Stamptramp

WOYWW - Chaos!

2012-01-25T12:51:00.000-06:00

I don't generally join in with the What's on Your Workdesk? Wednesday crowd, but I thought my desk might make someone else feel better about the state of theirs! I'm still finishing up a couple quick projects to take to CHA - I wish I had another week. So many ideas are still running through my head. I guess they will just have to wait until after I get back.

Be sure and check in next week! I'm going to try to schedule some posts to share my favorite projects that I made using the new Idea-ology products. So much fun!!

BTW, for anyone who is freaked out by how messy my desk is...I did do a quick tidy before I started working again. ;-)

Love is in the Air

2012-01-23T16:23:00.000-06:00

This week's theme over at the Simon Says Stamp and Show is such a fun one! It's all about song titles, so there are some really fun submissions. I chose 'Love is in the Air', a disco song from 1978 (you should watch it...you'll have flashbacks if you're around my age). The only problem is that it's now firmly stuck in my brain!

I have been dying to use this hot air balloon man from Artistic Outpost's French Flight stamp set like this since I first got it. Originally, I thought I'd use a gear for the balloon, but I love the heart! The tag was cut from red Kraft Core'dinations using Tim's Tag and Bookplates die. It was embossed with Tim's new Valentine's Texture Fade and then sanded with an idea-ology Sanding Grip.

The heart shape for the balloon was cut from chipboard using the new Sizzix Love Struck die. I used my Faux Crazed Porcelain technique on it - love how it looks! The wings on the heart were cut from chipboard with the Sizzix Heart Wings die, and painted with a Silver Dabber. The stamp is from Tim's Stuff to Say stamp set.

BTW, you may have seen that Wendy Vecchi has a new technique with the same name, but it's totally different. I can't wait to try it!) If you haven't tried mine yet, you can view my tutorial (and a pretty dorky video), on the Splitcoast Stampers site.

I love these letters so much! They were cut from black cardstock using the Sizzix Chip Block die. To really make them pop, I coated them with Glossy Accents. Such an easy way to add dimension to your die cuts! The bottom of my tag is finished with seam binding and a bit of lace border that was cut using the Sizzix Vintage Lace die and painted with a Silver Dabber.

All of the items I used can be purchased from Inspiration Emporium. When you use my coupon code - stamptramp - you'll save 10% off your order! The products are listed below, clicking on them will take you to the store - have fun!

Sizzix Love Struck Die
Sizzix Chip Block Die
Sizzix Vintage Lace Die
Sizzix Tag and Bookplates Die
Sizzix Heart Wings Die
Kraft Core'dinations
Adirondack Silver Dabber
Idea-ology Sandiing Grip
Ranger Glossy Accents

Love Struck!

2012-01-17T12:02:00.000-06:00

This past week I've been consumed with working on my Idea-ology CHA projects (you guys are gonna go crazy for the new stuff!) and haven't had a lot of extra time to make anything to share on my blog. Last night I decided to take a little time and create something for a couple different challenges: Simon Says Stamp and Show - Anything But a Card, and Hels' Sunday Stamper - Gold.

I just bought the new Sizzix/Tim Holtz Valentine's dies this past weekend and have been using them like crazy - I think they are so cute! For this project, I started by creating a little hanging treat box from the Technique Junkie 3D and Fun Folds CD. By the way, thanks to those of you who've purchased it! If you've never heard of it, the 3D and Fun Folds CD is produced by the Technique Junkie newsletter - some of you have thought it's my creation, but I can't claim credit. I did design work for it and Pat Huntoon was gracious enough to let me offer it to my readers (I get a little commission whenever you buy it through my link!). You can read more about it here, but please purchase through my link below so I get credit! :-)

The box was created from kraft cardstock and then painted with a Snow Cap Dabber. After it dried, I embossed the top portion with one of the border dies from the new Sizzix Valentine Texture Fades collection. In order to flip the border and create a mirror image, I slit the Texture Fade on the fold, leaving just a bit to hold it together. I don't know if I would recommend that to anyone, but like Tim says, you can always tape it back together! The border along the top is made from Kraft Core'dinations paper that was cut with the Sizzix Vintage Lace die, sanded, and glittered.

Isn't this just gorgeous??? I used the Mini Lovestruck die to cut my little cupid, then covered him with gold glitter. The heart was cut with the same die, then painted with a Snow Cap Dabber and sanded. The xoxo (from Tim's Stuff to Say set) was stamped with black ink. Underneath my cupid, I have a rosette that was cut from Kraft Core'dinations and glittered. To make it even prettier, I added a ruffle using Tim's District Market tissue paper. In the corner I added a banner cut from kraft paper using the Tattered Banners die. The sentiment is from Tim's Stuff to Say stamp set.

Another new die for me is the Mini Flourish - so cute!! I cut my flourishes from light chipboard and painted them with a Pitch Black Dabber, then sanded lightly. The little penguin peeking out is from the Valentine's paper in the Idea-ology Seasonal Paper Stash. Just behind the flourish, you can see a little strip of rosettes from the Idea-ology Lavish Trimmings set.

All of the supplies I used can be found at Inspiration Emporium. Don't forget, if you use my coupon code - stamptramp - you will save 10% off your order!! They have great prices on shipping too, so be sure to check them out through the links below.

Supplies:
Sizzix Mini Love Struck Die
Sizzix Mini Flourish Die
Sizzix Paper Rosette Die
Sizzix Borders Texture Fade
Sizzix Tattered Banners Die
Sizzix Vintage Lace Die
Kraft Core'dinations Paper
Idea-ology Seasonal Paper Stash
Idea-ology Lavish Trimmings
Stampers Anonymous Stuff to Say Rubber Stamps
District Market Tissue Paper - Terminology
Ranger Adirondack Dabbers - Snow Cap and Pitch Black
Idea-ology Sanding Grip

Finally, here is the link if you're interested in purchasing the 3D and Fun Folds CD. If you love paper crafting, this is the CD for you!

Location

Oh, one more thing! I know this is getting a little long, but I wanted to show you my Movers and Shapers storage. Awhile ago, there was a discussion on the All Things Tim Yahoo group about ways to store these little dies. Someone suggested using a silver platter (remember when the Brady kids entered that contest as the Silver Platters? I still love that song!). Anyway....I started hunting around thrift stores and estate sales and found some cheap! I think this one only cost $2. You definitely need to have a magnet with you - I had some at home that I thought would work and they didn't. I love storing them this way. When I get time, I'm going to drill holes in the corners and mount it to the wall by my Vagabond.

Thanks so much for visiting - have a great week!!

Grungy Monday #32

2012-01-09T15:01:00.001-06:00

For this week's Grungy Monday challenge (sponsored by Simon Says Stamp), we're revisiting Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas from a few weeks ago, and choosing one of the techniques to highlight. One of my favorites was the die cut metal tape technique from the Day 12. Such a fun way to use the strip dies!

The base of my tag was created with the Chalked Emboss technique from the latest issue of the Technique Junkie newsletter. I thought this looked so cool when I first saw it - then I read that it was one I'd come up with a couple years ago. Changed up just a bit, it's really a fun and easy technique!

After I'd colored my tag, I embossed it with the Retro Circles Texture Fade from Sizzix. I just got the new French Flight stamps from Artistic Outpost and thought they would be perfect with this background. I stamped the men on a small tag that was cut using the Sizzix Tiny Tabs and Tags die. The souvenir tag was stamped on heavy chipboard and a small ribbon (dyed using Faded Jeans Distress Stain) was added using the Idea-ology Tiny Attacher. The balloon (from Artistic Outpost's Paris Exposition collection) was stamped on chipboard and then colored with Faded Jeans Distress ink.

My letters were cut using the Sizzix Vintage Market die and adhered to the bottom along with a strip of Idea-ology Tissue Tape. An Idea-ology Muse Token is attached to the top using a Trinket Pin.

All of the products I used can be found at Inspiration Emporium. If you use my coupon code - stamptramp - you'll save 10% off your order!

Supplies:
Sizzix Retro Circles Texture Fade
Sizzix Vintage Market Die
Sizzix Tiny Tabs and Tags Die
Idea-ology Tissue Tape
Idea-ology Tiny Attacher
Idea-ology Trinket Pins
Idea-ology Muse Token
Ranger Distress Stain - Faded Jeans
Ranger Distress Ink - Faded Jeans

My Heart's All Aflutter

2012-01-06T19:50:00.000-06:00

Ok, so....I went out to the studio, fully intending on working on some CHA stuff. But. Those wicked Inspiration Emporium people had sent me a box full of temptation. What was I to do??? I have been in love with the Distress Doily die since I first saw it. While I was putting it carefully on the shelf, it called out to me. It said, "Hey, Lady! Make something with me...now!" I'm not one to argue with inanimate objects, so I agreed.

First, I folded some plain white, text weight paper in half and then cut it with the die. After I'd done about 10, I sprayed them with a shimmer mist solution I made by combining Cranberry Adirondack Colorwash, Worn Lipstick Distress Reinker, Pearl Perfect Pearls, and water. I used my heat gun to dry them and then added little hearts inside each fold. The hearts were cut from vintage French book pages using the Mini Hearts Movers and Shapers die from Sizzix..

When everything was dry, I glued the 'backs' of each doily to the next one, creating a....hmmm...what to call it? I created a pretty thing. A little ornament you can use to decorate for Valentine's Day. To hang my paper ornament, I glued a loop of Idea-ology ribbon in the center, before the doilies were all glued together. If I'd had any Idea-ology Baubles, I would have added one to the bottom - I think that would really finish it off!

The supplies I used are listed below and can be purchased at Inspiration Emporium. In celebration of Jay's (one of the owners) and Tim's (Holtz) birthdays, they are running a Birthday Special! When you use the coupon code, birthdayboyz, you'll receive 17% off your order! Happy Birthday to all of us!

Supplies:
Sizzix Distress Doily Die
Sizzix Mini Hearts Set
Idea-ology Lavish Trimmings
Adirondack Colorwash - Cranberry
Ranger Distress Reinker - Worn Lipstick
Ranger Perfect Pearls - Perfect Pearl

I'm linking up with this week's Simon Says Show Something Old (vintage hearts)...Something New (my new die!). Make sure you check out all the wonderful submissions!

Happy Birthday, Tim (and some cool news)!

2012-01-03T14:40:00.000-06:00

This week's Grungy Monday challenge is a celebration of the man who started it all - Tim Holtz! His birthday is January 7th and we're celebrating by creating birthday cards. I decided to try my hand at making an Easel Card - one of the 70 projects in the Technique Junkie 3D and Fun Folds CD. This is a view of it flat....

And here it is 'opened'. How cool is that?! I love that it slides up for easy display. This is the first one I've ever made and it was really simple.

Obviously, I knew I wanted to make a masculine card, but beyond that, I had no idea where to start! I decided on a Steampunk theme and started pulling out anything that would work. The background is cardstock that was embossed using the Sizzix Steampunk Texture fade, and then painted with Silver and Pitch Black Adirondack Dabber Paints. The gears were cut from chipboard using Tim's Mini Gears dies. They were painted with Gold and Copper Dabbers and layered onto the background with Idea-ology Sprocket Gears, Washers, a Game Spinner, and attached with Long Fasteners.

The men are from Tim's Steampunk stamp collection. I cut off their top hats and added party hats cut from paper from Idea-ology Lost and Found Paper stash. The little light bulb on the top is also from Idea-ology.

I thought the Sizzix Baroque die would be perfect to use as a mat. When I was getting ready to cut it, I spotted the Mini Baroque die and was like...hmmmm..... I've never used them together to make a frame and decided to have a little experiment. I LOVE how easy it is to use these two dies together! I used chipboard for the frame and then painted it with a Pitch Black Dabber, sanded it, and inked it with Bundled Twigs Distress ink. I think it looks so cool - like old leather. You can barely see it peeking out, but the background paper for the card front is Kraft Resist that I inked with a Black Soot Dabber and then lightly sanded.

To add a little interest to the front of my card, I cut some light chipboard using the Sizzix Vintage Lace die and painted it was Gold and Pitch Black Dabbers. Metal Idea-ology Corners embellish the bottom of the card.

While racking my brain, trying to think of a sentiment to stamp (I have almost NO everyday sayings), I kept thinking of Prince's 1999. Why not change it up a little to reflect the Steampunk theme? ;-) I computer-generated the sentiment and then added it to a Faux Mercury (click here for my tutorial) piece that I cut using Sizzix' Mini Labels die.

I hope Tim likes it! If you're interested in purchasing the 3D and Fun Folds CD, you can use the link below, or the one at the top of my sidebar.
Supplies:

Sizzix Baroque Die
Sizzix Mini Baroque Die
Sizzix Mini Labels Die
Sizzix Mini Gears Die
Sizzix Vintage Lace Die
Adirondack Dabbers - Pitch Black, Gold, Silver, Copper
Idea-ology Sprocket Gears, Game Spinners, Long Fasteners, Corners, Washers, Light Bulb
Idea-ology Kraft Resist Paper, Lost and Found Paper Stash
Ranger Distress Stain - Black Soot
Ranger Distress Ink - Bundled Twigs
Stampers Anonymous Steampunk Rubber Stamps

Dang, I almost forgot my news (is anyone still reading this?)! About a month ago Tim asked me to create samples for him for CHA, later this month. How cool is that?! I won't be able to share anything until after the show, but I have been dying to tell you all and Tim said it was ok! And yes, I still think I may have just dreamed the whole thing. ;-)

Grungy Monday + a New Technique!

2011-12-28T20:21:00.001-06:00

I was so happy to see that so many of you wanted a stepped-out tutorial for my Faux Mercury Glass technique! I created a card for this week's Grungy Monday challenge (sponsored by Simon Says Stamp!) and I think it highlights the technique very well. It was also an excuse to use a lot of new products, experiment, and try a new card fold - the 5 x 7 Step Ladder Card - from the new 3D and Fun Folds CD from Technique Junkies!

First, the star of the show is this technique. Oh, I love how it turned out! I decided to try it using the Weathered Clock die from Sizzix. The clock made me think of New Years, which led to the theme for the card. Everything just snowballed from there!

My favorite new die - Sizzix' Festive Greenery - provides a nice embellishment for the clock. For the center, I used the Paper Rosette die and Kraft Resist paper that was painted with a Snowcap Dabber. The clock hands were painted with a Pitch Black Dabber and then sanded. They're attached with an Idea-ology Long Fastener that was pierced with an awl to give it the look of an eyelet (great tip from Tim!).

Here is a side view where you can see the steps better. So many possibilities with this card idea! The Grungy Monday challenge is to use Tim Holtz's Tissue Wrap or Tissue Tape in your creation. I don't have the Wrap, so I applied strips of Tidings Tissue Tape (where it says Post Card) to the folds of the card. I gave them a frosty look with a Snow Cap Paint Dabber and covered them with fine glitter.

This is a close-up view of the card when closed. To create the 2012 piece, I cut numbers from green Kraft Core'dinations using the Sizzix Vintage Market die. I applied them to a piece cut from kraft paper using the Sizzix Mini Labels die. The sentiment was computer-generated, printed on kraft paper, and then cut using the Sizzix Tattered Banners die. Quick tip! If you're trying to line something up to cut (like my text on the banner) using a die, align your paper and then tape in place using Tissue Tape. The tape will prevent the paper from sliding out of alignment when it goes through your machine!

Here is another view of the card closed. I just love how all the layers line up!

The card front is a panel of green Kraft Core'dinations paper. I used the small border Texture Fade from the Christmas Background and Borders set to emboss the edges...I am kicking myself for taking so long to use these - they are so cool! After I embossed, I sanded the raised portion with my Idea-ology Sanding Grip and added a sprinkling of glitter. Do you notice anything interesting about the lace border? It's ribbon! I adhered a piece of seam binding to cardstock and then cut it using the Sizzix Vintage Lace die. So pretty!

Ok, enough of my blah blah blah....here is the tute! I hope you enjoy it!

Faux Mercury Glass

Supplies: Ranger Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE), Ranger Distress Crackle Paint - Picket Fence, Ranger Adirondack Dabber - Silver, Ranger Distress Embossing Ink, Shape cut from chipboard (the piece shown above was already painted when I took the pic), Heat gun.

Step 1: Paint your chipboard piece with Picket Fence Distress Crackle Paint. For this technique, you want a medium-thick application. This detailed die cut doesn't have a lot of paintable area, so I wanted the cracks to be a bit on the large side (the heavier the application, the larger your cracks will be). Set aside to dry.

Step 2: When Crackle paint is completely dry, cover surface with paint using a Silver Dabber. This coat should be on the light side - you don't want to fill your cracks in, but you do want to have the whole thing colored silver.

Step 4: When paint is dry, coat the entire piece with Distress Embossing Ink and cover with UTEE.

Step 5: Heat UTEE until it melts. When cool, recoat with embossing ink and another layer of UTEE. Heat final layer until it is smooth. That's it!

