Stamping Hostess

Watercolor Trio: Shabby Chic card

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 20:57:00 +0000

Here is another Watercolor Trio card, designed by yours truly! I made about 40 cards for a swap and wanted to mix it up a bit, so I did a bunch in each design. I think this one is my favorite! Click on the photo if you'd like to see the card in more detail:

Here are the ingredients in case you'd like to make one yourself:

Stamps: Watercolor Trio

Ink: Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Old Olive

Paper: Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Whisper White

Fun Extras: Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, So Saffron button, Linen Thread, Distressing Tool from Cutter Kit, SU Texturz Plate (on Melon Mambo layer), SU Polka Dots Embossing Folder (on Whisper White layer), Mini Glue Dots work great on textured layers!

Watercolor Trio: Card #1

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 12:36:00 +0000

My next few posts will feature a variety of cards I made using the new Watercolor Trio stamp set. I couldn't put this set down, and made 6 different cards in one day! It is so versatile and comes with several beautiful greetings in an elegant font. Click on any picture to enlarge:

This first card is my own design. I started by stamping Whisper White cardstock using Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, and Silver Encore Ink. After stamping, I ran this layer through the Big Shot using one of SU's Texturz Plates for a subtle floral background. The Eyelet Border Punch was used to create a pretty edge, and I added an additional layer of Certainly Celery, also punched with the Eyelet Border. The greeting was stamped in Rich Razzleberry Ink, punched with the Large Oval, and mounted on a scrap of So Saffron that was punched with the Scallop Oval. The card base is So Saffron, cut at 4 1/4" x 6 1/2", scored at 5 1/2" and torn for a shabby chic look. I also added some So Saffron Ink on the torn edge, and two silver brads hold the Whisper White and So Saffron layers together, while the Certainly Celery layer referred to earlier hides the brad prongs! This is one of several designs I made for a team meeting, and even though it was the simplest one, these were the first swap cards to go!

Add Texture with the New Lattice Embossing Folder

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:39:00 +0000

Have you tried any of the Stampin' Up embossing folders? They add that gotta touch it texture to your projects and can be used in a variety of ways. This one is pretty straightforward and features the Lattice Embossing Folder: (click on photo to enlarge)

The Rich Razzleberry layer was embossed with the new Lattice Embossing Folder, and then the new Build-a-Wheel images were layered on top. The Eyelet Border Punch was used on the Tempting Turquoise mat, and the Large Flower Punch on the Tempting Turquoise flower. The flower was stamped again in So Saffron Classic Ink, punched out, and layered onto the turquoise flower with a coordinating brad. This cute card was one of the projects we made last month at Christina Crawford's Stamping With Style team meeting. My favorite thing about being a demo is stamping with my friends and attending these special events!

Very Thankful: Featured Last Chance Stamp Set

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 18:00:00 +0000

Have you checked out the Last Chance stamp sets, home decor elements, and accessories? Follow the links to the left to view all the items that will retire on June 30, 2010. One of the stamp sets is Very Thankful, this year's special edition stamp set in support of The Ronald McDonald House charities. Every year, SU introduces a set for RMHC, and a portion of the proceeds from every sale is donated to this wonderful cause. Below is a series of cards I made using this set. The cards make great gifts; just put them in a handmade box or a cello bag tied with some ribbon and a matching handstamped tag, and you have a lovely presentation! Here you go:

Branch Out: Third in a series

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:39:00 +0000

Hi Stampers,
This is the last Branch Out card for now! I still want to show you more of the little extras that come in the set, like a tire swing, boots, and snowflakes. Today's card shows the birdhouse, and a little bird is stamped inside the card. Since this is a 2-Step set, you can build your own design using all the stamps included in the handy-dandy storage box!
Stamps: Branch Out
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Mellow Moss
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Stampin' Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive
Happy Summer!

Branch Out: Second in a series

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:57:00 +0000

Hi Stampers,

I have another card to show you using the same stamp sets and colors as in my last post. My project has a whole new look, just by switching out the embellishments! Instead of ribbon, I used the color coordinating Soft Subtles Brads and the darling Trio Flower Punch on this card. My fellow Demonstrators received this card in a big swap that I participated in back in January, when the Branch Out and Hope Happens Stamp Sets were first released.

