The Stamp Workshop

Shadowed Daisies

In the Fall Winter 08 Idea Book & Catalog, there are a lot of "silhouette" stamps.  This stamp here is from the set Upsy Daisy.  I won this set at Convention.  Here's a picture of Missi and me during that happy moment!  (Click)

I made this card for, yeah, you guessed it, a swap.  I did up 16 of these.

First I stamped the Daisy image in Pacific point then inked the image with Bashful Blue and stamped again just to the right.  I didn't use a Stamp-a-ma-jig, but it came out pretty good!  This technique is called Shadowing.  So basically what you do with Shadowing is take your image and stamp in a darker color first.  Then take a lighter color and stamp the same image off to the side just a bit.  It makes a "shadow".  Very easy!  This technique works best with solid images as opposed to line art images.

Notice the big oval in the corner.  That's the new Wide Oval punch.  It doesn't have a "mate" so, I just punched the same oval, but in a different color and then layered it offset.  I think it does the job.  lol

I stamped on Glossy White.  I think it's the best cardstock for bold images.  The image doesn't come out with white splotches.  It's a nice even image.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Sanded
Cardstock: Pacific Point, Bashful Blue, Glossy White
Ink: Pacific Point, Bashful Blue
Ribbon: Light Blue Gingham
Accessories: Dimensionals
Tools: Wide Oval Punch, paper piercer

If you have any questions about this card or need more specific directions, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Go Stamp!

Convention 2006

You might be wondering why I am posting about something that happened almost two years ago.  Well, there are two reasons.  One, I have been revamping my craft room (pictures to come in a week or so), and I found these old swap cards.  And two, I am going to Convention at the end of July, and it is coming up.  I have signed up for a TON of swaps (so many in fact, that off the top of my head, I don't know exactly how many).  So, Convention swaps are on my mind.

Any way, I made these two cards for the Splitcoast dinner.  I was very proud of these cards.  I was a demo for less than a year at this point and for me, they were some of the best cards I had ever done.  This one here on the left used Mixed Bouquet and the Luminous Pearls technique.  If you'd like to see a bigger picture of this one, you can find it here.

The colors on this card are Certainly Celery, Regal Rose and Basic Black.  I just love how black always seems to make colors pop.

Here is the second card that I made.  This one used Natural Beauty and the Heated Pearls technique and crayon resist.  I was very bummed when Stampin' Up! retired PearlEx from their catalog.  There are so many wonderful and beautiful techniques that can be done with it.  I can't seem to remember the colors that I used in this card, but I think it was Always Artichoke, Basic Black, Really Rust and More Mustard.

If you want to see a more detailed pic of this card, you can find this one here.

Oh!  One thing I forgot to mention...

I have started a non-SU blog.  There isn't much on it, since mainly use Stampin' Up! products.  But if you'd like to take a look, visit my non-SU blog at http://sdiegogal.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com.  I'm calling it "The Stamp Workshop Annex".

If you have any questions about these cards, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Reminisce!

A Kiss and Some Love

In honor of Valentine's day, this week's technique is an oldie, but goodie.  The kissing technique.

This is a great and easy technique to give your bold images a little bit of design to them.  Notice on this card, each of the letters has a different design on it.  This was done by "kissing" the stamps together.

This is what you do...
First, find a bold image stamp.  Here I used the retired set Headline Alphabet.

Then, to give the bold stamp a design, pick a stamp or two with intricate designs.  In this example I used all SU background stamps.  The "L" uses Paisley, the "O" uses Weathered, the "V" uses Canvas and the "E" uses En Francais.

Place your background stamp rubber side up.  Ink it liberally.  Then, take your bold stamp and stamp it onto the background stamp.  Basically you are using the background stamp as an ink pad.  This is the "kiss".  The pattern will now be "kissed" onto your bold stamp.