Some of you might be wondering why I didn't just use Metallic Crackle Paint and save myself a step. Well, the first reason is that I didn't have any at the time and wanted to use what I had on hand. The second reason is that I think the Picket Fence Crackle Paint cracks in a different way and wouldn't look quite the same. I would definitely experiment with it, though, if you have it!

If you're interested in purchasing the Technique Junkie 3D and Fun Folds CD, you can do so through the link below. In case you haven't heard of it, it is a CD containing pdf tutorials with step-by-step photo instructions for 70 different projects. You will create everything from gift card boxes, to pop ups, and more. It also makes a great gift!

Location

All of the products (other than the CD) I used can be purchased from Inspiration Emporium. OH! And they are having a big sale right now! Use the coupon code - awesome2011 - to save 20% off your order. This code is good until 12/31/11.

Supply List:
Sizzix Dies: Tattered Banners, Vintage Market, Vintage Lace, Festive Greenery, Paper Rosette, Weathered Clock, Mini Labels
Sizzix Texture Fades: Christmas Background and Borders
Kraft Core'dinations Paper
Kraft Resist Paper
Ranger Adirondack Dabbers - Silver Metallic, Snow Cap, Pitch Black
Ranger Distress Embossing Ink
Ranger Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE)
Idea-ology Tissue Tape - Tidings
Idea-ology Long Fasteners
Idea-ology Sanding Grip
Inkssentials Glue n Seal (seriously love this stuff!)

My son will be here tomorrow - yay! - so I'll be taking a few days off. Best wishes to all of you for a happy and creative New Year!

Merry Christmas (And a Little Technique)!

2011-12-25T16:34:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to take a minute to wish all of my stamping friends a very Merry Christmas! This afternoon, I spent a little time in my studio, playing around with an idea I've had for a few days. It's kind of a faux mercury glass look. I love when something that I've imagined actually ends up working!

Basically, it's my faux crazed porcelain technique with a twist. After I painted my Noel chipboard piece with Picket Fence Distress Crackle Paint and let it dry, I went over the paint with a Silver Adirondack Paint Dabber. When that was dry, I inked the whole thing with Distress Embossing ink and covered it with Ranger's Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE). After I embossed it, I added one more layer to give it a thicker, chunkier look. I wish so much my pics had come out a bit better...it is a really gorgeous look. Let me know if you're interested in a stepped-out tutorial - I'd be happy to do one!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, surrounded by friends and family! We are delaying our celebration by a few days - my Air Force son wasn't able to get leave until the 29th. It's our first Christmas without both our kids here and it's very strange. All a part of growing up, I guess (for all of us). ;-)

Take care! xoxo

Tim's Tags, Day 11 & 12 - I'm Done (Finally)!

2011-12-22T19:53:00.001-06:00

After getting back into the groove with my little Tim Holtz rosette tree yesterday, I decided I would buckle down and finish the last two tag from his 12 Tags of Christmas. I didn't think I was going to like this one, but I am in love!

My background started with a script stamp from Artistic Outpost's new French Flight stamp set. Instead of washing over it with Picket Fence Distress stain, I used my Snow Cap Paint Dabber to tone it down. I don't have any of Tim's Tissue, so I made do. Instead of music, I decided to stamp snowflakes from AO's Snowy Woods collection. I used Brushed Pewter Distress Stickles for my dot outline. It seems like every year I find an excuse to use this gorgeous angel rubber stamp from Oxford Impressions. So hard to believe it's a stamp! I lightly colored her with Distress inks so she stood out a bit. My tissue flower was also hand stamped - this time using a music rubber stamp from Artistic Outpost's Ephemeral Backgrounds collection.

I didn't have the Adornments snowflake Tim used, but I DID have the Sizzix Mini Snowflakes dies! I had so much fun cutting the metal-covered paper when I made the lace trim and letters, I thought I would try it with the snowflakes and see what happened. Well...magic happened!

After I cut them, I was trying to figure out how to make them a bit bulkier - more like a charm. I stacked one on top of the other (they're slightly different) and a little light bulb went off - they fit together so well and looked like a really cool charm! After I stacked and glued them, I noticed that the die had created a little raised edge with a depression in the center. Hmmmm....I thought...what if I filled that with Rock Candy Distress Crackle medium (thanks to Tammy Tutterow for planting that little seed in my brain!)? As you can see, it is insanely cool looking! Love my icy little snowflake! It's attached to the tag with an Idea-ology Jump Ring and Charm Clip.

Ok, I will just say that I didn't really want to post this! I am so not a retro kind of girl. I love when other people do it, it's just not my thing. I DO love these stamps from Artistic Outpost's Frosty and Friends stamp set though, and thought they were perfect for this tag.

I didn't have shrink plastic, so I did a different technique for my holly. I cut thin metal using the Sizzix Mini Holly die. I used Adirondack Alcohol ink and dropped it directly onto the metal. When it dried, I inked my leaves with Distress Embossing Ink and then embossed them using Ranger's Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE). I love the look of these! Sorry my pic isn't the greatest, but you get the idea. :-) I also inked my jingle bells with Adirondack Alcohol ink - they make perfect holly berries!

In case you didn't know, you still have time to enter Inspiration Emporium's 12 Tags giveaway! Check out this post on the Inspiration Journal blog. We'd love to have you play along! If you need any of the supplies I used, they are listed below and can be found at Inspiration Emporium. Be sure and use my discount code - stamptramp - to save yourself 10%!

Sizzix Mini Holly Die
Sizzix Artful Dwellings Die
Sizzix Mini Snowflake Die
Sizzix Vintage Market Alpha Die
Sizzix Vintage Lace Die
Sizzix Festive Greenery Die
Sizzix Tag and Bookplates Die
Adirondack Paint Dabber - Snow Cap
Ranger Distress Stickles - Brushed Pewter & Rock Candy
Ranger Distress Crackle Paint - Rock Candy
Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Bottle and Red Pepper
Ranger Archival Ink - Jet Black (the ONLY ink I use for photo image rubber stamps!)
Ranger Distress Ink - Winter Limited Edition Collection
Idea-ology Jump Ring & Charm Clip

I'm linking up with Simon Says Stamp and Show a Tim Holtz Tag and Hels' Sunday Stamper - Santa Claus. Take care, everyone!

O Christmas Tree!

2011-12-21T18:46:00.000-06:00

First, let me say I'm so sorry I haven't posted in awhile! I even had someone write to make sure I was ok (thanks, Anita!), which was really sweet. This summer we built a porch that turned into a sunroom that ended up being pretty much an addition and we really wanted to get the inside done (we're slow!) by Christmas, so the past week or so has been dedicated to getting it finished. I'm exhausted! Holding up my end of a piece of plywood beadboard for the ceiling (times 10) was very tiring. Anywhooooooo.....

I haven't even finished the last two tags from Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas, but when I saw his little rosette tree, I knew I had to make one! I decided to plop mine on top of an old papier mache box that I had lying around. I covered the box with papers from the Idea-ology Seasonal Paper Stash. I used Ranger's Inkssentials Glue n' Seal to adhere the paper. The top of the box was painted with a Snow Cap Dabber and then stamped with the music stamp from Tim's Holiday Minis set. The whole thing was then coated with more Glue n' Seal and covered with crystal glitter.

The spool was wrapped with ribbon and topped with a little banner that was cut using the Sizzix Tattered Banner die. It was too long, but I wanted the larger width, so I clipped the ends to size. The banner was stamped with a sentiment from Artistic Outpost's Snowy Woods stamp set and then given its own coat of glitter. For the edges of the lid, I cut trim from white cardstock using the Sizzix Vintage Lace die. Again, I used Glue n' Seal to coat it and then covered it with chunky glitter. So pretty!! I love how versatile that die is!

I didn't have any of the Christmas Muse Tokens for the top, so I cut a bird from chipboard using the Mini Bird and Cage die from Sizzix. A coat of paint from my Snow Cap Dabber and a little more glitter and it was perfect to sit atop my tree!

I am so happy with how this turned out! If you're interested in purchasing any of the materials I used, you can get them at Inspiration Emporium. If you use my coupon code - stamptramp - you can save 10% off your order! The products I used are listed below:

Sizzix Paper Rosette Die
Sizzix Mini Paper Rosettes Die
Sizzix Tattered Banners Die
Sizzix Mini Bird and Cage Die
Sizzix Vintage Lace Die
Idea-ology Seasonal Paper
Inkssentials Glue n' Seal
Ranger Adirondack Dabber - Snow Cap
Core'dinations Kraft Cardstock
Tim Holtz Mini Holidays 3 Stamp Set

I'm a bit late, but I'm linking to Terri's Deck the Halls Sunday. Make sure you check out all the wonderful submissions!

Tim's Tag, Day 10 - A New Technique!

2011-12-11T16:48:00.000-06:00

It seems like it happens every year...I keep up with the tags until the end, and then I start falling behind. As anyone who has been keeping up can tell you, it takes a lot of time to do these each day! At some point you do have to actually get some work done, feed your family, etc. I stole a little time today to work on #10 and #11, but only managed to get this one done.

I had tried the tape transfer technique before, but never got great results. Mine came out this time, but for some reason I am very challenged when it comes to gluing stuff to Fragments! For that reason, I decided to do just one and doll it up with a Sizzix Paper Rosette die. Behind the rosette, I added a border cut using the Sizzix Vintage Lace die - I just found this technique in the latest issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter and couldn't wait to try it! The tag background stamp and holly stamp are both from Tim Holtz's Mini Holidays 3 stamp set.

To finish off my tag I added some tinsel garland, tulle, a dyed ribbon, and more pearl acorns. I tried to resist using them, but they're so adorable!

All the supplies I used can be found at Inspiration Emporium. Be sure you use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% off your order!

Supplies used:
Tim Holtz Rubber Stamps - Mini Holidays 3 set
Inkssentials Kraft Tag
Idea-ology Fragments
Idea-ology Alpha Parts - Newsprint
Sizzix Vintage Lace Die
Sizzix Paper Rosette Die
Sizzix Tattered Banners Die
Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabbers - Silver, Snow Cap

Tim's Tag, Day 9 - When in Doubt, Glitter!

2011-12-09T13:17:00.001-06:00

Today, I wasn't much in the tag mood. I think I might just be getting a little tag burnout! I finally decided I'd go ahead give today's tag from Tim a try. My biggest problem was trying to figure out what to use in place of the Candlelight Fright die he used. I ended up rifling through my bin of Grungeboard pieces and found this bird, which I thought was perfect!

I knew I wanted to do a softer color palette for today's tag, so I chose to stamp my background (from Artistic Outpost's Jane's Countryside collection) with the new Iced Spruce Distress ink. I tried a little experiment to see what it would look like if I used Picket Fence Distress Stain for my other color. It worked ok...not sure I would recommend using it for embossing, but I still love how it looks!

I felt like my tag was a little blah, so I reheated my embossing powder and sprinkled some of Martha's clear glitter over the top. It added just enough sparkle to give the tag some life. My Grungeboard bird was painted with a Snow Cap Paint Dabber and then covered with more glitter. I tied a little piece of silver garland around his neck and embellished with with foliage that was cut from Kraft Core'dinations using the Sizzix Festive Greenery die. The ribbon on the tag was dyed with Iced Spruce Distress ink.

I think this is my favorite part of the whole tag! I used Tim's Sizzix Vintage Market alpha die to cut the letters from white cardstock. I sponged them with Iced Spruce Distress ink and then covered them with more of Martha's glitter. They kind of blended into the background too much, so I cut more letters from white cardstock, glittered them, and then layered the green letters on top for a 3d effect. Love the glitter on top of the Iced Spruce! To finish the bottom, I cut a strip of lace from white cardstock, using the Vintage Lace die. It, too, was given the glitter treatment and adhered to the bottom of the tag.

This is one of those tags that you have to see in person - it just glistens from all that glitter! If you'd like to purchase the supplies I used, they are available at Inspiration Emporium. When you use my coupon code - stamptramp - you'll receive 10% off your order! Yay!

Supplies used:
Sizzix Vintage Market Die
Sizzix Vintage Lace Die
Sizzix Festive Greenery Die
Ranger Clear Embossing Powder
Ranger Distress Ink - Iced Spruce
Ranger Distress Stain - Picket Fence
Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabber - Snow Cap
Kraft Core'diantions Paper

Have a great weekend, everyone! :-)

Tim's Tag, Day 8 - Don't Imitate, Innovate!

2011-12-08T15:46:00.002-06:00

Today's tag from Tim should have been one of the easiest for me - I do love all things Steampunk! For some reason though, it took me some time to get into it. Since I'd already done my own little Steampunk wreath on tag #6, I wanted to do something a little different for this one. I'm sure I had this fantastic piece by Sarah on my mind when the idea for Steampunk ornaments popped into my head! Thanks so much for the inspiration, Sarah! :-)

To create the open gears, I first cut them from chipboard using my Sizzix Mini Gears and Gadget Gears dies. Next, I carefully snipped the cross piece from the cog, creating an open frame. The cog on the top left had a solid center which was cut out using a Spellbinders circle die (I didn't end up using that one).

After I cut the gears, I painted them with my Adirondack Metallic Dabbers. Love that look so much! Then, I stamped the clock images from Tim Holtz's Going Somewhere stamp set, and Artistic Outpost's Whimsical Melange, on white cardstock. I stamped the men from the Steampunk set on cream cardstock, cut them apart and adhered them to the clock faces. Finally, I layered them to a piece of chipboard and glued the frame on top.

Ooooh, my favorite part! After they were dry, I applied embossing ink to the inside and filled them with Ranger's Ultra Thick Embossing Powder (UTEE). I heated it to melt and then added another layer. I love how they turned out!

While I had my UTEE out, I whipped up a little Faux Crazed Porcelain tag for the bottom. I cut apart the numbers from Tim's Stuff to Say stamp set and used them for the 25. The tag is attached to the tag with Idea-ology Washers and Tiny Brads.

Since I had so much going on up at the top, I added an Idea-ology Hinge Clip and Light Bulb to the side of the tag. I used the Joyeux Noel stamp from Artistic Outpost's Snowy Woods collection to add the sentiment.

Supplies used:

Tim Holtz Steampunk Rubber Stamp Set
Tim Holtz Stuff to Say Stamp Set
Tim Holtz Going Somewhere Stamp Set
Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabbers - Silver, Gold, Copper, Pitch Black, Snow Cap
Ranger Distress Crackle Paint - Picket Fence
Ranger Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel - Clear
Sizzix Weathered Clock Die
Sizzix Gadget Gears Die
Sizzix Mini Gears Die
Idea-ology Light Bulbs, Hinge Clip
Idea-ology Tiny Attacher
Ranger Distress Ink - Peeled Paint, Fired Brick, Gathered Twigs

All the supplies I used for my tag are listed above and can be found at Inspiration Emporium - clicking the link will take you directly to the item. If you use my coupon code - stamptramp - you'll save 10%!

Tim's Tag, Day 7 - a Discovery!

2011-12-07T14:34:00.001-06:00

Am I the only one who checks Tim Holtz's blog for the latest tag the minute I get up? I know there are some who stay up until it's posted - not I! While I love all things TH, I love sleep just a bit more, lol! When I looked at today's tag with my bleary, sleepy eyes, I thought it was made from fabric. Then, since I quickly read through the instructions, I didn't even do the background right! Oh well...that's how you make it your own, right?

Instead of stamping a sentiment for my tag, I chose this Santa from Artistic Outpost's Snowy Woods collection, and I'm so glad I did! I wanted it to be plain, except for his beard, which I wanted to color white. There is a Technique Junkies technique called Faux Bleach, but I was too lazy to look it up. I thought...hmmmm...I wonder what would happen if I dipped a cotton swab into a little puddle of Picket Fence Distress Stain? Well, as you can see, it worked! If I hadn't been in a bit of a hurry, I would have tidied up the stain that got on the embossing a little better, but I still think it looks fab!

This is the first time I've tried alcohol inks on Kraft Glassine, and I love the effect. Since I don't have the holly die, I decided I would use Tim's technique from last year's tag #7 (funny coincidence!) and use the Tattered Florals die to create a poinsettia instead. I added greenery cut from Kraft Core'dinations using the Tattered Pinecone die. A flower from the Idea-ology Foliage set and a little snowflake punched with a Martha Stewart punch embellish the center.

As I said earlier, I was half asleep when I first looked at Tim's tag. I got the basics of the Kraft Glassine technique and did the rest from memory. I thought we were supposed to use regular Distress ink for the background - oops! I don't mind because I love this technique!! The background stamps I used are from Artistic Outpost's Ephemeral Backgrounds collection. The acorn pearls make another appearance...this time simple with no coloring. I love them!

