CAS FRIDAY, Easter Blushes...

Today I have a super simple little Easter card to share with you for CAS Friday.  Jenni and I designed this for our workshops with beginners brand new to stamping.  We used the Easter Blossoms stamp set which has become quite a favorite of mine.  I can't seem to put it down!  That little girl is enchanting.  This time though we kept it quick and easy and focused on some of the little stamps I haven't been paying attention to.   Enjoy!

EASTER BLUSHES SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Easter Blossoms (W#121905 $25.95, C#122057 $18.95)
• Card Stock – Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride
• Ink – Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake
• Ribbon – Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim (#118481, $6.95), Linen Thread (#104199, $4.50)
  
• Accessories – Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95)
• Tools – The Tearing Edge (#102930, $19.95), Stampin' Sponges

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Faux Silk Technique...

For today's technique, I am featuring Faux Silk and using the Dream Gardens stamp set in honor of the Japanese people who are dealing the terrible aftermath of the earthquake in Japan and the Pacific tsunami.  My heart goes out to all those who were affected and my prayers are with them.

The Faux Silk technique is such a fun one to do!  For this card I choose to emboss the Faux Silk pieces.  This is a little more tricky.  Stick to clear embossing powder to avoid stray specks of colored embossing powder which will be emphasized when you mount the tissue on your card stock.  I tend to like more wrinkles in mine especially for Asian style cards, but you can also smooth yours out more if you like.  For the black DSP looking piece, I stamped the background stamp twice with Stazon and trimmed the piece to fit with the Love Letter DSP.  I love that it looks just like a Designer Series Paper. 

I really love how this card turned out!  It's one of my favorites and Jenni is even going to frame hers!

Click this photo to enlarge and view the "silk" detail:

SILK DREAMS FOR JAPAN SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Dream Gardens (#114395, $18.95)
• Card Stock – Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Love Letter DSP
• Ink – Basic Black Craft, Black Stazon
• Ribbon – Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim (#118480, $6.95)
• Punches – 1-1/4" Square (#119865, $15.95), 1-3/8" Square (#119877, $16.95)
• Accessories – Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95), Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130, $4.75), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95),
• Tools – Anywhere Glue Stick (#104045, $3.95), Stamp-a-ma-jig

FAUX SILK TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. Stamp images on tissue paper.  Use scrap sheet under tissue as ink may bleed through.
2. Color images lightly and carefully, if necessary. The ink will bleed through the tissue paper.
3. Wad up tissue paper to crinkle. Smooth out and set aside.
4. Apply Anywhere Glue Stick over the entire piece of neutral card stock.
5. Spread tissue paper over adhesive. Smooth out most wrinkles, but leave some.  Be sure to "flatten" all the wrinkles left down into adhesive.
6. Trim excess tissue paper down to 1/4", mitering the corners.  Apply snail on back side edges and bend the excess around the front to the back to adhere.
7. Finish your card.

NEW MDS DIGITAL DOWNLOADS AVAILABLE...

New digital downloads are here including a couple of our single stamps and our new button packs from the catalog in all four color collections!  To see the new Digital Downloads, you can CLICK HERE for a pdf.

As always, you can purchase our digital images and download them for My Digital Studio OR as .jpgs or .pngs to use in any digital graphics/photo/scrapbooking software (ex. Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Jasc Paint Shop Pro or Ulead Photo Impact, Microsoft Office programs like Word, Publisher, etc.).  Check out MyDigitalStudio.net for tips, tutorials, samples and videos!

Check out the complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings in the Digital Designing section of my Online Store.  Remember that if you are purchasing only digital images, there are NO shipping charges!  Please contact me if you have any questions about My Digital Studio.  I will be happy to help you!

TOOL TIP, Big Shot Texturz Plates...

Time for another Tool Tip!  Stampin' Up!'s Texturz Plates Dies are double-sided plates that you use in your Big Shot to create tasteful, lightly embossed backgrounds on thin surfaces with remarkable patterns and designs for cards or elements on scrapbook pages.