To moisten the ink on the bold stamp, huff on it.  Now, stamp your image onto your paper.  There you go!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Headline Alphabet, Always, Paisley, Weathered, Canvas, En Francais
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate
Designer Series Paper: Berry Bliss
Ribbon: Pretty in Pink Grosgrain, Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Ribbon
 Tools: Ticket Punch, Circle Punches

If you have any questions about this card, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Occasions Mini Sneak Peek

This week's technique is adding dimension to your creations.

Here is a sneak peek of one of the sets from the upcoming Occasions Mini.  The set used is called Friendly Flowers.  It is a four stamp set and retails for $22.95.  It will be available beginning March 1.

Notice the different layers of the main image.  Layering the image and raising them a bit gives your creations just a bit of dimension.  Here's what I did for this card...

I stamped this main image a total of four times.  First it is on the white layer.  It is hard to see, but I stippled Pretty in Pink ink with a stipple brush all around the flower.

Next, it is stamped on the main layer of the medallion.  I stamped it on Whisper White and cut around the first dotted outline (the main image has a double dotted outline).  Then the Pretty in Pink layer of the medallion was punched out using the Scalloped Circle punch, then rotating it slightly and punching again.  The last piece is the center.  It is the very center of the image punched with a 3/4" circle punch.  There is a pink brad in the center covered with Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamond Glitter.

The Dazzling Diamond Glitter is adhered using Crystal Effects.  It is quite sparkly, although you can't quite see it in the picture.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Friendly Flowers, Embrace Life
Cardstock: Purely Pomegranate, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Pretty in Pink
Designer Series Paper: Berry Bliss
Ribbon: Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Grosgrain
Accessories: Distresser Tool, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, 3/4" Circle Punch, Scalloped Circle Punch, Dazzling Diamond Glitter, Glue Dots, Brad, Crystal Effects

Artist Trading Cards

Today's technique is how to make an artist trading card, or ATC for short.

Although artists have been trading artist cards for years, trading modern ATCs was popularized in 1997 in Zurich, Switzerland when M. Vänçi Stirnemann started trading among other artists within their circle.  What is different about the ATC is its unique size.  ATCs always measure 2.5" X 3.5".

Many stampers and scrapbookers find the ATC to be a great way to show off their talent in a little space.  They are quick and easy to make.  Also, because of its size, 10 ATCs can be made from one standard 8.5" X 11" piece of cardstock.

Making an ATC is easy, it really is simply make a card front on a 2.5" X 3.5" piece of cardstock!

The first step is to prepare the base of your ATC.  The base is cardstock cut to a size of 2.5" X 3.5".   A template for cutting ATCs can be found here.

Next, use your creativity to create your ATC.  Then you're done!  Easy as that!  *wink*

Here's the recipe for this ATC:
Stamps: True Friend, Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Naturals Ivory, Wild Wasabi, Blue Bayou
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Blue Bayou
Accessories: Scallop Punch, Circle Punches, Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon, Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon, Word Punch, Silver Brad, Porcelain Prints Designer Series Paper

Many people ask what to do with ATCs once they've collected them.  You can mount an ATC on to a standard sized card and use it as the focal point.  Also, you can use it as an embellishment on a scrapbook page.  You can use it as the cover of a mini album.  You can display them much the same way people display baseball cards, in a binder in protective sleeves.  Whatever you decide to do with your ATCs, just make sure you enjoy them!

Easy Scallops

I saw the neatest thing on Mary Jo Albright's blog the other day.  An easy way to make scallops!  Scallops are everywhere in the Spring Summer 08 Collection.  There is even a stamp set available for Sale-A-Bration called So Many Scallops.

Here is the card I made with some decorative scallops.  See them in the Old Olive?

This card features the stamp set Merci from the upcoming Sale-A-Bration Brochure.  Also featured are the Love & Happiness Rub-Ons that are available during Sale-A-Bration.  You can earn the stamp set and the rub-ons free during Sale-A-Bration (runs Feb. 1 - March 17).

After the recipe I will include instructions on how to make the scallop border.

