What 2 Stamp

Re-Work Wednesday: The Cover

First of all, yes, I do know how to read a calendar and I do know that today is Thursday, not Wednesday. But, I had this project all ready to post and then got REALLY busy yesterday and never got to it. So, here it is!

While perusing through the catalog in search of the next Re-Work Wednesday project, I had a thought: I always LOVE the projects on the catalog's cover, but I had never reworked any of those before. So, I chose what is actually part of a folding scrapbook, pictured at the top of the catalog, and used that as the basis for my card. The original is shown here:

I wanted to interpret the design by using the Abundant Hope set, in the Occasions Mini Catalog. I made mine into an Easter card, but it could be used for any occasion.

This is one of the cards you can choose from at my Card Cafe this Saturday, March 13, 9 a.m.-Noon. If you would like to attend the Cafe, email me right away!
 

Card Cafe is March 13

This adorable offering is one of the new projects at my March Card Cafe, on March 13, 9 a.m.-Noon, at my house. It features the Vintage Vogue stamp set and the Sweet Pea stitched felt flowers. You're going to love these flowers--all the cutting and stitching is already done--you just glue them on and look like an artist!

At Card Cafe, you will have a buffet of cards to choose from, including some new ones and some repeat projects from the previous month. Each card is $3 and you can make as many as you like during the class; additional kits also are available to purchase and assemble at home. Please RSVP by March 11 if you would like to join the fun!
 

Re-Work Wednesday: Page 112

In case you haven't noticed, I've been really into using my Big Shot lately--it just makes life so easy! So, this week's Re-Work Wednesday project also uses that great cutting tool.

The original project comes from page 112 of the Idea Book & Catalog:

Rather than stamp the flower from the Good Friend set, I used the phrase only and instead cut my flower using the Flower Layers w/Leaf die.

For the bottom paper, I used a piece from the Welcome Neighbor DSP pack in the Sale-a-Bration catalog, which is in effect only until March 31, so email me for more details on how to take advantage of SAB!

Good Neighbors Card

This card features the new Good Neighbors stamp set, in the Sale-a-Bration catalog. We made this card at my February Card Cafe. I just love the little houses and trees in this set!

This is one of the new sets you can order as a clear-mount set, or a wood block set. I choose the clear mount so that it would be easy to line up all the little pieces, and it's working like a charm. Remember, SAB ends March 31, so don't wait too long to get this adorable set!
 
 

So Sorry

Today's card is a sympathy card for a friend who recently suffered the loss of his cat. As another friend at work said, "you actually have a stamp that says you're sorry someone's cat died?" Well, yes, we do--and I'm glad for that, because anyone who has lost a pet knows the intensity of that grief. And someone who has experienced that passing needs a card, made just for them.

This was a quick design idea I gleaned from a swap card I received some time ago.The design can be used for any occasion, by changing the colors and the sentiment.

I started by masking all four edges of the card front with post-it notes, then I used Sponge Daubers to rub ink onto the Naturals White cardstock. I stamped the viney flower from the Vintage Vogue set twice, once without reinking. Then I stamped "so sorry for the loss of your little friend" from the C is for Cat set. By the way, I got that set free during Sale-a-Bration, as it is one of the sets you can choose when you purchase $50 in product, now through March 31. Email me for more details on how you can get this set--or a bunch of others--for free!

Twins with a Twist

This weekend, I attended a first birthday party for twin girls. Now, a couple of years ago, Stampin' Up! had a really cute stamp set that talked about twins. At the time, I didn't know any twins, so I didn't buy the set, even though I really liked it. I'm going to spend the next 18 years regretting that decision! The moral of the story? If you really love a product, get it while you can, as you know how our inventory rotates out! For instance, did you know the Occasions Mini catalog is only in effect until the end of April? If you love some of those items, email me to place an order or discuss booking a party.

How did I solve my twins dilemma? I grabbed my "Look Who's Turning" stamp set and inked two of the birds, one in Melon Mambo and one in Rich Razzleberry. I wanted something with a little shape to it for the top tab, so I used the Perfect Setting die in my Big Shot, and trimmed it down to fit the sentiment. This was a quickie card I could turn out 10 minutes before we left for the party--nothing like waiting till the last minute!

Roses Galore

This card makes great use of the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set and the Manhattan Textured Impressions Folder for the Big Shot.

After embossing the Blush Blossom rose with the Big Shot, I trimmed it out and used a Sponge Dauber to apply Regal Rose ink. I then stamped two flowers onto Pale Plum, using Perfect Plum ink, and used a dauber to add more color to those. I trimmed them out, cutting the petals up almost to the center, so that they could be moved. Finally, I stamped two flowers directly onto my card, then went over them with an Aquapainter. This is a great way to add a little watercolor effect, with very little effort.

The trimmed-out flowers are mounted with Dimensionals, and allowed to hang over the edge, which I can get away with, because I cut the card a little smaller than usual. I really like the "off the page" look! By the way, this is another card that was offered at my Card Cafe last week--stay tuned for details on the next one.

A Different Sort of Valentine

Yes, I know Valentine's Day is long over, but I wanted to post the card I made for my hubby, because even though it was his valentine, it can be used in lots of ways throughout the year--just vary the colors and the papers.

I started by using the Lattice die in my Big Shot, cutting it from Not Quite Navy cardstock and then adhering to a card of the same color. Then I ran some Designer Series Paper through the machine and used four of the ovals (the part you normally throw away!), in the center. The little red dots were punched with the Crop-a-Dile.

 
The sentiment on this card comes from the Boho Backgrounds stamp set. I used this at my Card Cafe this weekend and was delighted to hear some longtime stampers say they thought this was a new set--I had used it in ways they had never noticed just by seeing it in the catalog.

 
I tied the phrase to the lattice with white crochet cotton. I recently received a large bag of crochet cotton for free from someone who just knew I would find a use for it. And wouldn't you know, I have? I keep it right by my desk and find that I'm reaching for it over and over. After all, you can put just about anything on a card!
 

A Valentine for All

Need one more Valentine idea? I like this card because its message--You Make Me Happy--can be used for your sweetheart or a close friend. It uses the Boho Backgrounds stamp set; bet you never realized you could get this much mileage out of a simple background set!

This is one of the cards I am offering at Card Cafe tomorrow, Feb. 13, 9 a.m.-noon. I hope you all enjoy your Valentine's Day this weekend, with your sweetheart or simply someone you find sweet.

Re-work Wednesday: Page 94

This week's Re-work Wednesday card also was the inspiration for a new Card Cafe project. Want to make this card? Join me for the cafe this Saturday, Feb. 13, 9 a.m.-noon. You'll have a half-dozen cards to choose from, including this one, each for $3. Email me to get in on the fun! This is a detail of the card, which uses the Peace Within set--I love that kitty!

 
The original card is shown below: