Lotus Blossom Off the Grid

I love this color combo:   Basic Gray, Calypso Coral, and Tangerine Tango. It's elegant yet fresh.

Circles Framelits and my Big Shot make layering perfectly cut circles a snap.

Combining circles and rectangles keeps the layout interesting.

The spattered dots on the front image as well as the 2 pieces of Designer Series paper give a sense of unity.

The "stamped-off" grid pattern lends a sense of depth, as does adhering the Tangerine circle with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Keep stampin' happy!

Quick & Easy Just Because

Inspired by a card shared by Jessica Taylor, I whipped up this card in record time.  The hardest thing to decide was what Designer Series Paper to use.  I selected from my bulging box of retired papers and card stock. Any pretty combination that you have on hand will do. 

Card base is Whisper White Thick card stock, new this catalog.  (I love the weight and feel of this CS -- and it is now my go-to choice for white card bases.) Decorative Dots TIEF and my Big Shot give the Pistacchio Pudding CS texture.  Sentiment is from A Dozen Thoughts, stamped in Garden Green Ink.

Stamp with Trish © Stampin Up!

cutting dimensions:
Whisper White Thick CS:  5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
Color CS:  2" x 5 1/4
Patterned Paper:  3/4" x 5 1/4"

Easy as can be, yes?

Stamp happy!

Coast to Coast

©Stampin' UP!

Today is a rainy day.
Though I live in the Midwest, lighthouses have always symbolized strength and hope, peace and comfort, security and calm. This all-occasion card evokes some of those same feelings.

A prominent central image on tightly cut layers grabs popped up on dimensionals is clean and simple.  Color is added using blender pens and ink pads. A bit of texture is accomplished with extra-thick baker's twine. 

Most of the elements here are from my retired product stash.  What's in yours?

Something "Old", Something "New"

One of the things I love about being a demonstrator is that I have the opportunity to try out new products and share what I discover with others.  One of the things I love about being a stamper is the freedom to mix and match both products in the current catalog and those that have retired.
Today's card is a mix and match, done in a flash.

© Stampin' UP!

Current:  Butterfly thinlits, Bitty Butterfly punch, Whisper White card stock, Sahara Sand ink pad, Sheltering Tree stamp set ( the "background" stamp here is actually the leaf canopy of the set -- I love being able to use stamps in unexpected ways!)

The Champagne Glimmer Paper, Four You stamp set, Coastal Cabana card stock and designer paper are no longer available.  But there are lots of other colors, papers, and stamps available to swap out and make your own stunning card.

What's in your stash?

CARD on the QUICK

There times we want to fashion a highly artistic card; at others, a CAS (clean-and-simple) card is what we need.  But we still want it to look like a lot of love went into it, right? This card fills that need.  A simple layout, good use of space and pops of color, with just a touch of bling combine to make just the right impact. An added plus is the versatility of the design:  change out the colors and sentiment and you can have a slue of cards ready on the quick.

©Stampin' UP!

This A2card is single layer Whisper White card stock.
Swish stamp from Everything Eleanor set.
Flower stamp is from Something to Say set.
Sentiment is from Petite Pairs set.
Inks:  Cucumber Crush, Night of Navy, Versamark
CS:  Whisper White, Night of Navy, Strawberry Slush, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry
Punches:  Scallop Oval, Large Oval, Itty Bitty Accents punch pack
Bling:  Jewels Basic Rhinestones

To see these and other Stampin' UP! products, be sure to visit my website.

RED HOT DEALS from Stampin' Up!

Continuing to celebrate their 25th Year, Stampin' Up! has introduced weekly deals.  Just look at what's on special below (look for red pricing) then visit my website and click on the SHOP button.  While there, be sure to check the newly added items on the Clearance Rack - lots of goodies at super discounted prices. This Weekly Deal ends Monday, October 21.

Argyle Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Price: $7.95 $5.96	Basic Pearls Jewel Accents Price: $4.95 $3.71	Deco Labels Collection Framelits Dies Price: $24.95 $18.71	In Color Dahlias Price: $7.95 $5.96
Sophisticated Spooks Ensemble - Digital Download Price: $14.95 $7.48	Sweet Treat Cups Price: $2.95 $2.21

Here Comes the Bride

June is the traditional wedding month.  Since it is only 10 days away, now is a great time to get those congratulatory cards made.  The card above uses the Manhattan Flower embossing folder*, for the mat as well as the gown.  Simple, elegant.

