Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Supplies Used:

Copper Embossed Falling for Leaves

The Falling for Leaves Bundle has quickly become one of my favorites.

This quick, yet elegant card was easy to create.

I embossed a piece of Very Vanilla card stock using the Big Shot and Planks embossing folder and matted it with a piece of Copper Foil paper

The leaves were cut out of Copper Foil paper using the Big Shot and one of the Detailed Leaves dies.

The greeting and inside leaves were heat embossed using a heat tool and copper embossing powder.

Here's the inside:

Falling for Leaves Bundle

Supplies Used:

Stamp set: Falling for Leaves

Ink: versamark

Paper: Very Vanilla, Copper Foil paper

Accessories: Big Shot, Detailed Leaves Thinlits Dies, Planks embossing folder, Embossing Buddy, heat tool, copper embossing powder, Mini Dimensionals, copper thread

Bokeh Falling for Leaves

The changing leaves have been so pretty this year here in the mountains of southern Colorado!

This card was inspired by this photo of  one of the wild Choke Cherries growing on our property.

It always is a show-stopper!

Choke Cherry fall color, Wetmore, CO

To create the bold colors of my card, I did the Bokeh Technique.

According to Wikipedia," the bokeh is the blur or aesthetic quality of the blur in out of focus areas of an image."

It is one of my favorite stamping techniques.

I first created a card stock  template of circles using my 1" and 3/4" circle punches.

Then, with sponge daubers, I added Mango Melody, Crushed Curry, Poppy Parade, and Old Olive inks, overlapping the colors to create the Bokeh effect.  Once the ink was dry, I added circles of Whisper White craft ink.

The leaves were cut out of Old Olive and Gold Foil paper using the Big Shot and Detailed Leaves Thinlits Dies.

The greeting is from Falling for Leaves and was stamped using Poppy Parade.

Happy Fall!

Falling for Leaves Bundle

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Falling for Leaves

Ink: Mango Melody, Crushed Curry, Poppy Parade, Old Olive, Whisper White craft ink

Paper: Whisper White, Poppy Parade, Old Olive, Goil Foil

Accessories: 1" and 3/4" circle punches, sponge daubers, Big Shot, Detailed Leaves Thinlits Dies, Tombow Multi-purpose glue, Mini Dimensionals, enamel shape

Using Designer Series Paper to create a 5-minute card is easy when you let it do most of the work.

That is the case with this card featuring Nature's Poem DSP.

Simply cut the paper into 1 1/4" x 5 1/4" strips and place on your card base.

Add a greeting stamped on a coordinating piece of card stock and you're done!

For this card, I used the greeting from Sheltering Tree, along with a leaf image from Painted Harvest stamped on a piece of Grapefruit Grove card stock using Blackberry Bliss ink.  A Blackberry Bliss Faceted Dot was added to complete the card.

Nature's Poem Designer Series Paper

Supplies Used:

Stamp Sets: Sheltering Tree, Painted Harvest

Ink: Blackberry Bliss

Paper: Blackberry Bliss, Grapefruit Grove, Nature's Poem Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Faceted Dot, Mini Dimensionals

Here's one more fall-themed project using the perennial favorite stamp set, Lovely as a Tree.

This is a clean and simple, 5-minute card creation!

Here's how:

1. Stamp trees from Lovely as a Tree  and greeting using Early Espresso ink on Very Vanilla card stock.  Heat emboss with a heat tool and clear embossing powder.
2.  Lightly sponge the sunrise using Crushed Curry, Mango Melody and Cajun Craze ink
3. Attach to Early Espresso mat.  Attach to Very Vanilla card base using Dimensionals to pop it up.

That's it, done!

Supplies Used:

Stamp Sets: Lovely as a Tree, Floral  & Fauna ( December 2017 Paper Pumpkin kit)

Ink: Early Espresso, Crushed Curry, Mango Melody, Cajun Craze

Paper: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso

Accessories: heat tool, clear embossing powder, sponge, Dimensionals

Fall is my favorite time of the year!

I love the cooler temps and the changing colors.

To celebrate the arrival of fall, I've been busy creating some fall-themed cards.

