Happy Halloween!

It's the day made for us chocoholics!  I am firmly in that group.  Did you know I eat chocolate almost every day?  It was actually a joke among my friends in high school.  We're heading to Hershey this weekend for the state cross country championship meet (Go, Warriors!) and I am unashamedly excited to be going to the factory.  No, it isn't my first trip there, or even my second but I turn into a KID when I step through the doors and see the miles and miles of candy.

Another thing I am unashamed to be over-the-top excited about is making Halloween pretties.  I said this project was my last, but I saw a scrap of black embossed trees on my desk and I could not resist!  I saw black pumpkins in a forest of black spooky trees and had to make it.

That background!  I mixed Memento Tuxedo Black reinker with Embossing Paste on a Silicone Mat.  I used a palette knife to spread the mixture through a Basics Pattern Decorative Mask (the trees one) onto Basic Black cardstock.  It has to be set aside to dry but ooooh the effect is worth it, don't you think?  I love how the black ink didn't mix all the way through so there's bits of the white embossing paste showing.  It looks like moonlight hitting the trees!

The black pumpkins turned out exactly like I envisioned, too!  They were stamped and die-cut using the Gather Together bundle (it's a fantastic fall bundle and you save 10% when you order the stamps and dies together).  The Basic Black Stampin' Blends Combo Pack and Color Lifter are what gave these pumpkins their spooky glow.

Embossing Paste

Palette Knives

Basics Pattern Decorative Masks

Memento Tuxedo Black reinker

Basic Black Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Color Lifter

Gather Together bundle

Ornate Frames dies

Itty Bitty Greetings stamp set ('trick or treat')

Use Host Code GZU4ASKR for two Gather Together card kits and tutorials ($10 value), my gift to you!

Do you like getting your craft supplies at a discount?  Or maybe you'd like to earn enough to pay for your hobby.  Could you use some cash to pay for extras, like a vacation or braces for the kids?  Take a look at what being a Joyful Stamper and part of the Stampin' Up! family could mean for you!  I welcome both hobby and business demonstrators to my team!

Magnolia Blooms and an SCS Sketch Challenge

It's a happy, happy day!  My sweet neighbor, who delivers treat bags for every holiday to every kid in our small neighborhood, gave ME one, too!  And it had my absolute favorite candy in it - Reese's Fast Breaks!  Emma, my oldest girl, has a mild peanut allergy and she always gave me her Reese's Cups and Fast Breaks from her trick-or-treat bag.  She stopped going out 3 years ago and that was a sad day for me.  Now Caitlin and Alaina have decided to stop going so I won't even be able to sneak some out of their bags while they're at school!

On to the stamping....

This card makes my heart go pitter-pat.  The Crumb Cake, the sponging of Soft Suede ink, the layers, the vintage feel of it.....oh my!  

I had my Watercolor Pencils out from my last project and thought it would look so pretty to use the white pencil on Crumb Cake cardstock.  Then I thought of the Magnolia Blooms stamp set and couldn't wait to get started!

Some tips:

• Coloring in a circular motion is best with these pencils.
• Apply light pressure when coloring.  We don't want to indent our cardstock with the pencil tips.
• You can use the Watercolor Pencils just to color, without using water.
• Add a light layer of color and build on more until you get the look you want.  It's easy to add color, but very difficult to take it away, so be patient and enjoy the process!  

This is the sketch on which I based my card.  I bet you can think of a few ideas for this layout!  Why not post your creations in the thread for this challenge?

When I was finished with my card, I felt like it needed something more (my motto with cardmaking and scrapbooking is "more is more" ha!).  Digging through my stash, I found Clear Epoxy Droplets - perfecto!  Never underestimate the power of a simple embellishment.  

I made a tutorial for you!  Click below to get a printable pdf with step-by-step instructions, photo, measurements, and a supply list with links to my online store.

I hope you enjoy the projects and both the printable and photo tutorials I post regularly on this blog.  If you would like any supplies for your crafting sessions, shop my online store 24/7.  I appreciate your business (and your feedback on what you like to see)!

What's New in The Stamping World

Last Week for Gather Together Card Kits

October's Host code ends this Thursday, so these are the last few days to get these card kits as my gift to you ($10 value)!  They both use the Gather Together bundle, but you can use the stamps and sentiments you already have.  The kits come with all cardstock cut, scored, and ready to assemble.  Embellishments, envelopes, and emailed tutorial are included in my purple packaging.  Shop my online store now (any size order qualifies) and remember to use Host Code GZU4ASKR!

