WOW WEDNESDAY

WOW!  I won a prize from our leader, Connie Heisey, for my July color challenge entry.  We were to use Wisteria Wonder, Soft Sky, and Early Espresso Stampin' Up colors.  This was my take on the challenge.

I used the Choose Happiness Stamp Set.  The brown is heat embossed and I did that by inking the stamp first with VersaMark and then inking with Early Espresso.  After stamping, heat with the heat gun.  I did the same thing with the bird, using Soft Sky ink.  The dots in the background are from a stamp in the Awesomely Artistic Stamp Set.  Two of the flowers are stamped right on the card stock.  The third flower and the bird are cut out and popped up with Dimensionals.

Can't wait to receive my stampin' prize in the mail!

TECHNIQUE TUESDAY

Today's post will show you an easy way to make a watercolor background.  First here is the card I created using the technique and the From Land to Sea Stamp Set.

The colors are Lost Lagoon, Crumb Cake and White.  First I embossed the Lost Lagoon layer with the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder.  To create the water color background behind the turtle:

Take the block size of your choice (here it is Block D) and scribble on it with the Stampin' Write Marker of your choice (here it is Lost Lagoon).

"Spritz" your block with a water spritzer.  This only takes 2 - 3 light spritzes at a distance of about 6-8 inches from the block.

Stamp your block onto your white card stock.  If you place your card stock on your Stampin' Pierce Mat, you will get more even coverage onto your paper.

Here are 2 different looks.  On the left, I spritzed more heavily and I also tilted the block a little to make the water and color "run".  The one on the right is just spritzed and then stamped.





The turtle and the little lantern on the card are colored, cut out, and popped up with Dimensionals.
Try this easy, fun technique and see what you come up with.

MISCELLANEOUS MONDAY

Here is a card I submitted for our Proverbial Stampers' Group July Sketch Challenge.

I saw a similar card posted by fellow demonstrator Crystal Komara and did my take on hers.  It reminds me that summer is still in full swing.

FRIENDLY FRIDAY

A couple of things today since I skipped yesterday:

• First - A Paper Pumpkin Special for first time subscribers:

           

50% off First Two Months of Paper Pumpkin

If you've never tried Paper Pumpkin, now is a great time-get 50% off your first two months. With a deal like this, you'll want to invite everyone you know to give it a try too! Offer Dates: July 23-September 10, 2015 Offer Details: Use the code HALFOFF to join Paper Pumpkin before September 10, 2015, and get 50% off the first two months! After that, keep the creativity coming for only $19.95 + tax per month (shipping included). Click here to go straight to the link where you can order under by name.  This is such a fun program that you can do at home in your own time with grandchildren, neighbors, or friends.  All supplies (except adhesives and clear blocks) and instructions are included, and, of course, you can always do your own thing if you want.  Sneak Peek at Convention showed us that the upcoming kits are really so cute! Second - Here is a post of a card using the Sprinkles Ronald McDonald set and Tree Builder Punch.  It was posted on a board so I don't know who to give credit to.  It is so cute.  LOVE IT! Third - There are new Stamp Camp dates for next week posted on my Stampin' Up' blog.  Click on the blog at the top of the page and view the calendar of events. Hope you have a great weekend!

WOW WEDNESDAY

WOW!  We received some great freebies at convention.  Here is the stash I brought home:

Stamp sets, DSP, great washable felt bag, ink pad, Holiday catalog 8 pack, notebook, twine, make n' takes.

Here are 2 gifts I received from members of our team:

Cute little bag (Sketched Dots Tag a Bag Gift Bags - pg 151) with a birthday theme, made by Debbie Paisie.  There was a cupcake on the outside to hold it shut, birthday cake gum, small post-its, and a cupcake lip gloss.

Such a cute idea, but you can always count on that from Deb!

An adorable scrap bag holder from my roomie, Sondra Jumper.

Thanks to her husband for giving up his jeans.

The flower is made with the Cotton Paper Assortment, which is sturdy, but lightweight.

So cute!






I got lots of swaps, also, and I will be sharing some of those in future posts. Thanks to everyone for their creativity.

MISCELLANEOUS MONDAY

Back from Convention in Salt Lake City.  What a great time.  Loved learning new things, SEEING new things, (some of which you will soon be seeing), and spending time with great stamping friends. This is the gift I made for the group that traveled together for convention.  Figured the box out by myself - definitely a major accomplishment.  I won't tell you how many scrap papers I went through to get there, though.

Thought this was perfect with our new In Color Mint Macaron card stock and ribbon.  I also used new Washi Tape at the bottom.  I will try and post directions tomorrow.

TECHNIQUE TUESDAY

Use the new Banner Triple Punch to create a banner effect on your card or other project. The largest banner is 2", the middle one is 1 1/2", and the small one is just the sliver that I cut off my card stock when making my swap.  The third banner size is actually 1", but you can make it smaller just by centering your card stock into the punch like I did for my sliver.

 The banners are made with the colored papers in the Irresistibly Yours DSP Pack.  The card stock colors are Watermelon Wonder and Tip Top Taupe.  The twine is Calypso Coral and it works well as an accent.  The stamp set is the Hostess Set Best Thoughts.  There is Dazzling Diamonds on the flower, but I'm not sure you can see it in the picture.  A little "bling" is always good.

This is my last convention swap.  Finally done!  Now all I have to do is tie up loose ends here at home (always takes longer than I think it will) and pack.  Salt Lake City - here I come!