Stamping 411

Saturday Sketch Challenge #240

2012-01-27T17:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone and welcome to a new Saturday Sketch Challenge from the Stamping 411 Operators! This week's sketch gives you lots of opportunity to use multiple patterns and textures and we can't wait to see what you will do with it! We hope you'll along with us!

Here's the sketch ...

Of course, as always, we want you to use the sketch for inspiration. You can alter it, flip it, change it up and take it where your creative mind wills! But just in case, feel free to use the following measurements to get you started!

1.Layer One -- Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded to form the Card Base.

2.Layer Two -- Cardstock or DSP cut at 2 x 5.25"

3.Layer Three -- Cardstock or DSP cut at 2 x 5.25"

4.Layer Four -- Cardstock cut at 2.25 x 3.25"

5.Layer Five -- Cardstock cut at 2 x 3"

6.Layer Six -- Cardstock cut at 2.25" square

7.Layer Seven -- Cardstock cut at 2" square

It may look more complicated, but it's pretty simple when you break it down, layer by layer. Now, are you ready to be inspired? Let's see what the Operators have done this week ...

If we've done our job well, it means we've inspired you to play along? We sure hope so! If you've never played with us before, the process is easy and painless! All you do is ...

1.Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
2.Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
3.Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
4.Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). Everyone loves comments!
5.Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Until then, Have fun and Happy Stamping! Blessings, Gretchen

Stamper's Showcase #239

2012-01-27T04:00:00.002-05:00

It's been a busy week at Stamping 411! Check out all the great challenge entries for this past week!!! Here are your Operator picks for Sketch Challenge #239. Thanks for playing, everyone!

Saturday Sketch Challenge #239

2012-01-20T16:00:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone and welcome to a new Saturday Sketch Challenge from the Stamping 411 Operators! We think we've got another fun sketch for you this week and we've tried our best to serve you up some fabulous inspiration samples! We invite you to play along with us!

Here's the sketch ...

Of course, as always, we want you to use the sketch for inspiration. You can alter it, change it up and take it where your creative mind wills! But just in case, feel free to use the following measurements to get you started!

Layer One -- Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded to form the Card Base.
Layer Two -- Cardstock or DSP cut at 4 x 5.25"
Layer Three -- Cardstock or DSP cut at 1.5 x 4" -- Add three punch shapes or images on the right and add your larger focal image or shape on the left.

That's it! It's pretty basic and simple when you break it down. Now, are you ready to be inspired? Let's see what the Operators have done this week ...

If we've done our job well, it means we've inspired you to play along? We sure hope so! If you've never played with us before, the process is easy and painless! All you do is ...

1.Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!

2.Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum

3.Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).

4.Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). Everyone loves comments!

5.Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Until then, Have fun and Happy Stamping! Blessings, Gretchen

Stamper's Showcase #238

2012-01-20T05:00:00.001-05:00

The Stamping 411 Operators have been so excited this week to see all the lovely challenge submissions. Keep them coming! Here are your Operator Picks for Sketch Challenge #238.

How to remove the little "Pokie Things" from the Doily Sizzlet

2012-01-19T09:00:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Are you as excited about the new Doily Sizzlet as I am? It’s just so gorgeous. However it does need a little help sometimes. You know everyone’s Big Shot is just a tad different and may need a little help with a shim (piece of copy paper or card stock) to help with the intricate cutting of this doily.
Here is what I did…..

1. Open big Shot Platform to Tab 1 and place a clear cutting plate on the platform followed by a shim (I used Black Card Stock)

2. Then add the Sizzlet and you choice of card stock for the die cut piece. I again used Black followed by the 2nd clear plate. Then run it through the Big Shot. It will be a harder crank but the results are so worth it.

3. Here is the finished piece……that is before eliminating all the pokie pieces.

4. Here is the best part….take a pencil and roll the doily around it to help pop out all those little pieces….

5. Roll it a few different ways to eliminate as many as possible.

6. You will still be left with a few little ones but nothing like before….so just use your paper piercer or even the pencil tip and poke the rest out.

7. Isn’t the result just fabulous????

I hope this helps you with all of your doily creations…..I know it did me.
Have a fabulous day and Thanks for stopping in.

Saturday Sketch Challenge 238

2012-01-13T18:00:00.001-05:00

Good Evening Friends!

It's my favorite time of the week! Sketch challenge time! :D

This week's sketch is another clean and simple one. (and frankly that just makes me happy!) The possibilities are endless. Make a clean and simple card, or make one over the top heart-stopper, it's all up to you!

This week, I was reminded of why it is we do what we do. It's not JUST stamping. For some of us, it's an escape or therapy. For others, it's just a reason to get together with the girls and have a glass of wine and laughs together. Remember, it takes a special person to want to sit and MAKE a work of he{art} for someone. So, let's do it together! A wise woman once said, if you're not having fun, you're not doing it right! With that in mind, please have some fun with this one and share what you come up with here!

Here are some potential measurements for you to try out this week.
Base Layer: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: 5 x 3 3/4"
Layer 3: 4 7/8" x 3 5/8"
layer 4: 3 1/2 x 2 1/2"

Let's see what artwork the team has to share this week:

Patti Chesky

Tammy Fite

Gretchen Barron

Tiffany Bauer

Selene Kempton

Lee Conrey

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Stamper's Showcase #237

2012-01-13T07:21:00.004-05:00

Wow! The holidays are over and we were thrilled to see so many of you back and participating! There were some amazing cards entered into the challenge this past week and here are your Operator Picks for Sketch Challenge #237. Thanks for playing and we hope you'll be back for another great sketch this weekend!

Saturday Sketch Challenge #237

2012-01-06T17:10:00.012-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! This is our first Saturday Sketch Challenge for 2012. The operators are ready to keep inspiring you to stamp and create throughout this new year. We have sketch challenges, color challenges, tutorials, techniques and so much more planned for you!!!

This week, the sketch is staying on trend with a banner element. Have you noticed how banners are just everywhere in the papercrafting world?

Banners edges can be cut by hand with a scissor (they do not have to be perfect), using a paper trimmer or by using a punch to help notch out that edge.

Let's talk about this week's sketch in more detail:

Base: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"

Layer #2: 2" x 4 1/2", cut with a banner edge

Layer #3: 3" x 3"

Layer #4: 3 1/8" x 3 1/8"

These are only approximate measurements. If you would like more specific information on an operator's card, just click on their name below the photo of their card to get more information.

Lee Conrey

Patti Chesky

Tammy Fite

Gretchen Barron

Tiffany Bauer

Selene Kempton

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Stampers Showcase 235

2012-01-06T07:34:00.002-05:00

It was certainly a busy week of stamping after the holidays! Thanks for joining us this week! Here are your operator picks for sketch 235. See you later on for another cool sketch!

Color Inspiration #166

2012-01-05T08:45:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!!!!

On the first Thursday of the month I am honored to post the Stamping 411 Color Inspiration Challenge. This month I wanted to play with some of my favorite colors. The colors are Pool Party, Island Indigo, Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade.

