Not One, But Two Techniques

 Hey Everybody,

Here is a card with two techniques. The first technique is called, The Paper Strip Flip.

The second technique is called rubber band stamping.

Karen's challenge to us was to do the paper strip flip technique.

Once I did that for my background, I placed different sized rubber bands on a Stampin' Up size D acrylic block and made sure they were flat. Then I stamped in versamark and stamped on my paper. I heat embossed with silver embossing powder. Next I stamped with Summer Splash and Night of Navy going in different directions. Make sure you wipe the colored ink off of your embossed ink or it will get all over your hands. I layered my image panel on night of navy cardstock. I added leaves and a bow with glue dots to my image panel. Lastly I stamped my sentiment in night of navy and added it with a dimensional.

Keywords: TLC1062

Stamps: SU-Impressions Abloom

Paper: white, silver, night of navy, summer splash

Paper Size: A2

Ink: night of navy, summer splash, versamark

Accessories: rubber bands, acrylic block, glue dots, SU-bough punch, blending brushes, SU-white polyester ribbon, scissors, heat tool, silver embossing powder

Techniques: paper strip flip, rubber band stamping, heat embossing

I love how navy and silver look together. I also like how navy and summer splash look together. So I decided to put them all together for both the blended background and the rubber band stamping.

Your turn, think of two colors you like together. Take a piece of white cardstock and blend those two colors together on your paper.

Now, do rubber band stamping or the paper strip flip technique where you'll cut your cardstock into strips and flip every other one.

Look at your dies or punches to see what you have that could be added to your card.

Now, how about a sentiment? Once you stamp your sentiment will you use a die or punch or your paper trimmer to cut it down?

Now place your sentiment on your card. Will you use dimensionals or not?  Will you add ribbon or any other embellishments?

What do you think? How does your card look?  Whether you like it or not, you've tried something new. You might have ideas of other things you can do or a different way to make another card like this.

Congratulate yourself for trying something new or different.  Getting out of your comfort zone is never easy.

I'm proud of you. Thanks for stopping by today.

Blessings,

Sue

All Two-Tone Cardstock on SALE 20% Off July 9-11

Hey Everybody,

Stampin' Up has a great sale coming up on our two-tone cardstock. This cardstock has a white core. It has a light color on one side and a darker color on the other side.

Check it out and see what all the excitement is about.

Blessings,

Sue

 20% Off All Two-Tone Cardstock from Stampin’ Up! July 9-11!!

 Stampin’ Up! is doing a sale July 9-11 where you will get 20% off ALL Two-Tone Cardstock!

This three-day sale is the perfect opportunity to stock up on every color of two-tone cardstock.  Whether you’re making cards or a scrapbook spread, two-tone cardstock is a must-have crafting staple.  Each piece of cardstock has a smooth texture for stamping and a white core that works great for techniques like tearing, sanding, crumpling, embossing, etc.  Some colors may sell out faster than others, so don’t wait to start shopping when this sale starts on July 9!

Here are the details:

• Sales Period:  July 9–11
• Sale ends:  July 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (MT)
• Single-pack and multipack two-tone cardstock is 20% off.
• Some colors might sell out sooner than others.
• Available while supplies last.

Two-Tone Cardstock comes in individual color packs or multi-color packs.  Check out the paper packs here.

Let me know if you have any questions.  Get your lists ready and start shopping on the 9th!!

167324

WEEKEND ADVENTURES 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) TWO-TONE CARDSTOCK

$12.00   Colors: Basic Beige, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Misty Moonlight, Old Olive, Pecan Pie

166631

EVERYDAY YOU & ME 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) TWO-TONE CARDSTOCK

$12.00    Colors: Gray Granite, Lost Lagoon, Old Olive, Pecan Pie, Pretty Peacock, Very Vanilla

166715

MEMORIES IN BLOOM 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) TWO-TONE CARDSTOCK

$12.00   Colors: Darling Duckling, Granny Apple Green, Petunia Pop, Secret Sea, Summer Splash, Timid Tiger

166653

CELEBRATE TOGETHER 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) TWO-TONE CARDSTOCK

$12.00  Colors: Blackberry Bliss, Cloud Cover, Daffodil Delight, Fresh Freesia, Pool Party, Strawberry Slush

In The Desert

 Hey Everybody,

Back again with one of my favorite card making techniques. This is ink blending with blending brushes or sponge daubers. The two scenes I have here are the desert. The one on the left I made following Michelle Zindorf's video tutorial.

