GRADUATION & BEYOND BLOG HOP - Stamp Simply Clear Stamps

Welcome to our Graduation & Beyond BLOG HOP today. We have many projects to share showcasing two of the sets in our NEW April Release - Graduation Sentiments and Scripture for Graduation & Beyond. With these 2 sets your options for cards for so many types of celebratory and congratulatory events are limitless.  Combine them with images, sentiments or Scripture from our other sets and the sky is the limit!

Here is the card I designed using the Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - Graduation Sentiments SS-029 stamp set.  Graduation time is just around the corner and both of the new stamp sets are filled with fantastic sentiments and Scriptures.  For the pattern paper I used a couple of sheets from the Authentique - Dapper collection.  The school colors for our high school are cherry and blue so this paper was perfect.  I thought black and ivory would make a nice accent colors and tie everything together.  I embossed the top portion of a piece of ivory cardstock using the Darice Graduation Hat Background Embossing Folder.  Then I stamped part of the sentiment on the bottom of the cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.  For the congrats banner I used a piece of black cardstock and treated it with the EK Success Powder Tool and then I used VersaMark Ink for the stamping.  I applied Stampendous Super Fine Embossing Powder - Detail White and used my heat tool to melt and set the embossing powder.  I added 3D Foam Squares to the back of the banner and adhered it to the stamped and dry embossed ivory cardstock and then trimmed the edges.

I used the Cherry Lynn Designs - Graduation Set of dies to create the hat and diploma die cuts with black cardstock.  I added a black enamel dot from the My Mind's Eye - Record It! Charmed Enamel Dots to the center of the hat.  I also added some enamel dots for embellishments from the My Mind's Eye - Necessities Teal Enamel Dots.

I added some 3D Foam Squares to the piece of ivory cardstock, the hat, and the diploma to add some dimension to the card.

The card base is a black A2 top folding card.  Both of these new stamp sets will be great to create quick and easy graduation cards with wonderful sentiments and Scriptures.

Please be sure to visit all of the blogs for today's blog hop!

Sharon Johnson (The Stamp Simply Blog)

Holly McMillen

Sheri Holt

Deb Felts

Heidi Blankenship *you are here :)

Darsie Bruno

     

All of the supplies used to create the card are listed and linked below and can be found over at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Much love, hugs, and blessings,

Heidi

Supplies
Stamps:  Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - Graduation Sentiments SS-029
Paper:  Authentique - Dapper, Cardstock - Black, Ivory
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, VersaMark Ink
Dies:  Cherry Lynn Designs - Graduation Set 
Accessories:  Darice Graduation Hat Background Embossing Folder, Stampendous Super Fine Embossing Powder - Detail White, My Mind's Eye - Record It! Charmed Enamel Dots (black on hat), My Mind's Eye - Necessities Teal Enamel Dots, EK Success Powder Tool, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L EZ Runner, 3D Foam Squares, Heat Tool 

The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store - Give Thanks Sneak Peek and Tutorial

Hello everyone!  If you are a regular follower of my blog you know that today is my day to post for The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.  Next week all of the designers are going be participating in a week long event to showcase two of the new Autumn stamp sets from the Stamp Simply Clear Stamps Collection.  But I am so excited to share a sneak peek with you today of the new Harvest stamp set!  The Harvest stamp set is a wonderful set that includes six sentiments/verses and two beautiful leaf images.  This stamp set will be perfect for the Autumn season along with Thanksgiving and to create wonderful thank you cards.

Here is the card that I designed using the Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - SS-010 Harvest stamp set.  I just love the images of the leaves.  I have kind of a mini tutorial to share with you so you can see how the colorful background was done.  At first glance you might think it's a watercolor background but it's not.  It's actually very quick and easy to achieve this look with a few colors of  Tim Holtz Distress Inks,  This would be a great card to make multiples of.

I started with a piece of Ranger Watercolor Paper measuring 2-3/4 x 5-1/2 inches.  Then I started adding the Distress Inks to the paper.  I started with the lightest color and worked my way to the darkest.  This is the color order I used--Twisted Citron, Peeled Paint, Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon, Fired Brick, Gathered Twigs.  To apply the ink I used cotton balls.  I inked up the cotton ball just like you would a sponge and then I worked in a circular motion starting off of the paper and working on to the paper adding color.  I really like the soft and blended look from the cotton balls.

Here is a close up of the ink blending.

Next, I used clean water and a large paint brush to add the water droplets.  The Distress Inks are made to react with the water.

I let the water sit on the paper for a few seconds and then I used a paper towel to blot the paper and pick up the water.  Next, I used a heat tool to speed up the drying time.  I repeated the water droplets a couple of times until I achieved the look I wanted and I used a heat tool to dry the paper each time.  Doing the water droplets on the paper gives it the look of watercolor.

