SYMPATHY in PINK

Hi Stampers,
Welcome to my blog. Today's card design was pulled from my stash and chosen for its "pinkiness" in recognition that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Early detection saves lives, so be sure you get your annual screening done.

The card's design is suitable for many occasions.  By changing out the sentiment and colors, you can create a stash to have on hand for life's planned and unexpected times.

To make this A2 card, you will need:
card stock:  Whisper White, Basic Black, Regal Rose
stamps:  Just Believe, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Thoughts and Prayers (inside)
ink:  Certainly Celery, Regal Rose Stampin' Write markers
        Basic Black, Regal Rose classic stampin' pad
ribbon:  1/4" Black Grosgrain (retired), but  3/8" Taffeta would be a lovely substitute
tools:  Perfect Polka Dots textured impressions embossing folder, Big Shot, cutting mats, platform (no tab);
        1-1/4" & 1-3/8" circle punches; paper snips
adhesive:  SNAIL, stampin' dimensionals

To add extra texture to the bottom Regal Rose mat, use the Diagonal Plate on the Simply Scored.  Score  every 1/2" one direction, then rotate CS and score again to create a diamond pattern. I like using the debossed side as a contrast to the Perfect Polka Dots on the white mat.

Until the next time, think pink and keep on stampin'!
Trish

THINK PINK

Hi Stampers,
Welcome to my blog.
At last Friday's meeting, my downline accurately noted that I tend toward greens and blues in my card making and that pink is woefully lacking on the display boards in my craft room. Thus, they issued a challenge that I create at least one pink card - especially Melon Mambo paired with Wild Wasabi.  Wait! That's a green! 

But I am to please.  So expect to see lots of pink in varying degrees and shades this week's shares.  Today's are two examples of the same card, for the Melon Mambo/ Wild Wasabi challenge:

Stamp with Trish, images © Stampin' Up!

For both I also used the Lacy & Lovely stamp set as well as the Fancy Fan textured impressions folder and my handy-dandy Big Shot.  Both also use Subtles 3/16" brads and 3/8" Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon.  Each card evokes a different feeling. Which one do you like better?

Stamp with Trish, Images©Stampin' Up!

Did you know that our Whisper White ribbons are easily dyed to match the colors of your project?  My favorite method is to load up my brayer with my ink color of choice (here Melon Mambo), and roll over and over again on my ribbon cut to size, until I get the depth of color I desire.  Really adds to the versatility and usefulness of my ribbons.

 Thanks for dropping by.  For more great ideas, be sure to check the projects page on my website.

Pinkily yours.
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

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

DARE TO DREAM

Hi Stampers,

Sometimes we just need a quick and easy card and this one is the epitome of both.  Our Big Shot makes it easy to cut out the bird elements (Elegant Bird Die) and add texture to the  mat using any one of our fabulous embossing folders or texturz plates. By changing up the card stock and designer series paper, you can create a great card suitable for just about any occasion in just a matter of minutes.

Other materials and supplies used here:  Whisper White, Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant card stock; Cheerful Treat designer series paper; Loving Thoughts stamp set; Wild Wasabi classic ink pad; Small Heart punch; Rhinestone Jewel; Snail adhesive, stampin' dimensionals

Thanks for visiting my blog.  For other great ideas, visit my website at www.trishhernandez.stampinup.net

Until the next time, happy stamping!
Trish

WINDSWEPT

Thanksgiving Day weather here in the Midwest was delightful warm and sunny.  But today's is a different matter indeed; cold winds are stirring the last of Autumn's leaves into a pre-winter frenzy.  This card, originally designed by Michelle Zindorf, captures today's moody sky.

Here are the details you need to create your own "Farewell to Fall" card:

CS:  Early Espresso, River Rock, Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, Old Olive

INK:  Whisper White craft pad, Soft Suede classic pad

TOOLS etc:  Square Lattice embossing folder, Little Leaves sizzlit, Big Shot; Pear Pizzazz Ruffled Ribbon; dimensionals; heat tool; stampin’ sponge

TECHNIQUE :  direct-to-paper

TIPS:  To create the windswept effect, swipe the Whisper White in pad across the Soft Suede CS several times in short strokes.  Craft ink takes longer to dry; use the heat tool to speed up the process.

Keep warm wherever you are!

Trish

Punchy Penguin treat card

Winter is a-coming!  And time to think of little treats to bring pleasure to those we love.  This little cutie is sure to warm the heart of anyone who receives it.  Made mostly with a Top Note die cute and punched pieces, it goes together in a snap.

Start with a 4" x 11" piece of Basic Black card stock, scored at 3/4", 6", 6-1/4".  The Simply Scored tool makes scoring a snap.   Stamp the little flap at the bottom and the large flap with a small snowflake using Whisper White craft ink. The image here  is from the Delightful Decorations.  If you wish also stamp a message on the inside.

