A Rainbow of Thanks

 Hey Everybody,

My week of teaching classes is over and now I record my videos so students from classes can easily reproduce what they've made in class.

The first card I'm sharing is called, Rainbow of Thanks because that's the name of the stamp set I used.

167233

A RAINBOW OF THANKS PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET

$18.00

Product detail

Spread a little joy—one brushstroke at a time—with the A Rainbow of Thanks Stamp Set! With painterly brushstrokes, paintbrush images, and heartfelt sentiments, you can customize each paintbrush stamp with favorite colors to create cards as colorful as a rainbow. Whether you’re crafting a masterpiece or brightening someone’s day, these stamps make it easy to paint the perfect message.

This is a Two-Step Stampin’ set; it allows you to layer two or more images to create one final image with extra texture and dimension in the colors you want.

DETAILS
- 14 photopolymer stamps
- Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): b, c, h
- Two-Step

PHOTOPOLYMER STAMPS
- Are clear stamps that make image placement easy.
- Have just enough give to create a perfectly stamped image every time.
- Cling to clear blocks without slipping.
- Are repositionable—temporarily mount on clear blocks to stamp, then remove to store.

Here's the card I made in class. 

*The paint stroke stamp is straight. I curved the stamp a bit to make it look more like a rainbow when finished.

Here is a video to show you how to make this card.

Here are the supplies I used to make this card.

Stamps-A Rainbow of Thanks

Paper-White card base 5 1/2 " x 8 1/2" scored at 41/4" berry burst-4" x 5 1/4" pool party-1 1/2" x 4 " highland heather 1 1/2" x 4" white 2" x 4" white scrap for sentiment

Ink-highland heather berry burst pool party memento tuxedo black

Accessories-linen thread 11" Purple Fine Shimmer Gems

Well, there you have it, one of the cards we made this week in classes. I hope you like it, I hope you give it a try, and thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

Sue

What is Mixed Media Stamping?

Hey Everybody,

I'm feeling a bit better and all of my classes are done for the month, so I can get back to posting regularly. Today my challenge was April Showers. You can find the challenge here.

This challenge is also called, The Mixability Challenge. You need to use more than one art medium to complete your card.

I started by stenciling the background in three different blue colors. The colors I used were dye inks from Stampin' Up. They were balmy blue, misty moonlight and night of navy. I used a light, medium and dark blue for the raindrops.

I put distress ink on my glass board and spritzed it with water. The distress ink colors for the flowers I used were picked raspberry and spun sugar. I used brushed corduroy for the branch and peeled paint and shabby shutter for the leaves.  I used my water brush to paint the image. The image was stamped with basic black, a new Stampin' Up hybrid ink which can be used with water coloring or alcohol marker coloring. 

When it was dry, I fussy cut the flower to better see the background. I added dimensionals to the image and sentiment areas. I added clear wink of stella to the image and gold stickles in the flower centers. Lastly, I added gold gems.

So on this one card I used Stampin' Up colored ink, distress inks, Stampin' Up Hybrid ink, clear Wink of Stella and gold Stickles. As you can see, I mixed different media and it wasn't mess at all.

Keywords: MIX688

Stamps: SU-Indescribable Gift, SU-Rolling Waves

Paper: white, azure afternoon

Paper Size: A2

Ink: distress inks-picked raspberry, spun sugar, brushed corduroy, peeled paint, shabby shutter, SU-basic black hybrid ink, balmy blue, misty moonlight, night of navy

Accessories: scissors, Frantic Stamper-raindrop stencil, 1 1/2" circle punch, gold gems, clear wink of stella, Gold Stickles

Techniques: stenciling, coloring, fussy cutting

Dina Kowall, an experienced artist from Splitcoaststampers explains Mixed Media very well. She also demonstrates it. Check out her explanation here.

This is a list from Dina's article of some of the supplies you could use for mixed media art.

Here's a list of art supplies you may use or have around your crafting area - if you have used any 2 or more of these together, guess what?! You have done mixed media.