Can you believe the mountains are actually torn paper with ink blended up to the paper? Yup, you can see that I got different looking mountains depending on how I ripped the paper.

The one of the right is how I CASED her card idea.

Julie's challenge was to choose someone from the list she gave us as our Featured Stamper. Here is her challenge. I chose Michelle Zindorf as she is one of my favorite artists. She makes beautiful cards with blending and stamping backgrounds that are easy enough to follow along and do yourself! Here is the video I used as my inspiration.

First, I followed Michelle's directions to make the original card on the left. Then I changed things for my card on the right.
I changed the direction, I didn't use designer series paper, I made my image panel a bit different by adding things like the coyote and cactus landscape. I also added different plants in the front of the panel. I created texture on the sand by spritzing water on ink on my table and tapping a paper towel wadded up into the ink and lightly onto the paper for the look of texture for the sand.
I didn't add a sun to my image panel preferring to have it look more like sunrise or sunset.
If you get a chance, check out Michelle's videos. She is an amazing artist.

Keywords: FS960

Stamps: SU-Flowering Desert, SU Earthen Texture, Sweet N Sassy-Landscape Silhouettes

Paper: white, pecan pie, copper clay, early espresso, SU Woven Textures designer series paper

Paper Size: A2

Ink: early espresso, copper clay, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, old olive

Accessories: SU Linen thread, dimensionals, Darice Cactus embossing folder, blending brushes, sponge daubers, woven ribbon

Techniques: dry embossing, ink blending, masking, paper tearing

Well, what do you think? I think you could easily make one of Michelle's cards.  Go to her YouTube videos and choose one that fits your style and give it a try.

Remember, this card making stuff is all about learning new things to enhance your cards. There are so many people who could use a card from you. Make someone's day and send them a card. Tell them you are thinking about them. That will bring a smile to both of you.

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

Sue

Critters in the House

Hey All, 

Anna's Challenge today is Critters. It can be found here. 

It's a hot day here in Ohio, so I thought lemonade would be great. I have two little critters House Mice with lemons that crack me up.
They were stamped on white paper with Memento tuxedo black ink. They were colored with Prismacolor Colored Pencils. I trimmed around them to add them to my scene. My watercolor impression was very light in places. It reminded me of worn wallpaper. So, I made molding and wood for the mice to sit by while they eat their lemon slices.
I stamped the sentiment several times with Versafine black ink. The image was added to a black card base to help the white molding stand out.

Keywords: MIX648 F4A801

Stamps: House Mouse-Pucker Power, SU-You Are Remarkable

Paper: watercolor paper, basic black, white

Paper Size: A2

Ink: Distress Oxides-marmalade, candied apple and fossilized amber, memento tuxedo black, Versafine black

Accessories: SU Basic Pattern Decorative Mask, score board, dimensionals, Prismacolor Colored pencils

Techniques: watercolor impression, coloring, fussy cutting, direct to paper inking

You've seen what critters I have. What critters do you have in your drawers, closets or shelves? Pull something out and make a card with it.  Then, send it to someone, anyone. Cards seem to be a dying art except at holidays. Brighten someone's day by sending a card and let them know you are thinking of them.  You will truly make their day!

  If you need a card, let me know and I'd be happy to send some sunshine to your mailbox.

Have a cardtastic day!

Blessings,

Sue

New Technique-Watercolor Imprinting

 Hey Everybody,

Do you like to learn new techniques?  I do. I'm always happy to try new things to add to my cardmaking skills. This technique is called, Watercolor Imprinting.

Pam's challenge can be found here. 

I've never done this before, but as I watched Dina's video I thought, why not try to emboss this once it had dried? So I did.
I did direct to paper with the oxide inks then spritzed them with water. Once dry, I embossed with the SU 3D Sunflower embossing folder. Then I added the ribbon and bow. I added the dots and sentiment. I layered the image onto basic black and the cardbase is pumpkin pie.

The hardest part of this technique was waiting for the paper to dry with the stencil on it! LOL

Take a look at your stencils or masks as they are called at Stampin' Up.  Find one that interests you or one you haven't used in a while.  Follow the directions for this technique to make your card. 

How will your card look if you dry emboss it? What types of embossing folders do you have that would look good with your stenciled background?

What accessories can you add to your card? Would ribbon, gems or pearls look nice? What type of sentiment will you use? Will you use a die, or punch for your sentiment?

Give it a try. 

I'd love to see what you come up with.

As always, I appreciate you visiting.