Products used:

Idea-ology Kraft Glassine Paper
Idea-ology Foliage
Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Red Pepper, Gold, Cranberry
Ranger Distress Ink - Frayed Burlap, Pumice Stone
Ranger Embossing Powder - Black
Ranger Distress Stain - Picket Fence
Artistic Outpost Rubber Stamps - Snowy Woods, Ephemeral Backgrounds
Sizzix Tattered Florals Die
Sizzix Tattered Pinecone Die
Kraft Core'dinations Paper

You can find all the products listed above at Inspiration Emporium. Make sure you use my coupon code - stamptramp - to receive 10% off of your total! Also, don't forget that the Inspiration Journal blog is sponsoring a 12 Tags challenge. We would love to have you join in!

My Splitcoast Debut!

2011-12-07T08:46:00.001-06:00

A few months ago, Beate Johns invited me to share my Faux Crazed Porcelain tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers. I was so flattered and, of course, said yes! I love this technique and I hope the members over there are inspired to try it.

For my tutorial, I created this Christmas card using Artistic Outpost's Snowy Woods stamp set - one of my favorites. I love this Santa!

It's so hard to get a good photo of this technique. You'll just have to try it for yourself and see!

Supplies used:
Artistic Outpost Snowy Woods Rubber Stamps
Sizzix Vintage Lace die
Sizzix Tattered Pinecone Die
Idea-ology Charm Clips and Long Fasteners
Ranger Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel - Clear
Ranger Distress Crackle Paint - Picket Fence

All the supplies listed above can be found at Inspiration Emporium. Enter my coupon code - stamptramp - at checkout to receive 10% off your order!

Tim's Tag, Day 6

2011-12-06T12:48:00.000-06:00

I thought Tim Holtz's enamel technique was incredible today, but I really had to think awhile to figure out how I was going to create my own. I have a couple of Texture Fades that could have worked, but I finally settled on the simplicity of the Snow Flurries folder. I don't have a lot of time today and wanted something that would be quick and easy. I'm so glad I chose this - I love how it came out!

Like Tim says, you really have to see this technique in person to truly appreciate it. I was out of Ranger's metal so I used aluminum duct tape that I stole from my husband's workshop. Since I was in a hurry, I just applied it directly to the tag and embossed. I used an Aqua Paint Dabber to color the whole thing. When it was dry, I hit the snowflakes with my Snow Cap Dabber. I didn't mind that a little of the white got onto the blue - I thought it made it look more snowy. Instead of using regular clear embossing powder, I used Ultra Thick (UTEE). Honestly, I'll use any excuse to whip out the UTEE. I love that stuff!

Since my background was so simple, I decided to add a little bird as a focal point. I wanted him to have the same look as the tag, so I covered a piece of chipboard with more foil tape and cut my bird using the Sizzix Caged Bird die. I painted him with the Snow Cap Dabber and then stamped the word 'Wish' from Tim's Things to Say stamp collection, using the Aqua Dabber instead of ink (I love stamping with Dabbers!). I sanded the edges lightly and embossed, again using UTEE. Oh, I am loving this technique!! Nothing will be safe now. :-)

It's great to see that so many of you are joining in over at the Inspiration Journal blog. If you aren't, you need too - you could win a gift certificate to Inspiration Emporium! All of the supplies I used are listed below and can be found at Inspiration Emporium (just click the link to be taken to the item). If you use my coupon code - stamptramp - you'll save yourself 10%!

Adirondack Paint Dabber - Aqua, Snow Cap
Sizzix Snow Flurries Texture Fade
Sizzix Caged Bird Die
Ranger Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel
Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous Stuff To Say Stamp Collection
Idea-ology Charm Clip, Jump Ring
Idea-ology Lavish Trimmings

Tim's Tag, Day 5 - Never Give Up!

2011-12-05T13:06:00.000-06:00

I have never had great success with Adirondack alcohol inks. For some reason, I could just never get the same results as others got. When I saw Tim's tag for today, I almost opted to do the second one, just so I wouldn't have to deal with failure again. But, I figured, what does it hurt to try? This might be my breakthrough moment. I'm so glad I did!! Since the only Reflections stamps I have are the original set, I tried to come up with something that would work with them.

My friend Cyndi did a really great tag on Day 1, using Tim's Gadget Gears die. I had remarked to her that it would be fun to do the whole series in a Steampunk theme (she thinks Dieselpunk is the next big thing - Cyndi is very ahead of her time). When I first read Tim's post, I thought he said something about turning any kind of die into a wreath (I actually thought he made his leaves out of reindeer ears - I'm a bit wonky today)! So, I thought, why not a gear wreath? Why not a whole Steampunk Christmas tag?

I cut my tag from clear packaging using Tim's Tag die. The back was inked with Bottle and Espresso inks. I wanted a more rustic look, so I inked my Reflections number stamp with Archival Sepia ink, instead of black. I really love how it came out! To keep it feeling grungy, I mounted my tag on kraft paper instead of white cardstock. My 'wreath' was cut from Grungeboard using the Gadget Gears die. I did Tim's Faux Rust technique (from his book, Compendium of Curiosities) on both the gear and the snowflake. For my bow, I dyed seam binding with Forest Moss and Faded Jeans Distress Stains.

I loved the simplicity of today's tag, but felt like mine looked a little plain, so I added a strip of Idea-ology Tissue Tape to the bottom. On top of that, I adhered letters that I cut from light chipboard using the Sizzix Chip Block die. They were also given the rust treatment. Everything started blending in a little too much, so I covered them with Glossy Accents to help them stand out a little more.

Everything I used is listed below and can be found at Inspiration Emporium. Don't forget to use my coupon code - stamptramp - to score 10% off your order! You also need to check out the Inspiration Journal blog; we are having a 12 Tags challenge and you could win a gift certificate!

Supplies used:

Sizzix Gadget Gears Die
Sizzix Tag and Bookplates Die
Sizzix Chip Block Die
Stampers Anonymous Reflections Rubber Stamps
Idea-ology Tissue Tape, Charm Clips, Sprocket Gears, Mini Fastener, Light Bulb, Grungeboard
Ranger Distress Stain - Faded Jeans, Forest Moss
Ranger Distress Embossing Powder - Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain
Ranger Glossy Accents
Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Bottle, Espresso
Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch

Tim's Tag, Day 4 - Perseverance

2011-12-04T14:35:00.001-06:00

I almost had one of those whiny, 'I don't have the stuuuuuuffff' moments when I saw Tim's tag for today. I actually do have a lot of the stuff, I just don't have the Winter Wonder snowman die and I couldn't think of what would work to replace it. I finally settled on the Artful Dwellings die and the sweet little Mini Reindeer Movers and Shapers die.

Everything was going fairly well. I had cut out my little house and covered it with Rock Candy Distress Crackle paint. I didn't love how my Distress Stains looked (why does Tim's always look so much better?!), but I was ok with it. My trouble started when I decided to see what would happen if I added a few drops of Silver Adirondack Alcohol ink to the puddle of Distress Stains...I really wanted a pretty little thread of silver running through the blues and white...

I hadn't used that color for awhile and so a couple big blobs kind of shot out when I squeezed. I was like, what the heck, maybe it will be ok. So, I swiped my tag...

...and spritzed it with a little rubbing alcohol, thinking it would kind of disperse the ink. Well, that ink dried in a flash! But the rest of my poor tag was saturated. I dried it with my heat gun and it was a mess. I thought about giving up, but I decided to see if I could salvage it.

In the end, it all came together. I don't know that I would recommend that technique, but it's always fun to see what will happen! To finish my tag, I embellished it with some glittered trim, made with the Sizzix Vintage Lace die. I added a little wreath, some chunky glitter, and I was done. Whew. Glad that is over! I think part of my inability to focus on today's tag is that my daughter is coming home for a long visit tomorrow!! [Warning...major mom bragging ahead.] She got a job working for American's Next Top Model in LA back in September. It was so exciting, but so hard to have her leave (growing up is very hard on moms). I absolutely cannot wait to see her beautiful face tomorrow and have the luxury of seeing her every day for the next three weeks!

Ok, back to business! You can find all the supplies I used at Inspiration Emporium AND if you use my coupon code - stamptramp - you will save yourself 10%! In addition, make sure you join in with us over at the Inspiration Journal blog. You just might win a nice little gift certificate! :-)

Tim's Tag, Day 3 - It Worked!

2011-12-03T13:27:00.002-06:00

One thing about experimenting (which I do a LOT); you never really know what the outcome will be. You hope for the best, but, until you actually do it, it's a crapshoot! That's why it's so exciting when something works out exactly the way you thought it would.

I totally loved Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas tag today. Unfortunately, I am a bit impaired when it comes to the whole Cut 'n Dry technique and I don't have the foam either, so there's also that obstacle. I originally thought of using Adirondack Paint Dabbers and then I remembered my Distress Stains. Yes! I used them on a similar project a few months ago (you can see a little tutorial here) and I loved the look. I crossed my fingers and started inking.....

First, lay out your tags and arrange your Distress Stains. I used Fired Brick, Barn Door, Peeled Paint, Faded Jeans, Broken China, Brushed Corduroy, and Forest Moss. Beginning at the top, ink each word with the desired color. Work fairly quickly, but you don't need to rush. If you get a little ink on another word, just wipe it off with your finger.

Once the whole stamp has been inked, spritz it lightly with water. This will insure that all of your ink is moist. If you wet it too much, you'll have more of a watercolor effect (which might be very cool!).

WOW! I was shocked when I saw how clear the images were. I really thought that they might be washed out or watery looking. Instead, they are vibrant and beautiful!

I didn't have the Perfect Pearls mist, so I mixed up my own by adding a scoop of white Perfect Pearls and a scoop of gold to a water-filled Mini Mister. I love the shimmery look it gives the tag! This is a pic of both of the tags, one sprayed and one not - you can really see the difference.

Yesterday, I had a fun shopping spree at Hobby Lobby with my friends. I found so much cool stuff! One thing I was on the hunt for was some smaller pearls to make into acorns. I found the perfect size and was dying to use them. I was dying to dye them! Hahahaha! Anyway...I thought a olive-y green color would look fantastic with this tag.

This isn't exactly an exciting tutorial pic, but I did want to show how I dyed my pearls. I just squirted a little Lettuce and Meadow Adirondack Alcohol ink into a baggie and rolled the pearls around in it. They come out beautifully dyed!

Tim's idea for stamping this tag seriously blew me away - how does he even come up with that stuff?? The whole tag criss-crossing thing? I guess that's why he's famous or something. ;-) I finished mine with most of the same products he used: the background stamp is from his Seasonal Silhouettes set, and I jumped at the chance to use more Kraft Core'dinations. The rusty snowflake is one of my HobBlob (short for Hobby Lobby - I just read that on another blog and it cracked me up) treasures. I was really wishing I had the coordinating Texture Fade, but I just ordered it and it hasn't come yet. :(

Don't forget to check out the challenge on the Inspiration Journal blog. Your participation could win you a $25 or even $50 gift certificate to the Inspiration Emporium store! Don't forget, you can save 10% off your order when you use my coupon code - stamptramp.

Have a great day!

Tim's Tag, Day 2 - No Excuses!

2011-12-02T21:29:00.001-06:00

Today, I had to do my Day 2 tag fairly quickly. I had plans to meet friends for lunch and have a little Vagabond party afterwards. What? You've never heard of a Vagabond party? It's where you lug your Vagabond and dies to your friend's house and everyone cuts their little hearts out. Wait...that doesn't sound right....

Anyway, I wanted to get this done because I knew I would end up being there all day, yakking away (we had a great time!), and wouldn't want to do it when I got home. I really loved the look of Tim's tag and didn't want to stray too far from the original. Of course, it wouldn't be fun without a few improvisations!

First up was the deer. Now, I have seen more than a few people rending their garments, wailing that their heart done sunk when they saw that Tim used stuff they didn't have. I say, hush your mouth! For some reason I always forget to buy Claudine Hellmuth's Sticky Back Canvas. So, I didn't have any for today's tag. Did I weep? No! I grabbed some unbleached muslin, Grungeboard, and my trusty Xyron.

I adhered the muslin to the Grungeboard, cut it with my Mini Reindeer die, inked it with Brushed Corduroy Distress ink and, boom. Faked-up canvas.

Now, I do have some of the Idea-ology Kraft Resist paper, but it isn't the Christmas-themed one. Of course, you could use that, or you could use kraft cardstock, but what if you have none of that? Well, I'll bet you have a paper sack! I cut a piece and glued it to a chipboard tag that I cut with my Sizzix Tag and Bookplates die.

To create my own resist, I stamped the music background from Artistic Outpost's Ephemeral Backgrounds collection, then I inked up the word 'Christmas' on the background stamp from Tim Holtz's Seasonal Silhouettes stamp collection with Distress embossing ink and stamped it along the edge. I also stamped snowflakes from Artistic Outpost's Snowy Woods stamp set and embossed both images with Ranger clear embossing powder.

After the stamping, I pretty much did the background as Tim showed. I didn't have the Perfect Pearls mist, so I dabbed a puddle of Picket Fence Distress Stain on my craft mat, spritzed it with some homemade Perfect Pearls mist, and then flicked it all over the card. For my border, I used a strip from the Sizzix Vintage Lace die. What's great it that it already has perfectly lined up holes - no measuring! Oh, and that little black thing around his neck is a rusty jingle bell I found at Hobby Lobby.

Make sure you take a minute and check out Inspiration Journal's 12 Days of Tags challenge - you could win a $25 gift certificate to the store! If you need any of the supplies I used, you can find them at Inspiration Emporium - they even have the Sizzix Mini Reindeer in stock, which I hear is VERY hard to find right now! Make sure you use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% off your purchase. Heck, while you're there, get yourself a Vagabond too. You can have great parties with it! :-)

Have a great weekend....get inky!

Tim's Tag, Day 1 - Make it Work!

2011-12-01T16:23:00.000-06:00

I feel a little silly admitting that I didn't sleep very well last night. I just couldn't wait for morning to see what Tim Holtz had some up with for the first of his 12 Tags of Christmas! As usual, he didn't disappoint. Every time he posts a new tag, it is my favorite - and of course, this one was incredible and I totally fell in love.

Every year, it's been my tradition to show ways of recreating the tag, even if you don't have the materials. I hate when I hear people saying they won't join in because they don't have the stuff. That's crazy! This year it's hard because, for once, I DO have the stuff. I decided that I was still going to try a few MacGyver antics, just to see if it could be done! Maybe these should be called Tim Gunn 'Make it Work' moments. I love Project Runway and Tim is the best! Anyway.....

The Kraft Core'dinations cardstock sets the tone for the whole tag. What if you don't have any? I stole an idea from my friend, Cyndi (thanks, Cyndi!), and created a similar look with kraft cardstock and Adirondack Paint Dabbers. Here are the deets:

1. Cut a tag from kraft cardstock using the Sizzix Tag and Bookplates die. Cover entire surface with paint using an Aqua Paint Dabber.

Step 2: Dry with heat gun and apply another layer of paint, this time swiping it in the opposite direction (crosshatch). Dry with heat gun.

Step 3: Emboss using desired folder. I have the Sizzix Snow Flurries folder Tim used, but I wanted to show that you can change it up and use what YOU have on hand. I actually got so excited at this point that I totally forgot to ink the folder. Oops! the cardstock was so fragile I didn't want to put it back through, so I inked the folder and pressed down. It didn't do the greatest job, so I tried something else.

Step 4: I spritzed it with water! It held the embossing powder just long enough to melt. I actually got kind of freaked out by the coverage and brushed too much off. I can't believe how good it looks after I sanded it!

Ok, we took care of our background, but this is a huge reason why this tag is so awesome: the Sizzix Tattered Pinecone die. I have it, and it is fantastic! But, what if you ordered it and you don't have it yet? Well...I came up with something that kinda approximates the original. At least if you don't look back at Tim's. ;-) This was inspired by a friend at stamp club who showed us how to make a torn flower.

Step 1: Tear a circle shape from Kraft Core'dinations cardstock. I think this is about 3" wide.

Step 2: Tear the cardstock in a spiral shape.

Step 3: Proceed as Tim shows in the video. I know...right now you're doubting me, aren't you? Just wait - they get better.

Step 4: See! A little ink, paint, and glitter and they're not too bad. I think they look somewhat pineconey anyway. :-)

So, background done, pine cones made. Rats! You don't have the Tattered Banners die! But, you do have some Idea-ology Tissue Tape, Distress ink, and cardstock. Right? You can make a Tissue Tape Banner!

Step 1: Adhere a strip of Tissue Tape to a piece of tan cardstock. Ink with Brushed Corduroy Distress ink.

Step 2: Trim excess cardstock, clip ends, and shape into banner. Easy!

Ok, this is just a little silly thing I wanted to do. So you don't have any Idea-ology Baubles, you say? Well, if you have an oak tree and some pearls....! I painted the acorn cap with my silver Dabber and glued it onto a large pearl. I stuck a straight pin into it to make a little hook. It's attached to my tag with an Idea-ology Mini Paper Clip. I love it!

