Blending Inks Technique – Stampin Up

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Beverly

Today’s post is about blending inks to create beautiful artwork. This technique is very easy and you can quickly create very attractive cards using the technique, such as the following three cards.

What is blending inks? Looking at the cards below, it seems obvious, right? Regardless, let me share that it is selecting and blending two or more inks to create subtle shades and colors to your paper crafting artwork.

Blending Inks

I have selected one of the three cards to provide you with instructions on the blending inks technique.

STAMPIN’ UP! SUPPLIES:

Stamp Sets: Just Believe (120453), Trust God (126702) [love this stamp set], and a Background Stamp of your choice (I used a retired Stampin’ Up stamp)

Paper: Basic Black Card Stock (121045) and Whisper White Card Stock (100730)

Ink (Classic): Summer Starfruit (126991), Calypso Carol (126983), Primrose Petals (126858), Crumb Cake (126975), and Jet Black StazOn (101406)

Accessories: Stamping Sponge wedges (101610), Elegant Butterfly Punch (127526), and Post-It Notes or scrap card stock

Instructions for the blending inks technique are below the two following pictures.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cut a piece (the size depends on the stamp image used) of Whisper White Card Stock (mine is 4″ x 4-7/8″)
Tear the edges of the sticky side of two Post-It Notes, being careful to leave some of the sticky edge available
Place the torn Post-It Notes onto the Whisper White Card Stock as shown in the below picture with the opening between the Notes closer to the left side of the card stock

Now you are ready to start blending inks according to the following:

Cover a sponge wedge (or blending tool) with Summer Starfruit ink and apply in a circular motion to the upper 1/3 of the opening in the card stock, being careful to avoid lifting the edges of the Post-It Notes
Cover a sponge wedge with Calypso Carol ink and apply in a circular motion to the middle 1/3 of the card stock below the Summer Starfruit ink
Blend the edges of the two inks (see picture of card), producing a different shade of color
Cover a sponge wedge with Primrose Petals ink and apply to the bottom 1/3 of the card stock, blending it with the Calypso Carol ink to create a different shade of color
Cover a background stamp with Crumb Cake ink and stamp over the three colors you’ve just blended
Remove the Post-It Notes

At this point, you’ll decorate the card stock according to the following:

Cover the largest stamp image from the Just Believe Stamp Set (a floral silhouette) with Jet Black StazOn ink and stamp the image over the blended inks
Cover a sentiment from the Trust God Stamp Set with Jet Black StazOn ink and stamp the sentiment on the lower-right side of the card stock
Cut an 8-1/2″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic Black Card Stock and fold in the middle for a card base
Attach the decorated piece of Whisper White Card Stock to the Basic Black card base
Using the Elegant Butterfly Punch, cut out a butterfly, decorate it as desired, and attach to the card

You have just learned the Blending Inks Technique!

God’s Blessings!
Stamping With Guneaux Designs
Beverly Polen

Use the blending inks technique to create quick and easy cards!

Paper Flowers – Stampin Up

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Beverly

Making paper flowers to enhance your paper crafts is such a hot trend, and it’s so much fun to do. There are many techniques for making paper flowers and various mediums from which to make them (i.e., card stock, crepe paper, fabric, metal, tissue paper, etc.). Have you made any paper flowers for your paper crafts? If you haven’t, this post will provide you with instructions on how to make them from card stock. I’m sure you’ll enjoy having elegant paper flowers on your greeting cards and other crafts.

The technique that I discuss below is simple and I call it “scrunching”. Follow these steps to make “scrunched” paper flowers:

STEP 1: Punch five flowers from card stock (of any color) using the Blossom Punch (125603), or a floral punch or floral die cut of your choice.

STEP 2: Spritz each flower with water, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), or other liquid of your choice. This is important for getting the right texture when you scrunch the petals.

STEP 3: After spritzing them, layer the five flowers one on top of another (you can offset them as well).

STEP 4: Using a Paper-Piercing Tool (126189) and Mat (126199), poke a hole in the center of the layered flowers.

STEP 5: Insert a brad into the hole and spread the prongs.

STEP 6: Beginning with the top flower, scrunch it tightly while wet.

STEP 7: Continue scrunching the remaining layers.

STEP 8: While the layers are wet (if not, spritz again), reshape the flower to your desire and let it completely dry.