Here are the details for this card:

Stamps: Branch Out, Hope Happens (I just love this set; the phrases and fonts are fabulous!)

Ink: Garden Green, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Garden Green, So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Tempting Turquoise, Flock Together Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Trio Flower Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Soft Subtles Brads, Paper Piercer and Mat, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive

You'll see more of the images in these sets later in my series of Branch Out cards!

It's time to Branch Out: First in a series

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 21:18:00 +0000

Hi Stampers,
Today I have a card to share using one of my favorite stamp sets, Branch Out, along with a lovely new word set, Hope Happens. This card also features the retiring In Color, Pacific Point Cardstock, Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, and Ink. I'm happy to report that the Designer Series Paper (DSP) used here, Flock Together, will continue to be available in the new Idea Book & Catalog that will be released on July 1st!

Stamps: Branch Out, Hope Happens
Ink: Pacific Point, Garden Green, Certainly Celery, So Saffron
Cardstock: Pacific Point, Certainly Celery, Garden Green, Very Vanilla, Flock Together DSP
Accessories: Pacific Point Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Ticket Corner Punch, Stampin' Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive

Tip: The Idea Book & Catalog lists coordinating colors for every package of Designer Series Paper, which points you directly to the colors to use on your projects!

This card is pretty easy to figure out, but if you'd like cutting dimensions or have questions, just drop me a note!

Manly Card: Tie Tack Optional!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Hi Stampers!

Today I have a really fun card to share: a masculine design that features an Origami Tie! This is such a fun and easy project, even for those who shy away from origami. Once you get started, you'll find yourself making lots of ties and thinking up ways to use them. I started these for Father's Day, and made extra to use for birthday and thank you cards. Would you like directions and my "live and learn tips? Just send me an e-mail!

Here are the ingredients used on my original card design (the origami tie itself is most definitely not my idea!) :

Stamps: None! The phrase is from the awesome "Chit Chat" Rub-Ons. Tons of phrases (184) for just $10.95. Wow!

Ink: None!

Cardstock: Close to Cocoa base, Bashful Blue (3 3/4" square), Certainly Celery (3 1/2" square), scrap of Designer Series Paper for Origami Tie (4" square).

Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, Rhinestone Brad, Stampin' Up Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates for the Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive.

Wishing all the Dads in your life a very Happy Father's Day!

Hope Happens: Top Note Die Card

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 31 May 2009 15:40:00 +0000

Hi Stampers,
I'm "Branching Out" from my series to show you another way to use the heartwarming stamp set, Hope Happens, as well as many of the same products appearing in my recent posts. Showing you how to get the most out of your Stampin' Up goodies is one my blogging goals.

This card was inspired by a project that one of my uplines, Christina Crawford, designed for us at a team meeting in January. I just switched out the cardstock, Designer Series Paper, and stamp set, and used a coordinating ribbon on my card. Christina is a rock star in the Stampin' Up world, and she is a wonderful, funny, supportive "grandmom" to our team, along with my equally fabulous "mom", the sweet and hilarious Cathy Parlitsis! As successful as these ladies are, one would never know, because they are so modest and always kind and giving. I have always felt so lucky to be part of their Stampin' Up family!

Here are the details for this card with a sentiment tailor-made for Christina and Cathy: "Whoever is happy will make others happy too." ~Anne Frank

Stamps: Hope Happens

Ink: Garden Green

Cardstock: Certainly Celery (the card base), Flock Together Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Top Note Die for the Big Shot, Pacific Point Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Tip: The Top Note Die is a Stampin' Up exclusive product!

Drop me a note or leave a comment if you would like to learn how to make this card!

Gift Bag for Dads, Grads, & Teachers!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:31:00 +0000

Hi Stampers!

Every month we Stampin' Up demonstrators receive a magazine chock full of ideas for stamping, home decor, scrapbooking, etc. The cover of the June 2009 issue sports an adorable gift box-in-a-bag which inspired me to make my own version seen here. Although the concept is the same as that featured in the magazine, I chose completely different papers (such as using Designer Series Paper for the bag), embellishments, stamps, and ribbon to make this my own. The inside holds a small box, perfectly sized for a cello bag filled with your favorite treat! Wouldn't this be cute done in manly colors and filled with Dad's favorite candy or nuts for Father's Day? I'm thinking about filling my Teacher-themed bag with small notecards or bottled-water drink mixes for the beach!