So, now you have no excuse not to play along, right? You have all kinds of things at your disposal...you just need to use your imagination and be inspired!! I made a couple more changes to my tag - I used the Reindeer Flight die, just because it's so pretty and I just got it! I also added a little Idea-ology Philosophy Tag under my pine cones. It's been painted with Snow Cap and Lettuce Dabbers. Oh, I also added a little glittered trim to the bottom that I created with Tim Holtz's Vintage Lace die.

Speaking of being inspired, the Inspiration Journal blog has come up with something that you are going to want to check out! For each of the 12 Tag days, we are challenging you to join along. They will be giving away a $20 gift certificate to the store - each day! Plus, if you've entered every day, you are eligible to win a $50 gift certificate! Check it all out here.

Don't forget, if you want to pick up a few supplies, you can use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% off your purchases from Inspiration Emporium. See you all tomorrow!!

Keep Calm and Merry On

2011-11-30T15:15:00.001-06:00

This is one of those cards that totally mystified me until I made one. It's called a Free Standing Pop-Up Card and it is one of 70 tutorials on the new Technique Junkie 3D and Fun Folds CD. Like so many things, I WISH you could see it in real life - it's so cool!

This is what is so awesome - it folds flat to mail! Oooh, wrap your mind around that. I honestly could not figure out how it all worked until I made one. The base of the card is constructed with Kraft Core'dinations paper. I cannot tell you how much I love that paper! The true color of it is actually closer to burgundy - my camera is horrible at photographing red. I added a contrasting strip of teal Kraft Core'dinations to the front, along with a snowflake border I cut using the Sizzix Snow Flurries die. I love the way it pops up when the card is open!

Okay, I'm not gonna lie...I thought I was pretty darn clever for coming up with this! First, I cut a piece of chipboard using Tim Holtz's Mini Labels die. Using a Bottle Adirondack Paint Dabber, I 'inked' the Keep Calm stamp from Artistic Outpost's London Underground collection, avoiding the crown and the word Carry. I stamped it onto the label. Next, I used a Red Pepper Dabber to 'ink' (I never know how to say that!) the Merry portion of the Merry Christmas stamp from Artistic Outpost's Frosty and Friends stamp collection, and a small snowflake from their Sleigh Ride set. I very carefully stamped them in the appropriate spots. I love the way the Merry font contrasts so well with the rest of the sentiment. Behind that is a British flag that was stamped with the Bottle Dabber.

The top of my tag is decorated with holly leaves and berries that were cut from Kraft Core'dinations using the Sizzix Festive Greenery Die. I added some ribbon that was tinted with Antique Linen Distress ink, and highlighted the berries with a little Fired Brick Distress Stickles.

If you're interested in purchasing the 3D and Fun Folds CD, you can use my link below. It contains 70 projects - from pop-ups to boxes to cards and more. It is a blast if you enjoy paper crafting! Each tutorial contains step-by-step photo instructions, making cards like this a breeze.

Ode to Joy

2011-11-28T20:50:00.001-06:00

This week, Simon Says Stamp and Show wants us to see Stars! Yet again, I was NOT going to do anything in my studio today besides clean up and get organized before Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas starts. Well...you know how that goes. One thing lead to another and here we are.

A couple years ago I came across two cartons of vintage, never used zinc canning jar lids - the kind with the porcelain inside the cap - so cool! I wasn't sure what I would do with them, but I couldn't pass them up. Now, I know why I bought them; they make great ornaments!

To create my ornament, I covered the back with a piece of music-themed paper from the Idea-ology Lost and Found paper pack Next, I cut a star from chipboard and covered it with glitter. My little Reindeer was cut from Grungeboard with the Sizzix Mini Reindeer and 25 die set. This time, I decided to give her a little rest from the glitter and, instead, sponged her with Brushed Corduroy Distress ink. Over the top, I added a layer of Inkssentials Glossy Accents. I love the way it acts like varnish - bringing out the depth and enhancing the color of the inked Grungeboard. Pretty!

Tip! Did you know you can change the color of plain metallic chenille stems with Adirondack alcohol ink? You can! Just pounce it on with your Ranger Alcohol Ink Applicator. How cool is that? I made my little deer a silvery-green wreath to wear by tinting my silver stem with Bottle and Pesto inks.

I finished off my vintage ornament with a Faux Crazed Porcelain tag. You can find my tutorial for it here. The tag was cut with one of my new favorite dies - Sizzix Tiny Tabs and Labels. That is one of the most useful dies I have. I stamped my tag with a Joy stamp from Kaisercraft (sorry, not sure of the stamp set name). Love that stamp, though!

I have to apologize for my pics today. It is dark and grey and gloomy here. It's supposed to snow, but I haven't seen any yet! Update - it is allegedly snowing! Yay!

All the supplies linked above can be found at Inspiration Emporium. ~~If you hurry, you can take advantage of their 20% off coupon code!! Enter 'thanks' at checkout to receive your discount. This expires TONIGHT at Midnight PST, so you still have a few hours!~~ EXPIRED! But, you can still use my coupon code - stamptramp - and save 10%. Not too shabby! :-)

You also still have a little time to enter the Inspiration Journal monthly challenge. Read all about it here!

Oh, Deer!

2011-11-27T19:24:00.001-06:00

Do you ever get one of those ideas that just won't go away? I have a million things to do right now, but I couldn't do anything until I'd exorcised it from my brain!

I'm sure you've seen the deer heads that seem to be everywhere in the design world these days. Last night I got it into my head that I could make one using Tim Holtz's Reindeer Flight die - and it worked! By cutting them from thick mat board and stacking them, I was able to create a facsimile of a mounted deer (I forgot the antlers tho - oops!).

I thought about trying to round the edges, but decided I liked the boxier look. After I stacked and glued them, I covered the mat board with strips of paper, using Claudine Hellmuth Studio Matte Medium. The ornament base was made from one of the houses from the Sizzix Artful Dwellings die. The great thing about this die is that it's a Movers and Shapers die, so I could add my Mini Styled Labels die to the center of it and cut a perfect window - love that!

After cutting the little house, I stamped over it with various snowflake stamps from Artistic Outpost's Sleigh Ride stamp collection, using a Snow Cap Dabber. When that was dry, I sponged over it lightly with Antique Linen and Brushed Corduroy Distress inks, carefully wiping the ink from the stamped images. The back of the ornament was stamped with a music image from Artistic Outpost's Ephemeral Backgrounds and Brushed Corduroy Distress ink.

To finish off my ornament, I cut a banner from white paper using Tim Holtz's Tattered Banners die and stamped it with a sentiment, again, from AO's Sleigh Ride stamp set. Finally, I added a little strip of trim that was cut using the Sizzix Vintage Lace die to the bottom, and a little Grungeboard star to the top. Oh, and the little wreath around her neck is one that I got at Hobby Lobby and bleached - love that look!

If you want to purchase the supplies I used, you still have time to take advantage of Inspiration Emporium's generous 20% discount! Just enter 'thanks' at checkout. This offer ends at Midnight on November the 28th, so act fast! This is the perfect time to get all your supplies for decorating, card and tag making, and gift making. And, don't forget - just a few days and Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas will be starting!!

Today, I'm linking up with Hels' Sunday Stamper - Stars, and Terri's Deck the Halls Sunday. Hope you all had a great holiday - have a fantastic week!

A Frosty Grungy Monday

2011-11-26T17:12:00.000-06:00

I didn't know if I would get a chance to participate in this week's GM challenge, but I had a little free time this afternoon and decided to whip something up. Our inspiration piece was Tim Holtz's gorgeous embossed metal pumpkin from Ranger's Great Pumpkin challenge. After several unsightly attempts at embossing and alcohol inking metal, this is what I ended up with!

My wee reindeer was created by adhering an Inkssentials Metal Foil Tape Sheet to a piece of chipboard and then cutting it using the Sizzix Mini Reindeer and 25 die set. It was embossed with the Sizzix Snow Flurries Texture Fade, and inked with Denim Adirondack alcohol ink. I also added a little Rock Candy Distress Stickles and a little extra sprinkle of chunky glitter. To help it stand out, I added a mini rosette that was cut from white cardstock using the Sizzix Mini Paper Rosette die.

I have really wanted to try making this sweet tealight gift set from the latest Technique Junkie CD - 3D and Fun Folds. It goes together really quickly and would make a perfect little hostess gift or stocking stuffer. My background stamp is from Tim Holtz's Seasonal Silhouettes stamp set.

Of course, I jump at any excuse to use the Vintage Lace die! Here, I've added strips to all of the candles. I think it really dresses them up. The snowflake stamp in the center of the candle is also from the Seasonal Silhouettes stamp set.

I am thoroughly tickled with how this turned out! If you're interested in purchasing the 3D and Fun Folds CD, you can use the PayPal link below. The CD features full step-by-step tutorials for this and 69 other great projects. It would make a fantastic gift for your favorite crafter (or yourself!).

A Frosty Jar and a Coupon!

2011-11-25T14:48:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! Now that Thanksgiving is over, I don't feel one bit guilty about sharing a Christmas project! I worked on this last week and just put the finishing touches on it today and I am in LOVE. Do you ever have one of those projects that actually turns out better than you'd imagined? That's what happened with my snowman. I was inspired by Hels' Frosty the Snowman theme for Sunday Stampers - I'm a little slow, but I finally got it done!

I'd been saving this jar for some time (I am a horrible pack rat!). I came across it while looking through some cupboards and a little light went off! I'd just seen some of Sue Pelletier's original altered snowman bottles and decided to make one with a little scene in it. Oh...I am so in love with this, lol!

I thought that it would look neat to use the large background stamp from Tim Holtz's Seasonal Silhouettes as a background. So, I stamped it on acetate with a Juniper Dabber and inserted it into the jar - I love that it just disappears! I added a little bleached tree (check out this great tutorial from Terri!) and a little glittered deer that I cut from chipboard with the Sizzix Movers and Shapers Mini Reindeer and 25 die. After they were in place, I sprinkled some snow and added a few vintage mercury balls and some pearl beads.

The head was created from a styrofoam ball. I squished it up a little and painted it with a layer of gesso. When that was dry, I painted the whole thing with Ranger Picket Fence Distress Crackle paint. If you look reaaaally closely, you can see the cracks. Very cool! I wasn't sure if it would work or not and I love how it came out. The bits for the eyes and mouth are actually the holly berries from Tim's Festive Greenery strip die. Cut from black cardstock, they make perfect little 'rocks'! The nose was fashioned from a rolled piece of Kraft Core'dinations. The hat is made from a piece paper from the Idea-ology Lost and Found paper pack. It was embellished with a little bleached wreath and seam binding that was tinted with the new Evergreen Bough ink from the Limited EditionWinter Distress set.

Oooooh, one of my favorite parts! The silver trim was created by cutting white cardstock using the Sizzix Vintage Lace die. I painted it with a silver Dabber and then coated with with silver glitter. So pretty! The lid underneath was painted with a Juniper Dabber - I love that shade of green. My snowman's scarf is seam binding that was dyed with Vintage Linen Distress Stain.

Finally, I added these little jingle bells that I found at Hobby Lobby. I coated them with a little chunky glitter to give them an icy look. I'm also sharing this over at Terri's Deck the Halls Sunday - make sure you pop over, there are some great projects!

Most items I used can be purchased from Inspiration Emporium. As a way of saying 'thank you,' they are offering a 20% off coupon code, good until November 28th at Midnight. Just enter 'thanks' and you will receive a discount on your entire order! Wow! What a great time to get stocked up on supplies for Christmas - AND, Tim's 12 Tags is just around the corner. I can't wait! Have you seen the video? I swear, my heart was beating so fast!

Thanks so much for stopping by - enjoy your weekend! :-)

Thankful

2011-11-24T16:16:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for everyone who takes the time to visit my blog and leave supportive comments. You have no idea how much they mean to me!

The little hanging above was created using the Tim Holtz Thankful Silhouettes stamp set. I used Terra Cotta and Cranberry (how appropriate!) Paint Adirondack Dabbers and stamped onto a piece of rough muslin. The muslin was stitched to a piece of burlap and then attached to a ribbon-tied stick with Trinket Pins.

How cute are these?! They're little pearl acorns that I made by coloring large pearl beads with Terra Cotta and Butterscotch Adirondack alcohol inks. I popped the real acorns out of the cap and replaced them with the pearls. They are so pretty - I think they would make adorable little Christmas ornaments too!

Happy Thanksgiving from Cheepers too! Don't forget to check back tomorrow - I have a really pretty project to share with you and a coupon code for Black Friday!

A Very Merry Tutorial!

2011-11-23T14:09:00.001-06:00

A couple months ago I posted a Halloween-themed altered bingo card and promised I would post a tutorial on how I did the letters. Well, it's taken me a little while, but I finally got it done! This time, I've used my letters on a Christmas themed piece. I hope you enjoy learning how to make these - they are so fun and add a nice sparkle to your projects!

Supplies: Ranger Ultra Thick Embossing Powder (UTEE) - clear. Versamark or other clear embossing ink, Ranger Distress Stickles in desired color (I used Fired Brick), Ranger Distress ink in coordinating color (I used Fired Brick), Letters cut from chipboard or heavy cardstock (mine were cut using the Tim Holtz/Sizzix Vintage Market Strip Die), Chipboard squares, Decorative Paper, Heat Gun; Idea-ology Sanding Grip, Glue Stick, Tweezers.

Step One: Cut small squares from chipboard and adhere them to your decorative paper using a glue stick. Trim excess paper.

Step Two: Sand edges using Idea-ology Sanding Grip. Ink edges if desired.

Step Three: Cut letters from chipboard or cardstock. Ink well using Distress Ink.

Step Four: When dry, cover surface with a heavy layer of Distress Stickles. Allow letters to dry completely.

Step Five: Ink the entire surface of your chipboard piece with Versamark.

Step Six: Coat the inked chipboard piece with UTEE, tap off excess. Heat UTEE until it melts. While melted UTEE is still hot, quickly dip it into the powder to apply another coat. If UTEE has cooled too much, reapply Versamark and recoat with powder. We are building a thick layer of enamel for your letter to sink into.

Step Seven: With your heat tool, heat the second coat of UTEE until it melts. Using your tweezers, QUICKLY lay your letter on the melted surface and press down. **Be very careful during this step! Melted UTEE is very hot!** If your letter is crooked and the UTEE has cooled, you can use your heat tool to remelt the UTEE and move your letter around.

That's it! When your piece has cooled, you can us it on anything from cards to tags to ATCs.

Here is another view of the tile - you can really see the sparkle much better here! To create hangers for my piece, I used Idea-ology Charm Clips and Long Fasteners. I gave them a frosty look with a Snow Cap Dabber and a little glitter.

I love this Santa from Artistic Outpost's Frosty and Friends! He's been colored with Fired Brick Distress ink and given some sparkle with Fired Brick Distress Stickles. His fluffy beard is covered with Sugar Sparkly Fluff, and his hat trim was glittered up with Rock Candy Distress Stickles. After I stamped and colored him, I trimmed him and layered the piece onto a rosette that was cut using Tim's Paper Rosette die. Here's a quick tip - I needed the rosette to be a bit larger (so he would fit), so, after folding and gluing the ends together, I stretched the rosette out and glued it onto a larger circle. Since the center would be hidden, it didn't matter what that part looked like!

Finally, the bottom of the card was finished with vintage rick rack and a piece of ruffled trim from Idea-ology's Lavish Trimmings. The center was embellished with an Idea-ology Philosophy Tag that I painted with my Snow Cap Dabber and mint green acrylic paint.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Please let me know if you try it - I would love to see your finished work! Don't forget, everything I used can be found at Inspiration Emporium AND you can use my code - stamptramp - to save 10% off your order.

One more reminder - you still have time to enter the Inspiration Journal monthly challenge. This month we're inviting you to use 'tools' in your creations. For example, I used an Idea-ology Sanding Grip, Heat Tool, and my Vagabond in my project. Any of those would qualify as a tool. Get busy! You have until November 30th to join!

Simon Says Stamp & Show a Ticket

2011-11-21T09:38:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited to share one of my favorite projects from the new Technique Junkies 3D and Fun Folds CD. It's called a Fantasy Box and it is seriously one of the coolest things ever. When it's closed, it looks great, but the real magic is when you take off the lid...

And your simple box opens to reveal four secret compartments! Seriously, how cool is this??? I used papers from Tim Holtz's Idea-ology Paper Stash to cover the outside and inside, and also for my lid and little boxes. Do you believe this is all created from paper? One of my favorite things to do is 'build' things from paper. That's what is so fun about the CD - 70 projects you can create out of paper!