This card features the Clear-Block Background Technique paired with one of my new favorite stamp sets, Dandelion Wishes.

Here's how:

1. To create the clear-block water color background, tap ink pads onto a clear-block, spritz with water so the ink runs and pools, then stamp onto a piece of card stock.  Let the block set for a few seconds, then lift.  Set the piece aside to dry completely.  For this card, I used Pool Party, Crushed Curry, and Mango Melody inks on a "F" clear-block.  I stamped the block on a piece of Shimmery White card stock.  You could also use watercolor paper.
2.  Stamp the images from Dandelion Wishes using Early Espresso ink.  Sprinkle clear embossing powder over the images and heat emboss using a heat tool.
3.  Mat to a piece of Early Espresso card stock and attach to Mango Melody card base using Mini Dimensionals to pop it up.
4.  Add enamel shapes to complete.

I stamped the greeting from Dandelion Wishes on the inside:

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Dandelion Wishes

Ink: Pool Party, Crushed Curry, Mango Melody, Early Espresso

Paper: Mango Melody, Early Espresso, Shimmery White

Accessories: Clear-Block "F", spritzer bottle with water, clear embossing powder, heat tool, Mini Dimensionals, enamel shapes

Field of Fall Flowers

After a very warm summer, I think fall has finally arrived here in the mountains of southern Colorado!

Cooler temps and changing colors.

Fall is my favorite time of the year!

To celebrate, I have been busy creating fall-themed cards which I will be sharing over the next few days.

This one was quick and easy using the Clear-Block Background Technique mixed with the dainty flower images found in the stamp set Daisy Delight.

Here's how:

1. To create the watercolor background, tap ink pads onto a clear-block, spritz with water so the ink runs and pools, and stamp on a piece of card stock.  Let the block sit on the paper for a few seconds, then remove.  Set it aside to dry completely.  For this card, colors used were Pool Party, Pacific Point, Crushed Curry, and Pear Pizzazz on a "E" clear-block.  I stamped the block onto Shimmery White card stock which holds up well to the water.  You could also use water color paper.  
2.   Stamp stem image from Daisy Delight using Color Me Clover ink.  Stamp full strength, then again without reinking.  Stamp flower image using Mango Melody.  Stamp full strength, then again without reinking.
3.  Attach to Crushed Curry mat using Mini Dimensionals to pop it up.
4.  Stamp greeting using Pacific Point ink.  I used the retired stamp set Teeny Tiny Wishes (still my go-to greeting stamp), but choose a greeting that is appropriate for your occasion.  Attach to Pacific Point card base.
5. Color rhinestones using a blue Sharpie pen and attach to complete.

Supplies Used:

Stamp Sets: Daisy Delight, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Pool Party, Pacific Point, Crushed Curry, Pear Pizzazz, Color Me Clover, Mango Melody

Paper: Pacific Point, Crushed Curry, Shimmery White

Accessories: Clear-block "E", spritzer bottle with water, rhinestones, Sharpie Pen, Mini Dimensionals

Daisy Delight Jar of Love

A fresh bouquet just in time for the arrival of fall!

Here's how:

1. Stamp jar image from Jar of Love stamp set onto vellum card stock using Early Espresso ink.  Heat emboss with clear embossing powder.
2.  Cut jar out using the Big Shot and coordinating Everyday Jars Framelits Die.
3. Stamp 2 daisies using Daisy Delight stamp set onto Crushed Curry card stock using Early Espresso ink.  Punch out using the coordinating Daisy Punch. Layer daisies using a Mini Dimensional in between.
4. Stamp stem and leaves from Jar of Love stamp set onto Pear Pizzazz card stock using Call Me Clover ink.  Cut out using coordinating Everyday Jars Framelits dies.
5. Mat a piece of Wood Textures 6"x6" Designer Series Paper with Pear Pizzazz card stock.  Attach to Early Espresso card base.
6.  Attach vellum jar to card front using a small amount of SNAIL adhesive.  Apply SNAIL adhesive to the leaves and stems and slip inside the jar.
7. Attach daisy using a  Mini Dimensional to pop it up.  Attach a Faceted Gem to the center.
8. Stamp greeting from Dragonfly Dreams onto a scrap piece of Pear Pizzazz card stock using Call Me Clover ink.  Banner cut one edge.  Attach to card front using Mini Dimensionals to pop it up.

