You just never know when and where inspiration is going to strike. I was looking around for a color scheme for another “manly” card and spied some tile samples I had picked up – we are in the middle of some remodeling. I liked the tile, but the colors just weren’t right for my bath project, BUT – they looked perfect for my card project. Grey, charcoal, alabaster, malted brown, and blue-grey all combined to make an eye-pleasing composition. So I gathered up some papers and inks in those colors and got started.

I scanned the card using the tile for the background so you could see the color inspiration. Here’s the finished card…

The tile had lots of texture and depth as well, so I tried to achieve that through embossing and touches of metallic.

Here’s what you need to know if you’d like to make this card yourself…

”time flies” card

Skill Level: moderate

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap:  ColorBox: MetaleXtra Pigment Ink: Platinum, ColorBox Fluid Chalk Ink: Blackbird {full or mini size} and Chestnut Roan {cats eye}, ColorBox Catseye Queue: Luxe Metallics: Silk Green and Sapphire Silk, Top Boss: Clear Embossing Powder, Smooch Accent Ink: Silver Fox and Gold Lame and Stylus and Blender Tip

Hero Arts: Circle Pattern cling stamp

Hampton Art: Clock and Word Collage Borders clear stamps

My Sentiments Exactly: Parfait Multi clear stamps

Bazzill: Kraft, Blackberry Swirl, Oslo and Butter Cream cardstocks

Tools: adhesive, scissors, paper trimmer and heat gun

DIRECTIONS:

1) Cut a 11 X 4 ¼ piece of kraft cardstock and fold in half to make card.

2) Ink Circle Background stamp using Silk Green and Sapphire Silk inks applied using the Stylus and Blender Tip. Place the colors randomly on the stamp having them overlap and blend in places. Stamp front of card and emboss using clear embossing powder.

3) Ink “time flies” border with Platinum MetaleXtra Ink and stamp on dark blue cardstock. Emboss with clear embossing powder; trim to 5 ¾ X 1 ¼.

4) Stamp clock on cream cardstock using Blackbird Chalk Ink; adhere hands to block at approx 11:20, ink with Blackbird Chalk Ink and stamp at center of clock; cut out.

5) Ink wings with Platinum MetaleXtra Ink and stamp on cream cardstock, emboss with clear embossing powder and cut out when cooled.

6) Use Parfait Multi alpha letters to spell out “miss you”, ink using Blackbird Chalk Ink and stamp on cream cardstock. Handcut, leaving about a ¼ border; ink edges using Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink.

7) Fill in inner feathers on wings using Silver Fox Smooch and hands on clock using Gold Lame Smooch.

8) To assemble, adhere “time flies” border at a slant across lower part of card. Then adhere “miss you” sentiment at lower right corner; fit wings around clock and adhere at upper left of card.

Keep your eyes open for the “inspiration” for your next project, it may be something unexpected!

---tami

If you are still in need of a Father’s Day gift idea – you are in luck! Today’s project, a travel journal, is the type of “personal” gift that really says you care. Don’t worry if your special “dad” doesn’t have the travel bug, take the idea and customize it to fit their favorite hobby. This altered composition book would be equally nice as just a journal to keep track of their notes or to do lists...

To embellish the plain generic composition book I started with, I made 2 different “printed” papers both with cardstock as the base. Both papers utilized Clearsnap’s Rollagraph jumbo wheels and handles along with their stamping guide to make the job easier. The Rollagraph system is a great way to stamp large areas with a repeating pattern, and if you use the handle with the self-inking cartridge, you can roll to your heart’s content without worrying about having to stop and reink the wheel.

To make the papers, I first took a pale cream cardstock and rolled across it with a script design wheel in a chocolate brown ink. Then I overstamped the paper with a round stamp design in burnt orange...

For the other paper, I started with a tan cardstock and rolled it twice with a marbled pattern. The first time I used a plum colored ink, and the second time I used a golden brown ink. This gave the paper a wonderful 2-toned marbled look that was easy to achieve...

I used a variety of different types of inks on this project because I wanted it to have multiple layers and textures. Each type of ink brought something special – the ColorBox Fluid Chalk Inks are soft and “smudgey” and are great for “aging” and “distressing” edges or overstamping when you want a soft opaque look, the ColorBox MetaleXtra Pigment Inks give your project a metallic sheen that adds a touch of richness, the Ancient Page Inks are sheer color, so they help add depth and texture when you layer them, and the Vivid! inks add dark bold color. If you haven’t tried all these different types, now is your chance. Since they are all used on this one project, you can really compare and see the unique “look” each ink has.

Here are some closeups of a few more of the details...

Here are the supplies and directions you need to make your own special gift for dad…

“”World Traveler” altered composition book

Skill Level: moderate

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: Rollagraph: Jumbo Stamping Wheels: Marble Background and Say What?, Jumbo Self-Inking Handle and Jumbo Ancient Page Ink Cartridges: Light Brown, Plum Wine and Chocolate, Vivid! Dye Ink: Coffee Bean {full or mini size}, Ancient Page Permanent Dye Inkpad: Palm Leaf {full or mini size}, ColorBox MetaleXtra Pigment Ink: Platinum, ColorBox Fluid Chalk Ink: Chestnut Roan and Pumpkin Spice {full or mini size} and ColorBox Stamping Guide

Hero Arts: Travel Journal ClearDesign stamps

Hampton Art: Foot Longs – Big and Little Alphas clear stamps

My Sentiments Exactly: Romantic Caps

Bazzill: Kraft, Butter Cream, Moody Blue and Tawny Light cardstocks and Brown Dashed Ribbon

Other: 7 ½ X 9 ½ composition book, mini binder clip and jute

Tools: adhesive, scissors, paper trimmer, 1/16” hole punch, black fine tipped pen and heat gun {optional}

DIRECTIONS:

Designer Notes:

*The MetaleXtra ink is a pigment ink so it can take awhile to dry. You can speed up the drying time with a heat gun if you like or just set aside the stamped “journal” piece to dry while you work on other elements. Just make sure the ink is completely dry before you adhere it to your book to avoid smearing the ink.

*Check the size of your composition book and make adjustments as needed to the cut sizes given.

1) Cut a 2 X 7 piece of dark blue cardstock and stamp “JOURNAL” at the center using Romantic Cap stamps inked with Platinum MetaleXtra Pigment Ink and set aside to dry.

2) Cut a 4 X7 piece of cream cardstock. Load jumbo handle with Chocolate Ancient Page Ink Cartridge and Say What? Jumbo Stamping Wheel and use Stamping Guide to roll on 2 horizontal rows of script design across the entire piece.

3) Ink small round “world traveler” stamp with Pumpkin Spice Fluid Chalk Ink and randomly stamp across the paper, making sure to let a few stamp off the edges.

4) Use Big & Little Alphas to spell out “travel” and ink using Palm Leaf Ancient Page Ink, stamp about 1” from left side and about ½” up from bottom in lower right corner of script paper.

5) Ink edges of stamped script paper using Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink and then adhere to the top of the composition book, clipping and reinking the corner if needed.

6) Cut a 4 X7 piece of tan cardstock. Load jumbo handle with Plum Wine Ancient Page Ink Cartridge and Marble Background Jumbo Stamping Wheel and use Stamping Guide to roll on 2 horizontal rows of design across the entire piece. Then clean wheel and change ink cartridge to Light Brown and roll again.

7) Ink edges of stamped marble paper using Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink and then adhere to the bottom of the composition book, clipping and reinking the corner if needed.

8) After making sure ink is dry, adhere dark blue “JOURNAL” strip at the center of the book.

9) Ink “on the road” narrow border stamp with Vivid! Coffee Bean ink and stamp 3 times in a horizontal row on a piece of kraft cardstock. Cut out ¼” strip and ink using Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink, and adhere along bottom of dark blue “JOURNAL” strip.

10) Ink tag stamp with Vivid! Coffee Bean ink and stamp on a piece of kraft cardstock. Cut out and ink edges using Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink.  

11) Ink “enjoy the journey” stamp with Pumpkin Spice Chalk ink and stamp diagonally across lined portion of tag. Use black pen to outline “journey”. Punch hole at top of tag and tie with jute. Tie tag to binder clip and attach to top of composition book.

12) Adhere brown ribbon to cover black spine of composition book.

I have 2 more “guy” projects in the works, a set of 2 birthday cards and a missing you card, so please check back to see them!

