nichol magouirk

Hero Arts (Cards That Give + a video)

Good Wednesday morning!

I can't believe Christmas is nearly here. I had a marathon gift wrapping session yesterday evening while my sweet husband took the kids to see The Princess and the Frog. I was able to get everything wrapped and my mess cleaned up right before they walked through the door. Whew! So glad that is done. Gingerbread houses are on the agenda for a cold, snowy day today.

If you're like me you may need a couple of simple thank you's for special people. What better way than a gift card? This card would be great to add a simple necklace to. *note* This necklace is actually mine from a dear friend. I was just too lazy to go downstairs and get one from my gift drawer and instead took the one I was wearing off for photographing. I keep a drawer full of little gifts that can be given at a moments notice. :)

For more information on this card, check out the Hero Arts Blog HERE.

(c) Hero Arts Blog 

(c) Hero Arts Blog 

(c) Hero Arts Blog 

  
Supplies:

• Thank You Remountable Rubber Cling Stamp by Hero Arts
• 4x4.5 Inch Cling Block by Hero Arts
• Holiday Sayings Clear Stamps by Hero Arts
• Silver Metallic Decor by Hero Arts
• Red Metallic Decor by Hero Arts
• Organza Flowers (MM)
• Silk Ribbon
• Black Memories Dye Ink Pad by Hero Arts
• Prismacolor Colored Penciils
• Gamsol & Blending Stubs
• Phoenix 12x12 Dotted Swiss Paper by Bazzill
• Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile
• Tiny Attacher by Tim Holtz
• Crop-a-dile
• White 1/2Inch Foam Squares 88/pkg by Herma
• White 1/4Inch Foam Squares 176/pkg by Herma
• Mini Dot N Go 300 Ct by Glue Dots

How To Video:

Have a wonderful day!

Hero Arts 2010 Catalog Blog Hop

Welcome to the Hero Arts Blog Hop featuring brand new 2010 stamps.

Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, relax and start clicking away. I guarantee you won't want to miss a single blog!

How about shopping for all these yummy stamps? Well, Two Peas has them all in stock. Today. That's right. Check out the new Hero Arts 2010 Stamps and Supplies right HERE!!!

Remember, if you find a link that doesn't work, you can always hop back to the Hero Arts Blog for a list of direct links to all the blogs in the hop! 

Elegant Butterflies Card

  

2010 Hero Arts Stamps:

• S5316 Silhouette Grass Wood Mounted Stamp Stamp
• CL371 Essential Messages 4x6 Clear Design Stamp 
• CL383 Antique Engravings 4x6 Clear Design Stamp 

Inks, etc.:

• Peeled Paint Tim Holtz Distress Ink
• Viintage Photo Tim Holtz Distress Ink
• Broken China Tim Holtz Distress Ink
• Scattered Straw Tim Holtz Distress Ink
• Black & Clear Big & Bossy Jumbo Embossing Pad by Ranger
• Zing! Black Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts
• Mini Misters 3 Piece Pack by Ranger
• 15x18 Non Stick Craft Sheet by Ranger
• Ink Blending Tool & 2 Foams by Ranger
• Ink Blending Tool Replacement Foams by Ranger
• Tiny Attacher by Tim Holtz
• Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile
• Neutrals 12x12 AC Cardstock by American Crafts
• Baker's Twine Solid Color by Martha Stewart
• White 1/4Inch Foam Squares 176/pkg by Herma

How To:

1. Trim a smooth sheet of cream cardstock to 4" x 5 1/4". Round corners with 1/4" corner rounder.
2. Ink Silhouette Grass Stamp with Scattered Straw, Vintage Photo and Peeled Paint Distress inks. 
3. Lightly mist 3-4 times with a mini mister filled with water (hold the mister about 6 inches from stamp).
4. Take a paint brush and lightly mix ink colors on stamp, blending them for a nicer stamped image.
5. Stamp on cream cardstock.
6. Take a blending tool and distress the stamped background with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.
7. Stamp Butterflies from the Antique Engravings Set on the background using Black Embossing Ink. Sprinkle with Black Embossing Powder and Heat Set. Fill in Butterfly with Distress Ink (I used a make up applicator for precision).
8. Stamp the same butterflies on a separate sheet of cream cardstock using Black Embossing Ink & Powder.
9. Use blending tool to add color to the butterflies. Gently wipe away excess ink with a dry paper towel.
10. Cut out butterflies and adhere to the the background with a glue dot in the middle. Add foam adhesive under the wings for dimension.
11. Stamp greeting from the Essential Messages set on cream cardstock using Black Embossing Ink and Powder. Cut into a strip and ink with blending tool and Vintage Photo Distress Ink.
12. Adhere greeting to background with tiny attacher and add baker's twine for embellishment.
13. Adhere background to brown cardstock card base.

What's Perking Card

 

2010 Hero Arts Stamps:

• K5332 Cup of Coffee Wood Mounted Stamp
• CL416 What's Perking 4x6 Clear Design Stamp 

Other Hero Arts Stamp:

• S5247 Flourish Pine Wood Block Stamp

Inks, etc.:

• Black & Clear Big & Bossy Jumbo Embossing Pad by Ranger
  
• White Staz-on Permanent Ink by Hero Arts
• Zing! Black Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts
  
• Zing! Rouge Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts
• Prismacolor Colored Pencils
• Gamsol & Blending Stubs
• Red Metallic Decor by Hero Arts
• Leave it to Weaver Border Punch by Fiskars
• Scallop Sentiment Border Punch by Fiskars
• Conversation Bubble Punch by Fiskars
• Neutrals 12x12 AC Cardstock by American Crafts
  
• White 1/4Inch Foam Squares 176/pkg by Herma
  

How To:

1. Stamp Kraft Notecard with Flourish Pink Design Block stamp using White Staz-on ink.
2. Trim 1/2" from front flap of card.
3. Punch 2 sentiment scallop strips from white cardstock and adhere one under the front edge of card, aligning with back of card. Adhere other as shown.
4. Punch border with Leave it to Weaver punch and thread ribbon through. Tie in a bow and adhere over seam where other punched borders meet.
5. Stamp Cup of Coffee on smooth cream cardstock using Black Embossing Ink and Powder.
6. Color in image with Prismacolor colored pencils and bland with Gamsol and blending stubs. Cut out image.
7. Stamp top portion of Cup of Coffee on background of card using Black Embossing Ink and Powder. Layer cut out image over image on background.
8. Punch conversation bubble from white cardstock.
9. Stamp greeting from What's Perking Stamp Set using Clear Embossing Ink & Red Zing! Embossing Powder.
10. Adhere greeting with foam adhesive.
11. Add Red Metallic Decor to background and lightly color in pine with green colored pencil.

Wishing You Everything Good Card

 

2010 Hero Arts Stamps:

• H5328 Row of Houses Wood Mounted Stamp
• CL371 Essential Messages 4x6 Clear Stamp Set

Inks, etc.:

• Black & Clear Big & Bossy Jumbo Embossing Pad by Ranger
  
• Zing! Grapefruit Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts
• Zing! Apricot Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts
• Zing! Mustard Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts
• Zing! Chestnut Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts
• Zing! Cricket Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts
• Zing! Aqua Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts
• Zing! White Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts
• Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile
  
• Neutrals 12x12 AC Cardstock by American Crafts
  
• Baker's Twine Solid Color by Martha Stewart
  
• Bumblebee Paper Frills by Doodlebug
• White Pen

How To:

1. Using a Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement (and sticky notes to mask off areas) stamp Row of Houses on smooth cream cardstock with Clear Embossing Powder and heat emboss with colored powders. Repeat for all houses in stamp design.
2. Trim stamped cardstock to 1 3/4" x 5 1/4".
3. Adhere yellow paper frills under each long side as shown.
4. Trim brown cardstock to 4" x 5 1/4" and round corners. Adhere to cream notecard. Round corners.
5. Stamp greeting (use sticky notes to mask off areas) from Essential Greetings Stamp Set using Clear Embossing Ink & White Embossing Powder.
6. Wrap baker's twine around Row of Houses stamped strip and die in a bow. Adhere to card.
7. Add "stitching" with white pen.