For directions to make this gift bag,

e-mail me by clicking the link to the left!

Supplies used in my Teacher-Themed Gift Box-in-a-Bag:

Stamps: Matchbox Messages (#113800/set of 6 for $25.95; available only until June 30)

Tip: The Matchbox Messages stamps coordinate with the Matchbox Bigz XL Die for the Sizzix Big Shot! This die cuts a Matchbox with cover and 3 different labels.

Ink: Real Red Classic Ink

Paper: Tart & Tangy Designer Series Paper (retired), Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White Cardstock

Tip: All Designer Series Paper is on sale through May 31, 2009: Buy 3, Get 1 FREE!

Accessories: 1/2" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch, Top Note Die, SNAIL adhesive, Cello Bag for candy.

Have fun designing the perfect little gift holder for YOUR special someone!

Just Monkeying Around!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 09 May 2009 12:18:00 +0000

Hi Stampers!

Today I have this cute Sock Monkey card to share! Have you noticed all the Sock Monkey items in the stores? I know Target sells Sock Monkey toys, baby bibs, baby towels, etc. What's old is new again!
This little guy just makes me smile. Besides being so cute, the monkey and all the extras that come with him in the set are line images, so they're perfect for paper-piecing, which is what I've done on this card. The Sock Monkey Stamp Set (#111550/10 stamps for $26.95) comes with 10 images, and 8 more are available in the coordinating Sock Monkey Accessories Set (#111552/8 stamps for $21.95) to help customize your cards and scrapbooks for holidays, graduations, and even new babies!

To paper-piece, grab a line image set and stamp your focal image on your cardstock. Here I've stamped my monkey in Chocolate Chip Classic Ink on Pink Pirouette Cardstock. I used the 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch (#109047/$6.95) on two edges of the Pink Pirouette cardstock. Next, I stamped my monkey again on scraps of Candy Lane Designer Series Paper and Riding Hood Red Designer Series Paper. The heart was stamped on the Riding Hood Red Designer Series Paper, cut out, and popped over the monkey's hand. Now, just cut out the portions of the Designer Series Paper that you want to use to dress up your image, and glue them down. I used a tiny drop of Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive (#110755/$3.95) which is great because when using Tombow, the paper doesn't buckle as it dries!

This month only: in honor of National Scrapbooking Month, all Designer Series Papers AND Textured Cardstock is on sale with SU's "Buy 3, Get 1 Free" Promotion! See my website by clicking the link on the left sidebar for more details and additional sales. All of this cardstock is "true" 12 x 12, and the Designer Series Paper is double-sided, so you get 12 patterns in each pack! Be sure to check out the video on my website under "Creative Projects" to see how to make some special gifts!

Back to the card! As you can see, I use Designer Series Paper (DSP) on almost all my cards. I made this Sock Monkey card for my daughter, who loves the color pink. So, I knew I wanted to use a DSP with lots of pink in it! Candy Lane DSP (#113980) was the natural choice for her.

Tip: When choosing a pack of DSP, all the colors that coordinate are listed in the Big Idea Book and Mini Catalogs right under the photo of the DSP. This is really helpful when choosing the rest of the cardstock to use on your card!

After stamping the monkey and paper-piecing on the Pink Pirouette cardstock, I mounted that onto a square of Chocolate Chip cardstock which I stamped in Craft White Ink using the "friend to friend" sentiment from the Love You Much Stampset (#113756). I then layered it onto a Close to Cocoa mat, which I punched with the Scallop Edge Punch (#112091/$15.95). This was popped up using Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430/$3.95) on a card base of Riding Hood Red Cardstock which I had stamped in Chocolate Chip Ink using the heart stamp from the Sock Monkey Set. A piece of Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon (#111367/$4.95 for 15 yards ) was tied around the front of the card as a finishing touch!

Give paper-piecing with stamps and Designer Series Paper a try, and if you have any questions just let me know!
Happy Stampin'!

Birds of a feather?! Another Love You Much card!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:45:00 +0000

Hi Stampers!