It's been a while since I've posted a four color challenge. So, with the new year, it just seemed like the right time.

Here's a card I've made with these colors.........

It felt good to play with the Delicate Doilies stamp stamp again. I hate to report that I've been neglecting it lately.

The images are stamped on a coffee filter. Once stamped, I crumpled it up into a ball, then smoothed it out and glued it onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock using a glue stick!! What a fun way to use up those extra coffee filters that's been laying around since we bought our Keurig.

Do you know what else is fun? Playing along with the Stamping 411 challenges, of course!!!!

It's easy to do! Just make a project using these colors, post it to your blog or online site and copy the web address of that project to the Linky Tool at the bottom of the post. That's it....easy peasy!

Saturday Sketch Challenge 235

2011-12-30T18:24:00.007-05:00

Good Evening Friends!

We hope that you had a wonderful holiday filled with joy and look forward to 2012! Can you believe it's already time to ring in a new year?

On a personal note, operator Gretchen Barron had surgery this past Thursday to remove a tumor from her leg. When she woke up from the surgery and was finally out of pain, she cried tears of joy! Her recovery period is expected to be six weeks. If you have a moment, please wish her well by leaving her a comment. We look forward to welcoming her back when she is ready.

So how about some potential measurements for this week's sketch?
Base: 11 x 4 1/4", scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: Consider this! 4 1/4" x 2 3/4", you would not have any waste and get 8 per sheet!
Layer 3: 4 x 2 1/2"

Above all, thanks for playing along and have fun! To get specific measurements from each of the operators, just click the link below their card. :D

Selene Kempton

Lee Conrey

Patti Chesky

Tammy Fite

Tiffany Bauer

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Stampers Showcase 235

2011-12-30T08:50:00.003-05:00

Good Morning 411 Friends!

What beautiful submissions this week! Thanks to all that take time out to play along! We look forward to seeing what you come up with every week. Here are this week's operator picks.

Welcome to Saturday Sketch Challenge #235

2011-12-23T17:00:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone and welcome to a new Sketch Challenge at Stamping 411! It's difficult to believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve!!! On behalf of all the Stamping 411 Operators, we want to wish you all the best this Holiday season! We hope in the midst of family activities, you will find a few moments of solice in your stamping space and will be able to play along with us this week! We've got another fun and exciting sketch for you this week. Here you go ...

As always, we encourage you to begin with the sketch and to make it your own! Here's some potential measurements to help you out:

1. Layer One -- Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded to make your card base.
2. Layer Two -- Cardstock or DSP cut at 4 x 4"
3. Layer Three -- Cardstock or DSP cut at 3.75 x 3.75"
4. Layer Four -- Ribbon, punchies and embellishments, as desired!

Are you ready to see what the Stamping 411 Operators have created this week? Just click on each Operator name to find out more details about their project. Let's go ...

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! The sky's the limit!

1.Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
2.Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
3.Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
4.Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
5.Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.
We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Have fun and Happy Stamping ... and Happy Holidays!

Blessings, Gretchen

Stamper's Showcase #234

2011-12-23T07:11:00.002-05:00

Can you say BUSY! Whew! It's that time of year, isn't it? We so appreciate our Stamping 411 followers taking time out to playing along with our Sketch Challenge this week! Here are your Operator Picks for Sketch Challenge #234. Happy Holidays, everyone!

Sneak Peek Set Sampler!!

2011-12-22T08:00:00.002-05:00

Good morning! It's my privilege to share a new set sampler with you this morning! I chose a fun new stamp set coming in January! (in the Occasions Mini Catalog). It's called Bordering on Romance, and it's so very pretty!! I really tried to do a masculine card, but failed! :-) If you come up with one using this set, please share with me!! I did manage to use all the colors groups--to give you some variety! Supplies for will be listed for each card! Enjoy!!!

Bordering on Romance Stamp Set
Calypso Coral & Whisper White Card stock
Calypso Coral Classic Ink
5/8" Organza Ribbon; Big Shot; Adorning Accents Edgelits

Bordering on Romance Stamp Set
Basic Gray, Whisper White & Baja Breeze Card stock
Basic Gray Classic Ink; Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze & Pear Pizzazz Stampin' Write Markers
Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, Twitterpated Designer Paper

Bordering on Romance & Curly Cute Stamp Sets
Black Stazon Ink pad; Riding Hood Red Classic Ink Pad
Riding Hood Red, Whisper White and Vellum cardstock
Twitterpated Designer Paper; Aqua Painter; Riding Hood Red 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon

Bordering on Romance & Curly Cute Stamp Sets
Black Stazon Ink Pad; Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers
Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black and Whisper White Card Stock
Basic Pearls Jewels

I hope you enjoy this feature! If there is a stamp set you'd like to see me use, leave a comment!

Happy Holidays!!!

Saturday Sketch Challenge #234

2011-12-16T17:00:00.018-05:00

Hello everyone and welcome to a new Sketch Challenge at Stamping 411! Can you believe that we are just a week away from Christmas! WOW!!! The Stamping 411 Operators hope that you'll find a few moments this weekend to stamp and play along with our challenge! It's great therapy to clear your mind and releve some of that pre-holiday stress that we're all feeling this time of year! Here's our sketch for this week ...

Don't let the layers keep you from playing! This sketch can be used to create a simple and beautiful card or something extra special! As always, you start with the sketch and make it your own! To help you get started, here's some potential measurements to help you out:

Layer One -- Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded to make your card base.
Layer Two -- Cardstock or DSP cut at 4 x 5.25"
Layer Three -- Cardstock or DSP cut at 2.5 x 5.25" -- use a border punch on the bottom
Layer Four -- Cardstock or DSP cut at 2 x 5.25"
Layer Five -- Cardstock or DSP cut at 2.5 x 3.5"
Layer Six -- Cardstock cut at 2.25 x 3.25 -- stamp your focal image on this layer
Layer Seven -- Add a flag or banner with your sentiment

Add embellishments or sentiments to your taste (and in keeping with the sketch) and most importantly, have fun!!!!

Are you ready to see what the Stamping 411 Operators have created this week? Let's go ...

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! The sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time. Have fun and Happy Stamping!

Blessings, Gretchen

Stamper's Showcase #233

2011-12-16T06:57:00.006-05:00

Friday morning means a new Stamper's Showcase! We so appreciate all who play along with us each week. We promise to keep the sketches coming if you promise to show us your stuff! Here are your Operator Picks for Sketch Challenge #233!

Seriously EASY card box for gift giving

2011-12-15T11:22:00.008-05:00

Good Morning Friends!

It's time for another anything goes post from your operators at stamping411.

This week, I was hoping to finally keep my promise to do a tutorial for this cute box that comes together in minutes. There are literally 4 score marks and 4 cuts, then you stick it together! Really, that's it!

I'll be whipping up a few more of these next week, as I'm planning to give those "card worthy" relatives a stack of cards for their pantries. This box is made from some new items, some existing items, and some sneak peeks, so put your spectacles on and take a peek at this!