Ink and a sponge dauber bring out the details of any embossing folder; here, Elegant Bouquet*.

Same technique using Elegant Lines embossing folder.  Colors on this card are Not Quite Navy*and Baja Breeze*.  A Word for You stamp set* provided the sentiment.

All *product is on the retiring list, available only through June3 while supplies last.

May all your days be something to celebrate,

Trish

A CHERRY on TOP

Birthday cards, we all need them. 
Hint:  Stamp the dome image on a Window Sheet using Stazon Jet Black ink; cut out and mount using tiny strips of Stampin' Dimensionals.

Here's another card using the same set:

Give the middle cupcake some oomp with a dimensional and a sparkly cherry accent (Real Red Glitter Paper).  Quick and easy. Great for guys or gals!

In case you're wondering, when I make cupcakes, the frosting usually hangs off the side --just the way I stamped it.  Too funny!

Happy Monday!
Trish
PS "A Cherry on Top" stamp set is a hostess set and will only be available until the end of the month.

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY

Hi Stampers!
It's World Card Making Day -- hurray!
Let's celebrate our creativity!

 created by Trish Hernandez, images ©Stampin' Up!

Both dry and heat embossing and dimensionals make different elements of the card pop -- especially in person ( my photographer --gulp, me!-- needs a tutor)

I am pretty sure my grandson will love his birthday card.

Until the next time........
Zoom-zoomin' out,
Trish

GET an EARLY START on CHRISTMAS

AFFECTION COLLECTION in pink

Hi Stampers!

Happy Tuesday and welcome to my blog!

October is --among other things-- Breast Cancer Awareness month.  And pink ribbons everywhere remind us to be sure and have our yearly check up and mammogram. Early detection makes treatment so much better and easier.  Did you know that breast cancer is not a "women's" disease?  Though not in as high a number, it can occur in men as well; so be sure to encourage the guys in your life to get checked out regularly as well.

In recognition of those battling this disease,  let's make another pink card!  It's super simple and oh-so-nice!

Stamp with Trish, image © Stampin' Up!

To make this card, you will need:

• Affection Collection stamp set
• Primrose Petals, Whisper White, Basic Black card stock
• Summer Starfruit, Primrose Petals, Midnight Muse, Basic Black ink pads
• Scallop Edge Border punch
• Paper snips, Snail/other adhesive, stapler

I love the collage effect and "Affection Collection" makes it easy to pull off.  And do you see that cute little banner-- very trendy!  You can find this stamp set and other wonderful products in our Holiday catalog, available only through January 2, 2013.  Don't have one?  Contact me today.

Affectionately yours,
Trish

HELLO, DOILY in PINK

Hi Stampers,

Continuing with our Pink Week, today's card is CAS (clean and simple), basic supplies and tools, easy technique, goes together quickly, yet the outcome is lovely as can be.

To make this card you will need:
* Hello Doily and Itty Bitty Banners stamp sets
* Rich Razzleberry and Pink Pirouette card stock
* Rich Razzleberry and Versamark ink pads
* Large Oval and Scallop Oval punches
* White embossing powder, Heat Tool
* stampin' sponges, Snail adhesive and stampin' dimensionals

For the card front, use the embossed resist technique.  Here's what you do:
Using Versamark ink, stamp the doily image onto the Pink Pirouette CS, sprinkle with embossing powder, heat to melt with heat tool (Stampin' Up's is the best with 2 heat settings!), then sponge on Rich Razzleberry Ink to highlight, wipe off excess ink with a tissue or paper towel. 

To finish the card:
Mount on card base.  Stamp and mount sentiment tag.  Provide a Pink Pirouette mat with a scallop edge to the inside for your personalized message.  And you are done!

Change out the colors and the sentiment and you can create a rainbow of cards for all sort of occasions in just a little bit of time.

Having a party is a great way to get together with some friends for some creative fun.  Contact me at teachertrish@gmail.com for more details.

Until the next time,  THINK PINK INK.
Trish

IT'S IN THE BAG

Hi Stampers,

I hope you have been having a great week.  The weather here has been cool and sunny, and I am thanking the Lord for the reprieve from the extreme heat and drought we experienced all summer long.

