Video Tutorial: Stunning Inked Background for Fall and Holiday Cards

By | August 11, 2020

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Autumn Goodness | Stunning Inked Background

Here’s a stunning inked background for fall and holiday cards that truthfully can be extended year-round. Just choose your color combinations with the season in mind and your hand-made card can become a beautiful snail mail greeting to send any season.

Setting the background for inked images begins with a few ink pads and some sponges. Actually, one sponge if you snip one circle into 6 wedges. To choose color combinations, I head to the Stampin’ Up! Color Coach, which includes dozens of color combinations to get your creative juices flowing. I show just one page of the great color resource. Dare to use colors outside your usual realm.

Stampin' Up! Color Coach

Here’s the color combo I selected for a fall card.

Stampin' Up! | Cajun Craze       Stampin' Up! | Pear Pizzazz

Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, and Pear Pizzazz

My Tips to Create a Stunning Card

  • Stampin’ Up!’s Whisper White regular weight cardstock is ideal for this inking technique. The smooth surface allows the inked sponge to glide.
  • Begin with the lightest color. Using a circular motion, begin on your grid paper off the Whisper White project paper.
  • Add texture to your project with an embossed pattern.
  • Die cuts pop off the project when you adhere with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

I had fun creating this pretty fall card and sharing it during a Friday Facebook Live. Here’s the video, snipped to focus just on the tutorial.

 

 

Switching up the colors creates a whole new look for a whole new season. Here’s a wintry holiday card created with the too-cute Freezin’ Fun Bundle and the same inked background technique.

 

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Freezin' Fun | Stunning Inked Background

Here’s the color combo used on the winter holiday card.

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Pool Party Stampin' Up! Coastal Cabana Stampin' Up! Bermuda Bay Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Pacific Point

Pool Party, Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay, and Pacific Point.

What do you think? The color combos are limitless, and the technique results in colorful backgrounds to showcase your images and greetings.

 

Wondering what I used to create these pretty technique cards? Click on the image below to view the Stampin’ Up! products used in the fall card. 

 

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Autumn Goodness

Join me most Fridays for a new Facebook Live at 2 PST here. 

Thanks for clicking by!

 

Send a Card this International Cat Day

By | August 6, 2020

They say every dog has its day. Apparently, that’s so for cats as well. And that day is this Saturday, August 8.

According to daysoftheyear.com, the day was established in 2002 to celebrate the most popular pet on the planet. Not to editorialize, but who knew? I thought the most popular household pet was the canine.

For those of us who know a few ladies who are one cat short of crazy (no need to name names), it’s another day to celebrate. Let’s face it, these days we all need more reasons to celebrate.

I can think of a few felines from my past I would like to celebrate.

Just Stamp | Famous Cats

How ’bout you? Can you also think of a cat lady, friend or family member who could use a cause for celebration?

Celebrate International Cat Day and pay homage to the critters who help relieve stress and improve our mental health. Make a toast, send a card  — just be sure to get permission from the cat first.

Who’s on your shortlist of felines to celebrate this International Cat Day?

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Pampered Pets for International Cat Day

The Pampered Pets bundle and coordinating patterned papers are the perfect supplies to craft a greeting for all the cat lovers in your circle. Click on the photos to view the materials used to create each project.

Thanks for clicking by!

Video Tutorial: Wow! Technique Birthday Card

By | August 3, 2020

 

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Fancy Phrases Wow Technique Birthday Card

 

Rather than a phone call, how about wishing someone a happy birthday with this elegant Wow! technique birthday card? The beautiful floral sprays will bring a bit of nostalgic appeal while wishing the recipient a special day. It’s guaranteed to be cherished long after the phone call.

Three Techniques for One Birthday Card

To create the Wow! layer, the magical heat embossing technique was employed. Heat embossing was magical the first time I witnessed it, and it was magical for the hundredth-plus time when I created this greeting card. It never fails to take my breath.

After the heat embossing technique, came the coloring technique. Stampin’ Write markers were literally scribbled across small areas; Cherry Cobbler for the flowers, Mossy Meadow for the foliage. The deep red and green are the quintessential rose combo.

Finally, the entire layer was watered. First, I spritzed with water to allow the color to flow yet remain contained within the embossed areas. Then the background was quickly sponged with Old Olive.

 

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Fancy Phrases Wow Technique Birthday Card

 

See the techniques at work by clicking the video. As with many creative projects, early stages may be discouraging. My project after markering looked a wreck. Ignore the inclination to crumple and toss, and carry on with the next step.

 

 

Here are the alternate cards I created. The versions below were simply die cut with a stitched rectangle die and adhered to the black card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Fancy Phrases Wow! Technique Birthday Card

 

Lighter, brighter color combinations are perfect for spring and summer birthdays. All versions were kept clean and simple with only twine or narrow ribbon and rhinestones to embellish.

