Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Stained Glass Card Technique- Check out this amazing technique

 Have you ever made a stained glass card or one that looked like a stained glass window? It's a super neat technique. You're gonna love the results! 


I'm so excited to share these cards with you. I recently found a card I had made years ago that I made the front look like a stained glass window. I couldn't wait to create some new cards and share with you a few ways to do this technique. 

Here's my original card. I used a black sharpie and a ruler to create lines like you'd see in a stained glass window. The image and phrase was stamped first. For this card I used StazOn ink because I colored in my panes with Stampin' Write markers. On my original card I did not heat emboss over the top of the layer. (more on that next)


There's a few different ways you can create the finished look. Here's the steps I used for creating a variety of cards.
  1. Stamp images on your card layer. I used a 4" x 5 1/4" Basic White piece (or a 3 3/4" x 5" piece)
  2. Create lines on your layer with a black marker. Use a Sharpie if you're coloring with Stampin' Write markers. Use a Stampin' Write marker if you're coloring with Stampin' Blends. All my new samples are colored with blends. I traced a circle die for circles. Use whatever you have to help create panes.
  3. Decide what colors you want to use. I preferred the blends since there's a light and dark of most colors and I could stretch my color scheme. Then color in your panes. 
  4. Once you have colored in your design, you can leave it as is. If you want a shiny look you can go over the entire layer with wink of Stella or heat emboss with clear embossing powder. I do 2 to 3 layers of clear embossing. So you do one layer and let it cool and then do the process again. (I show how to do this in my tutorial video at the bottom of this post.)
  5. Let the layer cool. Then adhere to your card front. You can mat it on Black cardstock or trace around the edge of your layer BEFORE heat embossing (this is how I did the black edge on my original card). **if you've heat embossed use strong adhesive like tear and tape or liquid glue. You're layer will curl and it needs extra help to stay down. I show tips in my video below.


First stamp and draw in your design. Get creative and trace dies for different shapes, use a ruler or just free hand in lines. 


Color in your panes that you've created. I prefer Stampin' Blends markers. 


After you're all done coloring, make it glossy by heat embossing the entire layer with Clear Embossing Powder. 

Here's my finished card. The layer is on a piece of Basic Black cardstock and the base is Blueberry Bushel. I just love how this scene turned out. 

Here's another card. I used a ruler and Basic Gray Stampin' Write marker for my lines. This one is matte and isn't heat embossed.


Here's a close up of the detail. You can stamp a greeting or leave it as is. It's a work of art after all. Do what makes you happy. 

Here's how I finished the inside of my daisy cards. I used a circle die to trace my edge and create a round stained glass window. I used Wink of Stella to create a shiny look instead of trying to emboss the circle area.

Want to jump right in and watch how I created the daisy card? Watch my tutorial video. 

I had so much fun creating the cards. I really like how the cards turned out when I drew my lines free-hand. It took some courage to put down the ruler but I'm so glad I did! I hope this inspires you to try something new and go for it. 

Shop for Stampin' Up! products in my online store here.

Let me know if you have questions and if you try this technique in the comments. I'd love to hear from you. 
Enjoy! 
~ Beth








Sunday, March 12, 2023

Using Card Sketches for Inspiration: Playing in the Rain stamp set

 Hello Crafty Friends! I'm sorry I've been away from my blog for so long. Sometimes life calls for a break. I'm back and ready to share loads of inspiration with you.

 Today, I want to share a card I made with Playing in the Rain stamp set and it was inspired by a sketch from Freshly Made Sketches. Often we need a little push or beginning point when we start creating. That is ok and normal! I love the sketches over at Freshly Made Sketches. Sometimes they look like my favorite go-to layouts and sometimes they are new to me. Either way it's a great starting point for all levels of cardmakers. So don't be afraid to tuck these sketches away for when you need them or play along with FMS's weekly challenges. 


I love how simple a striped background can be and it adds a wow factor to your card. You can use any size with this background technique. For this card I made a standard sized card (5 1/2" x 4 1/4" here in the US).

GRAB THIS CUTE BUNDLE HERE!


