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Make An Inspirational Card

Make-an-inspirational-card-1Today I want to share how to make this inspirational card using some beautiful Stampin' Up! products.  The Rose Wonder stamp set has been around for a while but I just recently added it to my collection specifically for the beautiful sentiments and verses.  This one is appropriate to share hope, encouragement, or for sending condolences.  Pair it elements from the beautiful Falling In Love collection in the Occasions Catalog for a stunning creation.

Do you find yourself needing cards like this one often?  I know that there is always someone in my life that can use these messages of hope and to know that someone is thinking about them.  I bet you can make a list of at least 5 people...family, friends, co-workers...that would be truly blessed with an inspirational card from you.  What do you think?

In today's video, let's walk through the process and then think about what you can create to keep on hand or send today!

 Lisa's Inklings:

  • Cut card base to 4 1/4" x 11".
  • You'll need about a 3" x4" piece of Very Vanilla for this die cut sentiment.
  • Designer Paper is cut at 4" x 5 1/4".

If you'd like to make this inspirational card, here's the Stampin' Up! shopping list:

Product List

Current Host Code:  
DVFPZMPP
Place an online order with me using the Host Code and receive a gift from me.  Please do not use the Host Code if your order totals $150 or more before shipping and tax.  You will receive Stampin' Rewards from Stampin' Up! on your order and I will still send your gift!

Make-an-inspirational-card-2Thanks for stopping by today and  if you enjoy making inspirational cards to send to friends, leave a comment below...I'd love to know!


Tuesday Tip- Rubber Stamping 101: First Time Use of Photopolymer Stamps

Tuestip228If you love using photopolymer stamps, this tip will be helpful in preparing your stamps before first use.  The ease and convenience of using these photopolymer stamps in your paper crafting and card making is great.  But, there is a step that I like to take before using my new stamps for the first time.

Let's take a look at the tip video and then we'll talk a little more about it.

If you've ever used photopolymer stamps, brand spankin' new out of the box, you may have possibly noticed an uneven image when stamping.  I've found that if I do the VersaMark trick as seen in the video, I seldom have this problem.  Do I forget sometimes? You bet I do!  I will just clean my stamp and go through the process of inking in VersaMark before giving it another try.

It's a fact that your photopolymer stamps will most likely get stained from your inks.  It's ok.  Just clean after each use and it will be good and ready to go for the next time.  Want to minimize that staining?  Try the VersaMark trick first.  While it doesn't prevent all staining, I've found that it does indeed minimize it.

Here's another tip for anytime you are using photopolymer stamps.  Use a Stampin' Pierce Mat as a cushion.  It will give you even pressure and ink coverage and also protect your work surface.

Below are the products mentioned today.  Simply click the links to shop.

Product List

For two more Rubber Stamping 101 tips see one here with a markers tip and here for an ink tip.

Give this VersaMark trick a try! I hope you've found this Rubber Stamping 101 tip for photopolymer stamps helpful and I'll see you in the next post.


Makeover Monday Video Tutorial- Build a Masculine Birthday Card

Make-a-masculine-birthday-card-1Today is my sweet husband's birthday and the makeover is his masculine themed birthday card made with the Nailed It Bundle from Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Up! has knocked it out of the park with the bundles in the 2017 Occasions Catalog and this one is no exception!  I love these tools and their coordinating framelits!

The card that was the inspiration for this one is in the video below. You can see the original post HERE. More details below the video...

Lisa's Inklings:

  • In the makeover, the layout of elements from the card in the video served as the inspiration.
  • The card base is Very Vanilla Card Stock cut at 4 1/4" x 11" and scored at 5 1/2".
  • The textured area is Basic Gray cut at 4" x 5 1/4".
  • Delightful Dijon Banner is cut at 2" x 5 1/4" then punched with the Triple Banner Punch.
  • The dies in the framelits collection were used to cut the background embellishments and shapes.