 

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Fancy Phrases Wow! Technique Birthday Card

 

Wondering what I used to create these pretty technique cards? Click on the image below to view the Stampin’ Up! products.

 

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Fancy Phrases

 

Thanks for clicking by!

Words Matter: What to Write Inside a Condolence Card

By | July 29, 2020

Stampin' Up! | Gorgeous Posies Project Kit

Without question, condolence cards are the most difficult to send off. So difficult that I often don’t get the card in the mail.

Why is it difficult? Because I don’t know what to say. Most people don’t.

What if we could make picking up the pen easier with a little preparation? As daunting as it is to stare at the blank card stock inside a handmade card, I know I don’t like the regret I feel when I don’t send off the card. Unwritten words weigh heavy on my heart. The words matter both to me (the sender) and to the person who lost a loved one (the receiver).

To lessen the difficulty of getting the heartfelt card in the mail, prepare. I often begin a crafting project with a template to get a jumpstart. Similarly, create a template to help with the words inside the project. Of course, you will want to tweak the suggested words and examples to suit your situation and your relationship to both the recipient and the deceased. This is just a jumpstart for what to write inside the handmade condolence card.

General Words

Start with the words we learned in kindergarten.

I’m sorry.

These two words matter. The same words we would say out loud apply to what we can write. The recipient will appreciate any caring words you write. Already you are off to a great, confident start. Continue:

I’m going to miss her.

I have so many wonderful memories.

I’m thankful to have shared memories with …

The joy … brought to others will not be forgotten.

Be Specific

Remind the recipient why you think their loved one was special, or share a memorable experience you shared with the loved one.

I remember the nice time we had together  last year.

One of the things I loved most about …

Offer Support

If you are able to help, offer something specific. Avoid just asking “what can I do?”

Can I help by …

I’m available if you need …

Finding the right words seems paralyzing, but in realty any words matter. Don’t miss the golden opportunity to offer comfort and peace to someone who is mourning. Be prepared with words that matter and send the card. Let go of the excuse that too much time has passed. It’s not too late. Accepting the loss of a loved one is a slow process. Your handmade, hand written card will provide needed reassurance to someone grieving.

 

 

Stampin' Up! | Gorgeous Posies Project Kit | Just Stamp | Condolence Card

 

Stampin’ Up!’s Gorgeous Posies Project Kit offers an easy way to create the stash of beautiful cards needed when words matter. Add-on the coordinating  10-piece stamp set, and you can create more than the 16 cards in the project kit. Click on the photo for more details.

Thanks for clicking by!

 

Video Tutorial: How To Stamp Custom Specialty Designer Series Paper

By | July 26, 2020

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Good Taste

Patterned papers with specialty texture and shimmer can help create beautiful cards for all occasions. Although I have more than six crates full of patterned paper in all patterns and colors, there are times when not one sheet from any package suits the design in my head. Sound familiar?

The solution? Stamp your own custom specialty designer series paper. You can choose your theme, elements, and colors.

Take a look at three cards I created with the awesome Tasteful Touches 9-piece cling stamp set. The custom paper is the focal point of these beauties.

 

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Tasteful Touches

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Tasteful Touches

 

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Pacific Point    Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Pool Party

 

Besides the beautiful images in the stamp set, I used the coordinating dies to frame the greetings on each card. Surprisingly, not one die in the coordinating die set will crop an image from the stamp set. However, the dies frame the greetings awesomely.

Would you like to try to create your own custom specialty designer series paper? Here’s the How To video tutorial that includes my tips on selecting stamps and color combinations for your project. Give it a try — you will love the results!

 

What do you think? I would be thrilled if you left a comment if you enjoyed this tutorial.

Thanks for clicking by!

Nothing’s Better Than a Bundle

By | July 20, 2020

Stampin'Up | Just Stamp | Nothing's Better Than

 

The Nothing’s Better Than bundle is quickly becoming one of my favorites! I’ve been busy creating with this sweet set with a retro vibe lately. See two of my designs here. 

This bundle, found on page 91 of the annual catalog, includes the Nothing’s Better Than stamp set and the Love You More Than Dies. If you purchase the stamp set, you surely want to add the dies to your cart at the same time. The benefit of purchasing these products together is not only the 10% discount you’ll receive, but also having the stamps and cutting tools to help you quickly cut out stamped images. Yay for NO fussing cutting!

I’m enjoying using the Nothing’s Better Than bundle because it can help me ink up a card of  cocktails, coffee, chocolate and cookies to check-in on my friends in a cute and clever way. The stamp set includes 26 photopolymer stamps of images and greetings. Check out the set here.

Take a peek at more clean and simple designs.

