Search the Skies on Christmas Eve Pallet Sign

I bought myself a Cricut Explore Air back in May 2017 and have been having lots of fun with creating various signs.  Most of them are made of rescued wood pallets that would otherwise end up in a landfill. No two pieces are identical.  Hope you will follow along for updates as I post them by "Liking" my Facebook page.  You can find this sign in my Here’s Your Sign Facebook page album with it’s info - on a PC go to my Here’s Your Sign FB page, click on Photos on the left side then Here’s Your Sign album across the top and that should open it.  On an iPhone, search for Here’s Your Sign FB page and open it.  Click on Photos then Here’s Your Sign album then click on the sign for its info.

"Search the Skies on Christmas Eve" from Here's Your Sign FB album. This one measures 13-1/2” wide x 27” high.

I bought myself a Cricut Explore Air back in May 2017 and have been having lots of fun with creating various signs.  Most of them are made of rescued wood pallets that would otherwise end up in a landfill. No two pieces are identical.  Hope you will follow along for updates as I post them by "Liking" my Facebook page.  You can find this sign in my Here’s Your Sign Facebook page album with it’s info - on a PC go to my Here’s Your Sign FB page, click on Photos on the left side then Here’s Your Sign album across the top and that should open it.  On an iPhone, search for Here’s Your Sign FB page and open it.  Click on Photos then Here’s Your Sign album then click on the sign for its info.

"Search the Skies on Christmas Eve" from Here's Your Sign FB album. This one measures 13-1/2” wide x 27” high.

Packing Tape Technique - One Hour Card Class 052 - OHCC052

This technique is also known as the Glitter Window Technique.  Kathleenstamps.com has a video on her blog that is much easier for you to understand than me trying to explain how this is done.

Paper: Whisper White, Emerald Envy, Presents and Pinecones DSP (Holiday 2016).

Stamps: Stitched with Cheer.

Ink: Emerald Envy, Cherry Cobbler.

Embellishments: Northern Flurry Impressions Folder, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Silicone Craft Sheet, Emerald Envy Taffeta ribbon, Swiffer cloth, coffee filter, Rhinestone Jewels, packaging tape.

Punch: 2” circle.

This technique is also known as the Glitter Window Technique.  Kathleenstamps.com has a video on her blog that is much easier for you to understand than me trying to explain how this is done.

Paper: Whisper White, Emerald Envy, Presents and Pinecones DSP (Holiday 2016).

Stamps: Stitched with Cheer.

Ink: Emerald Envy, Cherry Cobbler.

Embellishments: Northern Flurry Impressions Folder, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Silicone Craft Sheet, Emerald Envy Taffeta ribbon, Swiffer cloth, coffee filter, Rhinestone Jewels, packaging tape.

Punch: 2” circle.

Shaving Cream Technique – One Hour Card Class 051 - OHCC051

This technique has been around for some time.  It is a little bit messy, but has a great result!

To do the Shaving Cream technique, cut Whisper White cardstock 3” wide x 4” long.  You can get six 3” x 4” panels from one sheet of Whisper White cardstock.

Give the shaving cream (foam, not gel) a good shake.  Cover the bottom of your ice cream lid with shaving cream.

Smooth the shaving cream out a bit with the Popsicle stick.

Add two drops of Island Indigo re-inker on top of the shaving cream in different spots.

Stir the shaving cream and re-inker in a swirling motion.  Don’t swirl it too much as you want contrast.  Add more drops of re-inker if it isn’t as dark as you want it.

Lay out wax paper so it is ready.  Press your card stock into the shaving cream.  Cover the front completely. 

Pull your card stock out of the shaving cream immediately and lay it face up on the wax paper.  Lay another panel of Whisper White card stock on top of the one covered in shaving cream. 

Press together for a second then pull apart giving you two shaving cream coated backgrounds.

Swipe off the shaving cream with a Popsicle stick or scrape it along the edge of your ice cream lid.

Wipe clean with a paper towel.

Repeat for an Invitation envelope – keep the flap out of the way as not to catch any moisture!

Keep repeating with more cardstock if desired.  You can always add more drops of re-inker or even a different color.  You can get a lot of background pieces from a small amount of shaving cream.

Give it 5 to 10 minutes to dry before trying to use adhesive on it.

Stamps: Flurry of Wishes.

Cardstock: Island Indigo, Whisper White.

Ink: Island Indigo, Island Indigo re-inker.

Punch: Snow Flurry.

Tools: Softly Falling EF, Stampin' Dimensionals, Shaving Cream (foam not gel), Popsicle stick or plastic knife, ice cream lid, wax paper, paper towels, Misti.

This technique has been around for some time.  It is a little bit messy, but has a great result!

To do the Shaving Cream technique, cut Whisper White cardstock 3” wide x 4” long.  You can get six 3” x 4” panels from one sheet of Whisper White cardstock.

Give the shaving cream (foam, not gel) a good shake.  Cover the bottom of your ice cream lid with shaving cream.

Smooth the shaving cream out a bit with the Popsicle stick.