If you'd like the supplies to create today's masculine birthday card, just click the links below. 
Current Host Code: A4CDEHHE
Place an online order with me using the Host Code and receive a gift from me.  Please do not use the Host Code if your order totals $150 or more before shipping and tax.  You will receive Stampin' Rewards from Stampin' Up! on your order and I will still send your gift!

Product List

Make-a-masculine-birthday-cardThis Nailed It Bundle and coordinating Urban Underground Specialty Designer Paper is just what you need for making masculine birthday cards so get yours today!


Make A Little Birthday Box

Make-a-birthday-box-1Have you ever found that you need a really cute little box for small birthday gift?  You know those little gifts that are just "a little something".

It is said that presentation is everything and while that might not be true all of the time, when it comes to paper crafting, we can blow it out of the water.

Our creations really can "make" a birthday gift that says, "I remembered it's your day".  Who wouldn't appreciate that?

I know that I can give our daughters a package of gum, for example, and if it's packaged in a handmade box or bag, they are thrilled and delighted.  I bet you've had a similar experience, right?

Well, today's little birthday box fits the bill.  Let's take a look...

Lisa's Inklings:

  • The box base measurement is 5" x 3 3/8".  Cut two of these pieces from your chosen color of cardstock.
  • On one of these pieces, score 1" on all four sides.  This will be the box bottom.
  • On the other piece, score a little less than 1" on all four sides.  This will be the top.  Be sure to watch the video for clarification.
  • Cut designer paper as follows: 2 pieces at 1 3/8" x 7/8", two pieces at 2 7/8"x 7/8", and one piece for the top of the box at 2 7/8" x 1 3/8".

If you'd like the supplies to make today's projects, simply click the links below. 
Be sure to use the current host code: A4CDEHHE to receive a little gift from me with an order of $50 or more!  And, you'll also earn the stamp set used for this project for FREE!

Product List

Delight someone with a little gift inside this little birthday box that you'll make and it will make your day, too!


Cardmaking with a Vintage Style

Cardmaking-with-vintage-look-1Do you love cards with a vintage style?  I love using sponges and neutral inks to create the aged look.  Today's card takes the ever so popular Lift Me Up Bundle and gives it a different twist. 
Crumb Cake clouds? Sure!  This aged/vintage look is easy to create with sponges and this much loved color from the Stampin' Up! Neutrals Collection. 
In the video below, you'll see how the clouds were added as the background for the hot air balloons. That pop of color was another sponging technique!
Let's take a look at the tutorial below...

If you'd like to make today's vintage style card, here are the supplies you'll need.  Simply click the links to head on over to the Online Store and be sure to use the current Host Code A4CDEHHE with your Online Order to receive a little gift from me!

Product List

Specials and Promotions

  • Host Code A4CDEHHE- Place an order of $50 or more (before shipping and tax) through my Online Store and receive a gift from me in the mail! Please do not use the Host Code if your order totals $150 or more before shipping and tax.  You will earn Stampin' Rewards for free product and I will still send your gift!
  • February Thank You With Any Order: February Lift Me Up Fun Folds Showcase Videos---2 Card Ideas with 2 Exclusive Videos!
  • Earn Ink and Inspirations Customer Rewards with your order! See more HERE!

Get your sponges out of that drawer or containe and try this vintage cardmaking style!


Tuesday Tip- Framelits/Thinlits Storage; Putting It Back Together

Puzzle.blog-post-imageThe picture above is my usual thought about storing my framelits and thinlits back in the original packet.  These beauties arrive from Stampin' Up! so neatly tucked in their pouch.  After one use, it's pure madness for me to fit the pieces all back together. 

I know some will tell me to use magnet sheets to organize and store.  I've thought about this many times and still considering it.  But, the pouches are perfect for me when traveling back and forth between Texas and Missouri. 

Today's tip is super basic and super simple but saves me loads of time IF I remember to do it when the framelits or thinlits arrive all neatly packaged.  If I don't, I tell you it's madness.

So if you store your thinlits and framelits like me, try this simple but tried and true method to put the pieces of the puzzle back together.  Your organization and storage will be much easier and neater!

Special News!  If you haven't heard, Stampin' Up! released 3 new items for Sale-A-Bration choices! 

Reverse-words-glimmer-paper
Reverse-words-glimmer-paperWith each $50 in product purchase(before shipping and tax) you can earn one of these or any of the items from the original brochure. See those items here!

Specials and Promotions

  • Host Code A4CDEHHE- Place an order of $50 or more (before shipping and tax) through my Online Store and receive a gift from me in the mail! Please do not use the Host Code if your order totals $150 or more before shipping and tax.  You will earn Stampin' Rewards for free product and I will still send your gift!
  • February Thank You With Any Order: February Lift Me Up Fun Folds Showcase Videos---2 Card Ideas with 2 Exclusive Videos!

Thanks for tuning in for today's tip for framelits and thinlits storage and hopefully, it will save you the time and frustration that is saves me!

 

 


Makeover Monday Video Tutorial- Happy Mardi Gras Card

Happy-mardi-gras-card-1It's that time of year and Mardi Gras parades and celebrations have begun so today's makeover card is dressed in style with the colors of the season!  Purple (Elegant Eggplant) represents justice, green (Old Olive) represents faith and gold (Daffodil Delight) represents power.
Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday which is the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.
You can see other Mardi Gras projects that I've created here with this treat and here with this decorative banner which is hanging on my back door.

Today's cardmaking project is a re-make of a Christmas card from a little over a year ago.  Looking through my older creations, I often find inspiration to make the card in a "new" way.  It's fun and is an easy way to get started when creating.

Let's take a look at the video from the past and you can see how easy it is to transform or makeover a card.

Here is the supply list for today's makeover.  Simply click the links to shop!

Product List

Happy-mardi-gras-2017Lisa's Inklings:

  • The card base is cut at 4 1/4" x 11" and scored at 5 1/2".
  • The background designer paper is cut at 3 3/4" x 5".
  • The banner strips are cut 1" x 3 1/4".
  • Metallic thread is attached to the back of the punched circle with Tear & Tape adhesive.

Current Host Code: A4CDEHHE
Place an online order with me using the Host Code and receive a gift from me.  Please do not use the Host Code if your order totals $150 or more before shipping and tax.  You will receive Stampin' Rewards from Stampin' Up! on your order and I will still send your gift!

Thanks for checking in for today's makeover Mardi Gras card and I'll see you in the next post!


Coming in April...A Special Sale-A-Bration Celebration!

Sabcel.blog-post-featureWant to be part of my special event in April...a Sale-A-Bration Celebration?

Sale-A-Bration Celebration 2017

Earn your spot at the Sale-A-Bration CELEBRATION in April!

Take part in a very special online Facebook event:

Attendee Only Specials

Make and Takes

Gifts

“Door” prizes

(Not on Facebook?  You will still gain access to these exclusive videos!)

You can only EARN your Virtual Ticket to this special event!

  Two Ways to Earn Your Virtual Ticket:

  Get 2 FREE stamp sets (any price) in addition to your Starter Kit!

  • Purchase at least $150.00 total in product during the months of Sale-A-Bration (January 4- March 31, 2017) through my Online Store or by calling (409-719-2853) or emailing your orders to [email protected]!

This online Facebook event will be held in late April.
Date and Time to be announced.

 If you are unable to join us online for this event, you will still receive the supplies for the make and takes and video tutorial as well as the “Pillow” gifts.

This special offer is only redeemable through Lisa Brown, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Questions? Email me or call 409-719-2853.

I'd love to have you join us for this Sale-A-Bration Celebration special online event in April!

 


Let's Taco 'Bout It!

Handmade-card-with-watercoloring-stampin-up-1Today's project is another fun card using one of the Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration sets, Tasty Trucks.  It's a fun set to watercolor and I wanted to give it a fiesta feel with the colors for this card.  The "taco truck" is all decked out in bright colors that coordinate with the Cupcakes & Carousels Designer Series Paper Stack.

Below is the photo shot of the inside of the card...

Handmade-card-with-watercoloring-stampin-up-2It's a simple combination of the colors of card stock used and a neutral piece for writing your message.  I have to admit that for the inside of my of my cards, I'll go through my drawers of scraps and a find a combination of sizes that will work with the colors of the card.  Good way to use up those scraps and also keeps it fun!  Just a few stamped and colored  tacos embellish the neutral piece.

Let's take a look at how it's all put together in the video below...

Lisa's Inklings:

  • Cut Melon Mambo to 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 for card base and 1/2 x 5 1/4 for center strip.
  • Cut two pieces of designer paper to 1 3/4 x 5 1/4.
  • Watercolor Paper is cut to 3 x 3.
  • Pumpkin Pie is cut to 3 1/4 x 3 1/4.
  • For inside of card: Very Vanilla 3 x 4 and Pumpkin Pie 3 1/4 x 4 1/2.
  • How can you get this set?  Get it FREE with a $50 Stampin' Up! Product order!

Here's the Stampin' Up! supply list for today's card.  Current Host Code: A4CDEHHE

Product List

Place an online order with me using the Host Code and receive a gift from me.  Please do not use the Host Code if your order totals $150 or more before shipping and tax.  You will receive Stampin' Rewards from Stampin' Up! on your order and I will still send your gift!

This card would really be appreciated by just about anyone!  Try making this fun card with Stampin' Up! Tasty Trucks and everyone will be sure to "taco" 'bout it!


Make A Tasty Trucks Birthday Card

Tasty-truck-birthday-card-1Today's  birthday card project is one of my favorites with the adorable Tasty Trucks (Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration set)  and the Pop of Pink Specialty Designer Paper.  You can earn the Tasty Trucks stamp set for free with your Stampin' Up! order of $50 in product. It is so much fun to color these little truck images. This one is watercolored with our Classic Stampin' Pads.

The designer paper features Basic Black, Whisper White, Melon Mambo, and Metallic Gold.  It is awesome and I love using it on all kinds of cards!

The video below shows the how-to  for this card.  It's a little longer than usual but it shows my watercoloring process.  Hope you enjoy it!

Lisa's Inklings:

  • Melon Mambo Base is cut 5 1/2 x 8 1/2.
  • Pop of Pink designer paper is cut 4 x 5 1/4 and another print for scallop circles cut 3 x 6 for die cutting.
  • Basic Black and Whisper White pieces are cut approx 3 x 3 for die cutting and punching.
  • Watercolor Paper cut 3 x 3 for stamping and fussy cutting truck.
  • See tips for fussy cutting HERE.

Tasty-trucks-birthday-card-2Here is the Stampin' Up! supply list for today's card making project.  Current Host Code: A4CDEHHE

Product List

Circles Collection Framelits Die
Circles Collection Framelits Die
[130911]

Place an online order with me using the Host Code and receive a gift from me.  Please do not use the Host Code if your order totals $150 or more before shipping and tax.  You will receive Stampin' Rewards from Stampin' Up! on your order and I will still send your gift!

Thanks for tuning in for today's birthday card with the Tasty Trucks Sale-A-Bration stamp set that you can earn for FREE and I'll see you tomorrow with another super cute card using this set!


Tuesday Tip- A "Fussy" Paper Crafting Tip on Valentine' Day

Valentines.facebook-postBefore we get to our "fussy" paper crafting tip, I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Valentine's Day!  Sending love and gratitude for allowing me to share with you!  We are enjoying some special times with our youngest daughter and grandbaby this week.  It's a cloudy and rainy day outside but there's much joy and laughter inside this happy home. 

