VINTAGE BLUSHING BLOOMS...

This is another card from my Vintage Vibe class last weekend.  I think everyone had a great time at the class Sunday and I know they learned lots of new techniques.  And I know they loved the cake, because there wasn't a morsel left!  Join us this Saturday for my Christmas Club Class where we will be making 12 more Christmas cards.  You won't want to miss it!

For this card, we used the wonderful Presto Patterns DSP.  Presto is right—presto chango!  This unique Designer Series paper bends to your magical whim, revealing its vintage lines and swirls when you paint it with the brushstrokes of your creativity using an Aqua Painter, a brayer and ink, a sponge and ink, or our luminous Smooch Spritz. Conjure up its vintage-like appeal onto one of your projects to invoke gasps of wonder and awe from all those who behold it.  The top image below shows the pattern grayed out so that you can see it.  However the paper is white with just the design embossed.  The bottom image shows the six patterns once color is added to them. 

We brayed Blushing Bride over the Presto Patterns DSP.  Then we rolled the Music Notes Wheel over it in Soft Suede.  Finally we added antiquing with the Tea Stain from the new Distressing Kit in the catalog.   

The Very Vanilla Taffeta ribbon was antiqued by sponging both sides of the ribbon with the Tea Stain.  Our Taffeta, Satin and Organza ribbons take coloring or dying beautifully.  You can sponge them, Aqua Paint them or dye them with a few drops of reinker in some water.  That way you can get the perfect match to your project.  I love the contrast of this tea stained ribbon with the crochet trim.  The 3" ribbon pieces were gathered between the Antique Brad prongs before putting it through the card front.

After stamping and watercoloring the focal piece, we again used the Tea Stain to antique the image.  Then we added some Dazzling Diamond Dust to the hummingbird and the rose centers.  And the smallest of the Basic Pearl Jewels is a perfect fit for the hummingbird's eye

VINTAGE BLUSHING BLOOMS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Elements of Style (W#118611 $27.95, C#120045 $19.95), Music Notes Wheel (#120327, $6.50)
• Card stock –  Blushing Bride, Naturals White, Soft Suede, Presto Patterns Specialty DSP
• Ink – Blushing Bride, River Rock, Soft Suede Classic, Tea Stain
• Ribbon – Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim (#118480, $6.95), Very Vanilla 3/8" Taffeta (#109071, $6.95)
• Accessories – Basic Pearl Jewels (#119247, $4.95), Antique Brads (#117273, $5.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Distressing Essentials Kit (#118762, $19.95, Stampin' Sponges, Stampin' Around Wheel Guide (#104834, $9.95), Aqua Painter (#103954, $16.95), Paper Piercer & Mat

VINTAGE VIBE, Vintage Fall Foliage...

Today was my Vintage Vibe class. Here is a look at one of the cards from the class. I love this new French Foliage stamp set (pictured below the supplies) from the Holiday Mini!  I am a sucker for Fall themes every time.  This card also happens to fit perfectly for the first challenge of the new SU-Only Challenge blog.  And I do love a challenge!  I even managed to use every single stamp from the set for this card.

This card has been distressed in just about every possible way:  all edges were distressed with the distressing tool, we color distressed the edges, color spritzed the stamped images with markers and tea stained them with the new Distressing Essentials Kit - not to mention splotched it with the splotch stamp from the stamp set.  This is about as far as I take Vintage style (along with another card for tomorrow).  I consider my style to be more of a Vintage Nouveau style as I am not one for all the clutter of normal Vintage style.  Hope you enjoy it!

VINTAGE FALL FOLIAGE SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – French Foliage ( W #120845 $19.95, C #121166 $14.95), Grateful Greetings (#1116511, $36.95)
• Card stock –  Soft Suede, River Rock, Naturals Ivory
• Ink – Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, River Rock, Soft Suede Classic, Cajun Craze, River Rock, Soft Suede Markers
• Ribbon – Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim (#118481, $6.95), Linen Thread (#104199, $4.99)
• Punches – Designer Label (#119862, $15.95)
• Accessories – Vintage Mini Tags (#118736, $4.95), Vintage Trinkets (#118764, $5.95), Antique Brads (#117273, $5.95), Stylized Vanilla Hodgepodge Kit, Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Color Spritzer (#107066), Cutter Kit (#106958), Distressing Essentials Kit (#118762, $19.95, Stampin' Sponges

LAST CALL FOR OWLS & CRITTERS...

Last call for my Owls & Critter Class!  This class is perfect for your introduction to Punch Art.  They are very easy cards featuring our new Owl Punch.  Let me show you how to unleash your inner punch diva!  We will be making four or five 3x3 cards as well as one A4 card.  Info for the class follows.