Add two drops of Island Indigo re-inker on top of the shaving cream in different spots.

Stir the shaving cream and re-inker in a swirling motion.  Don’t swirl it too much as you want contrast.  Add more drops of re-inker if it isn’t as dark as you want it.

Lay out wax paper so it is ready.  Press your card stock into the shaving cream.  Cover the front completely. 

Pull your card stock out of the shaving cream immediately and lay it face up on the wax paper.  Lay another panel of Whisper White card stock on top of the one covered in shaving cream. 

Press together for a second then pull apart giving you two shaving cream coated backgrounds.

Swipe off the shaving cream with a Popsicle stick or scrape it along the edge of your ice cream lid.

Wipe clean with a paper towel.

Repeat for an Invitation envelope – keep the flap out of the way as not to catch any moisture!

Keep repeating with more cardstock if desired.  You can always add more drops of re-inker or even a different color.  You can get a lot of background pieces from a small amount of shaving cream.

Give it 5 to 10 minutes to dry before trying to use adhesive on it.

Stamps: Flurry of Wishes.

Cardstock: Island Indigo, Whisper White.

Ink: Island Indigo, Island Indigo re-inker.

Punch: Snow Flurry.

Tools: Softly Falling EF, Stampin' Dimensionals, Shaving Cream (foam not gel), Popsicle stick or plastic knife, ice cream lid, wax paper, paper towels, Misti.

Faux Linen - One Hour Card Class 016 OHCC016

By scratching glossy card stock with sandpaper, you can create a Faux Linen look.  Stamp and sponge on your ink.  Using sandpaper, scratch card in one direction.  Turn it round and scratch in opposite direction.  That’s it!  it doesn't show it very good in the picture.

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Something to Say.

Cardstock: Glossy cardstock, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla.

Ink: Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, Mint Macaron.

Accessories: Medium sandpaper, sponge, mounts, Always Artichoke marker, Crumb Cake marker, Crystal Effects, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive, pencil, Stampin’ Sponges, envelope, Stampin’ Trimmer, scissors, bone folder.

Punches: ¼” circle, word window, modern label, small oval.

If you have never made a card before, you will love these One Hour Card Class workshops!  We will complete a card with a matching envelope – ready for the mail!  I host card classes every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  You pick the day and the time that suits you.  Message or email me for more info. As a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I’m here to give you fun ideas, share specials & teach you about fabulous stampin products. Let's unleash your creativity!  You can order SU! products online and have them shipped directly to your door. Simply click on the “Shop Now” button in my banner (or I can order for you). I would be most happy to be your Canadian demonstrator.

By scratching glossy card stock with sandpaper, you can create a Faux Linen look.  Stamp and sponge on your ink.  Using sandpaper, scratch card in one direction.  Turn it round and scratch in opposite direction.  That’s it!  it doesn't show it very good in the picture.

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Something to Say.

Cardstock: Glossy cardstock, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla.

Ink: Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, Mint Macaron.

Accessories: Medium sandpaper, sponge, mounts, Always Artichoke marker, Crumb Cake marker, Crystal Effects, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive, pencil, Stampin’ Sponges, envelope, Stampin’ Trimmer, scissors, bone folder.

Punches: ¼” circle, word window, modern label, small oval.

If you have never made a card before, you will love these One Hour Card Class workshops!  We will complete a card with a matching envelope – ready for the mail!  I host card classes every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  You pick the day and the time that suits you.  Message or email me for more info. As a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I’m here to give you fun ideas, share specials & teach you about fabulous stampin products. Let's unleash your creativity!  You can order SU! products online and have them shipped directly to your door. Simply click on the “Shop Now” button in my banner (or I can order for you). I would be most happy to be your Canadian demonstrator.

Faux Silk and Cheaters Bow - One Hour Card Class 019 OHCC019

Faux Silk Technique Instructions:

Cut a piece of tissue paper a couple of inches larger than the card stock you are adhering it to.  Smooth out the tissue paper.  Make a sandwich with the Stampin’ Pierce Mat at the bottom, a piece of scrap paper and then the tissue paper.  Ink the flower stamp with Black ink and stamp with the stem at the very bottom of the tissue paper.  Hold in position for about 30 seconds to allow the ink to penetrate.  Allow to dry a couple of minutes.

Crumple the tissue paper up in a tight ball, and then very carefully unravel the paper. Smooth it out but not completely as you still want a few creases left.

Using a glue-stick, apply glue all over the cardstock piece you are going to adhere the tissue paper to.

Adhere the tissue paper, leaving a few creases as shown. Wrap the excess tissue paper around to the back of the cardstock and adhere with the glue-stick.

To make a Cheaters Bow, wrap the ribbon around the glue pen and tie a single knot.  Pull the tails along the length of the glue pen. 

Tie another knot pulling the tails away from your tool. 

Slide your ribbon off the tool.  You will now have a loop in the middle of your ribbon.  Pinch the loop together at the middle and cut on an angle to open.  

Wrap around flower panel and tape to the back.  Trim ribbon.

