Featured Stamp Set – Coffee Cafe

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Anyone who knows me really well, knows that I LOVE coffee!  There is nothing like the first sip in the morning it makes me instantly happy.  I do have a few coffee rules; only hot coffee in the morning no matter the weather and in the afternoon hot if the temperature is below 50 and iced if it is over. There is a slight variation on this if it is raining I have hot in the afternoon no matter the temperature.  I know it’s a little quirky but that’s how I roll in the coffee department.

It was no surprise that as soon as I saw the Coffee Cafe stamp set, and the entire Coffee Break Suite it was a must have for me! I really like the sayings as well as the Designer Series Paper (“DSP”) and the super adorable Corrugated Elements.

The colors are very earthy which play nicely on the coffee theme.

Coffee Break Suite

It was the first set I chose to really play with when my first order arrived.  Here is what I came up with.

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First up a little gate fold card.  The card base is Pear Pizzazz cardstock 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ score at 2 1/8″ and 6 3/8″).  I used the polka dot DSP on the front of each panel (1 7/8 x 5 1/4″).  Then I stamped the large cup and lid using Early Espresso and the oval saying with Pear Pizzazz on Whisper White cardstock, then each image was cut out using the Coffee Cups Framelits.  I also cut the coffee collar from Early Espresso cardstock using the fluted framelit. Next I attached the lid and coffee collar to the cup with a small amount of Multipurpose Liquid Glue.  The oval saying was adhered to the oval Corrugated Element and attached using a dimensional.  I tied a strand of linen thread around the top then into a small bow.  The coffee cup gets attached to the left side only, make sure you only apply adhesive to that side so the card can open and close.

I will be having a video how to on this card once my editor can help me with it.  And by editor I mean my daughter.  She is a tad busy the next few weeks moving into her first house, they closed on it this past week and are busy cleaning and painting.  They thought it best to get this done before all the furniture was moved in.  So production is on hold for a little while until she is settled in .

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Next I wanted to continue with the polka dot DSP but add a few new elements.  The Coffee Cups Framelits come with a teeny tiny coffee cup that fits perfectly on the cups of another sheet paper from the Coffee Break DSP pack.  I thought it would be fun having them stacked on top of one anther going along the inside of the card.  The card front is slightly smaller than the back allowing the cups to peek through.  The Soft Sky card base is 5 1/2″ x 7 1/2″, score at 4 1/4″.  I added a strip of the polka dots to the front panel (3″ x 5 1/4″.  Next I stamped the cup and lid in Early Espresso on Whisper White cardstock and the saying in Soft Sky, it fits perfectly in the cup! They were cut out using the framelits and attached as in the first card.  I took a small strip of burlap ribbon and attached using Tear & Tape adhesive, then the cup was attached on top using dimensionals.  Next I cut 5 little cups from the DSP and glued along inside of the card using Multipurpose Liquid Glue. I always try to use odd numbers in my “works of heart”. In high school my art teacher always told us odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye and that rule has stuck with me all these years.

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I decided to change-up the DSP for this card.  This time I used Early Espresso for the card base (5 1/2 x 8 1/2″ score at 4 1/4), with a Crumb Cake panel (4″ x 5 1/4″) on top of this.  I cut the DSP into 2 strips 1 3/4″ x 5″ with a small Early Espresso Strip 1/4″ x 5″, these were attached to the Crumb Cake panel then attached to the card base.  I stamped the cup and lid again in Early Espresso but this time on Soft Sky cardstock and cut out with the framelits. The coffee collar was cut this time using the plain framelit not the fluted one. The cup was assembled  as done previously and the heart Corrugated Element was added with a dimensional.  I stamped the saying on Whisper White cardstock in Crumb Cake then stamped the hearts in Soft Sky using the outline heart stamp and coloring in with the matching Stampin’ Write marker.  I added a touch of clear Wink of Stella for some sheen.  This was cut out using the Layering Ovals framelits and I cut a matching oval the next size up in Early Espresso,  then attached to the card using dimensionals.