Stamps: 123779 You are Loved Stamp set (will be going away forever on January 3rd ~ so hit up your demo to get your set before they are gone...)
Ink: Riding hood red, basic gray, blushing bride and pear pizazz (just a few of the colors in the new DSP coming out)
Paper: whisper white, riding hood red and Twitterpated Designer series paper (which will be out on January 4th! again, ask your demo!).
Accessories: Tombo multipurpose adhesive, 3 dimensionals to pop up the heart, riding hood red pleated satin ribbon (gasp!), vintage brads, 1 1/6" circle punch, the NEW heart framelit die!, and (of course) the Simply Scored Scoring tool with place markers!

and away we go... First, I set up my score tool for marks at 1 1/4" 4 1/2" and 6 1/2"

Take a piece of 8 1/2" x 11", cardstock, on the 8 1/2" side, score at 1 1/4" (both sides)
Note** notice how I'm holding the stylus? I have my thumb on top and I'm pulling towards me. After scoring 170 wedding invitations for my cousin (in two places), I realized when I hold my stylus this way, it doesn't slip out of the groove on me.

Then flip your card stock 90 degrees and score at 4 1/2" and 6 1/2".
Now, using your paper snips, cut in 1 1/4" inches where you see black on the template below.Next, fold on all lines VERY well! If you like, you can use a bone folder to get a nice crisp edge.Apply some tombo multipurpose adhesive to one side of the flap that's folded up, and attach this side of the box. I like to do this on both sides, so that when I put the box together, my flaps match. Some notes about the tombo glue (I call it green glue because it comes in a green tube). The picture above shows a little too much. you can use sticky strip, but if you make a mistake you're either stuck, or using a heat gun to try and reposition. The idea of the green glue is to use a TINY amount. I use it for everything except ribbon and designer paper. If you try it, and have it all over your hands, you're probably using too much!

Some of my customers say that I scratch it on the paper or make a dotted line. Below is a better amount to use.

Now that we have one side stuck to the bottom flap (left and right), add a thin line of green glue down the spine of your box and seal up the other two sides.
Oh looky! I'm crooked! Well, the "green glue" lets you reposition for a second.. Love that!!

So here's the raw box. Now, I like to use ribbon for the handles (about 12"), you could cut a strip of paper 1" and use that, whatever works for you!

So, now I'd like to decorate my box. Pick out a coordinating designer Paper (i used twittpated).
Cut this to 4 1/2" x 3". if you're using 2 sheets of designer paper, you'll yield enough for 10 boxes, front and back!

I cut a sheet of whisper white down to 4 1/2" and cut two strips from the ribbon border punch. then I just take the punched piece and cut it in half.
Flip your dsp over, and add a thin line of green glue. Then lay the border on top. Try and use the design to get your sides even on each side.Attach these to the front of the box and decorate to taste! Here's the finished box, and the original box I did when the score tool came out!

Thanks for visiting today and for checking out the tutorial! If you'd like to make one and post it somewhere online, I added a linky so we can see what you did with this tutorial!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Saturday Sketch Challenge 233

2011-12-09T18:00:00.000-05:00

Good Evening Friends!

I hope that your holidays so far have been stress free. I know that things have been a little crazy in our household, but it's completely understandable. Life just goes so quickly during this time of year!

Here is another simple sketch to help you to get those last minute cards out in a snap! I love putting elements on a card crooked on purpose. It adds interest to your focal point! Have some fun with this one!

One potential set of measurements for this sketch could be:
Base: 11 x 4 1/4", scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: 4 1/4" x 3 1/4"
Layer 3: 4 x 3"
Layer 4: 1 1/4" paper strip for your sentiment

Add embellishments or sentiments to your taste (and in keeping with the sketch) and please have fun!

Let's see what the operators came up with for this sketch:

Tammy Fite

Gretchen Barron

Tiffany Bauer had to sit out this week, but we love her! Please stop by and say hi to our buddy!

Selene Kempton

Lee Conrey

Patti Chesky

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Stampers Showcase 232http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

2011-12-09T11:47:00.003-05:00

Good Morning Super Stampers! Check out this weeks' Stampers showcase! We'll be back tonight at 6PM with another fun sketch for you to try. Until then, please check out these awesome cards!

Saturday Sketch Challenge 232

2011-12-02T18:16:00.007-05:00

Good Evening Friends!

It's time for another clean and simple sketch challenge from your 411 operators. Where the holidays are upon us, isn't it wonderful to have a simple sketch in front of you for those last minute holiday cards?

So how about some potential measurements for this sketch? For more information about each of the sample cards below, just click the link below the 411 operator card and you'll be transported to their blogs.

Base: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: 4 1/4" x 3 1/4"
Layer 4: 4 x 3"

Add embellishments or sentiments to your taste (and in keeping with the sketch) and please have fun!

Let's see what the operators came up with for this sketch:

Patti Chesky

Tammy Fite

Gretchen Barron

Tiffany Bauer

Selene Kempton

Lee Conrey

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Stamper's Showcase #231

2011-12-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

What a great week of stamping and sharing we've had on Stamping 411! Keep up the fabulous work, everyone -- we love to see your creations! Here are your Operator Picks for Sketch Challenge #231.

Color Inspiration Challenge #165

2011-12-01T08:45:00.001-05:00

Happy December! It's hard to believe that we are in the final month of the year. Where does time go?

On the first Thursday of every month, it's my pleasure to present you with a new color challenge.

This month I am going to give you a Valentine's Day-inspired color combo. I know what you're thinking! Valentine's Day? The papercrafting world always works months ahead of the actual holiday. Strange but true!

For this month's combo I used a color that I am totally in love with. It's called Poppy Parade. It's such a fun color! When paired with Pink Pirouette and Basic Black, it just makes a project "pop".

I hope you'll give this color combination a try. If you do make a project, please use the Linky Tool below to link your project's web address to this blog post. This way we can ooohh and ahhhh over it too!

Saturday Sketch Challenge 231

2011-11-25T17:44:00.007-05:00

Good Evening Friends!

It's time for another fabulous sketch challenge from your 411 operators. On behalf of the operators, I'd like to let you know how grateful we are for all of you. Whether you are a follower or you play along, there's a little bit of something for everyone here. Thanks for joining us again! We hope that you find inspiration here in some way. Wishing you and yours a wonderful, healthy and happy holiday season!

This week we've decided to "break out of the box" a bit and put a twist on our layout. It's fun to experiment with **literally* breaking the mold! Even with the busy holiday season upon us, I hope you have time to make a card using this pretty cool clean and simple sketch!

So how about some potential measurements for this sketch? For more information about each of the sample cards below, just click the link below the 411 operator card and you'll be transported to their blogs.

Base: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2 and 3: 5 x 3 3/4".
Layer 4: 4 7/8" x 3 5/8".

You may want to attach layers 3 and 4 (so you can see a border), then turn these two layers on their side, stick them to layer 2 and cut off the excess. Add embellishments or sentiments to your taste and please have fun!

