A Distressed Card With SU only!

I finally went to the eye doctor (it has been 6 years) and ordered new glasses. My vision changed a little but everything was fine. However, I DO NOT LIKE my new glasses. I am not sure what the exact problem is but I just know they are not right-UGH!! The last ones were pretty much perfect from the time I put them on. They are guaranteed but if you don't know what is wrong how do you explain it to the eye people???? Of course they say, "Give it a little time-they are a different prescription. . ." I think they are giving me a headache-not sure if it is the glasses, the new medicine I am on or just that I am annoyed that my new glasses aren't perfect like the last ones!!!!! Okay-venting is over on to the card.

This is a CASE of a card by Lisa Somerville. It was published in Stampin' Success in July. Mainly I wanted to make this card to show that it is possible to create a distressed or aged look using SU products only. I think we associate a certain style with a certain product line and actually it is more how those products are used.

I made the background by first stamping the flourish from the Friends 24/7 stamp set in white craft ink and embossing it with white EP on Naturals White paper. I then took Old Olive, Cameo Coral, and Creamy Caramel ink pads and swiped them across the the paper. I spritzed a little water to make the ink bleed a little and not show the lines from swiping the ink pads. Don't use very much water or your colors will make "mud". I wiped the ink off the embossed images and then rolled the Friends wheel in Chocolate Chip over the entire paper. The edges of the layers were distressed using the Distresser found in the SU Cutter Kit.

Pop Up Card from Stampin' Sucess

The idea for this card was in the July Stampin' Success magazine, a magazine for Stampin' Up! demonstrators. I put my pop up bird on wrong-I should have put the bird up higher and placed the strip of paper holding him the other way and attached it to his body. Every time I fold this card he folds flat and doesn't really pop up; but you get the idea.The stamp set is Always and the colors are, Brocade Blue, Chocolate Chip and Rose Red. I am not sure I like the color combo but Brocade Blue was the only wider ribbon I had so . . .
I finally had a chance to stamp last night just for fun. I played with a couple of my new sets and with the new In-Colors. I also discovered that I mounted one of my stamps UPSIDE DOWN! Yep! I discovered it AFTER I stamped with it!! If you ever need to remount a stamp just zap it in the microwave 5-10 seconds and the rubber will come off and restick good as new!!!

Better Embossing With a New Heat Gun!!

This has one of my new favorite color combos, Always Artichoke and Rich Razzleberry. I had to purchase a new heat gun because apparently the old one was not getting hot enough. It took me several weeks of frustration before I realized it was my heat gun and not the embossing powder. I always thought if your heat gun went out it would simply not turn on or not get hot at all but sometimes it doesn't get hot enough. I mean how can you check it? Stick your hand in front of it?? I think not!! So if you are having trouble with all of your embossing powder melting well it could be your heat gun and you will need to purchase a new one (from me preferably!)
The Daisies were stamped with Versamark and embossed in black; then I brayered So Saffron at the top, Always Artichoke at the botton and sponged Rich Razzleberry around the top edge of the So Saffron. The ribbon is the new Polka Dot grosgrain that is solid on one side.

I am having stamping withdrawals! I helped with VBS crafts at my church last week and had very little time to play. My stamping area is a disaster so I guess I should straighten it first so I can find my table-Ugh! I want a magic clean-up wand!!!

Dryer Sheet Technique

I am helping with crafts in VBS this week and I have had little time to make anything new. We have over 200 kids times 5 days that comes to one million projects!!! (Okay my math is a little off but that is what it feels like!!!)
This card was made with a used dryer sheet!! Isn't it fabulous??? We made this card in stamp club last month using the retired in-colors, Pacific Point, Riding Hood Red, and Kiwi Kiss. It is a simple technique. Stamp your images, spray with spray adhesive, place the dryer sheet on the adhesive, trim, and sprinkle Dazzling Diamonds on top!! As they say, "an oldie but goody!" I definitely need some more of those corduroy buttons in current colors-I really love them!!
Off to cut out 2 million fans, 3 million stars and 4 million flowers!!!!!! Thank goodnes for the Big Shot!!!!!!!

A Simple Card

Sometimes it is nice to make a quick & simple card! I actually made this for a make & take when I was pressed for time! The center of this card is made with the Top Note die. Simply cut a Top Note out and then turn it sideways and cut again! Easy as pie!! I am not sure whose original idea this was but I have seen it on several blogs lately. The pieces on the sides are the ones that are cut on the second time.
The stamp set is Trendy Trees; I love this set! It is great for making masculine cards and is a smaller less expensive set.
I am still working on VBS projects! I cut about a million sheets of paper in half for prayer journals and now I get to punch holes in them. Luckily my DD and her friend take bribes-I rented them a movie and bought ice cream in return for them putting some projects together. Actually, I think they would have helped without the bribe but this way I not only got help but ice cream and a movie!!!

Razzle Dazzle Melon Mambo

I can't believe it has been a week (again!) since I posted. I am helping with crafts at VBS at our church and that has occupied all my time!! We are preparing for at least 200 kids!!

I did get to play with the new In-Colors and look at my beautiful new catalog. I love these new colors!! They are so bright and cheerful. I saw a card on someone's blog that inspired this one but try as I might I can not find it!! So if this looks similar to your card leave me a comment and I will give you credit. Note: 07/08 Here is my inspiration card made by Vicki & posted on her blog, It's a Stamp Thing! Thanks for the inspiration Vicki!!!
I used a set called Best Wishes that I don't use very often. I received it at SU Regionals. It actually would be a good beginner set because it has several bold images and a couple of sentiments.

Don't you just love the polka dot grosgrain???? This is the first time I have purchased a spool of ribbon in each new In-Color! The great thing about this ribbon is it is plain on one side and polka dot on the other. The pink is the new Melon Mamba and the paper is from the new DSP called Razzleberry Lemonade.

My wish list from the new catalog is way too long!!! No, I haven't placed my first order yet because it takes me too long to decide. If I could just order everything it would be easier you know!

Off to ride the roller coasters!!!!