Autumn Blessing

I love fall! I love the leaves, the smells, the crispness in the air. I like to go for rides in the fall, I like to go for walks in the fall. It is just a beautiful time of the year. I made this card because of my love of fall. It contains heat embossing, distressing, rub ons, and hole punching. I learned the technique for making the ivory tag at the Stamp Expo. It took me a while to make it because I thought there was a different ink used. It was fun and not to hard to make. It did take a few tries to get it to the point where it was not bad. You can view the technique on Jim Holz web site, but a short explanation, take some Cut-n-Dry stamp pad foam by Inkssentials and cut a piece big enough for your stamp. Use a black ink first to stamp you image on this foam and them take the distress in and put a few drops on the pad where you want the color. Ink your stamp from this stamp pad, stamp on your card stock and then heat emboss with clear embossing powder. Distressing is beautiful on a card and, again, not hard. There are a lot of distressing tools on the market, I used the Edge Distresser by Heidi Swapp. This is a very inexpensive tool, I think I paid about a dollar for it. It's round with a "v" shaped slice taken out of it, like a piece of pie. To use it, put the edge of your cardstock into the "v" and rub it up and down the edge of your paper, the more stress you put on the cardstock the more distressed it becomes. The label with the words, I wrinkled this a bit to give the card some depth. Here is the list of supplies for this card:

Stamps - Lovely As a Tree by Stampin' Up, Leaf background by Northwoods Stamps, Smiling Leaf by The Stampin' Place, Cheesecloth by Stampin' Up

Inks - VersaMark; Bark by Versa Color; Soft Grey Shadow Ink by Hero Arts; Dried Marigold, Dusty Concord, Peeled Paint all Distress ink reinkers by Jim Holz

Papers - Neutral Ivory by ANW Crestwood, purple and a gold from my scrap drawer, Really Rust by Stampin' Up

Embellishments - purple ribbon, purple brads, clear embossing power, Autumn Greetings Rub ons by The Paper Company Studio,small Creative Tag by Paper Reflections

Other tools - Cuttlebug and Trio labels by Nestabilities

Have fun making this card, if you have any questions or I was not clear enough, let me know.

Ghostly Night Halloween Card

This is my last Halloween card for the year. I got this Penny Black stamp, Ghostly Night, after seeing it on another card and I really liked it. I had this vision in my head and now I have finally tried making it. The colors are sponged onto the card. This is a very easy technique where you take an ink pad, the color you want, and a sponge and just start pressing the sponge onto the ink pad and then onto the paper. You can use more then one color, as I did in this one. I also heat embossed the grave yard, the cat, and the ghost. The ghost is done on vellum and you have to be careful when heat embossing on vellum because it can melt, but the vellum does make a good ghost because you can see through it. So here is a list of the supplies I used:

Stamps - Ghostly Night by Penny Black, Happy Halloween by Clear Design Hero Arts

Inks - Versa Mark, Pitch Black by Adirondack, Tanzanite by Antiquities Ranger, Marigold Morning and Vintage Violet by Stampin' Up