Let's see what the operators came up with for this sketch:

Tammy Fite

Tiffany Bauer

Too much fun! Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Stamper's Showcase #230

2011-11-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

Once again, Stamping 411 followers have focused on holiday themed cards for our weekly challenge! Way to go, one and all! Keep up the great work. Here are your Operator Picks for Sketch Challenge #230. The Stamping 411 Operators all hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving celebration this week and that you are enjoying left-overs and perhaps a bit of stamping therapy today!

Saturday Sketch Challenge #230

2011-11-18T17:33:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone and welcome to Stamping 411 and a brand new Sketch to keep you busy this weekend! We're so glad that you've stopped by and hope that we can offer you a little instruction and inspiration. Here's some possible measurements to get you started on today's sketch:

1.Layer One -- Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to make your Card Base

2.Layer Two -- Cardstock or DSP cut at 4 x 5.25"

3.Layer Three -- Cardstock or DSP cut at 3" square

4.Layer Four -- Cardstock cut at 2.75" square

We hope you have fun with this week's sketch and let your imagination be your guide. And we can't wait to see where your creativity leads you!

Are you ready for some inspiration from the Stamping 411 Operators? Click on each Operator Name to see all the details for their projects. Let's go ...

What do you think? Did we inspire you to play along? We hope so! Never played with us before? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

1.Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
2.Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
3.Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
4.Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
5.Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Have fun and Happy Stamping! Blessings,
Gretchen Barron

Stamper's Showcase #229

2011-11-18T05:09:00.002-05:00

It seems that it was all about Christmas again this week on Stamping 411! So many beautiful cards and ideas ... so little time! If you need inspiration for your holiday cards, check out the Operator Picks for this week, Sketch Challenge #229. Thanks for playing along and stop back soon!

How to Wednesday ~Playing with Fire or Colored Soot Stamping!

2011-11-17T08:00:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone,
I've got some fun for you today. I’ve got a card I made using the “Colored Soot Stamping Technique” or as I call it Playing with Fire!!!! hehe

…and here is how you do it.
1. Select the colors of ink you would like…I thought I would use two colors but ending up using one. Stamps you would like to use and some Mat Finish Clear Acrylic Sealer. I like to use a taper candle for this technique too. You’ll need some sponges and white glossy paper and something to light your candle with. .
2. using your sponge sponge all over your piece of Glossy Card Stock. I always use a larger piece as you never know how much of it you will have left once you do this! hehehe

3. Light your candle and holding at an angle touch the flame to the colored side (shiny side) of the Glossy Card Stock. Keep it moving once you see soot starting to appear.

3. Continue on until the sheet is almost all sooted up! Now here is what I’m talking about….It caught fire twice on me….you though I was kidding about making your cut bigger than needed, to start, didn't you? NOT!! Holy Moly or should i say Great Balls of Fire!!! Make sure to blow out any little fires you may start.

4. My sooted cardstock, minus a bit! Not take your stamp of Choice and dry stamp onto the piece removing the soot. Make sure to clean stamp in between stamping so it’s doesn’t build up and you get a clear image. Do not touch the area as you will get soot all over you. See the flame? Don’t do that!!! hehe

5. Once you’ve cleaned your stamp and finished your piece spray it with the Clear Acrylic Sealer and let dry for a few minutes and cut to desired size.
6. Sometimes you have to settle for less! As you can see I had two fires so had to make my card in the other direction. It’s all good. Just trim and design something lovely with your Soot Stamped Piece.

…and here is what I made with my Sooted piece. Hope you’ll give this fun technique try!!

Saturday Sketch Challenge #229

2011-11-11T17:00:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone and welcome to Stamping 411 and a brand new Sketch to keep you busy this weekend! We're so glad that you've stopped by today and hope that we can offer you a little instruction and inspiration. Here's some possible measurements to get you started on today's sketch:

Layer One -- Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to make your Card Base
Layer Two -- Cardstock or DSP cut at 4 x 5.25"
Layer Three -- Cardstock or DSP cut at 1 x 5.5"
Layer Four -- Cardstock cut at 2.25 x 3.75"
Layer Five -- Cardstock cut at 2 x 3.5" -- Embellish with Die Cut or Punched pieces

We hope you have fun with this week's sketch and let your imagination be your guide. And we can't wait to see where your creativity leads you!

Are you ready for some inspiration from the Stamping 411 Operators? Click on each Operator Name to see all the details for their projects. Let's go ...

Stamper's Showcase #228

2011-11-11T05:00:00.007-05:00

From the looks of things, it appears that Christmas is on the mind of many Stamping 411 followers this week! Check out this week's Operator Picks for some great ideas to kick-start your Holiday card making! Thanks for playing along and come back soon for more challenges and fun on Stamping 411.

Saturday Sketch Challenge 228 and a Thank you to Carrie Gaskin

2011-11-04T18:00:00.000-04:00

Good Evening Friends!

Thanks for visiting and to all those who play along! We love seeing your entries!

We hope that you have had as much fun seeing what our friend Carrie Gaskin, and Guest Designer has been up to for the month of October. We sure have loved having her on our team! If you haven't already, check out Carrie's work and leave her a message! Thank you Carrie!!

Tonight we have another clean and simple sketch for you, but this week we've bumped it up a little. This sketch can be adapted to C&S or bumped up to an over the top work of art!

So next, how about some potential measurements?
Base: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: 3 3/4" x 5
Layer 3: 4 1/4" x 1"
Layer 4(bottom left) some fun punched shape?
Layer 5: Focal point 3 x 2, or measure your stamp block
Layer 6: a punched shape or sentiment?

Above all, please have some fun with it!

Here is some creative inspiration from our design team. for more details on each of their cards, just click the link below their creation. :D

Gretchen Barron

Tiffany Bauer

Selene Kempton

Lee Conrey

Patti Chesky

Tammy Fite

Aren't they gorgeous? Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Stamper's Showcase #227

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday, everyone! As you can see from our challenge entries, it's been a busy and productive week at Stamping 411. Here are your Operator Picks for Sketch Challenge #227! Thanks for playing along and check back later for a new challenge!

Color Inspiration Challenge #164

2011-11-03T08:45:00.000-04:00

Hey stampers!!! Can you believe a month has passed since the last Stamping 411 Color Inspiration Challenge? Time sure does fly.....especially this time of year!!! Halloween has passed us, and now our thoughts are moving towards Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the New Year.

Every year at this time, I tell myself to get a jump start on my own Christmas cards. I'm so busy designing cards for my classes, that I often wait to the last minute to get my own cards stamped and mailed. Will I do better this year? Probably not! Life seems even crazier this year!!! But, I'll get them done even if I need to burn the midnight oil.

I often come up with some wild color combinations, but holiday nostalgia makes me gravitate towards the traditional. This color combination screams Christmas to me, but it also works perfectly for non-holiday cards as well. Who doesn't love a gorgeous red flower bloom with it's shiny greenery? The dark chocolate offsets the brightness of the red and green perfectly.

This month's colors are Riding Hood Red, Lucky Limeade and Early Espresso.

There's a Linky Tool at the bottom of this post so you can link your project's web address to this post. We'd love to see what you've made with this color combination.