Your next stop on the Hero Arts Blog Hop is the incredibly talented stamper, Donna Mikasa. Enjoy the hopping and the Hero Arts 2010 Catalog Stamp Preview.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Silhouette + House of 3 Blog Week (Holiday Card & Treat Bags)

So much fun going on this week over on the Silhouette Blog.

I have a couple more Silhouette + House of 3 projects to share.

First, this hybrid card using a digital card background and then embellished with Silhouette HO3 bird and flourish die cuts. I printed the HO3 digital background on Epson Luster photo paper and "built" the rest of the card on top of it. The flourishes were die cut from vellum, the bird from polka dot patterned paper. I added dimension to the birdie by adhering it to the card with foam adhesive.

(c) Silhouette Blog 

(c) Silhouette Blog  

Silhouette Designs Used (House of 3):

 birdie_C20091124124601_23444

swirled_vines_C20091124125231_23444

 

Other Silhouette Design:

border_strip_scalloped_C20091204002559_20509

Supplies: 

• Patterned Paper (Making Memories)
• Vellum
• Traveler 12x12 Cardstock Paper Pack by Little Yellow Bicycle
• Midnight Black Accent Pearls by Hero Arts
• String
• Ribbon
• SD Digital Craft Cutting Tool by Silhouette
• $25 Prepaid Download Card by Silhouette
• Epic Six Die Cutting Tool by Quickutz
• Polka Dots (Pattern) A2 Embossing Folder by Quickutz
• Tiny Attacher by Tim Holtz
• Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile
• White 1/4Inch Foam Squares 176/pkg by Herma

These are little gift/treat boxes I made using a Silhouette shape and adorning them with HO3 Silhouette die cut shapes. I printed the digital phrases on photo paper and then punched them out with a label punch to create tags for the gift/treat boxes. These boxes are actually getting filled with homemade candies for my husband to give to his two nurses that he sees every week for his allergy shots. I figure they put up with a lot so they deserve some chocolate! :)

(c) Silhouette Blog 

 (c) Silhouette Blog 

(c) Silhouette Blog  

Silhouette Designs Used (House of 3):

christmas_sassy_girl2_C00026_23444

 

happy_deer_C20091124124842_23444

 Other Silhouette Design:

gable_box_C0149

 
 Supplies: 

• Marshmallow Glitter Finish Merrymint Paper by American Crafts
• Wintergreen Merrymint Paper by American Crafts
• Mint Truffle Merrymint Ribbon Assortment by American Crafts
• 25 Days of Christmas 12x12 Paper Tablet by Little Yellow Bicycle
• Sunshine Girl Soaring Stripes Abbey Road Paper by My Mind's Eye
• Red Silk Ribbon (Creative Impressions)
• Smooth Clear Gemstones by Hero Arts
• SD Digital Craft Cutting Tool by Silhouette
• $25 Prepaid Download Card by Silhouette
• Heart Punch (Stampin' Up)
• Label Punch (McGill)

Coming Tomorrow:

Be sure to stop by and see several card samples using BRAND NEW 2010 Hero Arts Stamps! So excited. I think I created one of my favorite cards of all time using several of the new stamps. :) There are 36 stampers participating so if you have some time tomorrow, grab a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or tea and enjoy the new stamp preview. I can't wait to see what everyone has created (and to get a sneak peek at all the new stamp goodness)! 

Have a great night!

Stampin' Fun Friday (Surprise!)

It's been forever since I've shared a Stampin' Fun Friday project, right?!

I don't have a video to go with today's stamped card share but I do have some additional photos + instructions. :)

I needed some thank you cards for my daughter to mail out after her birthday a few weeks ago and this is the design I came up with. Very simple but it uses my favorite new butterfly cling stamp + that great cloud background stamp that I just can't get enough of!

