Hey Everybody,

I completed two challenges today from Splitcoaststampers.  The first one is the Technique Challenge. Today was the 1100th challenge so we could choose from any of the challenges ending in 00.  I chose 200 which was Faux Linen With a Pop.  The challenge can be found here.

The challenge I chose can be found here.

Here are the directions.

Here is what you will need for today's technique:

• Cardstock
• Ink
• Stamps
• Gift bag tissue paper
• Two Way Glue Stick or your favorite type of glue stick

Step One. Cut your tissue a little bigger than the piece of cardstock that you will use to adhere it onto.

Step Two: Stamp your image onto the tissue paper and let the ink dry before moving onto step three.

Step Three: Wad up the tissue into a ball getting lots of crinkles. Then gentle unroll the wadded ball of tissue. CAREFUL - don't tear it.  Next - spread out the tissue, leaving some of the wrinkles visible. This will help achieve the faux silk effect.

Step Four: Stamp the same image onto a piece of white or very light colored cardstock.

Step Five: Using paper snips (sharp, small blade scissors) cut out the portion of your image that you want to POP.

Step Six: Take your colored cardstock and apply your glue stick to the entire surface. Now lay your white cut-out onto the cardstock and place the tissue on top - aligning the images. Press your tissue paper onto the glue covered cardstock, and be sure to leave in the little wrinkles. You can either trim off the excess tissue from the sides, but it's just as easy, and gives the piece a more finished look, if you just fold the extra tissue around the cardstock and stick the edges down on the backside of the cardstock.

Now you can finish your card as desired.

The stamp set I used is called, Notes of Spring which is a Product of the Month for April. It is a two-step stamping set.

Keywords: TLC1100 TLC200

Stamps: SU-Notes of Spring-Product of the Month

Paper: white, old olive, lemon lolly

Ink: memento tuxedo black, old olive, lemon-lime twist

Accessories: Copic Markers, Tissue Paper

Techniques: Faux Silk With a Pop

Our 2nd challenge is for the Clean and Simple Challenge which was to use a rarely used or new stamp. You can find that challenge here. 
The stamp I used is one of my favorite old, wood mount PSX stamps. I don't use it often, but I love it so much I can't get rid of it.
I stamped in Memento tuxedo black ink. The image was colored with Derwent watercolor pencils. Then I used a blender pen to blend the light and dark colors of the flowers and leaves. I used a fancy, old-fashioned looking die to cut out the image. I added small hearts from an embossing folder to complete the card.

I purposely used an oval die for this card to get used to different shapes besides squares and rectangles.

Keywords: CAS891

Stamps: PSX-Bleeding Heart stamp

Paper: white, bubble bath

Paper Size: A2

Ink: memento tuxedo black

Accessories: Derwent Watercolor Pencils, Blender pen, Cuttlebug-Love Language embossing folder, decorative oval die

Techniques: dry embossing, watercoloring

This next card is not a challenge card, it is a card for a local hospital near me. It will go on a dinner tray. I had a partial piece of dry embossed cardstock, so I made it into a card. 

I used  Azure Afternoon, Polished Pink and Gorgeous Grape with blending brushes and colored the debossed side of the embossed panel.  Then I used direct to paper technique with my Night of Navy ink pad.

I stamped this little guy and coloring him with Copic Markers. I cut him out with the Deckled Circles dies. Again, I wanted to use a shape other than a square or rectangle.

I stamped the sentiment and fussy cut it because it was already an unusual arrangement for a sentiment. Cutting it out made it stand out more. The image panel was added to a night of navy card base.  This card is more vibrant than the picture shows.

This card was made during a FaceTime session with a friend today.  Every now and then we'll FaceTime and stamp. The weather was crummy here and this is a great work around to be able to stamp with someone but not have to drive across town in crummy weather.

What's fun is we talk and stamp and help each other with what we're working on with suggestions or ideas of how to finish a card or what to add to it to make it 'just right.'

Do you FaceTime with anyone? How about to stamp?

Well, it's time to finalize my pre-order for our new catalog. I can order at 2 a.m. our time.

Thanks for stopping by again.

Blessings,

Sue

What's In a Shape?

 Hey Everybody,

I'm back again with another card.

Our challenge was to Think Spring. The challenge can be found here.  

I stamped these cuties from a retired Stampin' Up! set called, Fable Friends. I also used a set by Jillian Vance called, Spring Hootie for the sentiment. I colored the images with Copic Markers. I die cut the image panel then cut another oval as a frame around the image. I used the reverse side of the designer series paper. The designer series paper is from Stampin' Up! called, Painted Illusions. It was the Product of the Month last month. I love the combination of colors in this paper. It's too bad it's a Product of the Month instead of a paper in the Online Exclusives. I stamped the sentiment, Happy Spring. Inside is an Easter greeting. 

Keywords: CAS889

Stamps: Stampin' Up-Fable Friends, Jillian Vance-Spring Hootie

Paper: white, Stampin' Up-Painted Illusions designer series paper

Ink: memento tuxedo black, pretty peacock, granny apple green

Accessories: SU-oval framelits, Copic markers

Techniques: coloring, die cutting

While I looked at this, I thought about how often I use a rectangle shape for my image panels. How about you? Do you use ovals on your image panels?  How about circles?  How about other shapes other than squares or rectangles?