Saturday Sketch Challenge 227

2011-10-28T18:00:00.000-04:00

Good Evening Friends!

Tonight we have another simple sketch for you! You can choose to keep this one simple, or bump it up and embellish! It's all up to you.

Here are some potential measurements for this week's sketch. Again.. you can use this as a jumping off point and change it any way you like!

Base:11 x 4 1/4", scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: 5 1/4" x 4
Layer 3: 5 x 3 3/4"
Layer 4: add a layer of ribbon.
Layer5: any punched shape or layers of punched shapes.. have fun!!!

Speaking of FUN!... Have you been following our guest designer's projects? Carrie Gaskin is an amazing paper crafter/artist and we're so lucky to have her as a guest designer this month. Please stop by her blog and let her know you saw her project here (and how much you LOVE it!)

Here are the samples from your operators this week:

Carrie Gaskin, Guest Designer

Tammy Fite

Gretchen Barron

Tiffany Bauer

Selene Kempton

Lee Conrey

Patti Chesky

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Stamper's Showcase #226

2011-10-28T07:11:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone and congratulations and thanks to all who played along with this past week's challenge! Great job, one and all! But alas, we could only pick a few for the showcase. Here are your Stamping 411 Operator picks for Sketch Challenge #226. Enjoy!!!

Pennant Parade Set Sampler!

2011-10-27T08:45:00.002-04:00

Hi!! Welcome to my first "Whatever Thursday" post! Today's "whatever" is a set sampler!! One stamp set, several different looks!! Today's set is Pennant Parade--a super fun set!

This first card shows you a card you might expect from this set:

Yes, it's a birthday card, using the pennant stamp as......pennants!! This is very easy to do with the coordinating Petite Pennants Builder Punch!

Look, you can use this same stamp as a Christmas tree:

Just turn it upside down!! And, I colored in the garland with a Riding Hood Red Stampin' Write Marker.

In keeping with the "upside down" theme, here are some fun ice cream cones:

The ice cream scoops are 1 3/4" circles! I punched a template from a window sheet, then sponged in with Pretty in Pink ink! Wouldn't this make a sweet card for a little girl?!

Now, this card is just wild!!! LOL!!! I used the same stamp from the previous card, and created a back ground!!I started with Not Quite Navy ink, and stamped a row of the pennants. I used my stamp-a-ma-jig to make sure they were somewhat straight! I continued all the way down with the Not Quite Navy pennants, then came back and "filled in" with the Cajun Craze Pennants! Would make a fun card for a special guy's birthday!!

I hope you enjoy the Set Sampler!! We'll see you tomorrow for another great sketch challenge!!

Supplies used:
Happy Birthday Card: White, Pumpkin Pie, Pacific Point and Melon Mambo cardstock and ink; Brights Patterns Stack; Big Shot, Petal Cone Die, White Baker's Twine, Petite Pennant Builder Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Merry Card: Lucky Limeade, Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red and Naturals White Cardstock; Lucky Limeade, More Mustard & Early Espresso Classic Ink; Riding Hood Red Stampin' Write Marker; Petite Pennant Builder Punch; Chocolate Chip Scalloped Dots Ribbon, Big Shot, Snow Burst Embossing Folder, small oval punch, stampin' dimensionals

Ice Cream Cone Card: Pretty in Pink, Early Espresso and Whisper White cardstock; Early Espresso and Pretty in Pink Classic ink; stampin' sponges, pretty in pink 1/4" grosgrain ribbon; small oval punch

Background Card: Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze and Very Vanilla cardstock; Not Quite Navy & Cajun Craze Classic Ink; stamp-a-ma-jig; Modern Label punch, word window punch; Very vanilla satin ribbon

Saturday Sketch Challenge 226

2011-10-21T18:00:00.003-04:00

Good Evening Friends!

Thanks for popping by to see us! To those of you who had questions about Lee's post yesterday... go look at the post, it should be updated! :D

Tonight we have another simple sketch for you! You can choose to keep this one simple, or bump it up and embellish any way you choose!

I always love a sketch as a jumping off point for projects and hope that you love this one!

If you're just starting out stamping, learning to measure and put projects together can be tough... then as you do it more often, it becomes easy! Here are some potential measurements for this week's sketch. Again.. you can use this and change it any way you like!

Base:11 x 4 1/4", scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2a (top): designer paper 4 x 2"
Layer 2b (middle): designer paper 4 x 2"
Layer 3: add a layer of ribbon... try adhering it, so that the "ends" sit under the punched shape, and you can see the ribbon inside your card. Add a bow or another shape if you like to this layer as well.
Layer 4 & 5: any punched shape or layers of punched shapes.. have fun!!!

Speaking of FUN!... Have you been following our guest designer's projects? Carrie Gaskin is an amazing paper crafter/artist and we're so lucky to have her as a guest designer this month. Please stop by her blog and let her know you saw her project here (and how much you LOVE it!)

Here are the samples from your operators this week:

Carrie Gaskin, Guest Designer

Selene Kempton

Lee Conrey

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Stamper's Showcase #225

2011-10-21T08:18:00.004-04:00

Holy Smokes, Batman!!! WOW -- Stamping 411 participants just keep getting better and better! I know I say that every week, but this week we had some exceptional cards submitted for our Saturday Sketch Challenge. Just look at the Operator Picks! AMAZING! Thanks, one and all, for playing along and we hope you keep coming back for more!

How to make an "Envelope" Gift Card Holder

2011-10-20T08:00:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone,
This is going to be a "Blast from the Past" for you.

Remember the Gift Card Holders that we did with Envelopes? I just remembered it today while helping my downline and decided to share it with you
First you will need any envelope, a Crimper, Ribbon, Cutter, Ink , Punch and stamps of choice.

Then you will seal your envelope….

Next place your sealed Envelope in your cutter and cut at the two inch mark. You will be cutting across the shortest side of the envelope (the 4 3/8 side).

I decided to punch the ends of the top piece….with my Scalloped Edge Punch.

Now take the larger part of the sealed envelope and run it through your crimper….lines will be going straight up and down when set up right.

This is what you will be working with for your Envelope Gift Card Holder…..The top fits nicely over the bottom now. See…

I then took a Snowflake stamp and stamped it on the top with Crumb Cake Ink and sponged Crumb Cake on the Scallops to better define the edges against the bottom.

I cut a piece of Crumb Cake Card Stock to place my Gift Card on…..then I attached a punched piece from our Tab Punch so that the card could be removed easily!

Here is my Decorated and finished Gift Card Holder…I had this extra Snowman sitting on my desk I had done a few days ago…why not right? I attached him to one of the scallops from the Pennant Die and a little Crumb Cake Seam Binding and I’m done.
I hope you’ll give this “Blast from the Past” a try. I had forgotten how fun these were to make.
Have a great Day!

Saturday Sketch Challenge #225

2011-10-14T16:40:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone and welcome to a new Saturday Sketch Challenge from your Stamping 411 Operators! We've got a fun sketch and some fabulous inspiration pieces for you this week, designed by our Stamping 411 Operators!

