Artistic Outpost - Auld Lang Syne

I know it might seem a little early for a New Year's card, but I was so excited about the new Auld Lang Syne stamps from Artistic Outpost, I couldn't wait to use them! I have been wanting a beautiful set of vintage New Year's stamps for ages and these couldn't be more perfect.

The paper I used is from Authentique's Peaceful collection. I think the black, cream, and olive-y green look so pretty together. The frame was cut from chipboard using Karen Burniston's Bracket Frame and Label die and covered with Ranger's new silver Dry Stickles glitter. Love that stuff! The bottom was trimmed with idea-ology Crinkle Ribbon, green Tinsel Twine, and Type Charms (it's hard to see, but it's a 1 and a 3 for the year).

Isn't this the perfect Pop 'n Cuts die for a New Year's card?! I used the companion Sizzlit set - Party Set #2 - to cut stars from white cardstock. I covered them with more gorgeous silver Stickles dry glitter and added them as shown. The streamers were cut from black cardstock using the same Sizzlit set. I love how festive they make the pop-up! The sentiment was stamped on a banner cut from white cardstock using Tim Holtz' Tattered Banners die.

Here's one more shot to show how cute the pop-up is. I love the way the double-sided paper works with these flat PNC dies. So many possibilities! To trim the ends, I cut more black cardstock using the Bracket On the Edge die.

Many of the products I used can be found at Inspiration Emporium via the links below. Be sure to use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% off your order!

Stickles Dry Glitter - Silver Pop 'n Cuts 3D Star Insert Sizzix Tattered Banners Die Sizzix Brackets On the Edge Die Idea-ology Crinkle Ribbon idea-ology Tinsel Twine - Winter idea-ology Type Charms Neenah Epic Black Cardstock Ranger Collage Glue Stick Inkssentials Glue N' Seal Plus Corp Glue Tape Jet Black Archival Ink

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

Joy Banner

I originally came up with the idea of making this banner for last week's Compendium of Curiosities Challenge, which was Paper Rosettes. Before I even had a chance to start, the week was over and it was time for a new challenge. Oops! Luckily, this week's Tissue Tape challenge worked perfectly with what I'd already planned - as a matter of fact, it made it even better!

Isn't this just the most dreamy thing ever?! I think the Tissue Tape adds the perfect touch behind the rosette and contrasts so well with the dark, vintage look of the canvas. I really wanted to make the stars out of burlap, but I didn't have the right kind on hand and I didn't have time to go running around trying to find some. I remembered the lone piece of white Sticky Back Canvas I had and thought,  hmmm...could I make it look something like burlap? Here's what I came up with!

1. Remove the backing from a sheet of white Sticky Back Canvas and adhere sheet to Non-Stick Craft Sheet (this will keep the canvas from curling while you're inking it). Drag a Frayed Burlap Distress ink pad over the surface.
2. Ink the canvas with Antique Linen and Brushed Corduroy (I was shocked that I didn't have Frayed Burlap stain. What is wrong with me?! Time to improvise.). Let dry.
3. Peel canvas from craft sheet and adhere to chipboard. The adhesive remains sticky, even after all the stain I applied - awesome!

4. Cut a large star from scrap paper using the Sizzix Star Bright die by Tim Holtz. Trace onto the back of the canvas sheet to gauge placement of stars. Roughly trim around traced image. Place canvas section on die, carefully aligning it with the cut lines, and cut.
5. Trim off tabs. Since this will be a one-sided star, you won't need them.
6. Fold and shape stars. Fray edges with Paper Distresser and lightly sand the raised area with a Sanding Grip.

7. Cut a rosette from idea-ology Holidays Past striped paper using the medium sized Paper Rosette die. Form rosette and cover edges with Ranger's Platinum Stickles Dry Glitter.
8. Using Tissue Tape, create a ruffle behind rosette and glue into place (see Tim's book, Compendium of Curiosities 2, for details).
9. Cut the letters to spell 'Joy' out of idea-ology Mirrored using Tim Holtz' Word Play die. Adhere to rosettes. I also dabbed the Tissue Tape with a bit of Brushed Corduroy Distress ink and gave it a spritz of Pearl Perfect Pearls mist.

Attach rosettes to stars using hot glue. Finally, punch holes in the tips of the stars and connect using jute twine.