The Texturz plates are nice and big (larger than the embossing folders).  This allows you to add texture to larger projects (example: 5-1/4" square card).  We have two different sets of plates and one single plate.  Since they are double-sided, you get 6 different textures with each set of three plates.  If you purchase all three options, you will have 14 different textures for your cardstock!!!  

Texturz Plates Dies

• Die size: 8" x 5-7/8" 
• Double-sided plates 
• Creates soft, subtle embossed images 
• Use with Multipurpose Platform, Texturz Impressions Pad, and Texturz Silicone Rubber (see below)
• Background #1 Plates: #114512, $11.95
• Kit #4 Plates: #114531, $9.95
• Perfect Details Plate:  #115962, $3.95

You will also need these two pads (purchased separately) to make your sandwich to use your Texturz plates:

Standard Texturz Impressions Pad 

• Use with Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber when embossing with Texturz Plates 
• Size: 8-7/8" x 5-7/8" 
• 1 pad per package
• #114614, $5.95

 Texturz Silicone Rubber Pad

• Use with Texturz Impressions Pad when embossing with Texturz Plates 
• Size: 7-3/8" x 5-3/4" 
• 1 pad per package
• #114615, $5.95

TEXTURZ PLATES SANDWICH:

TEXTURZ PLATES TIPS:

• The Texturz plates give your cardstock a very light embossing impression.  When a deeper, more embossed impression is desired, I use 1-3 sheets of cardstock UNDER my bottom acrylic plate as a shim and then make the "sandwich" per the instructions above.
• For an even deeper impression, mist your card stock with water (use bottle with a fine mist - do not soak the paper) and place the wet side face down on the Texturz Plate in your sandwich.
• Use with DSP and then sand the raised area with a sanding block to make them white for added dimension and interest.
• Use your brayer to apply VersaMark onto your plate and then carefully place card stock on top and then the rest of your sandwich.  Run through your Big Shot for added emphasis to your embossing.  For added color, bray Classic ink on instead.

Diamond Plate Motorcycle Card

ONLY 2 WEEKS LEFT OF SALE-A-BRATION!!!...

Only 2 weeks left for Sale-A-Bration!  

This is our most anticipated event of the year.

Don't miss out!

• See the new Sale-A-Bration Catalog by clicking the catalog picture at the left or CLICK HERE.
• Here is the Stampin' Supplies List, so you can see by page what products were used to create the fantastic samples in the catalog.  
• Check my blog for projects featuring Sale-a-Bration products!
• Place your on-line customer order HERE, call or email me.  Remember to enter THROUGH my direct website rather than choosing me at the end.  That way, you are eligible for lower minimum shipping cost and FREE Stampin' Rewards (free stamp set and $15 free merchandise with orders of $150 or more).

· · { spend } · ·

You will earn your choice of a FREE product for every $50 in  purchases.  If you spend $100 you get 2 FREE products, or 3 FREE products with a $150 purchase, etc.  You can choose from one of eight exclusive SAB products (including stamp sets, DSP, accessories and digital content).

OR

You can also choose from one of over 60 stamp sets from the Idea Book & Catalog?

 CLICK HERE to see all the IB&C sets you may choose from for your FREE gift.

· · { host } · ·

Host a $300 workshop and you will receive your choice of a FREE Sale-a-Bration product in addition to the generous hostess benefits.  Even better - host a $600 workshop and get TWO free products!  You will also earn these benefits if you place your own order of $300 either with me or online.  Contact me today to book your show!  I have a few dates left.