Happy Fall!

Stamp Sets: Jar of Love, Daisy Delight, Dragonfly Dreams

Ink: Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Call me Clover

Paper: Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Crushed Curry, vellum card stock, Wood Textures 6"x6" Designer Series Paper

Accessories: clear embossing powder, heat tool, Big Shot, Everyday Jars Framelits Dies, Daisy Punch, Faceted Gem. Mini Dimensionals

I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

This card was created from a scrap piece of baby wipe left over from my tie dye leaf background card found HERE.

I often use baby wipes that I have used to clean my stamp sets in my crafting.

They provide interesting backgrounds. 

The card above was inspired by one of our sunrises!

The colors were only on a small portion of the baby wipe, so the card itself turned out to be smaller in size.

That's ok though!

I placed a piece of multi-purpose adhesive sheet onto the back of the baby wipe.

The glue left from the adhesive sheet allowed me to place the baby wipe on a scrap piece of Whisper White card stock.

The baby wipe was trimmed down, and the edges were folded over and secured onto the back of the card stock. 

I stamped the trees, leaves, and ground from Wonderful Branches using Early Espresso ink.

I used this retired stamp set from my stash because the image was small enough to fit onto the small card front piece.

The greeting is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.

The Tie Dye Background Tutorial hit e mail inboxes on November 14.

If you'd like to learn how to create the tie dye background, please sign up for my mailing list by December 1st, 2018 using the signup box in the upper right-hand corner of this site.

I'll e mail the tutorial to you.

Thanks!

Supplies Used:

Stamp Sets: Wonderful Branches, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Cajun Craze, Old Olive Curry, Early Espresso

Paper: Whisper White, Early Espresso

Accessories: baby wipe, multi-purpose adhesive sheet

719 Rocks!

(719 is our area code)

There's a big craze going on here in southern Colorado (and maybe in your area too).

Lovely as a Tree is one of my all-time favorite stamp sets.  It is one of the first stamp sets I purchased when I started stamping many moons ago. 

I think it is the oldest set found in the SU! Annual Catalog. 

I hold my breath every year when the retiring list is published, and I breathe a sigh of relief when I see that it is not on that list!

For this card, I combined Lovely as a Tree with the Faux Metal Technique. 

Perfect for a fall-themed card!

Also perfect for those sometimes hard to create masculine-themed cards too!

The Faux Metal Technique is very easy to do.

You will need a Versamark pad, embossing powder, heat tool and a stamp.

That's it!

Here's how:

1.  Ink up your stamp with Versamark and set it aside.  This is an important step.  The Versamark protects the rubber from the melted embossing powder in the last step.

2. Dab Versamark ink onto a piece of Whisper White card stock.  Pour embossing powder over the Versamark, and heat emboss using a heat tool.  For this card, I used copper embossing powder.

3. Repeat that step 2 more times.  On the third time, make sure the embossing powder is melting and flowing, like melted wax.

4. Quickly remove the heat from the card stock, and stamp your preconditioned stamp into the melted embossing powder.  Lift the stamp, and your image should be burnished into the embossing powder.  It's  the same principle as wax sealing an envelope. 

5. If you don't like the image, simply add more heat to the embossing powder, so it is melted and flowing and try again.  Remember to condition your stamp with Versamark before stamping.

6. Swipe Embossing Buddy over piece of Perfect Plum card stock.  Stamp leaves and pine cones from Lovely as a Tree using Versamark ink.  Heat emboss using copper embossing powder. 

7. Dab edges of Perfect Plum into Versamark and heat emboss using copper embossing powder.

8.  Attach to front of Whisper White card base.  Attach Faux Metal piece to front of card base , popping it up using Dimensionals.

9. Stamp greeting from Teeny Tiny Wishes using Elegant Eggplant to complete.

I  hope you'll give it a try and will share your creations with me.

Lovely as a Tree, timeless tree images!