Penguin details are created using Basic Black and Pumpkin Pie card stock and 3/4" Circle, Curly Label and Lg Oval punches.  I used the retired Small Oval punch to create the beak, but you could also use a 1" Square or the 3/4" x 15/16 Oval punch to fashion one of a somewhat different shape.  Use Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon to form the perky little bow and attach with a Mini Glue Dot.

When assembling, make sure the feet extend a little below the bottom edge of the upper flap.  They will help keep the card closed.  To finish, slip in a packet of your favorite treat.   Here we used gold fish honey graham cookies, but a packet of hot chocolate would be delightful as well.  Fold up the bottom flap of the card over the sealed edge of the treats packet, and staple in place.

Looks lovely and inviting when slipped into a clear envelope.  I plan to make these for my grandchildren and tuck a gift card inside as well.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. 

Warmly yours,

Trish

A Little Pick Up card

Hi Stampers!
Two months is entirely too long to go without posting.  It has been a busy time - subbing more than usual, a visit from out of town relatives, creating new projects for classes, the Stamping retreat, scrap booking, (I am so very far behind, and the usual cooking and cleaning.
If I can get the pictures loaded and edited, I have lots to share with you over the next few weeks.

Isn't this card just the cutest?  What guy wouldn't be glad to receive this truck load of well wishes.
The top note die cut piece is folded in half and held in place with brads,  which mimic the hubcaps on the truck. The photo doesn't show it well, but the truck panel is layered on with stampin' dimensionals to give it a little boost.

Slip open the top note panel to reveal the clever message:
  "thought you could use a little pick up"  (love it!)

There's also a built-in pocket*, perfect for a gift card, or a special little note.  Clever, no?

To create this card you will need the following Stampin' Up! supplies:
CARD STOCK:  Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Whisper
PAPER:  Pumpkin Pie designer series paper (retired, name unknown, from my stash)
STAMPS:  Loads of Love
INKS:  Basic Black, Basic Gray, Pumpkin Pie,  So Saffron classic stampin' pads
ACCESSORIES:  Star brads (retired); Word Window, 1/2" Circle punches; Sticky Strip, Snail., stampin' dimensionals
TOOLS:  Top Note die; Big Shot & cutting mats; bone folder; cutting board, paper snips; stampin' sponges


*To create the gift card pocket:  Start with  a 5"X 11" piece of So Saffron cardstock.  Score at 4.25", 5.5", 6.75".  Mountain-Valley-Mountain fold to create an "M".  Secure the upper edge together using Sticky Strip.  Using the Word Window, punch out a pocket opening across the folded edge of the "tongue" of the "M"; punch across that edge as many times as you need to to create an opening wide enough to hold the gift card. Fold back together and  run through Big Shot using the Top Note die, with the open ends of the card stock aligned with the shorter edge of the die.

Until the next time,  Stampers, keep on truckin'
Trish

PS  My husband Lou is doing very well; at his follow up with the endocrinologist, she said that they think they got all the cancer out cleanly and chemo was indicated at that time.  He will be having more follow up testing and consultation in mid-December.  We are so grateful to the Lord.

Flutter by Butterfly

Hi Stampers!

I love to watch butterflies as they flutter about my wildflower garden.  They always bring a smile to my face and they dance on the wind and kiss each blossom.  Below is one of the cards my Cheaper Than Therapy club ladies will be making this evening. I really like its clean and simple design (CAS).  It's a CASE of one I saw a while back on Facebook but have lost track of the originator's name.  If I locate the name, I will repost at a later date so she gets the credit she deserves.

Though it may be hard to see in this picture, each butterfly was cut and embossed using Stampin' Up!'s esclusive Beautiful Wings embosslit, adding great dimension and texture.  The bottom edge was hand-torn to create the imagery of a horizon.  Rhinestone Jewels add just the right touch of sparkle. Inside a panel of Pool Party, with a butterfly stamped in Versamark, provides a lovely writing area for adding a personal message.

Stamp set:  Flight of the Butterfly

Ink:  Basic Black, Versamark

Card stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Pool Party

Tools etc:  Beautiful Wings embosslit;  Rhinestone Jewels; Big Shot, standard cutting pads, platform; Stampin'    

                 Dimensionals (under largest butterfly)

Technique:  dry embossing, edge tearing

May your day be filled with goodness and light,

Thanks for stopping by,

Trish

Funky Fold Birthday card

My grandson Kevin is an avid soccer player.  In celebration of his birthday soon, I made him this Funky Fold card.

Here's how I did it:

Cut Bashful Blue 4-1/4" x 11".  Cut and score following template provided below.

Cut Whisper White card stock to fit each panel:
7/8" x 4-3/8" (cut 2);
7/8" x 4-3/8";
2"x 4-1/2"
Then decorate using stamps and inks according to your theme. Here I used Bashful Blue classic ink pad and the Whimsy Jumbo wheel; Night of Navy and Basic Black classic ink pads and the Just Soccer and Sporting stamp sets (both retired); Stars #2 die and the Big Shot; Night of Navy, Basic Black and more Whisper White card stock to create the embellishments.

It was a lot of fun to create, and not all that hard.

Thanks for stopping by.
Creatively yours,
Trish