Supplies:

• Butterflies Remountable Rubber Cling Stamps by Hero Arts
• 4x4.5 Inch Cling Block by Hero Arts
• Clouds Wood Mounted Stamp by Hero Arts
• Thank You Sayings Clear Design Stamp Set by Hero Arts
• Black Memories Dye Ink Pad by Hero Arts
• Soft Pool Shadow Ink by Hero Arts
• Colored Pencils by Prismacolor
• Gamsol (for blending colored pencils)
• Tiny Attacher by Tim Holtz
• Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile

Instructions:

1. Trim cream smooth cardstock (Stampin' Up) to 8" x 4", fold in half, score and round corners.
2. Stamp Hero Arts Cloud Background Stamp on front of card using Soft Pool Shadow Ink.
3. Stamp Butterfly Cling Stamp on front of card (over background stamping) using Black Memories Ink.
4. Stamp greetings below butterfly using Black Memories Ink.
5. Stamp butterfly again on additional sheet of cream cardstock and color in both stamped butterflies as follows:

• Color in tips of butterfly wings using Dahlia Purple Prismacolor pencil.

• Color in the inside of each wing section and small dots using Aquamarine Prismacolor Colored Pencil.

• Blend the two colors together using Gamsol and a Blending Stump. I started with the purple and shaded down, then shaded up to meet the purple with the aquamarine, blending them together really well in the middle for a really nice shaded look. For the very top section of the wing, I didn't add any aquarmarine and only shaded the purple all the way down so it looks lighter the closer it gets to the center of the butterflies body.

• Color in the butterfly body with French Grey Prismacolor Colored Pencil and blend with Gamsol and a Blending Stump. Color in the outline of the butterfly body with the Aquamarine colored pencil.

 

• Cut out the second butterfly and layer right over the one stamped on the front of the card. Secure top butterfly by stapling to the card and tying a string to the center.

The layered effect is so pretty and easy to create.

Have a super weekend!

Easy To Create Holiday Cards [Week 4]

Happy Monday morning! 

Have you been following along with the Easy To Create Holiday Card series over at Two Peas? I don't know about you but now that Halloween is over I will be in full-on Christmas mode. Time to start thinking about those holiday cards! I normally send out photo cards as my annual Christmas card but I always like to have a stash of cards ready for last minute gifts, as thank you's for gifts, for neighbors, etc. These holiday ideas are perfect for those of you who create cards to send to everyone or for those of you like me, just need a few handmade Christmas cards.

Just in case you missed it, here are links to the previous three weeks:

• Week 1 by Caroline Ikeji
• Week 2 by Jen Gallacher
• Week 3 by Erica Hernandez

And here is this week's class:

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

The cards are all based on this sketch:

 

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

Close ups of each of the cards:

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

Click HERE for supplies used and pdf handout.

Here is the video:

Supplies:

Lily White 12x12 Sugar Coated Cardstock by Doodlebug, Wintergreen Merrymint Paper by American Crafts, Pecan Pie Merrymint Paper by American Crafts, Marshmallow Glitter Finish Merrymint Paper by American Crafts, White 12x12 AC Cardstock Pack by American Crafts, Primaries 12x12 AC Cardstock by American Crafts, Jolly Christmas Clear Design Stamps by Hero Arts, Holiday Trees Small Wood Mounted Stamps by Hero Arts, Ali Edwards Peace Joy Love Words by Ali Edwards for Technique Tuesday, Holiday Sayings Clear Stamps by Hero Arts, Snowflake Circle Remountable Rubber Stamp by Hero Arts, 4x4.5 Inch Cling Block by Hero Arts, Versamark Ink Pad by Hero Arts, Zing! Rouge Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts, Zing! Chestnut Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts, Zing! White Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts, Zing! Silver Glitter Embossing Powder by American Crafts, Zing! Green Metallic Embossing Powder by American Crafts, Smooth Clear Gemstones by Hero Arts, Winter Mix Flower Shop Blossoms by MM, Clear Mini Jewel Brads by American Crafts, White Mini Jewel Brads by American Crafts, Mint Truffle Merrymint Ribbon Assortment by American Crafts, Marizipan Merrymint Ribbon Assortment by American Crafts, Red Cool Beans Buttons by Jillibean Soup, Leave it to Weaver Border Punch by Fiskars, Threading Water Border Punch by Fiskars, New Scallop Edge Craft Punch by Martha Stewart, Double Scallop Edge Craft Punch by Martha Stewart, Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile, Dots Border Embossing Folder by Quickutz, Epic Six Die Cutting Tool by Quickutz, Tiny Attacher by Tim Holtz

