Cards featuring the new two-toned cardstock

 Have you checked out the new two-toned cardstock? 

Two-toned cardstock adds great texture to your cards and expands coordinating colors too. 

Recently, I saw a sketch from Freshly Made Sketches and immediately I thought of the new two-toned cardstock. Two-toned cardstock has a white core because the color is actually printed onto the paper. This allows Stampin' Up! to add a color from all the color line and a lighter color of the same on the reverse side. This really expands the colors we have to play with. I'm really excited about that aspect. Also, when you tear this cardstock, it leaves a white edge. I love this texture! There are four colors available in single colors packs (Pool Party, Real Red, Garden Green and Basic Black) and four variety packs that coordinate with the new scrapbooking workshop kits. You can check out all the colors available now in my Online Store. 

So, I grabbed my favorite new stamp set, some new two-toned cardstock and got busy. Yuletide Village just released in September and I've fallen madly in love with it. It's great for all occasions and any winter themed cards. I paired it with Forever Forest stamp set. I also used a variety of greetings, retired and current. 

I inked my trees (Forever Forest) in Old Olive classic ink and then swiped the Mossy Meadow classic ink over spots to create some dark areas. My stamp must have been a little dirty from the last use because it had a little brown on it as well. That happens sometimes. I'm not disappointed with the result. In my tutorial video below, I go over different ways to add inks to your cling stamps. 

After I finished this card, I decided to try the same layout and elements with die cut trees (Forever Forest dies) instead of stamped trees. 

Another card featuring the same layout but with Merry Christmas


Check out my video tutorial of the Christmas card featuring two-toned cardstock:

Grab my Winter Card pdf tutorial with all the measurements for the Merry Christmas card.

I love the effect the two-toned cardstock gives my card. It's a great layer to build elements on. So naturally, I had to try out another stamp. The sled is a great winter image that can be used for a variety of card occasions. Here's my results after adding different items to my two-toned cardstock layers. 

One of the things I love to do is get out my favorite products that I've added to my collection. We buy things we love and therefore should use them. Here's a card I worked up with some retired sets that you may have in your stash. I used Coming Home and Beauty of Friendship stamp sets. I used a Misty Moonlight card base and Cajun Craze two-toned cardstock. Blues and Oranges work well together because they are complementary colors. You could use Peaceful Evergreens or Frosted Forest and Humble Home to recreate this card.

Here's an up-close pic of those torn edges. The texture is great and you can use one sheet and have a little difference in color or mix and match colors. 

I hope you've enjoyed the ideas with the two-toned cardstock. I started with a sketch and added different elements with the two-toned cardstock. I plan to work up some more with this general layout and two-toned cardstock. What sets/images would you use?

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my cards. 

~ Beth

Accordion Z Fold Card with Yuletide Village

 Do you love fun folds? 

Here's one to try- the accordion z fold card.

I love trying new things. Fun folds can seem really complicated and scary. Here's one I found that I love. It's like one of my other favorite fun folds- the z fold card or double z fold card. The difference is the front part is an accordion fold instead of folding the front flap (or panel) back on itself. Cool right? 

Measurements:

• Card base #1: 5 1/2" x 11". Score 11" side at 1 3/4", 3 1/2". 5 1/4" and 7"
• Card base #2: 2" x 6". Score 6" side at 3"
• Layers for base #1: 1 1/2" x 5 1/4" (4) and 3 3/4" x 5 1/4"
• Layers for base #2: 1 3/4" x 2 3/4" (2)
• Add any layers or die cuts you'd like

This card is a quick and easy fun fold that has a ton of WOW. You can keep it simple or layer it up. It's up to you!

Grab my printable pdf here.

You can use any patterned paper and stamps you have on hand. 

Need more of a visual? check out my tutorial video. 

Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out my fun fold card. Want to grab this cut stamp set (Yuletide Village) or this gorgeous paper (Nests of Winter)? Hop on over to my online store and browse for those products. 

Check out more samples with this fun fold:

                                  

Give this fun fold a try! Happy Stampin' 

~ Beth

Fall color schemes with More Than Autumn stamp set

 Do you love the Fall season? The crisp air and beautiful display of colors gives me a giddy feeling. 

Today, I'd love to introduce you to the new More than Autumn stamp set. It is available as a bundle with dies as well. This is a great set that covers many seasons and holidays.

I am drawn to all things coffee and hot chocolate. So this naturally this set made my list.  For my fall themed cards, I made a pumpkin spice latte and an apple cider drink. Which one is your favorite fall drink?

The other thing I love about fall is all the beautiful colors that pop at the beginning of the season. I wanted to come up with a few simple color combos for my fall drink themed cards. Orange is a favorite of mine. It can be dark or vibrant. Cajun Craze is one of my favorite colors from Stampin' Up!. It definitely gives me a fall vibe. However, Copper Clay is becoming one of my favs too. While it isn't really an orange, it gives me that fall feeling. 

So check out two of my Fall themed color combos that I used on these cards:   

Give them both a try with your favorite fall themed stamps. 

For my drinks, I stamped the outline in Basic Gray classic ink. Then I colored the images with Stampin' Blends markers (Pecan Pie, light Smoky Slate, Pumpkin Pie, and Real Red). I used the color lifter to smooth some of my edges and create highlights. *the color lifter doesn't actually "lift" the color. It pushes it through your cardstock. The greeting is stamped in Basic Gray ink. I added my layers to a sheet of plaid designer series paper from Take to the Sky paper pack. I love the patterns in this paper and the Copper Clay paper went well with my fall theme. Who doesn't love plaid, right?! I added these layers to a Copper Clay card base and my simple stamped card was complete. You can stamp some fun images or use patterned paper to spruce up the inside layer or leave it blank for your message. These cards will be great for many occasions for your fall drink lovin' friends and family. 

Measurements:

• Card Base (Copper Clay): 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" folded in half
• Plaid layer: 5" x 3 3/4"
• Basic White layer: 4" x 2 1/4"
• Basic White inside layer: 5" x 3 3/4"

I hope you have fun with this new bundle, the fall color combo ideas or the card layout. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my card.

Want all the supplies I used? Shop my online store here.

Happy stampin' ~ Beth

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

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 Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, 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

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.

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.