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.

4 ways to do the spotlight technique

 4 ways to do the spotlight technique:

Have you heard of this technique?

I love using different techniques on my handmade cards. Have you heard of the spotlight technique? It's exactly what it sounds like. You are simply spotlight an area of your card. I'm going to show you 4 ways to do that. 

Let's get right to it and dive into this technique. I know you're gonna love it. 

This first way to do this technique is for any level of cardmaker. You pick any stamp you have and stamp it all over a piece of cardstock. On my card sample, I used The Birthday Piggy stamp set. I stamped several pigs in Basic Gray classic ink. (*I stamped the piggy with the cake to the far right first, then masked the cake on the rest) I colored the piggy with the cake in with Stampin' Blends markers. This creates a spotlight on the one pig that's colored in. It's simple but effective. This card is a mini slimline and measures 6 1/2" x 3 1/2". 

The second way to do this technique is also very simple and great for any level of cardmaker. You can select any designer series paper (patterned paper) you have on hand that is black and white or has white space that you can add color. For this card I used the Abigail Rose paper that has an Early Espresso (neutral) background and white flowers. Then I picked a single flower and colored it with Watercolor pencils. I cut my patterned paper 3 1/4" x 4 1/2" and cut a colored cardstock mat just barely bigger at 3 3/8" x 4 5/8".  Everything is kept really simple so just that one area is spotlighted and draws the eye. 

The third way to do this technique is a little more involved. I still believe all levels of cardmakers can do this, however, this example does require you to have the cut & emboss machine and dies. You could use a punch if you have one that will reach into your card layer. For this card, I stamped one of my favorite floral images all over a piece of Basic White cardstock with Basic Gray classic ink. Then I chose an area to highlight and color. I picked a stitched circle die from the Stylish Shapes dies and ran it through my cut & emboss machine. I cut an extra circle of the same size to adhere to my die cut so it would pop up just a bit from the rest of the layer. I colored the die cut circle with Stampin' Blends markers. Then I adhered the layer to my card base and adhered the circle back where it fit. This is a great way to add a little more to your card but still keep it simple and spotlight one area.

The last way you can do this technique is similar to the third way except you add an additional die cut layer under your circle die cut. For this card, I used the Perfectly Penciled designer series paper and die cut it with the same stitched circle I used in my third sample. Then I used a scalloped circle from Layering Circles dies to mat behind my die cut. I used Basic Black for my card base and scalloped circle. By using a neutral color it helps keep the focus on the area you spotlighted. I colored the flowers on the patterned paper with Watercolor Pencils. 

To step up your cards even more, you could add in your favorite ribbons or twines and embellishments. I like to forgo these elements to keep the focus on the area I've spotlighted. There's not really a wrong way and I encourage you to give it a try with the supplies you have on hand. Experiment with different papers, patterns and die cut shapes.

Here's another version of the spotlight technique with a die cut shaped after I stamped a piece of cardstock. I made this card on my Facebook live video- Coffee and a Card. I give the participants choices and we make a card together. I love working through the creative process. You can check my Facebook page for upcoming scheduled lives. I used the Cottage Rose stamp set and Layering Diorama dies. To see how I made this card and here about the other techniques, watch the video below. 

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today and checking out the spotlight technique. I hope you give it a try and put your own spin on it.

Need Stampin' Up! supplies? Please visit my online store. 

P.S. This is the third week of September weekly deals so be sure to check out what's on sale.

Please comment and let me know if you tried this technique. See you soon!

~ Beth

How-to make a birthday card with Celebrate Sunflowers

 Do you love large sunflower stamps?

This card combines my love of sunflowers with my love of coloring. I used the large sunflower from Celebrate Sunflowers stamp set and the watercolor pencils. 

I adore coloring this image. It's great for all occasions and you can change up the colors to suit your theme. Here's a close up of the flower and the cross-hatched background I did. I'm loving the texture you get from the watercolor pencils.

This layout is classic and can work with any paper and stamps you currently have. My original card features a retired piece of Coastal Cabana polka dot pattern. I love how the yellow and oranges of the flower pop against the Coastal Cabana. For the card I recreated with the same layout, I used a piece of Basic White cardstock, decorative mask, blending brush and Coastal Cabana ink. 

Measurements:

• card base 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" folded in half
• patterned paper layer or stamped/stenciled patterned layer 3" x 5"
• cardstock square 3 3/4" x 3 3/4"
• White square for stamped image 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"
• cardstock layer for inside 5" x 3 3/4"

I stamped my sunflower in Basic Gray classic ink and colored with watercolor pencils in Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze and Early Espresso. I used Coastal Cabana on the background.