Have a great day!

October Celebrate the Seasons + Fall Stamp Camp

Good Monday morning!

It's cold, rainy and dreary this morning here in Southwest Kansas. Perfect Fall Weather.

To match the Fall atmosphere outside I've got two new classes at Two Peas today, both featuring Fall-ish/Halloween-ish projects. :)

First up: Celebrate the Seasons

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

Here's the sketch this layout is based on:

 
(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

Even though I did a Halloween layout, this sketch could be used for so many other themes/layouts. Maybe you took a trip to the Pumpkin Patch, celebrated a birthday or other family celebration, love decorating for Autumn, have great photos of fall foliage you want to showcase, vacation photos...the possibilities are endless. 

Click here for more information on the layout, the supplies used and the pdf handout.

The video for this class:

***Special Giveaway***

Please visit this thread on the Education Board over at 2peas for your chance to win the die cuts used to create the October Layout. I am including both black AC cardstock die cut frames, Black Metallic MM die cut "halloween" title + the Silhouette Print & Cuts (October 31 circle & Word Collage).

You will have until 11:59 p.m. CST Friday, October 9th, 2009 to be entered to win the set of die cuts. So please be sure to leave a comment on THIS thread at 2peas for your chance to win! 

Next, this week kicks off Fall Stamp Camp at Two Peas. 

I am thrilled to be hosting this first week: Stamping with Markers.

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

This class features 3 Fall/Halloween cards all created with Stamp Markers (I used some by American Crafts but you could use whatever you have: Stampin' Up, CTMH, etc.).

The first card shows coloring in a stamped image with markers:

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

The next card features using Stamp Markers to color in wood mounted stamps + a clear stamp greeting to create a card:

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

And the last example showcases using Stamp Markers to color in Acrylic Stamps + a greeting to stamp a card:

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

All three of these cards are so easy and fun to create!

Click here for more information, the list of supplies used to create these cards and the step-by-step instructions.

Here's the video:

Have a wonderful day!

September 10th Silhouette Release + Two Peas Challenge

I *heart* the Silhouette release today.

I mean, I love it every time but today's release, well, it's cool card bases (and I love, love, love making cards) and there's holiday dies and print & cuts (and I have teaching a class all year at Two Peas centering on seasonal holidays - Celebrate the Seasons) and these are perfect for so many projects.

Here's a layout I made using a new Print & Cut + some of the Quickutz embossing folders:

Silhouette Supplies used:

phrase_christmas_2199

monogram_holiday_2030

photo_corner_1562

Other Quickutz Supplies:

Polka Dots (Pattern) A2 Embossing Folder (Quickutz) 
Houndstooth Border Embossing Folder (Quickutz) 
Polka Dots A2 Embossing Folder (Quickutz) 

Other Supplies:

Patterned Papers by SEI
Slice 12x12 Metallic Silver by Making Memories
Florals by Making Memories 
Brads by CTMH 
Scallop Punch by Stampin' Up 
String, Ribbon, Staples,

I have more holiday and non-holiday card shares using the newest Silhouette designs that I'll share over the next several days. So fun!

Also, if you have time this evening, Jennifer McGuire and I are hosting a community challenge today over on the GG Blog at 2Peas. We're challenging you to create a card in 15 minutes or less. Here's my card for the challenge:

Check out all the details HERE.

