welcome to your new home

I was asked by a friend to create a card so she could give one to a friend who had just purchased her first home. One request was to have dragonflies. 

I wanted to challenge myself - using a suite that I didn't love when I received it. 

I'll expand on that for a second. I recently attended Stampin Up's OnStage@Home. Typically that would have been an in person convention, but Covid-19. For the registration and pre-order of OnStage, we could purchase an unknown bundle. I took the chance since it was my first convention and wanted the full experience. We received Dragonfly Garden stamp set, Dandy Gardens DSP, a dual dragonfly punch, and so much more. Being honest, I didn't like the DSP. It's weeds and bees and I just wasn't happy. During OnStage we had many examples and "make and takes" where we participated in creating cards. My mind was changed. I'd had a better look at the paper and was able to see how I could use it. 

So let's use what we have, it's new, it's dragonflies, it's a challenge. 

I drew up my layout and got to work on figuring out my colours. Blackberry Bliss, Calypso Coral, Mossy Meadow and Whisper White. Pulling the colours from the Designer Series Paper. 

I had been asked to have a pretty specific sentiment. Welcome to your new home. I used Make a Difference which has teeny tiny letters to create a handwritten font. 

Side note - There are also stamps which help us to stay compliant with the Angel Policy, handy. 

I had stamped out the sentiment and wanted to add some variety. I looked at my other options for words that could be die cut. Welcome to the Well Said stamp set and its coordinating dies which includes the word Welcome. 

I used that rough copy to figure out what size frame I'd need to have it be an image. 

I used a die from Tasteful Touches. 

Here's how I kept myself straight while stamping the letters. Have a peek. 

I used a pencil line and ruler. Absolute must do is let the ink, completely, dry before erasing the pencil. 

Let's talk about that wee little welcome die. I've used it before and forgot to use the adhesive sheet, I remembered this time - which was such a time saver! 

There are so many components to this card. 

The large dragonfly was stamped in Calypso Coral then I use an aqua painter to blend out the ink a bit. Added a Wink of Stella for sparkle and little dabs of Mossy Meadow (see the tail and body). Set it aside to completely dry (use a heat tool if needed). I used the small punch to get a little dragonfly from a scrap of dsp, then trimmed it a bit between the body and the wings. 

I was ready for the assembly of the card but I needed embellishments. Braided Twine, Gold thread, mini pearls... And dimensionals. That's the outside covered. 

I have been working on decorating the inside of cards lately. This is no exception. BUT I didn't get photos. Using Whisper White (4" x 5 1/4") I stamped the tall floral image on the right and a strip of DSP cut at 1/2" x 5 1/4" along the bottom. 

Ok, you've read a lot, thank you. Here's the rest of the card in photo form. 

As always if you have any questions on the techniques, products or just in general, please comment or send me a message. 

Just Saying, thank you for spending this time with me. 

Christie

Lovely as a Tree sympathy

The reason and need for a sympathy card is never an easy time for anyone. I was contacted this week in a commission to make one. 

Knowing nothing of the recipient or her father, I had full creativity and with that, too many options. 

I have a new favorite layout design that allows for a focal image, so that was "easy enough".

I first looked at my options for the sentiment. So sorry, with sympathy, thoughts... Choices were all over the map. 

I picked, of all things, Rose Wonder. There is a border stamp that outlines the die cut (represented in grey). That die cut is a perfect match for the sentiment. Here's an image of the set. 

I'm still left with a stamp set. Neutral and masculine - that narrows it down a bit. Lovely as a Tree is a Stampin'Up! classic (longest reigning stamp set, only recently retired)? The Open Sea - nautical theme? Hightide with an inspiration for a beacon of light? 

I don't want to say I "settled" for Lovely as a Tree but it was the one that also allowed me to crack in to my blending brushes. I wanted to try and colour the land and do a sunset or sunrise. I've been told it shows the changing seasons (of life). 

My card focused on the image and using Whisper White (thick for the base) and Basic Black really framed the art. 

I used Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral and Petal Pink for the sky. Always start with your lightest of colours, you can always add more - but can never remove it :) 

I felt like it needed a bit of SUN so I used Daffodil Delight. 

For the 'grass' I used a variety of greens. First I pulled Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz and Granny Apple Green. Blending all those (layer by layer) didn't give the contrast/depth I wanted so I picked Shaded Spruce. 

And immediately regretted it. I forgot to start off the card. I forgot to test the level of ink on the blending brush. I had made a mistake - but, with all blending you just keep going and move the colour around in the hopes that it works out. 

This time it did! Take another look at the focal image. 

Do you see a tiny sliver of white, on the right, just above the green? Yeah. That's where my masking wasn't "perfect". 

Oh now wait a minute! What's masking? I'll explain. I stamped the image on a separate piece of paper, cut the 'top' from the 'bottom' and temporarily covered the areas I didn't want to have colour coverage. This allows to colour outside of the lines in a full range of motion without it affecting the final results. 