Christmastime is Here Medley - Available this Friday

 Aren't these cards gorgeous?  I think I just fell off my chair!  Hang on to yours because these next photos show everything in this medley.

This is a truly stunning product suite.  So, what is a medley?  It has all the coordinating components of a kit but leaves you the freedom to go where your creativity takes you.  You can make to your heart's content, knowing that Stampin' Up! has done an expert job at ensuring everything looks beautiful together.  You can order the Christmastime is Here Medley November 1 in my online store, or you can add it to the ultimate discounted kit by joining my team of Joyful Stampers today (one perk of being a demonstrator is being able to order gorgeous products like these early)!

Tutorials You May Have Missed

You'll find the printable tutorial in this post for this Wiggle Worm card that uses Snowfall Accents Puff Paint!

5 Cards of Christmas Local Class

If you're dreaming of a handmade Christmas, this class will get you started!  All levels of stampers are welcome for a relaxing afternoon of cardmaking.  I was pretty tickled with how these projects came out and I can't wait to create them with you!  RSVP by calling 412-741-6920 or via this link by November 10.  Class is $15 and requires an RSVP as space is limited.

Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper 20-Pack Now Available 

Great news! The affordably priced Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper 20-Pack (item #152455), formerly a supply item for demonstrators only, is now available to everyone throughout the annual catalog sales period. This convenient 20-pack features 10 sheets each of two double-sided designs and is perfect for those projects you need to mass-produce.  Think wedding invitations, or bridal shower decorations.  Maybe you make projects for craft fairs or are making a themed scrapbook.  You'll have more than enough of the designs you love with this pack.  

Bulk Package of Magnolia Lane DSP

Standard Magnolia Lane DSP Pack

New Paper Trimmer Available November 1

Paper Trimmer

Item: 152392 | $25.00 

• 15-3/8 x 8 x 1/2” (39 x 20.3 x 1.3 cm)
• Includes 1 cutting blade and 1 scoring blade.
• Includes imperial and metric measurements.
• Ruler and grid protected by durable plastic cover.
• Point on cutting handle for precise measuring.
• Right-side grid for cutting thin strips.

This is one of my favorite features - measurements ALL the way across, even in the notorious gap between the trimmer and the swing-out arm!

 There are measurements on the right hand side for making small cuts.  No more trying to cut a 1" piece with 10" hanging off the side!

Beginning November 1, you'll be able to order this papercrafting gem!  Add item #152392 to your list when you swing by Friday to shop. 

Gather Together and Watercolor Pencils

What an amazing past four days we've had!  I've mentioned our love for the sport of cross country running.  Both our daughters in high school and college had important meets Thursday and Friday and we were fortunate enough to see them.  While the high school girls team did not make it to the state championships, the boys team did so we are heading to Hershey!  Our college-age daughter ran a personal best and held her team position so that she gets to race in the Regionals meet in a few weeks (that is a meet that qualifies people for NCAA Nationals).  It was an exciting couple of days with lots of time outside in the sunshine and cool weather.  It definitely felt and looked like fall.

My card for you today also definitely looks and feels like fall.  I envisioned lots and lots of watercolored pumpkins, so I got out my watercolor pencils and Aquapainter to go along with my Gather Together stamp set.

I wanted a soft, slightly blurred look so I stamped the pumpkins in Pumpkin Pie ink.  Because this ink is dye-based, it will bleed when water is added to it.  After stamping the pumpkins, I used a Pumpkin Pie watercolor pencil to color them.  I like to use a light touch and go in circular motions when using watercolor pencils.  I find this avoids indentations in the paper and coloring lines.  It also makes it easier to get the depth of color I want - it's easier to add color than to take it away!

After coloring the pumpkins, I used a damp Aquapainter to go over them.  The colors of the watercolor pencils and the ink from the stamped images began to soften and blend beautifully!  I used a Dark Soft Suede Stampin' Blend marker to color the pumpkin stems.

Other Gather Together card details:

• The pumpkins were die-cut with the Gathered Leaved dies and adhered using Stampin' Dimensionals.  The dimensionals let me layer and tuck card elements, which I love!
• The leaves were die-cut from Come To Gather DSP, also using the Gathered Leaves dies.
• The wheat bundles were stamped in Crushed Curry ink on Crumb Cake cardstock and cut with Paper Snips.
• The sentiment was stamped in Night of Navy ink on a strip of Crumb Cake cardstock.  The right edge of the strip was folded around the Come To Gather DSP and Champagne Foil layers.
• A strand of Linen Thread was tucked amid the card elements using Glue Dots.