Paper - White cardstock and white vellum, unknown brands

other - black embossing powder

Christmas Candle

Well, it has been almost a month since I have put a card on my blog, but here is another Christmas card. There has been a few things going on, the Stamp Expo was at the beginning of this month. If you are into stamping and have never been to one of these, find out where there is one by you and go. This show comes to Minnesota a couple of times a year and I do look forward to it. It is a time to look at stamps that I might not see in the local stores and see some new techniques. This year, there was a Christmas Card Contest. I entered the two cards that I have on my site. I didn't win, but at least I tried. Of coarse the cards that did win were beautiful and very detailed. I ended up getting quite a few stamps, some inks and some tools. I also learned the technique for distressing paper as I did on this card. It isn't a hard tech, but I had to try it quite a few times before I got it to where I was satisfied. Also on this card, I don't know if you can see it, is some gold leafing. You can find gold leafing in stores like Michael's. I put some tacky glue on parts of the image and let it get tacky. I then took flakes of gold leafing and pressed it on the tacky glue. Then, I brushed away the extra gold leafing and the part that was pressing on the glue stayed. It really is easy and adds a lot to the card. To distress the paper I took some Ranger Distress ink and smeared it onto a nonporous mat, like a plastic coated mat. I then took the Mini Mister put out by Ranger and spritzed it a little. I put the paper on to this and moved it around a bit to get some marks on it and then took my heat gun and dried it. As I was drying it, if I didn't like a part of it, I would either spritz the paper to smooth the marks or put it on my mat in more of the ink. The strange thing was, I was trying to get this effect before I went to the Stamp Expo and just couldn't get the effect I wanted. Well, here is a list of the supplies I used.

Stamp - Christmas Light by Penny Black

Inks - Old Paper Distress Ink by Ranger, Baja Breeze, Cranberry Crisp, Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard all by Stampin' Up

Paper - Baja Breeze by Stampin' Up, Almond Cream and Carob Cream both by Bazzil Basics Paper

Embellishments - ribbon, gold leaf by Mona Lisa Products, Cuttlebug with Forest Branch embossing folder

If you have any questions, let me know.

Wreath

I really didn't expect to have another card on my blog so fast, but I got down in my stamp room to tidy it up a bit and ended up making another card. This card is a very easy and very fun card to make. I used eight different stamps on it and six different colors of ink. The stamps are by Rubber Stamp Tapestry, you can buy them on line. A kit comes with all the stamps to make this wreath, a picture of the finishes product, suggested colors of ink for each stamp and the order to stamp them. The company sells quit a few different kits, I have four of them, and also sell the stamps individually. They are not the regular block stamps, but come on dowels about 5" long, this makes them easier to use. A few years ago, I saw a bow maker in one of the stamp magazines, there is nothing I have more trouble with then bows, so I bought it and it works really slick. It is put out by the Card Ladies and cam be bought on line at http://www.thecardladies.com/. They aren't very expensive and there are about three different size bows you can tie with it. There is some Stickles Glitter Glue on there also, just to add a little glitz. The base of the card is purple, it looks white because of the scanning. It is a card that can be used for a number of occasions, make some and keep them on hand for emergencies. Again, it is square, but I am thinking of using it for a birthday party I am going to next week so it will be hand delivered. So now, I'll give you the details of the card:

Wreath Card

Stamps - Tiny Pineapple and Fruit Wreath by Rubber Stamp Tapestry

Inks - Bark, Green Tea, and Bamboo by VersaColor; Maple Cream by Inkredible Supererior; Eggplant by Adirondack; Baroque Burgundy and River Rock by Stampin' Up

Paper - White and Purple unknown brand

Embellishments - Ribbon unknown brand; Stickles Crystal

Fall Card

I got back from my trip from Burbank California. I took the wedding card I have pictured on my blog to the wedding. It took me a while to decide what my next card was going to be, I finally came up with a fall card. I had ordered the bushel basket stamp online before I went on my trip and it came after I got back. The squash stamp I have had for a while, but just didn't know what I wanted to do with it. They came together in this card. The technique I used is masking. I had to first stamp both images on a piece of scrap paper and cut them out. I wanted to find out where my basket was going to lay on the squash. Then I had to draw a line through the squash and fit it onto my stamp so the bottom part of the stamp would not get any ink on it. After I stamped the squash, I took my image on the scrap paper, again, and this time cut out the upper part of the squash and used removable tape to tape it onto my image. I then stamped the basket on. This way, there are no lines from the basket showing through the squash. A couple thing to also take note, the card has a white base. It doesn't always show when a card is scanned. Also, the card is square. Just remember that a square card costs more to mail then an A2 or A7 card. Anyway, enjoy the card.

