stampin up demonstrator

Mojo Mosaic Madness Christmas

When I saw the Mosaic Madness stamp set for the first time, my very first thought was “That will make awesome Christmas cards!” I’m actually shocked that it took me this long to make you the first Christmas Card for the upcoming holiday season. The Mojo Monday sketch for today took me right to Christmas, and I found it was quite easy to come up with a sketch for this project. And here it is – I hope you love it!

Creative Tips –

My first thought when I saw the Mojo298 sketch was Cherry Cobbler, which lead to Christmas, which led to Pear Pizazz. Looking at the sketch, I knew I wanted to use the new Regals Designer Series Paper Stack and although it’s in white, I find that I’m combining a lot of Very Vanilla and Whisper White for a rather cool look.
I didn’t want the Pear Pizazz to overtake the card, nor the Cherry Cobbler, and I find the color proportions in this particular sketch are spot on.
I used the Early Espresso to provide a 1/16” matte for my larger pieces and the Very Vanilla to give just the right amount of neutrality to tone down the card.
Once I had my Mosaic Madness pieces stamped and cut out, I popped them up using Stampin’ Dimensionals onto a piece of Crumb Cake that I embossed using the new Beautifully Baroque Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (TIEF). I made sure to attach a piece of Linen Thread to ‘hang’ the ornament from the top of my card.
I added a small popped up banner using the greeting set Petite Pairs. This set covers the whole year, and is on sale for 25% until the end of June! It’s a great set because it has a saying for the front and inside of the card for each one. Check out this video tutorial for Banner Flags
The card needed a little something in the background, so I added the light lines using the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set in Pear Pizazz. I can’t stop using this set!
I’m not a bow person, so I added a Cherry Cobbler flat knot using the 1/2” Seam Binding Ribbon.
I added a little more dry embossing to the Very Vanilla strip using the Beautifully Baroque TIEF and my Big Shot.
For a finishing touch, I added the three sizes of our Pearl Basic Jewels to the banner and two ornaments.

This is a great color combination and I love the end result. I can’t wait to see what you do with this sketch.

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Stamp Sets – Mosaic Madness (130249c, 130246w) Bundle (132733c, 132734w), Petite Pairs (122497c, 128706w) Ink – Cherry Cobbler (126966), Pear Pizazz (131180) Paper – Very Vanilla (101650), Crumb Cake (120953), Pear Pizazz (131201), Early Espresso (119686), Regals DSP Stack (130139) Cool Tools – Mosaic Punch (131267), 1” Square Punch (124094) Beautifully Baroque TIEF (130917) Finishing Touch – Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Pearl Basic Jewels (119247), Cherry Cobbler 1/2” Seam Binding Ribbon (120992)

Too Kind Stamp Set

Written by Ingrid Blackburn 3 Comments

The new Too Kind stamp set is an easy and quick set to use. The images are striking in any color and make wonderful backgrounds as well. Two step stamping to me is always a great thing. The images are bold yet soft at the same time. Paired here with the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set (have I told you yet that’s my #1 new go to set?!) in the background, you can’t go wrong. Learn the Two Step stamping technique with this video

Creative Tips –

For a pop on this card I wanted to use one of the new Chalk Talk Framelits as a spotlight. I stamped in full color to really provide a pop with these fun bright colors.
To begin, I used my new Stampin’ Up! catalog. I needed a color combination and I wasn’t feeling the two in the color coach. I wanted to use Pistachio Pudding, so I started leafing through the pages in my catalog. I saw the combination on page 14 and pulled out Pistachio Pudding, Island Indigo and Tangerine Tango. It’s a striking bold combination that I just loved! Tip – Did you know that those color blocks behind every project idea in the catalog together make color combinations – when in doubt…go to your catalog!
For a muted background I used tone on tone stamping with Pistachio Pudding for a few more images with the Too Kind set and the tiny flecks stamp from Gorgeous Grunge. This one stamp is your best friend. It it such a well executed image that it literally looks like you flecked little drops of ink onto your image. Check out the entire set at the end of this post. And to see more of the images in action, be sure to check out the two posts preceding this one.
I popped the tag up using Stampin’ Dimensionals so that it really stood out.
A complete Whisper White matte in between the Pistachio and Island Indigo might have been a little much, so I decided to go with simple squares to help frame my card front. I love the end result.