The Gather Together set used for today's card is the one used for my October ordering gift.  Use Host Code GZU4ASKR when you order with me and you'll receive two card kits plus their tutorials as my gift to you (a $10 value).  Shop now and don't forget to add the Host Code if your order is under $150.  If your order is over $150, you''ll still receive the card kits and tutorial PLUS you'll get Stampin' Rewards (free Stampin' Up! product of your choice).

Facebook Live 10-22-2019

Did you catch the Facebook Live I did this past Tuesday?  I made a super easy Christmas card with Perfectly Plaid and its coordinating Pine Tree punch.  A sketch from this week's challenge over at Splitcoaststampers was my starting point for the card.  You can watch the recorded Live below, or catch it on my YouTube channel where you can subscribe.

In the video towards the end, I mention making this card in an alternate color scheme so that I could use some of the other colors of Holiday Rhinestones Basics Jewels.  I did just that as soon as the Live ended!  Check it out!

I'm also reposting the printable pdf from Wednesday for you.  Print it out or download it for later and order what you need to make this card.  Then later you can put on the Christmas carols and have a fun crafting session making these!

Use Host Code GZU4ASKR when ordering with me and you'll get two fall card kits as my gift to you (a $10 value)!

Shop Now!

Wiggle Worm Cuteness Overload!

I never dreamed I'd love this set so much!  It didn't cross my radar when I first went through Stampin' Up!'s Annual Catalog back in June, mostly because I have teenage daughters and was thinking very literally about Wiggle Worm.  But silly me - I'm a creative stamper and should know never to think literally about any set!  You can send cards made with Wiggle Worm to anyone who could use some cheering up!  It's that kind of set - one that puts a big smile on anyone's face.  Kind of like how seeing a baby or puppy makes everyone smile, whether they want to or not!

This set makes such cute cards that I'm listing the supplies I used under each card - I know you'll want to make them!  The last card has a printable pdf tutorial along with a video on using the super fun Puff Paint.

• Wiggle Worm Bundle 
• Call Me Clover cardstock
• Whisper White cardstock
• Stitched Rectangle dies
• 2018-2020 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper Stack
• Blueberry Bushel ink pad
• Call Me Clover ink pad
• Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
• Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots
• Stampin' Blends: Dark and Light Night of Navy; Dark and Light Call Me Clover; Dark and Light Real Red

There are dies that coordinate with Wiggle Worm, but I used Paper Snips to cut out these critters.  If you go that route, remember to turn your paper, not the scissors.  That tip plus using the super sharp Paper Snips makes it easier to cut.  I find it relaxing!

The bugs and the sentiment are lifted with Stampin' Dimensionals.  It's amazing what that boost does to the card!  This is a two-step stampin' set, which means there is one stamp that is the outline image and a second stamp that fills in the details of the image.  That means you can stamp the bug in one color and its details with another.  Lots of easy versatility!

• Wiggle Worm Bundle
• Call Me Clover cardstock
• Whisper White cardstock
• Stitched Rectangle dies
• Layering Circles dies
• Stitched Shapes dies
• 2018-2020 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper Stack
• Blueberry Bushel ink pad
• Lovely Lipstick ink pad
• White Stampin' Emboss Powder
• Heat Tool
• Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots
• Blueberry Bushel Grosgrain Ribbon

I used Paper Snips to cut out the worm (there is a die in the bundle, though) and used Stampin' Dimensionals to add him to the card.

This might be my favorite one.  I love all the gingham and the bright colors.
  

And check out the puffy cloud!  I used Snowfall Accents Puff Paint to get that effect.  You can use it to create the look of snow or cotton, too.  And what about Santa's beard or the edging of his hat and suit?  You just shake the bottle, squeeze it out of the needle-fine tip, then heat with a Heat Tool and watch it puff!  Watch the video from Stampin' Up! below to see how to use this FUN product!




The Puff Paint will come out as liquid, which surprised me the first time I used it.  It's supposed to be that way, though.  You'll also have to heat it a bit longer than you think.  I was afraid I would scorch it, because that is what can happen when heat embossing.  However, leaving the heat tool on it for longer really does make the puff paint puff much better.
AND I've included a printable pdf tutorial for this last card!

If you enjoy the projects, tips, and tutorials on my blog, I would so appreciate you choosing me as your demonstrator.  Thank you for the opportunity to earn your business!

Use Host Code GZU4ASKR when ordering with me and you'll get two fall card kits as my gift to you (a $10 value)!

Shop Now!

Splitcoaststampers Sketch Challenge - It's a Christmas Card!