· · { join } · ·

Have you ever thought about becoming a demonstrator (or maybe a personal shopper with a discount)?  During Sale-a-Bration (ends March 31), any new demonstrator who joins Stampin' Up! will not only receive 15% off your Starter Kit, but will also receive a special Bonus Bundle of products valued up to $50 FREE!  The following items will be included in your Starter Kit:

Item	Page	Description
121620	165	Color Coach (or multiple languages Color Coach)
120806	183	Something Special Simply Sent (or any Simply Sent kit)
117114	183	Live, Laugh, Love Stamp Set (or any Simply Sent Stamp Set valued at $12.95 or less)
119883	202	Heart to Heart Punch (or any punch valued at $17.95 or less)

• Imagine saving 30% on your first product order of $150 or more (placed within 45 days), plus earning hostess rewards AND receiving a minimum of three Sale-A-Bration gifts (one for every $50 in product purchased)! 
• Enjoy full Stampin' Up! demonstrator benefits and discounts through June 30, 2011 with NO further obligation to sell or purchase any products beyond the starter kit. 
• There's no penalty to drop - you keep the kit and everything you purchased at a discount!  To remain active beyond June 30, 2011, only $300 in product sales each quarter is required.
• The Starter Kit ships FREE and will include your special bonus bundle (whether it's the standard kit or the Digital+ Starter Kit).

NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BECOMING A DEMONSTRATOR?  Check out the Join My Group! page for more information including FAQs, Benefits of Joining My Team and Types of Demonstrators.

BRING ON THE CUPCAKES...

This is a card from my Birthday Bash class a few weeks ago.  It is based on one of the sample cards in the Occasions Mini.  They have some of the cutest ideas in our catalogs!  Of course, I had to change it up and make it my own.  I made mine a 2-tier pedestal server instead.  This card features the Bring on the Cake stamp set.  I LOVE this set--I think it is one of the most useful sets in the Mini.  Who doesn't need to make Birthday cards? 

I used the Crimper on the cupcake bottoms so that they would look like little cupcake liners.  Then I adhered the cupcakes with Dimensionals.  I adhered the Pom Pom Trim with Sticky Strip.  Enjoy!

Time to get ready for our cookout.  The weather is gorgeous here today, so we wanted to eat outside and enjoy our last meal before my parents leave tomorrow.  At least they got to enjoy all the Forsythia and Bradford Pear trees blooming here before they are back to the rest of the temperamental winter up north...

BRING ON THE CUPCAKES SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Bring on the Cake (W#121899 $38.95, C#121958 $27.95)
• Card Stock – Very Vanilla, Rose Red, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Sweet & Sour Specialty DSP
• Ink – Tangerine Tango, Rose Red, Chocolate Chip Classic
• Punches – Scallop Edge Border (#119882, $15.95), Build a Cupcake (#121807, $16.95), 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval (#119855, $15.95), Ticket Corner (#119867, $6.95), Crop-a-Dile (#108362, $29.95)
• Ribbon – Daffodil Delight Pom Pom Trim (#121885, $6.50)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Sticky Strip
• Tools – Crimper (#101618, $19.95)

ORNAMENT PUNCH IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDERING...

Stampin' Up! is happy to announce the Extra-Large Ornament punch (item 119847) is available to order! The quality problems they were experiencing with the punch have been resolved and the supply is ready to go.

Thank you for your patience as Stampin' Up! works to provide you with high-quality products.

Now that Christmas has passed, you may be thinking that you don't really need this punch now.  But, don't think of this punch as only a Christmas ornament punch!  It is a GREAT punch for punch art!  I use mine all the time.  Here are a few of the cards I used the ornament punch for:

Happy Anniversary Fishes
Peter Cottontail Hopping Down the Bunny Trail
Vintage Tulip Vase
A is for Tiger

DOWNLINE SHARE, Springtime Thank You...

My parents have been here visiting for the last week and will be here until next week.  I was able to celebrate their anniversary (49th) with them for the first time in many, many years.  We took them to Aberdeen Barn last night with my girls and we had a wonderful time.  The food was delicious!  Then we came home and visited and had Amaretto Bread Pudding - my own recipe which turned out SO good, if I do say so myself!

