WATERCOLOR WEDNESDAY, Everybunny's Belle Bunny...

Today is Watercolor Wednesday!  I can't believe I haven't done an Easter card for my blog yet, so I had to do one for you today.  The Everybunny Stamp Set in the Idea Book & Catalog is just adorable!  I tried to keep it simple to let the watercolor image be the focus, although it was hard not to add embossing or pearls, etc.   I'm still struggling with KISS (Keep It Simple Stamper), but I'm trying!  I did end up pulling out my Crimper though to give my eyelet border a ruffled appearance.

I used Shimmery White card stock for the watercolored piece - my favorite for watercoloring with Aquapainters and Classic Ink!  The Aquapainter just glides across it.  I know lots of you got Everyday Enchantment DSP during Sale-A-Bration, so Easter projects are perfect to use it on.  Hope you enjoy this one!

BELLE BUNNY WATERCOLOR SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Set – Everybunny  (W#122705 $27.95, C#122707 $19.95)
• Card Stock – Shimmery White, Very Vanilla, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Everyday Enchantment DSP (retired)
• Ink – Black Stazon, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, Soft Suede, Daffodil Delight Classic
• Ribbon – Calypso Coral 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon (#124976, $9.95),
• Accessories – Dazzling Details (#124117, $2.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Punches – Modern Label (#119849, $16.95), Eyelet Border (#119882, $15.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Labels Collection Framelits Dies (#125598, $26.95), Punch Windows Movers & Shapers Dies (#115953, $29.95), Crimper (#101618, $19.95), Aquapainters (#103954, $16.95), Sponge Daubers

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

BAROQUE LOVE BIRDS WEDDING CARD...

Jenni is attending a wedding tomorrow and made this card for the happy couple.  She was inspired by my Love Birds 60th Anniversary card, but reinvented it in a whole new way.  The couple's theme is Black, White & Silver, so these are the colors she wanted to use for the card.

Jenni sponged Frost Shimmer Paint on the raised portions of the embossed Top Note piece as well as on the Love Birds and the white butterflies.  It adds the perfect tone on tone sheen.

For the sentiment, she used the Petite Pairs stamp set.  That set has quickly become one of my favorites!  It is perfectly sized for punched pieces and the I love being able to pair the sentiments for the card front and the inside!  Check out the picture at the end of the post for all the adorable sayings!

BAROQUE LOVE BIRDS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Petite Pairs (W#122495 $28.95, C#122497 $20.95),  Baroque Motifs (#113490, $27.95)
• Card Stock – Basic Black, Whisper White, Brushed Silver
• Ink – Basic Black Classic, Frost White Shimmer Paint (#116854, $5.95)
• Punches – Modern Label (#119849, $16.95), Full Heart (#119883, $16.95), Two-Step Bird (#117191, $16.95)
• Accessories – Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Top Note Die (#113463, $21.95), Punch Windows Movers & Shapers Dies (#115953, $29.95), Scalloped Heart Of Hearts Stampin' Up! Embosslits Die (#117332, $11.95), Beautiful Wings Embosslit (#118138, $11.95), Elegant Lines Embossing Folder (#119277, $7.95),  Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Sponge Daubers

SUDSOL BLOG TOUR, Fabulous Fun & Fancy Folds...

I am SO excited to be participating in the SUDSOL Blog Tour #6!  SUDSOL (Simply Unique Demonstrators Sharing On Line) is an online community of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators.  I have only been a member of SUDSOL since the beginning of the year, but I love all the fabulous resources available to me and I use it almost every day!  Their Creative Library has an extensive samples gallery, video tutorials, patterns and templates.  Members also have access to lots of great business articles, forms and class outlines.

I know that many of my readers are Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  If you are a demonstrator and are not already of member of SUDSOL, please consider taking advantage of the FREE two-week trial.  Just CLICK HERE.  Once you sign up for your FREE trial, be sure to stop by my gallery:  MarieStamps.  You will find the patterns for all of my Fancy Fold cards in the Patterns Library as well:  Twisted Easel Card,  Center Step Card,  Diamond Fold Card.  Check it out today!

The idea of the SUDSOL Blog Tour is not to do "Art Show" quality projects.  Instead, the group likes projects that are easily demonstratable at workshops and classes.  These are the type of projects that demonstrators find most useful.  Towards that end, my projects show different fold techniques, while keeping the designs very simple.  I hope you enjoy my projects!