Stamps - Bushel Basket, River City Rubber Works; Squash, PSX

Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper - White and Orange, unknown brand

Embellishments - Liquid Pearls

Other - Copic Markers

Halloween Card

Finally, I figured out what I wanted to do for my Halloween card. This set of ghost stamps is one of my favorite set of Halloween stamps. It is put out by Stamps by Judith. The ghost part is one stamp and there are eight different set of legs you can get to go with the ghost. Looking on the Internet, there are also hats that can be bought to go onto the ghost, but I like them without the hats. I used a couple of techniques on this card, I used heat embossing (the bat), I used dimensional tape (the ghosts, this gives them a lift and gives the ghosts more of a 3-D effect, and I did do some sponging (where the pattern paper meets the purple paper (this softens the line some. I also used brads on the label to give that a little dimension. I used Nestabilities with my Cuttlebug (cut out the moon and the label). I also uses copic markers to color in the legs and patches. This was a fun card and an easy card to make.



Supplies:
stamps: ghosts and legs - Stamps by Judith, words and bat -Happy Halloween, Clear Design by Hero Arts
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaMark
Paper: Only Orange - Stampin Up, purple and yellow were scraps, DP - Halloween Night by NRN Designs
Embellishments - brads by k i memories
other - black embossing powder, copic markers

Christmas Tree

Buttons are fun to use on a card. The problem with them is that they don't go through the mail very well, so if your going to use buttons, put them on a card that you are going to hand deliver. This card is a very simple, easy to make card. The buttons are put on with glue dots, if you want to get into card making, glue dots are a must. They adhere good and can be used for putting ribbon on cards also. The glue dots won't soak through the ribbon like a tacky glue will and it will hold it really well. The edges of the paper are cut with a deckle blade on my rotary cutter. I also used copic markers on the snow hill, to give it a little dimension and on the wood that is holding the tree up. When I am making a card, I will get a vision in my head as to what I want it to look like. From there, I look for colors and papers. Then I start looking at what embellishments I can add to it that might give it a little pizazz. These are the supplies I used on this card:

Stamps - Tree for all Occasions by Judith

Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Bashful Blue

Papers - White scraps and Let it Snow by Frances Meyer, inc

Embellishments - mini Buttons

The Wedding Card

I have a wedding to go to in a few weeks and I wanted a wedding card that was simple. I also like to make black and white cards for weddings, I think they're elegant looking. The little bit of red on the card was added so it wouldn't be so black and white. The cards I make usually have three colors to them. I love this stamp, I have used it on a couple of wedding cards. It leaves a rich, simple look. The stamp came from Washi Accents, a company I found on line that makes oriental stamps. They were so pretty, I ordered a few stamps from them. You might see more cards made with their stamps on my blog in the feature. Ok, now the thing that I used on this card, on the black paper, is the Cuttle Bug and one of my embossing folders. Now, if you haven't tried one of these yet, find someone who owns one and ask if they can show you how to use it. It is very fun and oh so easy. I use mine a lot. You can also do die cutting on it, I have a few sets of Nestabilities that I use on my Cuttle Bug. Ok, this is the list of supplies I used on this card:

Stamps - Washi Accents

Paper - Scrap paper

Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black & VersaColor Cardinal

Accessories - Cuttle Bug and Forest Bamboo

Technique - dry embossing folder

Country Christmas Card

What I find strange is when I get a vision of a card and it seems so pretty in my mind, but I don't try making it.

I have had the paper and corners for this card for about 5 years and decided to try and make it. I think it turned out really pretty, the kind of Christmas card I like. I did some heat embossing on this card, the tree. If you have never tried heat embossing, try it, the results are fantastic!! It isn't hard, but does take some equipment. You will need a heat gun, either VersaMark ink or pigment ink, embossing powder, and a static pillow. I wanted to give this card a little dimension, so I added the pillow sticker, the heart. Anyway, it is a very easy card to make, a very good card if you have to make a few dozen Christmas cards. Have fun making it, if you have any questions, let me know.