---tami

Nine sweet cupcakes - Smooched in Carrot, Kiwi and Taffy and glittered with Sweet Orange, Peridot and Cotton Candy - would be a nice dessert for a garden party this weekend.  Or any weekend!

Smooching and glittering the cupcakes in coordinating colors creates quite a sparkle because the two products enhance and highlight each other.  I used Glue Gloss to adhere the glitter - one color at a time. It was quick and easy...and dried within minutes, without those lumpy, sticky mounds of other adhesives that can surprise you when you think they're dry.

I used the new Memory Box Tiers of Cupcakes stamp here - it was the perfect excuse to use three shades of Smooch and three colors of glitter.  Here are the directions for this card:

Clearsnap Products

• ColorBox Fluid Chalk Dark Brown Inkpad
• ColorBox Fluid Chalk Chestnut Road Inkpad
• Carrot Smooch Accent Ink
• Kiwi Smooch Accent Ink
• Taffy Smooch Accent Ink
• Sweet Orange Glitter
• Peridot Glitter
• Cotton Candy Glitter
• Glue Gloss

Stamps

• Memory Box Tiers of Cupcakes
• Memory Box Sweet Cupcake (you are so SWEET)

Other Supplies

• Paper Accents Muslin Pink Chiffon Cardstock (4-1/4" x 5-1/2" card)
• Bazzill Petunia Cardstock
• Bazzill Apricot Cardstock
• Bazzill Sour Apple Cardstock
• Heat Tool 
• 1/8" Foam Dots

Directions

• Stamp Tiers of Cupcakes on the smooth side of Petunia Cardstock with Dark Brown and heat-set the ink
• Trim the cardstock to 1-1/2" x 2-1/8"
• Smooch the cupcakes with Carrot, Kiwi and Taffy and briefly heat-set the inks
• Working with one color at a time, daub the cupcakes with Glue Gloss and quickly sprinkle the glitter over the wet glue
• Tap off the excess glitter
• Repeat with the other two colors of glitter
• Stamp the greeting on the smooth side of Sour Apple Cardstock with Chestnut Roan
• Trim the cardstock to 3-1/4" x 2-1/2"
• Cut a 2-1/4" x 1-3/4" piece of Apricot Cardstock
• Assemble the card
• Attach three foam dots below "SWEET"
• Press Cotton Candy Glitter into the adhesive

I love that owls have made a comeback! And the new owl designs are SO much cuter than the ones from the 70’s {yes, I’m old enough to remember them – just barely}. Hampton Art has a new owl stamp set that is a real hoot! I used 2 stamps from the set to make this card…

This thank you card is “manly” enough to send to any guy on your gratitude list, but is cute enough for anyone. I selected papers and Smooch Accent inks in my favorite “guy” colors of brown, aqua and lime green. Simply changing the color scheme to pink, orange and lime green would change the feel of the card to decisively “girly”!

The stamps in this set are designed to be mixed and matched, so I stamped the branch first, then stamped the owl so that he has his feet firmly planted on the branch.

To create the look of wood for the branch, I first colored in the branch with Molasses Smooch Accent Ink and let it dry. Then I painted over it using Smooch in Moonlight, then BEFORE it dried, I used a toothpick to gently draw in a wood grain design. Since the Molasses Smooch underneath was already dry, it was revealed when I drew the lines in the still wet Moonlight Smooch.

You can use this technique to add layers of colors or to add texture when using your Smooch Accent Inks. Smooch inks blend when they are wet, but once they are dry, they stay put. So keep that in mind when you are experimenting with this technique.

Here are the supplies and directions you need to make your own little hoot owl card…

“”Cutie Hootie” thank you card

Skill Level: easy

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: Smooch Accent Ink: Moonlight, Silver Fox, Carrot, Pool, Kiwi and Molasses and ColorBox Fluid Chalk Ink: Chestnut Roan {full or mini size}

Hampton Art: Owls 1 cling stamp

Bazzill: Kraft, Frosted Teal and Walnut Cream cardstocks

Tools: adhesive and paper trimmer

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Cut an 8 ½ X 5 ½  piece of kraft cardstock and fold in half for card.

2) Cut a 3 ^_1/8 X 3 ½ piece of aqua cardstock and adhere to center of card.

3) Cut a 2 _^5/8 X 3 piece of cream cardstock and stamp sentiment using Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink at bottom center.

4) Ink branch stamp with Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink and stamp just above sentiment.

5) Ink owl stamp with with Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink and stamp so that the owls feet are on the branch.

6) Color center of eyes and wings in with Kiwi Smooch, body with Pool Smooch, chest and outer eye with Silver Fox Smooch, beak, feet and legs with Carrot Smooch and branch with Molasses Smooch.

7) When branch has dried, color in again with Moonlight Smooch, and while it is still dry, use a toothpick to add woodgrain.

I still have a few more projects for the boys before we move on to another subject, so please check back for more ideas!

---tami

I am the lone gal in my family; I’m out numbered 3 to 1, so I am always on the lookout for projects or ideas for guys. But today, I have a few ideas to share with you.

Color plays a big part of creating a “masculine” look; I immediately think of blue, brown and black with maybe a touch of lime green thrown in for some punch. Texture is important too; layers of different patterns can work together to add interest to your project.

This layout has examples of both of these ideas…

The photo was taken on my youngest son’s birthday, and coincidentally, all my guys wore lime green that day. So of course mom had to take advantage of that photo op.

I wanted the lime green of their shirts to be the “pop” in my layout, so the only other repeat of that color is a few touches of Smooch Accent Ink in Green Apple to tie the color in…

For texture, I started with the background paper, I used Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink to stamp a repeated pattern across the entire page…

Then I added some color, a medium blue that I thought accented the colors in the photos. I decided to use Watermark Ink to create a tone on tone look for the stamped design. And then to add another layer to that, I filled in the diamonds in the pattern using Smooch Accent Ink in Olive Twist…

I also stamped a frame around my photo, and added several stamped and cut out sentiments to the bottom of the layout…

As a final touch, I added my title using brads in antique silver…

Each layer adds depth and interest and keeps the layout from looking “flat” whether you frame it or put it in a scrapbook.

“”My Family” 8 X 8 layout

Skill Level: moderate

SUPPLIES: 

Designer Note: In the supply list, I have both the full or mini AND cats eye sizes listed. The full and mini sizes have pads that are “juicier” and are great for stamping. But the pad on the cats eye is perfect for inking the edges of your papers.

Clearsnap: Smooch Accent Ink: Olive Twist and Green Apple, Watermark Ink {full or mini size} and ColorBox Fluid Chalk Ink: Chestnut Roan and Blackbird {full or mini size and cats eye}

Hero Arts: Circle Pattern cling stamp

Hampton Art: Artsy Edges and Word Collage Borders clear stamps

Memory Box: Lattice Background wood mount stamp

My Sentiments Exactly: Family clear stamps

Bazzill: Kraft and Nautical Blue cardstocks

Other: antique silver brads and fine tip black pen

Tools: adhesive, paper trimmer, scissors, paper piercer and dimensional foam dots

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Cut an 8 X 8 piece of kraft cardstock for background.

2) Ink Circle Pattern stamp using Chestnut Roan chalk ink and stamp design across entire background. Ink edges of page using Chestnut Roan, then Blackbird chalk inks.

3) Ink Lattice Background stamp using Watermark ink and stamp 2 designs on blue cardstock. When dry, cut out both and trim 1 piece to measure 1” wide, and the other to measure 1 ½” wide.

4) Fill in diamonds in lattice pattern using Olive Twist Smooch. When dry, ink edges of pieces using Watermark ink.

5) Stamp “My family” using Blackbird chalk ink on kraft cardstock. Cut out, rounding top edges. Ink edges first with Chestnut Roan, and then with Blackbird.

6) Lay photo on a piece of kraft cardstock and lightly trace around edges. Ink border stamp with Blackbird chalk ink and stamp along penciled line to form frame. Handcut frame, and ink edges using Blackbird chalk ink. Erase pencil lines and adhere photo to center of frame.

7) Stamp “family memories” border on a piece of kraft cardstock; cut out and ink edges using Chestnut Roan chalk ink. Fill in tiny circles along the bottom using Green Apple Smooch.

8) Stamp word border on kraft cardstock using Blackbird chalk ink. Cut out border, creating flag at right end. Ink edges first with Chestnut Roan, and then with Blackbird chalk ink. Outline “Family” with Green Apple Smooch, when dry, outline with black pen.