Using Tissue Paper and Freezer Paper to make an Envelope

Turn iron on a medium-high setting. 

Cut the freezer paper 8” square.  Cut the piece of tissue paper at least 10” square.

Crumple the tissue paper, open and crumple again to add texture.

Carefully smooth out the tissue paper but don’t remove all the wrinkles.

Lay papers on your ironing board with the freezer paper on the bottom (wax side up) and the tissue paper on top (pretty side up).  

Put your iron in one place for a few seconds, lift it up, don’t slide it, and put it down again somewhere else so as not to smooth out the wrinkles.  Overlap your pressings.

Turn paper over and press again.

Cut excess tissue paper off flush with the freezer paper.
Turn your paper over (tissue paper side down) and iron it again.  Turn it over again (tissue side up) and iron again. 

Complete using the Envelope Punch Board. 

Stamps: Butterfly Basics, Heard from the Heart (retired) for inside.

Ink: Pink Pirouette, Pear Pizzaz, Black StazOn, Pear Pizzaz marker, Daffodil Delight marker, Blushing Bride marker, Wild Wasabi marker, Pink Pirouette marker.

Cardstock: 4 x 5” plus 10” x 10” tissue paper, Pear Pizzaz, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla.

Accessories: Snail Adhesive, pencil, Sponges, Tombow Glue, envelope punch board, Stampin’ Trimmer, scissors, bone folder, Dimensionals, 8” of ¼” Pretty in Pink ribbon, glue stick, silicone craft sheet or parchment paper, Elegant Dots embossing folder, Stampin’ Pierce Mat, clear Wink of Stella, Pearl Basic Jewels.

Join me any Thursday, Friday or Saturday and we will complete a card with a matching envelope – ready for the mail - in just one hour!  You pick the day and the time that suits you.  Message me for more info. As a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I’m here to give you fun ideas, share specials & teach you about fabulous stampin products. Let's unleash your creativity!  You can order SU! products online and have them shipped directly to your door. Simply click on the “Shop Now” button in my banner (or I can order for you). I would be most happy to be your Canadian demonstrator.

Faux Silk Technique Instructions:

Cut a piece of tissue paper a couple of inches larger than the card stock you are adhering it to.  Smooth out the tissue paper.  Make a sandwich with the Stampin’ Pierce Mat at the bottom, a piece of scrap paper and then the tissue paper.  Ink the flower stamp with Black ink and stamp with the stem at the very bottom of the tissue paper.  Hold in position for about 30 seconds to allow the ink to penetrate.  Allow to dry a couple of minutes.

Crumple the tissue paper up in a tight ball, and then very carefully unravel the paper. Smooth it out but not completely as you still want a few creases left.

Using a glue-stick, apply glue all over the cardstock piece you are going to adhere the tissue paper to.

Adhere the tissue paper, leaving a few creases as shown. Wrap the excess tissue paper around to the back of the cardstock and adhere with the glue-stick.

To make a Cheaters Bow, wrap the ribbon around the glue pen and tie a single knot.  Pull the tails along the length of the glue pen. 

Tie another knot pulling the tails away from your tool. 

Slide your ribbon off the tool.  You will now have a loop in the middle of your ribbon.  Pinch the loop together at the middle and cut on an angle to open.  

Wrap around flower panel and tape to the back.  Trim ribbon.

Using Tissue Paper and Freezer Paper to make an Envelope

Turn iron on a medium-high setting. 

Cut the freezer paper 8” square.  Cut the piece of tissue paper at least 10” square.

Crumple the tissue paper, open and crumple again to add texture.

Carefully smooth out the tissue paper but don’t remove all the wrinkles.

Lay papers on your ironing board with the freezer paper on the bottom (wax side up) and the tissue paper on top (pretty side up).  

Put your iron in one place for a few seconds, lift it up, don’t slide it, and put it down again somewhere else so as not to smooth out the wrinkles.  Overlap your pressings.

Turn paper over and press again.

Cut excess tissue paper off flush with the freezer paper.
Turn your paper over (tissue paper side down) and iron it again.  Turn it over again (tissue side up) and iron again. 

Complete using the Envelope Punch Board. 

Stamps: Butterfly Basics, Heard from the Heart (retired) for inside.

Ink: Pink Pirouette, Pear Pizzaz, Black StazOn, Pear Pizzaz marker, Daffodil Delight marker, Blushing Bride marker, Wild Wasabi marker, Pink Pirouette marker.

Cardstock: 4 x 5” plus 10” x 10” tissue paper, Pear Pizzaz, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla.

Accessories: Snail Adhesive, pencil, Sponges, Tombow Glue, envelope punch board, Stampin’ Trimmer, scissors, bone folder, Dimensionals, 8” of ¼” Pretty in Pink ribbon, glue stick, silicone craft sheet or parchment paper, Elegant Dots embossing folder, Stampin’ Pierce Mat, clear Wink of Stella, Pearl Basic Jewels.