Blessings,

Sue

Independence Day July 4th, 2025

 Hey Everybody,

 Fourth of July – Independence Day

Do you know why we celebrate 4th of July?

The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The Fourth of July 2025 is on Friday, July 4.

The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. Ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported: “at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” That same night, the Sons of Liberty set off fireworks over Boston Common.

In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees.

Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers, often involving fireworks and outdoor barbecues. The most common symbol of the holiday is the American flag, and a common musical accompaniment is “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States.-HISTORY.com

I know that most people would wrap this up with The Star Spangled Banner. I however, will wrap this up with a song that is very close to my heart; God Bless The USA by Lee Greenwood.

There may be a lot wrong in our country, but it's still the greatest country in the world! No matter who rules our country or any other, God is in control and I'm so glad He is.

Thank you God for everything.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Stay safe, enjoy family and praise God.

Blessings,

Sue

Can You Say Sunflower?

 Hey Everybody,

Today's challenge was a bit easier. You had to use foil.

You can find Sabrina's challenge here.  

I started by embossing my white cardstock with this gorgeous sunflower 3D embossing folder. I used my sponged daubers to color the DE-bossed side of the paper. Then I pulled night of navy ink over the top of the card. Then I added gold foiling at the top of the card with a gold ribbon. I made a banner for the thank you sentiment. I added little dots with Gold Stickles in the flower centers. I added the image panel to a daffodil delight cardbase.

Keywords: WT1059 sunflower gold foiling

Stamps: Textured Notes

Paper: white, daffodil delight, night of navy

Paper Size: A2

Ink: night of navy, daffodil delight, pecan pie, old olive

Accessories: gold foil, sponge daubers, SU gold striped ribbon, scissors, Gold Stickles, SU Sunflower 3D embossing folder

Techniques: Dry embossing, black out embossing technique, direct to paper, foiling

Here is what the 3D embossing folder looks like. You can emboss two sheets of  cardstock that are 4" x 5 1/4" at a time.

DETAILS
- 6" x 8-1/2" (15.2 x 21.6 cm)
- Use with a Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (sold separately)

3D EMBOSSING FOLDERS
- Easily make great impressions!
- Take embossing to the next level with deeper, more detailed impressions.
- To use, place flat cardstock in the embossing folder and run it through a Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. Out comes cardstock with a bold, textured design.

In order to use any of our 3D embossing folders, you will need this #4 plate.

Use Specialty Plate (Plate 4) with 3D embossing folders for best embossing results when embossing with dies. (The Specialty Plate is not needed with standard embossing folders.) Use with the Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine.

I have to tell you inking up cardstock from this embossing folder is addictive! I started playing with our two-color cardstock that has a light and dark side. I started trying 2 and 3 colors of ink across the cardstock. Some of the cards are a 'WOW' with just several colors of ink.

Then I tried inking some of our Designer Series Paper. Oh my....I felt like a little kid. I wanted to try this paper and that paper. Then I had to decide which side I wanted to use and if I wanted to emboss it or deboss it.

I will show you some of the color combinations and papers I used in a video soon.

I worked with a new Online Exclusive Product called, Metallic Textures Rub Ons.

They are very easy to use. They are gold and silver and look very classy wherever you place them or cards or scrapbook pages.

DETAILS
- 8 total sheets: 2 each of 2 designs and 2 colors
- Sheet size: 5" x 7" (12.7 x 17.8 cm)
- Colors: Gold, silver

EMBELLISHMENTS
- Add pops of color, texture, or sparkle to any project.
- Their small size makes a big impact!

- Make adding dimension to paper crafting fun and easy.

Well, that's it for today. Check out these new products by clicking on the links. I will have lots of samples at class this month. If you're not signed up for class, you are welcome to sign up. 

If you'd just like to see some of these products in person, just let me know and we'll arrange a time for you to come and visit.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.

Blessings,

Sue

A Tough Sketch

 Hey Everybody, 

Today I have a sketch challenge for you. Take a look.  It can be found here on Splitcoaststampers.  Take a look at the sketch.

So where would you begin? I'll tell you when I looked at this I drew a blank and had to come back to it the next morning. LOL

Did you know you can turn these sketches?  That's what I did. Take a look at my card. I actually turned and flipped the sketch.

I recently tried using a turnabout stamp from Concord & 9th that had jungle like leaves. I thought I'd cut that to go with this challenge. I try all sorts of things to keep card making interesting. I love to see what types of things people are using to make cards.