Stamps - tree - Imaginations!

Paper - Dark green paper - Marco Paper, light green paper - unknown brand, printed paper - K&Co

Ink - VersaMark

Other - Gold embossing powder - PSX, Smitten Hearts Pillow Stickers - K&Co, Gold Corners

Attitude

I love this stamp and I thought it would be fun to make a card using it and coloring her in with copic markers. Unfortunately, the colors did not come out as they should. She is a very vibrant dancer and I thought the colors used with her should be very vibrant. The yellow is more of a lemon yellow, the orange, a bright orange, and the green, about the same color as Green Galore from Stampin' Up. The colors did not come out like that when I scanned it, but you get the picture. I used copic markers on her. They are fun to use, but if you don't have them and don't want to start with them, use markers or pencils. If you do want to try them, there are a lot of tutorials on line on how to buy and use them. The papers that I used are scraps that I have in my collection waiting to be used. This stamp also comes as two girls dancing and that would have been fun to use also. The most difficult part of this card is cutting the girl out, otherwise a nice easy card to make again.

Stamps - Attitude by Savvy Stamps

Paper - no brand, just scraps

Ink - Green Galore by Stampin' Up, Tuxedo Black by Memenoto

Brads - Brite Minis by Making Memorie

Pink Orchid

I made this card, today, for a niece-in-law. She lost her grandfather and I am sending this one to the wake. The card is a fast simple card to make. The coloring of the card is done with Pearlescent Chalk by Pebbles Inc. and E Z Chalk Enhancer. I found this at Archiver's Scrapbook store and if you have never tried this, you might want to consider getting it. I have tried the enhancer with other types of chalks, but the Pearlescent Chalk if the only one that turns out really good. You can't see it in the picture, the the colors are shimmery. I get a lot of compliments on this card. I first made it for a stamping party, we had to have all the layered pieces cut out and I also had the flower stamped. One of the girls that was at the party made a few of them, I had extra. You can't see it in the picture too well, but the base of the card is white with green, pink, and white layers. Have fun making it.

Stamps: Orchid Greetings by Perfectly Clear Stamps, Stampendous

Ink: StazOn Black

Paper: Pixie Pink, Certainly Celery by Stampin Up and white

Other: Pearlessence Chalk by Pebbles Inc., Chalk Enhancer

This is My Blog

Hi
My name is Kathy and this is my first blog. It will be devoted mostly to stamping and card making. My sister got me into cardmaking about 6 years ago. I tried to fight it, but she told me I was going to like it. You know what? She was right. I retired from my f'ull time job about five years ago and got deeper into cardmaking. I meet my future husband about the same time, he's from South Carolina. The first time I went down to see him in SC, I told him he had some homework to do. He had to find a good stamping store that I could go and visit while I was down there. Well, he didn't let me down. If you're down in the Beaufort, SC area, visit the Carolina Stamper. It really is a good store!

After my husband and I got married, I got a job at a scrapbooking store. Now, if you really want to build up your cardmaking supplies and you're on a budget, get a job at a store like that. We would have an employee scrap mania on Sundays when the store was closed and you should have seen the things people would bring in to give away.

Most of my stamps are from Stampin Up, I think. It's really hard to say for sure, I have hundreds and hundreds of stamps, some wood mounted, some clear, and some I bought unmounted. I don't really have a preference as to which I like better, they each have got there good points and there bad.

I do like to go to the stamping shows that come to our area. There are a lot of stamps at those shows you don't see in the stores and you can also get a lot of good ideas.

But enough, tomorrow, I will start posting cards that I have made that I really like. I will also put on what stamps I have used, if I know the company, what papers, ink, embellishments and any extra tools I used on the card. If you like them, feel free to copy them, I will take it as an honor. I will also comment on any new tools I have acquired and used. Feel free to ask questions, I will try to answer them.

Have a happy stamping day!!