The greeting is stamped right into a corner on the white square after I finished coloring my sunflower and background. I used the Stamparatus so I could reink and stamp it several times. 

To make the plaid background, I used Coastal Cabana ink, a blending brush and a decorative mask from the Artistic Mix decorative masks and a 3" x 5" piece of Basic White cardstock. You can also use patterned designer series paper here to match your flower. 

Watch my video for a how-to of this card:

I really enjoy coloring. It is one of my ways to relax and just focus on my task at hand. I've made a separate video of just coloring the sunflower. It's filled with tips and my process of coloring. 

I hope you've enjoyed this Sunflower birthday card. 

Need Stampin' Up! supplies? Please visit my online store. 

Saleabration is still going strong until August 31, 2022. You can earn free items with a minimum purchase of $50 before tax and shipping. This stamp set and the coordinating dies ( Celebrate Sunflowers stamp set and Sunflower dies) will earn you a level 1 item. * Stampin' Up! has recently added new items from our annual and mini catalogs. You can check out all that is available in my store. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. If you have any questions on the products I used or coloring, please reach out by email- stampandcreatewithbeth@gmail.com.

I'm happy to help with orders or planning for projects. 

P.S.- For more videos please check out my YouTube channel- Stamp and Create with Beth.

Take care,

~Beth 

How-to: One Sheet Wonder- notecard version

 Have you tried a one sheet wonder?

What is that anyway?

Here in the card making world it's simply cutting up your designer series paper (patterned paper) and making a set of cards with the full sheet. I love doing this to use up my patterned paper stash. 

I can then use the cards for myself or even better, make sets to gift. And since it's friendship day coming up this weekend, I'm making loads of gifts for all my friends who support me.  They support me in all aspects of life and in my business. Some are card makers and some just love to send cards and support me in other ways like watching my videos and buying handmade cards from me. 

So today, I want to introduce you to a one sheet wonder with notecards. I love notecards and if you've been hanging with me for very long, you know this. Notecards are great for quick cards and are mailable here in the US. They come in packs of 20, are pre-scored and have envelopes. Perfect, right?! 

I made 20 notecards with my template for a 12" x 12" piece of designer series paper. Wow that's a load of cards. I'm dividing them up into gift sets and making cute gift bags too. Isn't this a great friendship gift? Check out my video below to see how I made these and the gift bag from start to finish. 

Feel free to copy my template:

You can use a 12" x 12" sheet of patterned paper or 4- 6" x 6" sheets. I show how to do all the cutting in the video.

Feel free to change the diagonal cut and cut that in half either way. You'll end up with these pieces:

• 4- 3" x 3" pieces (I cut one up into 1" x 3" strips)
• 4- 2" x 3" pieces
• 4- 1" x 5" pieces
• 4- 1" x 1" pieces (You could cut this a little different- I go over this in the video. These are used on one card.)
• 2- 4" x 3" pieces
• 1- 4 1/2" x 3" piece
• 2- diagonal pieces (Cut piece 4 1/2" x 3" then place dots at 1/2" from bottom right and top left. Line up dots in trimmer and cut diagonal)
• 2- 1 1/2" x 3" pieces

Here's some more close-ups of the finished cards. I used different colored cardstock for mats but you could use all one color. Have fun with it and mix and match.

I used Basic Black, Basic White, Basic Gray, Pool Party and Rich Razzleberry cardstock. The black and white pattern design allows for many color choices. You can also add color to the patterned paper with watercolor pencils, markers (blends or stampin' write), ink pads and water painters, whatever you like. The cardstock layer is 1/4" bigger than the patterned paper. You can adjust this if you want a smaller border.  

I designed these cards for beginners or any level of card maker. You'll need patterned paper, notecards, one ink color, cardstock if you want to mat your patterned paper, a trimmer, some favorite greetings and basic stamping supplies (clear blocks and cleaning tools) and cardstock strips. I cut loads of Basic White cardstock and end up with piles of strips that are 1/2" and 1" so I used those on the cards I need to add a space for a greeting. The gift bags are available in my online store too. All you need to do is decorate it. 

I hope you've enjoyed these cards and give this one sheet wonder a try. Here's another set that I made that is a little stepped up. I used die cuts instead of cardstock strips. For the gift bag I used a blending brush and added some Merry Merlot to the bottom of my bag. 

Need some Stampin' Up! supplies? Head on over to my online store. 

If you need any help deciding what to get for this project or what you need to get started, please email me at stampandcreatewithbeth@gmail.com.

*It's Saleabration time here at Stampin' Up! so you'll earn free, exclusive products from our Saleabration brochure with a minimum $50 order before tax and shipping (US). 

Watch this how-to tutorial video for this project from start to finish. 