Supplies:

Hello Remountable Rubber Cling Stamp by Hero Arts 
4x4.5 Inch Cling Block by Hero Arts 
Assorted Crystal Gem Stones by Hero Arts 
Apron Strings Early Bird Paper by Cosmo Cricket 
Colored Pencils & Gamsol
Stamp Markers by American Crafts 
String 

I used one of the new Hero Arts cling stamps for this card. Just stamped it on white paper using the American Crafts Stamp Markers, filled in the design with colored pencils and then layered the scalloped border and greeting by stamping the design on the patterned paper with black ink, cutting out the elements and layering. Simple and easy.

 Have a great evening. :)

Stamping With Markers Video + Silhouette Sneak Peek

Here's a quick card and video showing the stamping with markers technique:

Supplies:

Birds & Branches 12" Clear Design Stamp Set by Hero Arts (this isn't the exact butterfly I used but it would work just as well!) 
Clouds Design Block Stamp by Hero Arts 
Striped Circle Remountable Rubber Cliing Stamp by Hero Arts 
4x4.5 Inch Cling Block by Hero Arts 
Soft Pool Shadow Ink by Hero Arts
Hometown Clear Stamp Set 4x6 by October Afternoon 
Soft Suede Class Stamp Ink by Stampin' Up 
Thoughts & Prayers Stamps by Stampin' Up
Stamp Markers by American Craft (Taffy, Aqua, Chestnut, Mustard & Grape colors)
Wavy Edge Punch by EK Success 
Green Glitter Paper by Making Memories 
Flowers by Making Memories 
Lavender Gemstones by Hero Arts 
Scallop Circle 3 Inch Paper Shaper Punch by EK Success

I had an extra butterfly stamped and I didn't want to waste it so I created a mini scallop card by folding a scrap of white cardstock in half, stamping it with the Hero Arts Cling Stamp listed above and then punching out a card over the folded edge. 

And now for a Silhouette Sneak Peek:

Lot's of great new card bases with this release. I love the unique card shapes and sizes. So much fun to create with. I used this card base:

card_circle_2125

to create this card:

I used the American Crafts Stamp Markers on this Stampin' Up Birdie stamp as well. I absolutely love these markers!!!

The "lace" on the card is also a die cut:

lace_1444

The inside of the card:

Supplies:

Brilliant Blue 12x12 Double Dot Paper by Bo Bunny 
Buttercup 12x12 Double Dot Paper by Bo Bunny 
Cheep Talk Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
Stamp Markers by American Crafts (Wave, Rouge, Apricot, Sunflower colors) 
Thank You Sayings Clear Design Stamp Set by Hero Arts 
Black Gemstones by Hero Arts 
Corduroy Button by Stampin' Up
Ribbon

More new Silhouette shares tomorrow!

And lastly, my little guy started preschool this afternoon. He picked a stuffed dinosaur to take for show and tell. He insisted on wearing his Curious George t-shirt and red Converse tennis shoes. He gobbled up his turkey sandwich and applesauce. He was excited. I was excited. I haven't had alone, ALONE time in years. He had a great afternoon and was good. This mama's smile when I picked him up was ear to ear. He was just so adorable walking in line with his little backpack, hugging his teacher goodbye, yelling "Mommy!" when he saw me waiting...made me heart melt. :)

Have a great night!

Labor Day Weekend Card Making

Well, Payton & I had a very productive card making weekend. I spent all day yesterday with my girl and it was the best. She is such an awesome little crafter!

Here are a couple of her creations she made to send to Cards for Kate:

Stamp Supplies:

Big Hoot Wood Mounted Stamp by Hero Arts 
Long Branch Wood Mounted Stamp by Hero Arts 
Scroll Frame and Messages 4x6 Clear Stamps by Hero Arts 

Stamp Supplies:

Scroll Frame and Messages 4x6 Clear Stamps by Hero Arts

And here's one I made:

Supplies:

Wavy Edge Punch by EK Success
Flight of the Butterfly Stamp Set by Stampin' Up
Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Soft Suede & Crushed Curry Classic Stamp Pad Inks by Stampin' Up 
Butterfly Punch by Stampin' Up
Clouds Design Block Stamp by Hero Arts 
Soft Pool Shadow Ink by Hero Arts
White 12x12 AC Cardstock Pack by American Crafts 
Green Glitter Paper by Making Memories 
Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile 
Staples & String

I layered the punched borders at the bottom of the card to resemble "grass" (Payton used the wavy border punch for one of her cards too...love border punches, such a great scrapbooking/card making staple). I love how the Hero Arts Clouds stamp customizes the cardstock to look like cloud patterned paper. I just can't get enough of this great stamp!