I am so in love with how all these dies work together! I didn't exactly get the burlap look I was going for, but I think I like the brown even more. Sometimes that's the beauty of working with what you have on hand - you never know what you'll come up with!

All the supplies I used can be found at Inspiration Emporium via the links below. Remember to use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% off your order.

Sizzix Star Bright Sticky Back Canvas Sizzix Mini Rosette Die Idea-ology Holidays Past Paper Stash Sizzix Word Play Die idea-ology Mirrored idea-ology Tissue Tape - Symphony Frayed Burlap Distress Ink Brushed Corduroy Distress Stain Antique Linen Distress Stain Stickles Dry Glitter - Platinum Inkssentials Blending Tool Studio Multi Medium Inkssentials Glue N' Seal Idea-ology Sanding Grip Tim Holtz Paper Distresser Non-Stick Craft Sheet Ranger Heat Tool Vagabond Compendium of Curiosities II

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In addition to the CC2C challenge, this also fits perfectly with our monthly challenge over at the Inspiration Journal blog. The theme is Joyful Creations and we'd love for you to play along. One lucky winner will receive a $50 gift certificate! You can find all the details here.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you're inspired to try one of these banners. I think we could all use a little extra joy right now. :)

We Have a Winner!

Good morning everyone! Just a quick post to announce the winner of the Karen Burniston dies before I head out for jury duty (ugh). The Random Number Generator chose number 3 which happens to be the wonderful and hilarious Kory K. You must check out his blog (the Amazing Discoveries post will have you rolling) - I think he needs to write a book!

Kory said:

Kory K December 5, 2012 11:03 AM

I love this and I love YOU! You are amazing- thanks for sharing all this insanely cool stuff that you create! P.S. Even if it weren't a giveaway, I'd still have posted this comment. P.S.S. I'd still do anything to win. Except kiss up. But really- anything.

lol

I have GOTTA get that wreath die!!!

-kory
thekory@aol.com

I promise all that sucking up did not improve Kory's chances at all! Unless he also tried to bribe the people at random.org. :) Thanks so much to everyone for leaving such wonderful comments. I still have a few more dies to give away - including my favorite Cupcake Stand from Eileen Hull! - so stay posted for future chances to win!

Now, I'm off to jury duty. Sigh. I'm all for doing my civic duty...but two weeks before Christmas? Ack!

Inspiration Emporium Challenge - Joyful Creations!

Today I'm sharing one of my favorite cards that I created for Stampers Anonymous for their CHA Summer release. The main images are from Tim Holtz' Mini Holidays 4, which is an absolutely beautiful Christmas stamp collection!

I started with a top-folded Kraft Core'dinations card that I stamped with Snow Cap Paint using Tim's wood grain stamp. I cut an opening in the front using the Sizzix Mini Baroque Movers and shapers die. I stamped the angel on the front and back of a piece of acetate using Stazon and adhered it behind the opening. I created a frame from chipboard using the mini and large Baroque dies and then painted it with Picket Fence crackle paint and adhered it over the opening.

Inside the card, I added a piece of white cardstock that was cut with the Baroque die, embossed, and then inked lightly with Antique Linen Distress ink. The front was trimmed with Silver Tinsel Twine, Crinkle Ribbon, and the new Festive Foliage.

I stamped the sentiment onto kraft cardstock, trimmed it closely, and adhered it to the card with pop dots. Speaking of sentiments, Inspiration Emporium's monthly challenge is 'Joyful Creations'. We're dedicating this month's challenge to IE's general manager, Joy, who is one of the sweetest people I know! I hope you can join us. For all the details, check out this post.

All of the supplies I used can be found at Inspiration Emporium via the links below. Don't forget to use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10%!

Mini Holidays 4 Wallpaper Stamp Sizzix Mini Baroque Die Sizzix Baroque Die Picket Fence Distress Crackle Paint Snow Cap Paint Dabber idea-ology Tinsel Twine Silver idea-ology Festive Foliage Idea-ology Crinkle Ribbon Postcard & Sheet Music Texture Fades Antique Linen Distress Ink Kraft Core Paper Vagabond

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If you haven't entered yet, be sure and leave a comment on my Star Book post. I'm giving away two of my favorite Karen Burniston dies!! The giveaway will end on Sunday at midnight (Dec 9), so hurry over here if you haven't already. Good luck and thanks for much for visiting!