Here's what one of the stamps looks like. You place this over your paper and line it up. You need a stamping platform to hold the stamp in place. You ink the stamp and stamp once. Then you turn your paper and use another color of ink on your stamp and stamp the images. Turn the paper, clean the stamp and use another color and stamp the images again. Do this with 4 colors of ink and turn your paper so all of the spots are filled with stamping. It's a pretty cool way to get a background for your card making.

Once I had that I decided to turn the sketch so the pointed piece would look more like a tree. I added cardstock for the sentiment and dry embossed the background. I added the color dots to go with the pretty in pink on my stamped area.

Keywords: SC1068 Hang in there

Stamps: Concord & 9th A Bit of Paradise Turnabout Stamp, Hang in there, bird digital image

Paper: white, granny apple green, mossy meadow,

Ink: memento tuxedo black, granny apple green, pretty peacock, pretty in pink, mossy meadow

Accessories: Sizzix Leaves embossing folder, SU Adhesive=backed dots for days, dimensionals

Techniques: dry embossing, turn about stamping, sketch challenge

So there you have it; how I pulled together my ideas for this card.  I tell you sometimes it's not easy. That's why they call them challenges. LOL

I have to say though, this is the type of thing that really helps you to grow as a card maker. It enables you to try new things and stretch out of your comfort zone and learn more to improve your card making skills.

If you have any doubt about that statement, just check out my gallery and how my cards looked when I started 20 years ago. Never mind, I'm not sure I want you to see that. LOL

Anyway, thanks for stopping by today. It's always fun to share things with you.

Blessings,

Sue

July 2025 Stampin Up!© Newsletter and Class Information

Hey Everybody,

*Classes will be a week later than usual due to my son's youth camp.

This month we have lots of brand new ONLINE EXCLUSIVES! 

I have already had time to play with some of them. Some of my favorites are

166125

FLORAL CHARM 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER   $12.50:

Floral Charm Designer Series Paper 

166145

SUNFLOWER 3D EMBOSSING FOLDER

$12.00 

tHIS IS A MUST HAVE!

 

Check out this card with the Sunflower 3D embossing folder.

166168

PRAIRIE GRASS CLING STAMP SET (ENGLISH)

$26.00

166112

LABEL ME GRATEFUL BUNDLE (ENGLISH)

$39.50

Kits: Simple, Stylish, and Perfect for Events

Our Kits Collection continues to be a go-to option for new crafters and anyone who loves a quick, creative win. They’re also an easy event solution for demonstrators—plan a relaxed gathering centered around a crafting experience, not a specific product. Let each customer pick the kit that suits their style, then come together and create! New Kits Coming in July Preorder: N/A Available: July 1 Birthday Fancy Kit—Fresh, feminine, and full of flair! This elegant card kit features lots of layering die cuts, including beautiful cakes, intricate lacy elements, and gold foil accents. Sweet & Spooky Kit—Get ready for Halloween fun! This kit includes the cutest treat boxes with playful patterns and eye-catching holographic detail Sweet & Spooky Kit Celebrate the spookiest season of the year with this charming set of Halloween-themed treat boxes—perfect for sharing goodies with friends, classmates, coworkers, and party guests! What’s included? Three unique package designs Coordinating decorative tags to mix and match From colorful stars and smiling jack-o-lanterns to holographic ghosts and haunted house motifs, every detail is designed to delight. The kit includes all the pre-cut supplies you need to assemble 15 treat boxes—five each of three distinctive designs. Whether you're crafting with kids, hosting a Halloween event, or simply love seasonal DIY projects, these treat boxes make it easy to create handmade packaging that’s equal parts spooky and sweet. Try this! Use the haunted house boxes to craft a bitty Halloween scene for your mantel. Paper Pumpkin July: Sweeter with You  Subscribe June 11–July 10  Craft sweet handmade cards featuring sun-kissed strawberries and breezy gingham.  • Makes 8 cards: 2 each of 4 designs with 8 coordinating envelopes • Precut paper pieces and vellum accents • Hand-painted card base designs • Coordinating colors: Garden Green (Classic Stampin’ Spot), Granny Apple Green, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Strawberry Slush, Timi Click on image for more information. July Classes Friday July 11th 7 p.m.   1 spot Monday July 21st 10 a.m. 2 spots Tuesday July 22nd 1 p.m.  1 spot Thursday July 24th 10 a.m. 3 spots August Classes Monday Aug 11th at 10  Filled Tuesday Aug 12th at 1  5 spots Thursday Aug 14th at 10  5 spots Friday Aug 15th at 7 1 spot