Stampin' Mama: A mama that stamps

GinaK Sneak Peek - Day 4 - Ribbon Stripes and Lazy Days of Summer

Today is the final day of the sneak peeks for the new GinaK Designs May Release, but the fun doesn't have to stop here. There's still the ROCKIN' Release Party taking place tonight from 7-10 pm (central time) over at the GinaK Forum on SCS. Plan to stop in for a "girl's night out" without even leaving your house! 

This sneak peek shows the final two sets that are being released after the party tomorrow night. The Lazy Days of Summer is the newest "One free with 3" set (purchase 3 stamp sets and receive this set for FREE). The other set is the Ribbon Stripes set.

I combined the two of these sets onto this one card. I also used some of the new accessories from the new Eclectic Summer StampTV kit (which is also debuting tomorrow night).

The new Regal Red and In the Navy cardstocks you see here are also brand new! They are both heavy base weight cardstock so they work for layering, but also stand alone as a card base. Both are perfect colors for the upcoming 4th of July holiday and work perfectly with the ribbons and brads in the Eclectic Summer kit, as well as the stamps in the new Lazy Days of Summer set.

I stamped one of the Ribbon Stripes images onto a piece of Pure Luxury White cardstock with Night of Navy ink. Gina designed this stamp set to be used on ribbon, so that you could coordinate and customize your own ribbon, but it also works great on cardstock as a border image.

The three ribbons that I adhered in between the star border are from the Eclectic Summer kit. The brads are also from the kit.

The stars and the greeting both come from the Lazy Days of Summer stamp set and I stamped those in Riding Hood Red and Night of Navy.

I applied some 2-way glue to the stars and sprinkled them with Dazzling Diamonds glitter. I poked a silver mini brad through both and mounted them on my card with pop-dots.

Make sure to check out what the rest of the Design Team has done with these sets!

* Carolyn King

* Melanie Muenchinger 

* Jessica Fick

* Theresa Momber

* GinaK  

* Emily Giovanni

* Joanne Basile  

* Donna Baker

* Cindy Lawrence

* Melissa Shultz (GinaK's In the Spotlight Designer)

GinaK Sneak Peeks - Day 3 - Eclectic Summer StampTV Kit

Today's sneak peek shows something that MANY of you have been waiting for......a NEW StampTV Kit!

This new kit is called Eclectic Summer and it's packed full of fun, summery goodness! There are two new stamp sets, 18 sheets of assorted Pure Luxury cardstock, 12 sheets of assoted Lime Rickey patterned paper, a brad mix and a summer ribbon mix! It's an amazing deal, too! It all comes packed into a convenient storage case that's great for keeping all your kit items safe in one place. And don't forget....this kit will be the featured kit on StampTV for the next couple of months in their technique videos. 

I decided to do an 8x8 scrapbook page with my kit for this sneak peek. I've had this picture of Zach hanging around since summer of 2007 and the green patterned paper and fish image were just begging to be used with it.

I started off with a piece of Close to Cocoa cardstock and swiped around the edges with Chocolate Chip ink. I stamped the fish image (from the Eclectic Summer stamp set) all over the cardstock with Close to Cocoa ink.

I cut the green patterned paper apart (also from the kit), going along the lines of the prominent designs, and mounted those in the corners. I used just about every bit of paper except for a couple of small scraps. There was almost no waste whatsoever from that piece of 6x6 patterned paper.

My photo was matted on a piece of Chocolate Kiss cardstock - I am totally digging this color of cardstock. So rich and dark. It's like a piece of dark chocolate truffle in the form of cardstock. Simply YUMMY.  

The Eclectic Summer Sayings stamp set worked really well for this page, as I used one of the greetings as my title. The journaling was done with a white gel pen.

I stamped a fish image onto Kraft cardstock, then cut it out. I added some details with a white gel pen and some of the silver mini brads from the Eclectic Summer kit. I added some white brads (from the kit) to the green flower I cut and placed right above the journaling.

So, tell me...wouldn't YOU want to catch a handsome fish if he looked like my Zachy-boy? *wink*

Make sure to check out what the rest of the Design Team has done with this versatile kit!

* Carolyn King

* Melanie Muenchinger 

* Jessica Fick

* Theresa Momber

* GinaK  

* Emily Giovanni

* Joanne Basile  

* Melissa Shultz (GinaK's In the Spotlight Designer)

GinaK Sneak Peeks - Day 2 - Special Father

Today is Day 2 of the GinaK Designs Sneak Peeks for the month of May.

There are two sets being debuted today....The Special Father set, designed by GinaK's newest illustrator - Nina Brackett - and the With This Ring set, designed by Rupa Shevde. I'm showcasing the Special Father set in this post.