Just look at this fun sketch. You've got some great opportunities here to add those little details that make so much difference!

To help get you started, here are some possible measurements you might use:

Layer One -- Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to form your Card Base
Layer Two -- DSP or cardstock cut at 4 x 5.25"
Layer Three -- Strips of Cardstock cut at 1.25" wide -- position on left going to the bottom and on right going to the top.
Layer Four -- 3.5" Square for your focal image. Embellish as desired with ribbon and tag punchies of any shape!

Okay, are you ready to be inspired? Just look at what we have for you ...

Carrie Gaskin, Guest Designer

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit! Here's what you need to do:

1.Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
2.Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
3.Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
4.Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
5.Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

So, what are you waiting for! Let's get stamping!!!

Blessings, Gretchen

Stamper's Showcase #224

2011-10-13T23:31:00.003-04:00

Way to go, Stamping 411 followers! Your submissions this week were fantabulous! Keep up the great work! Here are your Operator Picks for Sketch Challenge #224!

How To ... Embellish an Envelope!

2011-10-13T08:41:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone and welcome to Whatever Thursday -- the weekly feature on Stamping 411 where the Operators take turns at bringing you ... whatever! Today, I'm going to share a quick and easy tutorial on how to embellish your envelopes. After you've worked so hard on your beautiful cards, an embellished envelope is the perfect finishing touch to really make your efforts shine! I've got four easy ways that you can dress up your envelopes so ... let's check them out!

The first, and one of my favorites, is to line the envelope flap with a bit of Designer Series Paper that coordinates with your card. On this sample, I used the Flirtatious Specialty DSP - gotta love those doily shapes! It's oh, so easy to do. Just cut a piece of DSP at 5.25 x 2.75" (or whatever the width of your envelope is). Use the curved edge of the envelope as your pattern and trace the curve on the back of the DSP, trim with Paper Snips and then fasten to your envelope with SNAIL adhesive, making sure to position the DSP just under the adhesive on the edge of the envelope flap. That's it -- how simple is that!

Okay, the second way is to simply stamp on the front, back or both of your envelope. Again, use coordinating colors and stamps which tie it back to the card that you created! In this case, I used the Delicate Doilies Stamp Set with colors of Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie and Early Espresso, the perfect compliment to the card that I created with the same colors and patterns. If you look closely, you'll also see the 3rd way to embellish an envelope on the edge of this envelope flap.

That's right, the third way is to add a little punched edging to the flap. I used Melon Mambo cut at 5.25 x 1" and punched one side with the Scallop Trim Border Punch. I applied it to the underside of the envelope flap with SNAIL adhesive and trimmed the ends to curve them in slightly. Just remember, when you do this, you may need to apply additional adhesive to seal the envelope. But what a pretty, delicate look it is!

And finally, the fourth way to dress up your envelopes is to emboss them with the Big Shot and a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. On this sample, I used the Elegant Lines Impression Folder. Just put it through the Big Shot with just the flap inside the folder so the only part that embosses is the flap. This is especially beautiful for a wedding card. Of course, when it's put through the paces in the postal system, the embossing will flatten out a bit, but hopefully it will arrive with enough intact that whoever receives it knows that something very special is inside!

So there you have it ... four wonderful ways to dress up your envelopes and make your beautiful hand-cards even more special! That's it for today!

Happy Stamping (and envelope embellishing), everyone! Blessings, Gretchen

Saturday Sketch Challenge #224

2011-10-07T17:00:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone and welcome to another fabulous Saturday Sketch Challenge from the Stamping 411 Operators. We are so glad that you stopped by today and our job is to inspire you to get stamping and play along with us! Here's our sketch this week ...

Now, don't be intimidated. It's a little more complicated than some of our sketches but when you break it down, it's really very simple! Here are some possible measurements you might use for this sketch:

Layer One -- Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to make your card base
Layer Two -- 4 x 5.25"
Layer Three -- 2 x 4.5" -- add punched pieces as desired

Now, that's not too difficult, is it? Of course not!!! Now, how about some inspiration from the Design Team! Just click on each name to find out more details. Let's go ...

Carrie Gaskin, Guest Designer

Stampers Showcase #223

2011-10-07T05:00:00.000-04:00

Just look at all the beautiful submissions we had for this week's challenge. Stamping 411 followers ROCK!!! Here are your Operator Picks for Sketch Challenge #223!

Color Inspiration Challenge #163

2011-10-06T08:45:00.000-04:00

Happy October everyone! Here in MN, it sure doesn't feel like Fall. It was a balmy 88 degrees today. Unbelievable!

The warm weather was too much of an inspiration for this month's color challenge. I chose to go with a Caribbean feel this time. I know I probably should've chosen something for Halloween, but you have to go with what feels right.

This month's colors are Calypso Coral, So Saffron and Baja Breeze.

I sure hope you give these colors are try. If you make a project, please link them to this post using the Linky Tool below.

Saturday Sketch Challenge 223

2011-09-30T18:00:00.007-04:00

Good Evening Friends!

It's Friday night and ya know that means another inspiration sketch challenge from the operators at here stamping 411.

I'm digging this clean and simple sketch this week and by the looks of the inspiration cards below, the operators had fun with this sketch.

Here are some potential measurements for this sketch.

Base 11 x 4 1/4", scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: 5 x 3 3/4"
Layer 3: 4 7/8" x 3 5/8"
For layer 4, how about a ribbon or a piece of cardstock cut to 4 1/4" long.
For the focal point you can use any shape that fits your stamps. Try cutting your cardstock the same size as your wood or clear mount block.
and have fun!!!

Here are your operator cards for this week:

Tiffany Bauer

Selene Kempton

Lee Conrey

Patti Chesky

Tammy Fite

Gretchen Barron

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Stampers Showcase #222

2011-09-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

WOW!!! Such fun, beautiful and creative cards this week! Great job, one and all! Thanks so much for playing along with the Stamping 411 Operators! Here are your Operator Picks for this Sketch Challenge #222. Keep up the fabulous work and keep that creativity flowing!

Featured Artist for October

2011-09-29T14:25:00.003-04:00

There are so many amazing artists that play along with the operators on Stamping 411 on a weekly basis. We really love to take the time to highlight our friends from time to time. With that in mind for the month of October, we asked our friend Carrie Gaskin aka Artistic Avenger be our featured stamper for the month of October.

I asked Carrie to write a little bit about herself and this is what she wrote:

Hello there all, my name is Carrie Gaskin. I am lucky enough to live in on the amazingly beautiful coast of British Columbia, Canada and living here you can't help but be creatively inspired. I have been a SU Demonstrator now for almost six years and have loved every minute of both the creative and business aspects. I love making cards most of all as I am an "instant gratification" type of gal. Scrapbooking still intimidates me some but I'm trying, really! 3D projects are also something I love to do and share. I'm always making something for someone! Sharing in my love of papercrafting are my two kids (daughter aged 10 and son aged 8) - that is probably one of things that makes me feel the luckiest, I get to share my love of stamping with them and they feel such a part of what I do. Also thrown into my mix is my dear husband, Craig. Although certainly not a crafter (sorry hon) he is an extremely supportive partner who continues to help me look at things in different ways to expand my personal creativity.