Here's the sketch for reference: Don't forget to follow Freshly Made Sketches on all their social media! 




Measurements and How-to for my card:
  • Base: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" scored at 4 1/4" (or folded in half)
  • Cardstock strip background: 2 1/8" x 5 3/8" basic white cardstock to adhere strips to (this was a scrap- adjust to whatever size you have or want) Strips are 1/2" wide
  • Die cut circle 2 1/8" *adjust to whatever size you have or need
  • Die cut fox from Playing in the Rain stamp set and coordinating dies colored with Stampin' Blends markers
  1. Cut all cardstock pieces. 
  2. Use Basic White layer to create your strip background. Adhere various strip scraps in whatever colors you want. Trim any strips hanging over Basic White cardstock layer. **I ran my strip background layer through my cut & emboss machine with the Cane Weave 3D embossing folder to add some texture. Adhere to card base about the middle of the card front
  3. Stamp and color fox from Playing in the Rain stamp set and die cut with coordinating dies.
  4. OPTIONAL STEP: I die cut extra foxes to adhere to my colored, stamped image to add dimension. You do not have to do this and can use dimensionals. I prefer the thickness of adding extra die cuts. 
  5. Adhere fox to die cut circle.
  6. Adhere fox layer to right side of strip background
  7. Stamp greeting along the left side of the strip background.
  8. Stamp inside as desired.
I hope you're inspired to try this sketch and make it your own. Go check out more sketches from the Freshly Made Sketches group here.

Did you know you can find me on other social media channels? Please follow me via FacebookPinterestYouTube, and Instagram

Color scheme for my card: Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Pool Party and Basic White. I used Basic Gray and Bermuda Bay classic inks. Stamp sets: Playing in the Rain, Lovely You (greeting) and Hand-drawn Dots (umbrella pattern).

Need to add some of these products to your collection? Browse and shop in my online store. You can also click the link on the right hand side of my blog to get to my Stampin' Up! website. 

I'd love to hear from you. Leave me a comment below!

**The Playing in the Rain bundle is on backorder and unavailable until the week March 13, 2023. Sorry for any inconvenience. 

Happy Stamping 
~ Beth 

#stampandcreatewithbeth #handmadecards #craftymomofboys #stampinup #stampinblendsmarkers

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

How-to tutorial: Tile Coasters made with stamping supplies

 Have you used your stamping supplies for things other than cards?

You're going to love this project! 

I love getting more mileage out of my stamping supplies. Here's a unique way to use your stamping supplies beyond cards and get more use out of them all while creating a unique item. They make wonderful gifts. 

You can use any stamps and inks you have on hand. The supplies are listed under each tile coaster. Some items are available in my online store and some are retired. 

Supplies needed:

  • Ceramic tiles, can be from any hardware store and any color you like. My tile measures 4 1/4" x 4 1/4"
  • Mod Podge hard coat waterbase sealer, glue and finish
  • Mod Podge applicator. I used a foam paint brush
  • Varnish. I use Krylon Kamar Varnish
  • Basic White cardstock cut to 4" x 4"
  • any stamps you want to use
  • any classic inks you want to use
  • Stampin' Blends markers or Stampin' Write markers
This is such a great project to create unique gifts that are personalized for the recipient. 

Want the stamps I used? Shop my online store

Stamps used: Perched in a Tree
Colored with Stampin' Blends markers: Pumpkin Pie combo, dark Cajun Craze, Balmy Blue combo, Crumb Cake combo, dark Soft Suede, Natural Tones #200 & 300, Smoky Slate combo, light Basic Black and color lifter
Basic Gray classic ink

You can add a dotted background with your Stampin' Blend marker to add some texture.

Stamps used: Christmas Barn and Life is Beautiful (retired)
Colored with Stampin' Blends markers: Cherry Cobbler Combo, dark Real Red, Smoky Slate combo, Balmy Blue combo and color lifter
Basic Gray classic ink
To create the background texture, I used a flicking technique around the barn with my Balmy Blue Stampin' blends markers. You can see this technique in my video below.