It’s a quick, easy and fun bright card. Anyone who gets this in the mail would immediately smile. Don’t you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts – squares or a full matte? Do you like the color combination? Have you used Pistachio Pudding yet? It’s not an Ingrid color so I struggle with colors like this – I’d love to hear what you’ve paired it with so far!

Free Product Drawing

It’s new Catalog Extravaganza week and I’m continuing the celebration all weekend long until Sunday 10 pm! Anyone who uses the hostess code QGTZ4ADP will get an entry into my drawing for $25 in free product for every $25 in product puchases (pre-tax/shipping) from my Stampin’ Up! store. Good luck to you!

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Stamp Sets – Too Kind (130450c, 130447w), Gorgeous Grunge (130517) Ink – Pistachio Pudding (131177), Tangerine Tango (126946), Island Indigo (126986) Paper – Whisper White (100730), Island Indigo (122923), Pistachio Pudding (131294) Cool Tools – Chalk Talk Framelits (129983) Finishing Touch – Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Filed Under: 10 Minutes or Less, Cards, Clean and Simple Tagged: Chalk Talk Framelits, online stamping classes, stampin up card ideas, stampin up demonstrator, stampin up discount, two step stamping technique

Sassy Gorgeous Grunge Swallowtail

Written by Ingrid Blackburn 5 Comments

It’s no secret that I love the Swallowtail and Gorgeous Grunge stamp sets. So if you knew that – my title made sense, right? Well today I added Sassy Salutations to the mix as well as the Dictionary Background stamp. I love this mix of very different styles, it’s so wacky that it works. You’ll have to be the judge after seeing how my mind worked to come up with it.

Creative Tips –

I wanted that light, almost blush pink look mixed with chocolate. I used the Soft Suede for my Swallowtail image stamped on an angle. The rest of the image continues onto the back. It’s a little surprise when you see the back.
I trimmed the edge using my paper snips keeping the top at a continuous angle so that it wasn’t too harsh a contrast.
I stamped the Dictionary on a whisper white panel in Blushing Bride. For a little flecking, I used the small flecks stamp in Soft Suede – it’s truly becoming my #1 stamp to have this stamp along with the large plops of ink (we’ll call it) stamp in Baked Brown Sugar. This set is a must have, for just this kind of stuff. It looks like I did all that with a watercolor brush when in fact it’s a stamp! Cool, huh?
I wanted to add a banner to the front, so I used the Sassy Salutations Thank You stamp since it’s quirky and fun but at the same time, short. I was able to get a banner onto the front without taking away from my card. Did you know this stamp set is 25% off till June 30th?
I also added some light sponging in Blushing Bride to the Banner before sponging it in Soft Suede. I decided against popping it up, it would have been too awkward without another layer I think, what do you think? Let me know if the comment section if you think otherwise, I wasn’t so sure!
I then sponged around the edge of the card in Soft Suede and the lined my edge with a direct to paper technique as well to frame it.
For the inside of the card, I added a second Blushing Bride panel to hide the Whisper White. You can’t even tell that I have another panel in there unless you flip the inside the wrong way like shown here.

The contrast of this card suits me quite well. I like that the browns work together and the contemporary and classic looks go well together. I hope you like it too!

Free Product Drawing

I had my open house yesterday and wanted to continue the celebration all weekend long until Sunday 10 pm! Anyone who uses the hostess code QGTZ4ADP will get an entry into my drawing for $25 in free product for every $25 in product from my Stampin’ Up! store.