Today I have one more card to show you from my "Love You Much" stamp set, then I'll switch things up a bit in my next post!

This card measures 3" x 3", which is perfect for a little love note or gift tag. Here are the details:

Stamps: Love You Much

Ink: Chocolate Chip (to stamp birdies), Pink Pirouette (light distressing around edges of Very Vanilla Oval), Kiwi Kiss (to add ink to die cut leaves)

Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Very Vanilla, scrap of Candy Lane Designer Series Paper (DSP)

Accessories: Large Oval Punch (this is a tri-fold card so I punched out both the Riding Hood Red card and a scrap of Very Vanilla after stamping the birds), Felt Fusion Flower in Old Olive, More Mustard Brad, Bird & Leaf Die for Big Shot, Stampin' Sponge (to distress Very Vanilla with pink ink), 1/16" Handheld Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals (to pop up Very Vanilla oval), Paper Snips (to cut Candy Lane DSP for bird body), SNAIL adhesive.

These darling little note cards fit perfectly inside the Stampin' Up Mini Square Envelopes (#107309 ~40 Whisper White Envelopes for $7.50)!

Did you know it's Sale-a-Bration time at Stampin' Up?! By selecting just a few of the limited supplies I've showcased over the last few days, you can earn your choice of a FREE Sale-a-Bration gift with every $50 purchase (before shipping and tax). Each gift is valued at $16.95, and it's totally free! And, if you order online through my Stampin' Up website, you can receive a FREE "hot off the press" 2009 Spring~Summer Idea Book & Catalog. This is a limited time offer and available while supplies last, so act quickly! For lots more details, help with product selection, or just any questions you may have, send me an e-mail or visit my Stampin' Up website at http://www.laurapertot.stampinup.net/ . I am always happy to help!

Here is a list of supplies I've used to make ALL of the cards in my recent blog posts
(see each blog post for the specific products used on each card; I did not use all of these products on each card!):

Stamps: Love You Much (#113756 set of 6 stamps in plastic box for $25.95)

Ink: Chocolate Chip (#100908) , Close to Cocoa (# 103139), Pink Pirouette (#111838), Kiwi Kiss (#111835); Craft White (# 101731)

Cardstock: Very Vanilla (#101650), Chocolate Chip (#102128), Close to Cocoa (#101341), Pink Pirouette (#111351), Riding Hood Red (#111348), Kiwi Kiss (#111353), Candy Lane Designer Series Paper (#113980), Riding Hood Red Designer Series Paper (#112155). Note: all Designer Series Paper is true 12" x 12" double-sided!

Tip: You can purchase all of our solid color cardstock in assorted color packs and receive a bunch of coordinating colors at low cost. Assortments are sold in color families, so they are sure to work together! Most inks can also be purchased in color family assortments in full or mini sizes.

Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch, 1/16" Handheld Punch, Large Oval Punch, Big Shot, Bird & Leaf Bigz Die, Brads, Felt Fusion flower, Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Riding Hood Red 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Library Clip, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips, SNAIL adhesive.

Tip: To make cards, you really only need to take a SIP: Stamps, Ink, & Paper!

I hope you've enjoyed my Love You Much cards! If you have a favorite or want to know more details on how to create these cards, just leave a comment on my blog!

Happy Stamping!

Love You Much... More!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:13:00 +0000

Hi Stampers!

Today I'm going to show you two very similar cards, using all the same colors but different embellishments. With just one pack of Designer Series Paper, a few coordinating colors of cardstock (choose the colors in the DSP), an inkpad or two, and some neutral embellishments you can make a bunch of cards with very limited supplies! Both cards feature the following Stampin' Up products:

Stamps: Love You Much

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Candy Lane Designer Series Paper

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Craft White

Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch (to pop out the center of the scalloped piece), Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive.

Additional Accessories are noted in each card description:

The card on the top is embellished with one tiny Library Clip and Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, and I used the 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch on the edges to mirror the Scallops. The layer with the Library Clip is popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals, as is the layer on the card with the brad. I mixed up the colors and used a Silver Brad over a small piece of Riding Hood Red 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon on the card on the bottom. The use of Riding Hood Red gives this card a much richer look, don't you think?! This card also features one of my most-used tools, the Ticket Corner Punch!

