Vine Street Embossing Card

 
     Now that you know how to get a great look from your Vine Street embossing folder I thought I would share a card I made for my Sale A Bration open house that used the folder.  Was this card a Sushi original?  No, I CASED it from my friend Julie Davison and just changed it up a bit. Can you see how I changed her card to make it my own?

1. I used the entire folder and not just one strip.

2. I changed the size of the card making this one a standard card size 5 1/2 by 4 1/4.

3. I left off the saying making this a card that could be used for any occasion.

    Casing is fun and perfectly acceptable as long as you give the originator of the design some credit.  Thank you Julie for your inspiration.
     Can you come up with a card that is a CASE of my CASE?  Send it to me I would love to see it.

How to Fix an Embossing Folder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Have you tried to emboss with an embossing folder only to have the image tear and look pretty ragged?  That happened to me when I first used the Woodgrain embossing folder and then again when I used the Vine Street folder that is one of the free items offered as a part of Sale A Bration.

    
     I finally found  solution that works like a charm. 
1.  Cut a piece of Vellum card stock that is slightly smaller than the top part of your embossing folder. (The side with the StampinUp logo on it)
2.  Place several stripes of Snail adhesive on the Vellum card stock about every inch top to bottom.
3.  Press the Vellum onto the top layer of the embossing folder.

  
    Now, when you emboss the paper will come out looking smooth and no wrinkles can be found.  I am not sure where I learned this technique, but I thank the person who discovered it because it has changed the quality of some of my embossing. 
    What is your favorite embossing folder?

 

 

  

StampinUp is a wonderful company and here's one reason why

     What could StampinUp be sending me now I wondered?  It had been one of those days where I coughed and coughed and just did not feel good, and I had three meetings to attend.  I decided to open the envelope having no idea what might be inside.

     Inside was this great looking card made from Postage Due, one of my favorite stamp sets from the Big catalog.  But, I still did not get it, it was not my birthday, and I did not have a trip coming up why did I get a handmade card from StampinUp and who sent it?

    Inside was a handwritten note from Rich Jutkins, the president of StampinUp congratulating me on meeting a lifetime sales milestone.  WOW can you believe that!  I was so excited and impressed. It made my day.

Spritz up Your Valenine Treat Bag

 

    Don't you like the idea of a special treat for that special someone.  I think putting a cookie, some candy or a special gift in a heart shaped container like this would make someone's day.  I got my idea from the StampinUp website.  I just changed up the original idea a bit.

 

  The finishing touch was my own spritz sprayed over the completed project.

Here's how I made the spritz.

 

1. First I used one of the StampinSpritzers

 

2. I filled it up 3/4 of the way with rubbing alcohol.  This will allow the mixture to dry faster than if you use water.

 

3. Then I added about 5 drops of Pink Pirouette reinker

 

4.  Finally, I added 3-4 drops of Champagne Mist shimmer paint.

 

With this formula you can make any color spritz to glisten up your projects.  What colors would you use?

 

Supplies needed

Rich Regals, Whisper, Rose Red, card stock

That's the Ticket, Oh Hello stamp set

Front Page, Summer Smooches Designer paper

Heart Framelits

White Baker's twine

Designer Vintage Faceted buttons

Paper Doilies

Cute Clips

StampinUp Borders Scoring plate for Valentine's Day

     Don't you love the look of a homemade envelope that matches a homemade card?  Well, I do too.  This card was one of the make n takes at my Open House today.  Have you ever made your own envelope?  It is so simple...

1.  Cut a piece of paper that is 6 1/2 inches square
2.  Using the Diagonal Scoring plate score each side at 3 inches.  You will need to turn your paper 90 degrees each time you are ready to score a new side.
3.  Find a little triangle where each scoring line overlaps the previous line and cut out the triangle.
4. Fold on the scored lines, attach the sides with glue dots or sticky strip and Voila a homemade envelope.  The great thing about using Designer paper to make the envelopes is the inside is already decorated.