9) To assemble, adhere “my family” title tab to upper left of framed photo. Use paper piercer to make holes and insert brads. Lay photo on page and line up blue stamped pieces on either side with the narrower piece on the left. Remove photo and adhere blue pieces, then adhere photo. Use dimensional foam dots to adhere “family memories” border to lower right of photo, then adhere word border beneath aligning left edge with left side of background.

Hopefully, you’ll find these ideas helpful in creating projects for your guys…

---tami

Here’s a “tool”-riffic card for a dad who’s handy…

Smooch Accent Inks make it easy to transform a simple card into something special. All the stamped images were embossed in black, then Smooch Accent Inks were used to add borders to the sentiments and color in the tools. Each bottle has a precision tip built into the cap, so it’s easy to get the ink where you want it, even in TEENY-TINY spots.

Here’s a closer look at the tools…

I used a two colors on Smooch on the wrenches to add a little shading.

Here’s what you need to know to make this card for your “handy”-man…

“”tool-rific” card

Skill Level: easy

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: Smooch Accent Ink: Pool, Siren, Sundance, Silver Fox and Olive Twist and Top Boss: Tinted Embossing Pad {full or mini size} and Black Embossing Powder

Hero Arts: Happy Dad’s Day PolyClear stamps and Hero Hues Folded Cards - snow

Bazzill: Blackberry Swirl, Coconut Swirl and Gray cardstocks

Tools: adhesive, paper trimmer, heat gun and dimensional foam dots

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Cut a 4 ¾ X 3 ½ piece of gray cardstock and adhere to center of card front.

2) Stamp sentiments on a piece of white cardstock using tinted embossing pad. Emboss with black embossing powder and let cool. Cut out sentiments and outline “Happy Father’s Day” using Siren Accent Ink and verse with Pool.

3) Stamp tool design twice on white cardstock using tinted embossing pad and emboss with black embossing powder; let cool.

4) Use Smooch Accent Inks to color in tools; then cut out and mat on a piece of black cardstock.

5) Adhere “Happy Father’s Day” towards top of gray mat, then adhere tool design using foam dimensional dots, then adhere verse below.

Please stop back by for more projects designed with guys in mind…

---tami

I have 2 Father’s Days cards to share with you this week, and then I’ll be adding a few “manly” projects after that. It’s all about the GUYS for the next few posts. Cards and projects that are suitable for gifting to the men in your life: dads, husbands, sons, uncles, nephews, boyfriends, pals or bosses - a little something for everyone.

But first, a card Dad…

My dad loves blue, so I started with the ColorBox Multi-Color At the Beach Inkpad. This pad has a set of colors that are not only perfect for sand and sea, but for MEN too! I The At the Beach inkpad has 2 browns, 2 blues and a peach ink {Parchment, Dune, Baby Blue, Colonial Blue and Chestnut} all in one compact container.

I decided to use only the blues and the browns, and I selected colors of cardstock that matched the shades of ink.  I like to find different ways to use the 5 color pads; you can change the look of your stamped image just by changing how you place your stamp on the pad. For something a little different, I decided to place my stamp diagonally across the pad, using only four colors and avoiding the peach ink at the end {sorry Parchment – maybe next time}.

Here’s a closeup of the stamped background I created for the card…

And here are the supplies and directions you need to make this card for YOUR number one dad…

“you’re my no. 1” card

Skill Level: easy - moderate

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: ColorBox Multi-Color: At the Beach

Hampton Art: Best Father clear value set and Word Collage Borders

Memory Box: Lattice Background wood mount stamp

Bazzill: Moody Blue, Blueberry Pie, Chocolate Cream, Butter Cream, Tawny Medium and Kraft

Tools: adhesive, paper trimmer, scissors and dimensional foam dots

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Cut a 5 X 10 piece of Kraft and fold in half to make card.

2) Cut a 4 ¼ square of dark blue cardstock and mat on a 4 ? square of light brown cardstock with inked edges {use Dune – light brown ink on 5 color pad} and then double mat on a 4 ¾ square of dark brown cardstock. Adhere to center of card.

3) Stamp 2 images using Lattice Background stamp on cream cardstock; ink stamp diagonally across blues and browns on 5 color pad. Let dry, then cut out and ink edges with Dune ink and let dry again. Adhere scant ¼ away from left edge of dark blue.

4) Ink word strip stamp using dark brown ink {Chestnut} on a piece of cream cardstock. Let dry, cut out, then ink edges using Dune ink. Let dry again and then mat on a strip of dark brown cardstock. Adhere strip about ½ away from left side of lattice blocks.

5) Stamp wreath on light blue cardstock using Chestnut ink. Let dry, then stamp No. 1 at the center, let dry and then cut out. Ink edges using Dune ink and let dry again.

6) Stamp Dad on light blue cardstock using Chestnut ink. Let dry, then cut out. Ink edges using Dune ink and let dry again.

7) Adhere No. 1 and Dad pieces to a piece of cream cardstock and handcut about 1/16 around edges to mat. Use dimensional foam dots to adhere piece to right side of card .

Come back on Friday for another card for dad…

---tami

As promised, here is another project for the graduate; an altered paper mache’ box that’s the perfect size to hold a gift card now, and a tassel later.

I used Smooch Spritz to give the box the look of old metal that has aged over time. Smooch Spritz is a shimmery ink that you can spray; it goes on opaque and covers well in just one coat. And although it looks like it took hours to achieve the finish, it was accomplished in about 15 minutes using just 2 colors of Smooch Spritz. And since Smooch Spritz covers so well, there is no need to paint or prime the box first.

Here’s a closer look at the lid…

And here are some more close-ups of the details on the box…

If you don’t need a graduation gift, you can still make the basic box and just change the lid embellishments to whatever theme you like. Father’s Day is less than a month away and this box would be terrific for any dad as well. Maybe add a few vintage keys tied with twine to the top, and stamp with an appropriate Father’s Day sentiment. {More Father’s Day projects coming up next week!}

Here are the supplies and directions you need to make your own altered box…

“vintage metal” altered paper mache’ box

Skill Level: easy

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: Smooch Spritz: Silver Foil and Vanilla Shimmer, Smooch Accent Ink: Illuminate and Moonlight, Crafter’s Ink: High Top Pad – Black, Stylus with Blender Tip and Color Catcher

Indus Trading Company: DIY Bangles:Time Together Collection: wood cut out - Graduation

Hampton Art: Graduation Time clear value set

Hero Arts: Curly Alphabet cleardesign stamps

Memory Box: Antique Damask wood mount stamp

Darice: paper mache box

Tools: adhesive, white paper towels and heat gun {optional}

DIRECTIONS: 

Designer Notes:

•  use Smooch Spritz as you would spray paint, spritzing while moving your hand across the piece to create an even coat. 

• depending on the type of paper mache’ box you use, it may or may not absorb the Smooch Spritz quickly. If ink pools, you can gently blot with paper towels.  

• you can use a heat gun to speed up drying time, just be sure to keep heat gun moving and don’t overheat to avoid warping your box.

1) Remove lid and place it along with the box bottom in the Color Catcher. Begin spritzing the top and sides of the lid and the sides of the bottom using Silver Foil Smooch Spritz. Allow pieces to set a few minutes before turning them to another side. Continue until all sides are done. Let dry a few minutes.

2) Spritz pieces again as before, this time using Vanilla Shimmer Smooch, and blotting gently with a clean paper towel a minute or so after ink is applied. {The blotting will help develop the aged appearance of the box}

3) Ink wood cut out cap using Black Crafter’s Ink applied with Stylus and Blended Tip; let dry.

4) Apply Smooch Illuminate to top of cap; let dry.

5) Outline cap using Moonlight Smooch, then smudge lightly with your finger to blend.

6) Let all pieces dry completely before proceeding.

7) Ink tip {about 1”} of Antique Damask stamp with Black Crafter’s Ink and stamp design around sides of lid; set aside to dry.

8) Use Black Crafter’s Ink applied using Stylus and Blender Tip to “antique” edges and corners of box lid and bottom.

9) Stamp “2010” using Curly Alphabet and Black Crafter’s Ink at lower right of box.

10) Stamp “class of” using stamp from Graduation Time set, above and to the left of “2010” using Black Crafter’s Ink; let dry.

11) Fill in “class of” letters using Moonlight Smooch.

12) Adhere cap to box at upper left.

