procrastistamper: June 2013

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Complete and Utter Mosaic Madness

Okay, so I've fallen behind in preparing for my Open House on Saturday, due to back problems. Today is the first time since I went to bed last Saturday morning, that I've been able to stamp!!! Yes, that is a madness in and of itself. But today I want to share the Mosaic Madness stamp set (available in wood-mount or in clear-mount), and some coordinating product.

Once you start using the Mosaic Madness stamp set, you will understand why it was named that. Not only is there a coordinating Mosaic Punch (which you can purchase at 15% OFF in a bundle with the stamp set, either wood-mount bundle or clear-mount bundle), there is also a coordinating Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder, and a coordinating package of Quatrefancy Specialty Designer Series Paper (which I didn't even use on this card)! In addition, the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack is perfect for adding special mini details that can really dress up a simple card. Mix in a color combo from the NEW 2013-2015 In Color Collection, and you are just the trendiest little stamper you can be :-) Since the Mosaic Madness stamp set is all images and no words, you might want to grab a fun sayings set like the one I used: Really Good Greetings (available in wood-mount or in clear-mount).

Stampin' Supplies: Mosaic Madness stamp set, Really Good Greetings stamp set, Sahara Sand card stock, Coastal Cabana card stock, Whisper White card stock, Baked Brown Sugar ink pad, Crisp Canteloupe ink pad, Chalk Talk Framelits, Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder, Mosaic Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Crisp Canteloupe Ruffled Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stamp-a-majig.

For inspiration, I chose to create a card for entry in this week's CAS(E) this Sketch Challenge, based on the sketch below.

~Kimberley Morris Colorado Springs, CO
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator since 1994
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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

June 2013 Paper Pumpkin Video (Hello to You Kit)

Please excuse my absence lately, I've had something happen to my back and it's been very difficult for me to do much of anything at all the past 3-4 days. I've never had back trouble before, so being almost completely debilitated from it so suddenly is very frustrating (and painful!). One thing I did not know about back pain until now, is how miserably it can make your stomach ache. Ugh. For me, this is temporary, and I can't imagine having to deal with this every day--I feel so bad for those of you who do, I'm so sorry!

Enough complaining from me...I subscribe to Stampin' Up!'s YouTube Channel, and got an email this morning telling me they had posted a video of this month's Paper Pumpkin, and I thought that would be simple enough for me to share for your viewing pleasure:

If you would like to see another Paper Pumpkin video, with some dialog and explanation of the kit contents and how to use them, please view my Paper Pumpkin Welcome Kit Video. And if you'd like to learn more about Paper Pumpkin, or subscribe, please click HERE. Remember, when you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin, your first shipped kit will always be the Welcome Kit, and you must sign up by 11:59pm MT on the 10th of any given month to receive a kit that month.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Faux Chalkboard and Starburst (or Sunburst) Technique

Yikes! You know those bladder infections where it hurts to sit down, but it also hurts to stand up...just in a different way? Yeah, that. I've been crawling around since the weekend, but managed to recover enough to hold last night's Technique Tuesday class. Good thing, too, cuz we had FUN :-)

So, what we do at Technique Tuesday Class, is get a little card with instructions on it, and we make a little sample of the technique to practice it. That sample goes on the instruction/idea card, which you keep on a ring that I give you, along with a cover card. Each class, we do two techniques, so you get two cards for your ring--and we also make two full-sized cards at each class (one using each technique). Last night we did the Faux Chalkboard and Starburst/Sunburst (using sponging method) techniques.

Faux Chalkboard Technique and Chalboard Easel Card featuring Chalk Talk Stamp Set

Starburst/Sunburst Technique (sponging) and Smile Card featuring Happy Day Stamp Set

And honestly, you learn more than just two techniques, because I give you non-stop tips and tricks about all the tools, templates and supplies that we use. So, you go home with A LOT of know-how. Like I said, we had a great time, so I'm bummed for you if ya missed it. But, you can join us next time if you RSVP:

Next Technique Tuesday: July 9th at 7pm
Wax Paper Resist and Faux Suede
RSVP HERE no later than July 6th, 2013

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Happy Father's Day 2013!