Owls & Critters Punch Class

Sunday, August 29 ~ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Have you seen our newest punch - the Owl Punch?   It is absolutely adorable for owls, but that's not all. Wait until you see what else you can make with it! Pigs, Cats, Tulips and more!  This is the perfect class for beginner Punch Art! Included in this class is your very own 2-Step Owl Punch to keep.  Since this punch is $19.58 (with tax and shipping), you are getting the class for only $10!

Class Fee: $30 - since the deadline for preorder has past, your punch will be delivered when it arrives.  If you are a demonstrator, have the punch already or don't want the punch, the class fee is $15.  Includes all paper, ribbon and supplies as well as refreshments.  RSVP by 10:00 AM Saturday morning.

CHRISTMAS CLUB CLASS, Sparkly Flurries...

This is the final card from my Christmas Club Class. It features three Sneak Peek products from the upcoming Holiday Mini.  I used the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder for the main focus along with plenty of bling!  At the center of the largest snowflake is a silver Glimmer Brad.  At the center of the other snowflakes are our Basic Rhinestone Jewels.  The punch that you see peeking out from behind the 2" x 1-3/8" Oval sentiment piece (featuring the Dazzling Diamond Dust technique) is the upcoming Decorative Label Punch.

I hope you enjoyed seeing all the Christmas Club cards.  Join us next time to make a dozen of your own beautiful Christmas cards!

SPARKLY FLURRIES SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – All Holidays (#114916 $34.95)
• Card stock – Glossy White, Marina Mist, Pretty in Pink, Rich Razzleberry
  
• Ink – Whisper White Craft, VersaMark, Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink, Marina Mist Markers 
• Ribbon – Whisper White 5/8" Organza  (#114319, $5.95)
• Punches – 2" x 1-3/8" Oval XL (#119859, $16.95), Decorative Label XL (#120907, $16.95 coming Sept. 1)
• Accessories – Glimmer Brads Basic (#121003, $4.95 coming Sept. 1), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder
• Tools – Big Shot, Northern Flurry Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (#120902, $7.95 coming Sept. 1), Sponge Daubers

DAZZLING DIAMOND TECHNIQUE:

1. Stamp your images on glossy cardstock and color as desired. Allow to dry completely.
2. Press the VersaMark pad on your stamped piece using the “direct-to-paper” method covering the entire piece of cardstock.
3. Cover with Iridescent Ice Embossing Power. Tap off the excess and heat emboss until it appears shiny and brighter.

Variations: 

• Use a brayer and cover your cardstock with one color. Add powder and emboss. Use that for a great sparkling background. 
• Using a Stipple brush, stipple ink on for a different look.

CHRISTMAS CLUB CLASS, Elegant Tree Ornament...

This is card #3 from my Christmas Club Class.  This one is a very easy, but elegant card.  It features two Sneak Peek products from the Holiday Mini that will be beginning September 1.  The ornament stamp is from the fabulous Tags til Christmas set.  And the brad shown on it is one of the new Glimmer Brads.  They are so gorgeous and come in four beautiful color collections.

Anyone who has requested a Holiday Mini Catalog should be receiving them in the mail this week!  They are chock full of exciting products, so be sure to set some time aside to read it cover to cover and then let me know what you think.  Enjoy!

ELEGANT TREE ORNAMENT CARD SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Tags til Christmas (W #120847 $30.95 C #121169 $22.95 coming Sept. 1), Lovely as a Tree (#115026, $27.95), Snow Swirled (#111690, $24.95)
• Card stock – Cherry Cobbler, Brushed Gold, Very Vanilla
  
• Ink – Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler
• Ribbon – Gold Elastic Cord (retired)
• Punches – Ornament (#119847 $16.95)
• Accessories – Glimmer Brads Basic (#121003, $4.95 coming Sept. 1), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Paper Piercer & Mat

CHRISTMAS CLUB CLASS, Merry Little Penguins...

Today was my first Christmas Club Class.  For this class, we are meeting once a month during August, September, October and November to create 12 Christmas cards each class—4 each of three designs—for a grand total of 48 cards at the end of the four classes.  For the first month, I had 4 designs as a treat.

For the first card, we made a very simple, but oh, so cute Penguin card.  Penguins are my youngest daughter's favorite, so I always like to work some in every Christmas.  This little penguin is from the adorable new Ronald McDonald House set Tags Along.  I just didn't color the to and from.  See all the images after the card supplies.  Enjoy!

MERRY LITTLE PENGUINS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Tag Alongs (W #117018 $17.95 C #120513 $13.95), Four the Holidays (#116921 $13.95)
• Card stock – Whisper White
  
• Ink – Real Red Classic, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Real Red and Garden Green Markers

UPCOMING CLASSES...