The first card I have for you is also the easiest fold.  It is a Twisted Easel Card.  It again uses one of my favorite new stamps, the Sunflower.  I just love the fine lines in this image.  The sentiment, from the Hostess set Faith in Nature, seemed a natural fit with the Sunflower.  And I had to include some of the yummy new Scallop Dots Ribbon - my favorite from the new catalog!

NATURAL SUNFLOWER TWISTED EASEL CARD SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Sunflower (#123606,  $17.95), Faith in Nature (Hostess)
• Card Stock – More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Naturals Ivory
• Ink – More Mustard Classic, More Mustard & Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Markers
• Ribbon – Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots (#124142, $7.95)
• Punches – Ticket Corner (#119867 $6.95)
• Accessories – Antique Brads (#117273, $5.95)
• Tools – Paper Trimmer with Scoring Blade, Paper Piercer & Mat, Sponge Daubers

You can find general directions HERE, but demonstrators trying out SUDSOL, can see my full tutorial with pictures HERE.

The second card is a Center Step Card.   For this card, I used the new Sweets for the Sweet stamp set.  It is such a cute set.  I stamped and cut out two different pinwheels.  Then I assembled them with Stampin' Dimensionals between each layer and the card.  The Just Add Cake DSP is the perfect touch of fun for this whimsical card. 

FANTASTIC PINWHEEL PARADE CENTER FOLD CARD SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Sweets for the Sweet (W#122510 $25.95, C#122512 $18.95), Perfect Words (Hostess or Stampin' Rewards)
• Card Stock – Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Whisper White, Just Add Cake DSP
• Ink – Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, So Saffron Classic, Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker
• Punches – Modern Label (#119849, $16.95)
• Accessories – Silver Brads (#104336, $6.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Paper Trimmer with Scoring Blade, Big Shot, Ovals Die (#114525, $15.95), Punch Windows Movers & Shapers Dies (#115953, $29.95), Piercer & Mat, Sponge Daubers

You can find my tutorial for the Center Step Card here:  Love Birds 60th Anniversary Center Step Card and my full pdf tutorial on SUDSOL HERE.

The third card is a Diamond Fold Card.  This card is a little more complicated in the scoring and folding, but once you have done one or two, you will find it quite easy.  You hold it flat when inserting it into the envelope.  When the recipient pulls the card from the envelope, it "explodes" up.  For this card, I used the very popular Flirtatious Specialty DSP and Delicate Doilies Stamp Set from the new catty along with the new Melon Mambo Embossing Powder. 

Here is a picture of how it looks flat (before embellishing):

DARLING DOILY DIAMOND FOLD CARD SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Delicate Doilies (W#122590 $21.95, C#122592 $16.95)
• Card Stock – Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Flirtatious Specialty DSP
• Ink – Wisteria Wonder Classic, VersaMark
• Accessories – Basic Pearls Jewel Accents (#119247, $4.95), Melon Mambo Stampin' Emboss Powder (#123223, $4.75)
• Tools – Paper Trimmer with Scoring Blade, Heat Tool, Ruler, Sponge Daubers

You can find my full pdf tutorial with pictures on SUDSOL HERE.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for a fourth fun fold card, a Telescoping Circle Card!  I will have the full tutorial for that card tomorrow as well.  I hope you enjoyed my Fun & Fancy Fold Cards!

LOVE BIRDS 60th ANNIVERSARY CARD...

Today I wanted to show you another of my entries for the Splitcoaststampers Creative Crew.  This one was the Love Bird challenge.  I changed it up a bit for a 60th anniversary card for my husband's aunt and uncle, Joan and Bob Cowie (Congratulations to them!).  It would work equally as well for a wedding card though.  Here is the challenge info:

CCREW0611HF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM - Holiday/Seasonal Focus: *Love Birds* It wouldn't be right to have June, weddings, flowers, etc without the birds! Let this Love Birds Shower Ensemble inspire you! You do not have to do wedding cards, however you must use a bird.

I chose a Center Step fold for my card (FREE tutorial at the end of the post).  I decided to go with a mostly white card with lots of texture to it.  Everything was embossed with embossing powder or an embossing folder or both!  Even the window sheet was embossed!  I also used the Illuminate Smooch Pearlized Accent to add some definition to areas of some of the dry embossed pieces.  White doesn't have to be plain!  Enjoy!

