Peonies and Paper Chains

Stars and Feathers for Pals Paper Arts!

Happy Thursday, friends!

Today I'm sharing my latest Pals Paper Arts design team project. It is based on our latest sketch challenge (PPA252) that just happens to have been design by yours truly:

When I created this sketch I distinctly recall debating between a vertical and horizontal orientation. And, while I used the horizontal orientation of the sketch, I'll be so curious to see if others (maybe even you) choose to flip it.

With this card, I used precisely 1 ink color (Blackberry Bliss), 2 card stock colors (Naturals White and Wisteria Wonder), plus a card base in Crumb Cake. However, as you look closely, you might think that more supplies were used.

The three shades for the feather come from "stamping off" by Blackberry Bliss ink.

The horizontal strip with the sentiment has some ink applied using my brayer.

The card front has several tones on it and to achieve the look I first applied some ink with my brayer and then I embossed the card stock. 

Lots of interest and minimal supplies...makes for easy clean up and I like that!

- - - 

If you'll recall, the title of the post is "Stars and Feathers for Pals Paper Arts" and I initially planned to share a patriotic project that is perfect for Memorial Day, July 4th, or Veterans Day (really, any day you want to celebrate the USA). Just as I was getting ready to apply my star embellishment, someone decided to apply an Old Olive star of their own:

I know just who I will be sending this card to and I am sure that they will love the addition of the green star! Certainly they will appreciate it MUCH more than I did when it was added one night earlier this week!

Be sure to visit Pals Paper Arts for all of the design team inspiration! After that, grab your supplies, get crafting, and share your project with us!

Wishing you a creative day!

 
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Watercolor Wednesday!

 

Hello friends. Happy Wednesday! Hope you enjoyed the Pals April Blog Hop yesterday -- it was filled with such an incredible collection of Earth Day inspired projects!

Over the weekend, I shared a card that featured a watercolor background. Today I'm sharing a video on how to create watercolor images using rubber stamps and a spritzer:

Tomorrow you'll get to see a card that features this technique. In the meantime, take a moment to look at the new Stampin' Up! weekly deals:

and the new MDS downloads. Be sure to link over for a close look at the Endless Birthday Wishes Kit -- I'm loving it and will be placing my order for it real soon! 

Wishing you a creative day!

 

 

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Shop on-line 24/7 for paper crafting supplies

 

The Coolest Tag a Bag Box Idea!

 

Hey there friends. Last night I came across the coolest idea on the Stampin' Up! Inspire blog -- it is for re-sizing the Tag a Bag Boxes. I've already tried out the first box shown in the video and look forward to trying others! Here's the video tutorial straight from Stampin' Up!... 

Again, I've already given it a try with the first box that Donna presented and this is so easy to do! I'll be sure to decorate up the box and share it with you soon!

 

Yesterday the new weekly deals were announced and they are fantastic!

 

 

My hot picks in the weekly deals? The denim ribbon, the two Bigz dies - Fun Flowers and Perfect Pennants! Order today.

Tomorrow is the start of a brand new Pals Paper Arts color challenge and the design team I am on is up! I'm loving the combo this week. Here's a little peak at my project:

Want to take a guess about the colors on this project? 

Wishing you a creative day! 

 

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Shop on-line 24/7 for paper crafting supplies

 

Technique Tuesday: Making Stamped Medallions!

A couple weeks back I shared a a stamped medallion and I know that several of you have been anxiuously awaiting the details! Today is your lucky day! I've finally had a chance to stamp up a few more samples for you and I'm excited to share the secrets behind this technique. This is s technique that I learned 7 or 8 years ago when I attended a Stampin' Up! event in Providence Rhode Island. It's been around for awhile but it is something I rarely see.

Let's kick things off with a supply list...

Heat Tool

$29.95

Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder

$4.75

Versamark Pad

$7.50

Whisper White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock

$8.50

 

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

 

You also need a stamp set of your choice plus a coordinating punch or Framelits (or simply a pair of Paper Snips). When it comes to stamps, you can use images with nice solid lines though I think you'll see in a few minutes that even a more intricate stamp can be used.