Take a look at your stash of dies. What shapes do you have that may be older, but fun to use? I looked in my gallery at Splitcoaststampers and found a few I had that were older.

The first card uses the Top Note Die. Do you remember this die?

How about this shape? It is popular right now in stamping.

Do you have a circle you could use?

How about a heart? It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to use a heart shape.

Well, it seems that there are many different shaped dies in my collection that aren't squares or rectangles. I know I have some other shapes. I may challenge myself to use them in the coming weeks with challenges.

Thanks for stopping by. Check out your dies and get stamping and die cutting.

Until next time.

Blessings,

Sue

A Block + Ink = A Background

 Hey Everybody,

I've got a new card for you today.

Stamping with blocks is our challenge for today. You can find it here.

Here is the technique:

 Take a smaller acrylic block, put a few drops of reinkers (or similar), two colors that will look good together but don't let them mix too much. Spritz with water and stamp on paper that can handle some water. Other options: smear an Oxide ink pad on the block, then spray another color on top, spritzing with water as needed. Oxides blend well so you don't have to worry about the dreaded 'mud.' In the end, you can use any water reactive medium you like.
Don't fill the whole piece of paper, leave some white space. Re-spritz with water if necessary but don't overdo. This isn't 'wrinkle free Distress' or 'dip and dab'. Be sparing and only stamp a few times! That's it! You'll have an interesting, colorful background to decorate in any way you like.

I used watercolor paper with pretty in pink and fresh freesia reinkers on blocks. I spritzed the blocks then stamped them down on the watercolor paper. I used a medium and a small block.
I stamped and colored this cutie pie. I fussy cut him so his hair would really stand out.

Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026 GMT Views: 203 Favorited: 1

Additional Info

Keywords: TLC1098

Stamps: Unity Stamps-Little Weirdo

Paper: watercolor paper, white, fresh freesia

Paper Size: A2

Ink: memento tuxedo black

Accessories: Copic Markers, dimensionals, water spritzer, pretty in pink, fresh freesia reinkers, acrylic blocks

Techniques: stamping with a block, fussy cutting, coloring

I found a video that demonstrates 4 different ways to use ink on your acrylic blocks.  She uses only one stamping of her acrylic block but my card used multiple times of stamping with ink so it formed a background.

Well, what do you think? Do you think you would like to try this then make it into a card?

I used the two colors with spritzing technique. You can experiment with inks and blocks and see what you come up with.

You can try both watercolor paper and regular white card stock like the video shows.

Well, thanks for stopping by today. I'll see you again soon.

Blessings,

Sue

What To Do With a New Stamp? Hmmmmmm

 Hey Everybody,

Ardyth chose Karen for today's featured stamper. Here is the challenge.  I chose this card as my inspiration. Here is my card.  Keywords: FS996 Stamps: House Mouse-Bird-Day Treat, Happy Birthday Paper: white, pacific point, SU-Iconic Celebrations designer series paper Paper Size: A2 Ink: memento tuxedo black, Pacific Point Accessories: SU oval framelits, Copic Markers Techniques: coloring, die cutting I stamped and colored the image with Copic Markers. I used the oval dies to cut out the image and designer paper. I used a different stamp but kept a bird and House Mouse character. I changed the orientation and used two ovals instead of an oval and rectangle. The image panel was added with dimensionals. If you know me, you know I love House Mouse stamps. I have a question for you. When you get a new stamp, how do you decide what colors to use if your background is more plain than lots of colors that stand out?   I chose a birthday designer paper that was pretty neutral and didn't really show a lot of the paper. So I debated what colors to use for the image. Here's something I often will do. I will Google the name of the stamp and click on images at the top so I don't see shopping and videos etc.  Then I look at the samples of others and see what others have done with the image.  After looking at samples, I decide what colors I want to use for my card. I also look on Pinterest and do the same thing. Many times I will go to a blog to see the colors someone combined for their image. Did you know if you have a Stampin' Up image you can look on Splitcoaststampers? Check it out here. Scroll down until you see the Stampin' Up galleries near the bottom of the page. Here's a link to a new set called, Filled With Sweetness. Check out the different samples. Most of the galleries have an index page listed first which shows you all of the stamps in the set. Well, there you have it. Another way you can get more from your stamps and more ideas to help with layouts and help you think outside of your typical stamping style. Thanks for stopping by today. Blessings, Sue

New Things Coming to Stampin' Up

Hey Everybody,

This week Stampin' Up Demonstrators are at an event called, On Stage, in different places around the country and world. There are some exciting new things coming to Stampin' Up.

Sneak peek from

on Stage….. sparkle pens in the new in colors. I’ve also seen white gel pens!

Lots of fun new products coming soon!!

Basic Black HYBRID Ink-This ink will work with alcohol markers and watercolor techniques as well. We won't need memento and Stazon inks. We can use one black ink for all of our stamping projects.

Here's our challenge for today. We go to a website and choose a picture then make a card similar to it.