     The card was also easy to make. 
1.   The first thing I did was make some scoring lines using the new Borders Scoring Plate.  Check out this video and see how easy it is to use this new tool.
2. Cut one banner using the Hearts a Flutter Framelit, then hand cut the bottom of 2 other pieces of designer paper
3. Ink the back of the stamp using 3 shades of marker to match the colors in the Designer paper.
4. Finally add some bling with a rhinestone in the middle of the o in Love.

   What is your favorite part of this card?

Supplies needed

You Are Loved stamp set

Rose Red, Regal Rose, Pool Party markers

Regal Rose Whisper White card stock

More Amore Designer paper

Sweet Threads Simply Sent Kit

Sweet Threads
Simply Sent kit 4 ways

Cross Stitched using 3 threads

Cross Stitched using 6 threads



Marker dots made through holes in the pattern

Marker x's

 

 

     Do you love the look of cross stitch but feel like you are all thumbs when it comes to that particular craft?  Well, look at the samples above to see that you can achieve that same look with a marker. I love how each card has a different look to it.

 

   Where did I go to find the ingredients for these cards?  Page 22 of the Spring Catalog shows you everything that comes in the kit.  You can see these cards first hand at my Open House this weekend.

 

   Which card do you like the best?

 



 

 

Happy Hello Sale a Bration Projects

 
    Wouldn't you love to know multiple ways to use a Simply Sent kit?  Well, today I will show you two great looks from one Sale A Bration kit.  


The top image is a card with matching envelope made from the Happy Hello Simply Sent kit I received when I spent $50. (Easy for me to do as you might imagine) I love the fact that all the supplies are in the kit and I needed nothing extra to make the card.  

The second image is a box that is made from one of the cards.  It uses all the same materials, but instead of a card it can hold some chocolate candy or timy note cards.  All you need to make this is a bit of scoring, and a bit of Sticky tape.
I found the directions on Barb Mullikin's website.  Thanks Barb for the great idea.

You might be thinking you would like to make one of the boxes.  Well, come to my Open House Friday and Saturday and you will be able to see first hand how easy it is to make this box.

How fast can you make a list of items you would like that total $50 so you can have one of these kits for yourself?

How to create a Sale a Bration Order

     Does this card look a little familiar to you?  I loved the scrapbook layout that we made in my Scrapbook Your Life class a couple of weeks ago and wondered if I could adapt the layout and turn it into a card.  This is what I came up with.  What do you think?
  
    How can you decide what to order if you are just starting out as a stamper, but want to take advantage of the free item offer.

  Choose the Getting Started Cardstock bundle  $6.95
                    Getting Started Stampin Spots      $21.95
                    A stamp set of your choice           $24.95
                                             Total                    $53.85
You are now able to choose a free item from the Sale A Bration brochure.

Questions?  Contact me for an answer. sue.scheets@gmail.com

Sale a Bration starts today

     How would you like to be able to earn free items from StampinUp?  Today is the first day of Sale a Bration and that is what it is all about.....earning free items.  You might wonder how you would be able to do this.  Here are some easy steps to get a free item into your stamping stash.

1. Create your order by groups of $50 from any current catalog...The Big Catalog, or the Spring Catalog. 

2.  Choose one item from the Sale a Bration brochure for each $50 you order.

3.  Submit your order online through my website www.sushi.stampinup.net , or email sue.scheets@gmail.com me your order and then wait about 1 week for the free items to arrive.

     Today's card was one of the cards featured in my Winter Fill Your Card Box Again card class.  I actually CASED a card that Shelli Gardner posted on her blog So Shelli and turned it from a 3 by 3 card into a full sized card.

    The saying is from the Feel Good set in the Spring Catalog.  I love the sentiments of this set. What is your favorite part of this card?

Valentine Scrapbook Your Life Layout

     If a layout works for one scrapbook spread do you think it might work for another?  Thanks again to Lana  this was the second layout the scrappers made in last week's Scrapbook Your Life class.  What do scrappers that come to the class do you might wonder.

1.  Make two 2-page themed spreads each month.

2.  RSVP your intent to come to class the 3rd Thursday of every month and receive a thank you gift from me.

3.  Bring back last month's pages with pictures on them and receive an incentive gift.

4.  Bring a friend who has not attended class before and receive a gift certificate.

5.  Pay only $15 and receive all the supplies and 2 the plastic sleeves to hold the pages. Assemble the pages during the class.