(now that the flower is dry, the color of the card stock is true.)

STEP 9: Use your beautiful flower on a card, scrapbook page, or 3-D paper craft.

The following picture shows other flowers I made with the Blossom Party Die (115971) and Boho Blossoms Punch (119858). Add a piece of Daffodil Delight or Summer Starfruit card stock as the top flower to create the appearance of a stamen.

Enjoy making paper flowers!

God’s Blessings!

Stamping With Guneaux Designs

Beverly Polen

Floral Frames Framelits

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Beverly

The Floral Frames Framelits from Stampin’ Up! rank at the top of my favorite framelits. When it debuted the framelits in January 2012, Stampin’ Up! also developed rubber stamps that coordinated with the framelits. The Floral Frames Framelits have a coordinating stamp set; however, my card share today does not feature that stamp set. It features the Floral Frames Framelits.

Floral Frames Framelits

I’ve heard a lot of stampers express their displeasure with one of Stampin’ Up!’s new “In Colors” called Summer Starfruit. I think it is a cool color and if you combine it with the right color(s), it looks great. I think this card looks great with the Summer Starfruit Card Stock and Primrose Petals Card Stock, which is also a new In Color.

Below are the Stampin’ Up! Supplies used for this card as well as the instructions.

Stampin Up Supplies:

Paper: Summer Starfruit Card Stock (126839), Primrose Petals Card Stock (126841), Gumball Green Card Stock (126840), and Whisper White Card Stock (1007300)

Stamp Set: Full of Blessings (128081)

Ink (Classic): Summer Starfruit (126991), Primrose Petals (126858), Gumball Green (126861), and Basic Black (126980)

Accessories: Betsy’s Blooms Stampin’ Around Standard Wheel (126943), Floral Frames Framelits (127012), Chevron Embossing Folder (127749), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Gumball Green 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon (126848), and Primrose Petals 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon (126844)

Instructions:

Cut an 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Primrose Petals Card Stock, score down the middle, and fold to create your card base.
Cut a 5-1/4″ x 4″ piece of Summer Starfruit Card Stock, insert it into the Chevron Embossing Folder, and run through the Big Shot (Tab 1).
Cut a 4″ square of Whisper White Card Stock.
Cover the Betsy’s Blooms Wheel with Primrose Petals Ink and roll it acriss the top of the Whisper White Card Stock.
Cover the Betsy’s Blooms Wheel with Gumball Green Ink and roll it across the middle of the Whisper White Card Stock.
Cover the Betsy’s Blooms Wheel with Summer Starfruit Ink and roll it across the bottom of the Whisper White Card Stock.
Lay the third largest Floral Frames Framelit onto the floral piece and run it through the Big Shot (Tab 2).
Lay the second smallest Floral Frames Framelit onto a piece of Gumball Green Card Stock and run it through the Big Shot (Tab 2).
Lay the smallest Floral Frames Framelit onto a piece of Whisper White Card Stock and run it through the Big Shot (Tab 2).
Cut out the impression left on the Whisper White Card Stock.
Stamp the sentiment, “Give Thanks”, from the Full of Blessings Stamp Set onto the Whisper White Floral Frame cutout.
Make a bow with a small piece of the Gumball Green Ribbon.
Assemble the card according to the above picture.

God’s Blessings!

Stamping With Guneaux Designs

Beverly Polen

Enjoy using your Stampin Up Floral Frames Framelits!

Faux Patina Technique Featuring Stampin Up Tweet Leaves

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Beverly

Have you created a card using the Faux Patina Technique? Pull up a chair at your craft table, get out a few supplies (see below), and let’s make a card that uses the Faux Patina Technique and the Tweet Leaves Stamp Set from Stampin’ Up! This is my first creation using the Faux Patina Technique, and I’m sure if I practice I’ll get better at it. But for now, let’s try a simple card featuring the technique. This is the card we’ll develop:

STAMPIN’ UP! SUPPLIES:

Stamp Set: Tweet Leaves (128111)

Paper: Whisper White Card Stock (100730) and Pool Party Card Stock (122924)

Ink (Classic): Crumb Cake (126975), Marina Mist (126962), Always Artichoke (126972), and Early Expresso (126974)

Accessories: Chevron Embossing Folder (127749), Labels Collection Framelits (125598), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), (Stamping Sponges (101610), VersaMark Ink (102283), Gold Embossing Powder (109129), and Heat Tool (129053)

INSTRUCTIONS: Now let’s begin applying the Faux Patina Technique.

