Thursday, March 1, 2007

Scrapbooking with Marbles

How can you use marbles in a scrapbook?


Use them to make your very own designer papers. If you've been reading my blog, then you already know that I've been busy with this technique lately. It's so simple and easy, and just by changing a few basics, you get a completely different look.


To give you a taste of how you might use this technique in a scrapbook, here's a 6x6 page I made recently.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

A Moment of Gratitude

I'd like to dedicate this card to a wonderful friend of mine, Lorelei. Whenever people ask me how I got started in this craft of card making, I smile a big smile and say, "It's all her fault." Actually, I'd like to correct that statement. It's because of her encouragement that I am using my gift of creativity in this medium of rubber stamps, ink and paper.

In the past year or two, I've really come to value the idea that we need people and activities that are life-giving. If you have someone around you who gives you life, you are energized when you spend time with them. You may also be challenged by them in good ways, to move out in areas where you are gifted.

Then there are those people who give you life, because they share their love of Jesus with you. Lorelei is one of these. She loves Jesus and loves to challenge herself and the people around her with the truth of God's word and His love for the world.

Lorelei has been an encourager and a sounding board as I have taken little steps to share my love to create with the people around me. I am blessed to call her my friend.

If you have a special person around you, why not make a card for them and let them know how they have impacted your life.




Monday, February 26, 2007

Springtime Friend

Looking for a bonus card? You're in the right place. This is one of my favorite cards right now, and I plan to share it with some very special friends next month.

It looks complex, but is really quite simple to make. If you'd like to learn how to put it together, contact me for more information.

Marble Technique

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under
heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1


Probably one of the most common times that people reach for a card is to celebrate someone's birthday. This card is no exception. One of my dear friends is having a birthday this Sunday. These are some of her favorite colors, so I'm sure she'll like it.



That's one of the great things about making cards yourself. You can personalize the colors, images and sentiments to fit the recipient.

Man's Birthday

One of the hardest things to create seems to be a card for a man. The stamps used to make this card helped create the manly image I was going for.
If you'd like to make this card you'll need the following items from Stampin' Up!:
Stamps
Noble Deer
Flannel Background
Sincere Salutations
Ink
Chocolate Chip
Night of Navy (flannel & Birthday Wishes)
Card Stock
Very Vanilla - card base and deer
Chocolate Chip - card front, and layering
Close to Cocoa - (flannel)
Creamy Caramel - Birthday Wishes
We made this card in one of my classes last month. If you'd like to find out more information about upcoming classes, check out my schedule at: http://www.stampedblessings.stampinup.net/Events.aspx

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Simple Delights

We all need reminders from time to time. Reminders to slow down and enjoy life. Reminders to simplify. This card is like that for me. Not too busy, just a simple flower and one gentle reminder. Delight in Life.

This is one of 6 cards that we made this month at one of my classes. I'll be posting a few more of the cards that we made in the days to come. So check back often or sign up for the email feed on the left side. (You can click on the link below to find out about upcoming classes.)

All card stock, inks, tools, etc... that I used are available from Stampin' Up! To make this card you'll need the following supplies and tools:

Stamps

Delight in Life, Sell-a-bration 2007

Card Stock
  • Whisper White - 8-1/2 x 4-1/4 inches (for card base)
  • Regal Rose - 5-1/4 x 4 inches
  • Whisper White - 4-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches
  • Elegant Eggplant - 3 x 2 inches
  • Pretty in Pink - 2-3/4 x 1-3/4 inches
  • Whisper White - 3 x 3 inches, or big enough for flower stamp
Ink & Markers
  • Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
  • Regal Rose Classic Stampin' Pad
  • Elegant Eggplant Classic Stampin' Pad
  • Pale Plum Stampin' Write Marker
  • Summer Sun Stampin' Write Marker
Other tools & supplies
  • Stampin' Dimensionals
  • Stamp-a-Majig
  • scissors
  • adhesive

To find out more about my upcoming classes, click on this link: http://www.stampedblessings.stampinup.net/Events.aspx

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Looking Forward to Spring


In the midst of last week's snow, I pulled out this stamp set I've been waiting and waiting to get, Looks Like Spring. I love the layers in this card and the variety of embellishments. The smaller flowers are made with a Stampin' Up! punch, Spring Bouquet, which is made to match the smaller stamped images. The largest flower is cut out after stamping. I curled the petals gently. Then the flowers are attached to the card with brads.
The Cranberry Crisp layer is raised with Stampin' Dimensionals, and the ribbon is passed between the Cranberry Crisp and Chocolate Chip layers.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Valentine's Day


This Wednesday is Valentine's day, and I've been busy working on cards for the special people in my life. Here's one of my favorites. It's for my husband's mom and dad.


Starting with a piece of vellum paper, I used Basic Black in on the front side to stamp the word Love and the hearts. After this dried, I turned over the vellum and using markers in matching colors to the Loves Me designer paper, I colored in the hearts and letters.