This set is in perfect timing, as I'm always struggling to find the perfect set to create cards for my grandfather. He just happens to be turning 80 years old this coming Sunday and this will be his birthday card! It's such an appropriate set, with the grandfather clock and the sentiments included in the set.

I started off with a piece of Chocolate Kiss cardstock (from GinaK) and then layered it with a piece of Close to Cocoa cardstock that I altered using the woodgraining technique (<--- click here to watch GinaK's video tutorial to learn how to do this technique). I used Close to Cocoa and Basic Brown ink for my woodgraining.

I wrapped the cardstock with a piece of ribbon I got in the dollar bin and stamped one of the semtiments from the Special Father set underneath it with black ink.

This set has two beautiful granfather clock images in it and I used the smaller of the two for this card. I stamped it on a piece of Ivory Pure Luxury cardstock with black ink and then colored it in with Copic Markers (I am totally digging using the Copics on the Pure Luxury cardstock that GinaK carries in her online store). I layered it on top of a piece of Kraft cardstock, then Close to Cocoa and then Chocolate Kiss.

I poked a hole through the middle of the pendulum with a push pin and added a mini gold brad to it. I also poked some holes above the ribbon and added some gold brads there, as well. Just a little bit of extra dimension without going overboard and completes the rich, old fashioned look.

Make sure to check out what the rest of the Design Team has done with both the Special Father and With This Ring sets.

* Carolyn King

* Melanie Muenchinger 

* Jessica Fick

* Theresa Momber

* GinaK  

* Cindy Lawrence

* Melissa Shultz (GinaK's In the Spotlight Designer)

And make sure to tune in tomorrow for the sneak peek of Gina's brand new StampTV kit!

GinaK Sneak Peeks - Day 1 - Sporty Accessories

It's that time again! Time for the new GinaK Designs stamp release! This month, there's 5 new sets and then 2 more sets that are included in a new Stamp TV kit.  

Gina is also having one of her infamous Release Parties over at the GinaK forum at SCS on Thursday night (5/28) from 7-10 pm (CST). If you're looking for a fun night with the girls online, along with challenges, contests, sneak peeks and lots of chatter, make sure to mark your calendar to be there. If you've never made it to one of these parties, you totally don't know what you're missing!

The first sneak peek is from a new set by the ever-talented Melanie Muenchinger. Melanie has created a set that works SO well with her other sports and Tee sets. The new set is called "Sporty Accessories" and I have to admit, the first thing that my mind went to when I saw this set was McDonald's. Yes, the restaurant. When I saw the pom-pom image, all I could think was that it looked like those little Fry Guys. Well, don't they? 

I decided to turn them into a pyramid of cheerleaders! I stamped them in a pyramid and then masked off the bottom three and stamped the bottom part of the golf club, which is also included in this set to use as their feet. I used a fine point black marker to draw in the feet on the top three. I used some Copic markers to color them in.  I used a little bit of Mono-Multi glue to adhere the googly eyes. 

My card base is Baja Breeze cardstock and then I layered with a piece of Black Onyx cardstock. I used Pure Luxury White cardstock to do my stamping on. 

I stamped the pennant flag on a scrap of Baja Breeze cardstock and then stamped the "Go Team" image inside of it. This stamp set also has a megaphone and other sayings that you can include in both the megaphone and the pennant. I cut it out and then used some Mono-Multi glue to attach it to a toothpick. I also used the Mono-Multi to glue the toothpick to the card. 

I love googly eyes and can't stop shaking this card to see their eyes go all around! 

Make sure you check out what the rest of the Design Team did with this set!

* Carolyn King

* Melanie Muenchinger 

* Jessica Fick

* Theresa Momber

* GinaK  

* Cindy Lawrence

* Melissa Shultz (GinaK's In the Spotlight Designer)

Class starts Tuesday - will you be there???

I love making mini albums for friends and relatives. They're compact and easy to carry around in
a purse and they're also quick to make. They are perfect for upcoming teacher's gifts and even your
kids can join in on the fun of making them. These albums are wonderful for any time of the year,
even as a "just because" gift. Once you make these albums, you'll be addicted and will have a whole
library of them in no time! This new 3-day online course will show you just how easy it is to take regular lunch bags and create works of art that will showcase your beautiful photographs in a fast, fun and easy way!

These Paper Bag Mini Albums are perfect for your budget, your valuable time and you probably have
everything to make these projects already in your craft stash!

The "Paper Bag Mini Albums 3-day Online Course" is the next of MANY online courses offered
right here on the Paper Craft Planet.

