Category Archives: Techniques

Technique Tuesday – Masking Part 1

Posted in Card Ideas, Card Share, Techniques, Tutorial, Video Tutorial, Watercolor by

Today’s technique is masking.  Masking is a very versatile technique that can be used in several ways.

  • To create depth by placing images in front of or behind another image
  • To make an image appear as if it is inside another image
  • To isolate a part of an image
  • To create a background around an image

In the sample I am showing you today, we are exploring the use of masks to create depth with the images in front and behind one another.   I will make future videos showing additional ways that masks can be used so please follow my blog or subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss  the next installment.  Enjoy!

DSCN0089

Card Dimensions:

  • Thick Whisper White Cardstock – 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ scored at 4 1/4
  • Sweet Sugarplum Cardstock- 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Shimmery White Cardstock – 3 3/4″ x 5″

Supplies Used Today:

As always, if you have any questions or suggestions for future videos please contact me any time!
Happy Stamping!
~Jo

Stuck on Ideas? Try A One Sheet Wonder!

Posted in Big Shot, Card Ideas, Card Share, Designer Series Paper, Techniques by

DSCN0285

I have been having a lot of fun playing with all the beautiful Designer Series Papers (“DSP”) and one of my favorite things to do is a One Sheet Wonder.  What is a One Sheet Wonder you might ask?  Well you take a single 12″ x 12″ piece of DSP, cut it up in various ways to use just about every inch, and then you use those pieces to create a variety of different cards. This template will create 11 cards with a small piece left over. Making all these coordinating cards makes a great gift for someone!  I try and use a piece of DSP that has the pattern running the same direction on both sides, that way you can use either side in your designs so they are a little different but still coordinate.

I decided to use the Floral Botique DSP for this project.  This gorgeous paper was one of the first things that caught my eye in the new catalog.  I love the blue and white together, it reminds me of the blue willow china my mother had when I was growing up.

Below are 11 different layout designs using this One Sheet Wonder template. (Note: each card is numbered to you can see which layout corresponds to the same numbered piece on the template). I didn’t go into details on how to create each card, my primary focus today was sharing the layout designs and the template.  If you have specific questions on how a card was made please let me know!

For best results cut the paper in this order

  1. The 1″ strip on the far left side
  2. The lower portion – cut across at 4 1/4″ ( #7, card #6 and card #11)
  3. The upper portion – cut in half at 5 1/2″, then the left side (card #1, card #2, card #9 and card #10) finally the right side (card # 3, card #4 and card #5)

One Sheet Wonder Template - Make 11 Cards+

Click here to print a pdf version of the template

Card #1:

DSCN0286 - Copy

Card #2

DSCN0287 - Copy

Card #3

DSCN0288 - Copy.jpg

Card #4

DSCN0289.jpg

Card #5

DSCN0290

Card #6

DSCN0291

Card #7

DSCN0294.jpg

Card #8

DSCN0292

Card #9

DSCN0293.jpg

Card #10

DSCN0297

Card #11

DSCN0296.jpg

Supplies Used:

If you’d like to replicate these layouts please do!  But don’t be afraid to come up with your own designs.  I would LOVE to see what you can come up with!  Please email me your creations, nothing makes me happier than seeing what you can do!

As always, let me know if you have any questions!  If you like this post and samples, please follow my blog so you don’t miss out on new posts! I have a lot of great ideas I can’t wait to share!  And more videos are on the way including techniques, quick n’ easy card ideas, fancy folds and product specific tutorials.  Please share this blog with your crafty friends if you think they might enjoy it too!

Happy Stamping!

~ Jo

Frog Card Featuring Love You Lots Set

Posted in Big Shot, Card Ideas, Card Share, Host Sets, Techniques, Video Tutorial, Watercolor by

DSCN0069.jpg

Today’s project was featured in June along with several other cards using the Love You Lots Hostess Set (see the original post here).  It has been very popular on Pinterest so I thought I would go into more detail on how it was made. Enjoy!!

Card Dimensions:

  • Card Base – Dapper Denim Cardstock – 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Very Vanilla – 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Dapper Denim  – 2 3/4″ x 3 1/2″
  • Watercolor Paper – 2 1/2″ x 3 1/4″
  • Emerald Envy  – scrap piece approx. 2 1/2″ x 3″
  • Flirty Flamingo – scrap piece approx 1″ x  2″
  • Thick Whisper White – scrap piece approx. 2 1/4″ x 3″

Supplies Used:

If you have any questions, please contact me anytime!  Feel free to share the video or this post with your crafty friends!
Thank you for visiting and happy stamping!
~Jo

Here it is….my first video tutorial!

