Faux Wood Technique

Hey Everybody,

Lisa's challenge is to use wood on your card. You can find her challenge here.  

Here is the tutorial I used to make my wood background. 

Faux Wood Frame Tutorials at Splitcoaststampers.

Here's my card for the challenge.

To make the background of wood, I used the direct to paper technique which is just dragging lightly the ink pad across the paper at a slight angle. First I used crumb cake, then pecan pie then soft suede. After that I used white craft ink. Once that was dry, I added a bit more pecan pie to add warmth to the wood background.

I stamped in Memento Rich Cocoa ink then colored the bears with Copic Markers. The stamp set I used is from Gerda Steiner called, More Than Pie.

 I used the silver pen for the pie pan. I used a black fine line sharpie marker for the noses. I cut out the bears using the something fancy dies. I used soft suede scraps and dry embossed a woodgrain folder. Then I stamped my sentiments and added them to the embossed panels for some texture. This will go on a dinner tray at a local hospital.

Keywords: WT1121

Stamps: Gerda Steiner-More Than Pie

Paper: white, soft suede, pecan pie

Paper Size: A2

Ink: crumb cake, pecan pie, soft suede, white craft ink, memento rich cocoa

Accessories: Copic markers, sharpie black pen, silver metallic pen, dimensionals, woodgrain embossing folder, dimensionals, SU-Something Fancy Dies

Techniques: faux wood technique

Here is a video which shows how to do another faux wood technique, called, Faux wood carving.

I chose this set for the cute images and the encouraging sentiments. Who wouldn't want a hug from one of these cuties?

One of my friends has a different bear stamp and he has longer arms so she cut them out so that he can reach out and hug something that she puts in his arms.  I'm not sure if that would work with this stamp because his arms are so short, but I think I will give it a try.  Besides pie from this set, I'll have to look to see what else I have that I could put in his arms. 

I think the Gerda Steiner sets are proportioned the same so they can be used with other stamp sets she makes. I'll have to see if that's true.

Well, I need to get some sleep. Not sure if I'm needed to watch my little guy tomorrow or not. If other grandmother or grandpa are not feeling well, I'll get an early call.  If not, I'll start my day with a cup of coffee and stamping with a friend.

Today, I spent a few hours with my Mia Sunshine. She didn't have school today because of the extreme temperature. Many schools in our area didn't have school. There are still a lot of schools that don't have air conditioning, so they call a day off.  Boy, I wish they would have done that when I was working. I can remember many days of working on the second floor, above the kitchen and under a hot not well insulated roof, sweating even though we sat in front of a large fan,(that I provided!)  I can also remember working in the old kindergarten room at one end where there were multiple windows but no air flow.  Fun times.

Well, I hope you give this faux wood technique a try. It is a really fun technique. You can experiment with different colors of cardstock as well as inks.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Blessings and stay cool.

Sue

Rubber Band Stamping?

Hey Everybody, 

Today's challenge was to choose one of three former featured stampers. You can see that challenge here.  Here is the inspiration for my card from Marisa.  I kept the pumpkins but instead of stamps, I used stencils. I changed the direction of the card and made it vertical instead of horizontal. I layered my card with old olive paper. I added a ribbon behind the sentiment and I added a bow instead of a flat ribbon. I added a background instead of cardstock behind my image panel. This card will go on a dinner tray at a local hospital. Keywords: FS1021 Stamps: Stampin' Up!-Painted Pumpkins Paper: vanilla, old olive Ink: golden glow, pumpkin pie, crisp cantaloupe, peaceful pine, old olive, pecan pie Accessories: Painted Pumpkins stencils, Mossy Meadow diagonal striped ribbon, dimensionals Techniques: stenciling Karen's challenge to us is to use the rubber band technique. You can find her challenge here.   When I saw that after you heat embossed the marks from the rubber bands, that you added ink, I decided to see what it would look like it I used stencils on it. I used golden glow for the first and second layer of the pumpkin stencil. I used old olive for the vines and leaves. I then lightly colored the white cardstock with golden glow ink to soften the look. I stamped the sentiment on white and colored that with golden glow ink then added it with dimensionals to my card base. I added sparkle dot essentials. This card will go on a dinner tray at a local hospital. Keywords: TLC1123 Stamps: Painted Pumpkins Paper: white, old olive Paper Size: A2 Ink: old olive, golden glow, versamark Accessories: copper embossing powder, heat tool, rubber bands, acrylic block, sparkle dot essentials, dimensionals, blending brush Techniques: stenciling, rubberband technique, heat embossing Here is the stamp set and stencils or masks that I used to make my cards.

