Tip #7: Poinsettia Shrub with Holly Stamp

This is our LS-B42 Holly stamp.


Ink and stamp it on paper with color of your choice.
Turn the stamp upside down, ink and stamp it right below the first stamped image...and you have now a Poinsettia!!!


Color it with your favorite coloring medium.
Add a paper flower in the center and secured it with a brad, if desired!
Have fun using it in your creations!

Check the card that uses this tip by clicking HERE or scroll down to the post below.

Card of the Month: Poinsettia Card

Supplies:
1. Stamp:
LS-B42 Holly

2. Ink Pad:
Brilliance Gamma Green

3. Patterned Papers:
BasicGrey
DCWV

4. Others:
Frou-Frou Flower Jar (Fancy Pants Designs)
Eyelets
Flower Brad
Watercolor pencils
Paintbrush

Tip #6: Tearing Napkins

An easy trick to tear napkins is to use a fine tip paintbrush and water.

1. Peel off the layers that you won't use.
2. Dip the paintbrush in water.
3. "Paint" on the napkin, around the design that you want to use on your project.
4. While the napkin is still wet, tear the design.

Click HERE to see the card!

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Your entire purchase for 20% off!
Just enter the code: GFRI20 during check out.

And the best thing is...the sale goes beyond Friday! It will be good until Monday (November 30th)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

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Technique #7: Napkins & Stamps

Supplies:
1. Stamps:
KI-A20 Klimt Swirls
Stampabilities

2. Ink Pads:
Memento Tuxedo Black
Memento New Sprout
Orange dye-ink pad

3. Others:
Napkin of your choice
Paintbrush
Gel Medium Or Modge Podge
Vanilla cardstock

How-To:

1. Peel off the top layer of napkin of your choice.
2. Tear off the desired design for your card.
3. Adhere the napkin panel to the card front with Gel Medium (or Modge Podge) using a paintbrush. You can dilute the adhesive with a little water, if desired.
4. Ink KI-A20 Klimt Swirls in orange and stamp several times around the napkin panel.
5. Ink and stamp "Merry Christmas" in Memento Tuxedo Black on vanilla cardstock. Ink the edges in Memento New Sprout. Adhere on card.

Card of the Month: Holly Card

Supplies:
1. Stamps:
LS-B42 Holy

2. Ink Pads:
Memento Tuxedo Black
Brilliance Gamma Green

3. Patterned Papers:
BasicGrey

4. Others:
Ribbon
Glitter Glue

Project #5: Easy Tags

For this project, you'll need

1. Stamps:
PO-A01 Black-Eyed Susan
PO-A03 Flower 8
Sentiment: Studio G

2. Ink Pads
Memento Tuxedo Black and Angel Pink

3. Circle/Round Scallop Punches or a die-cut machine
4. Ribbon
5. Hole Punch



We used a Slice Machine (Making Memories) to cut out the shapes.
Ink and stamp your chosen images on.
Punch a hole.
Add the ribbon and place the tags around the party favors or other gifts.

Attention!

We'll be on vacation from October 17th to the 24th.
Orders placed between Oct 17th-24th will start shipping on October 26th.
Sorry for any inconvenience...

Thank you!

Technique #6: Bleach Stamping

Supplies:
1. Stamp: LS-B38 Pumpkin
2. Colored Cardstock
3. Bleach
4. Plastic Container
5. Paper Towel

How to:
1. Fold paper towel and place it in the plastic container.
2. Add a small amount of bleach into the container. This will be the "ink pad".
3. "Ink" and stamp the image on a piece of colored cardstock.

Sometimes you'll see the results right away, sometimes you'll have to wait a little bit longer. The results will vary depending on the cardstock.
Just remember to do it in an area with good ventilation...and have fun!

Rub-Ons: a la Card Rubbings (7gypsies)

Card of the Month: Thank You Cards

Supplies:
1. Stamps:
LS-B41 Maple Leaf
Inkadinkado

2. Ink Pads:
VersaMark (Tsukineko)
Memento Rich Cocoa
Brilliance Pearlescent Rust (Tsukineko)

3. Patterned Papers:
BasicGrey

4. Others:
Copper Embossing Powder (Tsukineko)
Embossing Heat Gun (Marcy Uchida)
Letter Stickers
Cuttlebug Machine
Scallop Oval Die-Cuts (SpellBinders)
Gold Metallic Marker (American Crafts)
Sponge Dauber (Tsukineko)

Project #4: Using Stamps in Scrapbook Layouts

Use rubber stamp images to add interest to your patterned papers.
In the layout above, we inked and stamped LS-B41 Maple Leaf in VersaMark (Tsukineko).
Then, heat emboss with different embossing powders.