With my parents here, I haven't been able to make any new projects, so I'd like to share a card from one of my downline group.  Barbara Mock sent me this beautiful Thank You card she made for a dear friend.  Isn't it lovely?  Chocolate and Pink is a favorite combination of mine and this one turned out so nicely.  Barbara also just made Senior Associate.  Congratulations, Barbara!  You are doing an awesome job! 

SPRINGTIME THANK YOU SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Easter Blossoms (W#121905 $25.95, C#122057 $18.95)
• Card Stock – Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Tea & Crumpets
• Ink – Chocolate Chip Classic, Pretty in Pink Wonderful Watercolor Crayon,
• Ribbon – Flirty (retired)
• Punches – 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval (#119855, $15.95)
• Accessories – Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95), Chocolate Chip Corduroy Buttons (#114339, $2.99 on my CLEARANCE RACK), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), 2-Way Glue Pen
• Tools – Big Shot, Top Note Die (#113463, $21.95), Lots of Tags Sizzlits (#114508, $21.95), Sponge Daubers

MORE MARCH DIGITAL DOWNLOADS...

New digital downloads are here including the long-awaited Textured Card Stock Add-On Pack and the adorable Nursery Alphabet Images & Letters!  To see the new Digital Downloads, you can CLICK HERE for a pdf.

As always, you can purchase our digital images and download them for My Digital Studio OR as .jpgs or .pngs to use in any digital graphics/photo/scrapbooking software (ex. Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Jasc Paint Shop Pro or Ulead Photo Impact, Microsoft Office programs like Word, Publisher, etc.).  Check out MyDigitalStudio.net for tips, tutorials, samples and videos!

Check out the complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings in the Digital Designing section of my Online Store.  Remember that if you are purchasing only digital images, there are NO shipping charges!  Please contact me if you have any questions about My Digital Studio.  I will be happy to help you!

TUESDAY TOOL TIP, Crystal Effects...

Crystal Effects is one of my favorite tools!  It is a water based lacquer that adds depth and texture to your hand stamped projects. Crystal Effects will appear "cloudy" as it is applied but it will dry to a crystal clear sheen.  I love it because it will give your project a 3-D look or "raised effect".   Whatever area you apply it to will seem to "jump" right off the paper. It has so many great uses!  I thought I would share some tips for successfully using Crystal Effects and 25 of the many ways in which you can use it.

FEATURES & BENEFITS:

• Gives a high-gloss finish to any image
• Creates amazing 3-D effects
• Applicator tip provides great control
• Distributed exclusively by Stampin’ Up!
• Water based for quick and easy cleanup
• Dries completely within an hour, depending on how thickly it is applied
• Non-toxic, acid-free
• 2 oz.
• #101055, $6.25

CRYSTAL EFFECTS TIPS:

• Use and store Crystal Effects at room temperature.
• Always store your Crystal Effects upright and NOT laying down on it’s side.
• NEVER SHAKE Crystal Effects bottle.  This creates air bubbles making application difficult at best.
• Prior to use, place the bottle upside down in a coffee cup, allowing any air bubbles  to rise to the top. This will minimize bubbles from appearing in your finished project.
• When using, try to keep your nozzle down until completely done adding your CE to prevent bubbles from forming.
• Apply slowly to alleviate any air bubbles that may occur.
• Allow Crystal Effects to dry completely before handling.  Thin coats take only a few minutes, but thicker coats may take 30-60 minutes or longer to dry completely. Be careful not to handle your project too soon after using Crystal Effects or you may leave fingerprints in your design!
• Do NOT use the heat tool to speed dry time; it will bubble an ruin your project.
• Crystal Effects is water based and can cause Stampin’ Up! markers or dye inks to bleed.  Carefully apply a THIN layer of Crystal Effects, let dry, then apply a thicker coat.  Or, use Watercolor Crayons, Watercolor Pencils or Pastels to color your images before applying Crystal Effects without fear of bleeding colors.
• Keep a long hat pin with a ball with your Crystal Effects to use to clear the opening from any clogging.

25 GREAT CRYSTAL EFFECTS USES:

1. Use as an adhesive for embellishments. It is very strong and dries clear. Especially good for small pieces, heavy pieces, beads, bows, magnets, pin backs, wire or attaching plastic and other non-porous materials to your stamped projects. Be sure to let it dry completely before handling.
2. Simulate water droplets or dew on flowers and plants by adding little droplets to flower petals or leaves.   Also use for raindrops, water puddles or to leaves themselves to appear wet. Mix in a drop or two of Bashful Blue or Marina Mist Classic Ink Refill for a more realistic look.
3. Use on bubbles to make them appear to be translucent and dimensional on paper.
4. Add to eyes (punch art or stamped) to give them a glossy, wide-eyed and realistic effect. Also perfect for animal noses.
5. Use the applicator tip to apply a thicker layer of Crystal Effects to "select elements" of your design to add emphasis. Apply a second or third coat to raise image more, if desired. Great for small leaves, flower petals, centers of flowers, insects, Christmas ornament, teacup, umbrella, etc.
6. Brush a thin layer of Crystal Effects over the entire focal piece to give your piece a glass-like finish. Add glitter for a glittery glazed look.
7. Apply to punched circles or Buttons embosslit cuts for faux buttons.
8. Use crystal effects to glue Designer Series Paper (or a stamped image) to a clear button.
9. Use Crystal Effects with Dazzling Diamonds or ultra fine glitter to add a pop of sparkle to your project. Great for candle flames, camp fires, etc.
10. Use as icicles on your winter projects. Apply a strip of Crystal Effects on wax paper and pull down like icicles with a toothpick, then add Dazzling Diamonds.
11. Add beads, microbeads and Glass Glitter (heavier than regular glitter) to a portion of your project.
12. Use it to re-glue any stamps that have come unmounted from the foam or wood.
13. Experiment with different applicators to add textured patterns to your art. For example, the Faux Canvas technique gives a portrait effect to your stamped art. Or random squiggles, shapes or marks drawn on cardstock will give a glossy, watermark look to your background. Swirls with a paintbrush will give another effect.
14. Use as a glitter glue. Mix Crystal Effects with a small amount of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. You can also custom color them by adding drops of Classic Ink Refill. Mix small amounts or large bottles to keep on hand.
15. Use to create the illusion of glass when applied over a stamped vase, eyeglasses, windows, drinking glass, pitcher or Christmas light bulb.
16. Outline your image in a thin line of Crystal Effects for a heat embossed look without the heat.
17. Paint your pearls! Use a mixture of reinkers and Crystal Effects. Lay them on a piece of wax paper and paint them with the mixture and let dry. Change the color of Hodgepodge Hardware or mini brads, too!
18. Use to seal and protect your artwork - especially great for 3D paper flowers, multi-layer paper pins or dominoes (when colored with pastels or attaching stamped tissue paper design).
19. Use as a fray check by applying to the end of your ribbon.
20. Create Faux Dew Drops by forming 3D dots on wax paper (use reinkers to add color). Let dry, remove from wax paper and adhere to your project.
21. Coat the top of a brad with Crystal Effects and dip into some fine glitter to create glitter brads. Caution: unlike our Glimmer Brads, the glitter will tend to rub off a bit with these brads. Be sure to shake off excess before allowing to dry. Stick the brad prongs in styrofoam to let the brad dry without messing up the top.
22. Use Crystal Effects to seal your shrink art pins. This creates dimension and provides a more a great glassy finish.
23. Use Crystal Effects to seal beaded pens. After you make your pen, stick it into Styrofoam to dry for 24 hours. Then dip the pen upside down into the bottle of crystal effects. Tip right side up and stick back into the Styrofoam to dry for another 24 hours. It seals the pen so that he beads won't fall off.
24. Use as a household glue to repair items - I used it to glue the bed of my Birkenstock sandal and it's still holding!
25. Use for techniques like Acetate & Tissue, Sparkly Stain Glass, Snow Globe, Faux Canvas, Photo Altering, Caught in Crystal and so many more!