Join me any Thursday, Friday or Saturday and we will complete a card with a matching envelope – ready for the mail - in just one hour!  You pick the day and the time that suits you.  Message me for more info. As a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I’m here to give you fun ideas, share specials & teach you about fabulous stampin products. Let's unleash your creativity!  You can order SU! products online and have them shipped directly to your door. Simply click on the “Shop Now” button in my banner (or I can order for you). I would be most happy to be your Canadian demonstrator.

Ahoy There - One Hour Card Class 030 OHCC030

Stamps: Seaside Shore.

Ink: Dapper Denim, Calypso Coral, Mint Macaron.

Cardstock: kraft paper for envelope, Very Vanilla, Mint Macaron, Dapper Denim.

Accessories: Snail Adhesive, envelope punch board, Stampin’ Trimmer, scissors, bone folder, pencil, eraser, Sponge, Dimensionals, silicone craft sheet, Wink of Stella, silver sequins, Seaside embossing folder.

Punches: Coluzzle circle or Layering Circle Framelits.

Prepare card by cutting Dapper Denim cardstock at 4-1/4” x 8-1/2”.  Fold in half to create a top fold card – a bone folder gives you a crisp fold.  Stamp and sign the back.  Set aside.

Cut a Very Vanilla white panel at 5-1/4” x 4” for the inside of the card.  Sponge edges Dapper Denim.  Stamp the phrase in Dapper Denim.  Stamp a fish in Calypso Coral.  Stamp the seaweeds in Mint Macaron around the fish.  Add Mint Macaron bubbles.  Adhere to the inside of the card.

Cut a Mint Macaron panel at 5” x 3-3/4” for the outside of the card.  Sponge edges in Mint Macaron.  Cut a 2-1/2” circle allowing for mounts at the top.  Run through the embossing folder with the inked side facing the logo: (Big Shot – Platform – cutting pad – embossing folder – cutting pad).  Sponge hole with Mint Macaron.  Set aside.

Cut a Very Vanilla panel at 5-1/4” x 4” for the outside of the card.  Lay the embossed piece on top of the Very Vanilla panel and lightly trace the circle.  Stamp seaweed and bubbles within the circle on the Very Vanilla panel in Mint Macaron.  Adhere to the card front.  Erase pencil lines.  Set aside.

Stamp the rope and knot in Calypso Coral.  Cut out.  Touch rope ends with a Calypso Coral marker if needed.   Adhere to embossed panel just under the port hole.  Wrap ends of rope to the back.  Set aside.

Stamp ‘Ahoy There’ in Dapper Denim.  Cut out and adhere to the bottom of the embossed panel.

Stamp a fish in Calypso Coral and another one in Dapper Denim.  Cut out.  Color with Wink of Stella.  Set aside.

Add mounts to the embossed panel and adhere to the card front. Add a dab of glue to center of each fish and adhere in the hole.  Add sequins.

Make an envelope using the envelope punch board.  Decorate with stamp images.

If you have never made a card before, you will love these One Hour Card Class workshops!  We will complete a card with a matching envelope – ready for the mail!  I host card classes every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  You pick the day and the time that suits you.  Message or email me for more info. I hope you will consider joining me as we learn how to get the very best from the products that we buy.  You can order SU! products online and have them shipped directly to your door. Simply click on the “Shop Now” button in my banner (or I can order for you). I would be most happy to be your Canadian demonstrator.

Stamps: Seaside Shore.

Ink: Dapper Denim, Calypso Coral, Mint Macaron.

Cardstock: kraft paper for envelope, Very Vanilla, Mint Macaron, Dapper Denim.

Accessories: Snail Adhesive, envelope punch board, Stampin’ Trimmer, scissors, bone folder, pencil, eraser, Sponge, Dimensionals, silicone craft sheet, Wink of Stella, silver sequins, Seaside embossing folder.

Punches: Coluzzle circle or Layering Circle Framelits.

Prepare card by cutting Dapper Denim cardstock at 4-1/4” x 8-1/2”.  Fold in half to create a top fold card – a bone folder gives you a crisp fold.  Stamp and sign the back.  Set aside.

Cut a Very Vanilla white panel at 5-1/4” x 4” for the inside of the card.  Sponge edges Dapper Denim.  Stamp the phrase in Dapper Denim.  Stamp a fish in Calypso Coral.  Stamp the seaweeds in Mint Macaron around the fish.  Add Mint Macaron bubbles.  Adhere to the inside of the card.

Cut a Mint Macaron panel at 5” x 3-3/4” for the outside of the card.  Sponge edges in Mint Macaron.  Cut a 2-1/2” circle allowing for mounts at the top.  Run through the embossing folder with the inked side facing the logo: (Big Shot – Platform – cutting pad – embossing folder – cutting pad).  Sponge hole with Mint Macaron.  Set aside.

Cut a Very Vanilla panel at 5-1/4” x 4” for the outside of the card.  Lay the embossed piece on top of the Very Vanilla panel and lightly trace the circle.  Stamp seaweed and bubbles within the circle on the Very Vanilla panel in Mint Macaron.  Adhere to the card front.  Erase pencil lines.  Set aside.