LOVE BIRD 60th ANNIVERSARY SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – A Word for You  (W#117032 $21.95, C#120528 $16.95), Occasional Quotes (Hostess Set Level 2)
• Card Stock – Whisper White Textured, Brushed Silver
• Ink – Whisper White Craft, Illuminate Top Coat Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink (#121084, $5.50)
• Ribbon – Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta (#109070, $6.95), Baker's Twine (#124262, $2.95)
• Punches – Full Heart (#119883, $16.95), Two-Step Bird (#117191, $16.95), Itty Bitty Punch Pack (#118309, $16.95), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border (#119275, $15.95)
• Accessories – Basics Glimmer Brads (#121003, $4.95), Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95), Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder (#101930, $4.75), Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109131, $4.75), Window Sheets (#114323, $4.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter
• Tools – Big Shot, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzlits Dies (#115951, $74.95), Movers & Shapers Punch Windows (#115953, $29.95), Beautiful Wings Embosslit (#118138, $11.95), Scalloped Heart Of Hearts Stampin' Up! Embosslits Die (#117332, $11.95), Elegant Lines Embossing Folder (#119277, $7.95), Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder (#117335, $7.95), Paper Piercer & Mat

CENTER STEP CARD TUTORIAL:

(click photos to enlarge for more detail)

1. Cut card stock to 5-1/2" x 11".

2. Using your paper trimmer in the portrait position, align the left side of your paper on the 1" mark.  Insert the cutting blade at 1" and cut from 1" down to 6.5".

3. Flip card stock over and repeat on the other side.

4.  Put your scoring blade in your trimmer.  With the card stock in the landscape position and the cut lines toward the left side, score from the edge of the card stock to the cut line at 1", 2" and 6.5".  Repeat on the opposite side of card.

5.  Score BETWEEN cut lines at 5-1/2".

6.  Fold all the score lines as follows:  the 1", 5.5" and 6.5" score lines are mountain folds.  The 2" score line is a valley fold.  Use a bone folder to make folds crisp.

7.  Stamp and embellish your card as desired.

HAPPY I DO DAY BRIDE & GROOM HEARTS...

Saturday, one of my friend's daughters is getting married.  This is the card I made for her.  I punched up these bride and groom punch art hearts from some that I made a couple of years ago.  This card has lots of layers and depth!  I used embossing folders and Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spray on all the white layers.  You can find a tutorial for the all-around punch borders I did on the white layers HERE.  I popped a lot of the layers out on Stampin' Dimensionals although you can't tell in the picture.

I LOVE this sentiment from the Word Play stamp set.  It's so fun!  Inside I kept it simple with two sentiments from the hostess stamp set, Occasional Quotes.  Hope you enjoy Megan's wedding card!

HAPPY I DO DAY, MEGAN! SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Word Play (W#120308 $41.95, C#120651 $28.95), Occasional Quotes (Hostess Set Level 2)
• Card Stock – Basic Black Textured, Whisper White
• Ink – Basic Black Craft, Frost White Shimmer Paint (#116854, $5.95), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spray (#118772, $4.95)
• Ribbon – Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta (#119261, $5.95)
• Punches – Full Heart (#119883, $16.95), Curly Label (#119851, $16.95), Scallop Trim Border (#118402, $15.95), Scallop Trim Corner (#118870, $9.95)
• Accessories – Neutrals Brads (#119736, $6.95), Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95), Basic Rhinestones Jewels (#119246, $4.95), Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130, $4.75), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Scalloped Heart Of Hearts Stampin' Up! Embosslits Die (#117332, $11.95), Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (#120175, $7.95), Elegant Lines Embossing Folder (#119277, $7.95), Movers & Shapers Curly Label (#114506, $42.95), Paper Piercer & Mat

PUNCH ART BUNNY BOX...

This Bunny Box is another project from my Easter class last month.  The box in this project is the same box from my Birthday Favor Basket I posted a couple of weeks ago.  The link provides a FREE step-by-step tutorial.  The only difference is that you adhere all four top flaps to the inside of the basket instead of just two.

This was a fun project to make.  I always love coming up with new bunny boxes every year.  My Easter classes wouldn't be complete without one!  Enjoy!

PUNCH ART BUNNY BOX SUPPLIES:

• Card Stock – Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Basic Black, Baja Breeze, Springtime Vintage DSP
• Ink - Sahara Sand, Pretty in Pink, White Signo Gel Pen
• Punches – Blossom Petals Punch (#121808, $16.95), Two-Step Owl (#118074, $16.95), 3/4" Circle (#119873, $10.95), 1/2" Circle (#119869, $5.95), Heart to Heart (#119881, $16.95)
• Accessories – Crystal Effects (#101055, $6.25), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Sticky Strip, Small piece of cotton ball
• Tools – Big Shot, Petal Cone Die (#121810, $32.95), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (#119976, $7.95), Punch Windows Movers & Shapers Die (#121923, $25.95), Bone Folder, Paper Cutter/Scorer (#104152, $24.95)