I am back from my vacation back home to Massachusetts (in case you've been wondering where all the posts have been for the last 10 days).  It's good to be home!  Now I need a vacation from my vacation!  My daughter Colleen kept us very busy.  Between seeing family and all the shopping she dragged us to, I spent the week exhausted!   Poor hubby spent the whole time driving as my parents moved to the boonies a few years back and at least 45 minutes (and often up to an hour and a half) from all other family and any shopping.  We filled up on all our favorites things (food, shopping, etc) we have been missing all year!

Now it's time to get back to work and boy, do I have plenty to keep me busy!  Lots of classes coming up.  Here is a few of the upcoming classes (click the pic at the left for my calendar of events):

Technique Thursday - Faux Snakeskin & Alligator

Thursday, August 19 ~ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

This is an ongoing class series called Technique Thursday. At these classes, you will learn a new technique every month. At each class, we will make a card or 3D project featuring the technique.  This month we will be learning the Faux Snakeskin and Alligator Techniques with a card for each technique.  These techniques are wonderful for masculine cards.

Additionally, we will make a 6" x 6" page with a sample of each technique along with the directions for it at each class. In a future Technique Thursday class, we will turn our 6" x 6" pages into a scrapbook that will hold all your techniques right at your fingertips!

Class Fee is $12 (due no later than August 17).

Christmas Club Class

Saturday, August 21 ~ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Saturday, September 18 ~ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Saturday, October 16 ~ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Saturday, November 20 ~ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

This is the perfect, short-term club commitment for anyone who wants to send handmade Christmas cards but doesn’t feel like they have the time.  We will be meeting once a month during August, September, October and November to create 12 Christmas cards each month—4 each of three designs—for a grand total of 48 cards at the end of the four classes.  There will be fun folds, BLING, and a variety of styles and color schemes, so there will be something for everyone.

Our Christmas Club will be on the third Saturday of the month (unless those who sign up can all agree on a different night).  Club fee is just $15 per person per month for the four month commitment or $20 on a per class commitment and includes all paper, ribbon and supplies as well as refreshments.  Bring your own adhesives.

Join me in being prepared in advance for the holidays this year while enjoying a fun day to yourself once a month!

Owls & Critters Punch Class

Saturday, August 28 ~ 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Have you seen our newest punch - the Owl Punch?  It is absolutely adorable for owls, but that's not all.  Wait until you see what else you can make with it!  Pigs, Cats, Tulips and more!  Included in this class is your very own 2-Step Owl Punch to keep.  Since this punch is $19.58 (with tax and shipping), you are getting the class for only $10! 

Class Fee: $30 due by Aug. 6 to reserve your spot since the punch has to be ordered.  Includes all paper, ribbon and supplies as well as refreshments.

Note:  Since the deadline for ordering has passed, you can still sign up for the class, but you will receive your punch after the event instead of at the class.  You may still register for the class by Thursday August 26.

Vintage Vibe

Sunday, September 12 ~ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Vintage is one of the hottest trends right now in scrapbooking and cardmaking.  I tend towards the more clean-lined side of vintage.  Join me to learn how to add the Vintage Vibe to your cardmaking!  In this class, we will use the fabulous new Smooch Spray, the Color Spritzer and the NEW Distressing Kit.

Class Fee: $15 due by Sept. 10 to reserve your spot.  Includes all paper, ribbon and supplies as well as refreshments.  Bring you own adhesives. 
 

All supplies are included, please bring your SNAIL adhesive (or other adhesive) - class kit is recommended (bone folder, scissors, etc.) list provided ~ email me at yourstampteacher@gmail.com or give me a call.

LAST CALL FOR SPRING INTO SPRING CLASS...

SPRING INTO SPRING CLASS
Sunday, March 28 ~ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM We will be making three Spring projects with two 3D projects and a Butterfly card featuring new paper, accessories and stamp sets. One 3D project will be one of the adorable Bird Houses above. The other will be the Ladybug Box - her wings swing open to reveal a hidden message! The third project is a butterfly card. Class Fee is $15 - RSVP to reserve your spot ASAP.

For All Classes: Bring your own adhesives and a class kit is recommended (bone folder, scissors, etc. - list provided). Bring an adult friend “new to me” to any class and choose a FREE gift from my goodie basket! Receive a $5 Discount on class with a $25 or more order. Beginners are always welcome to attend my classes.

  

VALENTINE STAMP CAMP....

Here is a little sneak peek of a couple of the projects we will be making next Saturday at my Valentine Class.  Learn new techniques and projects to make for your special someone!

Valentine Stamp Camp 

Saturday, Jan 23

2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Beginners are welcome! Bring an adult friend new to me with you and choose a FREE gift from my goodie basket!

Class fee: $20 and includes all paper, ribbon, supplies and treats as well as refreshments.

NEW PUNCH DESIGNS FROM STAMPIN' UP!...

