BY THE TIDE

Here in the Midwest, like much of the country, we are in the midst of a massive winter storm; another is expected in just a few days; with a possible 3rd one on its heels. Schools closed, businesses are letting people go home early, and so we hunker down to weather it out. (pun intended!)

Meanwhile it is a perfect time to whip up some hot cocoa and spend a little time downstairs in the craft room.  Today's card looks forward to the milder conditions of June and Father's Day.

It's a pretty straight-forward card, nice and easy, so I will just list the supplies I used:

stamps:  By the Tide, Teeny Tiny Wishes
ink:  Basic Gray
cs:  Very Vanilla, Basic Black
etc:  1-1/4" & 1-3/8" square punches, Stampin' Dimensionals, Snail adhesive

Time to check what on what's happening outside and get some more cocoa.

Keep warm and keep on stamping!
Trish

FEELING SENTIMENTAL

"Feeling Sentimental" is one of those stamp sets I just can't seem to get enough of.  It is so easy to use with a variety of techniques, for a wide array of occasions.  Couple it with any of our sentiment stamps, and you are good to go.

Today's card goes together quickly. Pool Party + Basic Black + Very Vanilla = the perfect combination for a "guy" card. "First Edition Specialty" designer series paper adds just the right background for the bicycle image, which is given a boost with Stampin' Dimensionals in each corner. And silver brads in the spokes add just the right bling that no guy would object to.  Sentiment is from "Vintage Verses", another set that will become part of my permanent collection.

My friend and fellow demonstrator, Mary Lou Kleveland,  gets credit for her original design, which inspired the above card.

Both stamp sets used in this card came from our annual Sale-a-bration brochure.  We all enjoy getting something free.  During Sale-a-bration, not just hostesses, but every customer can receive FREE Stampin' Up! products.  Here's how:  for every $50 of product ordered (before shipping and tax), you get to choose one of 17 stamp sets, paper packs, embellishments, card kits, or digital software featured in the Sale-a-bration brochure.  What could be easier?

As you would suspect, this offer is good for a limited time -- in fact, Friday March 22 is the last day of thi promotion.  Visit my website for further details.

Happy stampin',
Trish

SECRET GARDEN blended

New techniques are something I enjoy learning, especially if I don't have to buy new supplies.

This card is my first attempt at what I call "blended markers".  Now if you have ever tried to work with markers on card stock, you know that the ink penetrates the paper before you can move it around, lighten it up, or blend it with another color, and can cause the fibers to separate and peel.  And the colors just don't pop.  This technique fixes that.

Using Whisper White craft ink and embossing powder, I stamped and heat embossed the flowers from the Secret Garden set.  Then I filled in with a  wash of Whisper White ink using my Aqua Painter, and let dry completely. 

Using Stampin' Write markers, I added color around the center of each flower, using my Blender Pen to spread and blend the color out to the edge of each petal. On some two marker colors were used and blended into each other.

Stamped leaves from the same set finish off the look.  And did you notice the sentiment?  It's from the Vintage Verses set, one of the products you can get for FREE during our Sale-a-bration event going on through March 22.  Check my website for detail.

Here's another example of the same technique, using the sentiment from the Fabulous Florets set:

I just love the look and feel of these cards.
I hope you will give "blended marker technique" a try.  Not sure you want to go it alone?  Send me a response to this post, and we can set up a $10 class for you.

May your day be filled with color!
Trish

SHARING the LOVE

I know, I know, Valentine's Day was last week, but is there ever a day we don't need love?  Perish the thought.

My sweet and thoughtful husband went out of his way to make it a very special day for us.  He presented me with a giant specialty chocolate chip cookie (so big we are still nibbling our way through it!) and some lovely scented candle sprinkles for the melting pot.  He made reservations at an Italian restaurant - the one we ate at when we first moved back to my hometown 13 years ago! AND most special of all, he made me a card of his own design.

Am I pampered or what?!?

Here's what he used:
card stock:  Real Red, Melon Mambo, Basic Black
tools:  Hearts Collection framelits, Big Shot, cutting mats, platform; paper snips
etc:  stampin' dimensionals to attach each layer.

Love it!

Trish

SENT WITH LOVE

Now available on my website.

Limited time offer

 

Item	Description	Price
131847	Sent with Love Stamp Set (clear-mount; English only)	$17.95
132182	Sent with Love Designer Series Paper	$10.95
132851	Pretty Bundle Includes the Sent with Love Stamp Set, Sent with Love Designer Series Paper, and Calypso Coral Baker's Twine	$25.50 20% off retail value!

The Sent with Love Stamp Set and Sent with Love Designer Series Paper are only available during this special offer. After April 30, they'll both fly away!
In addition, you may purchase the Sent with Love Digital Kit (item 132914; $9.95). Please note that the digital kit is not included in the bundle.

 

The Fine Print

• You can place orders on any order type (customer, workshop, or online).
• You can purchase as many stamp sets, Designer Series Papers, or bundles as you'd like! There are no limits. 
• You don't have to do anything special to take advantage of this special offer-shop away! 
• The Sent with Love Stamp Set, Sent with Love Designer Series Paper, and Calypso Coral Baker's Twine are all available to be purchased separately. But why would you do that when you can buy all three together and save 20 percent? 
• The Sent with Love Digital Kit is not available as part of the bundle.
• The Sent with Love Stamp Set and Sent with Love Designer Series Paper are exclusive to this special offer-you won't be able to get them after April 30! 

SHOP NOW