I used a heat tool to make sure the paper was completely dry before embossing.  If you pour a little bit of embossing powder over your paper before stamping and it doesn't stick then you will know your paper is completely dry.  I stamped the leaf images using VersaMark Ink.  Then I added Ranger - Super Fine Detail Gold Embossing Powder and used a heat tool to melt the powder to give it the beautiful embossed look.

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Here is a close up of the sentiment in the bottom corner.  I used Memento Tuxedo Black Ink to stamp the sentiment.

To finish the card I added the colored and embossed panel to the front of an A2 top folding landscape card.  Then I added two thin strips of black cardstock to tie in the black ink from the sentiment.  To add a little more sparkle I used Glossy Accents to add a few 5mm Gold Sequins.

I hope you enjoyed the little sneak peek along with the card and tutorial for today!  Please be sure to visit The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store for all of your paper crafting needs and to see more inspiration from the design team you can visit the Stamp Simply Blog.

Don't forget to check the Stamp Simply Blog next week for the Stamp Simply Autumn Week featuring two of the NEW Stamp Simply Clear Stamp Sets.  There will be lots of inspiration from the design team!

Thank you so much for stopping by today and 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs & Smiles,

Heidi

Supplies
Stamps:  Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - SS-010 Harvest
Paper:  Ranger Watercolor Paper, Cardstock - Kraft, Black
Ink:  Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Twisted Citron, Peeled Paint, Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon, Fired Brick, Gathered Twigs, VersaMark Ink, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Accesories:  Ranger - Super Fine Detail Gold Embossing Powder, Glossy Accents, Darice - 5mm Gold Sequins, Scor-Tape, Paint Brush, Water, Heat Tool, Paper Towel

The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store - Kaisercraft Cottage Rose Unforgettable Love Card

Hello everyone!  Today, is my day to post for The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store and I have a quick and easy card to share with you.  For my card I used some pattern paper from the  Kaisercraft - Cottage Rose 6-1/2'' Paper Pad.  I also used some die cuts from the Kaisercraft - Cottage Rose Die Cut Shapes.  I have to tell you I am loving all of the beautiful die cuts in the Kaisercraft - Cottage Rose Die Cut Shapes collection.  You can make so many cards with the paper pad, die cuts and then some ribbon and embellishments.

Here is the card I designed.  This could be used for a wedding or anniversary card.  There are also die cuts in the back of the paper pad with several sentiments so you can make cards for all occasions.  The card base is white and it's a top folding 5.5 x 5.5 size.  I added a piece of the pattern paper from the Kaisercraft - Cottage Rose 6-1/2'' Paper Pad.  Then I added a piece of Venise Lace 1.75" - Gabriella White across the middle of the card.  I used Therm-O-Web Foam Squares and  Scor-Tape to adhere and layer the die cuts.

Here is a close up of the die cuts.

To finish off the card I added some Hazel & Ruby - The Makery Sequin Tubes Shine & Sparkle Diamond Dust and  Darice - 5mm Crystal Cup Sequins for a bit of sparkle.  I used Ranger - Glossy Accents to adhere the sequins.

And that's all there is to it--so quick and easy!  Like I said with the paper pad and die cuts you would be able to create several cards for all occasions.

Please be sure to check out The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store for all of your paper crafting goodies and check out the Stamp Simply Blog for more inspiration from the design team.  

Oh, one more thing--if you missed the announcement Sharon (owner of The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store) now has a small presence in a brick and mortar store that also offers enough space to offer mini classes. It is located in the Keweenaw Kountry Store in Chassell, MI, right across from the Chassell School. It is reminiscent of an old fashioned general store, offering bulk foods and the best cheeses you’ll find in the Copper Country! There is a display set up with a nice offering of products.  You can click HERE to check out Sharon's blog post--see pictures and find out all of the details.  Huge Congrats to Sharon!!  Wishing her all the best in this new adventure!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Hugs & Smiles,

Heidi

Supplies
Paper:  Kaisercraft - Cottage Rose 6-1/2'' Paper Pad, Cardstock - White
Ribbon:  Venise Lace 1.75" - Gabriella White
Accessories:  Kaisercraft - Cottage Rose Die Cut Shapes, Hazel & Ruby - The Makery Sequin Tubes Shine & Sparkle Diamond Dust, Darice - 5mm Crystal Cup Sequins, Ranger - Glossy Accents, Therm-O-Web Foam Squares, Scor-Tape

Distress Ink Watercolor with Poppy Field Embossing Folder--Take Another Look

Hello blogging friends!  Yesterday, I had a post for The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store showing how use embossing folders in a different way and using Distress Inks to watercolor.  If you missed the post and tutorial you can click HERE to check it out.

