Traveler - Inspiration Series - Camera Card

Well folks - this is it! 

Last day of the Traveler stamp set Inspiration Series. It seems appropriate to end with a Graduation card, don't ya' think? 

We're all gonna need a couple grad cards coming up soon - I know with Emma's high school graduation this June, I'll need more than a few for her friends. This card is a great one for the guy grads - and super simple to create too. 

The style is called a 'gatefold' card because the front opens up like a gate. It's easy to achieve the fold, simply score at 2 1/8" from each end of a piece of 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" card stock and fold the flaps in towards the center. The focal image layers are attached to just one side of the fold. Easy!

Here's a couple tips for this particular card:

1) I stamped the suitcase in a random pattern on the front prior to dry embossing the flaps with the Modern Mosaic embossing folder in the Big Shot. 

2) the focal layers are attached with Stampin' Dimensionals to allow for the thickness of the ribbon. I just like it to lay right, ya' know? 

3) The black layer is popped up on dimensionals too - just because. I like the depth they add to a card and tend to use them like candy...

Anyway, here's a complete supply list for you:

Shopping for any of these products and more is so easy, simply click on any of the product photos and it will take you right into my Online Store. 

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack and Weekly Deals while you are there and remember - all orders of $50 or more automatically earn you a choice of a FREE Sale-A-Bration product! (but just through the 31st!)

I hope you've enjoyed this series - is there a stamp set you'd like to see some ideas for? 
Leave me a note in the comments and if I own it, I'll consider it for my next inspiration series!

I probably should remind you about the soon-to-be retired In Colors.

All 5 of the 2014-16 In Colors will be retiring at the end of May. 

What that means, practically speaking, for you is - 

the products using these 5 colors will SELL OUT - and Soon! 

I just look at past years sales history to speak from experience. 

My suggestion is to take a peek at what you own now and STOCK UP if there are any you will be sad to see go. 

You especially want to grab a couple of ink refills for your ink pads so you can keep using them for years to come. 

Here's a little graphic to help re-familiarize you with the colors: 

You can place your order online at 

www.trinitydesignstudio.stampinup.net

Have an awesome Monday everyone! 

Traveler - Inspiration Series - Ocean Liner Card

It's Day 3 of the Traveler stamp set Inspiration Series - 

I hope you're enjoying this set of more 'masculine' cards. 

The images in this stamp set call out to my inner vintage maven, but honestly, my first thought is to go shabby-chic, romantic style with them. 

Creating a set of more masculine projects was a fantastic challenge! 

Here's today's ocean liner card: 

As with the first two cards, this one is pretty straightforward stamping - except.....

1) I created the inked layers on the bottom of the card base using a piece of torn grid paper and a sponge. Cover the top portion of the card front with the torn paper, exposing about a 1/4" or so across the bottom of the card. (shows darker in the photo) Sponge Crumb Cake ink all over the exposed portion. Next, shift the torn paper up and over, exposing more of the card front and shifting the torn edge so it creates a different sponged edge. Sponge more ink on the exposed card front. This will create the two-tone effect you see shown. 

2) As much as I hate fussy-cutting anything, this stunning ship image was dying to be made 3-D. So, I stamped the full image on the focal card stock piece, then stamped it again on a scrap. I cut out just the larger portions of the ship with my Paper Snips then popped it up on Stampin' Dimensionals. 

3) The Blackberry Bliss circle was actually run through the Big Shot in the Modern Mosaic folder, but my camera was being a booger the day I took the pics and I couldn't get it to show up in the shot. It looks awesome in person tho'! LOL!

Here's a complete supply list for you: 

Shopping for any of these products and more is so easy, simply click on any of the product photos and it will take you right into my Online Store. 

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack and Weekly Deals while you are there and remember - all orders of $50 or more automatically earn you a choice of a FREE Sale-A-Bration product! (but just through the 31st!)

I'm so glad you stopped by today - be sure to come back tomorrow for the next card in the series.

How many of you have taken a cruise? And how many of you have cruised on a vintage style ocean-liner? I'd love to hear you're experiences! 

Traveler - Inspiration Series - Train Engine Card

Welcome to Day 2 of this Inspiration Series featuring the Traveler stamp set! 

Today's card has this gorgeous steam engine image for the focal point. When I look at this image, I immediately think about all the awesome period movies I've watched over the years. In my mind's eye I can see the train station platform, the rolling steam along the underside of the train and the heroine of the story - standing on the platform, dress billowing in the breeze. 

Yeah....I love a good romantic tale...

but, who doesn't? 

Anyway, here's today's card:

This one's pretty straightforward as far as design elements; simple layering and background stamping. The only things I can think of tip-wise are: 

1) the string layered behind the two Bitty Banners is another piece of the Burlap Ribbon pulled from a cut length, maybe about 8 inches or so. I just looped it around 2 fingers and adhered it to the back of the banners with Fast Fuse. 