Fill box with paper shred in silver, white or black and add gift card…

---tami

SCHOOL’S OUT! {or will be soon!} and we are entering graduation season so my posts this week will both feature projects for the graduate.

First up is a card for that special student that has worked hard and finally reached the end of the road…

I used the “traditional” colors associated with graduation, black and white, but you could personalize this card by using the school colors of the graduate instead.

I inked a wood cut out graduation cap with Crafter’s Ink, then stamped and embossed “hat’s off to you” with Top Boss Embossing Powder in white. I used black and white embossing powders to do all the sentiments as well.

Here’s a close-up of some of the details…

A diecut strip and a bit of ribbon added a little pizzazz, and helped highlight the “Graduation Time” message.

Here are the supplies and directions you need to make this card for your scholar…

“Hat’s Off” card

Skill Level: easy to moderate

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: Crafter’s Ink: High Top Pad - Black, Top Boss: Embossing Pad {tinted or regular}, Embossing Powder: White and Black and Stylus with Blender Tip

Indus Trading Company: Diy Bangles: Time Together Collection: wood cut out - Graduation

Hampton Art: Footlong Big & Little Apha’s clear stamps and Graduation Time clear value set

Bazzill: Coconut Swirl, Blackberry Swirl and Glass Slipper cardstocks, Half the Edge Cardstock Strips – black and Black and White Stripe ribbon

Tools: heat gun, paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive and foam dimensional dots

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Cut a 4 ¼” X 11” piece of white cardstock and fold in half to make card.

2) Use Stylus with Blender Tip to apply Crafter’s Ink to wood cap; set aside to dry.

3) Stamp “School’s … OVER!” on a piece of black cardstock using embossing pad, emboss with white embossing powder; cut out when cool.

4)  Stamp “Finally Done!” on a piece of black cardstock using embossing pad, emboss with white embossing powder; cut out when cool.

5) Stamp “Graduation Time” on a piece of white cardstock using embossing pad, emboss with black embossing powder; cut out when cool.

6) Stamp “congrats”, with letters from the Big and Little Alpha’s set, on a piece of white cardstock using embossing pad, emboss with black embossing powder; cut out when cool.

7) Stamp “hat’s off to you” on center of inked cap using embossing pad. Then emboss with white embossing powder.

8) Cut a 2 ½” X 4” piece of silver cardstock and mat on a 2 ¾” X 4 ¼” piece of black cardstock.

8) To assemble card:

• adhere black cardstock strip about ¼” from left side of card,     trimming excess.
• adhere silver on black cardstock piece about ¼” from top of card and cardstock strip.
• adhere a piece of ribbon horizontally about 3 ½” from top of card.
• adhere hat at an angle at top of card.
• adhere sentiments, using foam dimensional dots to adhere “Graduation Time” on ribbon.          

---tami

   
A simple wood frame - zinged and blinged with Crafter's Inks, Design Adhesives, Alvin Blue Hills Studio flowers and Clearsnap Glitter - makes a colorful desk accessory, or a sweet gift for a wonderful teacher.  You could even frame a desk-size calendar page - and make the Seek Joy Everyday message quite appropriate. 

Crafter's Acid-Free Pigment Inks come in a rainbow of beautiful colors - Lilac, Peony, Lime and Black are the featured colors here.  They coordinate perfectly with glitter in shades of Peridot, Sparkling  Amethyst and Charcoal. 

If you love glitter, embossing, flocking and metal leafing...Design Adhesives are the way to go!  Just burnish the adhesive patterns onto your project, remove the clear liner,  add your product and remove the excess.  No stringy glue streaks, air bubbles, set-up times or discoloration!  Instant-gratification at its best.

Here are the instructions and supply lists for this project:

Clearsnap Products

• Lilac Crafter's Ink
  
• Peony Crafter's Ink
  
• White Crafter's Ink (to undercoat the Lime flower)
  
• Lime Crafter's Ink
  
• Black Crafter's Ink
  
• ColorBox Stylus Handle and 4 White Leaf Tips
• Fancy Edges Design Adhesives
  
• Peridot Glitter
  
• Sparkling Amethyst Glitter
  
• Charcoal Glitter
  

Stamp 

• Hampton Art Life Defined Clear Set
  

Other Products

• Craft Store Wood Frame    
• Alvin Blue Hills Studio Bucket of Blooms
• Acrylic Stamp Block
• Green Buttons
• 1/2" Circle Punch
• 3/8" Circle Punch
• Bazzill Parakeet Cardstock
• Black Cardstock
• Crafter's Pick Ultimate Adhesive
• 1/4" Foam Dots

Directions

• Use the Stylus Handle, Tip and White ink to color one of the flowers to create a lighter surface for the Lime ink  
• Heat-set the ink 
• Ink the flowers with Lilac, Peony and Lime inks and heat-set the inks
• Attach the words to the stamp block and stamp them onto the frame with Black
• Heat-set the ink
• Cut narrow strips of Parakeet Cardstock and attach them under each line of words
• Cut two sets of the flourish pattterns from the Design Adhesives (use two strips to get the entire pattern twice)
• Carefully remove the opaque liners and save them for later use
• Use your finger to gently burnish the adhesive patterns onto the frame
• Carefully remove the clear liners and sprinkle Peridot Glitter over the patterns
• Tap off the excess glitter
• Place the saved opaque liners over the glittered patterns and press gently to secure any loose grains of glitter
• Glue the buttons onto the frame
• Glue the Lilac and Peony flowers onto the frame
• Attach the Lime flower by gluing the petals that overlap the Lilac and Peony flowers - and using foam dots under the petals near the corner of the frame
• Punch three black 1/2" circles and three Parakeet 3/8" circles and attach them to the flowers
• Attach foam dots to the circles and press Charcoal and Sparkling Amethyst Glitters into the adhesive

I received some wood bangles from DIY Bangles that I have been anxious to bling up. Creating your own unique jewelry pieces can accent a new outfit, or help update one from last season. It only took an hour or so to transform these 3 bangles…

Crafter’s Ink works well on wood; it covers well and dries quickly. You can also use pigment inks, but they will take longer to dry and you have to be careful not to smear them until they do. I used both on the bangles I made.

Here’s a closer look at each of the bracelets…

I inked a damask background stamp with several colors of inks, then rolled the bangle across the stamp …

for this one, I first stamped on the script design, then went back and stamped tiny flowers in different colors along it...

Rhinestones added the finishing touch…

This bangle has large flat panels on each side that are perfect for stamping on, I inked the panels a different color than the rest of the bracelet and stamped flowers on the panels…

I used a beauty swab to color in the flowers centers, and used the stylus and blender tip to “antique” the edges of the panels…

The BIG jewelry trend right now is just that – BIG! Stacks of bangles in different sizes and colors are showing up everywhere, so make your bangles in colors that coordinate and you can mix and match and STACK!

Here’s what you need in order to make your own fashion statement…

“Damasked” bangle bracelet

Skill Level: easy

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: Crafter’s Ink: Sunflower, Pink and Lime, ColorBox Pigment Ink: Turquoise and Stylus with Blender Tip

Indus Trading Company: DIY Bangles.com: ¼” flat wood bangle

Hero Arts: Antique Brocade Cling stamp

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Use Sunflower Ink, applied with Stylus and Blender Tip, to ink outside edges of bangle; let dry.

2) Apply Turquoise ink to stamp, then use Stylus and Blender Tip to apply touches of Lime and Pink inks to stamp {make sure you clean off tip between inks to prevent contaminating your pads}

3) Carefully roll bangle across stamp using even pressure. When you get to the end of the stamp; start rolling again where you left off on the bangle along a new place on the stamp. Let dry.

“Flower Script” bangle bracelet

Skill Level: easy

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: Crafter’s Ink: Sunflower, Pink and Lime, Frost White and Dune, ColorBox Pigment Ink: Marigold and Stylus with Blender Tip

Indus Trading Company: DIY Bangles.com: 5/8” flat wood bangle

Hampton Art: Friends clear stamp

Memory Box: Script Block wood stamp and Jewel Stickers: Diamond

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Use Frost White ink, applied with Stylus and Blender Tip, to ink outside edges of bangle; let dry.

2) Ink Script Block stamp using Dune ink, and then roll bangle across stamp using even pressure. When you get to the end of the stamp; start rolling again where you left off on the bangle along a new place on the stamp. Let dry.

3) Stamp flowers using Pink, Lime, Sunflower and Marigold Inks and let dry.