Carrie will be joining us for the whole month of October. She will be playing right along side of all our operators with each weeks sketch. Make sure you stop over at her blog: Artistic Avenger, to check out all her awesome work and leave her some lovin'!! I asked Carrie to share with all of us one of her favorite techniques and she wrote us this awesome tutorial on Bleaching.

Bleaching Tutorial
By Carrie Gaskin

Start out with a piece of cardstock on which you’d like to showcase your bleached image. I used Crumb Cake in my sample. I have found it best to emboss your image first. I used Versamark and Black embossing powder.

Emboss your image.

Take a small paintbrush you can also use a Blender pen (although then this is all you can use it for) and gently add bleach to where you’d like on your embossed image.

You can either let it sit to dry or you can heat it with your heat tool. TIP: if you don’t want the bleach to move around, heat the paper from the underside.

Once dry, you can colour in using ink and blender pens. Take note: some of the colour may still bleach out once you colour it so use rich colours. And voila!

Thanks Carrie for this easy but awesome tutorial. I think I can now try my hand at some bleaching. Stay tuned in October to see lots of great new sketches and Carrie's take on our sketches, you will not be disappointed!!

Have a great day,
Tiffany

Saturday Sketch Challenge 222

2011-09-23T18:00:00.003-04:00

Good Evening Friends,

This week we have another wonderful sketch, but before we get to that I need to address a small matter that has been brought to our attention.

We strive to provide information for EVERY new stamper and LOVE when you play along with our challenges. Because we are all friends here, we also agree not to market to one another. We all feel very comfortable sending our customers here because we know that we're only here to play! This week, we had to remove several links containing "buy from me," links for personal gain and sales pitches in your posts.

We also received emails from some of you asking why it's okay for some and not for others. So, the answer for that is that we just hadn't gotten to them yet but will continue to remove those. :D Although you are free to post whatever you want on your blog, we, with great respect would like to request that we keep posts for 411 just for fun. We want to provide information for you, and if you are a demonstrator, for your customers without marketing to them. We'll leave that part up to you in your local workshops, classes and clubs.

Unfortunately, one of the entries chosen for the "stampers showcase" this week was also removed for the same reason. Thanks for understanding and now, let's get crafty!

When I look at a square card, somehow I always think of fellow operator and friend Patti Chesky. Patti has a way with square cards, and I was most impressed with the first one I got from her which didnt fit a large square envelope (which would make a 5 1/4" card square). Instead, her card was 4 1/4" square and it fit a standard sized medium envelope. Although there is room to spare, you don't have to pay the extra postage that a square card requires.

Many of the operators post all the measurements for their specific creations on their blogs, so tonight, I'm going to give you the measurements for a small square card. For specific measurements for the operators, just click on their name (located below their creation) and you'll hopefully have what you need!

Potential measurements:

Base 4 1/4" x 8 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: a 3" circle (maybe cut by big shot?
A ribbon in between and you're good to go. Now if you wanted to, you could attach the ribbon underneath the circle element, and have the ribbon show up inside the card (with no adhesive), then attach a separate bow, or you could just tie a ribbon on! Either way would work for sure!

Next ~ here are the inspiration cards from your operators this week!

Gretchen Barron

Tiffany Bauer

Selene Kempton

Lee Conrey

Patti Chesky

Tammy Fite

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Stamper's Showcase #221

2011-09-23T07:46:00.004-04:00

All of the Stamping 411 Operators continue to be amazed at the entries we are getting each week. You are all exercising your creative muscles and getting better and better each week. We so enjoy seeing your creations! It was a tough choice, but here are your Operator Picks for Sketch Challenge #221. Keep them coming!

Blast From the Past #1

2011-09-22T10:55:00.002-04:00

I will be doing a brand new article here on the Stamping 411 Blog on the third Thursday of all odd numbered months. This article will be a blast from the past which means I will be taking an older sketch of ours and showing you how to turn the card sketch into a scrapbook layout.

This is the first sketch I have chosen from December 11th, 2009, SSC #129. Seems like so long ago!! Well I guess it is, over 2 years ago. Make sure to check out the original post to see all the projects that the Operators made using this sketch but right now check out how I turned this card sketch into a scrapbook layout.

So what do you think? Like how it turned out?? I LOVE how it turned out!!! I used the Big Top Birthday DSP, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight & Whisper White Card Stock, Whisper White Bakers, Real Red & Daffodil Delight Brads, Petite Pennants Builder, 1/2" Circle & 3/4" Circle Punches and Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Lower Stamp Set.

I just love doing banners!!! They are so much fun and easy to make!!

I hope you enjoyed my first installment of "Blast From the Past" article!! Watch for this new article in the months of January, March, May, July, September and November.

Have a great day!!
Tiffany

How to Wednesday. Checkered Patterened Background

2011-09-21T09:00:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone,
I've got a fun little technique for you today. I call it the Checkered Background Technique. I hope you like it! Here is the card I made using this technique.

I love Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke on Very Vanilla….kind of gives this card a Nostalgic look…don’t you think?
Want to learn how to do this background?

It's a Technique that you can do with the Stripes Embossing Folder. I hope you will give it a try…it’s easy…it's fun….and it's oh so cute!!!

First you need to take a piece of Card stock cut to 4 1/4 x 5 1/2

Next collect two of your colored pads that you will use, a brayer, the Stripped Embossing Folder and your Big Shot.

Load your Brayer with one of the colors of ink and brayer onto the inside top portion (lettering on top) of your Embossing Folder. Then lay your cut piece of card stock in and crank it through your Big Shot. This is what you will end up with.

Next rinse your Embossing Folder and your Brayer under water to clean and get ready for your next color. Make sure to dry it well with Paper Towels.

Brayer on the Second Color

Lay your stripped piece across the stripes this time and run through the Big Shot again……see what you get???

Here are the elements I’ve used for my card…..
Greeting Card Kids Stamp Set. Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding. Cherry Cobbler Card Stock cut to 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 and then I trimmed the piece of checkered to 3 7/8 x 4 1/4. I used the Lace Ribbon Border Punch to add a little border at the bottom just to introduce a bit of Always Artichoke into the mix.

I then stamped the image with Stazon and colored with my Aqua Painter and Earth Elements Watercolor Crayons, using Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler, what else.

I then tucked the Triple Bow behind the checkered piece and secured with adhesive. and attached all to the front of the card base. I did pop up the oval image piece with Dimensionals.

I had a little piece of the checkered left over so included it at the bottom inside to finish it off.

Oh and I didn’t use the button….just didn’t think it needed it. Hope you enjoyed this fun and easy tutorial and will give it a try.
Thanks for stopping in……
Lee

Saturday Sketch Challenge 221

2011-09-16T18:00:00.002-04:00

Good Evening Friends!

All I can say is...

We have BIG News!!!

