HSS Technique Challenge #26- WATERCOLORING!!

Hello Stampers!!! I hope you all are well this fine summer morning, I am so anxious for the start of the new school year-

I am counting down the days. If I heard "I'm bored" one more time, my head will spin around 360 degrees like that demon from the exorcist and I might even spew green junk from my mouth. Anyway on to something MUCH more pleasing to the mind- a technique challenge!!! I did this card and technique for my club members last week and I am excited to share it with you all now as well.

I chose this particular card for 2 reasons, one being that I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE watercoloring. I can be totally messy and it still loves FAB! In fact the messier you are the better it looks, I think. :) The other reason being that it is almost an exact replica of the demo they use in the NEW Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog for the Fifth Ave. Floral Stamp Set. I wanted my club members to really see how this catalog isn't JUST that, that it is over 300 pages of inspiration and techniques. So onto my card...

I did my watercoloring a little differently than they did in the IB&C. I used the Watercolor Pencils for this project. I colored simple lines near the center of the larger rose on the Watercolor paper (this is a must if you are doing ANY watercoloring!!) then using my Aqua Painter I just pulled the color from the center of the petals out.

Note: that if you are doing any coloring in a stamped image the only ink you should use is Staz-On ink, it wont run or smudge while you color.

I stamped the overhanging flower with full strength ink, and then I stamped off once for my hidden flower. I wanted there to be a slight variation in the colors of the two flowers even though I was using the same ink color.

Check out how I layered these flowers. They are all 3 cut out by hand and layered at different levels using various amounts of dimensionals. I hung one over the edge and when I was pleased at the location I cut the edge off so that it would fit nicely in an envelope.

I hoped you enjoy today's project and take a chance and head over to Hand Stamped Sentiments and take part in our little challenge. We love to see every one's creativity and inspiration!! Don't forget about the RIBBON & PRODUCT SHARE that I am currently offering- click on the link to get more details and to contact me and get your stash!!! Thanks for stopping by to take a peek see today and until next time~ TTFN!!


CHECK OUT THE RIBBON & PRODUCT SHARE GOING ON NOW!! CONTACT ME TODAY BEFORE YOUR SPOT IS GONE!!!

HSS Sketch Challenge #25

MORNING STAMPERS!!! I am loving this weeks challenge, of course I love pretty much every challenge we do at Hand Stamped Sentiments. I loved this one because I got to use a set that I absolutely adore Embrace Life!!! Here is the sketch that we are working with this week, it is from the July issue of Stampin' Success. I hope that there are a few of you that can take part in our challenge this week, with Stampin' Up!'s convention going on I fear it might be like a ghost town out in the world wide web... I am sad to say that I could not afford to attend this year. BUT I am making the most of it and getting crafty- get crafty with me all the rest of you that couldn't go for one reason or another, come along!!!

I shifted my sketch to the side, since of course I can never follow the sketch EXACTLY as it is planned. I am not as much of a follower when I feel creative. You will know when my mojo is missing though- it will be an exact replica. So for this weeks challenge I did a card- obviously. I used Whisper White, Night of Navy, Kiwi Kiss, and some coordinating retired designer paper. I kept it really simple and threw in a technique to boot.

I had to be gentle with doing the watercolor technique on Whisper White card stock, if you fuss with it too much it pills the paper and usually rips right through it... so gingerly I pushed through. Using my Aqua Pen I added small dabs of color picked up from the lid of my ink pads of the Kiwi Kiss, Night of Navy and a smidge of So Saffron. BUT before I added any ink at all I stamped the flowers using VersaMark ink and heat embossing the image with White Embossing powder. I have found that the messier you make the image look when it comes to watercolor, the better your end result is. Of course there is a little something extra on there too... can anyone see it? I added glitter too!! I love the dazzle you get from these flowers when you move the card, a little 2-way glue pen and some glitter and tada- perfection!

I also added a little punch of surprise with the sentiment. Instead of layering it on top of the card, I punched (using my window word punch) a slot just large enough to allow my sentiment to peek through. I stamped the sentiment on Whisper White card stock and then positioned it perfectly under the punched opening. I added a circle and felt flower with a half pearl to complete the area.