• Pencils - wax, oil, watercolor, graphite/charcoal, chalk/pastel
• Pastels - chalk, oil
• Markers - watercolor, pigment, water-based, acrylic
• Pens - ink, glitter
• Pigments - Gelatos, watercolor crayons, metallic rubons
• Paints - watercolor, acrylic, oil, poster, tempera
• Inks - dye, chalk, distress, reinkers, pigment, hybrid
• Powders - mica, pigment, chalk
• Sprays & airbrushing
• Dimensionals - embossing paste, gesso, fabric, found items, papers (collage, piecing) , ephemera
• Heated elements - encaustic, embossing

When I googled the difference between inks, here's what I got.

Key Differences Between Distress Ink & Standard Water-Based Dye Ink:

• Transparency/Opacity: Distress Ink is translucent (transparent), allowing backgrounds to show through. Standard dye inks can vary but often aim for faster-setting, bright color coverage.
• Reactivity: Distress Inks are specifically formulated to re-activate when water is added, even after drying, to create splotchy, lightened rustic effects.
• Purpose: They are designed to create a "weathered" or vintage look rather than crisp, clean, bright images.
• Blending: While both are good for blending, Distress Ink is designed to blend seamlessly into paper and with other colors, perfect for creating smooth backgrounds

Well, I hope with all of this information your head isn't spinning. LOL The more you know, the more you can use of your stash of things. The more we use, the better we feel about purchasing them. They are being used and not just sitting on a shelf or in a drawer.

I'm so glad you stopped by today.

Blessings,

Sue

A Quilt Like Card From Scraps

 Hey Everybody,

Today I have a card that is made with scraps of designer series paper. 

Lisa has given us a great challenge. We're to use scraps on our card. You can find her challenge here.   The tutorial I followed for the disappearing nine patch card can be found here.  I followed the tutorial to make my middle square. I used the back of a piece of designer series paper and ran it through an embossing folder for the background. I ran the square through the All in a Row embossing folder for texture for the 'quilt' square. I added the square with dimensionals, added the sentiment and the center gem. Keywords: WT1099 Stamps: SU-A Rainbow of Thanks Paper: white, SU-Floral Charm designer series paper, blackberry bliss Ink: Blackberry Bliss Accessories: SU All in a Row embossing folder, SU-Peaceful Greenery embossing folder, 1" square punch, SU-double oval punch, SU retired gem, adhesive sheets Techniques: dry embossing, disappearing nine patch card Here are some other samples of quilt cards I made with scraps of designer series paper. Enjoy! So there you have lots of samples of cards that look like quilts and were made with designer series papers. Thanks for stopping by  today. Blessings, Sue

A Sketch Challenge and What is Hybrid Ink?

 Hey Everybody,

Today begins Stampin' Up's Earn Double points for purchases. This is for three days, April 15th-17th.  Instead of earning 10% you get 20% credit on a $20 or more order. Check it out here.

Here is our challenge for today. You can check it out here.

I cut a 3" square then used my punch to make fancy corners. I stamped the little guy with the new Stampin' Up! black hybrid ink. I water colored with my water brush and inks smooshed on my glass mat. This was a fun way to easily layer the colors of the bird. I layered the card and added the sentiment on the reverse side of my designer series paper. This will go on a dinner tray at a local hospital.

Keywords: SC1108

Stamps: Unity Stamps-A Little Ruffled, SU basic black hybrid

Paper: white, night of navy, SU Floral Charm designer series paper

Paper Size: A2

Ink: Distress Inks-mustard seed, dried marigold, spiced marmalade, rusty hinge

Accessories: water brush, SU triple punch

Techniques: watercoloring

The Basic Black Hybrid Stampin’ Pad is an all-purpose ink pad for coloring stamped images with Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers AND for watercoloring! That’s right! Gone are the days of using different black inks for specialty coloring techniques—the Basic Black Hybrid Stampin’ Pad can handle them all. Simply stamp your image in this ink, wait for it to dry, and confidently color it in with zero bleeding. Features a felt ink pad with permanent, acid-free ink in our unique color formulation of black.