2) the Kraft card stock was once again dry-embossed with the Modern Mosaic folder in the Big Shot then sponged with Soft Suede ink to bring out the pattern. 

3) the little strip of Black Glimmer paper across the bottom perfectly finished off this card. I know it's retired! But sometimes a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do - know what I mean? And besides, I'll bet you've got some stored away for a rainy day in your craft room, now dontcha? MHM.....

Here'a a complete supply list for you (minus the glimmer paper):

Shopping for any of these products and more is so easy, simply click on any of the product photos and it will take you right into my Online Store. 

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack and Weekly Deals while you are there and remember - all orders of $50 or more automatically earn you a choice of a FREE Sale-A-Bration product! (but just through the 31st!)

I'm so glad you stopped by today - be sure to come back tomorrow for the next card in the series.

Question: What's your favorite 'period' movie? 

Mine is Pride and Prejudice (the Kiera Knightley version). 

Share yours in the comments! 

Traveler - Inspiration Series - Globe Card

It's been a little while, so I think it's time for a new Inspiration Series - you guys up for that? 

Good! I KNEW you would be! 

Over the next 4 days, I'll be sharing a card series that I created using the Traveler stamp set. Here's a sneak peek at the 4 cards: 

The first card up is done with the globe image as the focal point. And it's a friendship card for a reason. 

Because of SU! I have friends literally, all over the world. 10 years ago, I never foresaw that happening, but I'm oh, so glad it did! Stampers and makers are amazing people and there's an acceptance in this community that truly knows no borders. It's one of my greatest joys of my business and my life. 

So, for all of my 'international' friends - this card's for you! 

You know who you are. ;)

I chose a masculine palette for this series - playing up the vintage feel of the stamps. Plus, 'man' cards have always been tougher for me, so I wanted to challenge myself to create something that the guys could appreciate. 

The card itself is pretty basic, layering with dimensionals, but three things pop out that I should tell you: 

1) the white tag is a simply collage of images. I stamped the passport and suitcases first, then overstepped the globe. Easy! 

2) the dry-embossed banner behind it was a piece of Kraft card stock that I ran through the Big Shot with the Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder. I used the Triple Banner Punch to make it a banner, then sponged on some Soft Suede ink to bring out the pattern. Lastly, I curled up the ends with a Bone Folder. 

3) the string for the tag is actually a strand from a piece of Burlap Ribbon. I cut the edge off the ribbon and pulled out the long strands to use as string. Pretty cool and cost effective as well!

Here's a complete supply list for you: 

Shopping for any of these products and more is so easy, simply click on any of the product photos and it will take you right into my Online Store. 

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack and Weekly Deals while you are there and remember - all orders of $50 or more automatically earn you a choice of a FREE Sale-A-Bration product! (but just through the 31st!)

I'm so glad you stopped by today - be sure to come back tomorrow for the next card in the series.

Apple of My Eye - Inspiration Series Card - Apple

Today's the last day of this Inspiration Series. 

I hope you've enjoyed the cards I've created with this stamp set - it's one of my favorites from the New Occasions Catalog! 

Remember the Birthday Card in THIS blog post? 

Botanical Blooms Birthday Card

Well, today's card was created because of that one!

Can you see the common design element? 

If you didn't click back, here's a peek at the other card: 

On the Birthday card above, I embossed the Whisper White layer in my Big Shot with the Brick Wall Embossing Folder. 

Then I stamped over it with So Saffron ink and the Watercolor Wash background stamp. 

After stamping, the embossed card stock left behind a pattern in the remaining ink on the stamp. So...not wanting to waste a fun background, I stamped it again on a piece of 4" x 5 1/4" Whisper White card stock and created the background for today's card! 

Here, take another look:

The apple was speckled using the same masking technique I detailed for you in this post showcasing the Pear Card. 

Here's a complete supply list for you: 

(If you are reading this blog post via email subscription and aren't seeing the supply list, please visit this post in your browser. I haven't solved the mystery of why it may not show up....)

Shopping for any of these products and more is so easy, simply click on any of the product photos and it will take you right into my Online Store. 

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack and Weekly Deals while you are there and remember - all orders of $50 or more automatically earn you a choice of a FREE Sale-A-Bration product!

I'm so glad you stopped by today - have you enjoyed the series? Which card was your favorite? 

I'll see you back here tomorrow for some more fresh inspiration!

Apple of My Eye - Inspiration Series - Cherries

Welcome to Day 3 of my first Inspiration Series! 

I'm featuring the new stamp set - Apple of My Eye - one of my personal favorites from Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Catalog 2016. 

Today's card features the Cherries stamp images. (the stem and the cherries are separate stamps) 

Take a look:

I don't know about you, but I {heart} cherries! And cherry flavored anything - I especially like chocolate-covered cherries, but hey, anything covered in chocolate can't be all bad, right? :)

The cherries stamp image in this stamp set is actually a single cherry, meant to be stamped at the end of the stem image. That's cool because you can actually stamp other little round fruits with it as well, like maybe....a bunch of grapes? A bowl of blueberries? What else? 