Today's project is the last one we did at club last Friday.   Who wouldn't be delighted to receiving a little something wrapped up in this gift bag?

Using a paper lunch sack, we stamped the letters using Versamark and the Morning Post stamp set. 
HINT:  stamp your letters from bottom ("Y) to top ("H") to lessen the chance of running out of space before you get to your last letter - don't ask me how I know this <grin>

Send a strip our new Early Espresso sandable card stock through the Big Shot using our Woodgrain embossing folder, and sand to expose its ligher core.  Very spiffy.

HINT:  Sanding System, the Core'dinations card stock in 3 Stampin' Up! exlusive colors, and Dust Buddy are all featured in our Holiday catalog, available for purchase only through Jan 2, 2013)

The Very Vanilla medallion was cut using the Big Shot and the Perfect Pennants bigz L die.  Easy!

Using the Scallop Circle punch, cut 3 layers from Cherry Cobbler and fasten together using a brad.  Scrunch the layers to soften the card stock and add dimension.

Assemble, adding a Linen Thread bow. Fill with your treat (homemade caramel corn? Mmm!);  roll down the top a couple of turns, secure with a glue dot. Done!

Until the next time, HAPPY STAMPING!
Trish

MORE REFLECTION and HINTS

Hi Stampers,
Thanks for stopping by.

One of my favorite kinds of stamps is the silhouette, and Serene Sihouettes is at the top of my list.  The imagery of each stamp in this set is ever so lovely and definitely a perfect choice when using the Reflections Technique to create a lovely and versatile card.  I must admit this is one of those cards I simply enjoy looking at because it is so peaceful and pretty.  And it goes together ever so quickly.

Color choice makes all the difference in defining the mood of a card.  Here the focal image is stamped in Early Espresso on Whisper White.  So Saffron, Garden Green, Soft Suede (just a touch), Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy were sponged on to provide color and depth.  Line the inside of the card with another piece of Whisper White sponged lightly with the So Saffron and Baja Breeze.

The card front was cut 3" x 4-1/4" and layered onto the Old Olive card base cut 4" x 10- 1/2" scored at 5-1/4" and mounted onto a So Saffron back mat cut 4 -1/4" X 5-1/2".

Just the right amount of exture is added to the card base using the Framed Tulips embossing folder and the Big Shot.

HINT 1:  The secret to effective sponging is to start with the lightest color, applying the ink somewhat "off page" and then swirling it on gently layer upon layer, until it is just the degree you want.  Then do the same with darker tones.

HINT 2:  Reflection areas on water and ice tend to be lighter in shading than those of the sky.

HINT 3:  Use a mask to help establish horizon line.

And there you go.  A perfect card suitable for all sorts of occasions.  Just add your personal message and it is ready to mail or deliver to someone you want to bless. 

Until the next time,  HAPPY STAMPING!
Trish

REFLECTIONS

 Hi Stampers,
Thanks for stopping by.

Last year I taught my clubbers the Reflections/Mirror Image technique in order to produce this lovely winter-scene card.  It reminded all of us of a typical Nebraska winter.

Recently, my hostess-of-the-month asked if we could work on this technique again.

Below is the first card we did last Friday.  This one took us a while.  The technique itself is quite simple: ink and stamp image on card stock; ink again and stamp on the imaging sheet from the Stamp-a-ma-jig; flip imaging sheet over (ink side down), align under or next to first stamped image, and press down with your hand to transfer the ink to the card stock.  It was the details that required a bit more time than we usually spend creating one card - but the results were well worth it, don't you think?

 The card base and trim were done in Always Artichoke, and don't you just love how the Top Note die cut really pulls the eye into the focal image of the trees.  We enjoyed the "art" of adding layers of color to Whisper White card stock using inks, sponges and daubers.  And the Woodgrain background stamp done tone-on-tone in Crumb Cake adds the perfect visual texture.  The inside of the card repeats a portion of the tree image, as does the envelope.  (One of these days I will remember to take pictures of those for you LOL)

 The card below is similar, but with some changes (textured background, faux stitching, die-cut tag).  Which way do you like best?

Tomorrow I will share yet another card using the same technique.

Until then,  KEEP ON STAMPIN'!
Trish

WHEW!

Hi Stampers!  Thanks for stopping by.