These little boxes are great for holding all my little Idea-ology findings. Wouldn't this be an amazing gift for a crafty friend? To decorate my edges, I cut lace trim from white cardstock using the Sizzix Vintage Lace die (this die is fast becoming one of my faves!). I inked it with the new Gathered Twigs ink from the Limited Edition Fall Distress Collection and then sanded it off a bit with my Idea-ology Sanding Grip.

Simon Says Stamp and Show wants us to use tickets this week. One of my favorite uses for the Idea-ology Adage Tickets is to use them with an Idea-ology Ornate Plate - they fit so perfectly. After I adhered the ticket, I filled the depression with Inkssentials Crackle Accents. I saw Lori do this awhile back and filed the idea away to use some day. Thanks for the inspiration, Lori!

If you'd like full, step-by-step photo tutorials for this and 69 other projects, you can purchase your CD by clicking on the link below, or on the top of my sidebar. With Christmas around the corner, this would be a great gift for a stamping/scrapping friend - or yourself! :-)

Location

As always, all of the supplies I used can be purchased at Inspiration Emporium. Don't forget, you can use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% off your order!

Grungy Monday #27

2011-11-16T12:18:00.000-06:00

For this week's Grungy Monday, Linda challenged us to revisit one of the technique tags from day 6 of Tim Holtz's 2007 12 Tags of Christmas. I went a little goofy on this one. I decided to cut a mask using the new Sizzix Vintage Noel die. Since it's a word and not a pattern, it kinda got lost a bit in the background. To 'fix' it, I highlighted it with a white Inkssentials gel pen. Not content to mess it up just with that, I thought maybe burnishing around the edges of the word would make it pop out more. Not sure about that...it looked pretty good at 9 o'clock last night, when my eyes were a little blurry... ;-)

What I do love is my little pine cone. This is my third attempt at using Tim's new Tattered Pinecone die and I think I have it almost figured out, lol! This time I used Kraft Core'dinations paper - love the look of it. I also added a little bit of Snow Cap Dabber paint here and there, to give it a snowy look.

I was playing around with my new Mini Reindeer Movers and Shapers die a few days ago...trying out my Faux Crazed Porcelain technique (seriously, I'll try that technique on anything that will stand still long enough!). I had this piece lying on my desk and thought it was the perfect substitute for the Grungeboard that Tim used on his tag. The stamps behind my reindeer are from Tim's Reindeer Flight stamp collection. The trim was cut from white cardstock using the new Sizzix Vintage Lace die.

You can find everything I used at Inspiration Emporium by clicking the links above. Don't forget to use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% off your order. Now is the perfect time to order all of the new Christmas stamps, inks, dies, and more! There is also a new monthly challenge on the Inspiration Journal blog. This month it's all about tools. Check it out - you could win a $50 shopping spree!

A Double Challenge

2011-11-13T16:41:00.002-06:00

I really wasn't going to stamp today...really. I was going to do laundry and catch up on all the stuff I've been putting off. But then I saw Hels' Sunday Stamper challenge and the little gears in my mind started turning. That's all it took! With the theme being Trail of the Lonesome Pine, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to experiment with my new Sizzix Tattered Pinecone die from Tim Holtz.

I picked up a bunch of little frames at Michaels yesterday. At only a buck apiece, I couldn't resist. I had been trying to think of something to do for the Simon Says Stamp and Show 'Up-cycling' challenge and thought turning these frames into Christmas Ornaments might just be the ticket. A bit of Silver Adirondack Dabber paint and my frame was much prettier! While the paint was drying, I stamped these cuties from Artistic Outpost's Sleigh Ride collection on white cardstock and colored them using Evergreen Bough and Festive Berries inks from the new Winter Distress ink collection (I am crazy for this color combo!!). After covering the back of the frame with French text, I adhered the stamped image and added a few dabs of Rock Candy Stickles here and there.

The sentiment (also from Sleigh Ride) was stamped with Festive Berries onto a banner cut from white cardstock using the Tattered Banners die. I added lots of Rock Candy Stickles with a bit of Martha Stewart glitter added in for good measure. You can't see it well, but I dyed some seam binding with the Festive Berries ink to create a hanger for my ornament - the color is gorgeous!

Here is the real star of the show! I would love to say I was a pro at this the first time...but I would be lying, lol! I struggled quite a bit to get my pinecones just right. One of them is actually rolled up the wrong way - oops! Should have watched that video a little closer. :-) Once I practiced a little, it came together and I think they are adorable.

I decided to create my own paper for my pinecone (see below) and I love how it turned out! I also hand tinted my cedar branches (also cut using the Tattered Pinecone die) - I wanted them to have the same watercolor-y look as the girl's coat. To give the branches a layered look, I decided to cut the smaller branches from the Sizzix Festive Greenery die and add those on top. While I was cutting, I also cut the tiny flourish from white cardstock, adding more glitter before adhering it to the frame. That is one hard working die!

Here's a quick and dirty little tute on how I made the paper for my pinecone and how I altered the frame. I apologize for the pic quality - I took them with my phone.

1. Purchase frames from $1 section at Michaels. 2. Remove easel back with pliers. 3. Paint with Silver Dabber.

For pinecone: 1. Swipe various brown shades of Distress Stain (I used Walnut Stain, Vintage Photo, and Brushed Corduroy) across white cardstock. 2. Cut using Tattered Pinecone die and sand using Idea-ology Sanding Grip. 3. Flip over and ink with Gathered Twigs (from the Limited Edition Fall ink collection). BTW, Inspiration Emporium has both of the Limited Edition ink collections in stock, if you are still looking for them!

I have to say, that was way more fun than doing laundry and vacuuming! You can find everything I used here at Inspiration Emporium; make sure you use my discount code - stamptramp - to save 10% off your order!

I'm also linking to Terri's Deck the Halls Sunday. Make sure you check out her tutorial on bleaching bottle brush Christmas trees - brilliant idea! I will be heading to Hobby Lobby soon to stock up on trees. :-)

Steampunk, Done TJ Style!

2011-11-10T13:37:00.000-06:00

Today I'm sharing a card from the new Technique Junkie 3D and Fun Folds CD - this one is called a Spring Loaded Card. In case you haven't heard, this CD contains 70 fantastic step-by-step tutorials for everything from gift boxes, to pop ups, and everything in between. Trust me, you NEED this CD!

For the front of my card, I stamped the men from Tim Holtz's Steampunk stamp collection onto a piece of chipboard that I cut using the Sizzix Styled Labels die. I layered it onto a panel of Idea-ology Kraft Resist paper and attached it using Idea-ology Long Fasteners and Washers. The edges of the panel were roughed up using Tim's Distresser and inked with Black Soot Distress Ink.

Wow! Is that cool or what??? There are so many possibilities with this technique! I decided to go with a Steampunk theme using rubber stamps from Oxford Impressions and Tim Holtz's Steampunk collection. You could also do a wonderful Fall-themed card using leaves instead of gears, or a Winter-themed card using snowflakes. How cute would that be?

Here is another open view. Imagine the recipient's surprise when they open this card! My gears were all cut from chipboard using the Gadget Gears and Mini Gears dies from Sizzix and painted with metallic Dabber paints. On top of the paper gears, I layered various Idea-ology Sprocket Gears and Spinners.

A Little Ornament for Grungy Monday

2011-11-08T17:39:00.000-06:00

"Shipment Out For Delivery." Don't you love those words? I just got a box full of treats from Inspiration Emporium and couldn't wait to use some of my new goodies - this week's Grungy Monday challenge gave me all the excuse I needed. This week our challenge is to use Tim Holtz's masking technique from his 12 Tags of Christmas.

One of my new treats was the Artful Dwellings die. I've been wanting this for ages and am so glad to finally have it. I used the largest of the houses to create a little ornament.

I thought this image from Artistic Outpost's Sleigh Ride stamp collection was perfect for this technique! After stamping and masking, I colored my cardstock with the new Iced Spruce Distress ink from the Limited Edition Winter collection, and Faded Jeans Distress ink. I overstamped the music background from Artistic Outpost's Ephemeral Backgrounds set with Stormy Sky and stamped the snowflake (also from Sleigh Ride) with Faded Jeans. Oh, and my flourish is actually part of a frame from AO's Songbirds collection - I used my Snowcap Dabber on just a little section. I thought it worked great!

I added a little Peeled Paint Distress Stickles to the tree and highlighted the flowers in the little girl's basket with Tumbled Glass Distress Stickles. To give my ornament a bit more of a vintage feel, I covered the whole thing with Rock Candy Distress Crackle paint.

I know...I need to stop with the Faux Crazed Porcelain. I just love this technique so much! This photo really shows how much it looks like a vintage enamel tag. The sentiment is from Artistic Outpost's Snowy Woods collection - one of my all-time faves (the Santa is awesome)! It was stamped on a tag cut from chipboard using Tim's Tiny Tabs and Tags die and attached using an Idea-ology Jump Ring.

Finally, I couldn't resist trimming out my ornament with a little glittered lace. It was cut from plain white cardstock using my new Sizzix Vintage Lace Die. Is that gorgeous or what?? It looks just like a piece of German scrap/trim. I added a little sprinkle of Martha Stewart glitter, just to make it really sparkle.

Be sure and check out Inspiration Emporium for all your holiday craft supplies. When you use my coupon code - stamptramp - you'll save 10% off your order!

Technique Junkie 3D and Fun Folds CD - On Sale Now!!

2011-11-01T12:41:00.000-05:00

I have some exciting news to share with you! A few weeks ago, the fabulous technique goddess herself, Pat Huntoon, invited me to create some samples for a new Technique Junkie CD called 3D and Fun Folds. Of course, I couldn't resist! I knew there would be tons of fantastic ideas and I LOVE anything 3D!

The card above is called a Map Fold card and it is one of 70 (!) projects you will find on the CD. Why is it called a Map Fold? Here ya go:

Yikes! How cool is that?! I went just a bit literal with the theme, lol! I couldn't resist using this map paper I had in my stash. Want a quick 'try-it-before-you-buy-it'? Check out this tutorial for the Vertical Accordion Card. Remember, you're getting 70 step-by-step tutorials just like this, with tons of finished samples to inspire you. There are tutes for 3D gifts, boxes, ornaments, decorative items and plenty of card ideas, too! I'll be showing more of my samples throughout the week.

Have I convinced you yet? If so, you can use the link below to order your own copy. I promise, you are gonna love it!!

Location

Now, for a few deets about my card. The base was created with the new Kraft Core'dinations paper (love!). I sanded it lightly using my Idea-ology Sanding Grip. I love the worn look - it almost looks like an old book. I embossed another panel of Kraft Core'dinations with Tim Holtz's Collage Texture Fade, sanded the raised portion and layered that onto the card. Next, I stamped the airplane image from Tim's Air Travel stamp set onto cream cardstock, trimmed it, layered it onto black cardstock, trimmed again, and adhered it using foam dots.

Next, I stamped the compass (from the same set) onto a piece of clear packaging and attached it using an Idea-ology Long Fastener and an Idea-ology Game Spinner. To give my card a bit of a travel journal look, I added a bit of twine tied onto Idea-ology Charm Clips that I attached using Long Fasteners and Idea-ology Washers. The travel labels on the inside of the card were cut out of paper from the Idea-ology Lost and Found Paper Stash.

You can get all the supplies I used at Inspiration Emporium, PLUS you can save 10% off your total order by using my coupon code - stamptramp. If you want to order the new Limited Edition Winter Distress Inks, they have those too! I can't wait to get mine!

A Serendipitous Simon Says Stamp Challenge

2011-10-31T19:34:00.002-05:00

A couple weeks ago, the theme for the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge was 'stripes'. I had seen a very cool little paper house on Pinterest, and decided to create a Fall-themed house, using an embossing folder for stripes. Well, it took forever, my stripes weren't very stripey, and I ended up setting it aside, even though I loved it. Imagine my surprise when I checked to see what this week's challenge was and saw it was 'Houses'! Yay! A few finishing touches and my little birdhouse was ready to go.

After Googling my heart out trying to find a house pattern, I came across the perfect template, generously offered for download by a wonderful artist named Inger Harding. Be sure and check out her blog - it's fantastic!

Using her pattern, I cut my pieces from light chipboard. I painted the house pieces using a Lettuce Dabber and colored the roof using an Espresso Dabber. After the pieces were dry, I ran them through my Vagabond and embossed them using a Cuttlebug folder. After embossing them, I sanded the raised areas with my Idea-ology Sanding Grip.

Maybe I'm weird, but I really wanted to do something glittery for Fall! I decided to glitz up my birdhouse by applying a light coating of Rock Candy Distress Stickles to just about everything. While it was wet, I sprinkled on a little additional clear glitter from Martha Stewart.

I wanted to give the bottom of the house a finished look, and I thought the Sizzix On the Fence die would be perfect. I cut it out of chipboard and painted it with Picket Fence Distress Crackle paint, adding a light coating of Rock Candy Distress Stickles after it was dry.

Of course, I'm still addicted to my Faux Crazed Porcelain technique - had to fit it in somewhere! The number 2 is from Artistic Outpost's Whimsical Melange collection and was stamped using a Pitch Black Dabber.

I was a little uncertain as to how I should cut the hole in the house; I didn't have a hole punch that would reach, or was the right size, and I didn't want to do a sloppy job with an exacto knife. I spotted my set of Nestabilities Circles and was like - aha! I centered my die and cut through the house. It looked a little boring, so I used a scalloped circle with the plain circle and created a little frame from chipboard. Much better!

My birdhouse definitely needed a bird, and this sweet one (no idea what kind it is!) from Artistic Outpost's Birds of a Feather set was perfect. On the right side of the house, I created a little sign by tracing an Idea-ology Addage Ticket onto cream cardstock. I cut it out, and stamped a portion of a sentiment from Artistic Outpost's Typography set onto it. The ticket was covered with Rock Candy Distress Crackle paint (I'm falling in love with that stuff!) and attached using an Idea-ology Memo Pin.

Now, for my favorite bit - the leaves!! I basically created this whole project just to use the leaves, lol! I cut them out of Tim's Kraft Core'dinations paper with my new Sizzix Autumn Gatherings die. After cutting my leaves and branches, I sanded them using my Idea-ology Sanding Grip, gave them a little Rock Candy treatment, and adhered them to the bottom of the house. Finally, I added a Kraft Glassine flower that was cut using the Tattered Florals die, to the center.

I bought this little silver pedestal at an antique mall a month or so ago and it seemed like a perfect way to showcase my little birdhouse. Apologies for the slightly blurry pic!

Thanks so much for stopping by! And special thanks to Inger for sharing her wonderful template. :-) Don't forget, you can get all of the supplies I used at Inspiration Emporium. AND if you use my code - stamptramp - you'll save 10% off your entire order! BTW, you can pre-order the new Tim Holtz Limited Edition Winter Distress inks there too. If they're as popular as the Fall set, you will want to jump on these FAST!!

Boo! It's Grungy Monday!

2011-10-24T16:54:00.000-05:00

One reason I love participating in challenges is that it gives me a great excuse to try something new. This week's Grungy Monday challenge is the perfect example. We are exploring Tim Holtz's Perfect Distress technique, using Distress ink and Perfect Pearls. For some reason I had never tried this technique - and it's fantastic!

I decided to make a chunky tag for my challenge piece. First, I covered my block in vintage paper and inked it with the new Seedless Preserves Distress ink. Next, my tag was inked with the new Ripe Persimmon ink (gorgeous!) and then stamped with the script stamp from Tim's Mini Ornates collection, using the same ink.

The minute I saw the Gothic Boo die, I knew I HAD to have it. Isn't it gorgeous??? I cut it out of chipboard and then painted it with a Pitch Black Dabber. When it was dry, I covered it with a combination of Black Soot Distress Stickles and a bit of Martha Stewart black glitter. I love it!

For the Perfect Distress technique, I stamped the flourish from the Reindeer Flight set using Black Soot Distress ink and then covered it with white Perfect Pearls. I think the effect is just gorgeous! I almost forgot the spritzing step and I'm so glad I remembered - the bleeding ink really adds a whole other layer of coolness. To finish off my tag I stamped the cat from Tim's Halloween Silhouettes collection and attached an Idea-ology Plaquette.

Don't forget! You still have time to enter the Inspiration Journal monthly challenge. This month we are challenging you to use orange, purple, and black in your creations. And you know what? I just checked and there are only THREE entries so far! Seriously? You could win a $50 gift certificate - get thyself to thine studio/craft room/kitchen table and get to work!

Oh! And if you need a few supplies, Inspiration Emporium has a new coupon code for you. Until October 31st, enter the coupon code - newstuff - and you will save 15% off your order. Wicked!

Tim in 10 for Grungy Monday + a New Challenge

2011-10-19T15:28:00.001-05:00

This week's Grungy Monday challenge is to create something inspired by Tim Holtz in 10 minutes or less. Sounds easy, huh? Ha! Not for me! I am the queen of tinkering and playing and time management is definitely not my strong suit. To make things a little easier, I turned to the latest Technique Junkie newsletter. I loved Nancy Judd's Antique Bookplate technique from the latest issue and thought it would be a quick and easy way to make a card that was simple, but still had impact.