Thanks for stopping by my blog today and checking out my cards. Please let me know if you try this. I'd love to see how you use it.

Take care and happy stamping

~ Beth 

Color Inspiration with a soft color combo

 Do you need help choosing colors for your cards?

I know the feeling. Sometimes I mull over what colors to use and it takes me a bit to decide. I'd love to help you with some of my favorite color combos. Today as I was deciding what colors to use, my 6 year old son came into my craft room. He often comes in to see what I'm working on. He's probably my #1 fan and I love that he loves what I'm creating and takes an interest. So today, as I was thinking over what green to use with Rich Razzleberry and Blushing Bride, I asked him to choose a green. He picked Soft Sea Foam. He liked Mint Macaron too but ultimately decided to go with the Soft Sea Foam. 

And then, this color combo was born. I love a gray as my neutral color. To soften this combo up, I choose Gray Granite. 

What happens next? 

I decide what stamps to use with my choose color combo. Easier said than done, right?! I decided to stamp my own patterned paper with Artistically Inked and Forever Fern stamp sets. This color combo worked perfectly in my opinion. I find stamping randomly on a sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock therapeutic. There's no right or wrong way to do it and you end up with a custom stamped piece to cut up and make layers for several cards. 

Here's a close-up of my stamped sheet. 

Next I just need to cut it up and make some cards. You can make notecards, standard size (5 1/2" x 4 1/4" folded here in the US), or slimline cards. I decided to cut my piece up into 6 card fronts for 6 standard sized cards. Add these layers to  colored card bases, some simple greetings and you have a custom set of cards ready to go. 

I cut mine in half at 4 1/4" on the 8 1/2" side and then cut each strip at 3 1/2" and 3 1/2". That gave me four pieces measuring 4 1/4" x 3 1/2" and two pieces measuring 4 1/4" x 4".

I used my Stamparatus to add my greetings right to my layers. They're all from Artistically Inked stamp set and stamped in Gray Granite ink. Each greeting is inked and stamped at least twice. The Stamparatus makes this task easy by keeping your paper in place so you can stamp the greeting as many times as needed.

Here's my completed cards:

I also stamped an inside layer since I used colored cardstock for my bases. 

I placed my Basic White layers (5" x 3 3/4") into my Stamparatus and stamped them all the same. Just make sure if you're stamping words inside that you rotate so it matches the direction of your card on the outside (landscape or portrait). I stamped mine without words so they are all the same and work for both landscape and portrait cards. 

I hope you enjoyed this color combo and the cards I made with it. Please give it a try. 

Need more ink colors from Stampin' Up!? Check out all the colors in my online store. 

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. 

Happy stampin' 

~ Beth

Fall themed card with Christmas Barn stamp set

 Christmas Barn stamp set isn't just for Christmas and winter themed cards! 

Sometimes stamp sets have a set holiday or season they're intended to be used for. I love when we can use a stamp set intended for Christmas or winter all year long. Christmas Barn is definitely one of those stamp sets. It also has a coordinating die set too. You can buy it as a bundle and save 10%. 

For this card, I used the barn along with some other products that say Fall to me. The color scheme has a Fall feel too. The barn is a line stamp so you can add color any way you like. I have watercolored it, used watercolor pencils without water and Stampin' Blends markers.  You can customize your barn and make it any color you like. I love the look of a red barn so all my samples use red. I hope you play with this set for all seasons and enjoy coloring the barn with your favorite coloring tools. 

This card was made on my Facebook live- Coffee and a Card. The participants help in deciding some things for the card. It's a great time to see the creative process and learn how to make cards. I stamped in Saddle Brown Staz-On ink and watercolored my barn. I used Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Balmy Blue classic inks and water painters. The trees are stamped in Soft Suede (stamped off once), Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Mango Melody and Cherry Cobbler. My banner layer is the Knit Together background stamp in Cajun Craze. I used watercolor paper for my stamped layer with the barn and fall trees. The other layers are Very Vanilla cardstock and Soft Suede for the card base. 

Measurements:

• card base: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" folded in half or scored at 4 1/4"
• banner layer (very vanilla): 2 1/2" x 3 1/2". stamp with background stamp then trim banner part with scissors or a die
• Very Vanilla cardstock layer: 5" x 3 3/4". cut 2- one for front and one for inside card.
• Watercolor paper: 5" x 3 1/2". stamp and watercolor. Then trim around images with scissors.
• greeting strip: 1/2" x 2 1/4" or whatever length fits your greeting.

*Let watercolored layer dry before adhering card layers together.

I used Christmas Barn, Beauty of Friendship, Happiness Abounds and Knit Together stamp sets. The barn was stamped and then I made a mask with the masking paper before stamping the trees behind the barn. You can see how I made this card in the video below. 