Supplies Used:

Stamp Sets: Lovely as a Tree, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Versamark, Elegant Eggplant

Paper: Whisper White, Perfect Plum

Accessories: Embossing Buddy, heat tool, copper embossing powder, Mini Dimensionals

It's easy to create watercolor backgrounds using the Big Shot and Woodland Textured Embossing Folder.

This is the card I created after creating this 3D Woodland embossed card found HERE.

To create the background for this card, I simply spritzed the inside of the embossing folder with water like I was cleaning the ink from the inside. 

The ink pooled and began to run.   I inserted a piece of Whisper White card stock and ran it through the Big Shot.

Now the colors are behind the embossed image.

To fill in the spaces, I stamped the small leaf image from Sheltering Tree using Crushed Curry and Tangerine Tango inks.  I colored in the lines on the bark using my Early Espresso marker.

To see my other 3D Woodland Embossing Folder creations, along with a step by step tutorial, please visit my page HERE.

So, before you clean up, try creating another card.  The look will be slightly different than the original!

Woodland Textured Embossing Folder

Shop online 24/7:

Supplies Used:

Stamp Sets: Sheltering Tree, Eastern Beauty

Ink: Crushed Curry, Tangerine Tango, Tranquil Tide, Early Espresso marker

Paper: Tangerine Tango, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Crushed Curry

Accessories: Big Shot, Woodland Textured Embossing Folder, spritzer bottle filled with water, Crumb Cake seam binding (retired), 1" and 1 1/4" circle punches, Mini Dimensionals

Be sure to check out my other 3D Woodland Embossing Folder projects Here.  There's a link to full instructions in a pdf format!

I live in the mountains of southern Colorado, and in the fall, this is the view from my front window. 

Aspens and their changing leaves!

Great inspiration for my card using the Woodland Textured Embossing Folder.

You can view full instructions using the link above, but here's a short version.

I stamped the large leaves image found in Sheltering Tree on the inside of the Woodland embossing folder using Crushed Curry, Tangerine Tango, and Tranquil Tide inks.  I also colored in the lines of the tree bark using my Early Espresso marker.  Then, I inserted a piece of Whisper White card stock into the folder and embossed it using the Big Shot.  The leaves are now behind the embossed image.  To fill in spaces, I stamped the small leaf image from Sheltering Tree using the same inks.

The greeting is from Eastern Beauty stamped in Tangerine Tango onto a piece of Whisper White card stock, cut out using my 1" circle punch and then layered to a piece of Tranquil Tide punched out using my 1 1/4" circle punch.

It's easy to create 3D stamped images using the Big Shot and Woodland Textured Embossing Folder.

Woodland Textured Embossing Folder

Stamp Sets: Sheltering Tree, Eastern Beauty

Ink: Crushed Curry, Tangerine Tango, Tranquil Tide, Early Espresso marker

Paper: Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Tranquil Tide

Accessories: Big Shot, Woodland Embossing Folder,  1" and 1 1/4" circle punches, 5/8" Burlap Ribbon, candy dots, sponge, Mini Dimensionals

Fall has arrived here in the mountains of southern Colorado!

To celebrate, I created this quick and easy card using textured embossing folders and elements of the September Layered Leaves Paper Pumpkin kit.

What is Paper Pumpkin?

Paper Pumpkin is Stampin' Up!'s monthly crafting subscription.

Every month, you'll receive a box of goodies from Stampin' Up! filled with all the necessary ingredients to make a fun project. 

It might be greeting cards or 3D projects like gift boxes and pouches.

The design is already created for you.  Just follow the instructions, and you'll be crafting in a matter of minutes.

September's kit was called Layered Leaves which included a great collection of leaf stamps and die cuts.

I decided to change it up a little bit and create my own design using pieces of the kit.

Here's how:

1. Emboss piece of Whisper White card stock using the Big Shot and Woodland embossing folder.  Emboss piece of Cajun Craze card stock using the Big Shot and Brick Wall embossing folder.
2.  Attach embossed pieces, and wrap a piece of 5/8" burlap ribbon along the seam line, attaching it to the back.
3. Attach to Crumb Cake card base.
4. Pop out leaf die cuts from Layered Leaves Paper Pumpkin kit.  Stamp large leaf image onto large leaf die cut using Early Espresso ink.  Stamp 3 smaller leaf images onto coordinating leaf die cut using Early Espresso ink.  Pop out pre-stamped Soft Suede leaf die cut.
5. Layer leaves to front of card using Dimensionals to pop them up.
6. Tie a bow out of metallic copper twine from Paper Pumpkin kit and attach to front of card using a glue dot.