4) Apply rhinestones to centers of flowers.

“BIG flowers” bangle bracelet

Skill Level: easy

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: Crafter’s Ink: Sunflower, Pink, Lime and Dune, ColorBox Pigment Ink: Marigold and Stylus with blender tip

Indus Trading Company: DIY Bangles.com: 1 ½” pentagon

Memory Box: Big Flower wood stamp

Tools: Beauty Swabs

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Use Lime ink, applied with Stylus and Blender Tip, to ink outside edges of bangle except for the panels; let dry.

2) Use Sunflower ink, applied with Stylus and Blender Tip, to ink the panels; let dry.

3) Stamp flowers using Pink ink and let dry.

4) Use a beauty swab to ink the center of the flowers using Marigold ink.

5) Use Dune ink applied with Stylus and Blender Tip to ink the edges of the panels to distress them.

Wear and enjoy!

---tami

Spritz, spritz and more spritz...here's a design that combines an array of Smooch Spritzes and the Spellbinders Nested Bird dies.   I've chosen the blues, greens and purples this time - Sea Kiss, Electric Blue, Emerald Sprinkle, Frosted Grape and Grape Burst.

Instead of spritzing on white cardstock - I spritzed on Light Awesome Aqua for the bird and tree's background, and on Brown Bag for the "wing."  The wing is actually the smallest of the three bird dies, with the beak portion snipped off.   

Here are the supply lists and instructions for this card, designed to fit into a #9 envelope.  It's fun to spritz several sheets of cardstock, then mix and match the different color combinations to create a whole family of birds.

Clearsnap Products

• Frosted Grape Smooch Spritz    
• Grape Burst Smooch Spritz
• Sea Kiss Smooch Spritz
• Electric Blue Smooch Spritz
• Emerald Sprinkle Smooch Spritz
• Vivid! Purple Inkpad
• ColorBox Fluid Chalk Lavender Inkpad
• ColorBox Fluid Chalk Blackbird Inkpad
• Smooch Carrot
• Say What Rollagraph Wheel
• Jumbo Inking Handle
• Stylus Handle
• White Leaf Tips (2)
• Grape Fizz glitter

Stamp

• Memory Box Brilliant Tree

Other Products

• Paper Accents ColorMates Light Awesome Aqua Cardstock
• Paper Accents Brown Bag Cardstock
• Paper Accents Muslin Aloha Cardstock (3-3/4" x 8-1/2" card)
• Diecut System
• Spellbinders Nested Bird Dies
• Corner Rounder
• 1/8" Foam Dots
• Buttons
• May Arts Cord

Directions

• Spritz Light Awesome Aqua and Brown Bag Cardstock with the Smooch Spritzes (in the order listed), using short, quick spritzes
• Allow the inks to dry
• Diecut the medium bird from the spritzed Light Awesome Aqua cardstock
• Diecut the medium bird again from scrap cardstock and layer it behind the spritzed bird for dimension
• Use the Stylus Handle and Leaf Tip to ink the edges of the medium bird with Purple
• Smooch the beak with Carrot and blur the inner edge into the adjoining area
• Stamp Say What onto the spritzed Brown Bag cardstock using the Rollagraph, Handle and Blackbird 
• Diecut the small bird from the spritzed and stamped brown cardstock
• Cut the beak off the small bird, then ink the edges with Lavender
• Stamp Brilliant Tree onto the spritzed aqua cardstock and dry the ink
• Cut the cardstock to 3-1/2" x 3" and round the edges with the punch
• Cut a 2-1/4" x 5-1/2" piece of Brown Bag and round the top corners
• Attach the pieces to the card, using foam dots for the bird
• Separate a strand of the copper cord, thread it through the buttons and tie knots
• Glue the buttons to the Brown Bag Cardstock
• Attach three 1/8" foam dots above the bird ad press Grape Fizz litter into the adhesive

Have fun with the Smooch Spritzes - you'll love the colors (individually) and layered over each other.

My last post described a technique on how to apply Smooch Accent Ink to a rubber stamp in order to create a soft, pretty watercolor image. Today’s project will use that same technique; so please refer back to my post on 5-13 “smooched butterfly ATC”, for complete directions and step by step photos of the technique.

The project is a shimmery, glimmery thank you note that anyone would love to receive…

The Smooch technique is used on the script, circle butterfly…

I used 2 colors of Smooch Spritz to bling up some plain white cardstock to create the card, so this project has shimmer X 2! 

There are a few steps involved in making this card, but none of them are hard. And once you’ve learned how, you can apply the techniques used on this card on projects you design yourself.

Here’s what you need to make this thank you note:

“Butterfly Thanks” card

Skill Level: easy to moderate

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: Smooch Spritz: Gingersnap and Gold Glow, Smooch Accent Ink: Carrot, Sundance, Taffy and Tuxedo, ColorBox Fluid Chalk Ink: Blackbird {full or mini size} and Color Catcher

Hampton Art: Foot Longs: Big & Little Alphas, Artsy Edges and Circle Birds clear stamps

Bazzill: Coconut Swirl cardstock

Tools: paper trimmer, scissors, foam dimensional dots and adhesive

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Cut a 5 ½ X 8 ½ piece of white cardstock and fold in half to make card.

2) Place card in Color Catcher and spritz front of card with Gingersnap and Gold Glow Smooch Spritzes; spraying from about 12” away to apply a fine mist of both colors. Let dry.

3) Stamp border and “thanks” using Blackbird chalk ink on front of card.

4) Using Smooch technique described in 5/13 post, apply Smooch Accent Inks to circle script butterfly stamp and stamp image on white cardstock; let dry.

5) Cut out circle, then lay in Color Catcher and apply a very light spritz of Gold Glow Smooch Spritz to circle; let dry.

6) Adhere circle to front of card as shown using foam dimensional dots.

Now all you need is someone special to THANK!

---tami

The next two projects will continue the butterfly theme of the clay pendant and will both feature similar color schemes; brown, orange, yellow and a touch of black. Butterflies are symbolic of spring, but I wanted the colors to be soft and subtle, not the bright pastel colors usually associated with spring. So, like the pendant, these projects could work equally well for fall.

Both projects will use the same technique to stamp the butterfly, so I want to share that with you first today. We’ll be applying different colors of Smooch Accent Ink to the stamp; then blending them together so that when you stamp the image, you get a soft, shimmery watercolor effect.

First, you’ll need to ink your stamp with Top Boss Embossing Ink – clear or tinted, it doesn’t matter. This will create a layer between the stamp and the Smooch so that the Smooch won’t dry on your stamp and will blend and release easier as well…

Then you need to dab different colors of Smooch onto the stamp, being careful not to get the tip in other colors {clean off before putting applicator back in bottle if you do}. Place colors as you would if you were painting in the image, but don’t blend yet and you don’t have to cover the entire surface of the stamp...

Here is a closeup of the “smooched” stamp…

Then gently use your finger to dab – not wipe – the colors to blend them on the stamp…

Then stamp as you would with a regular inked stamp, only be careful not to apply to much pressure or your stamp could slide…

Practice the technique on some scrap paper until you are happy with how the colors blend and you get the hang of it.

Today’s project is an ATC card, which I’m sure most of you are familiar with. ATC stands for Artist Trading Card and they are a fun way to share miniature works of art…

Here’s what you need to make your own ATC:

“Remember ” ATC

Skill Level: advanced

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: Stylus Molding Mat: Moorish Tiles, Smooch Accent Ink: Silver Fox, Pumpkin, Gold Lame, Luscious Lime, Molasses and Tuxedo, Ancient Page Inkpad: Sandalwood, Sienna, Coal Black, Chocolate and Light Brown {full size or mini}, Top Boss: Tinted or Clear Embossing Pad, Asparagus and Dazzling Copper Embossing Powders, Design Adhesives: Sentiments and ColorBox Stylus Handle with white blender tip

Memory Box: Solid Butterfly wood mounted stamp

Hampton Art: Artsy Edges and Circle Birds clear stamps

Bazzill: Peanut cardstock

Tools: paper trimmer, scissors, black pen – fine, foam dimensional dots, adhesive and heat gun.

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Use “smooch” technique described above, with Silver Fox, Luscious Lime, Pumpkin, Tuxedo and Molasses applied to circle stamp with scroll design on a piece of peanut cardstock. Set aside to dry, then cut out, leaving a thin border around the edge. Ink edges with Coal Black ink applied using ColorBox Stylus and white blender tip.