New Punch Design

As part of Stampin' Up!'s commitment to providing customers with the very best crafting tools, starting with the new 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and continuing with all new punch designs going forward, Stampin' Up! has adopted a fabulous new body style for our punches!

A few features of the new punch style:

• Low-profile, rectangular punch body allows for easier stacking and storing
• Punches lock shut for easier storage and transport
• Dual labels on top and end allow for easy identification and selection when stored
• Available in three sizes: small, medium, and extra-large
• New punches allow for larger punched images and more intricate designs while providing greater ease of use.
• Extra -large punch images also allow for two-step designs like the Two-Step Bird punch in the Occasions Mini Catalog  -  CUTE, CUTE, CUTE!!!
  
• Corner punches allow you to punch a corner design along the inside edges of a page, not just corners
• Larger, whole-hand handle design provides better leverage for easier use

While new punch designs will be in the new body style, existing designs will remain in the existing body style for now.

Want to learn all about our FABULOUS new punches???  Come check them out and learn how to use our "all around" and Two-Step new designs at my New Punch Class on Saturday, Jan. 30, from 1-3.  They make gorgeous card fronts and you won't want to miss out on this hands-on opportunity!

Marie

UPCOMING CLASS SCHEDULE...

It's not too late to sign up for any of my upcoming classes.  The weather is getting chilly - just in time to put you in the mood for Christmas cards!  Check out this week's classes: 

Technique Thursday - Dazzling Diamond & Magic Snowflake 

OCT 15  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

This is an ongoing class series called Technique Thursday. At these classes, you will learn a new technique every month. At each class, we will make a card or 3D project featuring the technique. This month I will be featuring two different techniques to give you a jump on planning your Christmas cards:  "Dazzling Diamonds Dust" and "Magic Snowflake".  These techniques have a beautiful, glittery effect.  We will be making 2 different "wow" Christmas cards featuring these techniques.

Additionally, we will make a 6x6 page with a sample of each technique along with the directions for it at each class. In a future Technique Thursday class, we will turn our 6x6 pages into a scrapbook that will hold all your techniques right at your fingertips!

Beginners are welcome and encouraged. Please call or email me ASAP to reserve your spot.  Class Fee is $15. Bring an adult friend new to me with you and choose a FREE gift from my goodie basket!   Class kit recommended (adhesive, snips, etc. - list provided).

Christmas Card Class

Saturday, OCT 17  3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday, OCT 27  6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
It's never early enough to get started when it comes to making this years Christmas cards, is it?  And what better way to relax and enjoy the festivities when the holidays roll around, knowing that you are way ahead of the game!  We will make cute, fun folds (including a stairstep card and a gift card holder!), elegant, and quick, all in one class.  Above: Cards we made at the last Christmas Card class.

Class Fee:  $15.  Make five different cards and see many more!  Beginners are welcome and encouraged!   Please call or email me to reserve your spot by Thursday, Oct. 15.  Bring an adult friend new to me with you and choose a FREE gift from my goodie basket!   Class kit recommended (adhesive, snips, etc. - list provided).

Big Shot Class

Saturday, OCT 24  2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Get up close and personal with the Big Shot! We will make 3 NEW projects including at least one 3D/Box project and a beautiful, unique folded cutout card.

Bring your own paper if you would like and you can use my dies to cut out your own die cuts after class. Cost is $15. Call or email me to reserve your spot!

Marie

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, RE-INKER SPREAD...

One or two Thursdays per month, I hold a Technique class. At these classes, you will learn a new technique or two. At each class, we will make a card or 3D project featuring that technique. The next technique class is "Cracked Glass". For August only, this class will be on Tuesday, August 11, 6:30-8 due to scheduling conflicts.

Additionally, we will make a 6x6 page with a sample of the technique along with the directions for it at each class. In a future Technique Thursday class, we will turn our 6x6 pages into a scrapbook that will hold all your techniques right at your fingertips!

For more details, check out my Stampin' Up! Events page.

This is the card we made in July's Technique Class - "Reinker Spread or Splash" based on Crystal French's technique.

Melon Mambo Embrace Life Reinker Spread Card Supplies:

• Stamps – Embrace Life
• Card stock – Basic Black, Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
• Ink  – Basic Black Craft Ink, Reinkers (Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry)
• Accessories  – Clear Embossing Powder, Crystal Effects
• Punches – Modern Label, Word Window, 1/4" Circle (for faux dew drops)
• Tools – Aquapainters

CHRISTMAS IN JULY...
Thursday, July 30, 6:30-8:30
It's never early enough to get started when it comes to making this years Christmas cards, is it? And what better way to relax and enjoy the festivities when the holidays roll around, knowing that you are way ahead of the game! We will make cute, fun, elegant, and quick, all in one class.
Make five cards and see many more! Beginner's welcome. Bring a new friend to me and choose a free gift from my goodie basket! Check out the details here.