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To Shop 24/7 in the Creative Store – Click here! Swallowtail 009 Angle

Stamp Sets – Swallowtail (129216c, 129213w), Gorgeous Grunge (130517c, 130514w), Dictionary (130351c, 130348w), Sassy Salutations (126707c, 132070w) Ink – Soft Suede (126978), Baked Brown Sugar (131174), Blushing Bride (131172) Paper – Whisper White (100730), Blushing Bride (131198) Cool Tools – 1” Square Punch (124094), Stampin’ Sponges (101610)

Filed Under: Cards Tagged: free stampin up hostess benefits, Free Stampin Up product, Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set, online stamping classes, stampin up demonstrator, swallowtail stamp set

Wetlands and Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Sets

Written by Ingrid Blackburn 15 Comments

I had two stamp sets that were must have’s for me from the new Stampin’ Up! catalog – Wetlands and Gorgeous Grunge. Wetlands is one everyone should get – it’s easy to stamp with and has three sayings. Gorgeous Grunge on the other hand is going to become a staple of mine. Gorgeous Grunge is made up of filler and background type images, which are worth their weight in gold! Read through to see how you can get this very card sent directly to you!

For today’s project, I wanted to do something fun for you. I spent all day yesterday cleaning my computer from a virus that had taken it over, so while the scans were running and keeping me from blogging, I stamped! Go figure?! On a side note – as I just typed this sentence about having a virus, my husband calls me to come look at his computer, and lo and behold – he had one too! Weird, right?!! Okay, back to stamping….

I started to create some of the projects for my online brayer classes and I just had to do something that you would see with this stamp set! I decided to launch a virtual brayer monthly club where those who become part of the CG brayer community will get exclusive projects each month – let me tell you, I was a sketching fool yesterday and then made some amazing cards! That’s going to launch July 1st so stay tuned!

Creative Tips –

I wanted to use the Canadian Goose stamp so I decided to highlight this amazing stamp by using one of the coolest new framelits that we have – Chalk Talk. This is the large tag in this cool set.
I stamped the goose in Basic Black and hit it with my heat tool to set it. The new black ink in this pad rocks. The color is so rich. Since it reacts with our Whisper White in a way that leaves it a bit wet, the best thing to do with it is to hit it with the heat tool to properly set it so that it doesn’t smear.
Once the goose was dry, I created a mask out of print paper and then added some grass. TIP – You want to use printer/copy paper rather than cardstock when creating masks – they aren’t as thick and you will get a better stamped image of the back image. When you use card stock, you get a white space because the card stock is thicker and your stamp won’t be able to get too close to the mask edge.
I have to admit I didn’t know what kind of bird this was, so I googled wetland birds and there she was – a Canadian Goose. I like my images to have some factual representation to them, so I colored it exactly as I saw it. I used my Aqua Painter to get a light look using Sahara Sand. Because I used our Basic Black instead of StazOn, I knew some of the black would smear with the water – I was looking for that. It gave me just the right look that this bird had. I added a little Smoky Slate to the neck and beak, and my bird was done.
My grass was stamped first in So Saffron and then directly in Pear Pizazz before stamping. I wanted the blend of color. To finish the grass, I filled in a few blades on the left and right and wherever needed using my Pear Pizazz Stampin’ Write Marker.
I sponged the edge of my Chalk Tag tag with Smoky Slate and sponged a little at the top of the tag like a cloudy day. I have to admit, that was a result of my getting a little black on my tag from my finger. It’s the perfect way to cover up an unwanted smudge. I actually love the end result – I love when that happens!
For a little texture behind the tag I added the lined stamp from Gorgeous Grunge. I stamped this image four times top to bottom. I trim my stamps, so I knew exactly where the edge was for perfect placement. I love this stamp and I know you’ll see it a ton from me. This stamp set will quickly become one of my most used along with Sweet Essentials. I’m calling it now!
For the greeting, I copied the white with Smoky Slate sponging and stamped it in Basic Gray. I added an individual wheat stalk to it in So Saffron/Pear Pizazz to tie it back to my tag. Learn how I create my Banner Flags
Some drama was needed for this crisp looking card, so I popped up the banner and tag before matting my Smoky Slate card front to a piece of Basic Black cut just 1/16” larger. I adhered that to a Pear Pizazz card base. The proportion of color is just right.
For the finishing touch I added a few Pearl Basic Jewels in triangles. It’s the perfect touch.