Technique #5: Overstamping

Ink the stamp LS-B35 Branch Frame in Memento New Sprout and stamp on a light green cardstock (S.E.I.).



Now stamp LS-B34 Branch with the help of a stamp positioner.

If you don't have a stamp positioner, try the "I think it's here" technique... =)
The picture below shows the first image, then three overstamped images using different inks (all done without a stamp positioner).

Card of the Month: Branch Trio Card

Supplies:

1. Stamps:
LS-B34 Branch
LS-B35 Branch Frame
LS-B36 Leaves

2. Ink Pads:
Memento New Sprout

3. Patterned Papers:
BasicGrey

4. Cardstock:
S.E.I.

Tip #5: Attaching Vellum

Here are some ways to attach vellum onto your projects:


Stamps: PO-A01 Black-Eyed Susan, PO-A03 Flower 8, PO-A04 Flower 5


Stamps: PO-B45 Dandelion, BasicGrey Journal Block, 7gypsies Sentiments-Cards.

Other options are vellum tapes.
Of course, you can always try regular adhesives, but you might need to test them first, so they don't warp or show through your vellum.
We've tried Liquitex Gel Medium and 3M liquid glue and they worked, too! Just brush a thin layer!

Tip #4: Foam Tape

To add dimension to your projects use Foam Tape (Squares or Circles).
Other options: Pop Up Glue Dots.

Project #3: 3-D Embellishments

Use rubber stamps to create 3-D embellishments and give your cards the extra "pop"!


The card above uses the stamp QC-B52 Wild Tomato.
Stamp the flower on the striped patterned paper (pp) and heat emboss in Clear. Then, stamp it 3 times more on the pinkish pp and also heat emboss.
Cut the flowers out and layer them to form the full bloom.
The first and second flowers were adhered on with double-sided tape. Use foam tape to adhere the third flower.

The card below was created with 3 embossed flowers.
Stamp the flower from S.E.I. Mimosa Clear Stamps on light green cardstock, heat emboss and cut them out.


Adhere the left and the right flowers with double-sided tape. And use foam tape for the flower in the center.

The sentiment (Studio G) was stamped on light green cardstock and layered on BasicGrey pp. Then, the panel was adhered with foam tape.

Technique #4: Stamping on Vellum

Vellum is a translucent paper and they can be stamped just like you would plain white paper.
We recommend using dye-based ink pads. Brilliance Pigment ink pads (Tsukineko) are also formulated to dry on vellum. StazOn (Tsukineko) - a solvent-based ink - also works well.

You can use a lot of techniques with vellum...
A. You can stamp on vellum and use the stamped side up or down;
B. You can layer vellum on patterned paper or a stamped paper and it will give you a more subtle impression of the design;
C. You can heat emboss (just be carefull not to overheat...it will warp with the heat. To minimize the problem, try using heavy-weight vellum);
D. You can color on the front or on the back of the stamped image.

The sample card below will show you the look of:
A. Using the stamped side up and
B. Layering on patterned paper and stamped images.

Supplies:
PO-B45 Dandelion , Memento Tuxedo Black (dye ink), Brilliance Mediterranean Blue and Pearlescent Ivy (pigment ink), patterned papers, silver vellum, brads and ribbon.



How-To:

1. Tear a piece of patterned paper and distress the edges with Brilliance Pearlescent Ivy. Center and adhere on card.
2. Stamp Frame on patterned paper with Memento Tuxedo Black.
3. Center and stamp Dandelion on vellum with Brilliance Mediterranean Blue. Without re-inking, stamp on patterned paper, as shown. Then, stamp Dandelion on patterned paper with Memento Tuxedo Black.



4. Attach vellum on stamped patterned paper with brads.
5. Adhere ribbon.
6. Center and adhere the panel on card.

Here's the card!



And below is a picture with the Dandelion stamped on vellum with Brilliance Graphite Black, StazOn Cotton White and StazOn Jet Black.



Check out the Card of the Month for August!
The image on the vellum was heat embossed with Sparkle Embossing Powder.
Click HERE to see the card or just scroll down.