Done!  I let Paper Pumpkin do most of the work for me.

Check out Paper Pumpkin subscriptions HERE

To start receiving Paper Pumpkin kits beginning in November, be sure to subscribe by Nov 10!

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set:  Layered Leaves (if you don't have Layered Leaves Paper Pumpkin kit, the Vintage Leaves stamp set and coordinating Leaflets Framelits Dies will work just as well)

Ink: Early Espresso

Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Cajun Craze

Accessories: Layered Leaves Paper Pumpkin Kit, Big Shot, Woodland and Brick Wall Textured Embossing Folders, 5/8" Burlap Ribbon, Mini Dimensionals, glue dots

Just in time for Halloween!

Cute Spooky Cat Kisses candy treat holders.

I created these feline treats in a matter of minutes using the Cat Punch and Spooky Night Designer Series Paper from Stampin' Up!

They just make me smile! 

Love the "calico," "tortoise shell," and "orange tabby" inspired cats.  The solid black cat looks like my cat, Black Bart, aka Black Biscuits. 

Black Bart has golden eyes though.  I guess I should have colored in the eyes using a marker!

This project is super simple!

(Thanks to Paper Pixie for the original instructions!)

Start with a piece of card stock measuring 4" x 1".  Score at 1", 2", and 3".

Fold along the score lines to form a triangle.  Apply glue and secure triangle closed.  For this project, I used Tombow Multi-purpose Liquid Glue.  Fine Tip Glue will work as well.  SNAIL probably won't hold the triangle together.

Slip Kisses candy inside the triangle.

You will need 2 punched cats, one for each side of the triangle. 

For the front side, I punched a black cat out one of the designs found in Spooky Night Designer Series Paper.

You could also stamp the cat image that comes in the Spooky Cat stamp set.

I liked how the cat was already printed on the paper, so I let the DSP do the work for me.

Attach the cat to one side of the triangle. Place the cat up a little bit, so it doesn't interfere with the  base of the triangle.

For the back side of the triangle, I punched a cat out of a scrap piece of Basic Black card stock.

Apply glue to the bottom of the cat's body, the tip of the tail and the top of the head, including the ears.

Attach the solid cat to the back side of the triangle, lining it up with the ears and tail of the cat on the front.  Pinch the top and the tail together, holding them in place while the glue dries.

To complete, tie a bow around the cat's neck and add a rhinestone jewel as a tag.  I used Crushed Curry and Black Baker's Twine out of my stash.

So easy, and a perfect project idea for Halloween!

You could quickly make up several of these to give to co-workers and friends or share at upcoming adult or children's Halloween parties.

Shop online Cat Punch

Shop online Spooky Night Designer Series Paper

Supplies Used:

Paper: Spooky Night Designer Series Paper, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie card stock

Accessories: Cat Punch, Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Baker's Twine, rhinestone, Kisses candy

Are you ever in the need for quick and easy thank you gifts?

Me too!

Recently, I needed to create thank you gifts for attendees for an upcoming class.

I got out my Big Shot,  Wood Crate Framelits Dies, and assorted sheets of Wood Texture Designer Series Paper and created these cute crates in a matter of minutes!

I stamped the greeting from Wood Words using Cajun Craze ink and cut out the tag using the Big Shot and coordinating Wood Crate Framelits Die.

I added a heart from the Hearts and Stars Elements to complete the look.

Then, I filled the crates using shredded paper and filled them with an assortment of candy.

The Wood Words stamp set and Wood Crate Framelits Dies can be purchased separately. 

But, if you purchase the Wood Words Bundle, you'll save 10%!

For more ideas using the Wood Words Bundle, please be sure to watch this video from Stampin' Up!

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Wood Words

Ink: Cajun Craze

Paper: Wood Texture Designer Series Paper (you need 2 sheets to put together 1 crate), Very Vanilla

Accessories: Big Shot, Wood Crate Framelits Die, Tear and Tape Adhesive, Hearts and Stars Elements, Glue Dots, shredded paper, candy

Fall has arrived here in the mountains of southern Colorado!