I hope you love the end result. I have one of these cards that I’m going to send to a random winner! All you have to do is leave me a comment. Tell me what you like about it or the stamp sets I used. Have a great stamping day!

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Stamp Sets – Wetlands (126697c, 126695w), Gorgeous Grunge (130517c, 130514w) Ink – Smoky Slate (131179), Basic Gray (126981), So Saffron (126957), Pear Pizazz (131180), So Saffron and Pear Pizazz Stampin’ Write Markers (131264) Paper – Whisper White (100730), Smoky Slate (131202), Basic Black (121045), Pear Pizazz (131201) Cool Tools – 1” Square Punch (124094), Chalk Talk Framelits (129983), Stampin’ Sponges (101610) Finishing Touch – Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Pearl Basic Jewels (119247)

Filed Under: Cards, Masculine Tagged: Chalk Talk Framelits, clean and simple cards, diy cards, masculine cards, online stamping classes, stampin up demonstrator, stampin up discount

Regarding Dahlias Mojo

Written by Ingrid Blackburn 4 Comments

Good Morning! It’s that time of the week again – Mojo Monday and today I broke out my new Regarding Dahlias stamp set. I have been dying to use this one. This image is on the same level as the Blooming with Kindness flower. Having these stamp sets in your arsenal makes you a superstar because they completely rock! I also decided to use my Eastern Elegance Designer Series Paper for the first time. If you saw my post yesterday about the Beautifully Baroque Bundle – you’ll love this set of DSP. It fits perfectly with the Baroque image.

Here’s the Mojo Monday sketch and my interpretation, I sure hope you like it – leave me a comment if you do!

Creative Tips –

I struggled with the dimensions on this card because I knew I wanted to use the flower as a focal point, so I just stretched the size of the card to 4 1/2” x 5 1/2”.
After I chose to use the stamp set, I decided on which paper to use. I liked the simple elegance of the Crushed Curry patterns in the Eastern Elegance DSP collection, so I checked my new Color Coach for combinations with Crushed Curry. I quickly settled on the second one with Island Indigo and Real Red. I have to admit, I question a lot of these combinations – as you know, I’m color challenged! But low and behold, it’s an awesome combination!
I added the Island Indigo Matte with the top and bottom punched using our Scallop Edge Border Punch.
I stamped the Dahlia in Real Red and cut it out using my Paper Snips.
Regarding Dahlias has an awesome amount of sayings and I really wanted to use the “hi” that comes with this set, but I needed a saying a bit larger – tall and skinny to be precise to fill the square portion of the sketch. So I took out my new Really Good Greetings set and chose this one. I think it works perfectly.
At first I cropped the Whisper White and Basic Black matte to just the right size, but I knew I wanted to paper pierce and to add the banner I needed to stretch the matte. I don’t know why I don’t automatically go to do that, but I have to admit, Julee Tilman, who designed the sketch and is the owner of Verve Stamps, really did a great job. I wasn’t convinced my card would come out so awesome, and I love it!
The colors are just right and to continue my paper piercing motif, I added a little to the corners and around the greeting. Like I always say, paper piercing is the cheapest embellishment in your arsenal!
For the banner, I originally had just a plain piece of Crushed Curry card stock there, but then replaced it with one that was stamped tone on tone with the Dahlia stamp. I like the subtle addition. It’s better than having too many plain pieces of card stock. What do you think?
Finally, for a tiny bit of drama to the card I popped up the dahlia. After all, it is the focal point for me! I do think all the remaining components balance out the design and card. Now it’s your turn!