Now for more photos :) This card will be given to the family soon. I don't think my blog has enough readers to spoil it. 

If you have continued this far, thank you. I appreciate the time you have taken to do so. 

As always, if you have any questions on the technique, products or just in general - please ask. 

For now, JustSaying - Thank you. 

Christie

Beautiful Friendship

Creating a welcome to the team card is not easy. Where do you start? I have so many choices of stamps. I started with one that hasn't been used, just to use it. 

Now for layout. Enter Pinterest. It's so easy! Do a search "Stampin Up (set name)" and viola! Inspiration hits ya. 

Using Basic Black (for the base to frame the art) and Whisper White Shimmer cardstock (for a subtle twinkle). 

I used Melon Mambo (for the large floral), Rich Razzleberry (for the hydrangea), Flirty Flamingo (small rose), Crushed Curry (dual flowers), Shaded Spruce (leaves). 

I "stamped off" some of the leaves to vary the intensity of the Shaded Spruce. And honestly, this card was so easy. 

The stamps are created in a "distinktive" way. This particular set has 3 layers in one image. That means when you ink it up the intensity has different levels, giving dimension to the image, without stamping multiple times. Easiest way to see it is in the hydrangea. Look at the variations of purple. 

So after all that. Have a look at the card, inside and out. 

I did a quick video showing the card. Here's the link, there is no audio. 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oEzaFcEDf35d61wy5 

This post will be published once the recipient has received the card. 

Thank you for reading and watching. Any questions on technique, products or just in general -send a message. 

Christie

Why I do what I do.

I've recently attended Stampin Up's On Stage at Home which was a gathering of Stampin' Up demonstrators in a virtual environment to come together to share ideas learn and be part of a bigger community. 

What I became aware of is a lot of people who know me, know that I love to craft with paper. 

What I also realized is people don't know why. Why did I start stamping. Why did I become a Stampin Up! demonstrator. Why do I like paper crafts.

I thought I would take this time to answer some of those so you have better insight into why I post my projects. 

Stampin' Up has been around for 32 years based on the United States. It came to Canada in 2002. I remember a friend asking if I wanted to come over and create cards. I had a lot of fun doing that. We'd get together and share stamp sets or supplies that the other didn't have. This must have been early in Stampin' Up with Canada 2002 or 2003. 

The product that I ended up acquiring was able to sustain me for a while. So that I could make cards on my own, at any time I had the availability. I did end up taking a break from using Stampin Up products and crafting in general. Life got away and the focus wasn't in the same place with work and life. 

It wasn't until I saw a post on Facebook, probably in a craft group, that was asking for people who were interested in joining a card making group that would meet monthly. The group had a minimum requirement but each month there was a different host and that person was able to have the benefit others in helping reach their goal of discounted or free product. It was exciting I got to get out and as a Mom that wasn't always easy but I had something to look forward to. I made a great group of friends. 

I think it's been 8 years since that group was formed. And it was nearly 2 years ago that I became a demonstrator. 

Now, to answer one of those pressing questions. Why did I become a demonstrator? I found a value in saving a percentage of the retail costs. I signed up under my friend Sheri. It's not that she lost me as a customer. I became part of her team which helps her as well. When I place an order and get my discount she also has a reward from that. I didn't lose any value from the Stampin'Up product and I see that I gained so much more. 

After nearly 2 years I have been able to stay as a Stampin' Up demonstrator by being my own customer. That may sound silly to some but I see it as a benefit. Over the last little while my discount on Stampin' Up product has increased. So what I would have normally bought anyways costs me less. I still have some of those same contacts that I met in the kitchen, at a dining room table, eight years ago. 

Over the last little while I have had customers use my online site to order directly from Stampin'Up through me. I am happy and privileged to have received a commission from that. When an order is placed I receive instant income. When a party is hosted, not only does the host receive discounts but my target goals usually are met. I look at it also as getting free product, not only cash money but free product. <Saving me even more.

Some might see my craft space as an unattainable goal but this has been a dedicated 8 years in the making 15+ years in enjoyment. 

Now for my last why. Why do I make cards and paper crafts? Because something that I can take the time for myself, to sit at a desk and play music and be creative, can bring joy to the people who receive the gifts that I make. I regularly offer my cards for sale so not only do people purchase my cards and they see the beauty in them, they have an opportunity to pass that joy onto their recipient. The knowledge of that chain reaction Sparks Joy and that's the reason why I continue. 

When a company has values that you hold close, it's easy to continue to stay a customer. 

We care about people first

We act with courage

We better our best

We own it!

If you have continued to read this far, thank you. You would be the reason why I continue to craft.

Christie

Thankful

This weekend was Thanksgiving. We were invited to two family dinners, small gatherings each. 

I was inspired to make a craft item for the table, or decor. 

I've wanted to use the long retired Stampin'Up! set Turkey Talk. I just find it really cute. Here's an image. 

I wanted to have some colouring with this but didn't want to be too busy. I decided to use just the turkey. It was a toss up though for the cornucopia. 

