Friday Focus: Moving Forward Stamp Set

Every year, Stampin' Up! offers a stamp set that benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities.  This is a charity that provides support to families of children who have serious illnesses.  For every stamp set sold, Stampin' Up! donates $3 to RMHC.

The first card features the blimp and bird stamps from this set.  I used the color coach (Friday Focus last week) to come up with the color combinations.

The bird is very cute and perfect with the blimp.  The second card features the bike and flowers.

This bike is very cute and can be used for any number of occasions.  I left this one generic with only "for you."  I also added the Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons for a little extra sparkle.

The last card features the boat and frog stamps.  The sentiment and image have been separated for this card.

The scalloped Edgelit makes the perfect "water" and the scalloped punch highlights the adorable frog. 

The images in this stamp set are perfect for any occasion.  Plus, when you buy the stamp set, you will be helping families in need.  It does not get better than that.

Papers: Whisper White (#100730), Baja Breeze (#111352), Elegant Eggplant (#105126), Rose Red (#102544), Patio Party DSP (#126916), Pacific Point (#111350), Daffodil Delight DSP (#117155), Rich Razzleberry (#115316), Marina Mist (#119682), Old Olive DSP (#117155), So Saffron (#105118),

Ink: Elegant Eggplant (#126969), Baja Breeze (#126960), Pacific Point (#126951), Rich Razzleberry (#126950), Real Red (#126949), Old Olive (#126953), Marina Mist (#126962)

Stamps: Moving Forward (#126320), Mixed Medley Hostess Set (#128057)

Other Supplies: Cupcake Builder Punch (#121807), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (#117335), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (#119976), Chevron Embossing Folder (#127749), Whisper White Baker's Twine (#124262), Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (#127555), 1" Circle Punch (#119868), 3/4" Circle Punch (#119873), 1-1/4" Scallop Circle Punch (#127811), Adorning Accents Edgelits (#125595),  Big Shot (#113439), SNAIL Adhesive (#104332). Sticky Strip (#104294)

Offer End Soon - 8/31! Get a Spooktacular Project Kit (Valued at $60)

Purchase the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit for only $99.  You get to choose $125 worth of Stampin' Up! product and as a bonus you will receive everything you need to make this cute Printer's Tray project.

Sketch Challenge (SC330)

Today's card is for the Sketch Challenge on Splitcoaststampers.com.  For the 400th challenge they have decided to let us pick our favorite sketch from the previous 399.  I chose this one:

I have not had a chance to use my Make A Cake stamp set and this was the perfect opportunity.  

I love the simple colors and simple design. Midnight Muse is my favorite In Color and it looks beautiful with the Primrose Petals.

Of course, every card is better with a little bling.  Here I used the Vintage Faceted Buttons for some added sparkle.  You can also see here that I used Dimensionals to pop up the cake image and give more depth.

Papers: Whisper White (#100730), Midnight Muse (#126843), Patio Party DSP (#126916)
Ink: Midnight Muse (#126860), Primrose Petals (#126858)
Stamps: Make A Cake (#126742)
Other Supplies: Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (#127555), SNAIL Adhesive (#104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430), Glue Dots (#103683)

Make A Cake (#126742)

Patio Party DSP (#126916)

Vintage Faceted Buttons (#127555)

Teacher Appreciation

My son started Pre-K at our elementary school on Monday.  As a treat for his new teacher I made this cute apple gift set. The sticky note pad was found in the dollar section of my local store and then I made the card and bag to match.

The front of the card is just a simple punch art apple that has been embellished with a gel pen.  There is a little shadowing done on the left side of the apple with red ink to give it some dimension.

On the inside of the card you can see the inside of the apple.  I used seeds to decorate the top apple and a sentiment for the bottom.  The whole thing was put together while my daughter took a nap, which was perfect.

Papers: Whisper White (#100730), Real Red (#102482), Garden Green (#102584), Chocolate Chip (#102128), Brights DSP Stack (#117155)

Ink: Soft Suede (#126978), Chocolate Chip (#126979), Real Red (#126949)

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370)

Other Supplies: Circles #2 Die (#114526), Big Shot (#113439), 3/4" Circle Punch (#119873), 1/2" Circle Punch (#119869), Cupcake Builder Punch (#121807), 3/16" Corner (#119871), 1-1/4" Scallop Circle Punch (#127811), uni-ball Signo Gel Pen (#105021)

Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370)

uni-ball Signo Gel Pen - White (#105021)

1-1/4" Scallop Circle Punch (#127811)

Cupcake Builder  (#121807)

Join Now for this Exclusive August Promotion!

LAST WEEK to take advantage of this exclusive offer.  Purchase the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit for only $99.  Pick $125 worth of product and as a bonus you will receive everything you need to make this cute Printer's Tray project.

Technique Tuesday: Triple Time Stamping

Every Tuesday I will focus on a new technique.  This one was recently brought back to life by Dawn Olchefske (dostamping.typepad.com) and has been very popular.  I just had to try it out for myself. 

The images are stamped on all three layers and then separated and matted.  It is easy to do and adds a real Wow-factor.  I used a medium sized stamp that extended over the layers.

When using this technique you should be sure that you line the layer up correctly, so the stamped images line up again.  I stamped the small sentiment before the images so I could line it up exactly the way I wanted it.

Papers: Primrose Petals (#126841), Whisper White (#100730)

Ink: Primrose Petals (#126858)

Stamps: Lacy & Lovely (#122887), Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370)

Other Supplies: 3/8" Stitched Stain Ribbon in Primrose Petals (#126844), SNAIL Adhesive (#104332)

Lacy & Lovely (#122887)

Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370)

To make this card yourself, visit my store for all the supplies.