I think the stamped cherries focal image is pretty self-explanatory, but let me tell you how I stamped the gingham card stock strip. It was SO simple!

1) Ink the Brushstrokes background stamp with Marina Mist ink and stamp on a piece of Whisper White card stock. 

2) Without re-inking the stamp, turn it a 1/4 turn and stamp again on the same card stock. 

Instant Gingham!

Have you ever done that stamping technique before? 

Finish off the card with a touch of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter on the cherries for just a little sparkle!

Here's a list of the supplies I used for this card: 

Shopping for any of these products and more is so easy, simply click on any of the product photos and it will take you right into my Online Store. 

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack and Weekly Deals while you are there and remember - all orders of $50 or more automatically earn you a choice of a FREE Sale-A-Bration product!

I'm so glad you stopped by today - come back tomorrow for the last card in the series. In the meantime, do any of you have a great recipe for cherries?? 

Share it in the comments!

Tomorrow is the LAST Day of this Inspiration Series - be sure to come back and check out the final card! 

Apple of My Eye - Inspiration Series - Pear

Welcome to Day 2 of my first Inspiration Series! 

I'm featuring the new stamp set - Apple of My Eye - one of my personal favorites from Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Catalog 2016. 

Today's card features the Pear stamp image. Take a look:

So the pear stamp is pretty specific, at least I think so. 

Does it look like it could be any other fruit to you? 

One thing I DO know is that pears oftentimes have little specks of brown on their skin. It was super easy to recreate that look - here's how:

1) Stamp the image on your card stock in the color of your choice. Here, I used Pear Pizzazz. (Of course!)

2) Stamp the image again on a sticky note, close to the top of the sticky area on the back. Use your Paper Snips and trim out the pear image - setting it aside. 

3) Save the sticky note that you trimmed off (the frame of the image) and position it over your stamped image on the card stock, masking the white space around the image. 

4) Use the large speckle stamp image from the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set and ink in Soft Suede ink, stamping off one time on your Grid Paper. 

5) Stamp on top of the masked pear image, creating speckles on your pear. See? Easy!

I used the Hardwood background stamp on a strip of Crumb Cake card stock to give it a rustic feel and I also stamped the speckle image from Gorgeous Grunge randomly on the Mossy Meadow card base in Soft Suede as well. You can see I added a little bit of speckle to the greeting too. :)

The whole thing reminded me of a roadside fruit stand or farmer's market, what do you think? 

Here's the supply list for you: 

(do those of you who read my blog via e-mail actually SEE this supply list? It didn't show up for me today and I was wondering. Sure would love to hear from you if it's not - thanks!)

Shopping for any of these products and more is so easy, simply click on any of the product photos and it will take you right into my Online Store. 

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack and Weekly Deals while you are there and remember - all orders of $50 or more automatically earn you a choice of a FREE Sale-A-Bration product!

I'm so glad you stopped by today - come back tomorrow for the next card in the series. In the meantime, do any of you have a great recipe for pears?? Share it in the comments!

More inspiration from this stamp set coming your way tomorrow! 

Be sure to come back and visit!

Apple of My Eye - Inspiration Series - Peaches

I've heard that January is a great time for new beginnings. 
So, I've decided to start some new things here on the ol' blog. 
Like this. 
A periodic Inspiration Series featuring a single stamp set. 
What do you think? 
Good Idea?

Over the next four days, I'll be sharing a different project with you featuring the Apple of My Eye stamp set - a fave of mine from the Occasions Catalog - starting with this card here:

One of the stamps in the set can be used for multiple fruits - apples, plums, nectarines, peaches....hmm, what else? 

I used it here for peaches. 

And making them look like peaches was actually really easy!

1) Ink the stamp in So Saffron. 

2) Roll just the outer edges of the stamp in Calypso Coral, being careful to leave a section of the stamp with So Saffron ink on it. 

3) Stamp on Whisper White cardstock and cut out with Paper Snips. The only thing missing is the peach fuzz. :)

I used the Hardwood background stamp in Soft Suede on a Crumb Cake card base, nothing fancy, but it reminded me of a fruit crate. 

In fact, the whole card design is my idea of a modernized fruit crate label. I love vintage fruit crates and that was my inspiration here. 

Here's a complete supply list for you: 

Shopping for any of these products and more is so easy, simply click on any of the product photos and it will take you right into my Online Store. 

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack and Weekly Deals while you are there and remember - all orders of $50 or more automatically earn you a choice of a FREE Sale-A-Bration product!

I'm so glad you stopped by today - come back tomorrow for the next card in the series. In the meantime, do any of you have a great recipe for peaches?? Share it in the comments!