6.  Order a minimum of $25 and the class is free.

Isn't this a great way to create pages to mount your pictures and not have to worry about what the page should look like?  Cammie and Clara have been coming for 4 years and now their friend Kim has started to come.  Maybe you would like to come next month. 

Contact me through this page or my email and I will put you on the list.
sue.scheets@gmail.com

Winter Scrapbook Layout inspired by Lana

 

   Don't you just love it when you find a great idea from a friend?  My friend Lana posted a couple of scrapbook layouts she created for a recent class.  I was having a minor brain freeze and could not come up with the idea that sparked my imagination for my latest Scapbook Your Life class.  So, I CASED her layout and added my own touch.  Here are the easy steps I took.

 

1.  Stamp the snowflake images from the set Snowflake Soiree about midcenter in two parallel lines using Not Quite Navy ink.

 

2.  Emboss a 2 1/2 strip of Whisper White cardstock using the new Borders Scoring plate for the Simply Scored.

 

3. Die cut 6 snowflakes from silver glimmer paper,using the Snow Flurries Big Shot Bigz die.

 

4.  Add a variety of brads to the center of each snowflake.

      Designer Builder brads

      Basics Glimmer Brads

      Silver brads

  Can't you picture some great snow pictures spread out over this layout?  Thank you Lana for such a great idea.

 

         

Valentine Treat Bundle Project

   Have you always dreamed of making Valentine Treats with your kids, but have not idea where to start?  Well, I have a class idea that would let you do exactly that with your kids.
  Here is what the class would involve.....
   1.  You would purchase the Happy Valentine stamp  and receive 50 skinny cello bags for free
   2.  You would purchase a clear block to mount your stamp set
   3.  You would bring your own candy.  I used Valentine M&M's
I would....
  1. Show you how to assemble the card
  2. Provide the ink and the card stock to make as many treat bags as you wish
Total cost $20.

      If this sounds like something you would like to do with your kids then please contact me as soon as possilbe. February 21st is the last day this offer is available.

Dates to assemble the treat bags  Saturday, February 2nd 12:30 or Monday, February 4th 6:30.

Contact me at sue.scheets@gmail.com

Spring Catalog Sample card

 

     How would you like to be able to create this card and use just one strip of the Delicate Details Lace trim?  That is exactly what I did and you can do it also by following these simple directions.

1.  Place the trim at the bottom of a piece of Glossy Card stock being careful not to press too hard.

2.  Using a sponge dauber gently apply a dark color to the trim.

3.  Carefully lift the trim off the card stock and reapply it about 1/4 of an inch higher.  Continue to move the trim.  Change colors to a lighter shade every 2-3 rows.

    Where did I come up with such a great idea?  At the StampinUp Leadership conference recently held in Orlando. There was an area where staff showed us how to use some of the new supplies in the Spring catalog.  I loved this technique and changed up the sample card to reflect my style ( and the supplies that I had on hand.)

   So, do you think you can duplicate this design?  Try it and let me know what you come up with.

                            Supplies Needed

Glossy , Not Quite Navy, Whisper White card stock

Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist, Baja Breeze Ink

Sycamore Designer Paper (Sale a Bration)

Heart, Modern Label punch

Sycamore Ribbon and Button pack (Sale a Bration)

Paper Doilies (Spring)

Delicate Details Lace tape (Spring)

Baker's twine

Pearls

A Word for You stamp set



    

Valentine Treat Bundle Card

     

     Would you like to be able to make a card like this one? I can teach you how.  The stamped image on the card is one of the current specials from StampinUp. How can you get the stamp? It takes just 3 little steps.
 
1.  Let me know of your interest and order through my website

2. Email me your interest and I will order it for you

3. Cost is $5.95 and with the stamp you will receive a package of 1 by 8 cello bags for free.

   This was one of the technique cards we made at Press Club last night. The featured product and technique was lace.  Don't you just love the crochet ribbon and the lacey look it gives to the card. If you think you might like to join Press club check out my website at the address below for details.

www.sushi.stampinup.net

Dude, You're Welcome a New SU stamp set

   Wouldn't you love it if there was a stamp set for the male in your life to use to make YOU a card.  Well, now there is.  Check out this video to get a feel for the stamp set.  This is just ONE new item that StampinUp came out with and told us about at Leadership. Look for additional items in the next few days.
    I for one am ordering one for Sam.  What do you think are my chances that he will actually use it?