It is so quick and easy to make cards when you start with just a few coordinating supplies! Since all of our Designer Series Paper is double-sided, you can just flip a piece over for a whole different look! All of the coordinating cardstock colors are listed right in the Idea Book & Catalog, so it's all done for you!

Tip: When I am purchasing Designer Series Paper, I often choose an additional pack of a coordinating monochromatic color. See the Riding Hood Red scallop in the bottom corner of my last post? It matches the Candy Lane DSP which I used on the vertical strips under the birdies!

All of these colors are still on my table, so watch for another card using these limited supplies!

Happy Stamping!

Love You Much

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:22:00 +0000

Hi Stampers!

I am so glad to be home, stamping, and posting to my blog after spending a couple weeks at an out of state children's hospital while my daughter received treatment for juvenile arthritis. Thank you to all my loyal stampin' friends for your thoughts, prayers, and support. Every kind wish has helped on my daughter's road to recovery. I am so grateful!

You will see that I am making up for lost time! Over the next few days I will be posting all of my latest creations, and will keep busy stamping and sharing. I am working on something really special, and will post when it's ready.

My first card is one I designed for a team meeting for demonstrators in my Stampin' Up family. Attending demo meetings is one of my favorite things to do, since I get to be the guest! Here are the details:

Stamp Set: Love You Much

Cardstock: Very Vanilla (scrap for Large Oval); Chocolate Chip (5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4" to form card base); Candy Lane Designer Series Paper (5 1/2" x 1 1/2" and 5 1/2" x 1"); Riding Hood Red Designer Series Paper (about 4 1/2" square and run through the Big Shot using Scallop Circle Bigz Die, then cut into quarters)

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Craft White

Accessories: Heart to Heart Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Circle Bigz Die, Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (7"), Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive

You can probably figure out how to assemble the layers by looking at the photo above, but here are some tips just in case:

1. Stamp the "friend to friend" greeting using Craft White ink on the Chocolate Chip card base.

2. All of our Designer Series Papers (DSP) are double sided, which makes it so easy to coordinate colors! I layered the multi-colored stripe onto the Chocolate Chip card base, and then the flowered Close to Cocoa strip just overlapping the stripe.

3. Next I wrapped the Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon over the Cocoa DSP strip.

4. The adorable birdies were stamped using Chocolate Chip ink on Very Vanilla cardstock, and then punched out with the Large Oval. Pink Pirouette ink was used to add some color, and I used the Heart to Heart Punch on a tiny scrap of Riding Hood Red DSP for the tiny heart between the birds. The oval was popped up over the cocoa strip and ribbon using Stampin' Dimensionals.

5. After running the Riding Hood Red DSP through my Big Shot with the Scallop Circle Die, I cut it into quarters and adhered one quarter to the card base. You will have three quarters left, so go make more cards!

More tomorrow! Until then, happy stamping!

Seriously Sassy: My Favorite Retiring Stamp Set!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:51:00 +0000

Hi Stampers!

Happy New Year! Whew...back to blogging after a long holiday break! I hope 2009 brings you happiness, contentment, and a life richly blessed with the love of family and friends. A little stampin' time wouldn't hurt, either!

Today's card is my original design and features the stamp set "Seriously Sassy"...I am seriously sad this one is being retired! I've used this set with girls of all ages and they all love it...the little girls that attend crop night with their moms, and my college girl, too! It even coordinates with the "Cool Dude" stamp set which is also retiring...great for boys and surfers! The Tempting Turquoise layer is stamped with the Canvas Background Stamp for added texture...another well-loved stamp that is also retiring. If you want to add these to your collection, let me know before January 18th!

My Seriously Sassy cards features a couple fun techniques: Beaded Staples and Frog in a Blender. I LOVE frogs, so trust me, I didn't choose the name for that technique! Here is the recipe and the how-to so you can re-create this card at home:

Stamps: Seriously Sassy, Canvas Background Stamp.

Ink: Green Galore, Gable Green, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black Classic Ink Pads; Pink Passion and Lovely Lilac Reinkers.

Cardstock: Pink Passion, Tempting Turquoise, Lovely Lilac, Gable Green, Whisper White.