Card of the Month: Timeless Card

Supplies:

1. Stamps:
PO-B45 Dandelion
BasicGrey Journal Block
7gypsies Sentiments-Cards

2. Ink Pads
Memento Tuxedo Black
Brilliance Dew Drop Mediterranean Blue, Moonlight White and Pearlescent Ivy (Tsukineko)

3. Papers:
7gypsies
Silver Vellum (The Paper Studio)
Tan Cardstock

4. Others:
Sparkle Embossing Powder (Tsukineko)
Ribbon (Autumn Leaves Scribbles)
Mini Flower Brads (The Paper Studio)
Foam Squares
Embossing Heat Gun

Christmas in July: Christmas Tree Card

Supplies:
1. Stamps:
KI-A20 Klimt Swirls

2. Ink Pads:
Memento Lady Bug

3. Patterned Papers:
BasicGrey

4. Others:
Ribbon
Photo

Christmas in July: Merry3 Christmas Card

Supplies:
1. Stamps:
WS-A12 Stars

2. Ink Pads:
Brilliance Dew Drop Mediterranean Blue

3. Patterned Papers:
BasicGrey
DCWV

4. Others:
Clear Embossing Powder (Tsukineko)
Heat Embossing Gun
Making Memories Cardstock

Card of the Month: Starfish 4th of July Card

Happy 4th of July!!!


Supplies:
1. Stamps:
PO-B46 Starfish Small
PO-B47 Starfish
PO-B48 Starfish 2
PO-B49 Starfish Border

2. Ink Pads:
VersaMark (Tsukineko)
Brilliance Dew Drop Mediterraneam Blue
VersaMagic Dew Drop Red Magic

3. Others:
Sparkle Embossing Powder (Tsukineko)
Heat Embossing Gun
Watercolor Paper
Spray Bottle
White Ribbon

Card of the Month: Wild Tomato Flower Card

Supplies:
1. Stamps:
QC-B52 Wild Tomato
WS-A08 Flowers Texture

2. Ink Pads:
Brilliance Pearlescent Poppy (Tsukineko)

3. Patterned Paper:
7Gypsies

4. Others:
Clear Embossing Powder (Tsukineko)
Heat Embossing Gun
Adhesive Pen
Glitter
Mulberry Paper
Foam Squares
Scallop Border Punch (EK Success)

Card of the Month: Father's Day Card

Supplies:
1. Stamps:
PO-B46 Starfish Small
PO-B47 Starfish
PO-B48 Starfish 2
Sentiment (Studio G)

2. Ink Pads:
Memento Tuxedo Black
VersaMagic Turquoise Gem and Aegean Blue (Tsukineko)

3. Patterned Paper:
BasicGrey
My Mind's Eye

4. Others:
Cuttlebug Machine
Swirls Embossing Folder
Adhesive Pen
Glitter
Copic Marker

Card of the Month: Mother's Day Card

Supplies:
1. Stamps:
WS-A11 Bold Flower
Sentiment (Studio G)

2. Ink Pads:
Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

3. Patterned Paper:
My Mind's Eye

4. Others:
Paper Flowers (Prima)
Glitter Glue
Copic Marker

Project #2: Twinchies

Think of twinchies as "big sister" of inchies...
Twinchies are pieces of artwork in a 2"x2" canvas.

Here's a card using 2 twinchies:


Supplies:
1. Stamps:
From the Garden (Fancy Pants Designs)

2. Ink Pads:
Brilliance (Tsukineko)
VersaMagic (Tsukineko)
Memento Tuxedo Black
Memento Rich Cocoa

3. Patterned Paper:
BasicGrey
Fancy Pants Designs

4. Others:
Paper Flowers (Prima)
Glitter Glues
Foam Squares

Technique #3: Emboss Resist

There are many ways to achieve the resist technique look.
In this tutorial, we'll use clear embossing powder to emboss on white cardstock (a tab file divider).

Supplies:
1. Stamps:
Flower from LS-A33S Flowers Set
WS-A13 Gerbera

2. Ink Pads:
VersaMark (Tsukineko)
Brilliance Peacock (3 colors)

3. Others:
White Tab File Divider
Clear Embossing Powder (Tsukineko)
Heat Embossing Gun
Brayer (Speedball)
Paper Towel
Optional: Ironing Machine and Scrap Paper

How-To:
A. Start by inking Gerbera and Flower in VersaMark and stamping on the cardstock (tab file divider). You might want to work in sections.

B. Heat emboss with clear embossing powder.
For a tutorial on this technique click here:

Heat Emboss Technique

After heat embossing, your cardstock should look like this. Let it cool down.