I thought Tim Holtz's Halloween Mini 2 stamps would be perfect for this technique and I love how they worked with the technique! All the stamps I used are from that set except for the script, which is from his Mini Ornates collection. I used my favorite new Fall Distress inks for all the stamping and highlighted the 31 with Spiced Marmalade Distress Stickles. I almost didn't use the Stickles for fear it wouldn't dry in time (10 minute time limit!), but I just zapped it with the heat gun and I was good to go!

To make the skeleton stand out a bit, I used an Inkssentials white pen to highlight him. The bookplate panel is mounted on Kraft Core'dinations cardstock (love that stuff!). Finally, I added an Idea-ology Halloween Muse Token at the top.

The colors I used in this card - orange, black, and purple - are the colors for this month's challenge over at the Inspiration Journal blog. You definitely need to submit something...you could win a $50 shopping spree at the Inspiration Emporium store. Remember, you can save 10% on your purchase right now by using my coupon code - stamptramp - when you check out. Go forth and shop! :-)

Sardines for Lunch!

2011-10-12T19:28:00.000-05:00

For the past month or so, I've been trying to eat healthier. It's been great - I've lost a little over five pounds so far! Today I had some sardines for lunch (great source of omega-3s!) and decided the tin was the perfect inspiration for a little Halloween shrine. It just so happens that Halloween is the theme for this week's Grungy Monday (where we celebrate all things Tim Holtz) AND Things With Wings is what we're showing off for the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge - perfect!

My first step was to cover all the shiny silver and print. A coat of black spray paint did the trick, but wasn't very interesting. I decided to try a little experimenting with my Dabbers. I gave the tin random coats of Pitch Black, Espresso, and Terra Cotta Dabbers, which gave it a nice vintage look. A little Walnut Stain and Vintage Photo Distress embossing powder added the look of rust - very cool!

The inside was covered with paper that I'd sponged with the new Halloween Distress inks - aren't they gorgeous?! The inked piece was adhered to the back of the tin using Claudine Hellmuth Studio Matte Medium. I used the Medium on top of the paper too - it seals in the color and really makes it pop! The sentiment is from Artistic Outpost's Vintage Halloween stamp collection (one of my faves!) and was stamped onto tissue paper and then adhered with more Matte Medium (love that trick!). To add a little texture, I dipped a brush into a puddle of Black Soot Distress Stain and flicked it over the background.

I glued Spanish moss around the inside and then added a chipboard fence which was cut using Tim Holtz's On the Fence die, and then painted with Pitch Black and Silver Dabbers. Next, I embossed the crow from Tim's Mini Halloween 2 stamp set on chipboard with Adirondack black embossing powder and glued him to the fence.

I just got the new Sizzix//Tim Holtz Autumn Gatherings die and I was dying to use it! To give my leaves a spooky feel, I sponged white paper with the new Halloween inks, crumpled the paper, and then cut it with the die. I can't believe how realistic these leaves look! My spooky branches were cut out of black cardstock (using the same die) and then sponged with the Dabbers a bit and attached to the sides of the tin.

Finally, I added some little 'pumpkins' (actually putka pods that I bought at Michaels), a glass Idea-ology Curio Knob to the top and a little unfinished wood candlestick that was stained using Distress Stains.

I am now totally in the mood for Halloween - are you?! If you're looking for some treats (no tricks!), make sure you check out Inspiration Emporium for, well....inspiration! If you use my coupon code - stamptramp - you will save 10% off your order. Also, be on the lookout for this month's IE challenge, coming soon to the Inspiration Journal blog!

Artistic Outpost Scrap Book For Sunday Stampers

2011-10-04T15:16:00.001-05:00

This week's theme for Sunday Stampers is Mojo - as in, what do you do when yours has abandoned you? I am intimately familiar with this state, that's for sure! About a week ago, I knew I wanted to make something with some new stamps from Artistic Outpost, namely the Typography collection, but I couldn't figure out where to start. I decided to gather up all the scraps on my table, grab some old Technique Junkie backgrounds I'd been saving, and just start gluing. What an easy way to get the mojo flowing!

This is what I ended up with - a 'scrap' book of sorts. The pages are all made from chipboard covered with either Basic Grey or Tim Holtz papers as a base. To tone them down I used the Altered Designer Paper technique from the Apr/May '09 issue of the Technique Junkie newsletter.

The metal butterfly was made using the AI Foil tech from the Aug/Sep '09 TJ newsletter - it's embellished with an Idea-ololgy Trinket Pin. Idea-olgy Tissue Tape makes a nice border for the bottom of the page.

The sentiment (which seems so appropriate for this book!) is from Artistic Outpost's Typography collection, the little shrine frame is from their Whimsical Melange set. The embellishment across the top of the shrine was totally inspired by Tracy Evans - I thought her use of Idea-ology Jump Rings was so brilliant! I couldn't figure out how to glue mine on and then I spotted my bottle of Crackle Accents. Perfect! A Snow Cap Dabber was used to give everything a whitewashed look. The ribbon on the side was one of my Distress Stain experiments from a few months ago - who knew that diluted Wild Honey Distress Stain would make such a pretty yellow?

I love these kids from Artistic Outpost's Think and Wonder collection. The large quote is from their Typography collection and is mounted on a panel that was created using the Brayered Impressions technique from the Dec/Jan '10 issue of the TJ newsletter. The ruler is from AO's Whimsical Melange collection. 'Dream' is from their Huck Finn collection. It's layered onto a tag that was cut using the Sizzix Tiny Tabs and Tags die (the tab on the front page was also cut using this die - it's awesome!), and attached to the page using an Idea-ology Long Fastener and an Idea-ology Foliage flower.

This page features a quote from the Typography collection, a little bird that was cut using the Sizzix Mini Bird and Cage die, and an Idea-ology Ornate Plate.

I've been saving this piece for awhile. It was left over when I cut the Baroque label for my daughter's graduation card. I thought it was too pretty to throw away! Behind it, I placed another Cuttlebug Stamps piece. The woman and sentiment are both from Artistic Outpost's Paris Exposition stamp collection (one of my all-time favorites!)

I love this page! The base is a vintage flash card. On the top, I adhered a scrap that was left over from cutting a label from the Styled Labels die. Over that, I've added a rosette cut using the Sizzix Rosette die and Idea-ology Kraft Resist paper. The men are from Artistic Outpost's Generation Redux collection.

The bottom of the card is wrapped with string from a bag of chicken feed (I seriously save everything). Over the top of it is an Idea-ology Adage Ticket and a watch face that was created using my Faux Crazed Porcelain technique. The ticket was attached using Tim's Tiny Attacher.

The back side of the card is embellished with an old checker that my husband found in the garden (I have him trained!), and an old slide mount. Behind them is a piece created using Antique Wallpaper technique from the Jun/July '10 issue of the TJ newsletter.

Another favorite page! The little boy is from the Think and Wonder stamp collection by Artistic Outpost. The left side is embellished with a piece of Idea-ology Film Ribbon that's attached using the Tiny Attacher.

This page is embellished with Idea-ology Lavish Trimmings, another tag cut using the Tiny Tabs and Tags die that I attached using an Idea-ology Charm Clip, and a scrap of the new Kraft Core'dinations that was embossed using the Sizzix Postal Texture Fade and then sanded with the Idea-ology Sanding Grip.

This little page was created using a watercolor Distress tag that is stamped with a sentiment from Artistic Outpost's Typography collection.

The flip side of the tag is embellished with a frame from Tim's Tag and Bookplates die that's been painted with a silver Adirondack Dabber. The flower in the center was cut from French book pages using the Tattered Florals die.

Whew! Finally we're to the last page. This one features two of my favorite stamps - the house from the Whimsical Melange set, which was stamped with a Stream Adirondack Dabber, and the sentiment, which is from the Typography set. A ripped Idea-ology Journaling Ticket that's been stapled on three sides with the Tiny Attacher make the perfect little pocket for an Idea-ology Philosophy Tag.

I hope you enjoyed my little book of scraps! It really is a great way to clean off your table and use up all the bits and pieces you've been saving. Don't forget, you can find lots of the materials I used at Inspiration Emporium. Be sure and use my coupon code - stamptramp - to receive 10% off your order!

Chunky Halloween ATCs for SSSS Challenge

2011-09-21T15:14:00.000-05:00

I am generally not a big ATC fan, but when I saw all the fantastic inspiration pieces done by the Simon Says Stamp and Show DT, I had to give it a go!

I decided to make a set chunky ATCs for Halloween decorating. I love the sturdiness of them and I will actually use them instead of sticking them in a drawer. I'm proud to say I even cut the wood blocks myself - and still have all my fingers!

I just bought a pad of the new Core'dinations Kraft-Core cardstock and couldn't wait to use it. I am seriously in love with this stuff!! I love the craft core...there is just something so subtle about it - really great for a vintage look. On this block, the sides are covered with black and the front with orange that's been embossed with the Tim Holtz Regal Flourishes Texture Fade. I adhered all the paper using Claudine Hellmuth's Studio Matte Medium (works great!), and then sanded the edges with my Idea-ology Sanding Grip. This block's rosette is embellished with an Idea-ology Memo Pin that holds a stamped bat from Tim Holtz's new Mini Halloween 2 rubber stamp collection. It's hard to see, but I covered it with Glossy Accents to give it a little dimension.

The rosettes for each block were made using Idea-ology Kraft Resist paper and the Mini Rosette Die from Sizzix (I used the larger of the two rosettes). I sponged the edges with Black Soot Distress ink and then ran a line of Black Soot Distress Stickles around each one. 'Boo' is spelled out using letters from Alphabet Soup Grungeboard letters. Each one was sponged with Black Soot Distress ink and covered with a layer of Black Soot Distress Stickles. I stamped the spider (also from the Halloween Mini 2 set) on the center block's medallion.

The inspiration for these actually came from a Halloween subway sign I'd seen on Pinterest. I was like, man...I wish I had a stamp that looks like that. Then, I was like - duh! I DO! I stamped the background stamp from Tim Holtz's Halloween Sillouettes collection on white cardstock using Distress Embossing Ink and embossed using Ranger's Clear embossing powder. I considered brayering over it with black ink, or painting it with a black Dabber, but I decided to try my new Black Soot Distress Stain instead. SO cool!! It gave it just the look I was going for. After wiping the excess off of the embossed area, I ironed the whole thing, removing the embossing (faux batik technique).

Oh, and the little skeleton on the left is also from Tim's Mini Halloween 2 collection - I thought he looked so cute! Also, the ribbon on the center block was dyed using Spiced Marmalade Distress Stain. Is it just me, or have the stains been an absolute godsend? I love them so much!

All of the products I used can be purchased at Inspiration Emporium. If you use my code - stamptramp - you'll receive 10% off your order! Also, be sure and enter the monthly challenge over at the Inspiration Journal blog - the winner will receive $50 Inspiration bucks!

Vintage Halloween Wands

2011-09-16T16:39:00.001-05:00

I was recently asked to contribute an article to the online magazine, Papers and Pixels. If you haven't heard of it, you really need to check it out! Each issue is chock full of fantastic projects, perfect for the paper crafter, digital crafter, and everyone in between!

For my project, I decided to create a trio of vintage Halloween wands, using images from Artistic Outpost's Halloween Treats stamp collection. The central images were stamped on watercolor paper, then colored with Peeled Paint, Spiced Marmalade, and Dusty Concord Distress Inks (wish I'd had those new colors!) and embellished with Rock Candy, Spiced Marmalade, Peeled Paint, and Dusty Concord Distress Stickles.

They were mounted on scalloped circles that were made from Tim Holtz's Kraft Resist paper. They were next layered onto rosettes made using the Sizzix Rosette die and Kraft Resist paper that was colored using Spiced Marmalade and Peeled Paint Distress Stains and Wild Plum Colorwash. Finally, they were adhered to scalloped circles cut from Core-dinations Distress Collection paper. The ribbons were all dyed with Distress Stains or Adirondack Colorwash.

For full instructions, be sure and check out this month's issue of Papers and Pixels. The photo tutorial will also be posted on the Artistic Outpost blog in the future - I'll keep you updated!

All materials used can be found at Inspiration Emporium, via the links above. Don't forget - when you use my coupon code - stamptramp - you will receive 10% off of your order!

Have a fun and creative weekend!

You Don't Know Jack

2011-09-14T16:53:00.000-05:00

Today I'm sharing a little bunting I made using the Union Jack rubber stamp from Artistic Outpost's London Underground collection.This is another one of those ideas that has been rattling around in my mind, waiting to get made.

To create the flags, I applied Ranger's Adirondack Paint Dabbers in Red Pepper and Denim directly to the stamp. After spritzing it lightly with water, I stamped the image onto muslin and let dry.

When I say, 'let dry' what I really mean is, 'I blasted it with my heat gun until it was dry and then burned it a little here and there to give it character.' I'm so impatient! :-) After the flags were dry, I stitched them to burlap panels. They were then strung together using vintage seam binding.

I love my little banner so much! The Union Jack stamp has to be one of the best rubber stamps - ever. It is the perfect grungy little flag stamp. If you'd like to purchase any of the supplies I used, be sure to click the links and follow them to Inspiration Emporium's online store. If you use my coupon code - stamptramp - you will save 10% off your order!

Inspiration Journal Challenge - Metal

2011-09-09T13:43:00.000-05:00

This is one of those projects that has been simmering away in my mind, just waiting for the right time to get made. It's a Steampunk crown, created from chipboard that I die cut using various Tim Holtz/Sizzix dies, paint, and a lot of different Idea-ology embellishments.

The hardest part of this project was trying to photograph it! It is so amazing looking, but it's very hard to capture all the texture and dimension. Forgive me if I bury you under a barrage of pics!

This is one of my favorite bits. I wanted a somewhat feminine feel, so I made some little metallic flowers using the Tattered Florals die. I considered making this more of a static showpiece by adding a lot of embellishments, but decided I really wanted it to be a 'useable' crown.

The base of the crown was created using chipboard that was cut using the Steampunk On the Edge die. It was given a metallic look with the use of an Adirondack Silver Dabber and a Pitch Black Dabber.

The gears were cut using the Sizzix Gadget Gears die and the Sizzix Mini Gears dies. Layers of paint were added using Gold, Copper, Silver, and Pitch Black Adirondack Paint Dabbers. It's hard to believe that this is made of almost nothing but paper!

To add more dimension, I mixed the painted gears with a lot of different Idea-ology bits and pieces. I used Game Spinners, Sprocket Gears, and Washers. They are all attached using Idea-ology Long Fasteners. I gave the brads the look of rivets by piercing them with an awl - one of my all-time favorite tips from the amazing Tim Holtz!

I hope my Steampunk crown inspires you to try some metal work of your own! Over at the Inspiration Emporium blog we are challenging you to use metal in your creations this month. When you join in, you will be eligible to win a $50 gift certificate! Don't forget, you can also receive 10% off your order at the Inspiration Emporium store by using my discount code: stamptramp, at checkout.

Thanks so much for stopping by - have a great weekend!

A Lesson in Perseverance

2011-09-05T17:11:00.000-05:00

Today is a beautiful day here - a cold front came through and, in Mississippi, that's always a good thing! I decided it was the perfect day to play around with my new Inkssentials Kraft tags and Picket Fence Distress Stain. I dabbed some of the Picket Fence stain onto my craft sheet and then added a few blotches of Worn Lipstick and Wild Honey and swiped my tag through the ink. It looked really cool! Then I embossed it using Tim Holtz's Floral Frame Texture Fade. Very cool! Then I sanded it with my Idea-ology Sanding Grip and added more Picket Fence stain. Suddenly, it was looking like a total mess! I added more stain and arrrrrgggghhhhhh....it looked horrible! I was about 10 seconds from chucking it when I decided to try and salvage it.

I have learned that there is nothing a gesso-covered brayer can't fix! What's nice is that the Distress Stain will bleed through a little, so you get a great texture. Once I was happy with the tag, I stamped the little shrine frame from Artistic Outpost's new Whimsical Melange collection onto a vintage book page. I decided to dab a little Picket Fence Distress Stain over the stamped area to tone it down. Horrible idea! The ink I used smeared all over and looked dingy and...ick! This time is was my Snow Cap Adirondack Paint Dabber to the rescue!. I finally cleaned it up, but it was obvious I was going to have to choose a new focal point (originally I was going to use a little girl stamp). I thought this little Idea-ology Fractured Doll was the perfect solution! I mounted her on top of a chipboard frame that was cut using Tim's Tag and Bookplates die. She has little mica wings that were stamped using the butterfly stamp from Tim Holtz's Papillon stamp collection. I added a little 'love' for today's Sunday Stampers challenge by stamping a portion of the sentiment from Artistic Outpost's Country Life stamp collection and adhering it to her tummy.