Let me know what you think in the comment section, I’d love to hear from you!

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Stamp Sets – Regarding Dahlias (130327c, 130324w), Really Good Greetings (130333c, 130330w) Ink – Island Indigo (126986), Crushed Curry (131173), Real Red (126949) Paper – Whisper White (100730), Island Indigo (122923), Crushed Curry (131199), Basic Black (121045), Eastern Elegance DSP (130131) Cool Tools – 1” Square Punch (124094), Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882), Paper Piercing Tool (126189), Stampin’ Pierce Mat (126199), Essentials Paper Piercing Pack (126187), Chevron TIEF (127749) Finishing Touch – Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Pearl Basic Jewels (119247)

Filed Under: Cards, Challenges, Clean and Simple, Mojo Monday Tagged: cute stamped cards, mojo monday cards, mojo297, online stamping classes, regarding dahlias stamp, stampin up demonstrator, stampin up discount

Beautifully Baroque Bundle

Written by Ingrid Blackburn 2 Comments

Let me introduce you to one of my must have’s out of the new catalog this year – the Beautifully Baroque bundle. Two products are bundled for a 15% discount – this stamp, Beautifully Baroque and the Baroque Motif Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. And this card is the perfect combination of the two. I hope you love it!

Creative Tips –

Baroque reminds me of palaces in Europe and regal things. So I naturally gravitate toward the color of royalty – purple. I chose the Elegant Eggplant color to bring that royal quality to my project today.
This stamp only comes in the wood mount option. I stamped my image using the Stampin’ Mat so that I would get a good solid image. The stamp itself if rather large, and I didn’t want to miss the middle. The Mat helps give me a nice firm cushioned base so that I can stamp larger images and get even pressure everywhere, not just the edges, it’s a miracle worker!
To accentuate it, I cut out my image and put Stampin’ Dimensionals on it.
To add some glitz to my image, I used a 2 way glue pen and let it dry for a few seconds before adding some Dazzling Diamonds to it. I didn’t want to over do it, so I just added a little on the longer lines.
For the background, I ran a 3 3/4” x 5” piece of Whisper White through my Big Shot using the Baroque Motif TIEF folder and matted it onto my Elegant Eggplant base.
I made a banner using my 1” Square Punch. The greeting is from the new set – Four You which has four great greetings for every occasion! Click Here for a video on how to make perfect banners.
To give the card a little drama, I popped up my banner with Stampin’ Dimensionals and then figured out the spacing for my main image and my banner. Don’t just adhere it first – use both to get the proper spacing.
Once adhered, I added some Rhinestone Basic Jewels. The ironic thing is if I look at them, I see the Eiffel Tower!

This is a fun project that’s pretty quick and quite simple. The glitz of the Dazzling Diamonds and Rhinestones really sets this project apart from a just stamped one!

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Stamp Sets – Beautifully Baroque (130895), Beautifully Baroque Bundle (132732) , Four You (130538c, 130535w) Ink – Elegant Eggplant (126969) Paper – Whisper White (100730), Elegant Eggplant (105126) Finishing Touch – Two Way Glue (100425) Dazzling Details (102023), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Pearl Basic Jewels (119247)

Filed Under: 10 Minutes or Less, Cards, Clean and Simple Tagged: Banner Flags, beautifully Baroque Stamp Set, diy cards, elegant cards, online stamping classes, stampin up demonstrator, stampin up discount, stampin up stamps

Too Kind Stamping Video

Written by Ingrid Blackburn 4 Comments

I thought today I would do a technique video for you. The new Too Kind stamp set is a great simple stamp set to make wonderful quick and easy cards. Here I chose a fun color combination using my new color coach for a great little card set. Enjoy!