Stamp the rope and knot in Calypso Coral.  Cut out.  Touch rope ends with a Calypso Coral marker if needed.   Adhere to embossed panel just under the port hole.  Wrap ends of rope to the back.  Set aside.

Stamp ‘Ahoy There’ in Dapper Denim.  Cut out and adhere to the bottom of the embossed panel.

Stamp a fish in Calypso Coral and another one in Dapper Denim.  Cut out.  Color with Wink of Stella.  Set aside.

Add mounts to the embossed panel and adhere to the card front. Add a dab of glue to center of each fish and adhere in the hole.  Add sequins.

Make an envelope using the envelope punch board.  Decorate with stamp images.

If you have never made a card before, you will love these One Hour Card Class workshops!  We will complete a card with a matching envelope – ready for the mail!  I host card classes every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  You pick the day and the time that suits you.  Message or email me for more info. I hope you will consider joining me as we learn how to get the very best from the products that we buy.  You can order SU! products online and have them shipped directly to your door. Simply click on the “Shop Now” button in my banner (or I can order for you). I would be most happy to be your Canadian demonstrator.

Polished Stone Technique – One Hour Card Class 050 - OHCC050

To make Faux Polished Stone:

Dab your cotton ball once with rubbing alcohol – don’t saturate it.

Add one drop of Marina Mist re-inker and three drops of Soft Sky re-inker onto your dampened cotton ball.

Dab the cotton ball over your cardstock.

Continue dabbing until you achieve the look you want.

If you end up with little puddles, turn your cotton ball over and dab them off.

The rubbing alcohol will cause the re-inkers to blend together.  Set aside.

Set aside for the ink to dry before stamping.

To make card stock felt ribbon, cut a strip of Rose Red card stock 3/8” x 8-1/2”.  Run your bone folder over the front and back about 3 or 4 times or until card stock separates.  Gently pull apart.  Make three tucks on one end and adhere towards the bottom of the glossy panel.  Trim if necessary.

Stamps: Wild About Flowers, Bunch of Blossoms (phrase).

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Rose Red, White, White Glossy.

Ink: Night of Navy, Rose Red.

Re-inkers: Marina Mist, Soft Sky.

Accessories: cotton ball, rubbing alcohol, Elegant Dots embossing folder, bone folder, Misti, sponge, snail adhesive, sponge, Dimensionals,

Punch: 1-1/4” circle, 1-3/8” circle.

To make Faux Polished Stone:

Dab your cotton ball once with rubbing alcohol – don’t saturate it.

Add one drop of Marina Mist re-inker and three drops of Soft Sky re-inker onto your dampened cotton ball.

Dab the cotton ball over your cardstock.

Continue dabbing until you achieve the look you want.

If you end up with little puddles, turn your cotton ball over and dab them off.

The rubbing alcohol will cause the re-inkers to blend together.  Set aside.

Set aside for the ink to dry before stamping.

To make card stock felt ribbon, cut a strip of Rose Red card stock 3/8” x 8-1/2”.  Run your bone folder over the front and back about 3 or 4 times or until card stock separates.  Gently pull apart.  Make three tucks on one end and adhere towards the bottom of the glossy panel.  Trim if necessary.

Stamps: Wild About Flowers, Bunch of Blossoms (phrase).

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Rose Red, White, White Glossy.

Ink: Night of Navy, Rose Red.

Re-inkers: Marina Mist, Soft Sky.

Accessories: cotton ball, rubbing alcohol, Elegant Dots embossing folder, bone folder, Misti, sponge, snail adhesive, sponge, Dimensionals,

Punch: 1-1/4” circle, 1-3/8” circle.

Versamark Resist Technique – One Hour Card Class - OHCC049

Versamark is a clear ink that is usually used to emboss images or create a watermark background. 

Cut Glossy card stock to the size you want.

Ink your stamp with the Versamark ink and stamp on glossy card stock.

Run your brayer in Perfect Plum ink or any color, and brayer over the Versamark image.  You can sponge ink over top instead of using a brayer if you want. The stamped images will resist the ink. Keeping the card simple lets the technique stand out!

The more you brayer or sponge, the darker it goes and the more the images pop.  Also remember that the darker the color you use the less likely the Versamark is going to resist.

I hope you will try this technique!  This technique is sometimes called Ghosting.

Stamps: Touches of Texture, Crazy about You, Thoughtful Branches (inside).

Cardstock: Perfect Plum, black, glossy white.

Ink: Versamark, Perfect Plum, black memories.

Accessories: bone folder, Misti, sponge, Press n Seal, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Hello You Thinlits, snail. 

Versamark is a clear ink that is usually used to emboss images or create a watermark background. 

Cut Glossy card stock to the size you want.

Ink your stamp with the Versamark ink and stamp on glossy card stock.

Run your brayer in Perfect Plum ink or any color, and brayer over the Versamark image.  You can sponge ink over top instead of using a brayer if you want. The stamped images will resist the ink. Keeping the card simple lets the technique stand out!