Purple Asters, some of my favorite flowers, are blooming in abundance.

My project for this posting was inspired by these pretty flowers growing on our property.

I love their bright yellow centers.  They make me smile!

I combined the stamp set Daisy Delight, stamped in purples, with Embossing Paste colored in green, along with one of the Pattern Party Decorative Masks from Stampin' Up!

I love the easy texture that the Embossing Paste gives to projects.

Here's how:

With a palette knife, scoop out and place embossing paste onto your work surface.

For this, I use a plastic lid.  As you can tell, I've used this lid many times over for various projects. 

The embossing paste from other projects has dried on the lid.  It would take a good scrubbing to remove it.

So, be sure to wash off the embossing paste with warm water from your stencil, palette knife, and work surface as soon as you are finished with it.  It dries quick.

Also, be sure to put the lid back on the jar of embossing paste and seal tightly, so it doesn't dry out in the jar.  I have also added a piece of cling wrap to the top of the jar, sealing it with the lid.

Place a drop or two of ink refill onto the embossing paste and mix in using the palette knife.  For this project, I used 1 drop of Wild Wasabi.

You could also use the embossing paste without color.  It has an off-white, shimmery tint to it.

Place your card front onto a covered work surface and then place the stencil on top of the card stock, securing it with a piece of washi or painter's tape at the top.

Begin spreading the embossing paste onto the stencil using a palette knife.  It's kind of like spreading frosting. 

The thicker you apply, the longer it will take to dry.  But even so, it doesn't take long.

You can cover the whole stencil like I did or only parts.

Remove the stencil and set the piece aside to dry as you work on the other parts of the card.

Stamp two daisies on a scrap piece of Very Vanilla card stock, one using Elegant Eggplant, the other using Wisteria Wonder inks.

Stamp solid circle in the center of one of the daisies using Crushed Curry ink.

Punch out using the coordinating Daisy Punch.  Offset layer the daisies, one on top of the other using SNAIL Adhesive.  Slight bend the petals up using your fingers.

Wrap ribbon around the front of the embossed card front, securing it in the back with SNAIL Adhesive.  I used some retired chevron ribbon from my stash.

Attach to Elegant Eggplant card base.

Attach flower to front of card using a Dimensional to pop it up.

Stamp leaves from Daisy Delight using Emerald Envy ink on a scrap piece of Old Olive card stock. 

Fussy cut using a pair of scissors.  Slip underneath flower as desired using SNAIL Adhesive.

I also stamped the inside of the card using the daisy and greeting in Daisy Delight.

Adding texture to your project is fast and easy using Embossing Paste and accessories from Stampin' Up!

The possibilities are endless!

Shop Embossing Paste HERE

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Daisy Delight

Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder, Emerald Envy, Crushed Curry, and Wild Wasabi ink refill.

Paper: Very Vanilla, Old Olive

Accessories: Embossing Paste, Pattern Party Decorative Masks, Palette Knives, Daisy Punch, retired ribbon, Mini Dimensional, washi tape

Fall is here! 

My favorite season. 

Purple!

My favorite color.

Couldn't resist creating a 5 minute,  fall-inspired card in purples to celebrate. 

 To create the card, I used small 2-step flower image found in Daisy Delight.  I stamped the solid image using Wisteria Wonder on Very Vanilla card stock.  Then,  I over-stamped the line image using Elegant Eggplant. 

The Old Olive dots came from Watercolor Wings since I had the stamp set out after creating my Painted Lady Butterfly card here.

The dots are perfect for filling in empty spaces.

The greeting is from Move Me. 

The words are 2 separate stamps.  I first stamped the "Hi", then the "there." using Elegant Eggplant ink. 

I banner cut the edge, then matted it onto an Old Olive piece that had also been banner cut. 

The card front was matted to a piece of Elegant Eggplant, mounted to a Very Vanilla card base. 

The greeting was popped up using Dimensionals.

Quick, easy, done in 5 minutes!

