Double Z Gate Fold Card Using Merry Mice

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Today’s share is a fancy fold, not sure the official name but to me it is a Double Z with a Gate closure, so I am calling it a Double Z Gate Fold card.  I love that it is very easy to do and always a hit with everyone.
It features the sets Merry Mice and Wonderful Year and of course no card of mine wouldn’t be complete with out using my trusty Aqua Painters or the Big Shot.
As a side note, I do LOVE my Big Shot and I know it is a HUGE investment.  With the holidays on the horizon, why not add it to your wish list and maybe you will find one under your tree!  For more info on how to do this please check out my blog post from September 26, 2016.
Another way to get the Big Shot is to have a workshop and earn Stampin’ Rewards to help with the cost. It can be in your home with friends, collecting orders from the catalog or why not try a Facebook workshop!  Contact me for more details.
Enjoy today’s share!
 
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 Card Dimensions:
  • Whisper White cardstock – 5 1/4″ x 12″
  • Cherry Cobbler cardstock – 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
  • Garden Green cardstock – 1 3/4″ x 5″ (2 pieces)
  • Whisper White cardstock – 2 1/4″ x 3″
  • Cherry Cobbler cardstock – 2 1/2″ x 3 1/4″
  • Warmth & Cheer Washi Tape – approx. 4″ (2 pieces)
 Supplies Used:
 Happy Stamping!
~Jo

 

Celebrate World Card Making Day!

There is no better way to let someone know you are thinking about them than by sending them a hand stamped card. We seem to only send cards on those important days like birthdays, anniversaries or holidays but a  card is such a simple way to say…I’m thinking about you or I’m here for you.

To help with your card making, from October 1st – October 5th, Stampin’ Up! is offering several card making essentials on sale.  And from October 1st – October 31st, Designer Series Paper is buy three get one FREE! Time to stock up on these staples!

Please see below for full selection of products available during this promotion.

So this year on October 1st, get out your stamping supplies, get together with friends and make someone a card just to let them know how important they are to you!

[Click here to see all card making essentials on sale 10/1/16 – 10/5/16]

[Click here to see the DSP on special for the Buy 3 get 1 FREE sale from 10/1/16 – 10/31/16]

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Thank you for visiting!  If you would like to get a notification each time I post a project share, specials from Stampin’ Up! or myself, class schedule or video, 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!  Making the world a happier place, one card at a time!
Happy Stamping!
~Jo

 

Time to Start Those Holiday Wish Lists!

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Before you know it Christmas will be here.  If you have a huge wish list, why not give it to someone who loves you so they can get you exactly what you want this holiday season…stamps and accessories from Stampin’ Up!

I do this as a service for my customers all year round, not just Christmas time.  Something to keep in mind for birthdays and anniversaries too!

Just print out a copy of my Wish List (see below for the link) and give it to someone. Orders can be placed through my online store at (joloves2stamp.stampinup.net) or by email (joanne@stamptilyoudrop.com).  The order will be shipped directly to them so all they have to do is wrap it up and give you the best gift ever!  If they prefer, I also have Gift Certificates available in any denomination.

[Click Here to Print a Copy of My Wish List]

If you have any questions, please contact me any time!  I would be glad to help be your personal shopper this holiday season!

Thank you for visiting!  If you would like to get a notification each time I post a project share, specials from Stampin’ Up! or myself, class schedule or video, please make sure you click “Follow By Email” at the top of this post.  That way you won’t miss a thing! And in October Stampin’ Up! has some terrific specials planned that you will definitely want to take advantage of!!  As always, please feel free to share any post on Pinterest or Facebook!  Making the world a happier place, one card at a time!
Happy Stamping!
~Jo

Happy Stamping!

~Jo

Calling All Stampers!!

As I always say nothing makes me happier than sharing my love of stamping with you. But I think I have found something has topped that, I absolutely love when you share your love of stamping with me!

Every month I am going to share my customers creations with you, so you can see what other stampers like you are doing!  No matter what level stamper you are I would LOVE to see what you are doing and I’m sure everyone would too! I encourage all of you to send me pictures of your creations so I can share them on my blog.  I know they will inspire others! I will post on the 15th of the month so please submit your samples to me by the 1oth. They can be cards, scrapbook pages, decor, gift wrap…whaterver you like.  Make sure you include the supplies used and please use Stampin’ Up! supplies only.    One person each month will be chosen randomly to receive a special gift from me!  So grab that camera and let me see what you have been up to!