I used the same supplies listed for the other barn coaster.
The saying is from the Welcoming Woods stamp set (retired)

Another barn coaster with a saying from Beauty of Friendship stamp set



Another option is to make monogram coasters.
Stamps used: Framed Florets (brand new) and Letters for You (retired)
Colored with Stampin' Blends markers: Fresh Freesia combo, light Blackberry Bliss, dark Night of Navy and Soft Succulent combo
Basic Gray Classic ink

I love all the possibilities with this project. You can use whatever you have on hand. In addition to stamping a piece of cardstock, you can also use designer series paper (patterned paper) on your coasters.

How-to:
  • Buy ceramic tile of your choice. I used a white tile measuring 4 1/4" x 4 1/4"
  • Wipe tile off with a damp cloth and dry
  • Cut basic white cardstock or patterned paper to fit your tile size. I used 4" x 4" cardstock
  • Gather Mod Podge, cup of water to keep your brush moist and clean, brush or applicator, paper towels and wet wipes to clean up and a sealant that works with the Mod Podge you bought
  • Gather stamps and classic inks you want to use and stamping supplies
  • Gather markers if needed
  • Stamp cardstock with images and color
  • Apply Mod Podge to back of cardstock and adhere to tile. I allow it to dry and while holding it so it doesn't move, press all the air out to ensure there's no bubbles. (See video tutorial). *tip- you can put a large clean block onto the tile to hold paper in place while it sets for a few seconds. Be sure to wipe block with wet wipe or wet towel if Mod Podge got on it.
  • Apply thin layers of Mod Podge over the entire top of image and tile. Follow directions on the bottom. Allow to dry completely before putting on more coats. I do four coats to get a nice hard finish. 
  • Apply sealant of your choice. I use Krylon brand that works with watercolor. (see pic below of sealant and Mod Podge) Follow directions on the can. Allow to dry fully and apply another coat. 
  • Apply felt pads to the bottom of the tile. I buy furniture pads and hot glue them on. (See pic below)
** I cannot guarantee that the finished tile coaster is heat resistant or waterproof. Mine have done well with this method. Please read all the products you bought and follow the directions. I recommend testing the products on a scrap piece of cardstock before adhering to tile. I've bought several kinds of Mod Podge and they're all different. This is a decorative project, however, my recipients have used them with drinks and had no issues. 



Apply felt pads to bottom with hot glue gun. I used small rounds.


I hope you've enjoyed learning about this unique way to use your stamping supplies. Please let me know in the comments if you try this or if you've done this before. I'd love to hear from you.

Check out my tutorial video below:




Take care and happy stampin'

~ Beth

P.S. There's a big sale starting December 1, 2022. Many retiring items from the July-December 2022 mini catalog are on sale. There's also going to be a Clearance Rack refresh! Don't miss it. Browse my online store to see all the deals.


Thursday, November 17, 2022

How-to Tutorial: Christmas card with Jingle Jingle Jingle stamp set

 Have you started your Christmas cards yet?

I have a simple tutorial for you today that will help you make a stack of multiple cards.

One of my most used tools is the Stampin' Up!®  Stamparatus. It's a stamp positioning tool and it helps you do so many things. You can line up your words and make sure they're straight. You can position you stamps and make multiples of your design with ease. There's also a fun technique to stamp words or images down or across your paper. That's what I'm going to show you in my tutorial video today. I love this technique. The Stamparatus has a hinge design that allows the clear plates to be removed and moved down along the hinge. This allows you to stamp down or across your paper as well as flip your clear plate and pick up more stamps. Scroll down to my video to see it in action.


For my cards, I used the cute stamp set- Jingle Jingle Jingle. This card can be used for whatever winter holiday you celebrate. You can also use this technique I show you with whatever words you have on hand. I created a ton of cards using different color combos. It's really addicting. haha. Give this a try and use whatever stamps and inks you have on hand and pick your favorite color combos. **In the video I show how I combined two blends colors to achieve the look of Merry Merlot.