The layout for this card was from Joani's sketch challenge at Cards Made By Hand.

Here is the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Merci
Cardstock: Taken with Teal, Old Olive, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
Ink: Jet Black StazOn, Old Olive, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch, Love & Happiness Rub-Ons, Bali Breeze Designer Series Paper, Aqua Painter, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamond Glitter, Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain. Distresser Tool

To make the scallop border:

Step 1: Using the 1 3/8" circle punch, punch a circle in the paper you want to use for the scallop.

Step 2: Using the Scallop Circle Punch, punch directly over the circle made in Step 1.

Step 3: Take the hollowed out scallop circle and snip between one set of scallops.

Step 4: Unfurl scallops into a straight line and adhere to your card as desired.

Check out the card above to see what the scallops look like!

Suspension Card

Today's technique is the Suspension Card.  This is a fun an easy interactive card!  I made this card for a swap I was in.

Here are the directions to make a suspension card:

Step 1: Start with a card base.  In this case I used Certainly Celery.  I stamped the front of the card with the Flannel background stamp.

Step 2: Create a "cover up" layer.  Here I used Bashful Blue and layered a piece of Cutie Pie Designer Series Paper.

Step 3: Use temporary adhesive to adhere your "cover up" layer to the card base.  Make sure you place the layer where you want it to finally sit on the card base.

Step 4: Take a 1 3/8" circle punch and punch through the front of the card card and the "cover up" layer.  This hole will be where the suspended medallion will be.

Step 5: Remove the "cover up" layer and set it aside.

Step 6: On a scrap piece of cardstock, stamp two identical images small enough to fit a 1 1/4" circle.  .  Take your 1 1/4" punch and punch out those images.

Step 7:  To make the suspended medallion, take a piece of string approx 2" long (linen thread or even dental floss works for this) and adhere it to the backside of one of your 1 1/4" pieces.  It should be vertically right in the center.

Step 8: Adhere the remaining 1 1/4" circle to the backside of the first 1 1/4" circle.

Step 9: Lay your card flat.  Lay the medallion in the center of the punched 1 3/8" hole.  The excess string should be at the top of the circle and the bottom of the circle.

Step 10: Use sticky strip to keep the string in place.

Step 11: Adhere the "cover up" layer back in place.  This will cover up the string.  Now the suspension portion of the card is complete.

Step 12: Finish card as desired.  All done!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Cause for Celebration, Wild About You

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Bashful Blue, Whisper White

Ink: Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, So Saffron

Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers, Linen Thread, circle punches, small corner rounder, distresser tool, white Signo gel pen, Certainly Celery Grosgrain ribbon, sticky strip, Cutie Pie Designer Series Paper

Technique: Suspension Card

Glitter Window

Today's technique is a very easy, yet wonderful way to add a little bit of sparkle to your project.

It is called Glitter Window.

To make a glitter window you'll need:

- a piece of cardstock (cut to desired size)
- a tool to make your "window" (a punch, or paper cutting knife will do)
- clear packing tape
- Dazzling Diamonds glitter

For this card, Certainly Celery cardstock is the window base.  Then, using a Scallop Circle punch, punch directly in the center to make the window.  On the backside of the Certainly Celery cardstock, place a piece of clear packing tape over the window.  The sticky part of the tape should be placed so when holding the cardstock piece facing you, the stickiness is also facing towards you.

Now, place the cardstock on a flat surface with the sticky side up.  Take the Dazzling Diamonds glitter and sprinkle the glitter over the tape so that it covers the tape entirely.  Shake off excess glitter.  It would be a good idea to do this step over something that will contain the glitter.  Powder Pals would be perfect for this!

To complete this glitter window, take Whisper White cardstock cut just slightly larger than the Certainly Celery piece.  Here the butterfly from the Just Like You set was stamped directly in the middle.  Adhere the window directly over the stamped image.  The glitter side should be facing up.

Your glitter window is done!

For this card, the glitter window was then mounted on the front of the card as shown.