2) Use same “smooch” technique to ink butterfly stamp, using Silver Fox, Tuxedo, Pumpkin, Gold Lame and Molasses. Stamp on a piece of peanut cardstock and set aside to dry. Cut out, leaving a thin border around the image.

3) Ink hexagon section of molding mat using Sienna, Sandalwood, Coal Black and Light Brown applied and blended slightly using stylus with blender tip. Stamp on a piece of peanut cardstock. Ink the diamond section of the molding mat in the same way, using the same colors and stamp on a piece of peanut cardstock. Handcut stamped squares from cardstock; then cut each square into quarters measuring about 1”. You will only need 3 squares of each design.

4) Cut a 2 ½ X 3 ½ piece of peanut cardstock. Stamp the left and bottom edges using the narrow edge stamp from the Artsy Edges set and Coal Black ink. Use Chocolate and Coal Black ink, applied using stylus and bender tip, to ink the edges of card.

5) Use Coal Black and Chocolate ink, applied using stylus and blender tip to ink the edges of the 6 - 1” squares. Adhere the squares, in 2 vertical rows, beginning about 1/16” from the top right corner, and spacing the squares about 1/16” from each other.

6) Cut “memories” word and pronunciation from Design Adhesives sheet and adhere to a piece of peanut cardstock. Emboss using Asparagus embossing powder. Cut out design, leaving about 1/8” border around edges. Ink edges using Sandalwood and Chocolate inks.

7) Lay “memories” strip down left side of ATC just past top of border stamp. Cut “remember” from Design Adhesives sheet, and before you remove the backing, make sure it will fit along the bottom of the last row of squares. Adjust position of “memories” strip if needed, then adhere.

8) Apply “remember” Design Adhesive along the bottom row of squares, having the bottom of the letters right along the bottom edge of the squares. Emboss using Dazzling Copper embossing powder. When cool, outline the letters using black pen.

9) Adhere stamped circle from step 1) to the right side of card, about 1/8” up from the top of “remember”, having about ½ of the circle hang off the right side. Trim overhang and ink the edge using Chocolate and Coal Black ink applied with stylus and blender tip.

10) Adhere butterfly at the upper left of the circle using foam dimensional dots.

Now you are ready to trade!

---tami

The project for today is a spring themed pendant made with polymer clay that has been “painted” using Smooch Accent Ink…

Don’t worry if you’ve never worked with polymer clay before, this project is quick and easy to make and I used stamping tools instead of specialized clay tools to create it. I’ve also included photos of each of the steps in the directions to make it even easier.

I wanted the pendant to have a vintage look, so I “stained” the clay with black Crafter’s Ink after I’d “smooched” it.

Here is a closeup of the pendant itself…

A bail and a piece of leather cording was all I needed to complete the project. You could also make a set of matching earrings to go with your pendant if you like. Just roll smaller, thinner balls of clay and make sure that you emboss with one of the smaller butterflies that are on the molding mat.

You could use these same techniques to create embellishments for other types of projects too. Like making a larger piece to adhere to an altered journal or composition book, or roll the clay thinner to create something to use on a scrapbook page.

Here are the supplies and instructions to create your own unique piece of jewelry…

“Vintage Spring ” pendant necklace

Skill Level: easy to moderate

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: Stylus Molding Mat: Flutter By, Smooch Accent Ink: Silver Fox, Carrot, Kiwi and Sundance, Crafter’s High Top Ink Pad: Black and ColorBox Stylus Handle with white blender tip

Indus Trading Company: Deerskin Lace – 1/8” black

Other: Plaid: Forged: metal findings – multi bales and Polymer Clay: beige

Tools: 2 large acrylic blocks {at least 3 X 3}, Static Away or Cornstarch, Paper Towels and wood skewer {or something to punch hole in pendant with}

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Condition clay according to package directions. Then pinch off 2 rows of clay and roll into a ball about 1 ¼” in diameter.

2) Dust the tops of 2 acrylic blocks LIGHTLY with Static Away or cornstarch; then place ball on one block and place the other, dusted side down on top of ball. Then press on top block using light even pressure until ball is flattened to about 1/8”. {Don’t worry if there is some slight cracking at the edges, you can fix that. And don’t worry if your pendant isn’t exactly round either}

3) Smooch the edges of the circle and gently push together any cracks using your fingers.

4) Place pendant back on the dusted surface of one of the blocks. Lightly dust your molding mat, then place the mat face down on top of the pendant. Place other acrylic block on top of mat to sandwich the clay and molding mat between the two blocks.

Then, using light even pressure, press down on the top block to impress the design into the clay. {Don’t press TOO hard!} Remove top block and peel away edge of molding mat to check design. If the design isn’t deep enough, replace mat and block and press again.

5) Carefully remove pendant from block and punch hole at top for bail. Then bake as directed on package. {I placed mine on a foil lined cookie sheet}

6) Once pendant has backed and cooled, you are ready to “smooch” it. Paint in embossed designs as you like…

Until all of the recessed designs have been painted in…

then set aside for about 15 minutes or until Smooch has dried completely before going on to next step.

7) Use black Crafter’s Ink applied using Stylus Handle and blender top to “stain” the pendant, front, back and sides. To do dip foam tip in ink pad, then gently rub onto pendant in a circular pattern…

Once you have covered the entire pendant, gently wipe excess ink off using a clean, white paper towel and set aside for about 15 - 20 minutes to dry.

8) Insert bail in hole and thread your lacing though. Finish ends as you like; I just left mine to tie so I could adjust the length.

wear and enjoy!

---tami

Here's a resist-ink technique featuring ColorBox Fluid Chalk Popcorn and Lime Pastel inks.   It's an easy way to stamp a subtle background for the Dill Print. The glossy cardstock creates a slippery surface for the dill sprig - and produces a shadowy, variegated look on the stems as the ink air-dries.

The supplies and instructions for this card are listed here:

Clearsnap Products

• ColorBox Fluid Chalk Popcorn Inkpad
  
• ColorBox Fluid Chalk Lime Pastel Inkpad
  
• ColorBox Fluid Chalk Olive Pastel Inkpad
  
• Top Boss Watermark Inkpad
  
• Asparagus Embossing Powder
  
• WordWords Rollagraph Design Wheel
  
• Memory Essentials Jumbo Inking Handle
  
•  Replacement Wheel Drive (plain wheel)

Stamps

• Memory Box Dill Print 
  
• Memory Box Happiest Birthday
  

Other Products

• Paper Accents Glossy White Cardstock
  
• Bazzill Hillary Cardstock (4-5/8" x 6-1/4" card)
  
• Bazzill Parakeet Cardstock
  
• Bazzill Sour Apple Cardstock
  
• Facial Tissue
• 1/16" Hole Punch
  
• 3 Gold Mini-brads
• Carl Rotary Cutter and Wave Blade
  
• Foam Dots
  
• Detail Clear Embossing Powder
  

Instructions

• Snap the WordWords wheel into the handle and ink it with Popcorn
  
• Roll the design onto the glossy cardstock and dry the ink
  
• Remove the WordWords wheel and replace it with the plain wheel
  
• Roll a layer of Lime Pastel over the words using the plain wheel
  
• Buff the excess ink off with a tissue
  
• Stamp Dill Print over the words with Olive Pastel and allow the ink to air-dry
  
• Cut the glossy cardstock to 3-1/4" wide x 3-1/8" high
  
• Rotary-cut a wavy edge on a 4" strip of Parakeet Cardstock
  
• Trim it to 1-1/2" x 4" and attach the mini-brads
  
• Stamp Happiest Birthday on the smoother side of Sour Apple Cardstock with Watermark Ink
  
• Emboss it with Asparagus Embossing Powder
  
• Stamp the butterfly (attached to the side of the Happiest Birthday stamp) with Watermark Ink
  
• Emboss it with Detail Clear Embossing Powder
  
• Cut it into a strip
  
• Attach the pieces to the card, using foam dots for the greeting
  

Today’s project is a bright and cheerful card set that you can make for yourself or as a gift. Or better yet, make 2 sets, so you’ll have one to give and one to keep. {These would make a lovely gift for Mother’s Day too!}

I used 4 different stamps; all are STICK CHICKS by Karen Stopler, and are available from American Art Stamp. I just LOVE those skinny leg girls, the designs are all so cute. The stamps I used for the card set all feature flowers so they are perfect for spring.