Accessories: White Grosgrain Ribbon, Ticket Corner Punch, Dazzling Diamonds, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive, Crafter's Tool Kit, Bead Duo, Future Floor Wax, Staples.

Method:

Pink Passion card base: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"; score long side at 4 1/4" to form card.

Tempting Turquoise: 2 1/2" x 4 1/4"; Ink Canvas Background Stamp in Tempting Turquoise and stamp.

Lovely Lilac: 3 3/4" x 2 3/4" and 1 3/8" x 2 3/4"; use Ticket Corner Punch on each corner.

Gable Green: 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"; use Ticket Corner Punch on each corner. Stamp the "Seriously Sassy" image using Green Galore ink, and use the direct-to-paper technique with the Green Galore inkpad to add dimension to the Gable Green cardstock.

Whisper White: 1" x 2 1/2". Use Ticket Corner Punch in each corner. WOW! That punch comes in handy!

Frog in a Blender Technique: Pour a little Future Floor Wax in the bottom of a container slightly larger than your Whisper White cardstock. Take your reinkers and squeeze out a few drops of each color, separating them by an inch or two. Take a skewer or toothpick and swirl your ink drops until you get the effect you're after, being careful not to mix them completely! Lay your cardstock face down on top of the marblized Future Floor Wax. Make up a bunch of scraps and save them for later use! Carefully lift your cardstock up and set aside to dry. If desired, sprinkle some Dazzling Diamonds glitter very lightly on top (you can also sprinkle it into the container of wax, but I liked having the control of adding it myself). When dry, stamp an image onto your swirly-colored cardstock. I used the "bff" image in the Seriously Sassy set! The result is a colorful, almost pearlized looking embellishment for your card.

Adhere the Tempting Turquoise strip to the Pink Passion base, the Gable Green to the large Lovely Lilac mat, and the Frog in a Blender piece to the small Lovely Lilac Mat.

Adhere the "Seriously Sassy" image over the Tempting Turquoise strip using SNAIL, and the "bff" image overlapping it using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Beaded Staple Technique: To get perfect results with the beads, take a staple and hold it between your fingers. Gently press it down on your card so the staple prongs mark where you want the beaded embellishment. I used two staples for some extra punch! Next, choose beads from the Bead Duo and string them on the staple. Use a paper piercer or needle and the little foam mat from the Crafter's Tool Kit to poke holes in the cardstock where you marked it with the staple prongs. Push your beaded staple through, and manually bend the prongs on the opposite side to hold in place. Voila! Isn't that a gorgeous touch?!

This is a great set for birthdays, Valentine's Day, and is fabulous for scrapbook pages! I hope you enjoy this card and it inspires you to make one for your own bff!

Hats Off to Santa Claus!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:01:00 +0000

Hi Stampers!

I have a quick and easy card to share with you today! Don't those little Santa hats just make you smile? Making up a bunch of these jolly cards will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit!

Stamps: Holidays & Wishes

Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White, Ballet Blue

Ink: Real Red, Ballet Blue, Versamark

Accessories: 1 3/8" Square Punch, Word Window Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Jumbo Stampin' Around Bold Snowflakes Wheel & Handle, SNAIL adhesive.

Here's a little tip for you: emboss your Whisper White and Real Red cardstock before punching out the pieces to make the hats...it's so much easier than embossing tiny pieces!

It's time to Shellebrate!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 02:24:00 +0000

Hi Stampers!

I hope you're all in the mood to "Shellebrate"! This is my favorite non-traditional Christmas set...my daughter is a beach baby, hubby loves to fish, and I find the surf so soothing all year 'round. I love the whimsical nature of this set! Besides the images seen here, it also includes an adorable surfin' snowman and another sentiment: "christmas fishes to all!"...so cute!

Here are the ingredients for this card:

Stamp Sets: Shellebrate, Itty Bitty Backgrounds.

Cardstock: Ruby Red, Kraft, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Confetti White, Baja Breeze Designer Series Paper.

Ink: Basic Brown, Not Quite Navy, Craft White; Markers in Old Olive, Blush Blossom, Close to Cocoa, Cameo Coral, Going Gray; Baja Breeze Reinker.

Accessories: Aqua Painter, 2 Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Word Window Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Stampin' Sponges, SNAIL adhesive.