DETAILS
- 1 ink pad
- Color: Basic Black
- Works with alcohol markers AND watercoloring
- Permanent ink
- Acid free
- Refill available (sold separately)

HYBRID STAMPIN’ PADS
- Are the ultimate ink pads for craft stamping and coloring techniques.
- Are bleed-resistant to alcohol markers and watercolor.
- Have a high-quality permanent ink for an amazing color experience.
- Are great for both beginners and experts!

*This ink pad will be available May 5th with the new catalog.

166648    BASIC BLACK HYBRID STAMPIN' PAD    $12.00

I wouldn't get rid of my Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad which is used when coloring with alcohol markers. Nor would I get rid of my Stazon black ink which is used for Watercoloring. I'd use those inks up before purchasing the hybrid ink unless you are tired of trying to remember which ink you use for which process.

I found this pad was difficult to open by lifting the lid. When I opened it like the new magnetic ink pads, it worked well.  To open the new magnetic ink pads, hold the top of the case and roll the lid to the right and lift.

 Well, that's it for today. I get to see my Mia Mia and my buddy Si Guy tonight. I'm babysitting and can't wait! That's what grandmas live for, watching the grands without parents around! LOL

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

Sue

2X Rewards and Another Challenge Card

 Hey Everybody,

I'm back to card making. Woohoo!  

Our Alphabet challenge was color of a gem for the letter G. My favorite color is blue so I used different colors of blue. I love sapphires so I used navy and stamped it off for the clouds.

I stamped the leaves with peaceful pine then added the flowers with hydrangea hue. These are two of the two new in-colors for Stampin' Up.

 Then I used my blending brush to color the sky. I stamped off several times for the clouds. Then I stamped the birds and sentiment in navy ink. I added gems to three flowers and the ribbon to the field of flowers.

I got extra credit for adding gems to my card. LOL-just kidding.

I love how the ribbon divided the clouds from the field of flowers.

Double Stampin’ Rewards From Stampin’ Up! April 15-17!!

  Stampin’ Up! just announced that they’ll be offering DOUBLE Stampin’ Rewards on all orders of $20+ placed between April 15-17!!  Here are the details:

• Earn double rewards (2x rewards) for three days only, starting April 15, 2026.
  • Sales Period:  April 15–17
  • Offer begins April 15, 2026 at 12:01 AM (MT)
  • Offer ends April 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (MT)
• This offer applies to ALL products (excluding existing Paper Pumpkin subscriptions).
• All orders qualify once the rewards threshold of $20 is met.
• To participate, you must have a Stampin’ Up! account and be opted in to Stampin’ Rewards.
  • You can find more details about Stampin’ Rewards and find a link to opt in/join the program here.

Let me know if you have any questions.  Get your lists ready and get your orders placed from April 15-17 to earn double Stampin’ Rewards from Stampin’ Up!!

You can find the online store right here to get started on your order.

April 10-May 11 Paper Pumpkin

                                      

Well, that's it for today. If you have any questions, let me know.

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

Sue

19 Years of A Blog-WOW!

Hey Everybody,

 Check it out, my very first blog post! Yup, you read that correctly, April 10, 2007.

I can't believe it's been 19 years of blog posts! So many things have changed along the way.

WooHoo First Post  

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

So, here it is my first post on my own blog! Wow not sure I'm ready for this, but here goes!
Today was a fun day of stamping with my upline. We share lots of ideas, laugh, stamp and enjoy each other's company. We also made some cards. I will have to learn how to post things to this blog. For now I'm happy that I can begin to share my love of stamping.

One thing is we're not decorating mini paint cans. LOL I remember when those and lunch boxes were popular. I found my post about the lunch box I made for a friend.  Back then Stampin' Up had lots of different colors of craft inks that you could use on metal and other surfaces. Check it out.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Stampin' on a Lunch Box

I had fun making this lunch box for a dear friend. I stamped craft ink right on the tin. Then I sprinkled dazzling diamonds on it and heat set it. Then I sprayed the lunch box twice with clear acrylic spray and left it outside for a while. Then I added the paper, then the ribbon. I put mod podge on the paper a the ribbon to seal it and attach it to the tin. The paper also has snail adhesive on it as well. I love the way this sparkles. I don't think I've seen this done before where someone stamps right on the lunchbox.
Hope she likes it.

