I love the look of patent leather on shoes and handbags, so why not on my cards? 

By applying one or two layers of clear embossing powder to cardstock, I can recreate the look of patent leather. See the step by step directions below for patent leather embossing.

To make the Black and White Watercolor Trio card above, I ran my patent leather paper through the Big Shot using the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. I added four black brads from the Vintage Brads assortment (did you notice that these are retiring? I use them all the time!)

The greeting and image were stamped with Black StazOn ink. To complete the card, I layered different sizes of circle punches under the greeting.  

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For this card, I used Real Red cardstock that was run through the Big Shot with the Finial Press embossing folder. Since this folder has a bolder image,  it created a really interesting vintage look on the cardstock.

I layered with Basic Black, Whisper White and Brushed Silver cardstocks and stamped again with Black Stazon ink. The greeting is the Elegant Thank You stamp.

The Basic Black satin ribbon was threaded through the Flower Ribbon Slide included in the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware kit. 

This card uses Sahara Sand cardstock that has been patent leather embossed. The embossing folder is Manhattan Flower. 

I stamped the same Watercolor Trio greeting as the first card in Night of Navy ink and punched it with the large oval punch. It was layered onto a scallop oval in Night of Navy cardstock and applied with stampin’ dimensionals. 

The card itself is Night of Navy cardstock with a layer of Certainly Celery. I used those two colours again for the ribbon – Certainly Celery satin ribbon and Night of Navy 1/4" grosgrain.

Patent Leather Embossing is a simple technique that creates a look that can be fun or elegant. Try it today!

 Apply clear embossing powder to the entire surface of the cardstock. 

 Heat with a heat tool until all the powder is melted. If necessary, let cardstock cool and apply a second coat of VersaMark ink and embossing powder so coverage is even.

This card uses no stamps and no ink. 

Instead I cut a tulipe die from Island Oasis designer series paper and added chunky essential glitter behind it.

To embellish the card, I made little loops in the Tempting Turquoise ribbon and added two small halfback white pearls from the Pretties Kit. 

Adding the glitter was easy and makes the card extra special, don’t you think?

Enjoy your Sunday!

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Big Shot:  Tulipe Bigz Die 

Other: Chunky Sprinkles Glitter, Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pretties Kit, Sticky Pages, Powder Pal

With the Tulipe Bigz die for the Big Shot, a Stampin’ Up! exclusive, cut the paper being careful to center it. This piece is 5" x 5".

 Cut a sticky page to a square slightly smaller than the paper. Peel off one side and adhere to the back of the paper. As the stick page will stick to paper, I choose to work in my Powder Pal.

Apply the chunky glitter to the front of the card. For better coverage, press the glitter down with your fingers. Shake off the excess and return to the container. 

Don’t think it, ink it!

It’s amazing how the same card layout can create two very different looking cards. How can you ever run out of stamping ideas when a few changes makes a card completely new again?  Here’s a challenge for you today – take a favourite card and recreate it with new products. 

I have been stamping for almost 12 years now and it is the first hobby I have ever stayed with. But wait, not only do I still stamp but this fun, creative outlet actually pays the mortgage.  I still can’t believe it. What keeps me stamping? There is always something new to learn.

So, what did I learn today? That the scalloped circle from the Stampin’ Up! Pennant die fits perfectly behind the 1-3/4" circle punch. I have owned this die for almost two years and did not realize the two pieces worked together until today. Isn’t stamping exciting?

I took my new discovery and made two cards – one is fun and one is more elegant. What’s your favourite?

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Card #1

Stamps:  Thank You Kindly (18.95 or Free with a purchase of $65 during Sale-A-Bration, 111700)

Ink:  Rose Red Marker

Paper: Sweet Pea Paper Stack ($32.95 for 48 sheets, #117161, page 33 of the Occasions Mini), Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Punches:  Circles – 1", 1-1/4", 1-3/8", 1-3/4"

Other: Stampin’ Dimensionals, Sweet Pea Stitched Felt $11.95 for 52 pieces, #117266, page 32 of the Occasions Mini)

Card #2

Stamps:  Friends 24-7 ($34.95, #113218, Page 100)

Ink:  Not Quite Navy

Paper: Bella Bleu DSP ($13.25, #113974, Page 162), Not Quite Navy, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla

Punches:  Scalloped Oval. Large Oval, 1" Circle  

Other: Stampin’ Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Pretties Kit ($41.95, #109114, page 178), Kraft Taffeta Ribbon 

Pennant Bigz XL Die for the Big Shot

A Stampin’ Up! Exclusive

$53.95, #113483, Page 200 of the OIdea Book & Catalogue

Don’t think it, ink it!    

I don’t know about you but I am so ready for Spring!

While it isn’t spring outside yet, this card is a little bit of spring indoors. Here, I used the Shades of Spring designer series paper and the Beautiful Wings embosslit die to create this pretty card. Can you see the textured impressions on the butterflies? They are sooo pretty!