  Here's my inspiration for my card. I have to say, after I saw this, I just wanted a huge glass of milk to go with it!

I stamped the image and colored it with Copic Markers, I die cut with deckled rectangles the image panel and the designer paper. I added the paper to the card base then stamped the sentiment.

Keywords: IC1057

Stamps: Whimsy Stamps-Lazy Kitty

Paper: white, copper clay, plaid designer paper given to me

Ink: memento tuxedo black

Accessories: deckled rectangle dies, copic markers, dimensionals

Techniques: coloring, die cutting

I thought whoever made that cookie cat did an amazing job! I can't even begin to figure out how it was made. It sure makes me want an Oreo cookie right now. LOL

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

Sue

March Class Follow-Up and April Schedule

 Hey Everybody,

Thank you once again for another fun-filled and learning-filled week of classes.

I love spending time with you and learning from your creativity. You are such a wonderful group of friends.

Have a beautiful Easter.

Blessings,

Sue

 Class Follow-Up

 Links to products are in bold print.

Stampin’ Up now has a blog full of great information and ideas. Here is the link.

 

Products Discussed In Some Classes:

 We discussed grip mats for our stamping platforms like the Stamparatus, Misty, and Tim Holtz.

I found a Simon Hurley video where he discusses different sticky mats. Check it out.

We have opportunities to donate cards to three different facilities

Stamping Opportunities:

●     1. Southwest General Hospital -Cards are placed on meal trays. 

* NEW-Cut down on the number of Get Well cards. 

Instead try these: you're in my thoughts,   I've been thinking about you,     I'm sending you positive thoughts, Thinking of You, Hang in there.  They still can use Baby and Holiday cards.

(No envelope is needed. Stamp something on the inside please.)

Get Well, Thinking of You, Hang in there, Baby, Holiday cards.

2. Broadview Multi-Care Facility- Cards for residents and staff to use.

(Envelopes needed and stamp something on the inside please.)

Birthday for adults and kids, Get Well, Sympathy, Thinking of you, Holiday

3.  Hillcrest Hospital Cancer Floor

Encouragement, Birthday and Sympathy.  NEW*(envelopes needed)-(cards blank inside.)

Thanks so much for your continued support of these ministries.

             Thank you to those who made cards this month. They are so grateful to you for sharing your talents and love with them.

Card 1  Easter Belt Closure Card-Sue Craig Video

Stamps-  Retired Easter Stamps

Paper –  Cardbase shy shamrock 5 1/2" x 7"  score at 2 3/4" 

belt-shy shamrock 1 1/4" x4 1/2"  score at 1/2"

shy shamrock 1" x 2 3/4"

scrap of shy shamrock for sentiment. I used the retired Key Tag punch.

white-inside 4" x 5 1/4"

Designer Series Paper-Easter Joy 2 pieces 2 1/2" x 5 1/4"

3/4" x 2 1/2"

1 1/2" x 5 1/4"

1" x 3 3/4"

Inks- Shaded Spruce

Accessories- Easter Assortment embellishments-Spring Catalog (no longer available)

 

Card 2  Jam Jar-You're the Sweetest-Sue Craig Video

Stamps-  Filled With Sweetness -Online Exclusives

Paper – cardbase Misty Moonlight 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Poppy Parade-Jar 4 1/2" x 8 1/2"

white- inside 3" x 3 1/2"

white-label 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Homemade Sweetness designer series paper for lid-1 1/2" x 4 1/2"

Crumb Cake scraps for twine and bow

 Inks- blueberry bushel

Accessories- Filled With Sweetness Dies

Strawberries and Dots embellishments

Markers or paint to color berries

 

Card 3   Accordion Fun Fold Card-Sue Craig Video 

Stamps-  Fabulous Sayings-Product of the Month-no longer available

Paper – Gray Granite-card base 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Gray Granite-2 3/8" x 4 7/8"

Delicate Dreams Designer series paper- 5 1/4" x 11 3/4"  score at 1 3/4", 4 3/4" and 7 3/4"

Designer series paper- 1/4" x 4 3/4"

white 2 1/4" x 4 3/4"

white tag 1 3/4" x 2 1/2"

Copper tag-2" x 3"

Inks- Mossy Meadow

Accessories- Blue Gingham Ribbon

 

Card 4  Diamond Pop-Out Card-Sue Craig Video

Stamps-  Textured Notes- no longer available

Fabulous Sayings-Online Exclusives- no longer available

Paper –   Cardbase 2 pieces needed 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" on 5 1/2" side score at

3/4", 2 3/4" and 4 3/4"

2 small white pieces 1/2" x 1 3/4" -folded pieces that lift up the sentiment

Designer Series Paper-Lovely and Beautiful Spring Catalog

3 pieces 1 1/2" x 4"

4 pieces 1/2" x 4"

1 piece for sentiment 1 1/4 X 2 1/2"

  Inks- Calypso Coral 

Old Olive 

Accessories-

 

April Classes

 Mon April 13th  at 10    3 spots

Tues April 14th at 1  Filled

Thursday April 16 at 10   2 spots

Friday April 17 at 7    1 spot