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I do love the occasional iced latte with whipped cream so that is what inspired this card.  I used Garden Green for the card base, standard size 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ score at 4 1/4″.  I took a Crumb Cake panel (4″ x 5 1/4″) and stamped it using the Burlap Background Stamp in Crumb Cake ink then attached to the card base.  Then I took a 2 1/2″ x 4″ piece of DSP and tore the edges.  To get the white inside to show tear the paper toward you not away.  This was attached to the Crumb Cake panel.  Next I stamped the saying on Whisper White using Garden Green ink.  I tore the saying out then using a sponge dauber I inked the edges with Soft Suede, this was attached to the DSP using dimensionals.  The cup was cut from Crumb Cake and sponged with Soft Suede.  I stamped the straw using the small striped stamp on a scrap of Whisper White using Garden Green.  With the photopolymer stamps you can line up each section with ease to create one long strip which was then cut with the framelit.  The whipped cream was stamped using Crumb Cake and cut out along with the coffee collar in the matching DSP.  To give the whipped cream a little something extra I added a little Wink of Stella in clear. After assembling the coffee cup, it was attached to the card with dimensionals.

This card will be featured in a video, as it has many elements that people always ask me about such as getting a clear image with a background stamp and tearing to get those nice feathered edges.

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Now to show you the versatility of this set, I made a birthday card with a cupcake using the coffee collar and whipped cream.  I also played with my other must have the Embossing Paste! The card base is Early Espresso, 4 1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5 1/2″, on top of this I added a Pear Pizzazz panel (4″ x 5 1/4″). I took a piece of striped DSP (3 3/4″ x 5″) and cut the center using the largest oval framelit from Layering Ovals.  I cut another oval from the polka dot DSP, (I told you I loved the polka dot DSP!) and inserted it in the center of the striped panel.  Now comes the fun part….I cut whipped cream out of a piece of thick Whisper White cardstock.  I took a small amount of the Embossing Paste and put it on my Silicone Craft Sheet with a palette knife. I added a few drops of Early Espresso reinker and mixed it up to make the yummy chocolate frosting, I swear it looked just like real frosting I was very impressed! Then I frosted the little whipped cream piece, just like a real cupcake. While the embossing paste dries pretty quick when used in a thin layer, since this was so thick I hit it with a hairdryer on low to speed drying time. Then using Crumb Cake card stock I cut my cupcake using the fluted coffee collar.  I found it a little large so I trimmed it down with my Paper Snips to a perfect cupcake size.  The edges were sponged with Soft Suede and a dauber.  I cut out the banners using the Duet Banner punch after I stamped the sayings from the Happy Birthday Gorgeous set in Early Espresso ink.  These edges were also sponged with Soft Suede ink.  Then the banners and cupcake were attached with dimensionals.

Supplies Used:

I hope you enjoyed these projects using the Coffee Break Suite.  If you have any questions about any of the featured cards, please let me know I would be happy to help!

If you would like to get a notification each time I post a project share, specials from Stampin’ Up! or myself, class schedules or video tutorials, please make sure you click “Follow By Email” at the top of this post.  That way you won’t miss a thing!  As always, please feel free to share any post on Pinterest or Facebook!

If you are interested in attending classes or any of my all day events be sure to visit my events page for a current schedule.

Happy Stamping!

~Jo
Making the world a happier place, one card at a time!

June Specials

From Stampin’ Up!:

Earn an Extra $35 in Stampin’ Rewards with a Qualifying Workshop or Order!

From June 1 – June 30, 2017 earn an extra $35 in Stampin Rewards with a workshop or order totaling $350 or more! Call me to book your workshop now before my calendar fills up!!  This is a perfect chance to get some of items on your Wish List from the new catalog for FREE!!

For more information [CLICK HERE]

From Me:

As a thank you for supporting my business, with any order of $35 or more (before shipping and tax) you will receive a FREE Sampler of Assorted Ribbons, Embellishments and Designer Series Paper !

Just enter Hostess Code 9KXHCYBD when you place your order online. I will send your gift to the address used for your order. If your order is $150 or more DO NOT enter the code. If you enter the code you won’t get your Stampin’ Rewards for FREE goodies and I wouldn’t want you to lose out on those! I will automatically send your gift when the order is placed.

This offer is only available only through Joanne Mulligan, an Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.  At this time I can only accept orders in the United States.  

To shop with me [CLICK HERE]

October Class Schedules

Let’s get ready to celebrate both Halloween and World Card Making Day!  