168431

PAINTED PUMPKINS PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (ENGLISH)

$25.00

168438

PAINTED PUMPKINS DECORATIVE MASKS

$15.00

Here are several videos on using rubber bands in different ways on your cards.

                                          My video

Tina Weller's video

Anna Helman's video

Well, that's certainly a 'tool' you probably have on hand that you could use to make a card. You've seen several different ways now hopefully you'll give this technique a try.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Blessings,

Sue

CHECK THIS OUT Splitcoaststampers is hosting 41 challenges over 10 days!

Click on the link or the image for more information.

Here's a list of supplies we'll be using so far. Click the link to see an updated list. People are still getting their challenges ready.

I hope you can join us for a few of the challenges October 7-17th.

so far......

 Parchment Paper
 Cling Wrap or Glad Press n' Seal (tried it, works great)
 Salt
 Pretty Napkins
Tissue Paper
Shaving cream/foam
Watercolor Paper
Plastic wrap
Metallic embossing powder _OR_ metallic deco foil (either/or)
* Product Suggestions (no affiliation, just searched Amazon for some cheap options with free shipping that you could try):
* Metallic Embossing Powder: Assorted 4pc Metallic Embossing Powder (https://a.co/d/0gyXFDGW)
* Deco Foil: Opal Deco Foil (https://a.co/d/0bDpOIHV), Gold Deco Foil (https://a.co/d/0f71XDvV)

New Offers Now On Sale

 Hey Everybody,

8 New Offers Starting Today 

there are 8 new offers all starting today in the Stampin’ Up! online store!! Click on the words for links to the different sale items.

Item: 12 Days of Creativity Advent Calendar (168589)

Price: $99 USD | $135 CAD

Includes: Exclusive dies, paper, coloring tools, cards and envelopes, embellishments, and more—plus, a bonus stamp set!

Ordering Begins: September 1, 2026

Class: Advent-ures in Christmas Craft Class (171481)

Class Price: $30 USD | $41 CAD (Advent Treat Boxes not included)

Class Purpose: Decorate a 24-box advent calendar and assemble it to fit your space and style

Product: Advent Treat Boxes (168534)

Who: Demonstrators and customers

Available for Purchase: September 1

Available for Streaming: September 17 at 2:00 p.m. (MT)

• The class will be available for purchase before and after it streams on September 17

Where: An exclusive Facebook group

Language: The class will be presented in English and will be available as a video on demand with captions in English, French, German, and Dutch shortly after the event; attendees will have access to supply lists and project instructions in English, French, German, and Dutch

Introducing Stampin' Up!'s...

LUXE FOLIAGE 12X12 SPECIALTY DESIGNER PAPER

Starting September 1st you can add this product of the month

to your shopping cart for just $5

when you place a $75+ order.



With Halloween and Christmas fast approaching, don’t forget to spend some time celebrating Cardsgiving—one of our favorite unofficial holidays centered around making and gifting cards. The Luxe Foliage Designer Series Paper is perfect for all your holiday needs and beyond, with shimmering foil and beautifully-designed details perfect for creating glimmering layers or fussy cutting shining images. Whether you’re making cards for a friend or planning a Cardsgiving celebration, this paper is sure to be the star of the show

If you would like to purchase this product for just $5, click HERE on September 1st (or soon after) to shop my online store and place your qualifying order online. When your subtotal reaches $75, you can then add the Product of the Month to your cart.

Contact me directly if you need help placing your order.

Details...

• Almost all order types qualify for this promotion with the following exceptions: Guest orders and gift orders do NOT apply toward the qualifying amount. Prepaid 3-, 6-, and 12-month Paper Pumpkin subscriptions and month-to-month subscriptions also do not apply toward the qualifying amount for Product of the Month. 
• The option to add the Product of the Month comes after the qualifying amount has been met.
• The minimum qualifying amount to add the POM for $5 is $75 US dollars (before tax & shipping). You cannot qualify for the Product of the Month by making separate purchases that eventually amount to $75 or more.
• POM is available while supplies last. If you reach the qualifying amount, add the Product of the Month to your cart. If the Product of the Month sells out before you’re able to check out, you won’t be able to complete your checkout until you remove the product from your cart.
• Any applied/redeemed coupon codes, Stampin' Rewards, or product credits will lower the order’s retail amount. 
• Product of the Month for September 2026 will be made available 9/1/26 at 12:01 AM (MT).
• The Product of the Month is limited to one month’s product per Stampin’ Up! account. 