I tried to create some handmade texture on the background layer of card stock by taking my VersaMark ink and stamping a coordinating watermark image all over that layer. I love that effect for my card stock, simple, classy, done!

I hope you enjoyed this weeks challenge project, and try something your self. Remember that we give the sketch only as inspiration, interpret it yourself and make whatever you are inclined to do. Use your MDS or make a scrap page or maybe a 3-D item... the sky is the limit- but please share it with the rest of us along with your story as to why you are crafting with us and not going crazy at convention. Misery loves company. So until next time~ TTFN

CHECK OUT THE RIBBON & PRODUCT SHARE ITEMS- NOW AVAILABLE!!!!

Ribbon & Product Shares ARE HERE!!!!

Have you seen the NEW Idea Book & Catalog yet?! There are SO many awesome ribbons, fibers, accents, and embellishments... one could go broke trying to get it all- but wait, there is a way! Purchase a Ribbon Share or Product Share and get manageable portions for a nominal price!!! How great is that?!

RIBBON SHARE OPTION A includes the following:

You will be getting approximately 76 yards of ribbon in a variety of sizes, colors and textures and your cost per yard averages approximately $0.88, WHAT A DEAL!!! If you were to purchase these items all by your self you would spend more than $337, and you would probably have more ribbon than you could ever possibly use alone. This ribbon share gives you a perfect amount of ribbon for a GREAT bargain!

• 3/8" Twill Tape (pg. 190)- approx. 2 yds.
• 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (pg. 191)- approx. 2 yds of each 13 colors
• 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (pg. 191)- approx. 2 yds of each 11 colors
• 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (pg. 191)- approx 2 yds of each 13 colors

Ribbon Share Opt. A (Local Orders)- $67.00/per slot

Ribbon Share Opt. A (Long Distance Orders)- $69.00/per slot (this includes shipping)

There are only 5 spots in this share- 5 available, to get a spot contact me at erin@handstampedstyle.com.

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RIBBON SHARE OPTION B includes the following:

You will be getting approximately 142 yards of ribbon, fiber/thread in a variety of colors, sizes and textures and your cost per yard averages approximately $0.56 a yard, you can't BEAT THAT!!! This ribbon share is an even BETTER bargain saving you TONS!! If you were to purchase all of these ribbons separately you would spend over $408, that's a savings of over $327.00, now that is savings

• 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (pg. 191)- approx. 3 yds each of 13 colors
• 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (pg. 191)- approx 3 yds each of 13 colors
• 5/8" Satin Ribbon (pg. 191)- approx. 3 yds each of 13 colors
• 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon (pg. 190)- approx. 3 yds of each 5 In-Colors
• Crochet Trim Ribbon (pg. 190)- approx. 1 yd. of 2 different styles
• 5/8" Organza Ribbon (pg. 190)- approx. 3 yds.
• Hemp Twine (pg. 190)- approx. 2 yards
• Linen Thread (pg. 190)- approx. 3 yds

Ribbon Share Opt. B (Local Orders)- $80.50

Ribbon Share Opt. B (Long Distance Orders)- $82.50

There are only 5 spots in this share- 4 available so contact me today at erin@handstampedstyle.com to reserve your spot.

The PRODUCT SHARE is a great way to get a sample of almost every accessory and embellishment offered in the Idea Book & Catalog!!! You get approximately 489 different pieces for accents and embellishments! If you were to purchase all of these items separately you would spend well over $264. This share saves you approximately $202 and just see what you get...

• Bitty Button (pg. 186)- 4 of each design, 16 total
• Designer Button (pg. 186)- 1 of each of 3 designs in 24 colors, 72 total
• Mini Vintage Tag (pg. 186)- 3 total
• Brads (pg. 187)- 7 ea of 4 metallic colors & 5 ea of 24 colors, 148 total
• Rhinestone Brads (pg. 187)- 5 of each color & 20 clear, 100 total
• Hodgepodge Hardware (pg. 188)- 2 ea of 10 pieces in 2 finishes and 40 coordinating brads, 100 pieces total
• Jewels (pg. 188)- 37 Rhinestone & Pearls, 74 total
• Fleurette's II (pg. 188)- 1 ea of 3 sizes, 3 total
• Paper Daisies (pg. 188)- 10 of various sizes

Product Share (Local Orders)- $62.00

Product Share (Long Distance Order)- $64.00

There are only 4 spots are in this share- 3 available so contact me TODAY at erin@handstampedstyle.com to take your spot!