Tomorrow I'll have a couple more card shares from my weekend crafting plus a how-to video that corresponds with last Friday's Stampin' Fun Friday (only I have a NEW card to share using that same technique with the American Crafts markers..yay!).

*By the way* I have had a bunch of requests wanting to know where I picked up the Stamp Markers by American Crafts. I found mine by accident at my local Hobby Lobby. I didn't realize they were available yet (they are part of AC's newest release). I picked up 3 of the packages: Earthtones, Tropical & Primary. They had pastel but I haven't purchased it...yet! I will let you know if I find these markers available online and will link you up. ;)

Plus, as a bonus tomorrow how about a sneak peek of some new Silhouette designs that are being released on Thursday?!!!! I'll share a peek or two of some projects I created using the new release.

Have a great night!

Stampin' Fun Friday: Stamping with Markers + Ruffles

This week I want to share with you a technique that makes a world of difference when working with stamps like this Hero Arts Flower Branch with Owl stamp shown in the photo:

These stamps are super cute but look a little drab when just stamped on paper in a single color of ink. There's always the option of stamping on multiple patterns/colors of paper and paper piecing or coloring in the open areas with markers, colored pencils, etc. but what if you want to just stamp it in multiple colors at one time and be done? That is really hard to achieve with stamp pads but oh so easy with these fabulous new Stamp Markers from American Crafts.

To create this cute multi-colored stamped owl and branch I simply colored the rubber stamp with these markers, making sure I colored in the entire design. Then, I huffed (breathed on the stamp to remoisten the inks) and stamped it on some ledger paper. So simple and easy and with perfect results. It really makes intricate images like these come alive.

I used the same technique for the greeting. It's from a clear stamp set from Hero Arts. I simply colored in each word using a different color of marker and stamped it on the "label".

Ruffles are everywhere this season. I can't tell you how many items (J Crew anyone?) that I've picked up for my fall wardrobe this year that have a ruffle of some sort on them. I just can't get enough of the look and thought it would be a fun look to add to my scrapbooking and card making projects. 

The ruffles on my card were created by layering some gathered ribbons from American Crafts (you can just as easily ruffle your own ribbons by running a loose stitch through the center of a ribbon and pulling the threads to gather it a bit). I simple layered the ribbons, adhered my stamped piece over them and stapled it in place to secure it. So simple!

*note* I didn't create a video when I created this card so I don't have one to share today showing the stamp + marker technique. I will create a video over this long holiday weekend so that you can see it in action.

Supplies:

Flower Branch with Owl Stamp by Hero Arts 
All Occasion Messages 4x6 Clear Stamps by Hero Arts 
Earthtones 12x12 AC Cardstock by American Crafts 
Polka Dots (Pattern) A2 Embossing Folder by Quickutz 
Epic Six Die Cutting Tool by Quickutz 
Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile by We R Memory Keepers 
Small Accent Pearls by Hero Arts 
Slice 8x8 Ledger Pad by Making Memories 
Ribbons by American Crafts 
Stampin' Markers by American Crafts (Leaf, Taffy, Aqua, Chestnut, Mustard)
Favorite Things Stamp Set & Soft Suede Ink by Stampin' Up

This is my first card to send to Cards for Kate (see yesterday's post for more information). Check back all weekend as I share cards that my daughter and I make to send to Kate and her family. :)

Tomorrow is the 5th of the month which means it's time for another Celebrate the Seasons class! I can't wait to share this month's sketch, layout and video with you. :) Until tomorrow....