In the images below you'll see:

• a standard stamped image from the Petal Parade stamp set (a Sale-a-bration exclusive)
• an embossed floral medallion where the bottom edge is not crisp
• an image where I I was too close to the edge and cardstock showed through (bottom left)
• a crisp a fabulous floral medallion

I show you all these because I want you to know you may have to practice a little before you get the technique down pat!

Truly, though, once you get the hang of this, the possibilities are endless!

HERE'S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Stamp your Versamark inkpad directly onto a piece of Whispetr White card stock
2. Cover with Silver Stampin' Emboss powder, tap ofF extra, and heat
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2
4. Repeat steps 1 and 2...again!
5. Make sure your stamp is mounted and quickly ink it up with Versamark
6. And, one more time, repeat steps 1 and 2 (this makes 4 layers of embossing)
7. As soon as you finish heating, stamp your image
8. Cut out stamped image with a punch, Framelit, or your Paper Snips

Take a look at a couple other "medallions" that I created:

The "enjoy" comes from the Simply Celebrate stamp set and the "Mr. and Mrs." is from Label Love. For the "enjoy", I used 4 layers of embossing, however for the more intricate "Mr. and Mrs.", just 3 layers seemed to work.

A FEW TIPS:

• Work quickly between layers

• Be prepared that the stamp may "slip and slide" when you go to use it on the layers of embossing

• If you are not satisfied with your stamped image, reheat the embossing, and stamp again

• Play around a little and find the right amount of layering...in some cases, just 3 layers of embossing will result in a beautiful image. 

Have fun giving this technique a try! I'd absolutely love to see what you create! Please share your creations...

on the Peonies and Paper Chains Facebook page

or tag me (@kerrywillardbray) when posting to Instagram

Do you have gold or pewter embossing powder? Give them a try -- I think they will both be fabulous!

Thanks so much for stopping by...hope you'll be back again soon!

Like what you see? Get inspiration in your inbox!

Saturday Share: Making Amazing Bows!

Hello friends,

Bows have long been my nemesis...I have always been challenged to create ones that I thought looked just right. No more thanks to Sherri, one of my stamping friends! Today I am sharing the bow maker that Sherri and her husband made.

Sherri had seen some online and after a couple prototypes, they came up with a design that works fabulously! Angled (moveable) posts, a plastic coated paint to help hold the ribbon in place while you tie the bow, storage spots for the posts, and a non-skid bottom. It really is fabulous! How lucky am I to have received one?!

Enjoy your Saturday! Thanks for visiting!

Kerry

Sweet & Simple Pleated Embellishments Using Stampin' Up! Jumbo Rounds

 

Today I am sharing card number four from the "five ways to use ribbon without tying a bow" post that I shared on Friday -- as you can see, this is the card with the pleated embellishment. These embellishments are incredibly quick and easy to make and that is something I love. And because I want you to see just how easy, I've recorded a video for you to watch.

Take a closer look at the embellishment on the card:

Now, relax and moment and see how this is done:

Here are the three embellishments that you saw in the video:

Moment of truth: I bought the jumbo rounds when the Holiday Catalog was released last summer and I finally cracked open the package about a week ago! So thankful that this is an item that carried over from the Holiday Catty to the Spring one! Of course now that I have opened them, you can expect to see more projects made with these!

Please, do tell! How would you use these pleated embellishments? On a card, a gift tag, directly on a package or gift bag, to decorate a party hat...or some other way that I've not mentioned? I would love to hear your thoughts!

BE A PART OF IT FROM THE BEGINNING! Paper Pumpkin begins shipping next month! You must sign-up by March 10th to have your first kit sent in March...who wants to wait until April?! When you join Paper Pumpkin, you receive a kit each month that is designed to be put together in less than an hour! What a great creative escape! Read all about Paper Pumpkin and sign-up today! If you do not currently have a demonstrator, I hope you'll consider listing me as your demonstrator (Kerry Bray, NH) when you sign up!

AND THE DOLL DRESS GOES TO...Amy Gehman! While we did not hit the minimum number of comments that I was hoping for, everyone who commented showed such genuine enthusiam for the little dresses that I just have to share one! Amy, please email your address to me and let me know if you would like 2 pieces (8.5" x 11") of the fabric or a completed dress!

STAMPGOODNESS, THE NEWSLETTER Next month, I'm launching a newsletter with more of the "goodness" that you enjoy on the blog. Click here to read about the newsletter and be sure to sign-up to receive it if you are interested!