When I first saw the clock face in the Whimsical Melange set, I (of course) was dying to try my Faux Crazed Porcelain technique on it. I LOVE how it turned out!! It's secured to the top of the frame using an Idea-ology
Mini Fastener.

Finally, I added some twine to the bottom and popped on a banner cut using Tim's Tattered Banners die. The sentiment is from another new Artistic Outpost stamp release: Typography.

I'm so glad I didn't throw the tag away! I had no idea that this is what I would end up with, but I really love it. Simon Says Stamp and Show's theme this week is 'Anything Goes' so this is also my submission for that challenge!

Sunday Stampers - Birds, Plus a Quick Tutorial!

2011-08-28T14:10:00.000-05:00

Today's Sunday Stampers theme is birds - I might be stretching it just a bit to include this, but there IS a bird on it! I got the idea for the mitten from one I saw on Pinterest that was done by Betsy Veldman. I loved this idea so much and thought the Frosty stamp from Artistic Outpost's Frosty and Friends collection would be perfect for it.

The mitten pattern came from MME Designs (thank you!). I traced it onto cream felt, cut two pieces and stitched them together.

Next, I stamped Frosty onto watercolor paper and colored him using Broken China and Barn Door and Distress ink and a water brush. I cut it out and inked the edges with Frayed Burlap Distress ink. He's adhered to the mitten with Elmer's Craft Glue.

The frame was cut from chipboard using Tim's Tag and Bookplates die. I used an Aqua Paint Dabber to paint it and then went over it with a Snow Cap Dabber to give it a frosty feel. When the paint dried, I covered the frame with a thick layer of Rock Candy Stickles. I also added bits of chunky glitter here and there.

You might notice his fluffy looking ear muff - it's Sparkly Fluff! I love the extra sparkle and dimension it gives the piece. Below you'll find a tutorial on how to tint white Fluff using Distress Stain. Now, you can match it to any project!

Supplies: Ranger Distress Stain in desired color(s), Sparkly Fluff - Sugar (white), craft stick, plastic palette or something similar (I like to reuse lids from plastic containers - they are perfect for corralling the fluff!).

Step 1: Begin by dispensing a small amount of stain onto your palette. You can mix several colors, if desired.

Step 2: Sprinkle a small amount of Sparkly Fluff over the stain.

Step 3: Using your craft stick, begin working the Sparkly Fluff into the Distress Stain. At this point you can add more stain and/or Fluff if needed. Your Fluff will look quite clumpy at this point. Just keep moving the Fluff around until it is completely colored, but not overly saturated. If you have too much Stain, add more Fluff.

Step 4: Let the Sparkly Fluff dry completely. I found the dashboard of a car sitting in the sun worked very well...just make sure you warn your husband so he doesn't freak out and throw that 'moldy stuff' away. ;-) When your Fluff is dry, break up the clumps by rubbing them with your fingers. You will be so surprised at how it 're-fluffs'! After you use it in your project, you can store the excess in a small baggie.

Thanks so much for stopping by - have a great week!

Simon Says Stamp & Show Some Travel

2011-08-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

For this week's SSS theme - Show Some Travel, I created a little Parisian shadowbox using rubber stamps from Artistic Outpost's Paris Exposition and Birds of a Feather collections. I also created a step by step tutorial that you can find on the AO blog.

This stamp of the two girls is one of my favorites! They were stamped onto watercolor paper and then colored using a water brush and Tumbled Glass Distress ink. The little banner behind them was created using the Sizzix Pennant die.

Of course, I had to find a way to incorporate a Faux Crazed Porcelain tag! If you haven't tried this technique, you can find the tutorial here. My tag is attached to the ribbon using an Idea-ology Charm Clip and Jump Ring.

The shadowbox was created using an old paper jewelry box. I covered it with Idea-ology Tissue Tape and then painted it with Picket Fence Distress Crackle paint and Pool and Aqua Adirondack Dabbers. The whole thing is sealed with Claudine Hellmuth Studio Matte Medium.

Don't forget, you still have time to enter the Inspiration Emporium monthly challenge! This month we are challenging you to use any kind of paint in your creations. One lucky winner will receive $50 Emporium Dollars to spend in the store. Remember too, you can use my code: stamptramp, to receive 10% off your purchase!

A Dreamy Graduation Card

2011-08-18T10:13:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday my daughter graduated from The University of Memphis with a degree in Film/Communications. She is planning to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film. Of course, just thinking about her leaving rips my heart in two, but I am thrilled that she's brave enough to truly follow her dreams!

I didn't want to make her a traditional card - we aren't very traditional people! - and I thought that 'Dream' was the perfect, simple sentiment to mark the occasion. The stamp is from Tim Holtz's Stuff to Say stamp collection. The frame insert was created using my Faux Crazed Porcelain technique. BTW, did you know that the centers of the bookplates from the Tag and Bookplates die fit perfectly into the Idea-ology Ornate Plates frames? That Tim Holtz guy is pretty brilliant, huh?

The balloons from Artistic Outpost's Paris Exposition were perfect for a 'Sky's the Limit' feeling. They were stamped on watercolor paper using black Stazon. I colored them using a water brush and Worn Lipstick, Bundled Sage, and Tumbled Glass Distress inks. After I cut them out, I adhered them to the card using foam squares.

The background paper is from Basic Grey. On top of that, I layered a piece of vintage ledger paper that was adhered to white cardstock and embossed using Tim Holtz's Postal Texture Fade. After I embossed it, I cut it using the Sizzix Baroque die and sanded it lightly with my Idea-ology Sanding Grip (love that tool!). A thin border of Antique Linen Distress Stickles and some ribbon dyed with Worn Lipstick Distress Stain and I was done!

Don't forget, Inspiration Emporium is offering all my readers a 10% discount on all orders from their store! Just enter my coupon code: stamptramp, at checkout. Also, make sure you check out the latest challenge on the IE blog - play along and you could win a $50 in Emporium dollars!

Getting Halloween-y For Grungy Monday

2011-08-15T20:10:00.000-05:00

Another Monday, another excuse to get out some Distress products and get Grungy! This week's GM challenge was to use Distress Stickles in our creations. I just happen to have a couple bottles of Spiced Marmalade Distress Stickles that I've been saving for Halloween projects - today seemed like the perfect time to use them!

If any of you are my Facebook friends, you might remember the awesome Bingo cards that I scored at an antique store in Missouri. I've been itching to use them and decided to create a little Halloween hanging using one as a base.

Since 'trick' and 'Bingo' have the same number of letters, I thought I would cut letters from Tim Holtz's Chip Block die, to use across the top. They were cut from Grungepaper, inked with Spiced Marmalade Distress ink, and then coated with Spiced Marmalade Distress Stickles.

Unfortunately, they are way smaller than the letters on the card, so I had to think of a clever way to still use them! I decided to mount them on squares of paper from Basic Grey's Out of Print collection. That worked for covering the Bingo letters, but they were so boring! Mounting them on chipboard bulked them up some, but they still needed a bit more. Ooooh....what about a couple coats of UTEE? And then pressing the letters into the still-hot enamel to make a little tile? Perfect!

I am Bauble-less, but I wanted to create a little bling to fit in with the Simon Says Stamp - Bling challenge. Pearl beads colored with Adirondack Alcohol inks (brilliant trick from Tammy Tutterow!) plus a couple black beads I had lying around, coupled with an Idea-ology Trinket Pin and Mini Tassel, and I had me some bling!

To dress up the bottom, I created a little banner with my Sizzix Pennant die, Dusty Concord Distress Core'dinations paper, black cardstock, and Idea-ology Alpha Parts. I used a Silver Adirondack Dabber to add a bit of texture to the letters. The banner is attached to the Bingo card using an Idea-ology Tiny Attacher.

I just love this little owl! He's a rubber stamp from the Halloween Treats collection by Artistic Outpost. I stamped him on watercolor paper and colored the moon and part of his body with markers. Underneath, I created a rosette using Tim Holtz's Paper Rosette die and Idea-ology Kraft Resist Paper. The paper was colored with Spiced Marmalade Distress Stain and coated generously with Spiced Marmalade Distress Stickles. Behind the rosette, I made a little ruffle out of black crepe paper.

I just love how this turned out - I can't wait for Fall! If anyone is interested, I can post a tutorial sometime for the little letter tiles. Let me know what you think!

A Paper Mache Cup for Theme Thursday

2011-08-10T16:49:00.000-05:00

Today, I decided I was going to take a little blogging/art break and just clean up my studio. It's a total wreck - seriously, you would be shocked. So, I started to clean off my desk and came across a half-finished paper mache teacup that I made months ago, using this fantastic tutorial by Ann Wood. It was abandoned after I made it because I couldn't decide how to finish it. I said to myself, No! Do not get distracted!" Then, I was putting away my Dabbers and thought, oooh, how cool would that cup look if I painted it a turquoise-y blue....and added the rosettes (that had been sitting inside the cup for safe keeping)?

So, I gave in to temptation and cleaned my desk by making something! Sounds reasonable, right? I painted my teacup with Pool, Snow Cap, and Aqua Dabbers. I had made a little banner for a different piece I was working on for the Theme Thursday Paris challenge, but ended up not using it it. Of course, I don't throw anything away, so I thought I'd reuse it on my cup! 'Paris' is spelled out using Tim Holtz's Chip Block die. Again, I used my Dabbers to color them and added a few splotches of white using Picket Fence Crackle Paint. The banners were made using French text and the Sizzix Pennants die.

The rosette trim is both the downfall and the winning element. In person, it is so adorable, but it makes it hard to see the shape of the teacup in the photos. I still think it's the perfect touch! White crepe paper was used to line the interior.

If you've never been to Ann Wood's site, you really need to check it out. She is an absolutely amazing and original artist.

Great news!! Inspiration Emporium is now offering a 10% discount for my readers! Just enter my coupon code: stamptramp at checkout and you'll receive 10% off of your whole order. Let's get shopping! Below is a list of supplies I used for the project:

Paint: Adirondack Distress Crackle Paint - Picket Fence; Adirondack Dabbers - Pool, Aqua, and Snow Cap.
Dies: Sizzix Chip Block, Pennant
Trims: Idea-ology Lavish Trimmings

Grungy Monday #19

2011-08-09T20:07:00.001-05:00

I had so much fun creating this little ornament/hanging for the Grungy Monday challenge. Our inspiration was this tag from Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas. I just received the Fancy Frames Texture Fade and was dying to use it. I had an idea that it would really well as a 'window' using the clear packaging, but after that, I was stumped!

After a bit of tinkering, I decided to emboss my packaging, cut out the frame, and then cover it with silver Adirondack Paint Dabber. It needed something more, so I brushed on some of Claudine's Matte Medium and glittered it up!

To create the background, I embossed a piece of white cardstock using the same folder - but this time I used one of the Reflections stamps. Ooooh, it looks so cool! After seeing Stephen's fantastic card a couple weeks ago, I immediately knew I had to have both the stamps and the folders. Thanks, for the inspiraton, Stephen! :-)

After I trimmed the frame, I spritzed it with some homemade glimmer mist (made using Tim Holtz's recipe). I wish the shimmer showed up - it is too pretty. Next, I added a sweet little banner and some fantastic rubber stamps from Artistic Outpost. I created a little 'frost' around the edge of the frame using an Adirondack Snow Cap Dabber. The two pieces were glued together using more Matte Medium. Once it was dry, I added a ribbon (dyed using Brushed Corduroy Distress Stain), and a sweet little Idea-ology Mini Tassel.

The pictures simply do not do this justice! I can imagine a whole sparkling tree covered in these at Christmas. I think I am going to be wearing this Texture Fade out, for sure!

By the way, don't forget the paint challenge over at Inspiration Emporium. We would love to see your work. While you're checking out the store, make sure you take a peek at the 'Coming Soon' section; IE is now carrying Artistic Outpost rubber stamps. You can get all your goodies in one fantastic place!

Below is a list of everything I used in my ornament - I hope you're inspired to try one as well.

Supply List:
Rubber Stamps: Artistic Outpost - Birds of Feather, Songbirds; Tim Holtz - Reflections
Ink: Distress Ink - Tumbled Glass, Brushed Corduroy; Archival Ink - Jet Black, Distress Reinker - Tumbled Glass
Texture Fade: Sizzix - Fancy & Floral Frames Set
Die: Sizzix - Pennants
Adhesives: Claudine Hellmuth Studio Matte Medium
Glitter: Crafty Sparkles Platinum
Paint: Adirondack Dabber - Snow Cap, Silver
Embellishments: Idea-ology Mini Tassels

Grungy Monday, Simon Says Stamp, PLUS a New Tutorial!

2011-08-04T15:17:00.001-05:00

For this week's Grungy Monday challenge, we are getting our inspiration from one of Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas, which can be found here. I decided to use stamps from Artistic Outpost's Apothecary collection (don't forget - you get 10% off your Artistic Outpost order when you use my coupon code: stamptramp) to create a tag, which I'm also submitting for the Simon Says Stamp and Show a tag challenge.

My tag is topped with a flower that was made using Tim Holtz's Tattered Florals die and several different materials - French book pages that were coated with Rock Candy Crackle Paint, burlap, and Idea-ology Kraft Glassine.

The tag background was created using the Cuttlebug Stamps technique (my creation!) from the Apr/May '09 issue of the Technique Junkie newsletter. By combining it with a crackle stamp from I Brake for Stamps, I ended up with the It Takes Two technique from the latest issue of the TJ newsletter!

I just had to find a way to include my new Faux Crazed Porcelain technique! This time I punched a circle from some light chipboard and made a little tag for the neck of the bottle. Speaking of which...below is the tutorial I promised! You can also check it out on the Inspiration Emporium blog.

Faux Crazed Porcelain

Supplies: Ranger Distress Crackle Paint - Picket Fence; Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabber - Pitch Black; Ranger Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel - Clear; Sizzix Mini Labels Die; Versamark Ink - Clear; Tim Holtz Rubber Stamps - Stuff to Say

1. Begin by cutting a label from chipboard or mat board using the Mini Labels die. Cover it with a thin, but even, coat of Picket Fence Crackle Paint. Allow to dry.

2. When completely dry, 'ink' up your word stamp using the Dabber. Test your coverage several times on paper to make sure you have an even application before stamping onto your crackled piece.

3. Once you are happy with the coverage, stamp onto your label and let dry.

4. Next, completely cover label with Versamark, or other clear embossing ink.

5. Coat label with UTEE and heat emboss. Repeat at least two times, or until you are happy with the look of it.

How gorgeous is that? (Please make sure you click on the images to enlarge them - you can really see the detail!) There are unlimited possibilities with this technique. Try coloring the edges with a black Dabber for a vintage look, like I did on my easel card. You can also try different shapes and different materials - check out the clock face on this card! I would love to see what you create!

One note about my tutorials - I am always thrilled to share my ideas as I come up with them. I love using my blog as a way to share what I love and highlight the companies whose products I use. However, I have come across more than a few bloggers who have used my ideas without giving me any credit for the original idea. In at least one case there is someone who is teaching one of my techniques - even went so far as copying my tag! - and did not give me any credit or ask for my permission.

As an artist, this is incredibly hurtful. It takes a lot of time to come up with an idea, photograph the steps, and create a post. To have someone basically 'steal' and/or take credit for what I've worked so hard to create makes me think twice about being so generous. Fortunately, that lasts about 10 seconds and I'm back to thinking of new stuff to show you all! However, I DO ask that you link back to me if you're using one of my techniques. Thanks so much for your understanding! :-)

Supply List:

Artistic Outpost Rubber Stamps - Apothecary
Inkssentials Manila Craft Tags
Sizzix Texture Fades - Collage
Idea-ology Kraft Glassine
Grungeboard
Idea-ology Corners
Idea-ology Kraft Resist Paper
Ranger Rock Candy Crackle Paint

Industrial Grunge Tag for TT

2011-07-28T19:55:00.003-05:00

After seeing that the Theme Thursday challenge was 'Masculine', I knew just what I'd make. I recently came across this metal canvas piece by Hermine, one of my favorite artists, and was inspired to try something similar, but using different materials.

I started with a tag cut from cardstock, using Tim Holtz's Tag and Bookplates die. Next, I cut chipboard gears using both the Mini Gears and the Gadget Gears dies. I tacked them onto the tag with a bit of glue and then covered it with foil tape (I didn't use it, but Ranger's Inkssentials Foil Tape Sheets would be perfect for this!). After burnishing it, I coated the whole thing with black paint, using an Adirondack Pitch Black Paint Dabber. After a bit, I wiped it off, making sure some paint stayed in the creases.