A waterfall of leaves using the Gather Together set and the Gathered Leaves dies was what my mind automatically went to when I saw this week's sketch.  It's October, the weather is cooler, the leaves are gorgeous so that's naturally what I turned to.  BUT after spending all day Saturday making Christmas cards for a class, I was in the mood for some red and green!

First up, the sketch!

Make sure to upload your card so we can see it!

These trees are so fun when arranged this way on the card!  It's a forest of Christmas trees!  And then adding Cherry Cobbler rhinestones really ups the wow factor.  Those rhinestones are from the Holiday Rhinestones Basics Jewels.  The other colors in the pack are Coastal Cabana, Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie, and Shaded Spruce .

The sentiment was heat embossed with White Stampin' Emboss Powder and a Heat Tool.  This sentiment is the perfect size for a card and the font is timeless.  This is a wonderful card to make multiples of, so I put together a printable tutorial for you.  Just click the image below to download it.  It has measurements and a supply list with links to my online store.

I also had a Facebook Live yesterday where I made this card.  It's uploaded to my YouTube channel or you can find it on my Facebook page (follow me while you are there)!

Don't forget about the 24 hour stamp sale going on until midnight MST tonight!

See the full list of stamp sets on sale.

Yes, you can double-dip with October's Host Code!  Use Host Code GZU4ASKR when ordering with me and you'll get two fall card kits as my gift to you (a $10 value)!

Shop Now!

What's New In The Stamping World

24 Hour Stamp Sale Starts October 23 (tomorrow)!

October 23 is the big day! For 24 HOURS ONLY, you can save 15% on select stamp sets.  This is huge!  Stampin' Up! rarely has this kind of event so take a look at the list of select stamps.  I'll be showing samples throughout the day tomorrow on my Facebook page for some of the sets that are on sale.  Make sure to follow my page now so that you get to see them tomorrow - they're beautiful!  

Winter Wonders Part 2

Did you miss October's amazing Winter Wonders kit that made 10 beautiful and easy Christmas cards?  Sign up by November 10 so you don't miss Winter Wonders Part 2!  The Christmas theme extends to this kit to create 24 holiday tags of various designs and sizes so you can add a personal artisan touch to your packaging.

As part of your subscription, you''ll receive a newsletter each month that includes video instructions, alternate kit ideas, and coordinating Stampin' Up! products so you can get maximum use of your kit.  Current subscribers can expect the October kit's newsletter tomorrow.  Paper Pumpkin kits are designed to be completed in around 30 minutes so you can complete the November Winter Woods one while enjoying your favorite holiday special on TV.  Sign up now!

Free Fall Card Kits with Any Size Order

My October Host Code is good for two fall card kits with any size order!  Yes, you can double-dip with the 24 hour stamp sale starting tomorrow!  Yes, you can use it with Clearance Rack orders!  Just use Host Code GZU4ASKR (no exceptions please) and I'll send two fall card kits as my gift to you!  A Stampin' Up! order on your porch and The Joyful Stamper purple package in your mailbox - that's a happy mail day!  Shop here in my online store.  Shop here in my Clearance Rack.

Sweet 'N Simple Card Class

The deadline is nearing for this awesome class!  All levels are welcome at my monthly, in-person card class held in the Pittsburgh, PA area.  You'll create 4 cards of varying occasions, with envelopes. Your kits will be cut, scored, and ready for you to make into something pretty!  RSVP is required as the class is limited to 5 to ensure the best experience.  RSVP by October 28 and see my Sweet 'N Simple class details here.

New Paper Trimmer Available November 1!

Papercrafters are always searching for the perfect paper trimmer.  Beginning November 1, you can get the perfect paper trimmer !  Stampin' Up!'s amazing new paper trimmer will be available to everyone!  Some of its features:

• Trimmer comes with one cutting and one scoring blade.
• Track automatically locks into place.  This means it won't swing out when storing or transporting.
• Measurements read all the way across, even in the notorious gap between the trimmer and its swing-out arm!  This is a huge improvement because it eliminates guessing around a commonly used measurement!
• There's a place at the top of the trimmer to hang it up, if that's how you store your trimmers.
• The trimmer cuts straight and true, sliding like butter, even through two sheets of cardstock and Glimmer Paper!
• Cutting blade refill packs contain 4 blades and are $12.  They will be available in January.

To order the new Stampin' Up! Paper Trimmer on November 1, type in item #152392 in my online store!  It retails for $25.  

I would love to be your demonstrator!  It's my goal to give you your BEST stamping experience and I welcome the opportunity to do so!