CAS - Clean and Simple

The definition of "Clean and Simple" as it applies to cards is lots of open space (usually neutral in color), few layers, and few embellishments.  These are usually cards that are easy and quick to duplicate.  I often gravitate toward this type of card because it does not take a lot of my time, which is often in short supply with little ones running around. 

I made this card earlier this month for National Watermelon Day, and I just love it.

Using a few circles and a punch I was able to make these cute watermelon slices.  The pink and green go so well together.

I used the "flame" from the candle on the Cupcake Builder punch to make the seeds.  Great for summer and perfect for National Watermelon Day.

Papers: Whisper White (#100730), Raspberry Ripple (#126842), Gumball Green (#126840), Basic Black (#121045)

Ink: Gumball Green (#126861)

Stamps: Curly Cute (#120510)

Other Supplies: Multipurpose Liquid Glue (#110755), SNAIL Adhesive (#104332), Cupcake Builder Punch (#121807), Circles #2 Die (#114526), Big Shot (#113439), Stamping Sponges (#101610), Black Grosgrain Ribbon (retired)

Curly Cute (#120510)

To make this card yourself, please visit my store for all the supplies.

Friday Focus: Color Coach

The color of a card can make all the difference in how it feels and to whom you think it should be given.  When I am looking for a little creative inspiration I start in one of two places.  I either pull out some DSP (which is what I used for yesterday's post) or I pull out my Color Coach.

 This is a great tool that Stampin' Up! offers.  On the front of the cards are all the colors that Stampin; Up! carries and on the back of each are two suggested color combinations.  Often inspiration will strike just by cruising through the cards.

I used the Melon Mambo card for inspiration here. I chose to use the Sweet Set and really highlight the three colors.  The deep tones give this card an elegant feel that would be great for a girlfriend having a hard day.

 

By switching to primary colors, the card takes on a new fun feeling.  This would be great for a young girl to get (or give).  The little extra bling on both these cards makes them extra special.

So, the next time you are looking for inspiration to get the creative juices flowing - pick up this great tool.  Start with a favorite color of the person you are crafting for or just start flippin'.  Either way I know you will be inspired.

Papers: Whisper White (#100730), Basic Black (#121045), Melon Mambo (#115320), Old Olive (#100702), Elegant Eggplant (#105126), Daffodil Delight (#119683), Real Red (#102482), Pacific Point (#111350)

Ink: Basic Black (#126980)

Stamps: Curly Cute (#120510), Kindness Matters (#122902)

Other Supplies: Rhinestone Basic Jewels (#119246), Tabletop Paper Cutter (#106959), Boho Blossoms Punch (#119858), Color Coach (#120148)

Curly Cute (#120510)

Kindness Matters (#122902)

Join Now for this Exclusive August Promotion!

Only two weeks left to take advantage of this exclusive offer.  Purchase the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit for only $99 and as a bonus you will receive everything you need to make this cute Printer's Tray project.

In Color Birthday Wishes

Today I have a friend who is turning 40, so I made this birthday card featuring the 2012-2014 In Colors: Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, and Primrose Petals.  I started with the Patio Party DSP for inspiration and ended up with this colorful card.

Nothing says birthday to me like cupcakes.  I love the versatility of the cupcake punch.  You can have any color cupcake that you need for any occasion.  This one goes particularly well with the cupcake print from the Patio Party DSP.

I also think that the Stampin' Write Markers allow you to make cards more interesting.  Coloring different parts of the stamp makes the sentiment really pop.

I hope that my friend has a great birthday, and that this card brings them a smile.
  

Paper: Baja Breeze (#111352), Whisper White (#100730), Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals and Summer Starfruit (#119704), Patio Party DSP (#126916) 

Ink: Stampin Write Markers in 2012-2014 In Colors (#126856)

Stamps: You're Amazing (#126722)

Other Supplies: Cupcake Builder Punch (#121807), 3/16" Corner Punch (#119871), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (#117353), Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (#113439), Tabletop Paper Cutter (#106959)

You're Amazing (#126722)

Patio Party DSP (#126916)

Join Now for this Exclusive August Promotion!

Only two weeks left to take advantage of this exclusive offer.  Purchase the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit for only $99 and as a bonus you will receive everything you need to make this cute Printer's Tray project.

Welcome to Craft Therapy

Crafting is my therapy. The definition of “therapy” is any act, hobby, task, etc. that relieves tension. I am a mother of two small children, a wife, a friend, and an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. I have a lot of different responsibilities that keep me busy on any given day. Taking some time to create and have fun is essential. I love being able to follow my passion and create anything that my mind can imagine.

Crafting is my therapy. I love being able to sit down with my friends and talk while crafting. I have made so many great friends sitting around a table covered in paper and ink. Also, I can show my love and support by making cards and gifts for those I care about. For me, crafting is all about relationships – creating new ones and engaging in current ones.

Crafting is my therapy... and I would love to show you how to make it yours too. I fell in love with the versatility and quality of Stampin' Up! products and I enjoy helping others discover the endless possibilities that Stampin' Up! products offer. There are so many wonderful and creative ways to craft, so let me help you find the therapy that is right for you!

I hope that you will join me here regularly for some therapy. Please feel free to say “Hello” and comment on the things you see. Group therapy is the most fun!

I look forward to the sharing of ideas and making new friends!

Welcome to Craft Therapy with Crystal!