After the paint was dry, I added stamped images from Artistic Outpost's London Underground and the new Apothecary stamp collections. If you don't have these yet - you need them! And if you use my code: stamptramp, you'll get 10% off of your order. :-)

Once my stamped pieces were attached using Inkssentials Wonder Tape and the Idea-ology Tiny Attacher, it was just a matter of loading up the tag with some cool Idea-ology bits and pieces! I've used Sprocket Gears, Numerals, Muse Token, Light Bulb, Washers, Mini Fasteners, Swivel Clasps, and Long Fasteners.

Don't forget, there's still time to enter the Inspiration Emporium 'Texture It' challenge! Check out the fantastic artwork by the Inspiration Team and read all about the challenge here. You could be the lucky winner of a $50 gift certificate!

A Witch's Apothecary

2011-07-27T17:06:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the new rubber stamp releases from Artistic Outpost? If not, you're in for a treat! They have three new stamp sets that you will definitely want to own: Halloween Treats, which features wonderful vintage Halloween images and labels; Apothecary, a fantastic vintage ode to your local pharmacist; and Frosty and Friends, which is full of delightful and whimsical Christmas and winter images. I love them all! If you enter my discount code: stamptramp, when purchasing anything from Artistic Outpost, you'll receive a 10% discount - how cool is that?!

When I saw the vintage label stamps on the Apothecary and Halloween Treats sets, the wheels in my (somewhat) crazy mind started turning. I just happened to have a nice little collection of bottles and skulls - why not combine them all into a Witch's Apothecary?

Adirondack Dabbers in Silver and Pitch Black helped transform my dollar store skeleton parts into metal-looking embellishments for my bottles.

A little twine, some MeltArt beeswax, and your witch's brews are sealed tight. The labels were stamped with Jet Black Archival ink, aged with Brushed Corduroy Distress ink, and adhered using Claudine Hellmuth's Matte Multi Medium.

The boney bits were attached to the corks using Idea-ology Memo Pins and wire.

The Idea-ology Word Key was given a rustic look with a little bit of Walnut Stain Distress embossing powder. It's attached to the twine using an Idea-ology Charm Clip and a Jump Ring.

The wooden disk (craft store) was stained with Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain Distress stain. I also added some layers of color using various Adirondack Dabbers.

It's so hot right now in Mississippi - this project has me longing for fall! Now is the perfect time to get a head start on your Halloween and Christmas projects, so make sure you go check out these wonderful Artistic Outpost releases. Don't forget to enter my coupon code: stamptramp to get 10% off your order!

An Easel Card for Grungy Monday!

2011-07-25T22:54:00.000-05:00

Well, after a two week absence, I'm finally back! I really didn't mean to take such a long break, but life kept getting in the way of studio time. Hate when that happens! This week is a bit calmer, so I'm hoping to have lots to share in the coming days.

I don't know how many of you are fans of Pinterest, but I am seriously addicted! I spotted this card that someone had pinned from A Path of Paper. I fell in love and knew it would be my next project. I'm sure I'm embarrassingly late to the easel card party...I'm always so behind the times. ;-)

Ooooh, here it is doing its easel thing. Amazing! I changed mine a bit from the inspiration piece - mostly by using chipboard for my 'platform' and also on the top. I really wanted this to be sturdy and I thought card stock would be a little flimsy for the look I wanted.

This is one of my favorite parts! It's my new invention - Faux Crazed Porcelain. How cool is it?? I know I am a bit obsessed with the whole porcelain/enamel thing, but really, this is insanely cool. The tutorial will be up on my blog and also on the Inspiration Emporium blog next Tuesday, so make sure you check back to see how it's done!

Ah - here is my Grungy Monday bit! This week we were inspired to use Tim Holtz's Rock Candy products - either Rock Candy Distress Stickles or Rock Candy Crackle paint. It's so hard to see, but my French text flowers are coated with Rock Candy Stickles. It adds such a nice sparkle and also gives the paper a little extra body.

My favorite part! Think of all the cool stuff you could fill these drawers with. I think I'm going to try making a little dresser next. Wouldn't that be amazing?!

This little drawer is filled with all kinds of Idea-ology bits and pieces. The size is just perfect to hold stuff like this. I think it would also be fun to do a tea-themed box with different tea bags tucked into each drawer.

I got the idea for this clip from the brilliant Tammy Tutterow. She is a genius when it comes to altering things with paint and embossing powder. In one of her recent posts she showed us how to paint metal elements using Adirondack Dabbers and then emboss them for an enameled look. So cool! Like most of these pictures, you definitely want to click on it for the larger version.

So many little drawers! This one holds a roll of Idea-ology Tissue tape. It's a perfect fit! I love how well the Idea-ology Hitch Fasteners work as little knobs.

This is another piece I made using the Faux Crazed Enamel. Doesn't it look like a real metal enamel tag? So easy to make!

Here is another shot of the card/box with the top down. Since the theme for Simon Says Stamp and Show is Anything Goes, I'm also entering it for that challenge!

Don't forget that Inspiration Emporium also has a challenge this month. The theme is embossing and you could win $50 gift certificate! Read all about it here. Thanks so much for stopping by - I promise I'll be back with some more fun stuff in the next few days!

Products used:
Stamps: Tim Holtz - Stuff to Say, Reindeer Flight, Winged Things 1
Ink: Ranger Distress ink - Brushed Corduroy, Barn Door, Ranger Distress Stain - Vintage Photo
Embellishments: Idea-ology Hitch Fasteners, Hinge Clips, Swivel Clasps, Long Fasteners, Game Spinners, Philosophy Tags, Foliage, Light bulbs, Game Pieces, Washers, Muse Tokens
Paper: Idea-ology Kraft Resist, Kraft Glassine, Tissue Tape, Adage Tickets
Adhesive: Inkssentials Wonder Tape, Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Scotch Advanced Tape Glider
Paint: Adirondack Paint Dabber - Pitch Black, Ranger Distress Crackle Paint - Picket Fence
Dies and Embossing: Sizzix Mini Labels, Weathered Clock, Collage and Notebook Texture Fades

Cheepers!

2011-07-11T12:07:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I haven't had much time to blog lately, but wanted to share a pic of our new baby, Cheepers! She was hatched out in an incubator a couple days ago. Unfortunately, she was the only one to hatch, so she'll be an only child for a bit. I'm taking a quick trip to Nashville to drop my son off at the airport (will miss him so much!). Hope to be back to creating sometime this week!

Grungy Monday #14, Simon Says Stamp & Show, & a Brand New Challenge!

2011-07-04T19:43:00.000-05:00

I had a little extra time this afternoon and thought I'd hurry up and get my Grungy Monday challenge done. This week our inspiration comes from Tim Holtz's March technique from 2008. It's a resist technique using Adirondack Dabbers (love them!) and homemade shimmer mist. This technique is absolutely gorgeous; the photos don't do it justice at all!

Simon Says Stamp and Show asked us to use a flourish this week. I used one of my favorite little flourish stamps from Tim Holtz's Nature's Discovery stamp collection. My background is from the Papillon stamp set and was stamped using a Snow Cap Dabber.

My sweet little bird and cage were cut using the Sizzix Mini Bird and Cage dies. The cage was given a metallic look with my faux tarnished metal technique, and hangs from an Idea-ology Swivel Clasp along with an Idea-ology Philosophy Tag. The bird was painted with Picket Fence Crackle Paint. I loved the look, but it was a little dull. I wondered what it would look like with a nice, shiny coating of UTEE.Ooooh, it looks so cool! Like crackled enamel. What's also neat is that the top layer will crack too, if you bend it, so you get a multi-layered crackling thing going. I love experimenting!

Speaking of embossing - it's a new month, which means a new challenge over at the Inspiration Emporium blog! This month your challenge is to use any kind of embossing. One lucky participant will win a $50 gift certificate, so get out those powders and folders and get busy!

4th of July Rosette Wreath

2011-07-04T14:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Independence Day to all of my American friends! I hope you're all having fun celebrating with friends and family. At my house, we're especially excited because my son, Luke, is home for the first time since he joined the Air Force in February! It feels like old times and I will be shedding more than a few tears when he has to leave for his new base.

In honor of the holiday, I created a patriotic wreath using Tim Holtz's Sizzix Rosette Die. I wish I could claim this as my own idea, but I can't! I found it while browsing on Pinterest (tell me I'm not the only one addicted to that site!). It's from All You magazine. I adapted it to my own taste and what I had on hand. The paper is from a pad that I've had for years and never used. That's why I hoard - you just never know when something will come in handy! Since the directions called for different sizes, and I don't have the Mini Rosettes die (yet!), I had to improvise.Here's a quick tute to show you how to downsize your regular rosette to make a smaller one.

Cut paper using Sizzix Rosette Die. Using your scissors or paper cutter, cut off about 1/4" from the straight edge.

On the reverse side, run a strip of tissue tape down the length. You need the tape to keep the segments together, since you cut off the solid edge. After taping, trim off about four segments from the end.

Pleat and glue as you would a regular sized rosette. That's it! It's surprising how much smaller this is after trimming such a small amount off, but it really makes a huge difference.

I can honestly say after making so many rosettes (about 40!), I am a Master Rosette Maker. A sensei of rosettery, if you will. I am also proud to say that I came out on the other side of this project with not one finger burned after extremely heavy glue gun usage. ;-)

Have a great week!

Recognizing Our She-roes and Heroes + a Freebie!

2011-07-01T17:54:00.000-05:00

I wanted to make a patriotic tag in honor of the upcoming Independence Day holiday and realized I'd never used a fantastic set from Artistic Outpost called She-roes. I love that they created rubber stamps to honor all the women who have served or are serving in the military; I can't think of any other stamp company who has done that! If you are interested in these stamps, the new London collections, or any other stamps from Artistic Outpost, you can use my code: stamptramp to get 10% off your order.

My background was created by swiping a Snow Cap Dabber over a tag and then inking it with Faded Jeans Distress Stain, then wiping the ink off the painted areas. The rosette was made with the Sizzix Paper Rosette die. I wanted a smaller rosette, but I don't have the Mini-Rosettes die yet, so I cut down the regular die and placed a strip of Idea-ology Tissue Tape along the cut edge to keep it together. Worked great! I backed it with some tinsel I bought on clearance after Christmas - you never know when it will come in handy. :-) The number four is an Idea-ology Numeral that's been colored with Denim Alcohol Ink. My 'She-ro' was stamped with Jet Black Archival ink and colored using Distress ink and a water pen. Finally, I stamped the sentiment on an Idea-ology Journaling Ticket and attached with with my Tiny Attacher.

When I was creating my tag, I felt like it needed some kind of text or music. Luckily, I found the perfect piece of music in an old children's hymnal. Please feel free to download it and use it in your work!

Theme Thursday - ATCs

2011-06-30T17:46:00.000-05:00

For some reason, ATCs aren't really my thing. I'm not sure why...I just have a hard time fitting stuff on that little rectangle! I know some fantastic artists like Viola who can create incredible works of art in this 3.5" x 2.5" space...and I try, but I don't seem to have the touch. Nevertheless, I decided to join in with everyone over at Theme Thursday and see what I could come up with!

My background was created with the Watercolor Distress technique from the Feb/Mar '07 issue of the Technique Junkie newsletter. Instead of regular Distress ink, I used Broken China and Peeled Paint Distress Stains. On top of that, I stamped the background from Tim Holtz's Papillon stamp set using a Snow Cap paint dabber. The Wish stamp is from Tim's Stuff to Say collection and the flourish border is from his Nature's Discovery set.. The little girl is a rubber stamped image from Oxford Impressions' Heritage collection. Isn't she adorable?! She is stamped on glossy paper using Jet Black Archival ink. I really wanted to do stitching around the edges, but I was too lazy to change the thread color in my machine, so I opted to cheat a little and use the Drywall Stitching technique from the Apr/May issue of the TJ newsletter. Finally, I dyed a little rose from my Idea-ology Lavish Trimmings with Broken China Distress Stain and attached it to my ATC with an Idea-ology Long Fastener and a set of Idea-ology leaves.

Thanks so much for stopping by! :-)

Wednesday Stamper - The Last Hurrah

2011-06-29T12:11:00.001-05:00

I was so sad when I checked the theme for today's Wednesday Stamper challenge and read that this week is the final week of the challenge. WS was one of the first challenge blogs I started participating in. It was always one of my favorites because they highlighted stamping, and the artwork was so varied.

For the final challenge we were instructed to use at least one rubber stamp, which has always been the minimum requirement for Wednesday Stamper. For my card, I used a variety of rubber stamps from both the Loverly London and London Underground stamp sets from Artistic Outpost. Again, the versatility of these stamps is amazing. If you'd like to buy them, please remember to use my discount code: stamptramp, and you'll receive 10% off your total!

Thanks so much to Belinda, Christine, Tina, Hermine, Patty, and Linda for challenging us to make the most out of using rubber stamps in our artwork!

Supplies used:
Idea-ology Plaquettes
Idea-ology Tiny Fastener
Core'dinations Distress Collection paper
Ranger Black Embossing Powder

Grungy Monday Meets Simon Says Stamp & Show

2011-06-28T17:43:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love the Papillon rubber stamp set by Tim Holtz. I've seen so many great things done with it, but for some reason, I have not been using it much. After pondering the Grungy Monday alcohol ink challenge, I finally had a little 'aha' moment and found the perfect way to use it!

To create my tag, I first stamped the script background from the Papillon set on a plain tag using a Snow Cap Adirondack Dabber. When it was dry, I used my ink blending tool to apply Worn Lipstick Distress ink. I stamped the edges with the flourish from Tim Holtz's Take Flight stamp set, again using Worn Lipstick Distress ink.

Next, I stamped the butterflies from the Papillon set on acetate using black Stazon. I flipped them over and colored them following the directions from Tim's tutorial here. After the ink dried, I covered over the back with a Snow Cap Dabber, so that it would be more opaque. So pretty!

The label was cut from a scrap of chipboard covered with a French book page using the Sizzix Styled Labels die. I dabbed over it with the Snow Cap Dabber, so soften and hide the text a bit. I attempted to glitter the edge using Spiced Marmalade Distress Stickles and Cotton Candy Stickles. I say attempted because I just cannot wait for that stuff to dry, so I ended up smearing it all around, thinking I'd give it a shabby kind of look. Ha! Shabby or sloppy, not sure which! ;-) In the center of my label, I stamped the word 'wish' from Tim's Stuff to Say stamp set. I added a few roses from the Idea-ology Lavish Trimmings and then attached my butterflies using Glossy Accents. The trim along the bottom is dyed seam binding that I gathered using my sewing machine (thanks to my friend Becky for that great tip!) and adhered using Inkssentials Wonder Tape.

I'm also entering my tag in this week's Simon Says Stamp and Show a Word challenge. Speaking of which - did you see my fancy new blinkie? My tag was chosen as one of the Top Three for the Metal challenge! Woo hoo! Make sure you visit their blog and check out the fantastic work by their design team. They are truly amazing.

BTW, you still have time to enter Inspiration Emporium's monthly challenge. Read all about it here. You could win a $50 gift certificate!

Sunday Stampers - More Than Words

2011-06-26T09:25:00.001-05:00

Today's Sunday Stampers gives me yet another excuse to trot out my new Artistic Outpost London Underground stamps*! This card is also an ode to my new found love for Ranger's Adirondack Dabber paints. I was slow to warm up to these, but now I don't think I can live without them!

For this piece, I wanted the Union Jack to be fairly neutral...I also wanted the aqua to be the main color focus. Since I was using the corrugated cardboard as a base, I knew I'd have to think of something clever, since there was no way that I was going to get the impression I wanted on such an uneven surface. My solution was to stamp on tissue paper using Adirondack Slate ink and then adhere it to my painted cardboard with Claudine Hellmuth Studio Matte Multi Medium. I used an Adirondack Cranberry Dabber to stamp the sentiment, and added other stamped images using a Snow Cap Dabber. I used my new Sizzix Pennants die to cut a cute banner from red and white ticking fabric. It's attached to a piece of string and then attached using the Idea-ology Tiny Attacher.

This is my favorite part! Again, more great examples of how versatile the Dabbers are. My flower was cut from Idea-ology Kraft Glassine using the Sizzix Tattered Florals die. I added a bit of Snow Cap paint here and there to soften it, and painted an Idea-ology Foliage piece with the Cranberry Dabber for the center. The flower is mounted over a frame cut from chipboard using the Sizzix Tag and Bookplates die. The frame was painted with a Snow Cap Dabber and the edges lightly sanded. I attached a Philosophy Tag that I painted with an Aqua Paint Dabber (loving this color so much right now!).

I'm also loving this view of all the layers! The bottom is chipboard, the red layer is a piece of the new Adirondack Core'dinations paper that's been embossed using Tim Holtz's Regal Flourish Texture Fade. The whole grungy sandwich is attached to the base using - what else? - the Tiny Attacher.

***Don't forget, you can use this code: stamptramp and get 10% off of your order at Artistic Outpost!***

Thanks so much for stopping by. Enjoy what's left of your weekend and have a wonderful week!