I glittered most of the seashells, so they're really sparkly, and since one can never have too much sparkle, there's some on the sand, too! I hand tore the Baja Breeze Designer Series Paper to get the wave effect, and the Not Quite Navy layer is also torn to enhance the effect. Stampin' Sponges were used on the Kraft and Not Quite Navy layers to simulate the spray of the ocean, and the adorable little Santa fish is punched and mounted off center, so he looks like he's in a bubble! The Word Window Punch was used to cut out the sentiment, and Itty Bitty Backgrounds was used to get the bubble effect in my Not Quite Navy "water". I used a combination of watercoloring and markers on the "tree"...just take a plastic palette or plate, mix a few drops of reinker with a tiny bit of water until you get the color you desire, and paint with your Aquapainter or any small brush! Tip: you can even let the reinker dry up when you're done, and re-use it in the future by just adding water again or dipping your Aquapainter into the dried ink!

I think this little fish is off to enjoy a "swimming" Christmas! I hope your holidays are happy, too!

Origami Ornaments: side by side photos

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:19:00 +0000

Hi Stampers! I thought it would be helpful to show my two Origami Ornaments together so you can see how manipulating the size of your Designer Paper strips results in different sizes for your finished project. The larger ornament is 4" in diameter from tip to tip, and the smaller one is 3" across. Serendipity! I just figured out that the diameter of my finished ornaments is the same as the length of my starting strips! I'm going to go test my theory by making another size, and will report back. Hope you are having a fun day!

Simple & Sweet Origami Ornaments: My Take!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:55:00 +0000

Hi Stampers!

Today I have another Origami Ornament for you! This is my spin-off from the original instructions. I just cut my Designer Series Paper into larger strips, keeping the proportion intact.

Tip: I plan to use this larger ornament with paper that has larger scale designs since the pattern will be more visible. Our Designer Series Papers feature a nice mix of both large and small scale patterns, so you can make a whole bunch of these ornaments from just one pack, and they'll all coordinate!

Another tip: If you have a small gift to wrap, use a piece of Designer Series Paper, and then choose a coordinating piece for an ornament embellishment for your gift!

Today's ornament features the Holiday Treasures Designer Series Paper. I just love this paper...it has many of my favorite patterns in one pack: Dots, Stitching, Subtle Snowflakes, Stripes, Houndstooth Plaid, and the most gorgeous Florals I've ever seen! There are even some Paisley motifs! Almost every sheet can be used beyond the holidays. I need to stock up!

I am keeping these ornaments fairly simple...origami just seems to call for simplicity. I added three Ivory Half Pearls from the Pretties Kit and used Tombow Mono Multi Adhesive to glue them on. I think they look like little berries!

Off to make more ornaments...I can't wait to try these with the florals, now that I've figured out how to make them large enough to enjoy the gorgeous patterns!

Simple & Sweet Origami Ornaments

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:24:00 +0000

Hi Stampers!

Yesterday one of my fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrators and SUDSOL sisters asked for volunteers to create samples of a mystery project. She hinted that it would be easy, require just a little Designer Series Paper, and just a couple tools. I had some time and was very curious, so I jumped into the challenge! These are so much fun to make...once you start it's hard to stop! Here is my first ornament:

This one uses the following products:

Riding Hood Red Designer Series Paper (this paper is double sided, so I just alternated between the two designs!)

Tart & Tangy Designer Series Paper (for the paper ribbon)

Silver Elastic Cord, 1/8" Handheld Hole Punch, Tabletop Cutter (to cut very thin strips of paper for "ribbon"), and a Mini Glue Dot to adhere the bow...that's it!

This would be such a fun family project! The ornaments can be used to decorate your tree, packages, cards, you name it! How cute would it be to put a photo in the opening?! If you would like to make these quick and easy ornaments, e-mail me for directions!

You can print the Magic Reindeer Food poem!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:24:00 +0000

I have received so many sweet comments and e-mails on my little test tube experiment with the Magic Reindeer Food...thank you! In my original post, I credited Kimberley Morris with the poem. You can find the poem AND print it out here: procrastistamper: Reindeer & Snowman Holiday Toppers . How generous of Kimberley to take the time to give us a printable version of her poem! Take a peek at her site for some adorable Christmas toppers! I will have more test tube experiments on my blog soon!