Who: Crafters who love to make cards!

When: October 1–2; We’ll craft for up to seven hours each day, starting at 2:00 p.m. (MT) both days.

• Celebrate World Card Making Day (October 3) during this event!

Price of 2026 October Card Retreat kit: $165 USD  

2026 October Card Retreat Kit Available for Purchase: September 1

Where: This retreat will take place in a private Facebook Group.

• We’ll post step-by-step instructions as well as a preparation video in this group two weeks before the retreat.
• To join this group, you’ll need to fully complete the group admission form, which includes agreeing to the group rules and providing your name, the email address you used when you purchased the kit, and your 2026 October Card Retreat kit order number, which you can find in your confirmation email. With this information, the group administrator can admit you.
• You can watch the live event and the on-demand videos in this group.

Registration: The 2026 October Card Retreat kit is your ticket to the retreat. There is no registration. The kit includes a card with a personalized link through which you can join the exclusive Facebook group where the live retreat will stream.

Language: This live event will be presented in English. Video recordings with English, French, German, and Dutch captioning will be available through the Facebook group within two weeks of the livestream.

Hashtag: Make a card, then share a smile when you post your creations on social media. Be sure to use the hashtag #VirtualCardRetreatOct26.

Hey Everybody, 

8 New Offers Starting Tomorrow

August 31, 2026

Just wanted to give you a heads up and encourage you to come back here tomorrow and visit my blog with your Shopping List and notepad ready… there are 8 new offers all starting tomorrow in the Stampin’ Up! online store!!

Coming on Sept. 1, 2026

Check tomorrow for all links!! Shop early for best selection!

Blessisngs,

Sue

Masking and Reverse Masking

Hey Everybody,

Jeanne's challenge was to pick a former challenge to do. I chose Mix 702 Beach Vibes. You can find Jeanne's challenge here.  

Here is my card.

I cut out a rectangle from a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of white paper using the deckled edge rectangles. I placed the piece with the rectangle hole over another piece of white paper that was the same size.

 I started at the bottom blending the ink with crumb cake, then coastal cabana, then crushed curry, then flirty flamingo. Before I blended the yellow ink, I placed a circle on the sky. This step is called masking. I am covering the paper so no ink gets on it that I will use next.

 I blended the crushed curry and flirty flamingo together then I removed the circle mask and brushed curry ink lightly over the sun. I stamped the pelican in gray granite and stamped the sentiment in crumb cake. The tree stamp was colored with Stampin' Write markers so I could have multiple colors on one stamp. The stamp set I used is a retired Stampin' Up set called, Sunkissed.

This will go to a local nursing home for residents to use.

Keywords: MIX709 MIX702: Beach Vibes!

Stamps: Stampin' Up!-Sunkissed

Paper: white

Ink: crumb cake, crushed curry, coastal cabana, flirty flamingo, gray granite

Accessories: deckled rectangle dies, Stampin' Write Markers, circle for sun, cut out frame for the scene, blending brushes

Techniques: reverse masking, masking, coloring stamps with markers, ink blending

Here is a video that demonstrates negative masking.

Here is a video that demonstrates the masking technique.

I hope you get a clear idea on how to do masking and reverse masking. I hope you can use it in your card making or scrapbook making.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Blessings,

Sue

CHECK THIS OUT Splitcoaststampers is hosting 41 challenges over 10 days!

Click on the link or the image for more information.

Here's a list of supplies we'll be using so far. Click the link to see an updated list. People are still getting their challenges ready.

I hope you can join us for a few of the challenges October 7-17th.

so far......

 Parchment Paper
 Cling Wrap or Glad Press n' Seal (tried it, works great)
 Salt
 Pretty Napkins
Tissue Paper
Shaving cream/foam
Watercolor Paper
Plastic wrap
Metallic embossing powder _OR_ metallic deco foil (either/or)
* Product Suggestions (no affiliation, just searched Amazon for some cheap options with free shipping that you could try):
* Metallic Embossing Powder: Assorted 4pc Metallic Embossing Powder (https://a.co/d/0gyXFDGW)
* Deco Foil: Opal Deco Foil (https://a.co/d/0bDpOIHV), Gold Deco Foil (https://a.co/d/0f71XDvV)