Cut a 5″ x 3-5/8″ piece of Whisper White Card Stock.
Center on the card stock the largest label from Labels Collection Framelits and run through the Big Shot on Tab 2.
Lightly ink one side of the Chevron Embossing Folder with Crumb Cake ink, insert the card stock, and run it through the Big Shot on Tab 1.

Sponge Marina Mist ink over the embossed portion of the card stock.
Sponge Always Artichoke ink over the Marina Mist ink.Sponge Early Expresso ink over the Always Artichoke ink.

Let the ink dry naturally or use a heat tool.
Randomly apply the edge of the VersaMark ink pad over the patina piece. Do not completely cover the card stock with VersaMark.
Cover the patina piece with Gold Embossing Powder and heat set.

So, what do you think thus far about the Faux Patina Technique? You can use other colors of ink of course if you desire. Now, let’s create the card.

Cut an 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Pool Party card stock.
Fold the card stock in the center to form the card base.
Cover the Tweet Leaves stamp with VersaMark ink.
Stamp onto the card front, being careful to position the image on the card so the patina piece will be centered over the image.
Apply Gold Embossing Powder and heat set.
Attach the patina piece onto the card front centering it over the Tweet Leaves image.

You have just created a beautiful card using the Faux Patina Technique! It will be interesting to try other color combinations for the technique.

God’s Blessings!

Stamping With Guneaux Designs

by

Beverly Polen

Have fun with the Faux Patina Technique!

Greeting Card – Simply Scored Diagonal Plate

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Beverly

The Stampin’ Up! Simply Scored Diagonal Plate was the tool of the day for making my greeting card. Adding the Blossom Punch makes this beautiful card. I hope you CAS it as it’s simple, or at least to me!

Here’s a closeup of the blossom:

STAMPIN’ UP! PRODUCTS:

Stamp: Your Choice (see instructions below)*

Ink: Primrose Petals Classic Ink (126858)

Paper: Primrose Petals Card Stock (126841), Daffodil Delight Card Stock (119683), and International Bazaar Designer Series Paper (DSP – 126920)

Accessories: Simply Scored Diagonal Plate (125586), Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334), Basic Pearls (119247), Large Basic Pearls (125577), Blossom Punch (125603), Scallop Punch (119854), Postage Stamp Punch (122344), VersaMark Ink (102283), Crystal Effects (101055), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (127555), Stampin’ Sponges (101610), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cut an 8-1/2” x 5-1/2” piece of Primrose Petals Card Stock
Fold in the center to create a card base
Place the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate into the Simply Scored Scoring Tool
Open the card base, place it face up onto the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate with the 5-1/2” side at the top, and score at every 1”
Turn the card base so that the 8-1/2” side is at the top and score at every 1”
Place a Basic Pearl (119247) at each point where the lines cross on the top 2” of card front
Punch out two flowers with the Blossom Punch from Daffodil Delight Card Stock
Punch out a scallop with the 1-3/4” Scallop Punch from Daffodil Delight Card Stock
*Stamp an image (your choice) covered with VersaMark Ink onto the two blossom flowers and the scallop, cover with Clear Embossing Powder, and heat set
Sponge the edges of all three cut outs with Primrose Petals Ink
Cut each valley of the scallop to near the center
Add a Basic Pearl to each petal of the scallop
Place a few Stampin’ Dimensionals onto the center of the back of one blossom and attach it to the other
Place two Stampin’ Dimensionals, one on top of the other, onto the center of the back of the scallop and attach it to the top of the blossom flowers
Place some Crystal Effects {love this stuff} onto the center of the scallop and attach a large button from the gorgeous Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons
Cover a Large Basic Pearl with a permanent marker of a pink-like color
Attach the pearl into the center of the large button
Allow the Crystal Effects to dry
Cut a 3-1/2” x 1-1/2” piece of the Daffodil Delight and Whisper White design from the International Bazaar DSP
Cut one end of the paper using the Postage Stamp Punch
Sponge the edges with Primrose Rose ink
Cut a 4” x 1-3/4” piece of Daffodil Delight Card Stock, cut one end with the Postage Stamp Punch, and sponge the edges with Primrose Rose ink
Attach the DSP to the Daffodil Delight Card Stock (the mat)
Adhere this to the card front with the “<” at the edge of the card front (there will be a space on the right side not covered (placement for the flower)
Attach the flower to the left side of the card
Add more Basic Pearls at the bottom of the card front

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS CARD. COMMENTS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

God’s Blessings!