I hope you'll forgive me for not posting the Washi Tape Tutorial I had planned for today--I shifted gears and made a homemade apple pie for my sweetie, who has his own 4 kids, and has also taken on the role of Father for my two :-) Happy Father's Day, Blake...I love you :-D

Yep, that's fer realz, I made it from scratch, all by my lonesome...nom nom nom.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

My Unfavoritest Card Today

Have you ever started a card and never really gotten into it? That's what happened here, I think. The idea seemed good, but the execution just wasn't very sound, and I was too stubborn to start over. (So, there!) It's not horrible, just not what I pictured. I'll revise/revamp it later, but I kinda wanted to post it right now just to show that not every card has to be a perfect masterpiece ;-)

Notice the Washi Tape on the card...that's homemade, and super simple. I'll show you how to do that tomorrow. And the greeting on the card comes from the Sassy Salutations stamp set, which just happens to be on sale for 25% OFF this month (get Sassy Salutations Wood-Mount, or Sassy Salutations Clear-Mount).

Stampin' Supplies: Sassy Salutations stamp set, Quatrefancy Specialty Designer Series Paper, Crumb Cake cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Pool Party cardstock, Bermuda Bay cardstock & ink pad, Strawberry Slush ink pad, Rhinestone Jewels, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Stampin' Sponge, Tombow Multi Glue, Stampin' Dimensionals.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Father's Day Shirt & Tie Card Tutorial Video

You may recognize this card from my recent 8 Great Cards Class...

I have created a quick video tutorial for you, including the origami tie. If you are viewing this blog post in email, you will need to click on the blog post title above, which should take you to my blog in your browser, where you can view the video :-)

In the video, I referenced a .gif I followed for the origami folding. The instructions are in Japanese, but all you really need are the pictures, anyway. You can find that file HERE.

UPDATE: several readers using AOL and/or Internet Explorer have indicated that they cannot view the above link to the .gif for the origami instruction sheet. If you have any problems, please try Firefox--and let me know if that still does not work for you.

Monday, June 10, 2013

My Digital Studio Printed Card Organization (Sale Ends SOON!)

Just a quick tip for you! Do you struggle with making multiples of cards, and keeping track where you've sent those cards?? I do, and that is one reason I tend to avoid making multiples of my hand stamped cards. Yes, that's more work for me, but I love to create, so it's all good :-) But when I'm using My Digital Studio (get an Instant Download or order the Disc Software) to make cards, it's usually for the express purpose of creating multiples of the same card(s). So, when I received my professionally printed cards back from Stampin' Up!, I was *tickled* to see there was an index card for each design I ordered! It shows a small image of the card design, and how many of that design I ordered.

So, I folded all my cards over and tucked them in a little plastic tray, with the index card in front of each section of its respective card design, and tucked the envelopes in the back. Then, when I take out a card to use, I can jot down who I sent/gave it to, right on the index card!!! Super easy organization, courtesy of Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio Professional Print Services.

Another tip: the cards pictured are the 3-1/2" x 5" professionally printed cards. This is the smallest size card the US Postal Service will allow you to mail. When you order professionally printed cards from Stampin' Up!, they send you an envelope with each card--it's included in the printing price. With the escalating cost of postage, you can save yourself a little money by spending less on your card, which in this case means ordering the smallest mailable size :-) Even when they are not on sale, this size card is priced at only 95 cents each...but you can grab them for only 71 cents each, through June 15th!

FYI: click to see the My Digital Studio 25% Off Sale HERE, which ends June 15th at 11:50pm MT. Select digital downloads are on sale, as well as select Professional Print Products. Click for a PDF which shows the Professional Print Product Discounts HERE.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

June Paper Pumpkin Deadline: June 10th

Once again, the monthly deadline to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin is upon us! A Paper Pumpkin subscription provides you with a monthly 30-minute craft escape, delivered directly to your door for $19.95 (including shipping)! Occasionally, you may need to provide a little adhesive for the project, whatever you have around the house will do--like a glue stick or some good ol' liquid or paste school glue :-D

The deadline for June is June 10th, 11:59pm MT

Click THIS LINK to JOIN if you are ready to subscribe, or even if you'd
just like to browse the Paper Pumpkin web site to read more about the program.

When you choose me as your Paper Pumpkin demonstrator, you get Fun Bonuses, like: a link to a Free Printable Insert to label a Clear-Mount Stamp Case for Paper Pumpkin stamp storage, qualify for Coronation Gifts and Glass Slipper Surprise Gifts, earn Paper Pumpkin Royalty (Loyalty) Rewards, get Plump Your Pumpkin Exclusive Offers, and get links to Monthly Videos--one to walk through the kit project assembly (like this one), and a second one with instructions for alternate layouts/projects using the kit supplies, and even some of the packaging!