Two Step Stamping Technique Video

Measurements –

Whisper White card front – 3 5/8” x 4 7/8”
Early Espresso – 3 3/4” x 5”
Whisper White Card Base – 4 1/4” x 5 1/2”

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Stamp Sets – Too Kind (130450c, 130447w) Ink – Early Espresso (126974), Calypso Coral (126983), Wild Wasabi (126959) Paper – Whisper White (100730), Early Espresso (119686) Finishing Touch – Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Pearl Basic Jewels (119247)

Filed Under: 10 Minutes or Less, Cards, Clean and Simple, Techniques, Videos Tagged: CAS, clean and simple cards, Simple Cards, stampin up demonstrator, stampin up discount, too kind stamp set, two step stamping technique

Six Sided Sampler Fun Card

Written by Ingrid Blackburn 2 Comments

I have been dying to get my hands on the new Hexagon Punch and Six Sided Sampler stamp set. Today I made a quick Clean and Simple (CAS) card for one of my fun little make-n-takes for tonight’s New Catalog Kick Off stampin’ party at my house. I’m breaking out all the new goodies that arrived in my box yesterday fresh off the UPS truck from Utah. I just love the smell of new stuff! Smile

You’ll have to stop by tomorrow to see the other fun card made with Beautifully Baroque and Baroque Motif all the gals are going to make tonight. Here are a few tips about this fun new set from the new 2013-2014 Catalog. If you don’t have one, click here to find out how to get one shipped directly to you!

Creative Tips –

The first thing I whipped out of my box was my brand new color coach. This is a stampin’ girls or guy’s best friend. I quickly flipped to a color that I love – pool party and chose the top color combination of Pool Party, Crushed Curry and Old Olive. I wanted a nice bright cheery card.
Next I stamped several of the hexagon images in my three colors, being careful to line them up just right. I trim my stamps down to the edge which makes it easier for me to see exactly where my image is.
I stamped the pool party hexagons also on my whisper white card stock because I needed to see where my punches would be placed.
I alternated colors as I went so that everything would be spaced just right.
I stamped two hexagons on a piece of scrap paper and punched them out using the brand new hexagon punch. I can see that we will quickly become friends!
I just love the three sayings that come with this stamp set (one of my favorite things – when stamp sets have sayings). I chose the one I liked the best and stamped it in my main color – Pool Party in the open space.
My white front is 3 3/4” x 5”, my pool party front is 3 7/8” x 5 1/8” and my white card base is 4 1/4” x 5 1/2”.
I added a few small Pearl Basic Jewels to add a little fun finishing touch to my card and popped up my two punched hexagons.

You can see that I free hand stamped this card, if I was worried about being absolutely precise, I would use a Stamp-a-Majig. I hope you love this fun little card! See you tomorrow – off to finish setting up for everyone today….be sure to check back for specials, retired merchandise and online fun tomorrow. Smile

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Stamp Sets – Six Sided Sampler (130956c, 130953w), Six Sided Sampler Bundle (132724c, 132725w) Ink – Pool Party (126982), Crushed Curry (131173), Old Olive (126953) Paper – Whisper White (100730), Pool Party (122924) Cool Tools – Hexagon Punch (130919) Finishing Touch – Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Pearl Basic Jewels (119247)

Filed Under: 10 Minutes or Less, Cards, Clean and Simple, The Creative Grove Tagged: CAS, clean and simple cards, diy cards, Hexagon punch cards, online stamping classes, stampin up demonstrator, stampin up discount, Stampin Up Six-Sided Sampler Cards

Mojo Mosaic Madness Christmas

Too Kind Stamp Set

Sassy Gorgeous Grunge Swallowtail

Wetlands and Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Sets

Regarding Dahlias Mojo

Beautifully Baroque Bundle

Too Kind Stamping Video

Six Sided Sampler Fun Card

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