Supplies for this card:
  • Basic Gray card base: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" scored at 4 1/4" or folded in half
  • Basic White layers: 5 1/4" x 4" (one for front and one for inside)
  • Merry Merlot, Old Olive, Bermuda Bay and Basic Gray classic ink pads
  • Stampin' Blends markers: Smoky Slate combo, dark Cherry Cobbler, light Old Olive, light Bermuda Bay and color lifter
  • liquid adhesive or your favorite adhesive
  • trimmer
  • Jingle Jingle Jingle stamp set
Need to stock up on supplies or grab this stamp set? Head over to my online store.

Here's some other color combos I came up with:

Real Red and Old Olive
Blends: light Old Olive, Real Red combo, light Smoky Slate and color lifter

Bermuda Bay and Cherry Cobbler
Blends: light Cherry Cobbler, Bermuda Bay combo, light Smoky Slate and color lifter


Night of Navy and Balmy Blue
Blends: dark Night of Navy, Balmy Blue combo, light Smoky Slate and color lifter



Pool Party and Sweet Sorbet
Blends: Pool Party combo, light Sweet Sorbet, light Smoky Slate and color lifter




Merry Merlot and Blushing Bride
This is one of my all time fav color combos. Watch my video to see how I made Merry Merlot with my blends markers since we don't have that color available in that medium. I also used Natural Tones 1000 for Blushing Bride since we don't have that color in the blends markers. The 1000 marker looks like a light Blushing Bride so it works perfectly.
Blends: Smoky Slate combo, dark Cherry Cobbler, Natural Tones 1000 and color lifter


I wanted to try a fun & bright combo so I used Sweet Sorbet, Pacific Point and Parakeet Party. There's no Pacific Point blends marker so I layered dark Night of Navy and dark Tahitian Tide to get a blue that was close to Pacific Point.
Blends: dark Sweet Sorbet, dark Night of Navy, dark Tahitian Tide, light Parakeet Party, light Smoky Slate and color lifter

Watch the video tutorial to see how I did this hinge step technique:


Isn't this layout simple and fun? I hope you give it a try. Please let me know in the comments what color combo you love. If you have questions, email me at stampandcreatewithbeth@gmail.com. 

*Tip for keeping track of your blends and what colors you used as well as seeing how each color looks. Print my pdf out on cardstock or whatever paper you use for stamping and coloring and make a catalog of your blends colors. I also have a sheet for keeping track of blends color combos I've used for specific images and cards. Download yours here. I highly recommend printing on Basic White cardstock or whatever cardstock you normally stamp and color on. Different papers affect how the blends markers look and blend together. 

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today and checking out my card. 

Happy stampin"!
 
~ Beth
P.S. You can find all the supplies I used to make this card in my online store. Visit my store here.





Tuesday, October 25, 2022

How-to birthday card with dot coloring using Nature's Harvest stamp set

 Have you tried dot coloring around your stamped images?

I love coloring. That's no secret around here. One of my favorite flower stamps we currently have at Stampin' Up! is in the Nature's Harvest stamp set. It's a trio of flowers and can be used for many occasions. I love images that go the extra mile and have loads of uses.  For this card, I used a coloring technique known in the cardmaking world as dot coloring. However, in the art world it has another name- stippling. Regardless of what you call it, I love doing it. This type of coloring adds layers of texture on your card and can take simple layered cards to the next level. 


I love using this technique around my images and to create what I call a pixelated background. You can make it a tiny, thin border around your stamped image or you can make it a thick, wide border to create a unique background. This technique can be used around colored images, solid stamped images or around images left uncolored to add a pop of color.

Below you'll find a video showing how I made this card and the dotting technique. It's very simple but takes a little practice to get a feel for what you like.


Measurements:
  • Very Vanilla card base 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" folded in half or scored at 4 1/4"
  • Cajun Craze layer 5" x 3 3/4"
  • Very Vanilla layer 4 3/4" x 3 1/2"
  • (optional) Cajun Craze and Very Vanilla layers for the inside of the card with same measurements as front layers.
Supplies:
  • Very Vanilla and Cajun Craze cardstocks
  • Nature's Harvest stamp set
  • Framed Florets stamp set (available to customers in November 2022)
  • Soft Suede classic ink
  • Stampin' Blends markers: Bermuda Bay, Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede and Natural Tones 500 & 600 and the color lifter on hand for highlights and touchups
  • Stamparatus
  • Multipurpose liquid glue
Get Supplies in my online store.