Stampin' Up! | Nothing's Better Than | Just Stamp

Stampin Up! | Early Espresso  Stampin' Up! | Rococo Rose  Stampin' Up! | Pear Pizzazz

 

Stampin' Up! | Nothing's Better Than | Just Stamp

 Stampin Up! | Early Espresso  Stampin' Up! | Pool Party  Stampin' Up! | Rococo Rose   Stampin' Up! | Blushing Bride  Stampin' Up! | Petal Pink

 

There are so many fun ways to create with this sweet bundle. Which is your favorite? Click here to shop. 

Thanks for clicking by!

 

 

 

 

 

Nothing’s Better Than a Retro Style Card

By | July 17, 2020

Today’s projects feature Stampin’ Up!’s Nothing’s Better Than stamp set and dies. You can find it on page 91 of the annual catalog.

This 26-piece photopolymer set has a cool retro vibe reminiscent of a swankier time. And what could be better than cookies? Chocolate? Coffee? Cocktails? This set has them all. Plus, how ’bout saving on this sweet set when you purchase the coordinating dies together. Save 10%on the bundle.

Both cards include soft, muted colors and the Gold Foil Sheets. The Cocktail card includes one element from the Timeless Tropical stamp set and In the Tropics dies, the palm trees.

Stampin Up! | Just Stamp | Nothing's Better Than

Today I went live on Facebook to share the two projects. I typically go Live every Friday at 2 PST. Everyone is welcome to join!  In case you didn’t join me live, I have uploaded the recording here. Tune in next Friday at 2 PST for more projects.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed today’s projects. Please leave a comment. I’d be thrilled to read your thoughts.

Thanks for clicking by!

Summer Cards Ripe with Cute Fruit

By | June 28, 2020

Simple, Bright and Bold

Watermelons, pineapples, bananas and sliced fruit are perfect summer treats. So is the two-step, 17-piece photopolymer stamp set Cute Fruit.

Found in the new Stampin’ Up! brochure titled Make Beautiful Things, Cute Fruit is a sweet treat at a sweet price. Only $16.

I LOVE it! Check out the projects I shared during last Friday’s Facebook Live. You can catch the replay here.

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Cute Fruit

 

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Cute Fruit

 

Stampin' Up! | Just Stamp | Cute Fruit

 

Here’s What I Love About Cute Fruit

• It can be used to create quick and simple cards, and gorgeous intermediate and advanced cards.

• It’s a photopolymer set with solid images that can be aligned easily. Precise placement is not a struggle since you can peek straight through the acrylic block and stamp the two steps in perfect position.

• No special coloring tools or techniques are needed. Simply choose a color combination, ink your stamps and stamp.

• The set includes both images and sentiments. Mix and match the punny greetings and images to make cards you need.

• The smiley faces and mustache character are too cute! You can create your own fruity emotocons.

 

Check out what George from the Stampin’ Up! team has to say about Cute Fruit.

 

 

 

Come Stamp with Me Live,  In the Comfort of Your Home or Online

 

Just Stamp | Dog Greeting Card Class

Dog Greeting Cards for Pup-Lovin’ Folk Class with 3 Options

Make woofing awesome snail mail cards to delight (and console) friends with furry family members. In this class, you’ll stamp four cards you need for your pup-lovin’ folks: Hello, have a great day; Sorry for your loss, Birthday celebration; Welcome to your new home/neighborhood.

Each project in Dog Greeting Cards for Pup-lovin’ Folks class features cute and fun images. You’ll learn beginner to intermediate card-making techniques, plus you’ll create a gift/storage box that breaks the cute-o-meter!

Option 1 – Live Local Class on July 15 @ 6 PM

Class fee includes 1/2 Pack of Paper, Combo Ribbon Pack, Trinkets, all project materials pre-cut and pre-scored, diecuts and envelopes. All tools, stamps, inks and materials except adhesives are provided during the live class. Limited seating. $35

Option 2 – It’s In The Mail To Go

Class fee includes 1/2 Pack of Paper, Combo Ribbon Pack, Trinkets, all project materials pre-cut and pre-scored, diecuts and envelopes. Plus, you will receive a PDF tutorial with photos, measurements and step-by-step instructions delivered to your email following class. $35 + $8 Shipping

Add-On(s) Available for Both Live and To Go Classes

Add-on the Pampered Pets stamp set for only $21 (No Tax or Shipping)
Add-on the Pampered Pets bundle for only 39.50 (No Tax or Shipping)

Option 3 – Online Class via Private Facebook

Save $10 during Early Bird Registration for July 15 Online Class via Private Facebook Group. Join me on July 15 for step-by-step instruction to create the complete Dog Greeting Cards for Pup-Lovin’ Folks projects. You will also receive a link for the PDF tutorial with photos, measurements and step-by-step instructions. If you can’t make the live Facebook, you will have “lifetime access” to watch and re-watch at your convenience.

Early Bird: $20
After July 15, regular class fee applies: $30

Click here for complete details.

 

Email me for the registration link. amp@anamariepalmerin.com