BUNNY PUNCH ART:

• Body - Largest Oval from the Ovals Die
  
• Head - Ornament Punch Window from Whisper White with the top cut off and sanded
• Ears - Punch two large Blossom Petals from Whisper White and two smaller ones from Pink Pirouette.  Emboss the Pink pieces with Square Lattice Embossing Folder.  Use your finger to give the ears a curve.
• Eyes - Punch two 1/2" Circles from Basic Black.  Add hightlights to eyes with White Signo Gel Pen.
• Cheeks - Punch two 3/4" Circles from Whisper White.
• Nose - Punch smallest heart from the Heart to Heart punch from Pink Pirouette covered with Crystal Effects; pop out with a Stampin' Dimensional.
• Whiskers - Slices of Whisper White adhered under the nose.
• Arms - Punch two Modern Label from Whisper White.
• Feet - Punch two Wide Ovals from Whisper White.  Add one 3/4" Circle embossed with Square Lattice Embossing Folder from Pink Pirouette to each foot.  Add three medium Circles from the Two-Step Owl Punch from Pink Pirouette (embossed) to each foot. 

BUILD A BLUSHING BLOSSOM...

I have been mired in tax paperwork this week, so I haven't had much time to work on new projects this week.  Maybe I will learn my lesson and keep track as I go... someday!  Ugh!  Tax man is coming Friday... 

Meanwhile I will share a project with you from my downline meeting last week.  It is a CASE of a card in the Occasions Mini Catalog with a couple of tweaks.  After stamping, and punching out the petals, use a bone folder to give each one a curl.  Then adhere each one with a Stampin' Dimensional to give your blossom lots of dimension (although the angle in this picture isn't really showing that).  Hope you enjoy it!

BLUSHING BLOSSOM SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Build a Blossom (W#121905 $25.95, C#121994 $18.95), A Word for You (W#117032 $21.95, C#120582 $16.95)
• Card Stock – Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz
• Ink – Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz Classic
• Punches – Blossom Petals (#121808, $16.95), Modern Label (#119849, $16.95)
• Accessories – Vintage Flower Adornments (#121879, $5.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Punch Windows Movers & Shapers Die (#121923, $25.95), Sponge Daubers, Bone Folder

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Shaving Cream Valentine

Tonight was my Technique Thursday class.  Our first technique was the Shaving Cream technique.  This is an oldie that I learned probably 10+ years ago.  I realized it was one I had not shared with the group before, so I thought my class would enjoy learning it.  They did!  It's a fun technique, but it can be a little messy, so be sure to wear an apron and wear gloves if you don't like to wear reinker on your hands for a day or so!

Jenni came over in the afternoon to help with this card and made a yummy dinner for us before the class - thanks, Jen!  I started out this card with this week's Mojo Monday sketch and altered it a bit.  I had to add some of that yummy Pompom Trim from the Occasions Mini!  I love that stuff.  And, of course, I had to do Valentine cards for this month's class.  If you don't do Valentine's Day, try it as an Anniversary card!

GIVE THOSE FLAMINGOS A SHAVE! SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Valentine Defined (W#121941 $26.95, C#123057 $18.95), I {Heart} Hearts (W#117010 $26.95, C#118571 $19.95)
• Card Stock – Basic Black, Whisper White, Melon Mambo
• Ink – Basic Black, Melon Mambo Classic, Basic Black Marker, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette Classic Ink Refills
• Punches – 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval (#119855, $15.95), 1-3/8" x 5/8" (Small) Oval (#119863, $15.95), Full Heart (#119883, $16.95), Heart to Heart (#119881, $16.95),
• Ribbon – Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta (#119261, $5.95), Melon Mambo Pompom Trim (#123322, $6.50)
• Accessories – Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95),
• Tools – Big Shot, Scallop Square Duo Die (#120903, $21.95), Punch Windows Movers & Shapers Die (#115953, $29.95),

SHAVING CREAM TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. Fill a Styrofoam plate or container with shaving cream and use a wooden stick to smooth it out somewhat.
2. Add several drops of 2-3 re-inker colors to your shaving cream.
3. Mix the shaving cream and ink in a swirling motion until you like the designs and swirls—not too much or colors will be muddy.
4. Press your cardstock into the shaving cream, making sure the card front is completely coated.
5. Remove cardstock from shaving cream and use a paper towel to wipe away the shaving cream in a swirling motion.
6. Allow to dry and assemble your card. Makes a great background!