Some Really Important Stuff You Want to Know:
• Everyone's first kit is the Welcome Kit, which includes Clear Mount Block D
• You are NOT billed until your kit ships (on or around 15th)
• Your subscription will auto-renew for your convenience
• You can skip a month, or cancel at ANYTIME*
• Most kits will contain items exclusive to Paper Pumpkin
• Kits will not be previewed--experience the SURPRISE and DELIGHT each month
• Projects types will vary: stuff like cards, 3D items, mini journals, and more
• Each kit includes everything you need: ink, cut & scored items, stamps, etc.
• Available to United States shipping addresses only
*Log in at MyPaperPumpkin.com to make changes prior to each monthly deadline.

Also, if you would like to purchase ONLY the unique JUNE Paper Pumpkin Kit directly from me, the deadline for me to receive your finalized payment is JUNE 10th by 10:00pm MT. The cost is $24.95, which covers the cost of the kit, plus turn-around Priority Mail shipping to your address. This option is designed for my new Paper Pumpkin subscribers who would like to get the Welcome Kit AND a unique kit their first month! However, anyone is welcome to take advantage of this opportunity to get the unique monthly kit without subscribing. If you don't get/have the Welcome Kit, or the Try It Kit, you will need to get Clear Mount Block D or its equivalent, to use the clear-mount stamps in your Paper Pumpkin kit.

These all-inclusive kits (except a bit of adhesive for certain pieces) are GREAT in so many ways, especially as a quick craft with kids or grandkids! (They would make great fundraiser products, too...just sayin'!!!) Because everything is already cut and scored, and many items are self-adhesive, it's super easy to just place-and-stick. I love the portability, and there truly is something magical, about being able to sit down and open a box with all the supplies needed for a project. I hope you'll join me on my Paper Pumpkin adventure!

Saturday, June 8, 2013

8 Great Cards Class - June 2013 (Final Card)

This was the fourth card we made at the June 2013 8 Great Cards Class, you can see the other three cards in THIS POST. The main stamp set on this card is called Clockworks, and is such a super easy stamp set to use, as you can stamp all the clock pieces separately, and even punch out the clock face. I really liked the engraved look of the greetings in the Oh, Hello stamp set with this card. There are two other greetings in the Oh, Hello stamp set you could use on this card, too. One reads "Oh, Hello" and the other reads "You're Invited". So, using the same supplies, you could make this card as an invitation...for a guy's classy birthday party, or even a Steampunk gathering ;-)

A very "Warehouse 13" Clockworks Card...in my opinion, at least!

FYI: This design was inspired by a card I saw on Stampin' Connection, which is a password protected site hosted by Stampin' Up!, which includes a huge gallery/archive of samples, which is ONLY for demonstrators! It's just one of the many perks you can enjoy when you Become a Demonstrator.

Friday, June 7, 2013

8 Great Cards Class - June 2013

Thanks for hanging in there with me while I'm addressing my health issues and challenges. Please be assured that my inconsistency is not intentional, and I feel I am finally on the right track to recovery. Here is a sneak peek at three (3) of the four (4) card designs we will be making 2 each of, tonight and tomorrow (June 7th and 8th) at my 8 Great Cards Class. If you are local to Colorado Springs, and you want to attend, I'll still allow RSVP's up until 6pm MT for tonight's class, and 10pm MT for tomorrow morning's class. Just CLICK HERE to see my June Events, click on the title of the class you want to attend, and then click on the RSVP that appears under the description for the class! As you can see from the captions, I provide different greetings you can choose for your cards, to customize them to best fit your use:

You can choose "Thank You" as an alternate greeting on this one.

There are several sayings you can choose to substitute on this card.

You may add "Happy Father's Day", or another greeting to this card.

Check out the 4th and final design for my 8 Great Cards Class for June 2013, HERE.

Watch the VIDEO TUTORIAL for the SHIRT & TIE CARD HERE.

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Please respect the time and effort put into the creation of this blog and the stamping ideas therein, by refraining from copyright abuse of the images or text. All of the rubber stamp images are copyrighted to Stampin' Up!®, all of the photos and scans are copyrighted to me, and all of the hand stamped art is my creation, unless marked otherwise. Please do not pass off this work as your own, or copy and disseminate it for your own personal gain, such as submission for contests or publication, or fee-based classes. If you would like to share a post from my blog, please email your friends a link directly to the post you're excited about. (You can do this by clicking the envelope icon under any post.) And last but not least, if you have any questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact me!