I hope you've enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends! As a reminder, the SU Holiday Extravaganza with discounts up to 50% off ends tomorrow, and the sale on Rub-Ons ends today! Call or e-mail with any questions you may have!

Some Magic for the Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:19:00 +0000

Magic Reindeer Food!

One of my favorite Christmas traditions when my kids were little was to mix up a batch of Magic Reindeer Food and have them sprinkle it on the grass before tucking them into bed on Christmas Eve! It was easy to believe that the yummy treat and sparkling crystals would lead Santa's reindeer right to our home. I decided to mix some up this year and continue the tradition with my nieces and nephews, and what better way to package it than in these cute little test tube holders?!

This project uses the following Stampin' Up! products:

Stamps: Deer Friends (Level 2 Hostess Set)

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Creamy Caramel

Accessories: Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Elastic Cord, 1/8" Handheld Punch, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Scallop Punch, Write Me A Memory Font CD-Volume II, SNAIL adhesive. That's it!

Many thanks to my friend, Kimberley Morris, for sharing the adorable Reindeer Food poem!

The Magic Reindeer Food is a mixture of oatmeal and Wilton Sugar Crystals...much safer for the animals than adding glitter to the mix, and it's just as sparkly! It won't hurt your kids if they decide to taste it, too.

These were a big hit at a craft fair last week, and I will have some on hand in December at our local crop night. If you can't attend or are long-distance, contact me for purchasing details!

Watch for more of my test tube projects! I just hosted a mega-swap of these little cuties so you can expect to see them all over soon!

Now that the reindeer are taken care of, it's time for me to get back to my Thanksgiving preparations. I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy the company of family and friends.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:04:00 +0000

Welcome!

Thank you for visiting my new blog, developed by Heather Wright-Porto of Blogs By Heather, as well as Michelle Laycock of Laycock Designs. Both ladies were remarkable in helping me come to this design as well as answering all my questions. They went above and beyond in working closely with me to ensure that my blog would be a reflection of my style! I am very grateful for their time, expertise, and patience . I truly would not have a presence here without their professional advice and generosity of spirit.

I wish both Heather and Michelle continued success and recommend their services completely. Thank you!!!

Be sure to subscribe to my Stamping Hostess blog and be among the first to see my latest hand-stamped cards, packages, scrapbook pages, altered items, and more! I look forward to sharing with you!

Thank you,

It's a "Merry & Bright" Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:12:00 +0000

Today is such a happy day for me! I am finally launching my new blog, after learning all kinds of tips and tricks from Heather Wright-Porto and Michelle Laycock to bring me up to speed in the blogging world. See the links on my sidebar for all their info...I have been so blessed by their warmth, generosity, and vast knowledge!

Doesn't this little snowman from the "Merry & Bright" Stamp Set just make you smile? I was so glad to see him appear in the Fall~Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog (page 37...4 die cut images for $14.95). No trimming required on the new die cut stamp images!

This is an easy project to make, and one that can be adapted to all holidays, birthdays, or other celebrations. Just switch the stamp set, cardstock, and ribbon colors, and fill with matching candy!

Here are the ingredients for this cute Snowman treat. If you would like more information, contact me at laura@laurapertot.com and I'll be happy to help!

Stamp Set: Merry & Bright (item # 110376)

Cardstock: Real Red (item # 102482), Old Olive (item # 100702), Whisper White (item # 100730)

Designer Series Paper: Summer Picnic (item # 111355)

Ink: Basic Black Classic Ink Pad (item # 101179), Markers in Real Red (item # 100052), Bashful Blue (item # 105111), and Pumpkin Pie (item # 105115)

Accessories: 1/2" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon in Real Red (item # 110714), Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (item #102023), Horizontal Slot Punch (item # 105089), Paper Piercing Tool and Template from Crafter's Tool Kit (item # 104310), Stampin' Dimensionals (item # 104430), 2-Way Glue Pen (item # 100425), SNAIL adhesive (item # 104332), Small Flat Cellophane Bags (item # 103104)

Other: Wrapped Peppermint Candies

I hope you have a Merry & Bright day!