Here is a look at the card I posted yesterday.  

I love all of the sparkle and shimmer from the Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Pen.  But I have noticed over time the sparkle and shimmer from the pens can kind of fade or get kind of a dirty look to them which isn't very pretty.  So a lot of times if I used the Wink of Stella pens I go over the area and add Glossy Accents.  The glossy accents seals in the sparkle and shimmer from the pens and it adds another layer of beautiful dimension to the project.  So here is another look at the Poppy Field card with Glossy Accents.  :)

I think adding the Glossy Accents makes the colors pop even more.

Here is a close up.

So if you want to keep the sparkle and shimmer beautiful forever add a little Glossy Accents.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

I hope you have a wonderful and creative weekend!

Hugs & Smiles,

Heidi

The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store - Distress Ink Watercolor with Poppy Field Embossing Folder with a Tutorial

Hello blogging friends!  Today, is my day to post for The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.   I have a beautiful card and tutorial to share with you. 

I used the  Darice Embossing Folder - Poppy Field and Tim Holtz Distress Inks to create a beautiful watercolor card.  I will be honest and tell you that I wasn't sure if this card was going to turn out like I had envisioned it in my head.  At times during the process it didn't look very pretty but once I finished it I was happy with the results and the end result is all that matters.  :) 

To start I embossed a piece of Ranger Watercolor paper using the Darice Embossing Folder - Poppy Field.

I started by adding color to the poppies and for the most part I tried to keep the color inside of the embossed lines.  I used three different colors of Tim Holtz Distress Inks for the flowers.  I started with the lightest color Abandoned Coral.  Before I added the color I applied clear water to the embossed images of the poppies.  Doing this helps the color to flow and blend.

Next I added Festive Berries.  I wanted some of the lighter color at the top of the flower petals so I didn't pull the darker color all the way to the top.  In between all of the layers I used a heat tool to dry the paper and speed up the process.

I added a second layers of the Festive Berries but I used less water.

 Then for the darker red tone I used Aged Mahogany.  For this layer of color I tried to keep most of it towards the bottom of the petals.

In this picture here you can see that I painted the background first using Tumbled Glass and Broken China.  I figured it would be a lot easier to color the background first and then go over the buds, stems, and leaves.  For the first layer of color on the leaves I used Shabby Shutters.

For the second layer of color on the buds, stems and leaves I used Peeled Paint.

Here is a look at the piece after all of the watercolor was done.  I added some Gathered Twigs brown ink to the buds, stems, and leaves and then I added Black Soot to the center of the flowers.  I used a heat tool to dry the paper and then I came in and added clear water to the poppies and some of the back ground to let the colors blend and flow outside of the embossed lines.  I heat set the paper one last time and then for some added sparkle I went over all of the embossed areas with the Zig Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush Pen.  I love all of the shimmer and sparkle it adds to the flowers.

Here is the finished card and you can see more of the sparkle from the Zig Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush Pen.  I used Therm-O-Web Foam Squares to add some dimension between the layers.  Then I added a bow using some of the May Arts 1/4" Silk Ribbon Black Silk and I added a rhinestone to the center of the bow from the Prima Say It In Crystals Combo Pack - A Victorian Christmas Adhesive Rhinestone.

Here is a close up of the shimmer and sparkle.

To finish off the card I added a layer of black cardstock and then the card base is a deep red. I hope you enjoyed this technique and tutorial and will give it a try.  It's a little bit of a different spin on on watercolor and using an embossing folder but I love how it turned out.

Thank you so much for joining me today and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Please be sure to check out The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store for all of the fantastic paper crafting products and the Blog for inspiration from the Design Team.

Hugs & Smiles,

Heidi

Supplies
Paper:  Ranger Watercolor, Cardstock - Black, Red
Ink:  Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Abandoned Coral, Festive Berries, Aged Mahogany, Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Gathered Twigs, Black Soot
Ribbon:  May Arts 1/8" Silk Ribbon Black Silk
Accessories:  Darice Embossing Folder - Poppy Field, Prima Say It In Crystals Combo Pack - A Victorian Christmas Adhesive Rhinestone, Zig Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush Pen, Therm-O-Web Foam Squares, Scor-Tape

The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store Easter Week - Four New Stamp Sets! - I Am The Resurrection and The Life Card - Giveaway!

Hello blogging friends!  Today, is my day to post for The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store and I will be share an Easter card with you plus four NEW and beautiful stamp sets from The Stamp Simply Clear Stamps Collection.  The new stamp sets are so wonderful and are filled with some of the most beautiful bible verses and sentiments.  All during this week the design team is sharing lovely cards using the four new stamps sets and we are each having a giveaway on our blogs. 