The more you brayer or sponge, the darker it goes and the more the images pop.  Also remember that the darker the color you use the less likely the Versamark is going to resist.

I hope you will try this technique!  This technique is sometimes called Ghosting.

Stamps: Touches of Texture, Crazy about You, Thoughtful Branches (inside).

Cardstock: Perfect Plum, black, glossy white.

Ink: Versamark, Perfect Plum, black memories.

Accessories: bone folder, Misti, sponge, Press n Seal, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Hello You Thinlits, snail. 

Grid Technique and Paper Buttons - One Hour Card Class 020

Did you know you can make your own paper buttons?  Its pretty easy too!

Cut 3 button dies from olive cardstock.  

Glue them together using a Glue Stick.  If you want your button thicker, add more layers.

Use the sanding block to sand the sides of your button so they are smooth.  You may also need to sand the back of the button so it lays flat.

Lay your button on a silicone craft sheet or parchment paper.  Add Crystal Effects along the edges and the top of the button.  If you clog the holes, you can go back with your Paper Piercer to open them up once dried.  Move to a clean spot and let them dry. Crystal Effects gives the button a raised glossy sheen when dry. 

Now, to do the grid technique, cut vanilla card stock 3” square.  Line your card stock up diagonally with a score line on the Simply Scored Scoring Tool. Score card stock at 1/2" intervals.

Turn card stock 90 degrees, line up as before, and score at every 1/2" again to create a scored grid.

Ink image with Pumpkin Pie.  Stamp on a scrap twice then stamp twice lightly on the card stock side with the indented score lines about ½” from edges. The ink will not stamp in the scored areas.

Repeat image #1 with Old Olive ink, going a little further than ½” from the edges.

Stamp the tree in Chocolate Chip ink in the center of the grid panel.  Do not press hard or you will fill the grid.  Lightly stamp the tree here and there around the edges without re-inking.  Sponge edges brown.

Cover the phrase and grid panel with Versamark and clear EP.  Heat set.  Kinda looks like tile or faux tile!

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Happiest Birthday Wishes (retired), Timeless Treasures.

Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla, 8” square paper for envelope.

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Versa Mark, Chocolate Chip marker, Old Olive marker, Pumpkin Pie marker.

Accessories: Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Envelope punch board. Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Sponge, hemp, Sizzix buttons #5, Spellbinders scallop squares, Woodgrain embossing folder, silicone craft sheet or parchment paper, Crystal Effects, Paper Piercing Tool, Banners Framelits, sanding block.

Punch: Decorative Label, Large Oval.

Did you know you can make your own paper buttons?  Its pretty easy too!

Cut 3 button dies from olive cardstock.  

Glue them together using a Glue Stick.  If you want your button thicker, add more layers.

Use the sanding block to sand the sides of your button so they are smooth.  You may also need to sand the back of the button so it lays flat.

Lay your button on a silicone craft sheet or parchment paper.  Add Crystal Effects along the edges and the top of the button.  If you clog the holes, you can go back with your Paper Piercer to open them up once dried.  Move to a clean spot and let them dry. Crystal Effects gives the button a raised glossy sheen when dry. 

Now, to do the grid technique, cut vanilla card stock 3” square.  Line your card stock up diagonally with a score line on the Simply Scored Scoring Tool. Score card stock at 1/2" intervals.

Turn card stock 90 degrees, line up as before, and score at every 1/2" again to create a scored grid.

Ink image with Pumpkin Pie.  Stamp on a scrap twice then stamp twice lightly on the card stock side with the indented score lines about ½” from edges. The ink will not stamp in the scored areas.

Repeat image #1 with Old Olive ink, going a little further than ½” from the edges.

Stamp the tree in Chocolate Chip ink in the center of the grid panel.  Do not press hard or you will fill the grid.  Lightly stamp the tree here and there around the edges without re-inking.  Sponge edges brown.

Cover the phrase and grid panel with Versamark and clear EP.  Heat set.  Kinda looks like tile or faux tile!

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Happiest Birthday Wishes (retired), Timeless Treasures.

Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla, 8” square paper for envelope.

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Versa Mark, Chocolate Chip marker, Old Olive marker, Pumpkin Pie marker.

Accessories: Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Envelope punch board. Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Sponge, hemp, Sizzix buttons #5, Spellbinders scallop squares, Woodgrain embossing folder, silicone craft sheet or parchment paper, Crystal Effects, Paper Piercing Tool, Banners Framelits, sanding block.

Punch: Decorative Label, Large Oval.

Bokeh Background - One Hour Card Class 018 OHCC018

Join me any Thursday, Friday or Saturday and we will complete a card with a matching envelope – ready for the mail in just one hour!  You pick the day and the time that suits you.  Message or email me for more info. As a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I’m here to give you fun ideas, share specials & teach you about fabulous stampin products. Let's unleash your creativity!  You can order SU! products online and have them shipped directly to your door. Simply click on the “Shop Now” button in my banner (or I can order for you). I would be most happy to be your Canadian demonstrator.

This word is pronounced "bouquet", like a bouquet of flowers.  It is a blurry, out of focus, spotty background seen in photos.