Here are some other Fall cards made with the barn stamp set that were watercolored. 

This card is a little simpler with less layers.  

I decided to try using the watercolor pencils but not activating them with water for this card. I love the texture you get from coloring with the pencils. I used Cherry Cobbler, Real Red, Basic Gray, Basic Black, Old Olive and Garden Green watercolor pencils. The tree is stamped in Crushed Curry, Mango Melody and Crum Cake and then fussy cut with scissors.

My last card I paired with Aspen Tree dies (coordinates and is bundle with Perched in a Tree stamp set). 

It's a simple card with a stamped layer (Very Vanilla) and stepped up with some die cut leaves. The leaves are die cut from colored cardstock (Cajun Craze, Calypso Coral and Blackberry Bliss) and stamped with the texture stamps in Perched in a Tree stamp set. I love the texture from the die cut and the splatter stamps. The greeting is also from Perched in a Tree stamp set. The barn is colored with Stampin' Blends markers - light/dark Cherry Cobbler, dark Real Red, light/dark Old Olive, dark Mossy Meadow, light/dark Smoky Slate. For the sky behind the barn, I used Balmy Blue classic ink and a blending brush. 

I hope you'll give this stamp set a try and use it all year long. It's a great addition to any stamp collection. 

Note: It's Saleabration time in July and August. If you purchase the Christmas Barn bundle and adhesive or the Perched in a Tree bundle, you'll qualify for a level 1 Saleabration item FREE! You can shop in my online store here.

Need help deciding on what to get? Email me and I'd love to help you get decide what you need for your project. You can email me at stampandcreatewithbeth@gmail.com.

*This video is a Facebook live replay. 

Thanks for stopping by my blog and checking out my cards today. 

Take care and enjoy your time getting creative. 

~ Beth

Let's stay connected on Facebook here.

Saleabration is in full swing!

What's Saleabration all about anyway? 

 Well, it's a wonderful time that Stampin' Up! gives us some options on free, exclusive products to earn while we shop and stock up on papercrafting supplies. 

We earn products from an exclusive brochure and the rewards are based on each $50 increment (before tax and shipping) we spend. There's two levels of products- level 1 ($50 spent) and level 2 ($100). There's also a Stampin' Rewards bonus at $300 for the host or buyer as well as a Joining bonus item. Let's focus on the free products first. I'll be digging in to the Stampin' Rewards special and the Joining special later. 

So we're all buying things like cardstock and adhesive- or at least I am replacing that every month. Then there's some new items that have just launched with the new July-December 2022 mini catalog. So what's on your list? Are you shopping for new fall stamps, picking up some items on your wish list from the 2022-23 Annual Catalog, looking for new Winter holiday stamps, or picking up more designer series paper? Let's make sure you get the most value for your dollar! 

Check out some of these items you can earn now until August 31, 2022. All items are while supplies last and may sell out. *the Pool Party & Soft Sea Foam cards & envelopes already sold out and are no longer available.

Here's some level 1 items that you can choose when you have a $50 order before tax and shipping. You earn more items for every $50 increment.

Hippo dies

Hippest Hippos stamp set

Stylish Sketches stamp set

Silver & Gold 6" x 6" designer series paper

Rings of Love 12" x 12" designer series paper


Here's some level 2 items that you can choose when you have a $100 order before tax and shipping. You earn more items for every $50 increment.

Tree Lot dies

Amazing Phrasing 

Wonderful World stamp set &
Wonderful World 12" x 12" designer series paper

Curious how you can earn a Level 1 item?

Let's put an order together to get you to $50. It's a suggestion and you can substitute in any items. I'm available via email if you need help putting an order together to get to a $50 purchase and earn a level 1 item. 

• Ringed with Nature bundle #159889 is $53 and you can get the coordinating designer series paper from Saleabration brochure free. 
• Basic White notecards & envelopes, Tuxedo Black memento ink pad, Watercolor pencils assortment 1 and 2 and the Banners pick a punch will get you to level 1. ($65.50 before tax and shipping).
• A kit (range from $19-$23), take your pick tool, paper snip scissors, stampin' pierce mat and simply shammy. (approximately $57.50 before tax and shipping). This is a great start for a beginner or someone wanting to try card making and stamping. 

 ** Check back throughout July and August to see some more suggestions on how to earn Saleabration items. 

Would you like to browse and shop or make a wish list? You can visit my online store at www.shop.stampandcreatewithbeth.com. 

If you need any assistance or advice, please email me at stampandcreatewithbeth@gmail.com. 

 See you soon! 

 ~ Beth