Has it been a week!  Without going into details, suffice it to say, there have been many unexpected occurrences that have kept me out of the craft room and away from my computer.  Prayerfully, the days to come will be calmer.

Tonight was the September gathering of Cheaper than Therapy, the hostess club that meets here in my home.
What a fun group of ladies! I always look forward to getting together with them. This year we have opted for learning and applying 1 technique per meeting; usually we do a practice and make a sample on a printed tutorial, then make two cards using the same techinique.  Sometimes we will squeeze in an extra project that introduces new product.

Here are my gals, just getting started with doing the tutorial.  Are they cute?  

Are here they are showing off this evening's work.

Mary

Karen

Pat

 

Linda

Teresa

Deb

 

 

 

 

 

 

More details about tonight's projects in upcoming posts.

If you would like more information about joining a club or about the products we used, pop me a message at

teachertrish@gmail.com

Looks like beautiful weather is in store for us for the weekend.
Hope your days are sunny and bright.

Until the next time, color your world beautiful!

Trish

GRATEFUL HEART

Hi Stampers!
For many, Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer; soon plans will be made for fall events.
But my husband Lou and I have even more to celebrate early every September -- our anniversary.  Yesterday we marked 34 years of marriage, and I thank the Lord for bringing this dear man into my life.

And of course that calls for a special card.  Lou likes all kinds of cards, but this year I wanted to do something a little different, but still on the simple side.   Here's what I came up with:

"Stamp with Trish", images © Stampin' Up!

He loved the rugged carved heart tree look and I am so pleased!

To make this card, you will need the following:
Occasions Alphabet set; Naturals Ivory and Very Vanilla card stock; Crumb Cake, Soft Suede and Early Espresso pads and Stampin' Write Markers; Woodgrain textured folder;  Hearts framelits; Big Shot; Full Heart punch; stampin' sponges and dimensionals

"Wood" you like to learn how to add colorize your dry embossed backgrounds?  Contact me to arrange a private class.

 Every day is a day to celebrate!  Thanks for stopping by.
Trish

PERFECTLY PRESERVED

Hi Stampers!
Hope your weekend was a lovely one.  We were visited with rain both Friday and Saturday, which was a welcome relief in the midst of the drought, but yesterday the sun and the heat returned and the AC went back on.  Someday, autumn will come.

In the meantime, I can dream of canning and make cards like this one my club did recently featuring our Perfectly Preserved stamp set from the Holiday Catalog.

The jar, cap, pear and leaf were all die cut using our new Cannery framelits and the Big Shot.

The paper strips are from our Orchard Harvest designer series paper pack.  Stampin' Up!'s coordinated inks, papers, stamps and dies makes designing cards and crafts fun and easy.  Here I used More Mustard, Lucky Limeade, Raspberry Ripple, Early Espresso, and Whisper White.

A little bow of  white Baker's Twine and your card is good to go.  Love it!


Be sure to visit my website for more great crafting ideas.

Until the next time,  happy stamping!
Trish

MAKE IT A BANNER YEAR!

Banners are very much an "in" thing. (Have they ever not been?) From campaign sites to store openings to birthday parties to backyard BBQ's, banners add a touch of fun to every day happenings.  You can even make a scrap book banner of your vacation or ot her happy event!  With a Big Shot and dies, lettering, shapes and images are a snap.

 Here are a few to get you started on your own banner year!  All are found on the display boards at Convention 2012 and made with Stampin' Up! products.  Check the current catalog link for more ideas and supplies.  Happy summer crafting everyone.

HAPPY FATHER'S dAY

For my husband for Father's Day

My husband loves all things "nature" so for his Father's Day card this year I chose images that are sure to please.

 The card is much more beautiful than these pictures indicate.  The sentiment on the front reads:
"{X} is for EXTRA..... that's how special you are" 
And Lou is!
 

Supplies you will need for this project:
* Best Dad Ever, Occasions Alphabet, Inspired by Nature (ret.), Young Vermillion (ret.) stamp sets
*River Rock, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke card stock and classic stampin' pads
*Versamark ink pad
*Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Soft Suede stampin'write
         markers
*Metallics brads, stampin sponges, Cherry Cobbler embossing powder, SNAIL adhesive,
          3/16" corner rounder punch

Thanks for checking out my blog today and warmest wishes to the fathers in your lives!
Trish