This month’s beautiful creations come from Mary Ann Thouin and my daughter Sarah Mulligan (design completely by her, no help from me!).  Mary Ann used colors, stamps and DSP from the Blooms and Bliss Suite and Sarah made a masculine birthday card for her brother using the Number of Years set, Dapper Denim and Tangerine Tango.  Enjoy!

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Supplies Used:

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Happy Stamping!
~Jo

Happy Holidays – Part II

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As promised here are a few more shares showcasing new stamps and products from the NEW 2016 Holiday Catalog!  I have had so much fun the past few days creating cards to show off some of my favorite items from the catalog.  If you have placed an order with me during the past year you will receive a copy directly from Stampin’ Up! very shortly. On September 1st the online copy will be available and you can begin placing orders that same day. Enjoy!

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I am in love with this washi tape, Warmth & Cheer and the set, Suite Seasons has sayings for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas!

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Father Christmas is a set that begged for watercolor, I used the sepia technique on this card   (click here to see a video tutorial on this technique)

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Merry Mice is an adorable set that worked well with the new Cable Knit Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and the Bakers Twine Trio

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I had fun embossing the Merry Medley background stamp and Santa’s Sleigh.  I always forget how striking embossing can look.

Now that we have had a little sneak peek of Christmas stamps, I will share some Halloween and Thanksgiving ideas this weekend.  I told you this catalog is chock full of great products and ideas, only  a few more weeks until it will be unveiled!  Check back in a few days for more ideas!

Happy Stamping!

~Jo

Stuck on Ideas? Try A One Sheet Wonder!

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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:

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Card #2

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Card #3

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Card #4

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Card #5

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Card #6

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Card #7

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Card #8

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Card #9

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Card #10

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Card #11

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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

Here it is….my first video tutorial!

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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.

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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:

Happy Stamping!
~Jo

Rainy Day Stamping

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I know I might be in the minority but I adore rainy days.  I love the smell of rain, the soft noise on the roof and if there is thunder and lightning I consider it a bonus.  And My Paper Pumpkin kit is the perfect way to spend the afternoon stamping and creating away.

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The July 2016 Paper Pumpkin kit contains everything you need to make eight little boxes with tags and tassles. They can hold treats or small gifts, what a cute way to let someone know they are a “gem”! The featured colors are Emerald Envy and Flirty Flamingo, two of Stampin’ Up!’s new 2016-2018 In Colors.

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In case you haven’t seen a Paper Pumpkin kit, everything is pre-cut and scored.  It comes with an ink spot, a stamp set (exclusive to Paper Pumpkin kits you can’t get them anywhere else!) full instructions and there is also a link so you can watch a quick video tutorial.  All you need is adhesive and a sharp pair of scissors!

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These little boxes are so cute and I love the tassles!  They are so easy to make with the Thick Bakers Twine.

Even thought the projects are always awesome, I like to stretch my creative legs and make a few cards using the materials in the kit and adding a few extra touches.

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For this card I cut up one of the smaller boxes along the score lines to create the little triangles.  I made a card base out of Flirty Flamingo cardstock and added an Emerald Envy panel.  The triangles were attached using Fast Fuse adhesive.  I cut two circles using the Big Shot and Layering Circles Framelits.  Then I stamped the greeting and little diamond using VersaMark ink and copper embossing powder. I attached the circles together with Fast Fuse first then to the card using Stampin’ Dimensionals over some copper metallic thread.

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Next up I cut up the larger box, once again on the score lines to create the facets of a diamond.  The card base is Thick Whisper White cardstock.  The Flirty Flamingo panel was stamped using the splatter stamp from the Gorgeous Grunge set in Flirty Flamingo ink.(Side note: This is my go to stamp when I want to add a little something to the background so it doesn’t look so bare).  The saying was stamped using VersaMark and copper embossing powder to match the little copper splotches on the “diamond”.  The facets were attached using Stampin’ Dimensionals.  The final touch a few Rhinestone Jewels!

DSCN0022 - revI have to give a shout out to my daughter Sarah, it was her idea for the diamond.  She is a Paper Pumpkin lover too!  I had kits sent to her monthly while she was away at college and she really looked forward to her monthly stamping time!  Now that she graduated in May and is back home, we go out in my stamp room and create together. Sharing Mother & Daughter time with her is something very special to me.

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Here are all my creations this month!  There is still time to order your kit for August if you want to get in on the fun! You need to sign up by the 10th of the month in order to receive that months kit.  For more info click here!

Happy Stamping Everyone!

~Jo

P.S.  Getting ready for my film debut! Pretty soon videos will be coming, check back soon!!

Extra supplies used for these projects:

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:

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