Today's tip is a spin off of this card and I decided to share this fussy cutting tip for those of you have not tried it.  Cutting detailed images can be trying at times but someone shared this tip with me years ago and I have found it to be so much easier.

Take a look at the short video below...

Such a simple tip but it really makes cutting detailed images so much easier.   It's also a big help if you'll refrain from using the tip of the scissors for this type of cutting and use toward the inside of the blades.  It will seem much easier to maneuver and there will be less of a chance to make a snipping error.

Our Paper Snips provide expert cutting even in small areas. Thin, precision-ground stainless steel tips cut to end of blade.  These have 2 1/2" blades and come with a safety cover and have comfort grips for ease of use.

Click the link above to order your Paper Snips from my Stampin' Up! Online Store!  At only $10, these are a wise investment to add to your paper crafting tools. 

Hope you have a wonderful afternoon and evening and are able to spend some time with family, friends, and loved ones.  It's what the world needs now, right?  We are called to love and serve one another.

Thank you for tuning in for today's paper crafting tip on fussy cutting and I'll see you again soon!


Makeover Monday Video Tutorial- DIY Tiny Valentine Box

Diy-tiny-valentine-bag-1Today's makeover is a DIY Valentine box that you can make to be ready for tomorrow...Valentine's Day!  It's a tiny box just the right size for a pair of earrings or a few sweet treats.  The "different" look for the top makes this one unique and and really cute!

The original video tutorial features a birthday themed box with products from the past from Stampin' Up!  Most have retired or are discontinued but you can make yours with supplies and tools that you have on hand.

Let's take a look at the how-to for assembly in the video below:

Here's the Stampin' Up! Product List for today's makeover:

Current Host Code: A4CDEHHE

February Thank You
With Any Order: February Lift Me Up Fun Folds Showcase Videos---2 Card Ideas with 2 Exclusive Videos!
 
With orders of $50 or more before shipping and tax: 
Use Host Code A4CDEHHE and receive a gift in the mail from me plus the February Showcase Videos! Offer only from Lisa Brown, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.
 
 
  • Use the Host Code  A4CDEHHE with your online order and receive a gift from me.  If your order totals $150 or more before shipping and tax, please do not use the code.  You will receive Stampin' Rewards from Stampin' Up! with your order and I'll still send your gift.

  Diy-tiny-valentine-bag


Lisa's Inklings:

  • Cut designer paper 4 x 8 1/2.
  • Score short side at 1/2 and 2.
  • Score long side at 2,4,6, and 8.

It's not too late to make a quick card or treat box for Valentine's Day. Here's another idea that you can create in a few minutes time!  Hope you will try this tiny DIY box to give to your Valentine!

 


Memory Keeping/Scrapbooking - Tips for 12 x12 Pages with 8 x10 Photos

Memory-keeping-memories-in-the-making-plxsu138454Today's memory keeping/scrapbooking project is a 12 x 12 page with an 8 x 10 photo used in combination with the Project Life by Stampin' Up! Card Collection, Moments Like These.  As you'll hear in the video, I am determined to preserve these (many) 8 x 10 photos of our girls in albums rather than have so many frames.  I know they'll appreciate having it all in one place as well.

Incorporating stamps and ink in memory keeping is easy to do and doesn't have to be time consuming or elaborate.  For me, the time it took for traditional scrapbooking resulted in getting very little accomplished and a feeling of defeat and being behind. 

No more.  There is no right or wrong.  However you or I choose to preserve "our story" is the right way and will bring joy now and to future generations.

You can read a little more about this method of memory keeping HERE.

Today's video will give you a few tips for preserving these larger photos.  You'll see the process so thanks in advance for sticking with me through video!

Here are some of the supplies mentioned and used in today's video...