C. Ink the brayer using the Brilliance Peacock ink pad.



D. Place a scrap paper beneath the cardstock. Roll the brayer over the cardstock. We brayered the middle section first.



E. Then we finished brayering the top and bottom with the light and dark colors.



F. Use the paper towel to rub off the ink on embossed images.

G. Optional: Sandwich the cardstock with scrap papers and iron it. The iron will melt the powder (and the scrap paper will absorb it).

Card of the Month: Easter Card

Supplies:
1. Stamps:
Flower from LS-A33S Flowers Set
LS-A31 Cross Sketch
Bella Brush (Fancy Pants Designs)

2. Ink Pads:
Brilliance Pearlescent Lavender
Memento Rich Cocoa

3. Patterned Paper:
Autumn Leaves

4. Others:
Walnut Ink Spray(Tsukineko)
Border Punch
Tan, Green, Pink Cardstock
Glitter Glue
Textbook Page

Tips #2 & #3: How to mount UnMounted Rubber Stamps II & III

II. Mounting UnMounted rubber stamps with Low-Tack Tape

1. Take a piece of tape and wrap it around itself (sticky side out).

 2. Place it on the acrylic block.

 3. Place the stamp on tape.

 4. And you're ready to stamp!

P.S.: A bigger image might need more than one piece of tape.


III. Mounting UnMounted rubber stamps with Double-Sided Tape

1. Place double-sided tape on acrylic block.
2. Place a rubber stamp on the tape.
3. And you're ready to stamp!

True Love Inchies Card

Supplies:
1. Stamps:
Klimt Inspired Collection (Klimt Triangle, Klimt Swirls, Klimt Star, Klimt Heart)
From the Garden (Fancy Pants Designs)

2. Ink Pads:
VersaMark (Tsukineko)
Brilliance Meditteranean Blue
VersaMagic Dew-Drops

3. Patterned Papers:
BasicGrey
Fancy Pants Designs
7gypsies

4. Others:
Copper Embossing Powder (Tsukineko)
Brads (7gypsies)
Glitter
Green Metallic Brush Pen (Pentel)
Silver Leafing Pen (Krylon)
Cuttlebug Machine
Flowers Die

Here's the detail for the flower:

We embellished the heart and flower center with glitter. Just use a fine-tip liquid glue to outline where you want the glitter and sprinkle glitter on.

Project #1: Inchies

Inchies are miniature pieces of art!
Trim 1" x 1" squares from cardstock, patterned paper, fabric or any other material and start creating!
Use them in cards, scrapbook layouts or other projects.

For these inchies, we stamped a piece of cardstock with several images from the Klimt Inspired Collection. Then, we trimmed it into 1" x 1" squares. These can be used as is to embellish a card or as background for other images.



These were stamped on patterned papers. Then, embellished with embossing powders, metallic pens, punch-out flowers and/or glitter glues.



These stamps and/or stamp sets are perfect for inchies!
PO-A02 Small Black-Eyed Susan
The Daily Grind Stamp #1 (Fancy Pants Designs)
From the Garden (Fancy Pants Designs)

I love You Card

Supplies:
1. Stamps:
WS-A17 Heart
7gypsies Sentiments-Cards

2. Ink Pads:
Brilliance Pearlescent Orchid and Brilliance Pearlescent Lavender (Tsukineko)

3. Patterned Papers:
BasicGrey

4. Others:
Sparkle Embossing Powder (Tsukineko)
White Cardstock
Heat Embossing Gun
Deckle-Edge Scissors

Technique #2: Heat Embossing

You will need: stamp image of your choice; any Embossing Ink Pad, slow-drying Ink Pad (Pigment) or VersaMark (Tsukineko); Embossing Powder; an Embossing Heat Gun and cardstock or patterned paper.


1. Ink you image with Embossing ink or VersaMark (Tsukineko).


2. Stamp it on your cardstock or patterned paper.


3. On a piece of scrap paper or craft tray, pour powder on the stamped image. Make sure the image is completely covered.


4. Shake off excess powder and put it back into container. You can use a small paintbrush to brush off the powder from undesired areas.


5. Using an Embossing Heat Gun, heat the image until powder melts. Move the gun slowly over the image. You can actually see it melting during the heating process


6. Let the image cool down.

We used our Pear image (PO-B50 Pear) and Black Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE by Ranger) here.

If you don't have an Embossing Heat Gun, try the iron. Stand it up and move the back of the stamped image next to the heat source.