Monday, July 30, 2012

Dryer Sheet Christmas

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     This is the final card made with the one used dryer sheet.  I really had so much fun with this technique.  I just “had” to have a go at using up the entire dryer sheet.  You can see the other two projects in these previous posts…Cool Scene (this has the how to) and Sparkly Snowflakes.

     On this card, I used the single tree in the Lovely As A Tree set.  I markered directly onto the stamp with Old Olive and Early EspressoVersaMark, Heat & Stick, Dryer Sheet and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, yada yada.  I used the new template in the Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack to pierce around the sentiment circle.  By the way, the sentiment is from an old retired favorite set, Fancy Flexible Phrases

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I really enjoyed this dryer sheet technique.  I hope you’ve been inspired to try it for yourself.

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Sparkly Snowflakes

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     This is card number two from my one used dryer sheet.  It’s a fun technique with lots of sparkle…perfect for some frosty snowflakes!  This would be great for a one sheet, massed produced project (you know, Christmas is in less than 5 months).

     I used the Snow Swirled set on this card.  My colors are Bashful Blue, Marina Mist and Midnight Muse on Whisper White.  I think that I will use a lighter blue for the big snowflake next time around.  I think that it would make the overall card softer looking.  Still, I’m loving how it all shimmers!  You can see just how I did the dryer sheet technique in my previous post, Cool Scene.  Or head on over to SplitCoastStampers for a great tutorial.

     Thanks for drifting in today.  Be inspired!

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased here.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Cool Scene

      It’s been just way hot here in Virginia!  There’s been nothing better to do than stay inside and stamp in the cool air conditioning.  And what could be better to stamp than a lovely cool wintery scene! 

100_5090     I designed this for our July Stamp Club meeting.  It features the dryer sheet technique.  I had never attempted this technique until now and I have to say, “I love it”!  I had such fun in using up one whole, used dryer sheet…I ended up with three cards.  I’ll show you the other two in the next couple of posts. 

Here’s how it’s done…

     For this scene, I started by sponging Bashful Blue on the top two-thirds of a strip of Whisper White card stock.  Then I stamped the tree line from the Lovely As A Tree set in Early Espresso.  I let it dry and covered it completely with VersaMark ink and topped it with Heat & Stick Powder.  After I melted the powder with the 100_5091Heat Tool, I smoothed a dryer sheet on top and then I added a generous amount of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.  Heat set it all once more with the heat tool and the image panel is done.  Word of advice…don’t put your heat tool too close or linger too long in one spot.  Your dryer sheet will smoke, melt and scorch.  Just trust me on this :)  I finished the card by layering the panel on Early Espresso and a Bashful Blue card base.  The sentiment is from the Lovely Thoughts set.

     Why Heat & Stick Powder?  I will use the Heat & Stick when I am covering a large area.  It’s great to add glitter, micro beads and dryer sheets :)  And, once you heat set it, it’s dry!  You could use another type of adhesive but I like my Heat & Stick.

     I love how this technique turns out.  The glitter fills into the fibers of the dryer sheet and makes it all shimmery.  I will certainly use this technique again.  SplitCoastStampers has a great tutorial for this technique.  It was a great technique to do at stamp club and the ladies really enjoyed it.  I really hope you’ve been inspired to give it a try!  Thanks for stopping in today.  Let me know what you think?

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased here.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Making the Cut

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     This one didn’t make the cut for my Open House but I can always use birthday cards :)  I was in play mode.  You know…that time when you just sit down and start “playing” with your new goodies.  See what your own mojo can come up with…or not.  Well, it was certainly an “or not” moment. 

100_5080     I did come up with the medallion which was not put to use on any card prior to my Open House.  I just couldn’t figure how to use it.  The stamp used is in Betsy’s Blossoms.  I stamped it three times in Rich Razzleberry ink.  I then punched it with the 2-3/8” Scallop Circle and then again with the same punch only I turned the punched scallop slightly in the punch the second time.  The second layer used the 1-3/4” Scallop Circle and punched again turning the punched scallop slightly.  This gives the pointy edge to the scallops.  Love when punches pull double duty!  The third and final layer is the large flower from the Boho Blossoms punch.  I finished the card using the Floral District DSP and a bit of Rich Razzleberry Taffeta Ribbon.  I used the same layout as I did for one of the Open House cards, Floral District Happiness

     Glad to finally be able to use this layered medallion.  Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired. 

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

Friday, July 20, 2012

In-Colorful Butterflies

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     This was the last super simple project we did at my New Catalog Open House.  I always want to showcase the beautiful new In-Colors and fun new tools that Stampin’ Up! offers.  After all, that’s why I hold a ‘New Catalog Open House’.  ;)  This was a great project to showcase these new goodies. 

     I was inspired by one of the project photos in the new annual catalog.  Check it out on the bottom of page 178.  I love referring to the catalog for ideas…especially when my own mojo decides to take its own vacation. :{   I changed it up ever so slightly to add a few more little sentiments from the Fabulous Phrases set.  The new Papillon Potpourri set (all various butterflies) makes the coordinating Elegant Butterfly punch just such fun to use!  Of course, I set out each of the five new In-Colors (Summer Starfruit, Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple, Midnight Muse and Gumball Green) and my guests chose what they wanted to use on their card.  Such fun to see the many differences in colors and sentiments used! 

     I love my job!! :)  If you think you’d love to do what I do, let me know and I’ll help you get started.  Or, you can learn more on my website by clicking Join The Fun.  There’s never been a better time to join the Stampin’ Up! family.  You are never alone and there is inspiration everywhere!  I’d love to have you on my creative team! 

     Thanks for stopping be today.  I hope your inspired. 

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Floral District Happiness

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     Yes!  This paper really makes me happy!  The colors are bright and cheerful and I find it easy to work with.  That is half the battle for me.  Being able to work with a printed design and add an image to it.  Some people really have a knack for it.  Sadly, I’m not one of those people.  So when a DSP comes along that I can work with…I get…HAPPY!
     This was a simple Make-N-Take project that we did at my New Catalog Open House.  I like to keep projects simple so we can chit-chat while we work.  Yet, I want to have customers get “hands-on” with the new products, tools and embellishments.  This card fit the bill perfectly!  I, also, like the fact that it can still be simplified OR taken up a notch (or two).  So customers can go home and recreate it to their liking. 
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     Once again, I used the Floral District DSP.  The coordinating Rich Razzleberry strip was cut using the Large Scallop Edgelits Die and the Big Shot.  It’s difficult to tell in the photo but we paper pierced the strip using the new Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack and the Stampin’ Pierce Mat.  I love it’s larger size and the coordinating designs on the piercing templates.  A real must have in your crafting arsenal :)  We cut little slits in the Blossom punch flower to give it more “petals” and finished the center with a Bright Designer Button and Linen Thread.  The sentiment (from Loving Thoughts) is stamped using Lucky Limeade ink.  By the way, I’m really liking the new stamp pad design.  The firm foam pad really gives great ink coverage…especially to those large solid stamps.
     Thanks for stopping in today.  It makes me happy to know you were here.  Please leave a comment to say hello.  I’d love to stop by your blog too :)  I hope you’ve been inspired to create something that makes you happy today!
Hugs,
Leslee
Stampin’ Up! supplies can be purchased here.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Embellished Notes

100_5055     I have to say that one of my favorite “new” stamp sets is Embellished Events.  Well…at least until I ink up the next “new favorite” set ;)   I had used the cake image from the set at my Open House.  Unfortunately, I failed to get a photo of the card before giving it to my dad for his birthday.  However, it was very similar to what I have here. 
100_5059     These little embellished notes are a finished sized of 4-1/2” x 2-3/4”.  I, naturally, had to make my own envelopes to accommodate the card by using the Simply Scored Tool with the Diagonal Board.  I used the beautiful Floral District DSP to line the envelopes and coordinate a strip on the card.  I really do LOVE this paper!!   Get used to seeing it often :)  The Boho Blossom punch flowers seem to coordinate with the image perfectly.  The Jewel Basic Pearls are the perfect finishing touch!
     I used these for customer thank you notes.  Really simple for mass producing and it was a real nice Make-N-Take project for my Open House guests. 
     I’m glad you stopping in today.  I enjoy sharing with you.  As always, I hope you’ve been inspired :)
Hugs,
Leslee
Supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased here.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Crazy for Pinwheels

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100_5039     I’ve been on a pinwheel kick as of late.  They are just so darn cute and easy to make!  I made these as thank you favors for my New Catalog Open House. 

     They feature the fun Summer Smooches DSP, the cute little In-Color Dahlia embellishments and the pretty new 1/4” Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon in Daffodil Delight.  The pinwheel is attached to 8” lollipop sticks.  I purchased the clear plastic cordial glasses at the local party supply store and filled them with small candies.  Perfect to hold up the pinwheels and colorful too!  Now, these don’t spin but you could always come up with a way to allow them to do so. 

     Want to know how to make your own?  It’s simple.  Start with any sized square piece of DSP or cardstock.  These are 3-1/2” square.  clip_image001[6]Cut up from each corner, 1/2 to 3/4 of the distance in towards the center.  Punch a hole in center of square and one on each point.  You will pull the punched point into the center and catch them all with a brad through the center hole.  Embellish as desired.  If you have troubles following along with these written directions, let me know and I’ll try to clarify.  Have fun with it!

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you are inspired to give a pinwheel a whirl ;)

Hugs,

Leslee

Monday, July 9, 2012

My Amazing Kid!

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     Well…he’s amazing to me anyway! 

     Jesse had a truly amazing year at school this past year.  He had a piece of artwork submitted to a local art show and won First Place/Best in Show.  He was inducted into the area chapter of the National Junior Honor Society and qualified to participate in the school’s honors program.  He has come a long way with his soccer skills…he really looks good out there :)  It’s just been an amazing year for him!  I wanted him to know just how proud his father and I are of him.  What better way than to send him a card.

     I kept is simple.  Used leftover bits and pieces I found on my desk.  The sentiment is from the retired Perfect Words set.  It really says it all!  The faux marble swirl is a leftover scrap from his shaving cream project (you can see it here).  The strip behind it and the ink is Midnight Muse.

     Yes, I am a proud Mom!  I swell with pride at the young man he is becoming and look forward to all God has in store for him in the future.  Thanks for letting me share with you today :)  I hope you are inspired to let someone know just how proud you are of them.

By the way, I mailed the card to him…snail mail.  As he opened it and read it, the smile on his face said it all!  Mission accomplished :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Stampin’ Up! supplies can be purchased here.