World Card Making Day is October 1st this year and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by getting together with us and create 5 cards that are perfect for a variety of occasions!

And let’s not forget Halloween!  You will be making a set of adorable “BOO” boxes using the Halloween Night Specialty Designer Series paper, two little treat boxes using the Jar of Haunts set and a treat bag using the set Cookie Cutter Halloween and the coordinating punch!

For more details and class dates please click here!

I can’t wait to see you all in Ocober!!

~Jo

 

 

 

Step right up..more cupcake fun!

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I have to apologize for not posting my Sunday Share this week, life has been a little crazy the past few weeks.  My husband sprained his LCL so he is in a knee brace and having a little trouble getting around. He is wonderful about helping me since I also work full time but with his bum leg his number one priority is to rest so he can get better. He is healing nicely and moving around a lot better so I am able to get some stamping time in.

Today I want to show you how to use the two step or as I like to call it the “three step” Sweet Cupcake set to make this adorable birthday greeting.

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When you look at the set, you will notice on the image sheet there are little numbers letting you know what order to stamp the images in. But me being the rebel I am I like to stamp mine in reverse, 3, 2 then 1. For me it is easier to start with the solid then build the layers ending with the most detailed stamp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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First I picked the #3 frosting stamp.  It is the one that is pretty solid.and inked it up using Pink Pirouette.  Stamp off on scrap paper once to make the image pretty light. Then stamp on a small piece of Whisper White cardstock.  Next I picked the #2 frosting stamp, ink again in Pink Pirouette and stamp directly over the first image.  Note: Because this ink is so light I did not stamp off first but stamped it in full strength.  Final step use the #1 stamp and  using the same ink again, stamp over the image.  Again full strength ink to make those frosting swirls come to life!

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Now we are going to do the same with the cupcake.  Using the #3 cupcake stamp I inked it using Chocolate Chip classic ink.  This time I stamped it off not once but twice on my grid paper to make it as light as I could. Then I stamped it on the same scrap of Whisper White cardstock as the frosting.  Next up the #2 stamp, ink in Chocolate Chip then stamp off once on the grid paper and stamp over the first image.  Last take the #1 stamp, ink stamp using the Chocolate Chip full strength over the other two images and viola a yummy cupcake with loads of detail.

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For the candle this is a two step, I stamped the solid candle in Pink Pirouette then the stripes using Chocolate Chip ink.  The Flame is stamped using Pink Pirouette

Run everything through the Big Shot using the coordinating framelits.  The word “wish” was cut from Pink Pirouette cardstock.

Learn more about the coordinating framelits and Big Shot here.

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Using the Clear Wink of Stella pen I colored over each piece, just to give it a little bit of glimmer. This is one of my favorite new toys!  Love how it dries so quick and gives a subtle sheen.  When I looked at the candle I thought it should be inside the frosting just how a candle would be. So time to break out the old X-Acto knife and self healing mat to cut a small slit.  Then I inserted the candle.

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Time to assemble the card!  The polka dot DSP in Chocolate Chip is adhered to a Pink Pirouette panel and attached to the far left side of the card base.  A Fun Tip: When using photopolymer word stamps it is so easy to create your own phrases. I took “Make A” and “Big”  and mounted them on one clear block to make a single “stamp”.  I stamped this with Chocolate Chip ink onto a Whisper White panel.  This is the mounted on Chocolate Chip cardstock then Pink Pirouette cardstock, attach to the card base as shown.  Using itty bitty teeny tiny dots, no bigger than a pin head of Mono Liquid Glue attach “wish” under the stamped greeting.  Dimensionals are used to attach the cupcake and frosting taking care to make sure the candle creates the “I” in wish. Then attach the little flame.  The final touch, a little bling by adding three rhinestones at the bottom.

The final card!

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Sweet Cupcake Set – Stampin’ Up!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!  Check back soon, next time we will continue the bundle and Big Shot theme with the set Jar of Love. As always if you have any question please feel free to contact me any time!

Happy Stamping!!

~Jo

Supplies used today:

Having Fun with the Big Shot!

This is by far my favorite tool, I use this little baby all the time!  I remember before the Big Shot debuted, when you wanted to dry emboss you needed to use a light table and brass stencils and all the fussy cutting of images, I don’t miss that at all!