*********************************

"Best of the Best" Vintage Dealers

Thousands of Passionate Hobby Fans Trek to the Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention Every Year

Fans of the hobby gather at SSCC each year for one of the most important 3-day events in rare and vintage sports cards and memorabilia. Thousands make the trek to see the top dealers, authenticators and auction houses all in under one roof, as well as gathering with friends from around the country who share a passion for the "stuff."

This is where I've spent the last 3 days helping my son, Ben at his booth. Whew, I'm glad it's over. That's a lot of standing, walking and being in one place.  We both enjoy the people and watching kids take up the hobby of collecting cards no matter what type they like. One thing I love as a proud Mama is to watch Benjamin deal with young kids. He educates them about the cards they want, and the cards they have. He shows them how to look up cards to see what they've recently sold for. He also gives kids great deals! We love seeing parents with their kids sharing a hobby. It's mostly dads with daughters or sons, but we've seen moms too. We saw so many dads and sons of all ages enjoying 'the hunt' for a new card together. We had so much fun with this. I have to say it takes a lot out of you, but it's wonderful to spend time with my son too.

Tomorrow I'll begin a week of card classes and get back to card related blog posts. For now, I think I'll curl up in my bed for some rest. Until tomorrow. Blessings, Sue

Color Challenge With New Products Available in May

Hey Everybody,

Our challenge today was a color challenge. It was to use daffodil delight, poppy parade, coastal cabana and gorgeous grape. Dessert was to use a punch or die. You can find this challenge here.  

I dry embossed white cardstock with the SU Fern & Flora 3D Embossing folder then pulled the ink pads across the debossed side on a diagonal. 

I die cut the lighthouse from black cardstock and cut it square then added it to the right side of my background.

I stamped the sentiment and fussy cut around it so you could see the background. The inside was stamped with a sentiment which was fussy cut and then the water reflection and sun were stamped.

Keywords: CC1098

Stamps: SU Sunset Coast

Paper: white, black

Paper Size: A2

Ink: poppy parade, daffodil delight, coastal cabana, gorgeous grape

Accessories: scissors, Sunset Coast Dies, SU Fern & Flora 3D Embossing folder

Techniques: dry embossing, direct to paper, die cutting

Here is the stamp/die bundle I used for this card. This set will be available May 5th in the new catalog.

The Fern & Flora 3D embossing folder I used will also be available May 5th.  I love this type of embossing folder because it can be used for masculine or feminine cards.

There you have it, a little preview of a couple of the new things from the May-Sept. catalog.

Don't forget catalogs will be available in class or sooner if you want to stop by to get one. Just let me know you are coming and I'll have it ready for you.

As always, thanks for stopping by today.

Blessings,

Sue

Colored Pencils Challenge

 Hey Everybody,

Our Clean and Simple challenge today is to use colored pencils. You can find that challenge here.    I stamped with Memento tuxedo black ink then colored my image with Prismacolor colored pencils. I used my blender pencil to blend the colors. I die cut the image panel then die cut a second oval. The background paper is called Beautiful Bokeh. The ovals were added to the designer series paper with dimensionals. I stamped the sentiment and added it to the card with dimensionals. This will go on a dinner tray at a local hospital. Keywords: CAS892 Stamps: Sweet-N-Sassy Poppies & Greetings Paper: white, highland heather, SU-Beautiful Bokeh designer series paper Ink: memento tuxedo black Accessories: scallop oval dies, Prismacolor colored pencils, Prismacolor blender pencil, small and large oval punches, dimensionals Techniques: coloring with pencils, die cutting This is what a colored pencil blending pencil looks like. they are very inexpensive and make a difference on your image. Do you use colored pencils on your images? I try to but find I often reach for my Copic Markers. Take a look at your stamps. What would you use for this challenge? Sometimes when I have smaller areas to color I will reach for colored pencils which are easier to control in small areas.   Thanks for stopping by today.  Blessings,  Sue