Here's some up-close pics of the dotting detail:



This technique works well with the Stampin' Blends markers because the alcohol markers blend as they dry and leaves a smooth finish. Have you tried the blends markers? You can do this technique with the Stampin' Write markers, however, the texture and finish will be quite different from blends as the Stampin' Write markers are waterbased and dry very quickly and do not blend. I encourage you to try out what you have and see how you like it. 

Check out this video to see how I made this birthday card and how I did my dot coloring background: 


Thank you all for stopping by my blog today. If you're inspired, please leave me a comment and let me know if you tried this technique. 

If you need any Stampin' Up! supplies, please visit my online store. If you need recommendations or help ordering, email me at stampandcreatewithbeth@gmail.com.

Happy stampin' 

~ Beth

P.S. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel and see more videos on cardmaking! Subscribe here.










Sunday, October 2, 2022

How-to stamp your own full sheet of cardstock to make multiple cards

 Have you heard of a one sheet wonder? What is that anyway?

So many cardmakers talk of doing one sheet wonders. What does that mean anyway? It's simply using a full sheet of cardstock that you stamp yourself or a sheet of patterned paper to make a set of cards. You cut up the sheet in various ways to create multiple card fronts. 

I love making my own stamped patterns on an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of cardstock and then cutting it up to make multiple cards. There's many patterns you can follow. In today's samples, I'm stamping along the middle each direction on my cardstock to create a cross shape. Then I'll cut it at 4 1/4" and then at 5 1/2" to get four card fronts. You can then trim them down to either 5 1/4" x 4", 5" x 3 3/4" if you want to mat it or leave it the 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" to fit the entire front of the card base. 



These two were created during my Facebook live video. On Saturday mornings, I do a live video with participants playing along and helping with the creative process. It's a great time to experiment and see what others would choose. I give some basics and provide choices and we chat while I make a card or two. I love doing these stamped sheets. You can do some many themes and make tons of cards. 

For these stamped sheets, I used Very Vanilla and Soft Succulent cardstocks. Then I used Christmas Season stamp set to stamp the images in a cross shape. Some call this the four corners technique because when you cut it apart it's stamped on the corners of two sides.  I used Soft Succulent, Evening Evergreen, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede and Starry Sky classic inks. 

You can check out how this was created on my YouTube video: 



Here's the completed cards. I make one card in the video. I "stepped up" a few by adding in a layer and popping up the greeting and adding ribbon behind it. You can keep these cards are simple as you like or step it up. 

I cut my layers to 5 1/4" x 4". The card with the extra layer is cut to 5"  x 3 3/4" with a mat measuring 5 1/4" x 4". 

I used Evening Evergreen, Soft Succulent, Starry Sky and Very Vanilla Cardstocks for my card bases. On the Starry Sky base there's a Very Vanilla layer.

I used Evening Evergreen, Soft Succulent, Starry Sky and Very Vanilla Cardstocks for my card bases.

I hope you've enjoyed these stamped sheets of cardstock and give it a try. There's many ways to stamp your sheet and cut it up.  Please leave a comment and let me know if you try it. Use whatever stamps and inks you have on hand.

Thanks for stopping by! Visit my online store to get the supplies I used for these cards. 

~ Beth
 

P.S. You can use any light colored cardstock to stamp on and inks and stamps you already have on hand for this technique. It's a great way to make a set of quick cards. Enjoy and have fun with it! 



Thursday, September 29, 2022

Wood background with Stampin' Blends markers

 Have you tried to make any backgrounds with your Stampin' Blends markers?

I tried a new technique with my Stampin' Blends markers. I saw Annette Elias's video on creating a wood background using Stampin' blends and I just had to give it a try. The technique is to layer colors and create dark lines to give the appearance of planks or wood pieces. You add in some highlights. Then you sponge around the edge to finish it off.



I used the colors Annette did on her card. Then I decided to come up with some more color combos. 