From May 26-28, a new "Paper Bag Mini Albums" project will be uploaded to the course.

And, you are going to use these ideas over and over again! They're great for all kinds of occasions!

Each day of the class will include:

* 3 projects - one each day!
* Full color, step-by-step photos
* Detailed instructional tutorial
* Dimensions included for cardstock cutting purposes
* Bonus tips, ideas and suggestions
* Extra sample photos of multiple projects
* PDF files so you can print out the tutorial to keep in a binder to go back to every time
you'd like to make these gifts again!
* Printable files so you can customize your projects for multiple occasions.
These files make this course even MORE valuable!

All of the Paper Bag Mini Album projects in this course can be made with most, if not ALL,
of the supplies you already have in your papercrafting stash! This course will show you
how to create beautiful gift projects that work within your budget and make wonderful heartfelt gifts.
These designs can be used over and over again for all occasions or even
"just because."
(This course will be archived for 3 months so you'll have access to it during and after the
course so you can create at your own pace)

Class starts Tuesday - register today!

Course registration: $19.95

 

NEW CLASS OPTION: You now also have the option to purchase this course as a Tutorial CD!
By choosing this option, you can have the convenience of having this entire class, plus the PDF files,
all loaded onto one CD!

Paper Bag Mini Albums Tutorial CD: $24.95

Price includes shipping.
Tutorial CDs will start mailing May 27th.

Once you've registered, you'll receive an invitation granting you special "student only" access to
the course site so that you can start getting your "creative groove" on once the class starts on May 26th!

The "Paper Bag Mini Albums" Online Course will rock your creative world......and the best thing about it is that you probably already have almost everything you need for these projects......and you can make them over and over again!

If you have any questions, please email me at erikaerin2001@yahoo.com

Let your dreams take flight (card) - GinaK Stamps

I apologize for being somewhat Missing In Action lately. I was away for a week in Ontario for a dear friend's wedding, as well as prepping beforehand to leave (I was a bridesmaid and also made her wedding cake) and then came home to a houseful of company this weekend. It's been pretty crazy here on the Martin homefront.

With spring and the approach of summer comes butterfly/moth season here in Vermont. My son, Zach, has been out catching all sorts of bugs, moths, butterflies, caterpillars, etc. We get to see what he catches and then he makes sure to let them go.

All of this makes me anxious to use my springtime sets. Especially the Take Flight set. Butterflies are some of my most favorite insects (as if you couldn't already tell from my watermark and my blog banner). GinaK's Take Flight set has become my all-time favorite set with butterflies in it. 

For this card, I started off with a Kiwi Kiss cardstock, then layered on a piece of Black Onyx cardstock and then a piece of pattened paper from the Ebony & Alabaster paper pack (from GinaK). I wrapped a piece of stitched black grosgrain ribbon around the card and tucked a piece of vellum cardstock, which I had torn along the bottom and stamped with one of the two sentiment stamps in the Take Flight set.

The butterfly was also stamped on the same vellum cardstock with a permanent black ink. I but the butterfly out with precision tip scissors and then turned it over onto a piece of scrap paper to carefully blot the ink, which helps to dry it quicker.

On the backside of the image, I colored it in with Copic markers. I love the way this gives the image a softer and more stained glass type of look.

Ifolded the wings up on each side and then carefully curled the wings around the barrell of my wooden stylus to give them a curved look. I appliesd some adhesive to the back of the abdomen of the butterfly image and ahered it to the front of the card.

This was was so incredibly easy and fast to make. In under 10 minutes!!

It's so good to be back at my craft desk! I hope you're enjoying your holiday weekend and can make some time for yourself to get creative!

Happy stamping,

Erika (Stampin' Mama)

My Crop-a-dile Review on Craft Critique!

If you haven't yet added the Crop-a-dile to your crafting stash and you're wondering what you can do with it, then you'll want to read the review I did for Craft Critique! Check it out:

The Crop-a-dile by We R Memory Keepers

I've included pictures of things I've punched, given instructions and links to purchase this tool. Of course, you can always use the Order Online button for Stampin' Up at the top right of my blog to purchase this tool, if you wish. *wink*

And speaking of Craft Critique, there's quite a few give-aways going on right now, so hop on over to enter for some fantastic prizes!! 

New Online Class - Paper Bag Mini Albums

I love making mini albums for friends and relatives. They're compact and easy to carry around in
a purse and they're also quick to make. They are perfect for upcoming teacher's gifts and even your
kids can join in on the fun of making them. These albums are wonderful for any time of the year,
even as a "just because" gift. Once you make these albums, you'll be addicted and will have a whole
library of them in no time! This new 3-day online course will show you just how easy it is to take regular lunch bags and create works of art that will showcase your beautiful photographs in a fast, fun and easy way!