The Big Shot retails for $110.00 and includes two standard cutting pads and platform. You may have sticker shock with the price, it is a lot to spend but this tool is worth every penny! The amount of time saved, plus all the awesome things it can do with it make it a must have purchase that you will use for years to come!  If you would like to know how to reduce the cost by 50%, let me know I would be glad to help you!

Now let’s get started with a simple card using both framelits and a textured embossing folder.  This tutorial will show the most popular ways to use the Big Shot; to emboss and to cut out images.

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Clockwise from left: Cupcake Cutouts Framelits, Confetti Textured Embossing Folder, Standard Platform, Big Shot Machine, Finished Project, Magnetic Platform, Standard Cutting Pads, Sweet Cupcake Set.

First let’s start with embossing!

If you have been stamping as long as I have, you will remember the only way to dry emboss was to use those fancy little brass stencils and the light table plus you had to be near an outlet. The Big Shot eliminates all that so it is completely portable. I have even taken mine camping!

You will need a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder or TIEF for short.  Here, I am using the Confetti TIEF.  I love this folde with how the confetti acts as a frame.  You will note one side has indentations and the other side has raised images, this is what will create the embossed effect when the two sides are pressed together.  Simply open the folder and slide the cardstock inside, then close it up.

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Now we are ready to run this through the Big Shot.  You will be using a standard platform and two cutting plates, making a little embossing “sandwich”.  If you have an older platform like me it has several tabs with each one used for a different function.  Tab 2 is used to cut framelits and thinlets and Tab 1 is for embossing.  Flip open to Tab 1 and place one cutting pad on the platform.  The new platforms available through Stampin’ Up! no longer have the tabs.  Now add your TIEF on top, then place the other cutting pad on top of the TIEF. You have now created your “sandwich”.  Slide it into the Big Shot as shown, grab the handle and crank away. This is my favorite part, it will pull it along as you crank, squishing the two sides of the TIEF together making a perfectly embossed panel!  So much quicker that tracing those brass stencils isn’t it?

After embossing my panel I wanted the raised images to stand out a bit so I sponged the panel with Soft Sky classic ink and a sponge dauber.  Then I stamped the greeting using Chocolate Chip classic ink.

Next up, cutting out a stamped image with the framelits!  You will need a set of framelits, I am using Cupcake Cutouts which coordinates with the Sweet Cupcake stamp set.  And bonus…they are available as a bundle!  Not only can you save 10% when ordered as a bundle but during the month of July, my personal monthly special is purchase any bundle in the current catalog you will receive a FREE bottle of Stampin’ Mist!

Taking another trip down Memory Lane, when you wanted an image to pop off the card you would stamp and then grab those scissors and cut away.  I can vividly remember making Christmas cards one year. I loved my design only thing I didn’t think of when creating one  card was all the cutting I was going to have to do for forty cards.  I can tell you by about the tenth card my hand was cramping and I was beginning to wonder what I was thinking with all that cutting.  Not so bad with one but forty…yikes!!  If I had a Big Shot I would have had those little images cut out in records time!

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To make the cute little cupcake, I stamped the image first on scrap cardstock using the Sweet Cupcake set, Soft Sky and Chocolate Chip Classic ink.  FYI- For my Sunday Share next week, I will be showing how to use the 3-step Sweet Cupcake photopolymer set to get that beautiful realistic shading!  Make sure you follow me so you know when a new post is available!!  After the image is stamped it is now time to cut it out.

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For framelits I use the magnetic platform.  Since they are made from metal when you place them over your stamped image they will “stick” to the platform.  This will reduce the risk of having the framelit shift so you get a perfect cut every time!  If you haven’t invested in the magnetic platform yet, you can tape down the framelit with a little piece of washi tape or the sticky side of a small post-it note.  You want to make sure you use something that will be easily removed from the paper without tearing it.