Enjoy your day!

Good wishes,

Kerry

P.S. Love today's project? Please share it! Pin it, like it, send a link to a friend!

STAMPIN' UP! GOODIES USED TO CREATE TODAY'S PROJECT: Jumbo Sticky Rounds (127852), Stitched Satin Ribbon in Raspberry Ripple (126845), 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Very Vanilla (119960), Brights Designer Buttons (119747), Note Cards (107311), Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad (126981), Fabulous Phrases stamp set (clear mount 120501)

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Five on Friday: Ways to Use Stampin' Up! Ribbon Without Tying a Bow

Happy Friday everyone! Today I'm sharing ways you can use ribbon on projects without having to tie a bow! That is simply something that I very, very rarely do because frankly I always worry that my bow is not just right. So if you too are a little intimidated about tying bows or perhaps you tie lots and lots of bows and want other ways to incorporate ribbon in your paper crafting, this post is for you! Here you go...

1. Tie a knot and then secure your ribbon on the back side of some card stock.
2. Staple it on -- you can either loop ribbon over the top of the card stock or have an exposed ribbon edge.
3. Make a pleated ribbon flower and adhere (instructions included when you order the Jumbo Sticky Rounds, item #127852 )
4. Punch a hole near the edge of an area where you have used a punch or a Framelit and then loop the ribbon through and knot it.
5. Layer some ribbon and adhere it to some card stock so that it is seen through a punched out area (I arranged my ribbon and added Sticky Strip along the top and bottom and layed my card stock over top to adhere in place).

There you go! Grab some ribbon and try out some of these techniques!

Your comments are appreciated! Please share a topic you'd like to see addressed in a Five on Friday post...I'd love to know! Many thanks!

Also, today is the last day to leave a comment if you'd like to receive some Tea for Two Designer fabric or a doll dress made by me...click here for my recent doll dress post!

GET THE ULIMATE PAPER CRAFTING KIT: For a limited time, you can get $156.50 in fabulous Stampin' Up! products for just $99 plus local tax! That's 25% more in products! Not only will you save big money on the supplies you love, you'll be a part of a fun and dynamic community of virtually connected stampers and paper crafters! Read about purchasing the ulitimate kit, the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit here. I look forward to welcoming you into my circle of stampers! Have questions? Please email me...I'm happy to answer them!

Enjoy your day!

Good wishes,

Kerry

 

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My Stamps Aren't Wearing a Thing, The Blocks Go To...and a Sneak Peek for Sunday!

This post is especially for those of you who have made the switch to clear mount stamps or who are considering doing this. I absolutely love clear mount stamps! They take up less space to store and they are a lower price point meaning there is more $$$ to spend on other fabulous Stampin' Up! products.

The Daring Adventure stamps shown to the right above are ones that I have owned for quie sometime. When I got these, I added the stamped images to the stamps themselves just as the directions indicate to do. I diligently worked to keep my acrylic clear mount block clean to ensure the best "cling" between the blocks and stamps. In a pinch if things were not sticking, I'd add a little moisture between the stamp and block. This worked and I was fine doing things this way for quite awhile. And then...

I heard from a fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrator that she did not mount the images to the stamps. So I gave this a try starting a couple months ago...and now I am hooked on leaving my clear mount stamps bare! The foam cushioning on the stamps clings incredibly well to both the blocks and the the case. I like the fact that the stamps are not swimming around.

Perhaps someday I will go back to placing on the images or I will decide to sell some of the stamps once they are retired. Given this, I knew I did not want to get rid of the insert with the images while at the same time not worrying about it floating in the case or getting ink smeared on those days when I do not wash my stamps right away. Here's my solution:

I slip the sheet between the back of the case and the clear cover sheet! Works for me and it may very well work for you.

The only downside is that  you may not like the fact that you cannot see the image when you stamp. I've not personally found this to be a hinderance. If you find yourself washing your blocks lots or having to use SNAIL or water or something else (dare I say a bit of saliva?!) to keep your clear mounts firmly in place, leave your next set bare and see what you think of this method yourself!

TELL ME...wood mount purist or clear mount convert? Curious to know what you are using -- please be sure to leave a comment. If you've made the switch to clear mount, how do you keep yours on your blocks?