And so easy to make with the new Beautiful Wings embosslit die. As you can see later in this post, this die creates multiple butteflies perfect for using on cards and pages. The butterflies can even be layered together for a different fun look.

I added Certainly Celery satin ribbon and a greeting from the Well Scripted stamp set to finish the card.

This stamp set is perfect for making lots of any occasion cards.  I recommend that when you sit down to stamp that you make cards in multiple of 4. And when you use a greeting set like Well Scripted, you can add the greeting only as you need a card. If you have a few of these cards all ready to go, you can stamp, punch and adhere the greeting just before you give the card to a friend.  I try to always have a few cards ready to give that can be adapted for any occasion. 

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Stamps: Well Scripted (W117072, C118601 – page 19 Occasions Mini)

Ink: Certainly Celery Classic. Orchid Opulence Marker

Paper: Shades of Spring DSP ($13.25, #117160), Orchid Opulence, Certainly Celery, Very Vanilla, So Saffron

Punches: Wide Oval

Other: Certainly Celery Satin Ribbon ($13.95, #117288), Stampin’ Up! Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die ($15.95, #118138) 

 Stampin’ Up! Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die

$15.95, #118138

Page 24 Occasions Mini Catalogue

Shades of Spring Designer Series Paper

$13.25, #117160, 12 sheets – 2 each of 6 designs

Page 25 Occasions Mini Catalogue

Don’t think it, ink it!

If I had known how simple this technique is I would have tried it so much sooner. How simple is it? Very!

I cut a piece of aluminum foil to the size I needed for the cardfront with my paper cutter. Then I ran the foil topped with the Whisper White cardstock through my Big Shot with the Finial Press embossing folder. And, that is it!  Faux tin ceiling technique.

I purchased some Reynolds Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil for this card but it seemed to be the same thickness as the Shoppers Drug Mart "regular" aluminum foil I already had in my pantry. So, try it with whatever tin foil you currently own.

To finish, I added layered ribbons and a punched greeting. The "Happy Birthday" is from the Vintage Labels set, a free set for Sale-A-Bration. Yes, free!

Have you earned your free set yet? Contact me today by e-mail or phone at 1.866.472.8207 for all the details of Sale-A-Bration and to place an order to receive your choice of product from the Sale-A-Bration catalogue. Don’t Miss out!

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Stamps: Vintage Labels (W118392, C119122 – FREE)

Ink: Tempting Turquoise Classic

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White

Punches: Wide Oval, 1-1/4" Circle, 1-3/8" Circle

Other: Aluminum Foil (Heavy Duty), Silver Brads, Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Finial Press Embossing Folder (115963 – $10.95), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Stampin’ Dimensionals

 Finial Press Textured Impression Embossing Folder

$10.95, #115963, Page 195

If you own a Big Shot, The embossing foder are a great deal and in my opinion a must have!

 Vintage Labels Stamp Set

Free during Sale-A-Bration with a $65 order

Wood #118392, Clear 119122

I love the elegance of this set. The greetings are a great size to use with punches and the fonts are perfect.

Don’t think it, ink it!

Can a card be too easy to make? This card certainly comes close.

I used only two colours of cardstock for this card (well, one is Whisper White, does that even count?)  and no stamps or ink except for the inside greeting.

I ran a piece of Real Red cardstock through the Big Shot die-cut machine with the Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder.  I love this folder! It adds a bit of pizzazz to any card and is so easy to use. 

Next, I made a heart with the Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit Die and the Big Shot and adhered the heart to the card with dimensionals.

To finish, I added a couple of Whisper White Jumbo Brads in the bottom right corner and assembled the card. So easy!

Order the Perfect Polka Dot Impression Folder and Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit today so you have time to make your own "so simple" Valentines Day cards. 

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Paper:  Whisper White, Real Red 

Other: Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder (117335), Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit Die (117332), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Stampin’ Dimensionals, 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo Brads

Don’t think it, ink it!

 This "almost monochromatic" card was so quick and easy to make using the new Occasions Mini stamp set, Garden From the Heart on page 9.

After stamping the greeting in the bottom right corner with Basic Black Classic ink, I ran the Sahara Sand cardstock through the Big Shot with one of the patterns from the Texture Plates Kit #4.  The impression left on the paper helps make the card look finished.

Next, I stamped the main image on Whisper White cardstock with the Basic Black Classic ink and adhered the cardstock to a slightly larger layer of Basic Black cardstock. A small loop of the Basic Black Satin Ribbon was glued behind this piece in the top left corner. Assemble to finish.

This card looks even better in person when you can really see the texture on the Sahara Sand cardstock. I know this stamp set is one I will be reaching for again and again.

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Stamp Set: Garden From the Heart (W117004 – $30.95, C118568 – $22.95)

Ink: Basic Black Classic Ink

Cardstock:  Basic Black, Sahara Sand, Whisper White  

Other: Basic Black Satin Ribbon (117285), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Texture Plates Kit #4

Don’t think it, ink it!

In my family – including Mom and Dad, my siblings, their spouses, my nieces and nephews and hubby and my kids – there are 15 of us. But would you believe there are 7 November birthdays? Actually, 8 if you count our puppy, Sophie, who, of course, gets her own celebration. 

So, for me, November is all about parties, cakes and cards.  

I made this card for my daughter who turned 13 this weekend. A teenager! It’s hard to believe how quickly the years have flown by.

I used bright colours but kept the card simple. The colours are all in colors - Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay and Crushed Curry. The die is a new favourite, Blossom Party, a Stampin’ Up! exclusive. I love how the layered flowers fit together and layer so easily. I used textured cardstock from the assorted in color package, a great way to purchase all of the colours. The "A Little Birthday Cheer" greeting was stamped in Melon Mambo ink. To finish, I made some ribbons of cardstock and topped them with Bermuda Bay grosgrain ribbon. 

Is the Big Shot Die Cut Machine on your Holiday Wish List? Remeber to get those lists to me this week!  

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Stamps: A Little Birthday Cheer – $18.95, #115018, Page 138    

Ink:  Melon Mambo Classic (115656)

Paper:  In Color Textured Assorted (115719), Whisper White (100730)

Other: Bermuda Bay 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115610), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Blossom Party Die (115971) 

Don’t think it, ink it!  

As the mother of an almost 12 year old boy, some of the most difficult cards I make are for birthday parties that he attends.

Now, when I say difficult, I don’t mean hard or time consuming, I mean that the cards need to pass the tweenage boy approval test. And that is not always easy to do! 

But I am happy to announce that this card passed on the first try and apparently even "wow"ed the other kids at the party!

To make this card, I used Basic Black, Sahara Sand and Real Red inks and cardstock. I stamped the Extreme Elements stamp set - $35.95, set of 6, #11581, page 81 - randomly on Whisper White cardstock and embellished with brads and a greeting banner created from cardstock and adhered with dimensionals. 

Inside the card, I used the Look Here Big Shot die to create a holder for the gift card. This is such a great way to present gift cards and always gets alot of attention.

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Stamps: Extreme Elements (115181), Just Jawing (111660 – You Rock greeting)

Inks: Real Red (103133), Sahara Sand (105208), Basic Black (101179)

Paper: Real Red (102482), Sahara Sand (105328), Basic Black (102851), Whisper White (100730)

Accessories: Vintage Brads (109109), Pop-Up Look Here Die (115966), Bold Brights Brads (106957), Dimensionals (104430)

Don’t think it, ink it!  

I needed a make a few small thank you gifts and wanted them to be quick and easy. And I wanted to use my new "Thanks" embosslit die for the Big Shot.

I used small pieces of designer series paper in various colours and scraps of cardstock to make these little pouches that hold a rubber stamp and a piece of chocolate in a small flat cello bag. To finish, I embellished with ribbon and brads. 

I hope those who receive one will like them!

Stampin’ Up exclusive Embosslit Die for the Big Shot – Thanks, $15.95, item # 115957

 Don’t think it, ink it!  

Aren’t these little Christmas tags adorable? And they are so easy to make.

Featured in the new Holiday Mini catalogue are two new embosslits for the Big Shot. The first is Merry, the tag itself, $15.95, #116820. The second is called Merry Details, $7.50, #116823 and creates all of the cute trees, birds and snowflakes shown on the tags.

I made 20 tags in about 20 minutes. Since it is so quick, this year I won’t be wrapping my gifts at the last minute.

Did you notice the tags made from the Wood Sheets seen on page 158 of the catalogue. I love these wood sheets! They are very thin and easy to work with. I had no problems running them through the Big Shot to make these tags. And won’t they look great on my gifts?

The rest of the tags were created using cardstock in Shimmery White, Real Red, Always Artichoke and Brushed Gold. I tied the individual tags with the Hemp Twine and the cello bag with the Sleigh Bells ribbon from the Holiday Mini, a new favourite of mine.  

For this second set of tags, I used the Wood Sheets with Shimmery White, Night of Navy and Bashful Blue cardstocks. The tags were tied with the silver Elastic Cord and Night of Navy Grosgrain ribbon. 

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Paper:   Shimmery White (101910), Real Red (102482), Always Artichoke (105119), Night of Navy (100867), Bashful Blue (105120), Brushed Silver (100712), Brushed Gold (102935)

Accessories:   Merry Embosslit (116820 – mini), Merry Details Embosslit (116823 – mini), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Wood Sheets (116309), Silver Elastic Cord (109866 – mini), Hemp Twine (100982), Sleigh Bells Ribbon (116795 – mini), Night of Navy Grosgrain Ribbon (109036), Medium Flat Cello Bag (102757)

Don’t think it, ink it!   

Since I haven’t cleaned off my stamping table in a couple of days, my Big Shot Flower Folds die and Bella Bleu paper were both still handy. So I decided to try another sweet treat cups card. And this one will fit into the matching envelope.

To see my tutorial on this card, click here. 

Both the Sweet Teat cups and padded envelopes will be available to order on September 1st.  

Don’t think it, ink it!