Stamps: Pictogram Punches, Suite Sayings (for inside).

Cardstock: White, Silver Glimmer paper, Shimmer paper, Calypso Coral, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron.

Ink: Calypso Coral, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron, White craft.

Punches: ¼” circle, 3/4” circle, ½” circle, 1” circle, 1-1/4” circle, star from Itty Bitty pack.

Accessories: sponge, paper fastener, ribbon, Banners Framelits, Stars Framelits, 2-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Elegant Dots embossing folder, heat tool, Swiffer disposable cloth, shaving brush.

Tempting Turquoise card.  Fold in half – a bone folder gives you a crisp fold.  Stamp or sign the back.  Set aside.

Cut Shimmer paper 5 x 3-3/4”.  In a circular motion, sponge turquoise ink in a V shape.  Sponge Calypso Coral ink in an upside down V.  Sponge remaining white spaces in with So Saffron ink.  Set aside.

Use a piece of heavy vellum and punch with different sizes of circle punches - ¼”, 3/4”, ½”, 1”and 1-1/4”.  Be sure not to be too close to the edges and that the circles have space between them.

Lay the circle template over the sponged panel.  Use a sponge to add White Craft Ink to the panel.  Sponge lightly with the bigger circles and get gradually darker with the smaller ones. 

Things get a little messy at this point!  Lift to move the template around to get different sized circles all over the panel.  Keep going until almost all of the panel has circles on it.  Best scenario would be to do this technique the night before you want to make your project so the white craft ink will dry naturally but you can use your heat tool to hurry this along - Craft Ink dries slower than Classic Ink, however, we will not dry it yet. 

I let my circle template dry overnight then stored it to reuse over and over for this technique. Other color combo’s I’ve seen and liked for this background are Bermuda Bay and Blackberry Bliss; Strawberry Slush, Coastal Cabana and Daffodil Delight; Strawberry Slush, Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie; Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo and Blackberry Bliss.  Set panel aside.

Cut white cardstock at 4” x 5-1/4”.  Sponge edges with Calypso Coral ink.  Stamp phrase from the Suite Sayings stamp set in coral.  Use Snail Adhesive to adhere to the inside of the card.  Set aside.

Cut another piece of white cardstock at 4” x 5-1/4”.  Cut out the middle.  Stamp the phrase on the scrap of white cardstock with Calypso Coral ink.  Trim, allowing ½” from the letter S, 3” long and about 7/8” wide.  Cut the right end into a flag using the template.  Sponge edges with Calypso Coral ink.  Set aside.

Cut Tempting Turquoise cardstock 3-1/4” square.  Tape the third and fourth largest star from the Stars Framelits die to it with cutting blades facing card stock.  Run through the Cuttlebug: Sandwich – A plate – C plate – die and cardstock with cutting blades up – B plate.  Save the center star for the inside of the card. Set aside.

Cut So Saffron cardstock 1-1/2 x 2-3/4”.  Use the 5^th largest banner from the Banners Framelits.  Cut out with this Cuttlebug: Sandwich – A plate – C plate – die and cardstock with cutting blades up – B plate. 

Run through the Elegant Dots embossing folder.  Set aside. 

Cut the smallest star die from 1-1/2” square Glimmer paper.  Add mounts.  Punch 3 small stars from the Glimmer paper with the Itty Bitty punch.  Set aside.

Now we will add add glitter to the edge of cardstock only. Edge the outside of both stars and the phrase with 2-way glue pen.

Dip in Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

Glitter gets everywhere!  An easy way to clean up glitter is with a Swiffer disposable cloth!  Also, a lint roller picks up glitter like a charm! And another idea is to use a piece of masking tape or duct tape.

Slightly dry Bokeh panel with heat tool.  Adhere Bokeh panel to white frame panel.  Partially glue star in place with Tombow glue.  Punch a 1/8” circle at the top of the star and through the panel.  Set aside until we make the bow.

Paper Fastener Bow Tutorial

Open the prongs of your paper fastener.  Fold 5” of ¼” ribbon in a loop (like a breast cancer ribbon). 

Bring the loop down so that it covers where the ribbon crosses itself. 

Gather the ribbon in the center in your fingers and stick it between the two prongs of the paper fastener. 

Close the prongs of the fastener and insert them in the cardstock. 

Open up the fastener on back side of the cardstock and flatten.

Adjust bow as you like and trim the ends.

Adhere the Bokeh panel to card front.  Adhere flag, phrase and stars to the card.

Add remaining star to the inside of the card.

The picture tutorial for the envelope was taken from a different post hence the different color of ink used.

Adhere a doily in a couple of spots with snail adhesive to the front of an envelope.

Pounce with ink using a shaving brush.

Remove doily for a delicate envelope. 

Join me any Thursday, Friday or Saturday and we will complete a card with a matching envelope – ready for the mail in just one hour!  You pick the day and the time that suits you.  Message or email me for more info. As a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I’m here to give you fun ideas, share specials & teach you about fabulous stampin products. Let's unleash your creativity!  You can order SU! products online and have them shipped directly to your door. Simply click on the “Shop Now” button in my banner (or I can order for you). I would be most happy to be your Canadian demonstrator.