Posted in Big Shot, Card Ideas, Techniques, Tutorial, Video Tutorial by

DSCN0273

Yes after a very long wait I have finally made my first video tutorial!  I’m so excited but really nervous at the same time.

Of course with anything I do it was not without it’s moments!  My daughter really helped me and I am so grateful for what she was able to accomplish.  It took 16 takes, a lot of oopsie moments and for some reason I had issues talking.  Yes, I know how hard that is to believe but I really stumbled and bumbled along. This was so out of my realm but I have one under my belt now and I can only get better!   Thank goodness Sarah was able to get enough footage to use.  With all the editing she had to do I needed to record a voice over, wow was that hard!  I had the little headphones on and a microphone trying to recreate what I said on the original video, I felt so Hollywood!  But it is done and I hope you enjoy it, if not for the idea at least for the comedic value.  And no video would be complete without a few bloopers at the end.  Enjoy!

Today’s share is using the Limited Edition Thoughtful Branches set and coordinating Beautiful Branches Thinlits. It is only available until August 31, 2016 or while supplies last. If you would like this set, make sure to place your order before they are all gone  The technique I am showcasing uses the Brick Wall Textured Impressions Embossing Folder stamped with ink to create a realistic brick background.

DSCN0278

Cardstock & Ribbon Measurements:

  • Thick Whisper White cardstock – 4 1/4″ x 11″, scored at 5 1/2″
  • Wisteria Wonder cardstock – 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″
  • Wisteria Wonder cardstock – approx 4 1/4″ x 3″ (this can be a scrap piece big enough for the leaves/flower stamp)
  • Old Olive cardstock – approx 4 1/4″ x 3″ (this can also be a scrap piece, big enough to cut the stem and leaves with the thinlit)
  • Whisper White cardstock – 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Solid Baker’s Twine – Elegant Eggplant – approx. 10″

Supplies Used:

Thank you so much for stopping by!  If you enjoyed the video, please like, share and subscribe to both my YouTube channel and my blog !  That way you won’t miss out on any new posts or project ideas, you never know what will happen!
Happy Stamping!
~Jo

Step right up..more cupcake fun!

Posted in Big Shot, Birthday, Card Ideas, Card Share, Stamp Set Spotlight, Techniques, Tutorial by

DSCN0167

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.

DSCN0168 Numbered

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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!

DSCN0083

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:

Technique Tuesday! – Stampin’ Mist Background

Posted in Big Shot, Card Ideas, Christmas, Holiday Catalog 2015, Techniques by

100_0834

Welcome to Technique Tuesday!

I am always looking for new ways to make interesting backgrounds and this one is both quick and easy yet looks really difficult. I have to say this is my new favorite technique, I love how the colors blend on their own it really makes the night sky in this card come to life.  Have fun and enjoy!

til next time!

~ Jo

Supplies Used:

Sizes of cardstock:

Night of Navy  – 1 piece (5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″)

Whisper White – 3 pieces (5 1/4″ x 4″)

Directions:

Attach one Whisper White panel to the inside of the Night of Navy card base and set aside.  Cut a Stampin’ Sponge into quarters.

100_0869100_0870100_0871

Using another Whisper White panel start with the lightest color, Soft Sky, and sponge the top two-thirds of the panel using a circular motion.  Next using the Tempting Turquoise sponge over the Soft Sky covering it completely.  Repeat the process using the Night of Navy.  At this point the top portion will be completely covered in Night of Navy.

100_0874100_0876100_0879100_0881100_0883100_0884

Using Stampin’ Mist lightly spritz the panel.  Take care not to saturate the cardstock, it should be a light mist.  Set aside to dry.  The edges may curl slightly,not to worry when you adhere it to the card base it will straighten out.

100_0885100_0886

While your background is drying, take the sleigh edgelit die and cut out the image so the panel is cut in half.  Using the top panel cut out the tree image as shown.

100_0887100_0889100_0893100_0894

Using the glue pen apply a strip of glue along the edge of both panels and on the trees.  Sprinkle with Dazzling Diamonds glitter to create snow.

100_0896100_0897100_0898

Stamp the greeting “jingle all the way” as shown using Night of Navy ink.  Set both panels aside.

100_0895100_0901

The background panel should be dry, if not you can use a heat gun to speed things up.  Using the glue pen randomly dab glue on the background, sprinkle with Dazzling Diamonds to make stars that twinkle in the night sky.

100_0902100_0903

Attach the background to the card base.  Last step attach the trees to the background then the sleigh on top as shown.

100_0905100_0907100_0909

Have fun using this technique on all your works of heart!

100_0910