For more quick card ideas, please visit my 5 Minute Card Creations Page  HERE

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Daisy Delight, Watercolor Wings, Move Me

Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive

Paper: Very Vanilla, Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive

Accessories: Mini Dimensionals

Recently, there was an article in the newspaper about the Painted Lady butterflies migrating through Colorado on their way to Mexico for the winter.

I have noticed an increase in Painted Ladies in my garden!  I have a space in my garden that I call the "weed patch."  It is a collection of oregano, sage, mint, clover, and alfalfa.  The clover and alfalfa bloom early.  The oregano, sage, and mint are in full bloom now for the fall.  Most people would consider this truly a weed patch (especially with the clover and alfalfa), but I love this little garden space.  It attracts bees, butterflies, and a number of other pollen-seeking insects. 

Here is a photo I took of a Painted Lady in my garden.

In celebration of the migration, I created the card above covered with Painted Ladies using the 3-step stamp set, Watercolor Wings.

This is such a great stamp for creating all kinds of butterflies.  

And it is easy to use.

Here's how:

The medium-sized butterfly in the set is a 3-step stamp.  Randomly stamp the solid image first using Pumpkin Pie ink.

Next, stamp the outline image using Basic Black ink.

Then, stamp the wing image using Cajun Craze ink.

Stamp the body and antennae using Soft Suede ink. 

That's it.  Done!

To complete the card, randomly stamp the 3 dot image using Old Olive ink.  Stamp greeting on scrap piece of Whisper White card stock.  Banner cut the end, and lightly sponge Pumpkin Pie ink along the edges.  Mat to an Old Olive piece that has also been banner cut.  Attach to front of card using Dimensionals.  Layer to Basic Black mat, then to Pumpkin Pie  card base. 

Thank you Painted Ladies for stopping by. 

Safe travels to Mexico!

Watercolor Wings stamp set, #139424, $26.00

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Watercolor Wings

Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Archival Black, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede

Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Whisper White, Old Olive

Accessories: Mini Dimensionals

Sure is beginning to feel like fall here in the mountains of southern Colorado!

Fall is my favorite time of the year!

In celebration, I decided to create a thank you card using the stamp set Touches of Texture combined with fall colors of ink.

Touches of Texture is one of my favorite stamp sets.   I really like its layering and eclectic designs.

This card takes a little bit of planning because of the stamped flowers coming out from behind the matted flower on the front. 

But, it is quick and simple to do.

Here's how:

Start with a 2 1/4" x 4" piece of Whisper White card stock.  Two-step stamp the flower, stem, leaves, and bee from Touches of Texture using Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, and Early Espresso inks.  Sponge the edges with Early Espresso ink.

Cut a Cajun Craze mat measuring 2 1/4" x 4". 

Cut a piece of Wood Textures Designer Series Paper 5" x 3 3 /4".  Lay the Cajun Craze mat on the designer paper, and with a pencil, lightly mark the corners of the mat.  This will be your guide for stamping the flowers.  Position the bottom of the stems inside the pencil lines, so only the upper flowers show beyond the mat.  I  used Early Espresso ink.  Be sure to lightly draw the pencil lines so they can easily be erased if needed.

In the photo below, I used my photo editing software to draw the four corner lines in red. 

I also used the Cajun Craze mat as my guide for stamping the greeting from Wood Words in Early Espresso ink.

 Now to color the flowers.  I used Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers.  I used a Blender Pen to blend the colors.

  I only colored the images outside of the pencil lines as I knew the rest would be covered up by the Cajun Craze mat.

To finish the card, Layer the Wood Textures designer paper to a 5 1/4" x 4" Cajun Craze mat, then attach to a 5 1/2" x 4" Whisper White card base.

Attach the stamped Whisper White piece to Cajun Craze mat.  Attach to front of card using Mini Dimensionals to pop it up.

Done, and you have a fairly simple, fall-themed thank you card to send to a friend or family member!

Touches of Texture Clear or Wood Mount stamp set

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Supplies Used:

Stamp Sets: Touches of Texture, Wood Words

Ink: Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Early Espresso ink pads, Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers

Paper: Whisper White, Cajun Craze, Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack

Accessories: Blender Pen, sponge, Mini Dimensionals