Hearts a Flutter

     The last swap....  I often ask for comments from my husband when I make a card and he often has some good advice.  So, this time when I asked what he thought, he really did not have much to say except that he did not care for the card.  I tried a lot of things to make it more to his liking and nothing worked. So, I put the card away and as they say slept on it awhile.
     The next day I looked at the design, moved the Love You all over the card, and finally  came up with a design that I really liked.  I knew that a lot of people would be making Valentine cards at Leadership and wanted to make at least one of my own.  This card, another Sushi Original (3 for 3) will be featured in my Fill Your Card Box Again class this month. So, what is new.....

1. Needlepoint Border embossing folders (Spring Catalog)
2. Tea for Two Designer paper (Spring Catalog)
3. Hearts a Flutter stamp set (Spring Catalog)
4. Hearts a Flutter framelit die (Spring catalog)

There is so much more that I love in the Spring catalog.  I can't wait to share it with all of you.  What are you  just loving from the catalog?

Who is Number One?

   
     Swap number 2.  I usually make 20 cards fronts of each swap.  Any more than that is not much fun for me so I always make several designs.  I don't know if you can tell, but inside each blue design is a punch of coordinating designer paper.  So, you do the math.  There are 10 of those punched shapes on one card front, and I made 20 cards.  Yes, I punched 200 of those little shapes.  My only worry when I put the card fronts together was that I would come up one short.  I am pleased to say I came out just right.
    Have you been able to tell which parts of this card came from the Spring catalog and which came from the Sale a Bration brochure?  Here are the facts.....

1.  Strip of blue designer paper from Sycamore DSP (Sale A Bration)\
2.  Little punched shapes Sycamore DSP (Sale a Bration)
3. #1 stamp from Ciao Baby stamp set (Spring Catalog)
4. Matching ribbon Sycamore Ribbon and Button set (Sale a Bration0
 
So, most of what I used to make this card I earned as a free item.  How about that?
What items will you choose as your free items?

Today I am heading home after what I hope was a wonderful conference.  I always come home inspired, ready to start new things, and remembering new friends that I have met. You should benefit  as well as me from all that I have learned.

I am now two for two as this is another Sushi Original.

Buzzing Away in Orlando

    

     Picture me in warm sunny Orlando, Florida as you read this entry.  I am attending the StampinUp Leadership conference that is help in Orlando this year.  In order to keep up my blog, I have written these entries in cold, gloomy Illinois.  So, I have great hopes for the climate in Florida.
     Part of the pleasure of attending a StampinUp event is swapping.  Just what is swapping you might ask?  Well, I made card fronts of 3 different designs of cards and will exchange the ones that I made with other demonstrators attending the conference.  It is great fun to see what ideas everyone else has and I always come home inspired.
    This is one of the swaps I made to trade.  I used supplies that are in the new Spring Catalog and the Sale a Bration brochure.  You just might be able to make these cards in one of my up and coming classes.  So,what is new on this card......
1.  The embossing background is called Honeycomb. (Spring Catalog)
2.  The cute little bees are from a new stamp set called Collage Curios. (Spring Catalog)
3.  The saying is from the set called Feel Goods (Spring Catalog)

  When I saw the embossing folder I immediately thought beehive. I really like how this turned out.  I wonder if anyone else had my thought.  By the way this is a Sushi Original.  That means I did not copy any part of this card from anyone else. What do you think? 

Cards from Friends

From Arlene

From Elaine

From Becky

From Kathy

From Anna

From Robin

 

     Sadly, it is time to put Christmas away.  While I was gathering up cards, projects, and decorations I decided to share with you the rest of the hand made cards I was sent this year.  Each of them was unique in its own way.

  I loved the way Arlene used the technique called stamping off with her trees.

  Elaine put her own twist to a card we made in class, and I love the monochromatic look to the card.

   I must copy the wonderful elf on Becky's card and use it next year.