This word is pronounced "bouquet", like a bouquet of flowers.  It is a blurry, out of focus, spotty background seen in photos.

Stamps: Pictogram Punches, Suite Sayings (for inside).

Cardstock: White, Silver Glimmer paper, Shimmer paper, Calypso Coral, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron.

Ink: Calypso Coral, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron, White craft.

Punches: ¼” circle, 3/4” circle, ½” circle, 1” circle, 1-1/4” circle, star from Itty Bitty pack.

Accessories: sponge, paper fastener, ribbon, Banners Framelits, Stars Framelits, 2-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Elegant Dots embossing folder, heat tool, Swiffer disposable cloth, shaving brush.

Tempting Turquoise card.  Fold in half – a bone folder gives you a crisp fold.  Stamp or sign the back.  Set aside.

Cut Shimmer paper 5 x 3-3/4”.  In a circular motion, sponge turquoise ink in a V shape.  Sponge Calypso Coral ink in an upside down V.  Sponge remaining white spaces in with So Saffron ink.  Set aside.

Use a piece of heavy vellum and punch with different sizes of circle punches - ¼”, 3/4”, ½”, 1”and 1-1/4”.  Be sure not to be too close to the edges and that the circles have space between them.

Lay the circle template over the sponged panel.  Use a sponge to add White Craft Ink to the panel.  Sponge lightly with the bigger circles and get gradually darker with the smaller ones. 

Things get a little messy at this point!  Lift to move the template around to get different sized circles all over the panel.  Keep going until almost all of the panel has circles on it.  Best scenario would be to do this technique the night before you want to make your project so the white craft ink will dry naturally but you can use your heat tool to hurry this along - Craft Ink dries slower than Classic Ink, however, we will not dry it yet. 

I let my circle template dry overnight then stored it to reuse over and over for this technique. Other color combo’s I’ve seen and liked for this background are Bermuda Bay and Blackberry Bliss; Strawberry Slush, Coastal Cabana and Daffodil Delight; Strawberry Slush, Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie; Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo and Blackberry Bliss.  Set panel aside.

Cut white cardstock at 4” x 5-1/4”.  Sponge edges with Calypso Coral ink.  Stamp phrase from the Suite Sayings stamp set in coral.  Use Snail Adhesive to adhere to the inside of the card.  Set aside.

Cut another piece of white cardstock at 4” x 5-1/4”.  Cut out the middle.  Stamp the phrase on the scrap of white cardstock with Calypso Coral ink.  Trim, allowing ½” from the letter S, 3” long and about 7/8” wide.  Cut the right end into a flag using the template.  Sponge edges with Calypso Coral ink.  Set aside.

Cut Tempting Turquoise cardstock 3-1/4” square.  Tape the third and fourth largest star from the Stars Framelits die to it with cutting blades facing card stock.  Run through the Cuttlebug: Sandwich – A plate – C plate – die and cardstock with cutting blades up – B plate.  Save the center star for the inside of the card. Set aside.

Cut So Saffron cardstock 1-1/2 x 2-3/4”.  Use the 5^th largest banner from the Banners Framelits.  Cut out with this Cuttlebug: Sandwich – A plate – C plate – die and cardstock with cutting blades up – B plate. 

Run through the Elegant Dots embossing folder.  Set aside. 

Cut the smallest star die from 1-1/2” square Glimmer paper.  Add mounts.  Punch 3 small stars from the Glimmer paper with the Itty Bitty punch.  Set aside.

Now we will add add glitter to the edge of cardstock only. Edge the outside of both stars and the phrase with 2-way glue pen.

Dip in Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

Glitter gets everywhere!  An easy way to clean up glitter is with a Swiffer disposable cloth!  Also, a lint roller picks up glitter like a charm! And another idea is to use a piece of masking tape or duct tape.

Slightly dry Bokeh panel with heat tool.  Adhere Bokeh panel to white frame panel.  Partially glue star in place with Tombow glue.  Punch a 1/8” circle at the top of the star and through the panel.  Set aside until we make the bow.

Paper Fastener Bow Tutorial

Open the prongs of your paper fastener.  Fold 5” of ¼” ribbon in a loop (like a breast cancer ribbon). 

Bring the loop down so that it covers where the ribbon crosses itself. 

Gather the ribbon in the center in your fingers and stick it between the two prongs of the paper fastener. 

Close the prongs of the fastener and insert them in the cardstock. 

Open up the fastener on back side of the cardstock and flatten.

Adjust bow as you like and trim the ends.

Adhere the Bokeh panel to card front.  Adhere flag, phrase and stars to the card.

Add remaining star to the inside of the card.

The picture tutorial for the envelope was taken from a different post hence the different color of ink used.

Adhere a doily in a couple of spots with snail adhesive to the front of an envelope.

Pounce with ink using a shaving brush.

Remove doily for a delicate envelope.