson 4: Bad Stamping Pathologies

Now that you have practiced stamping, I thought it might be helpful to go over some bad stamping pathologies. When you stamped image comes out less than ideal, it is important to know why. Stamping is about applying the correct amount of pressure and ink. Below are some bad stamping pathologies with
Ideally, all images would come out as crisp as the stamped image above. The stamped image is complete, there are no blotches of ink anywhere, and all the lines look clean and crisp. This is what you want! Unforutnately, we all end up with imperfect image sometimes.
This image is missing some of the details, there are whole patches just completely missing. This is due to one of two things: not enough ink or not enough pressure. Like mentioned in Lesson #2, check to make sure your stamp is fully inked before you stamp it. If there is ink all over the stamp, the image on the rubber part will be shiny with ink. Sometime it is easy to tell if the stamp is fully inked if the ink color is darker, but you have to rely on the shiny quality when the ink color is lighter.
The image above has blotchy lines, and the edges are blurry. This happens when you have too much ink or too much pressure. You have too much ink if your whole piece or rubber is inked, in between the lines of the image. If you applied ink to where it just coats the raised image portion of the stamp, then you have applied the correct amount of ink, which means the problem is too much pressure.
This image was made poorly because you can see a shadow of the image. This image was made by holding the stamp unsteadily. Remember, you have to hold the stamp firmly in your hand.

Once you realize which bad stamping pathologies you have, it is easy to correct them. Apply more or less ink, more or less pressure, and keep your hands steady while stamping. Remember, even the best of stampers suffer from bad stamping pathologies too!

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Lesson 3: Cleaning Rubber Stamps

To clean your rubber stamps, the best thing you can buy is Stampin' UP's Stampin' Mist. It comes in a convenient spray bottle, it works wonderfully, and plus it smells nice :) With that said, it isn't the only rubber stamp cleaner available. There are other brands of stamp cleaner available, but make sure to get a cleaner actually designed for rubber stamps. This will ensure that the rubber is conditioned properly so it will last for many years.

This lesson is a guide for how to clean your rubber stamps. It is really simple and easy to do. Many stampers use the Stampin' UP scrubber pad along with the Stampin' Mist, but I just use a wash cloth and Stampin' Mist to clean my rubber stamps. Using a wash cloth will just save you money so you can buy more stamps, LOL. The wash cloth you use will get dirty so make sure to pick out one you don't care about. When the cloth gets too much ink on it, just rinse it out in the sink and hang to dry.
Spray a couple of times on a spot on your cloth just enough to get a small spot moistened.
Fold over the cloth holding the moistened part in front of your index finger like shown. If you just let the cloth hang down freely, you may end up with ink on the wooden part of your stamp (It really doesn't affect your stamp, except staining the wood).
Use your index finger as a guide and rub the rubber part of the stamp until all the ink is removed.
I can't stress enough how important it is to clean your stamps properly. If they aren't cleaned correctly, the rubber may crack over time. Rubber stamps can be expensive so I try to take care of mine.

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Lesson 2: Using a Small Stamp

This lesson is a basic guide on stamping using a smaller stamp. There is a different technique for medium sized stamps and even a different technique for large or background stamping.
To practice, you need a smaller stamp (approx 2inches square or smaller), ink, and scrap paper.
To ink your stamp, press it firmly in your ink pad a couple of times in different places on your ink pad.
I picked a dark ink color so that you can see that the stamp is fully inked. Make sure that your whole stamp has ink over it. As you can see above, the ink is shiny so even if you have a lighter color, you can tell if the ink is there or not.
Hold the stamp FIRMLY in your fingers and press evenly. Different types of stamps will need different amounts of pressure so you will have to practice.

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Lesson 1: Where to Begin Stamping

If you want to start stamping, the first thing you need are some basic supplies. Don't worry about buying everything in the store. You can always add more supplies later. Just concentrate on getting some basic essential supplies.

These three supplies you ABSOLUTELY need:
1. Some good quality paper -Get a pack of plain white cardstock. It really doesn't matter what kind really. I get my white cardstock from my local Staples store. I would recommend not buying an expensive brand of cardstock, any plain old white cardstock will work. This is what you are going to practice stamping on so you don't have to worry if you mess some of it up.

2. A rubber stamp or stamp set - I am going to be teaching about rubber wood mounted stamps (like Stampin' UP stamps). These are by far the easiest stamps to use to get started with. Your rubber stamp can be any stamp that is mounted on a wood block. Large chain craft stores have bunches of stamps to choose from.

3. An ink pad -make sure to get one that says "dye ink" on it. Dye ink dries fast so it is easy to work with. If you are buying Stampin UP ink, Classic ink pads are the dye ink pads. We will work with pigment inks later.

Other recommended supplies that you will probably use later:
*Stamp-a-ma-jig -I highly recommend this tool!
*some patterned paper
*colored cardstock
*a paper trimmer - paper trimmers with a sliding blade are usually pretty inexpensive and very easy to use

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