   The sponging of an accent color on Kathy's tree adds a great touch to her card.

   Anna slipped a current picture of my great neice and nephew under the corner of the ornament on her card.

   Robin used the tri-fold card from My Digital Studio for her card, and on the back is her family's Top 10 for 2012.

 

     Thank you to everyone who thought of me this year with a handmade card.  I appreciate all the effort and caring that went into the creating and feel priviledged to have received the result of your efforts. Now, on to a new and exciting 2013!

Everything Purple

     There is something striking about a monochromatic card.  There are two shades of purple in the card.  Looks like at least three doesn't it.  The colors are Elelgant Effplant, and Wisteria Wonder.
    One of my favorite things about StampinUp is how all the products coordinate so well.  The ink, card stock, and ribbons all look so good together because of this coordinating feature.  No worries over which color goes with which other color.  And if you are puzzled at all, then all you have to do is look at the color coach for ideas.  This tool lists color combination ideas some of which I would never have thought about.
    What are your favorite color combinations?  And yes this is card number 6,the free card,
 from our Blank cards class held last month.  How would you feel taking home the last 6 cards I have posted?  And better yet, how would your friends feel receiving one of these cards?  You might feel the best of all because making these cards yourself is so much fun.

Black and White and Red all Over

     I love the look of a black and white card with a splash of another color.  The stamp set used in this sample was one I received at Leadership 2012.  I have used the flowers in the stamp set several times, but this is the first card I have made with the bird.  I think it is the perfect accent on an otherwise beautiful card. Several of my favorite tools are featured in this card..
  Big Shot
  Framelits
  Embossing Powder
  Embossing folders
  Rhinestones
  What is your favorite part of the card?  What color combination would use if you remade the card?  Different colors would give the card a totally different look.  A great idea for a future post. This was card number 5 of the cards we made in the Blank card class held last month. 
   Did you know there is a way for you to make an extra card for free? All you have to do is RSVP and I will have a free card for you to make as my way of saying thanks for letting me know you are coming.

Winter Wonderland

     Isn't this card stunning!  When I look through a pile of swaps or cards that someone shows me certain cards seem to jump out at me.  That was the case with this card.  I do see a pattern of the kind of card that appeals to me.  The trees and the white accents were what drew my attention to this card.  What do you think was used to make the special effect of snow on this card?  The people that attended the Blank card class were able to find out first had and make one just like this for themselves.
 Here are the steps we used....

1. Stamp the background trees on Old Olive card stock with Early Espresso ink.To get the effect of being in the distance stamp on scrap paper first before stamping on the card stock. (This is called stamping off

2. Stamp the trees in the front using the ink full strength.

3. Use a dauber to brush White Craft ink in the sky area. 

4. Use a blender pen dipped in White craft ink to make white marks on the branches.

Now, what can be simpler than that.

Did you notice that the base of the card has a background stamp on it?  The stamp is called Woodgrain and is the size of the front of the card. I wonder how this card could be recreated and used for another season?

A Great card for a Male Friend

     Do you have trouble finding a card to send to a male friend or family member.  I thought this card would be perfect for any of the males in my family.  The was one of the cards we made in the last class for Fill Your Card box last year.  Here is the list of this years categories.

Fill Your Card Box Again Categories

   

     This card was one of the swaps I received at convention in 2012.  It was a hit at the Blank card class, our last session of Fill Your Card Box class.  What do you love about the card?
  I love.....
     1. The simple design
     2. The texture from the embossing folders
     3. The giraffe and all the other stamps in the Zoo Review stamp set
     4. The colors of the card

So what are the categories for the cards we will be making this year?
   Jan. Winter cards (Love, Valentine's Day, wedding, anniversary, snow)
   Feb.  Female Birthday cards
   March Spring cards (Easter, Mother's Day, Friendship for Females spring)
   April  Male Birthday cards
   May Summer cards (Father's Day, Fourth of July, Friendship for Males, summer)
   June Congratulations cards
   July Kids Birthday cards
   August Get Well cards
   Sept. Fall Cards Halloween, Thanksgiving, Fall)
   Oct. Sympathy cards
   Nov. For You cards
   Dec. Blank All Occasion cards

You may wonder.....
    Do I have to sign up for all the classes or can I pick and choose the ones I want to attend?  You may attend any of the classes you wish to I just ask you to RSVP ahead of time so I can plan the correct number of supplies.