Jean used some Stick Chick stamps in her posts for spring also, so if you like the designs, be sure you check out her posts too.

Even though portions of the images are VERY small and VERY narrow, the great applicator tip that comes with the Smooch Accent Ink, is able to get in there so you can “color inside the lines”. I like to emboss images that I plan to “Smooch” since it makes it easier to stay in those lines.

Here are some close-ups of the “Smooched” images…

You can blend several colors of Smooch together to create shading – just use a clean beauty applicator and work quick as Smooch dries FAST! Or, you can add layers of color to create a new color. I shaded the flowers on the card with the pink background; I used Taffy on the petals, then added a touch of Sassy Pink near the center and blended the two where they met. For the pots, I used a base of Pumpkin, then layered Molasses over it to give the pots a more terra cotta look.

For the envelopes, I used some new ones from Hero Arts that have a fabulous shaped flap. AND – there is a liner template available too, which is what I used so that my cards and envelopes would coordinate.

Here’s what you need to make your own set…

“Long and Leggy Spring ” card set

Skill Level: easy to moderate

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: Smooch Accent Ink: Taffy, Sassy Pink, Carrot, Pool, Grape Soda, Molasses, Kiwi, Sundance, Snickerdoodle, Silver Fox, Pumpkin and Tuxedo, Top Boss: Tinted Embossing Pad and Black Embossing Powder, ColorBox Fluid Chalk Ink: Rouge, Tangerine, Wisteria and Ocean {full or mini size}

American Art Stamp: Bouquet, Watering, Picking Daisies and Gardening Cling Mounted Stamps

Hero Arts: Hero Hues: Daffodil Folded Notes and Envelopes, Envelope Liner Template and Circle Pattern Cling Stamp

Bazzill: Coconut Swirl cardstock

Tools: paper trimmer, scissors, pencil, heat gun, bone folder, beauty swabs and adhesive

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Stamp each of the 4 images on a 2 ½” X 4” piece of Coconut Swirl cardstock using Tinted Embossing Pad, sprinkle with Black Embossing Powder and heat set.

2) Use Smooch Accent Inks to color in the designs, using layering or blending ideas as suggested above.

3) Cut 4 – 3” X 4 ½” pieces and 4 – 3 ½” X 5 ½” pieces of Coconut Swirl cardstock and stamp 1 large and 1 small piece with the Circle Pattern stamp, using a different color of Chalk Ink for each pair. This will make the backgrounds and liners.

4) Use the envelope liner template to trace and cut out the envelope liners from the larger – 3 ½” X 5 ½” stamped pieces of cardstock. {Be sure you score along line in template too}.

5) Assemble the cards using the background color of your choice mixed with the “Smooched” stamped image of your choice.

6) Fold liners along score line and crease well using bone folder. Add adhesive the the back of the liners, insert in envelopes and press well to adhere. {hint: I folded mine along the score line to be sure the envelope would close correctly before the adhesive set.}

Now you are ready to write someone a note they are SURE to appreciate, or wrap up a gift for someone special!

---tami

 
Opposites attract right?  The cold, blustery afternoon and tonight's sudden downpour convinced me to design a bright, sunny, sparkly card to share with you.  It features splashy colors, Peridot Glitter and six Smooches - Luscious Lime, Ocean Soul, Kiwi, Molasses, Sundance and Carrot. 

Here are the instructions:

Clearsnap Products

• ColorBox Black Inkpad    
• ColorBox Fluid Chalk Blackbird Inkpad
• Ocean Soul Smooch
• Molasses Smooch
• Luscious Lime Smooch
• Sundance Smooch
• Kiwi Smooch
• Carrot Smooch
• ColorBox Stylus Handle
• ColorBox White Leaf Tip
• Fancy Edges Design Adhesives
• Peridot Glitter 

Stamps

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so today I’ve got three quick and simple Mother’s Day cards to share with you. One for mom, one for Grandma and one that your child can make for you or for Grandma.

You can make any or all of these cards in no time at all, and what Mom doesn’t appreciate a handmade card.

The “Heart Pocket Aprons”  and “Tweet Little Birdie” cards have stamped images that have been colored in using ink applied with a beauty applicator {pointed cotton swab} …

Here are some close-up shots of the stamped elements…

The “Swirl Flower” card has a stamped background paper and is embellished with flowers; all made the same set of Inkum’s Pocket Stamps. All the images were stamped with My First ColorBox inks, which are child-safe and wash off easily from hands.

Here’s a closer look at the background and the flowers…

And here’s how you can make your own…

“Heart Pocket Aprons” card

Skill Level: easy

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: Vivid! Ink: Lemon Ice, Aqua and Tea Rose {full size or mini}

Hero Arts: Happy Mom’s Day ClearDesign stamp set and Card Buttons - Neutral

Bazzill: Coconut Swirl, Icy Blue, Chiffon and Strawberry cardstocks and Black Polka Dot ribbon

Other: white twine

Tools: paper trimmer, scissors, 1 ½” circle punch, beauty swabs, dimensional foam dots and adhesive

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Cut a 5” X 10” piece of Chiffon cardstock and fold in half to make card.

2) Cut a 5” X 1 ¾” piece of Strawberry cardstock and adhere about 1” down from top of card.

3) Cut a 5” X 2 ¼” piece of Icy Blue cardstock and adhere under Strawberry piece.

4) Adhere a 5” piece of ribbon over where the 2 pieces of cardstock meet.

5) Stamp verse using Tea Rose ink on a piece of Coconut Swirl cardstock, cut out to measure 2 ½” X 2”. Ink edges using Aqua ink. Adhere to card at an angle in the upper right corner.

6) Cut 3 – 2” X 2” squares of Coconut Swirl cardstock. Stamp apron image on each using Tea Rose ink. Color in aprons using inks applied with beauty swabs. Add polka dots to apron using Lemon Ice ink applied with swab. {hint – to apply inks, lightly dab your swab on the pad, then “paint” in the color. Apply more ink to swab as needed.}

7) Punch out aprons using circle punch {hint, hold punch upside down so you can center image}, ink the edges using Lemon Ice ink, then adhere aprons with foam dimensional dots on Icy Blue cardstock.

8) Tie buttons with twine and adhere on either side of verse.

“Tweet Little Birdie” card

Skill Level: easy

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: Vivid! Ink: Black, Lemon Ice, Aqua, Orange and Tea Rose {full size or mini}

Hero Arts: Happy Mom’s Day ClearDesign stamp set

Bazzill: Coconut Swirl, Icy Blue, Chiffon and Strawberry cardstocks and Black Polka Dot ribbon

Tools: paper trimmer, scissors, beauty swabs, dimensional foam dots and adhesive

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Cut a 5” X 10” piece of Chiffon and fold in half to make card.

2) Cut a 3” square of Strawberry cardstock and adhere at the lower right corner.

3) Adhere a 5” piece of ribbon across card about ½” up from the bottom of the red square.

4) Cut a 2” square of Icy Blue cardstock and adhere at the upper left corner.

5) Stamp birds image using Black ink on a 2 ¼” square piece of Coconut Swirl cardstock and fill in the images using inks applied with beauty swabs. A touch of Orange ink was used at the very tip of the beaks. Adhere square in the upper left about ½” down and to the right from the corner.

6) Stamp sentiment on a piece of Coconut Swirl cardstock using Black ink; trim to 2 ½” X 1” and adhere along ribbon about ¼” from right side using dimensional foam dots.

“Swirl Flower” card

Skill Level: easy

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: My First ColorBox Inkpads: Light Brown, Red, Pink, Turquoise and Yellow and Inkum’s Pocket Stamp Set: Spiral #1

Hero Arts: Small Variety Alphabet ClearDesign stamp set

Bazzill: Coconut Swirl and Ballet cardstocks and Brown Rick Rack

Other: Zig: Writer – Brown, Darice: 1 lb of Rhinestones

Tools: paper trimmer, scissors, 1” circle punch, corner rounder and adhesive

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Cut a 4 ¼” X 11” piece of Ballet cardstock and fold in half to make card.

2) Cut a 3 ½” X ¾” piece of Coconut Swirl cardstock and round the upper corners. Stamp sentiment using alphabet letters and Light Brown ink. Adhere sideways about ¼” down from top and 1/8” from left side of card.

3) Cut a 3 ¼” X 4” piece of Coconut Swirl cardstock. Ink your choice of spiral stamps with Yellow ink and stamp background. Adhere about 1/8” from upper right corner.