Here is a look at the card I designed using the Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - SS-Sent006 Easter.  Like I said the verses and sentiments in the four stamp sets are so beautiful and I love the fonts too.  For my card I started with a light blue card base.  I embossed the pick mat using the Darice Embossing Folder - Bold Floral.  Then I die cut a piece of white cardstock using the Spellbinders Labels Thirty-Nine die and I stamped the verse using VersaMark Ink and heat embossed using Ranger Super Fine Detail Gold Embossing Powder.  I used the Die D-Lites - Crosses Three along with Bazzill Gold Mirror Cardstock to die cut the cross.

Here is a close up for the cross.  I added some May Arts Metallic Gold String and a flower from the Petaloo Botanica Collection Minis Pink and a few Melissa Frances White Pearls.  I also used Therm-O-Web Foam Squares in between some of the layers to add some dimension to the card.

To finish off the card I stacked two of the sentiments from the same stamp set and heat embossed in gold on white cardstock.

Blog Candy Offering!

The Blog Candy offered is 

YOUR CHOICE of any ONE of the stamp sets from this release

OR

$15.00 of ANY product of your choice.

How to Enter the Drawing?

Simply leave a comment on this post and answer one of two questions or both if you would like.  What is something in your life that you are the most thankful for?  What cards of cards of projects would you like to see on my blog--CAS, Vintage, Mixed Media etc?

International viewers welcome to play along! We ship internationally daily.

All comments through midnight EST Monday, March 14 will be considered and a winner will be announced next Tuesday morning, March 15, selected by a random number generator.

Thank you so much for joining me today and I hope you love the new stamp sets as much as I do!

Please be sure to check out The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store for all of the fantastic paper crafting products and the Blog for inspiration from the Design Team.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs & Smiles,

Heidi

Stamps:  Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - SS-Sent006 Easter
Paper:  Bazzill Gold Mirror Cardstock, Cardstock - White, Pink, Blue
Ink:  VersaMark Ink
Dies:  Spellbinders Labels Thirty-Nine, Die D-Lites - Crosses Three
Embossing Folder:  Darice Embossing Folder - Bold Floral
Ribbon:  May Arts Metallic Gold String
Accessories:  Ranger Super Fine Detail Gold Embossing Powder, Petaloo Botanica Collection Minis Pink, Melissa Frances White Pearls, Therm-O-Web Foam Squares, Scor-Tape, Heat Tool

The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store - Just For You Silver Bells Christmas Card

Hello blogging friends!  Today, is my day to post for The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.  I have another CAS (Clean And Simple) Christmas card to share with you.  I know things get so busy with the holidays so it's nice to be able to quickly whip up some Christmas cards.  

For the focal image on my card today I used one of the cut outs from the Kaisercraft Silver Bells 6-1/2'' Paper Pad.  This is such a beautiful paper pad!  The vintage Christmas images are fantastic and there are a lot of die cut images included in the paper pad--perfect for CAS card!  I used light blue cardstock for the card base which is a top folding A2 size.  I also used a piece of the light blue cardstock for a mat behind the Santa image.  For the background I used a piece of Bazzill Silver Mirror Cardstock and embossed it with the Darice Pine Branches In Corner embossing folder.

Here is a before and after look at the Bazzill Silver Mirror Cardstock.  I love how bright and shiny this paper is but for this card I wanted to tone it down a bit and give it a brushed/ aged look.  The first piece is the before and the second piece is the after.  I lightly sanded the paper with a very fine grit sanding block going in a circular motion.  Doing this not only toned down the silver but it also helped to make the embossed areas really pop.  Just a little tip--I used the tip of the corner on the sanding block to get in between all of the embossed areas and I also sanded over the embossing.

In this close up picture you can really see how much the embossed area pops.  I used Therm-O-Web Foam Squares to add some dimension to the Santa image and also the die cut circle with the sentiment.  For the flower cluster I used a Petaloo - Sugared Red Berry Clusters and then added a couple of flowers from the Botanica Minis Red.

For a little sparkle I added a few sequins from the Prima - Say It With Crystals A Victorian Christmas collection.

I hope you enjoyed another CAS Christmas card.  :)

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Please be sure to check out The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store for all of the fantastic paper crafting products and the Blog for inspiration from the Design Team.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs & Smiles,

Heidi

Supplies
Paper:  Kaisercraft Silver Bells 6-1/2'' Paper Pad, Bazzill Silver Mirror Cardstock, Cardstock - Light Blue
Embossing Folder:  Darice Pine Branches In Corner
Accessories:  Petaloo - Sugared Red Berry Clusters, Botanica Minis Red, Prima - Say It With Crystals A Victorian Christmas, Therm-O-Web Foam Squares, Scor-Tape, Sanding Block