Here's some of the combos I tried:
  • Dark wood background: (Annette's) Natural Tones 100, 200, 300 and light/dark Smoky Slate, light/dark Basic Black and the color lifter. White watercolor pencil for highlights and sponged around edge with Early Espresso classic ink.
  • Lighter wood background: Natural Tones 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and light/dark Gray Granite and the color lifter. White watercolor pencil for highlights and sponged around the edge with Gray Granite classic ink. 
  • Gray wood background: light/dark Gray Granite, light/dark Smoky Slate, light/dark Basic Black and the color lifter. White watercolor pencil for highlights and sponged around the edge with Basic Gray classic ink. (*I tried Gray Granite on the edge first but felt it was too light)
  • Blue wood background: light/dark Balmy Blue, light/dark Night of Navy, dark Gray Granite and the color lifter. White watercolor pencil for highlights and sponged around the edge with Night of Navy classic ink.
  • Bermuda Bay wood background: light/dark Bermuda Bay, light/dark Pretty Peacock (*retired), light/dark Smoky Slate, light Basic Black and the color lifter. White watercolor pencil for highlights and sponged around the edge with Bermuda Bay classic ink.
  • Mint Macaron wood background: dark Mint Macaron, light/dark Bermuda Bay, light/dark Smoky Slate and the color lifter. White watercolor pencil for highlights and sponged around the edge with Mint Macaron classic ink.
  • Pool Party wood background: light/dark Pool Party, light/dark Mint Macaron, light/dark Bermuda Bay, light Smoky slate and the color lifter. White watercolor pencil for highlights and sponged around the edge with Mint Macaron classic ink.
Can you image more color combos? I'd love to hear in the comments what you'd think would make a great wood color. 

Here's my first card with this technique. I love how this background makes my yellow fall flowers pop. To make a layer that matched my wood background, I used a piece of Basic White cardstock cut to the size I wanted my layer. Then I used the Natural Tones 300 to color the edge. This is a great way to get layers that match your blends colors. We do not have cardstock in the Natural Tones Blends color like the other colors in our product lines. So no worries, now you know how to make it match. 
Flowers and leaves from Cottage Rose stamp set. Colored with watercolor pencils in Daffodil Delight, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Garden Green, Granny Apple Green and Old Olive. Die cut with coordinating dies and a few flowers were fussy cut with scissors. The edge was colored with Natural Tones 100 blend marker.

I adhered my wood background layer to a piece of Basic White cardstock 1/8" bigger. Then I colored the edge of another piece of Basic White cardstock that was 1/8" bigger with the Natural Tones 300 blends marker. This gave me 3 layers and then I adhered my colorful flowers and leaves on top. The card base is Early Espresso.

Card and layer dimensions:
  • Base: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" folded in half
  • Layer 1: 5 1/4" x 3 1/4"
  • Layer 2: 5 1/8" x 3 1/8"
  • Layer 3: 5" x 3"
  • scrap strip of Basic White for greeting

Here's a card I did on my Saturday morning Facebook live video. I went over the technique and then the participants helped me make a card. This is one of my favorite classes I do online. I love to see the creative process and choices of all the participants.  I made the darker wood background. We used items that were handing out on my desk and left over from other cards. 



Check out my YouTube How-to video on this technique:



Unfortunately I do not speak Annette's language so I just watched what she did and interpreted what I saw. You can view her original blog post and video here. Her card was absolutely gorgeous. I'll definitely be using my blends to create backgrounds like this in the future. I hope you give it a try too! 

Do you need to restock your Stampin' Blends or explore the colors offered in this medium? I'd be happy to help or you can browse Stampin' Up!'s alcohol markers (Stampin' Blends) in my online store

Thanks for stopping by my blog and checking out this technique. Please leave a comment and let me know if you tried it. 

~ Beth

P.S. Don't forget to stock up on adhesives for your holiday cards! Shop adhesives in my online store.



Stained Glass Card Technique- Check out this amazing technique

 Have you ever made a stained glass card or one that looked like a stained glass window? It's a super neat technique. You're gonna l...