Here is the recipe for the card:

• Stamps: Just Like You
• Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Whisper White
• Ink: Regal Rose
• Accessories: Corner Rounder, Scallop Circle Punch, White Gel Pen, Certainly Celery grosgrain, Flowers for you Designer Series Paper

Get a Perfect Stamped Image

Have you ever stamped and re-stamped twice or even three times because the image didn't come out just so?  Were there gaps in the image, or perhaps a blurred image?  Here are some tips to make sure your stamped images come out right each time:

• Firmly tap your stamp onto the ink pad.  Avoid rocking the stamp or pressing too hard onto the inkpad.  This will cause your stamp to be over inked.
• Make sure the entire image is well covered with ink.  After tapping the stamp onto the ink pad a few times, swirl the image on the ink pad and tap again.  This eliminates any lint or dust that might have gotten on your image.
• Make sure your stamping surface is flat.  A stray micro bead or ribbon under your paper can cause uneven stamp images.  Keep your stamping area clean.
• When setting the stamp to paper, stamp straight downward.  Do not move your stamp.  This will cause blurred edges.
• Keep the pressure even, do not rock the stamp.
• After stamping, lift straight up.  Be careful not to drop the stamp back down on your image.
• Let the image dry before embellishing or layering.

Holy Triptych

I love this set! I think it is so beautiful. When I saw the new Holiday Mini Catalog, this was the first set on my list. I got my preorder and I immediately started this card!

The coloring was a bit tricky and I ended up using 15 different colors (I think!).  I looked at different images on the web to try to the coloring just right.  I colored Mary the same way I had seen her all my life.  I think most Catholic renderings have her in these colors.  The Magi I wanted to make look royal - the Three Kings.  I used colors that were more vibrant, but I didn't want to detract the Holy Family as the focal point.  So, I raised Their panel higher than the rest.

The images are stamped in Jet Black StazOn on watercolor paper.  I used a small paint brush dipped in water to lift ink off the inside cover of my inkpads.  I tried so many different combos, but I think these are the ones I used.

The Magi  - They are all holding containers that is Really Rust for the bottoms and Barely Banana for the lids.  The tallest Magi is done in all Always Artichoke.  His head piece is just done with less water.  His skin tone is Creamy Caramel.  The middle Magi is done in Perfect Plum and Pale Plum.  His skin tone is Close to Cocoa.  The bottom Magi is done in Ballet Blue for his headpiece and Bashful Blue for his tunic.  His skin tone is Blush Blossom.

The Holy Family -  The halos and the star (why doesn't Joseph have a halo???) are done in Summer Sun.  I wanted this yellow to be bright.  Joseph is done in Creamy Caramel for his shawl and Mellow Moss for his head piece and tunic.  His staff is Close to Cocoa.  Mary is has a Regal Rose tunic and a Tempting Turquoise shawl.  Her headpiece is River Rock and her hair is Creamy Caramel.  Her skin tone is Blush Blossom.  Jesus' skin tone is Blush Blossom.  I did not color his swaddling clothes.  I wanted him to appear Pure.

The angel has skin tone is Blush Blossom.  Her hair is Creamy Caramel and her wings are Barely Banana. Each panel is raised on pop dots and each panel is mounted on Creamy Caramel cardstock.  I mounted those onto a Chocolate Chip Triptych.  Added square ice rhinestone brads and a bit of velvet ribbon from the Theater collection. I hope you enjoy it!

If you click on the picture, it will open up as a bigger size.

Start off by making the panels.

Cut one 2" X 6" piece and two 2" X 5" piece.

Cut as seen in directions.

Cut the base piece.  It is 6 1/2" X 6 1/2".

Place panels 1/8" apart from the left and right edge and each other.  They should be lined up 1/8" from the bottom as well.

After you adhere your panels, fold between each panel equally.

Using a ruler, mark each panel with a 1/8" layer. Cut the layer as indicated.  Then finish off the card as needed.

Email me if you need further clarification.