I chose to use the vellum paper because it toned down the busyness of the designer paper. The top and bottom right corners have been fastened together with a couple of Sahara Sand colored eyelets. I glued the left side of the vellum to the left side of the designer paper. Then I adhered the paper and vellum to the Chocolate Chip card stock. After this I applied a small amount, about 1/2 inch, of Sticky Strip behind the right edge of the Chocolate Chip card stock and again just to the left of the patterned paper/vellum. This holds the Taupe Grosgrain ribbon in place.


My husband joined me in card making this weekend. We had a good time creating together. He used the Love Swirls wheel with Chocolate Chip ink on Regal Rose cardstock. We tore the sides to soften the look, and then we attached it so that it covered the glue under the vellum.


Last steps: we glued the finished 8 inch x 5 inch card front to the 8-1/2 inch by 5-1/2 inch Whisper White card stock we used for a base, and then stamped the sentiment inside. Since there are six of us in the family, we figured that we needed lots of room for everyone to write their own greetings inside to Mom & Dad/ Grandma & Grandpa. Now if we can just figure out where to send this card ...? LOL


(... off to make a phone call to find out where the RV's parked this week ... )






Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Watercolor Acetate Technique



I made this Birthday card using the watercolor acetate technique.

It's hard to see it in the picture, so I'll tell you that there is a piece of acetate overlaying the white cardstock. The Watercolor Wonder Crayons on the Whisper White cardstock underneath the acetate sheet gives a unique look and feel to this card.

Certainly, the person who receives a card like this will feel special.



Friday, January 19, 2007

More Birthday Calendar Pics





























Here are more pictures of my perpetual Birthday Calendar. It has been fun selecting stamp sets and colors. The options are almost endless. It could also have some ribbon and other embellishments to make it even prettier.








As you can see, when I did the month of April, I did more to stay out of the center of the page. With February, I wasn't concerned about that, although I did try to use lighter colors in the center. You can do this in a way that pleases you.








There are two simple ways to block off the center. That technique is called masking.








  1. A piece of regular copy paper cut to size can be attached using a temporary adhesive. If any adhesive sticks you can use an adhesive eraser to gently remove it.




  2. Use Post-It notes to cover the center while you're stamping.




Either of these methods work fairly well. You can use whichever you have on hand. I happen to like the look of background printing, so I'll probably continue to do that as I finish my calendar.






































Monday, January 15, 2007

Project: Birthday Calendar




Each year at the beginning of the year, what's one of the first things you do with your new calendar? Re-write everyone's birthday and anniversary on the new calendar, hoping all the while that you don't either miss someone's birthday, or write it in on the wrong date. Well I've found an answer to this yearly problem. It's a Perpetual Birthday Calendar. It helps me keep track of all the birthday's and anniversaries, and I'll never have to transfer them again!







Don't forget to check out my upcoming classes for February at http://www.stampedblessings.stampinup.net/Events.aspx.









Monday, January 1, 2007

So Sweet


I wanted to try out some new stamps and colors. I used images from two Stampin' Up! stamp sets to create this look. You'll notice that the flowers are done with the Two-Step Stamping method. The stamps are designed to work this way. Use a lighter color for the solid stamp. Then a darker coordinating color for the outline stamp. With stamp sets like this, it's easy for you to create a great looking card.




Stamp Sets:



  • So Very, 2007 Sell-A-Bration Mini Catalog

  • Springtime Stems, level 1 Hostess set

Card Stock Colors:



  • Naturals White

  • Brocade Blue

  • So Saffron

  • Garden Green

Ink Colors:



  • Brocade Blue

  • Night of Navy

  • Perfect Plum

  • Pale Plum

  • So Saffron

  • Certainly Celery

  • Garden Green
Other Tools/Supplies:


  • 1-1/4" Circle Punch

  • 1-3/8" Circle Punch

  • Window Punch

  • Stampin' Dimensionals

The Stamper's Blessing

by Laura Smith

In the morning she awakes
with blessing in her mind.
The question is who will she bless,
and how she'll find the time.

Throughout her day she muses
on which dear friend to pick.
Because she knows the power
of her friendly little trick.

"This one has a birthday coming.
That one needs some cheer.
My other friend has been the best,
when I've been looking down, not up."

Then once again she pulls together
paper, ink and stamps.
She cuts and taps and rolls and glues
to make her favor dance.

The pictures cross the paper.
They mount themselves with glee,
for in the morning they will ride
with the Postman through the streets.

They'll wait in silent hiding,
within their shrouded lair.
'Til all at once they hear the shout,
"What have we got here?"

Perhaps a birthday greeting,
perhaps a "Thank You, dear",
or maybe, just maybe,
the beholder's eyes will tear.

To know that you've been thought of,
is a great gift in this life,
as people go about their days
filled with grief and strife.

Once again the words are read.
The noise begins to fade,
as peaceful notes of quiet rest
begin to take their place.

The pictures and the colors
from beginning to the end,
tell the stamper's story
she hoped that she would send.

Ribbons and embellishments,
reminders of the care
taken to adorn this card
with love and thankful prayers.

If someday you go out
to the mailbox to get your post,
and in the mail that day you find
a heavy envelope,
then know that someone holds you dear
and wants for you to feel
the wonder of the blessing
which stampers all revere.


Copyright 2006, Laura Smith
All rights reserved.