Tonight we are announcing that we are adding a brand new team member Tammy Fite to our team, and we are all so happy about it! Tammy has been playing with stamping 411 for such a long time and we here at 411 just love her work. We asked this past week, and she said yes!! :DSo, once Tammy Fite's link is live, please go say "hi" and give her a warm welcome to the team. We're sure happy to have her with us! Yeaaaaa!!!

On to this week's fabulous sketch! I just love clean and simple and this week's sketch certainly fits the bill! How about some possible measurements to get started.

Base: 11 x 4 1/4", scored and folded in half at 5 1/2:
Layer 2: 4 1/4: x 3 1/4" (if you cut this from a piece of 8 1/2 x 11, you should yeild six pieces with minimal waste)
Layer 3: 4 x 3 (you will net 12 pieces from a 12 x 12 with no waste.
Additional layers can be punches or cut shapes, feel free to use whatever is inspiring you... flip the sketch, get funky with it! :D Above all, please have fun!

Now... Introducing your stamping 411 operator picks, including our newest member Tammy!

Tammy Fite

Gretchen Barron

Tiffany Bauer

Selene Kempton

Lee Conrey

Patti Chesky

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Stamper's Showcase #220

2011-09-16T06:18:00.006-04:00

It's been another fabulous week of stamping on the 411! Keep up the great work, Ladies! Here are your Operator Picks for Sketch Challenge #220.

Saturday Sketch Challenge #220

2011-09-09T17:00:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone and welcome to a new Saturday Sketch Challenge at Stamping 411! We've got a fun sketch and some fabulous inspiration pieces for you this week! This sketch gives you lots of possibilities for using DSP, embellishments, stamped images and more -- it's a stamper's dream!

As always, we invite you to play along after you've created your masterpiece! To get you started, here are some possible measurements you could use:

Layer One -- Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to make your Card Base
Layer Two -- DSP cut at 4 x 5.25". Trim again at 2", reverse the pattern and use both sides of the DSP. Separate with a ribbon or strip of cardstock or paper.
Layer Three -- Cardstock cut at 2 x 2.5"
Layer Four -- Cardstock cut at 1.75 x 2.25" -- embellish with a circular or other shape -- add brads, buttons or other embellishment to the corners.

Okay -- are you ready to be inspired? Just look at what the Stamping 411 Operators created this week ...

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Have fun and Happy Stamping! Blessings, Gretchen

Stamper's Showcase #219

2011-09-09T04:00:00.000-04:00

Goodness! Stamping 411 followers just keep getting better and better! Look at the amazing entries we had for last week's sketch challenge! It was a tough decision, but here are your Operator Pics for Sketch Challenge #219. Thanks for playing along, everyone! Keep up the great work ... and keep playing along at Stamping 411!

How To Create Faux, Torn Vellum

2011-09-08T17:41:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! Welcome to Whatever Thursdays at Stamping 411 where each week, a different Staming 411 Operator will bring you a "whatever" post -- each week will be a surprise technique, challenge, idea or "whatever" we come up with -- I think it will be fun!

Today's Whatever post will offer you a quick tutorial on the Faux, Torn Vellum technique -- one of my all-time favorite techniques! Faux, torn vellum looks like ... well, torn vellum, but it's all done on one layer of cardstock -- it's really cool and fun to do!

To begin, you tear off just the very edge of a post-it note, leaving some of the sticky remaining to stick down on your cardstock. I used Whisper White Cardstock for this card. As you can see from the above photo, I angled the post-it note so it would resemble a torn edge. Go ahead and stamp your images on your cardstock, using the post-it note to "mask" off the area that you don't want stamped. I'm using the stamp set Just Believe, stamping the image in Island Indigo Ink. You can stamp one image or many.

Next, spong ink over and around the stamped images, blending the colors. I work in a circular pattern and try to make sure the different colors are distributed over the entire piece. Ink colors that I sponged on are Island Indigo, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade and Wisteria Wonder. Make sure the post-it note stays attached whil you are sponging.

When you're done sponging, and have your stamped images the way you want, you simply pull off the post-it notes and ... voila, you have an image that looks like torn vellum. At this point, you can embellish and finish the card as you like. I added some Wisteria Wonder butterflies, cut with the Big Shot and the Beautiful Wings Embosslet, some Basic Pearls and some Ruffled Ribbon. The card Base is Island Indigo. I also added a little more sponging and torn vellum technique on the inside of the card.

And that's it -- the Faux, Torn Vellum Technique! I hope you have as much fun with this as I do! We would love to see your projects using this technique! Feel free to leave a link to your project below so that we can all enjoy your creativity!

Happy Stamping! Blessings, Gretchen

Saturday Sketch Challenge #219

2011-09-02T18:00:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone and welcome to a new Saturday Sketch Challenge at Stamping 411! We've got a fun sketch and some fabulous inspiration projects for you today! To get you started, here are some possible measurements you might use to make a card with this sketch:

Layer One -- Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to form your card base
Layer Two -- DSP or cardstock cut at 4 x 5.25"
Layer Three -- DSP or cardstock cut at 3" square
Layer Four -- Any Shape, approximately 2.5"

Of course to get the full details of each of the cards, just visit the individual operator blogs below and they will have lots of details for you. Are you ready now to be inspired? Here we go ...

Are you ready to play along? We sure hope so! Never played with us before?? Well, it's easy! Sky's the limit!

Make a card using your Stampin' Up Supplies!
Post it online somewhere to your blog or other online forum
Post a link to the free linky tool below (please point the link to your post and NOT just your blog).
Have some fun and leave comments for each other (and for the operators if you like their work). ~ Everyone loves comments!
Please note, we reserve the right to remove links with non-Stampin' Up! product, "sales pitches", links to online stores, or requests to join your team. We're here to have fun, learn from one another and share.

We hope you join us this week and play along with this sketch! But don't delay our links will close at 8AM on Thursday morning Eastern Standard Time.

Have fun and Happy Stamping! Blessings, Gretchen

Stamper's Showcase #218

2011-09-01T22:35:00.003-04:00

Wow! This week's entries were filled with beautiful color and big, bold images! Just beautiful. Thanks to everyone who played along! Here are your Operator Picks for Sketch Challenge #218. Enjoy!

Color Inspiration #161

2011-09-01T08:45:00.001-04:00

Happy September! It's hard to believe that the kids are back in school (or going to start within the next week). Summer sure does fly by, but I have to admit that I really love autumn. The crispness of the air, the changing of the leaves, apple picking, Fall decorating and some of my favorite holidays all give me a warm, fuzzy feeling!

Today's color inspiration challenge is a fun twist on some autumnal colors. This month's colors are Chocolate Chip, Pool Party and More Mustard.

The Spice Cake suite of products was the inspiration for this month's color challenge. I love the splash of color from Pool Party!! It's amazing how a non-traditional color can totally make a project "pop".

What kind of project would you make with these colors? We would love to see what you make! There's a Linky Tool at the bottom of the post which will allow you to link your project's web address to this post. This way everyone who visits the Stamping 411 can check it out too!