Product List

Using Project Life by Stampin' Up! has transformed my memory keeping!  Where it used to take hours and hours to create one 12 x 12 page layout, one can be completed in a few minutes.  Probably the most time consuming is the journaling but it's also very important.  Just record the dates, the who, the what, and/or your memories.  I promise you, it will be a treasure to your loved ones. 

If you enjoyed today's video and post, please let me know in the comment section below. Thanks for tuning in today for these memory keeping/scrapbooking tips and have a great weekend!


Make a Handmade Card with a Pop of Color

Add-a-pop-of-color-to-handmade-cards-29bToday's handmade card idea highlights one of the Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration choices, Inside the Lines Designer Series Paper and just a pop of color.  This designer paper is Stampin' Up!'s version of the oh so popular coloring books for adult rage!  It's so much fun!

This is a great card to send to a friend with this sweet sentiment from the Suite Sentiments stamp set from the Stampin' Up! Occasions Catalog.  Don't you just love that font?

The pop of color comes from some simple coloring of just a portion of the Inside the Lines Designer Series Paper.  Simple coloring with the Watercolor Pencils and Blender Pens and fussy cutting just a portion of the designer paper make a neat accent to the sentiment focal point.  If you haven't discovered the fun of watercoloring with these pencils, you are missing out!  See another fun card colored with these pencils HERE.

Let's take a look at how this card came together in the video tutorial below...

Lisa's Inklings:

  • Daffodil Delight Base is cut at 5 1/2 x 8 1/2.
  • Accent strip is cut at 1 1/4 x 4 1/2.
  • Designer paper cut at 4 x 5 1/4.
  • Whisper White for die cutting is 2 x 3 1/2.

Add-a-pop-of-color-to-your-handmade-cards-2Here's the Stampin' Up! supply list for today's card...

Product List

Head on over to the online store by clicking the links above to shop!  Once your total reached $50 before shipping and tax and you'll earn the Inside the Lines Designer Paper for FREE!  Need help?  Let me know and I'll be happy to help you!  You'll be ready to make beautiful handmade cards with a pop of color with Stampin' Up! Watercolor Pencils to send your friends!


Make a Card with An Easy Watercolor Wash Technique

Watercolor-wash-cardmaking-technique-1Today's cardmaking project features a super easy technique that creates beautiful results!  The watercolor wash technique makes for a beautiful sky background behind these images from the Lift Me Up Stamp Set from Stampin' Up!, don't you think?

This is such a feel good bundle and is equally appropriate for birthday, thinking of you, thank you, and missing you cards.  (Looking at my photo now, I have no idea how that thin slice of Melon Mambo card stock got there! LOL Please ignore!)

The video tutorial shows the easy process for the wash...you'll have to try it!  Let's take a look...

Stampin' Up! Supply List

Product List

Lisa's Inklings:

  • Pacific Point card base cut at 4 1/4 x 11.
  • Designer Paper cut at 3 1/2 x 5 1/4.
  • Crumb Cake 4 x 4 needed for stamping and die cutting.
  • Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper 3 x 3 needed for die cutting clouds.
  • Watercolor Paper cut 3 x 4.

Watercolor-wash-cardmaking-technique-2

Specials and Promotions:

  • Sale-A-Bration---> Through March 31, 2017
With each $50 in product purchase on a single order, choose a FREE special Sale-A-Bration item from the brochure!  With each and every order you place during the Sale-A-Bration period, you can earn FREE goodies with each $50 in product purchase before tax and shipping.
  • February Thank You With Any Order: February Lift Me Up Fun Folds Showcase Videos---2 Card Ideas with 2 Exclusive Videos!
 
  • With orders of $50 or more before shipping and tax: 
    Use Host Code A4CDEHHE and receive a gift in the mail from me plus the February Showcase Videos! Offer only from Lisa Brown, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.
 
 
Thank you for tuning in today for today's easy watercolor wash technique...give it a try!