Now we are going to make another sandwich.  Place a cutting pad down on the magnetic platform.  You might notice all the cut marks, I have two sets of cutting pads.  One set I use for framelits and the other set for embossing only.  Next comes the stamped images.  Take note the framelits have a flat side and a raised side. It is very important that the raised side is placed down over the image with the flat side facing up.  Take care to line up the framelits over your image. If you’re using the magnetic platform it will stick in place if not be sure to secure the framelit as described above.  After the framelits are in the right spots cover with the other cutting pad.  Again you made another “sandwich”!  When cutting out images, I like to run it through twice to make sure it cut through.  I crank it one way and then reverse before I take it out of the machine. And viola your images are perfectly cut out!

Once everything was cut out, I went over the images with Wink of Stella in clear to give it a little shimmer.  Then I assembled the card using a Soft Sky card base, Chocolate Chip panel then the embossed panel.  Finally I attached the cupcake with dimensionals to make it pop!

And here is the finished card….

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Sweet Cupcake Set – Stampin’ Up!

Thank you for visiting today!  Be sure to check back often, I am in the process of updating several pages including …drum roll….video tutorials!  A little nervous about that but I know once I get through one video I will be OK.  And anyone who knows me, knows I love to talk!

Happy Stamping!

~Jo

Items used in todays share:

Quick Stamping Share! Sweet Cupcake

I have had so much fun creating with this set, the cupcakes are so realistic and the three-step stamping creates so much depth.. I am really in love with these images!!  And in true Stampin’ Up! fashion, the set has coordinating framelits, so getting exact cuts are a breeze!

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I am working out a new schedule for posts so you can get several new ideas each week. This Thursday I will be taking a look at my favorite tool the Big Shot.  And next Sunday I will have a more in-depth look at this set with directions for creating these fun cards!

And coming soon ..video tutorials!!  My wonderful daughter just graduated from college with an art degree so she will be helping me get started.  I can’t wait to share these with you!!

As always thank you for visiting!  Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July!!

Happy Stamping!!

~Jo

Watercolor Four Panel Birthday Card

Happy Wednesday!

100_0702For my first card idea I picked this one, which has been really popular on Pinterest. Since I posted it about a month ago it has been repinned almost 500 times!  Watercoloring is one of my favorite things to do, I think of it as grown-up coloring. It brings me back to my box of crayons and my coloring books as a little girl, so relaxing! It’s also a pretty easy technique for any level of stamper, there really is no right or wrong way to do it. You can just stamp and color or if you are feeling adventurous you can add some depth and shadows. I also love the layout of this card, the way the corners are rounded on two sides of each square, it really makes a beautiful focal point to the card. Have fun creating!

’til next time!!

~Jo

Supplies Used:

Sizes of cardstock:

Elegant Eggplant  – 1 piece (5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″)

1 piece (3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″, cut into 4 squares 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″)

Tip Top Taupe – 1 piece (4″ x 5 1/4″)

Shimmery White – 1 piece (3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″

Directions:

Attach Tip Top Taupe panel to the Elegant Eggplant card base and set aside.

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Stamp your flower and butterfly from the Best Thoughts stamp set onto the Shimmery White cardstock using the StazOn pad. This stamp set is an exclusive hostess set, with any qualifying workshop or individual order of $150 or more you can purchase this set for $10.00! The StazOn pad is perfect for watercolor as it is a permanent ink and will not bleed.

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With your ink pad closed, squeeze the pad to create a nice pool of ink in the cover. Use your Aqua Painter to pick up the ink and color your image. It makes it so easy to watercolor, no need to keep dipping your brush in water, it’s right in the pen!  If you want to have some sections of the image appear darker, apply the watercolor in layers, this way the cardstock won’t get too wet. I apply a base layer, then after it has dried a little I go back in and apply more color to create some depth.

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After the panel is dry, cut into four equal squares of 1 5/8″ x 1 5/8″.

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Sponge the edges using Tip Top Taupe ink. I also like to add a little to the white area so it creates a nice antique look.

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Use the corner rounder on each small square, as shown in the sample, this creates that interesting four panel effect.  Then mount each on the Elegant Eggplant squares using Fast Fuse adhesive. I found that it was easier to round the corners of the Elegant Eggplant squares after I attached the stamped image. Attach each section to the card using the Stampin’ Dimensionals, this gives it a nice raised look.

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Last step, stamp your greeting in Elegant Eggplant using the Happy Birthday image from the Butterfly Basics stamp set and now you have a lovely work of heart!

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