These Paper Bag Mini Albums are perfect for your budget, your valuable time and you probably have
everything to make these projects already in your craft stash!

The "Paper Bag Mini Albums 3-day Online Course" is the next of MANY online courses offered
right here on the Paper Craft Planet.

From May 26-28, a new "Paper Bag Mini Albums" project will be uploaded to the course.

And, you are going to use these ideas over and over again! They're great for all kinds of occasions!

Each day of the class will include:

* 3 projects - one each day!
* Full color, step-by-step photos
* Detailed instructional tutorial
* Dimensions included for cardstock cutting purposes
* Bonus tips, ideas and suggestions
* Extra sample photos of multiple projects
* PDF files so you can print out the tutorial to keep in a binder to go back to every time
you'd like to make these gifts again!
* Printable files so you can customize your projects for multiple occasions.
These files make this course even MORE valuable!

All of the Paper Bag Mini Album projects in this course can be made with most, if not ALL,
of the supplies you already have in your papercrafting stash! This course will show you
how to create beautiful gift projects that work within your budget and make wonderful heartfelt gifts.
These designs can be used over and over again for all occasions or even
"just because."
(This course will be archived for 3 months so you'll have access to it during and after the
course so you can create at your own pace)

Class starts Tuesday - register today!

Course registration: $19.95

 

NEW CLASS OPTION: You now also have the option to purchase this course as a Tutorial CD!
By choosing this option, you can have the convenience of having this entire class, plus the PDF files,
all loaded onto one CD!

Paper Bag Mini Albums Tutorial CD: $24.95

Price includes shipping.
Tutorial CDs will start mailing May 27th.

Once you've registered, you'll receive an invitation granting you special "student only" access to
the course site so that you can start getting your "creative groove" on once the class starts on May 26th!

The "Paper Bag Mini Albums" Online Course will rock your creative world......and the best thing about it is that you probably already have almost everything you need for these projects......and you can make them over and over again!

If you have any questions, please email me at erikaerin2001@yahoo.com

Stamping Lifestyle Online Magazine goes LIVE!!

Have you heard the news??

The first issue of Stamping Lifestyle Online Magazine is HERE!!!

This is the first online magazine of its kind and it's chock full of great articles that nurture the other side of us stampers. 

GinaK and Lynn Mercurio have worked long and hard on this first issue and you certainly won't be disappointed! 

In honor of this new endeavor, Gina has some amazing give-aways, so make sure to take the time to enter!

Click here ---> Great give-aways

Just follow the directions in the post for the two different give-aways. 

And don't forget to check out the first issue! 

Stamping Lifestyle Online Magazine  

Watercolor Flowers Tutorial with Fifth Avenue Floral set (Stampin' UP)

Do you remember the Watercolor Flowers I posted on Saturday? 

I told you I was going to share a tutorial on how to do this beautiful technique and it went live on Monday morning over at Paper Craft Planet. You can view the full tutorial here: Watercolor Flowers Tutorial  

I originally found this technique on Kerin Sylvester's blog and fell in love with the look. Kerin has quite a few projects on her blog showcasing the many ways you can use this technique. It's no wonder I was drawn to it...she has a very beautiful style and pulls off this technique with flair! Thanks, Kerin!

When you check out the Tutorial I created, you'll see how to do the technique and then you can make the card you see here! 

I started with Mellow Moss as my base card and stamped the large rose image (from the Fifth Avenue Floral set - Stampin' Up) on the cardstock with the same color ink, to create a tone-on-tone effect. I stamped the greeting (from the same set) at the bottom with Basic Brown ink.

I used watercolor paper, white embossing powder and More Mustard ink for my Watercolor Rose. It's amazing the different looks you can get with this one image by just changing the colors of the re-inker you use for your flower. I went a bit heavy on the re-inker for this rose because I was trying to get a deep, rich orange-yellow look to the rose.

I mounted a piece of So Saffron cardstock on top of a piece of Close to Cocoa cardstock and then put that on top of my card base.

The rose was put on top with some pop-dots for extra dimension.

Why not take your Aqua Painter or paint brushes out, dust them off and use them again with this technique. It's VERY easy and you'll find yourself just as in love with it as Kerin and I have become!

Watercolor Flowers Tutorial

And make sure to add your creations with this technique to the Gallery over at PaperCraft Planet so we can all see how beautiful they are!

Happy Creating!

-Erika (Stampin' Mama)