Stamping With Guneaux Designs

Beverly Polen

Purchase the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate, I strongly recommend it!

Labels Collection Framelits – Thank You Card

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Beverly

Labels Collection Framelits! They worked great for my card share today. I decided to make a mini card that truly spotlights the Labels Collection Framelits. This card is 4-3/4″ x 3-3/4″, and I think it is so cute. The stitching in the ribbon goes so well with the selected designs from the designer series paper!

Labels Collection Framelits - Thank You

The card is a great one to make multiples of to give to people who deserve a special “Thank You” for a service he/she provided to you (e.g., a waitress, nurse, bank teller, etc.). It’s small, fitting into the palm of your hand, and multiples would easily fit inside a small purse so they would be handy when needed.

Here is a closeup of the card’s center which features the new Stampin’ Up! Butterfly Punch.

Labels Collection Framelits - Thank you Card And, this picture provides a side view that provides a 3-D view of the butterfly.

Labels Framelits Shaped Thank You Card

Stampin’ Up! Products:

Stamp Set: Itty Bitty Banners Stamp Set (126255) and Betsy’s Blossoms Stamp Set (126006)

Paper: Midnight Muse Card Stock (126843), Summer Starfruit Card Stock (126839), Vellum Card Stock (101856), Very Vanilla Card Stock (101650), and Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper (126898)

Ink: Midnight Muse Classic Stampin’ Pad and Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin’ Pad

Accessories: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Labels Collection Framelits (125598), Bitty Banners Framelits (129267), Elegant Butterfly Punch (127526), Midnight Muse 3/8″ Ribbon (126847), Summer Starfruit 3/8″ Ribbon (126846), Paper-Piercing Tool (126189), Stampin’ Pierce Mat (126199), Chevron Textured Embossing Folder (127749), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Heat Tool (129053), and Adhesive of your choice

Instructions:

Cut an 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Midnight Muse Card Stock
Score the card stock at the 4-1/4″ mark along the 8-1/2″ side; fold in half to create the card base
Form a Big Shot sandwich with the platform on Tab 2
Lay the card base with the fold at the top onto a cutting pad
Place the largest framelit from the Labels Collection Framelits onto the card base, allowing the edge of the framelit to be about 3/16″ above the fold (ensure you are left with about 2-1/2″ of the fold that is not cut)

Labels Collection Framelits

Cut a 4-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ piece of Summer Starfruit card stock.
Place inside the Chevron Textured Embossing Folder, and run through the Big Shot on Tab 1
Cut the embossed piece with the second largest framelit from the Labels Collection Framelits
Cut a piece of the Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper (see above design) with the third largest framelit
Cut a piece of Midnight Muse Card Stock with the smallest framelit.
Using the Labels Collection Frames piercing sheet from the Festive Paper-Piercing Pack, pierce holes around the small Midnight Muse frame
Using the large circular floral stamp from Betsy’s Blossoms, stamp the image onto Summer Starfruit card stock with Midnight Muse ink
Quickly cover with Clear Embossing Powder and heat set with the Heat Tool
Using the same floral stamp and ink, stamp the image onto a small piece of Vellum Card Stock
Quickly cover with Clear Embossing Powder and heat set with the Heat Tool
Using the Elegant Butterfly Punch, cut out a butterfly from the two pieces of embossed card stock
Stamp the “Thank You” stamp image from the Itty Bitty Banner Stamp Set onto Very Vanilla Card Stock
Cut out the sentiment with the appropriate Bitty Banner Framelits
Cut a 4-1/2″ strip of both the Midnight Muse and Summer Starfruit Stitched Satin Ribbons
Tie the two pieces into a knot and shape the ends
Assemble the card according to the above card image

God’s Blessings!

Stamping With Guneaux Designs

Beverly Polen

Make multiples of this Labels Collection Framelits card!