This past week everyone who liked the Stampgoodness page on Facebook was entered in a drawing for the Valentine's blocks I created earlier this month. Wish I had blocks for everyone, but alas, I do not!  The blocks are going to...

Jacqueline Warren, please email your US postal address to me by the end of the weekend so I can get these blocks in the mail to you! kerry at stampgoodness dot com

Take a quick look at what you'll be seeing tomorrow...

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Holiday Cards and Tags!

Remember earlier this week when I told you I had made up some Christmas Cards and tags? Today I am showing you the rest of what I made!

I've seen a number of cards with Christmas trees similar to the one shown above and knew I wanted to try making one like this! Below is another version of the card and it is all snug in a clear envelope for mailing to a friend who purchased it:

Which version of the tree card do you prefer? My preference is the 2nd one with the Cherry Cobbler background.

Good to Know - Stampgoodness Tips:

• Use small patterns for your tree boughs/limbs such as those in the Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper pack
• Cut branch strips 1/2" thick and the trunk 1/4" thick
• Use Stampin' Dimensionals to make your tree topper stand out
• Consider a dark background rather than a light colored one to add more depth and richness to the card

The card below combines a deep background color with craft ink in white. I love my white craft ink and I think it is gorgeous when used with the poinsetta outline from the Watercolor Winter set. See what you think about it...

The sentiment on the card comes from the Seasonal Sayings stamp set. While I know I will use every sentiment in the set, you may not and that is why it is fabulous that you can purchase individual stamps from this set! The "single stamps from sets" pilot program ends soon so be sure that you do not miss out on this opportunity -- click the linked text for all the details!

And now for the tag you have not seen...

Okay, so you may recognize the bottle tag from earlier this week, however this photo is the official unveiling of the pine cone tag. For some reason I did not snap any individual picture of it! Perhaps because I am a New Englander, I just love the pine card tag and can smell the fresh sent of pine needles just from looking at it. It brings back fond memories of the summer camp that I attended -- there were pine needles everywhere except the waterfront and sports field!

Good to Know - Stampgoodness Tips:

• Use your Stampin' Write Markers to color in the pine branches and then stamp each image a couple times so that the color begins to fade
• When you go to add your sentiment over top, look for a section where the stamping is lighter so that your se ntiment will be visible.
• For the contrasting band -- crinkle and then unfold before stamping on it; last step is adhering it to the card

Hope you've enjoyed the cards and tags I have shared this week!

Have a fabulous day!

Two Step Stamping Thank You Notes

Recently I made a set of thank you notes to give as part of a gift. When deciding what to make for the cards, I decided that I wanted to keep things fairly simple and be able to make several cards at one time. I opted to use a technique known as Two Step Stamping to make patterned strips to give the cards interest. Those strips were paired with card stock in a coordinating color and a sentiment. Here's what I created:

There were a few instances where the sentiment was not at an angle that I liked, so I played things up and made a number of the cards look like this...

To create the patterned strip, I stamped an entire sheet of 8-1/2 x 11 card stock and then trimmed down. You can see pictures of the card stock after step one and step two below:

I used the stamp image from step two to decorate the envelopes...

And the backs of the thank you notes contain my personalized stamp image... 

Love the stamp above? Be sure to order your own! Some people elect to use just their first name or a nickname and others first and last. There is a 16 character limit including spaces -- in my case, I could not use any spaces since my full name used each and every available character. The personalized stamps from Stampin' Up! make great gifts!

Want to see Two Step Stamping in action? Be sure to view my video on this technique!

REMINDER: IT IS CHRISTMAS ALL MONTH LONG WITH STAMPIN' UP!

Click the promotions button along the ride side of my blog for details!

Have a fabulous day!

Goodies Used to Create Today's Project

• stamp set: Watercolor Winter (wood 129724 / clear 129727), Teeny Tiny Wishes ( wood 115370 / clear 127802 -- also available in French and Spanish), "Hand Stamped by" Butterfly (115602 -- wood mount only)
• card stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Melon Mambo (115320)
• ink: Melon Mambo (126948), Regal Rose (126947)
• adhesive: SNAIL adhesive (104332 / refill: 104331), Sticky Strip (104294)