4) Adhere 5” piece of brown rick rack across bottom of background.

5) Cut 9 – 2” squares of Coconut Swirl cardstock. Using your choice of spiral stamps and color of ink, stamp 3 of each color and design. Punch out using circle punch, and adhere as shown.

6) Adhere rhinestones to centers of flowers.

7) Draw in stems and leaves using pen.

***Note, if you are helping a child do this project remember that originality, creativity and having fun are MUCH more important than following the directions exactly!

--- tami

Mother’s Day is early this year… are you ready for it? 

If not, you may want to check out today's project and drop back by on Monday for a trio of quick and easy Mother's Day cards.

Today’s project is a frame all decked out in flowers, to hold a special poem or photo...

I used the four new ColorBox Fluid Chalk Inks on today’s project. They are bright, spring-y, happy colors that are just right for Mother’s Day.

I started with an unfinished wood frame and “stained” it using ColorBox Pigment Ink. Then I stamped a bunch of flowers...

And to add a touch of bling, I overstamped the flowers, slightly offset, using Watermark ink and then embossed them with a shimmery embossing powder. This technique adds a little dimension too...

Then, I just cut them out and adhered them to the frame. 

Here are the supplies you need to make this special gift for YOUR mom…

"Flower Bedecked" Frame

Skill Level: easy

SUPPLIES: 

Clearsnap: ColorBox Fluid Chalk Ink: new colors! Butterscotch, Berrylicious, Deep Lagoon and Blackberry (full or mini size), ColorBox Pigment Ink: Lime (full or mini size), Top Boss: Embossing Powder – Opalescent Clear and Watermark (full or mini size)

Memory Box: Large Vintage Flower, Big Sunshine Daisy, Foo Foo Daisy and Solid Marigold wood mount stamps

Bazzill: Coconut Swirl cardstock

Other: 4 X 6 unfinished wood frame

Tools: paper trimmer, scissors, heat gun, white paper towel and adhesive

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Lightly dab Lime ColorBox Pigment ink along one side of frame, then wipe with paper towel to spread ink and “stain” the wood. Continue working one side at a time until the entire frame – including inside and outside edges have been inked.

2) Stamp the following onto white cardstock:

5   --- Big Sunshine Daisies with Butterscotch chalk ink

6   --- Solid Marigold with Berrylicious chalk ink

5   --- Large Vintage Flower with Deep Lagoon chalk ink

13 --- Foo Foo Flowers with Blackberry

3) Working on 1 style of flower at a time, overstamp each, moving slightly down and to the right, with Watermark Ink. Sprinkle with Opalescent Clear embossing powder and heat set.

4) Cut out flowers, leaving a thin white border around each.

5) Arrange and adhere flowers around frame, making sure placement won’t interfere with how the frame stands.

6) Fill frame with a poem or photo.

Be sure to stop back by on Monday! The post will include 3 cards, one for mom, one for Grandma and one that's so easy – even a child can make it!

---tami

It’s fiesta time here in San Antonio and the parties and celebrations have been in full swing for a week or so. To me, fiesta means color! Lots and lots of color! And of course you have to have some bling! You can’t have fiesta without some bling!

Today’s project is a layout featuring a photo of my youngest son Chris, leading the sidewalk fiesta parade at his school last year. {My parents bought that adorable little red fire truck!}

I used Design Adhesives sprinkled with multiple colors of glitter to create some BLING-Y embellishments for the layout. If you aren’t familiar with Design Adhesives they are a bit like a rub-on, but with adhesive. You just rub on the design with your finger or a rub on tool; then lift the backing. What’s left behind is the design in an adhesive. Then just sprinkle on your glitter or embossing powder and you are done. No muss – no fuss!  

Here's the layout...

Here are a few close-up shots of the embellishments...

And here are the supplies and directions you need to make your own…

"Happy Fiesta" 8 X 8 layout

Skill Level: easy

SUPPLIES: 

 Clearsnap: ColorBox Pigment Ink: Canary, Fresh Green, Cyan and Scarlet (full or mini size), Top Boss: Glitter – Emerald City, Fool’s Gold, Ruby Slippers and Twinkling Turquoise and Craft Funnel, Design Adhesives: Happy Birthday, Fancy Edges and Spots & Dots

Hero Arts: Curly Alphabet Poly Clear Stamps

Bazzill: Kraft, Coconut Swirl, Blackberry Swirl and Raspberry Splash cardstocks

Tools: paper trimmer, rub on tool, 1 ¾” circle punch, adhesive and dimensional dots.

DIRECTIONS: 

1) Cut an 8 X 8 piece of Raspberry Swirl cardstock for the background.

2) Cut a 4 ¾” X 7” piece of Kraft cardstock and adhere to the right side of the layout, about ¼” from sides.

3) Cut a 2 ½” X 7” piece of Blackberry Swirl cardstock and adhere it to the left side of the layout, butting it up to the Kraft piece.

4) Mat photo on a 5 ¾” X 4 ¾” piece of Coconut Swirl cardstock, then adhere photo about ¼” from top right corner of Kraft cardstock.

5) Cut apart and apply 4 circles from Spots & Dots Design Adhesives to 2 ½” squares of Kraft cardstock. – hint: use your finger or a rub on tool to transfer the design to the cardstock. Lift a corner to see if adhesive has transferred, then continue lifting slowly. If any portion has not transferred, replace backing and rub again.

6) Working one color at a time, place a small pile of glitter on a clean sheet of paper that you’ve folded in half. Dip your finger into the glitter and rub over portion of design you want that color on. Repeat for all 4 circles. Tap excess off onto folded paper. Place funnel in glitter container and pour remaining glitter back into bottle. Repeat for all 4 colors of glitter.

7) Punch out circles using craft punch – hint: hold punch upside down so you can line up the design correctly. Adhere circles down the left side of the layout, using a dimensional dot to adhere the 3^rd circle.

8) Cut off “happy” from Happy Birthday Design Adhesive, and apply under photo. Apply glitter as before, one color at a time, creating a multi color design.

9) Stamp “fiesta” one letter at a time on scraps of Coconut Swirl cardstock, using all 4 colors of ink. When dry, cut out in random “squared” shapes, and adhere under “happy”.

10) Trim the row of diamond shapes from the Fancy Edges Design Adhesives to fit along the bottom of the Kraft cardstock under “fiesta”. Then apply and glitter as before, coloring each diamond with one color of glitter.

¡Viva La Fiesta!

---tami

Here's a brightly-Smooched birthday card for gals of all ages - young, in-between, and young-heart...

I think you'll love painting with our Smooch Accent Inks - 24 beautiful colors, in cool see-through bottles with a pointy built-in brush.  It's perfectly formulated and ready-to-use - no diluting, formulas, brushes or plastic palettes to mess with.  Just paint, dry and go!

Follow these instructions for a cool, colorful birthday greeting:

CLEARSNAP PRODUCTS

• ColorBox Black Inkpad
• Fluid Chalk Blackbird Inkpad    
• Taffy Smooch
• Carrot Smooch
• Luscious Lime Smooch
• Molasses Smooch
• Sundance Smooch
• ColorBox Stylus Handle
• ColorBox White Leaf Tip 
• Root Beer Sparkle Fibers

STAMPS

• American Art Stamp Small Party Cake
• American Art Stamp Cling Things Sentiments

OTHER PRODUCTS

• Memory Box Kraft Cardstock
• Paper Accents Muslin Pickled Tink Cardstock
• Paper Accents Muslin French Roast Cardstock
• Bazzill Parakeet Cardstock
• Detail Clear Embossing Powder 
• Heat Tool
• Cotton Swabs
• Fine-Mist Spray Bottle and Water
• Acrylic Stamping Block (for the greeting)
• Mini Foam Dots

INSTRUCTIONS

• Stamp Small Party Cake on the smoother side of Kraft Cardstock with Black and emboss it   
• Stamp and emboss the dress portion again on a scrap of Kraft Cardstock   
• Color the entire dress (on the second image) with Taffy 
• Buff the excess ink off the image with a lightly-misted cotton swab  
• Dot some Carrot Smooch on the bottom tier of the dress and quickly spread it over the bottom tier with the swab,  then buff the excess off 
• Cut the dress out and attach it to the larger image   
• Color her hat and sleeve with Taffy, her shoes with Luscious Lime and her cake with Molasses   
• Paint dots of Sundance over the candle flame an