DELIVERY INFO: Once the SHARES have all the spots filled you will receive an email from me notifying you that the order has been placed and what the exact ETA is for your share. You can typically expect your SHARE to arrive 10-14 days from the day you receive my email.

Luau Anyone??? HSS Luau Theme Challenge #24

If there is one place in the world that I am madly in love with it is the Hawaiian Islands!!! I love how clear blue the water is, how soft the sandy beaches are, how wonderfully TAN everyone is and I am SO envious of all the women that have the great figures to wear those grass skirts and coconut cups. I just love everything about that part of the world. So when we got to crate something for a Luau Challenge for Hand Stamped Sentiments I was THRILLED!!!

I had already posted a card that was quite literally Luau Themed, so I thought I would go a little outside the creative box for this one. I made this bookmark (What I like to call a "Book Thong") at convention last year, but I LOVED it because it immediately made me think of the tropics. Not only because the flower reminds me of those amazing hibiscus flowers that grow like wild fire there (those are my FAV's) but the colors are spot on with the tropical line of DSP that Stampin' Up! now offers.

I loved combining the orange and the deeper green and the bright vibrant blue all together. It reminds me of a wonderful print for a bathing suit. These were SUPER simple to make and only required a handful of items to make, like:

scallop chipboard piece (you could use your BigShot to make any shape you wanted)

Craft & Classic Ink Pad in colors to coordinate with your project

DSP (Designer Series Paper) of any coordinating pattern for the colors you choose

Floral stamp image, I totally LOVE this set EASTERN BLOOMS

5/8" ribbon, about 12-18" long

Filigree Brad part, you might even be able to swap this out with a button??

I covered the Chipboard with Old Olive craft ink and used my Heat tool to dry it faster. Then I used the DSP to cover the square hole that was in our Chipboard piece, but if you use your BigShot you could skip this step. I punched out a small piece of Pacific Point Card Stock to go under the filigree center piece and then attached the center brad with a glue dot. You will stamp out your floral image in classic ink, I used Groovy Guava, and hand cut out of Whisper White Card Stock. I attached it to the DSP with a dimensional.

I attached the ribbon to the back of the chipboard piece using a glue dot, then covered the raw ends with a larger piece of Pacific Point Card Stock.

I threaded the end of the ribbon through the center of the larger Filigree brad and tied a knot to prevent it from slipping off.

To thread such thick ribbon through such a small hole you simply cut the ribbon at a very steep angle making the increase in width VERY gradual, and it threads right on for you.

I hoped you really enjoyed this weeks project and PLEASE come and play along this week at HSS!! I know that I would love to see as many creative Luau ideas as possible so until next time~ TTFN

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HSS Color Splash Challenge #23

Good Morning Stampers!!! I am so thrilled to share this adorable, simple project with you today as part of our Hand Stamped Sentiments Color Splash Challenge #23. Not to mention I have a WINNER for last weeks give away in my blog candy drawing!!! Stay tuned for that.

So these colors are probably some of my MOST fav's to use, however when I first saw this challenge I automatically thought of Christmas and not of anything else. It took me a while to get OUT of that mind set and move forward. But I feel pretty good about what I came up with. I love the fact that this image can be changed out with almost any nature themed stamp set so anyone can create this look even if they don't have this retired set.


I layered my Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White pieces onto my Crumb Cake card stock base. I love the taffeta ribbon, although I think this style of it was retired when the new catalog came out a week ago. I can't bare to give mine up.

I like a lot of dimension and layered many pieces using dimensionals for LOTS of height. I also used a small punch of Rose Red color for an added POP to the front of the card.

I love the look and feel an images gets by stamping off and creating many other shades of that one color, when you think about it that technique basically triples your color palliate of ink pads. I hope you enjoyed my FUN simple project today and now for the moment you and I have all been waiting for... OUR WINNER for the blog candy giveaway!!!