I stamped the turkey using Crumb Cake on Very Vanilla. I planned on using just Stampin Write markers but ended up using them and a mix of Blends to allow for shading. 

Once they were all coloured they we die cut using the circle die that's shown above. 

This is a lot if layers of circles. 

The DSP is also retired, "Scaringbone and Howlstooth" from a few years ago. 

Once all the circles were cut the largest Very Vanilla and the DSP were scored in half to become the base. 

I wanted a word, THANKFUL is a fitting one. So here's how I did that. 

I used Playful Letters and these little guys are little and perfect for this. 

I've used this trick before, lay out the letters and use washi tape to hold them in place. I cut out a scrap of Tangerine Tango that only needed to be 1 x 5 and layered another, I need two sets so why not do them at the same time. 

Some assembly required now. Which I have no more photos of :) Here's the completed projects. 

For scale, the largest circle was 3" diameter scored and folded in half. 

To allow for some forgiveness while placing the top two layers, I used a Tombow multi-purpose liquid glue. It really gives you wiggle room. I preferred to try for the letters to be straight, with a slightly off turkey. Not all ended up that way. Adds to the homemade uniqueness.

My thoughts for this is to be directly on a flat surface but there isn't a reason it couldn't be on twine and hung. 

Thank you for reading this far. I'm happy to answer any questions you have. 

Christie 

Tip to Die Cutting Letters

I thought I'd take a minute (or a few) and go in to detail showing and explaining how I was able to make a negative image. 

Here's what I mean... 

This would be considered scraps by some. 

I layed out the letters on the Big Shot platform and found they'd fit perfectly. So I moved them to my grid paper. 

I used painter's tape to hold them in place. 

Then moved them to gold foil cardstock that was cut to be 9x3".

I was able to remove the letters without issue and repeated the process to have the second copy. 

I did the same process for STAR and kept the insets of the A and R so I can use it as block letters, if I ever want. 

What I thought I had planned while doing LITTLE was the duplicate letters, but I missed an L and had to use a piece of actual scrap. So I don't have a LITTLE "negative". 

One technique I have never done, but want to is the mirage. I've stolen a watermarked image of a card that inspires me. The negative and positive letters are put on a card... Here's what I mean. 

By the way, Brian is amazing at this craft. I've been following him for years. :)

If you've read this far and have no idea what I've done, that's absolutely normal. Keep reading I'll add more pictures to explain that. 

I use a retired Stampin'Up! die set called Large Letters and I love the font so I can't see myself parting with it any time soon. 

The inside edge of the dies have a raised edge which when used with the Big Shot that edge "cuts" the image out. 

What's a Big Shot? ... A die cutting "machine", obviously :) 

Think of a pasta roller, it's a similar concept - but not for food. 

There are "plates" that we use to make a "sandwich". The pressure of the platform, sandwich, dies and cardstock put through the machine makes magic. 

It'll cut out an image or if you change up the ingredients and use an embossing folder you can add texture to cardstock. That's another card/post.

Stampin'Up! has created their own die cutting machine. I'll keep using this one for bigger projects BUT I'm excited to see how small the "mini" is - for smaller projects. 

I think I might have derailed myself. And I'll take a second to read this over... 

I'm good now. I've read this over and I think I'll pause here. 

Please leave a comment if you have read this. I'm happy to answer any questions, especially if you're still confused. 

My goal with the blog is to explain the process I have when creating. 

Christie

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star banner

Where to start. Imagine a mom of an infant planning for a friend's baby shower. Cue the support network. I offered my craft supplies vs buying at a big box store. After some discussion, I offered to make a feature wall banner. 

Hostess provided suggestions on colour scheme and styles she liked. I made up a prototype. After some tweaking I was able to get a full understanding. 

Then I did what I thought was best and took creative control :) 

Using Stampin'Up! Whisper White, I cut out the largest sized banner, VersaMark the edges and heat embossed gold. I realize, I could have just cut out of gold foil cardstock, but why make it easy? 

Next layer is the second largest banner die, stamped with Mint Macaron using the Star of Light set. That was then run through the Lucky Stars embossing folder and using foam strips dimensionals the gold foil Large Letters were attached. 

 

On the ends and the word spacers I used So Many Stars die to give the filigree effect - also gold foil. 

This banner was kept gender neutral until the last minute. 

It's a girl, just a bit late, but in time for her baby shower. 

So, thinking cap back on. How do I make a finished banner more girly? Add pink and flowers! 

I noticed a mistake in my planning when I layed out the letters. I missed a spacer between little * star. So! I created 7 new banner flags using Blushing Bride cardstock, instead of gold. Stars embossing on Whisper White and adhered 3D flowers which were stamped in Blushing Bride and using 2 large and 2 small daisy punches (with curled petals). The picture shows stamped in yellow, but they were gold embossed centres.

All the large banner flags were single hole punched in the top corners to allow twine pass through. 

And my largest banner yet.