New Year, New Cards for the Card Box

 

 
   Last year one of the most successful classes I taught was called Fill Your Card Box.  In January we made a card box and then each month for the rest of the year we made cards to fill this box, based on a monthly theme. The stampers that came each month wanted to continue the class in 2013 because they used a lot of the cards they made last year.  I handed out a survey of ideas to the people that came to the last class and have created my schedule for the new year. We meet the 3rd Monday of every month at 12:30 or 6:30.  The was one of the cards we created in December's class where the theme  was blank cards.
   How does the class work? You can make 5 cards for $10 (1 card  per 5 designs.) 10 for $20 (2 cards for each of 5 designs.) or as many as you desire based on groups of 5. RSVP for the month that you are interested, and I will have a packet of card materials ready for you. In the packet will be an extra card as a thank you for RSVPing your intent to come. RSVP on my website and I will have an additional special thank you figt for you.  Place an order of $25 or more and the class is free.
     Do you have to attend each class?  No, just RSVP so I can have a packet ready for you.  How will I find out about the theme for the month?  The classes are posted by the first week of every month on my website.  I will have a list of topics at the first few classes held in 2013.
    Contact me if this is something that you would like to participate in and by the end of 2013 you will have plenty of cards to fill a box.

Sale a Brate Spring

    
At the last Jubilant stampers meeting we all had a chance to make this card.  There are several items we used that are in the new Spring catalog and the Sale a Bration brochure.  See if you can find them.
To help you out here is a list.

1. Sunshine and Sprinkles Designer series papers (Spring Catalog)
2. Bitty Butterfly punch (Spring catalog)
3. Cloudy Day enbossing folder (Spring Catalog)
4. Bloomin Marvelous stamp set (Sale a Bration Brochure)

In case you are new to StampinUp and have never heard of Sale a Bration before it is one of my favorite times of year.  For every $50 a person spends they are able to receive a free item from the Sale a Bration brochure.  See why I like this time of year.  Free stuff!  If you do not have a  Spring catalog, or a Sale a Bration brochure be sure and let me know and I will get one to you ASAP!
 

Candy Canes from Leslie

     Leslie is my closest upline.  Here's how that goes.  My sister Karen, is the demonstrator that I joined up under, Karen joined up under Leslie, so Leslie is what is called my upline.  Leslie sent me this adorable Christmas card.  Inside she wrote her message on a post-it note, so I could remove the note and send the card onto someone else.  I love that idea, but decided this year to keep the card for inspiration.  There are several of my favorite items in this card.  If you haven't been able to guess what they are by now I will tell you.....
   Designer paper
   Framelits
   Ribbon
   Matching stamp set
    Framelits are as good as punches in my eyes.  You stamp the image of your choice, place a framelit over the image then run both items through the Big Shot and it is just like you punched the image out in the first place.  I am wondering what your favorite tools are that StampinUp carries?

Ho, Ho, Ho

 

     Dana, one of my downline and friends,  made this card and sent it to me for Christmas.  Here is what I love about it.

 

           1. Simple design

           2.  The use of the punches to take the place of the O's

           3.  The solid background cut from the Big Shot Top Note die.

           4.  The Designer paper mixed in with the solid colors.

 

    Thanks Dana for a great card.

 

    Now, I'm thinking how can I use this layout to make a card for Valentine's Day.  Look for my version of Dana's card in the next few days.

 

Happy New Year

 



     One of the things I love about the Christmas season is giving and receiving Christmas cards.  This year it seemed I received more hand made cards than usual and those are always my favorites.  This card was sent by my sister Nan, who lives in Eugene, Oregon.  She has a very distinctive style of stamping, simple designs that are very symmetrical.  The background of this card is embossed with glitter and looks just like it looked around here yesterday; soft, silent snow drifting onto the branches of trees.  Don't you love the simple dash of red of the bird on the tree.
     My wish for everyone this coming year is to have peace, time with loved ones, and an appreciation of others.