This name was picked using RANDOM.ORG, as to assure you all of no tampering with the results. :) Our winner is,

CONGRATS Ladybugs Mom!!! You are the new owner of my Blog Candy LOOT giveaway. Simply email me (erin@handstampedstyle.com) your snail mail address and these items will be on their ASAP. Thanks for visiting and checking out HSS and my site, please head over to Hand Stamped Sentiments and PLAY ALONG with this weeks challenge- we love to see your creations!!! Till next time~ TTFN

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HSS Technique Challenge #22 & BLOG CANDY!!!!

Good Morning Stampers!! I am so excited to share this weeks Hand Stamped Sentiments Technique Challenge #22 project with you, it is FANCY FOLDS. Not to mention there is a prize at the end of this post... WhoHoo!

I have had this in mind to do for some time, and I finally get to do it. I incorporated two different techniques into one card, yes I was feeling extra punchy this week and took two on. :) I know you are thinking this is just a card, cute and unassuming- but you would be wrong. HeHe, I love surprises too. So lets see what this card is hiding inside.

So before I get into the prise inside, first let me share with you the first technique I used on this card which is called Emboss Resist, you can see a step by step tutorial by clicking on the link, and it is SUPER easy and gives your project a total WOW factor! I used some different materials than what was suggested on the link, here are the different ones I used:

Glossy White Card Stock

White Embossing Powder

Sponge Daubers

Now for the surprise inside.... drum roll please. Take a good long look at my sausage like fingers before you focus on the card... :) This card is called a SLIDER CARD, and if you click on the technique name you will find detailed instructions on how to create it. It isn't difficult at all, but does require some time because there are a few steps to the process BUT it is well worth the time!

When you pull out one of the sides two inserts slide right out to be viewed. I made this card just to be written on BUT you could create pockets out of the side inserts and house a gift card or cash in them. I made a card using this technique at a stamp camp years ago and the inserts had a $20 on the left side and a $5 on the right side to make up the year 2005 on a graduation card.... it is a little harder to describe then to show, but I gave it away to a grad- imagine that. :)

Here is a close up shot of the left insert. I used Perfect Plum for my ink color on this insert and of course the white embossing powder. I just love this look!

NOW FOR THE PRIZE!!! Over at HSS the Design Team Members are doing a give away at each of our sites!!! Here is the loot that I am giving away, simply leave a comment on THIS post and you are entered in the drawing. On Monday July 5th I will pick a winner and announce it with my post with next weeks HSS Challenge on July 6th. Visit all of the DT sites and you could possibly win all three!!!

I have up for grabs two mini clip boards (great for decorating), the WOW FLOWERS stamp set, two mini lunch box tins (these would make a great altered item), The WORKSHOP WOW DVD from Stampin' Up! (this thing is chuck full of perfect project ideas), a pack of Hodgepodge Hardware oval frame & brad pieces, and last but not least a bag of designer brads.

I hope you enjoyed today's project and try and make one for yourself or a friend. You will love the outcome! Don't forget to leave a comment, visit us over at Hand Stamped Sentiments and PLAY ALONG with this weeks challenge and hopefully you will be the lucky winner of one of our giveaways! Until next time~ TTFN

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Anything But a Card

Good Morning Stampers!

I have been late to post today all because my husband is out of town and he is the computer guru in our home. I had to go to my neighbors house to complete my post, since I can't seem to get my computer to work properly... UGH- technology! Anywho, onto more crafty things, here is my project for this weeks Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge #21, Anything BUT a Card! I made these adorable little doohickeys for a primary picnic we had a few weeks ago. They were a hit! Lets see what I did.

These of course are all over the Internet, so I am not the originator but I just love how it dresses up a plane bottle of water. I found the template on line and simple made the cuts that were on the instructions and using the following items I had these made in no time. Here is what I used:

Real Rust Card Stock

Whisper White Card Stock

Summer Sun Card Stock

Avery Labels

Scallop Circle Punch

1-3/8" circle punch

1-1/4" circle punch
Modern Label Punch

Designer Series Paper

Tart-n-Tangy Stamp Set

Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink

Summer Sun Classic Ink

Vintage Brads

1/16" Hand punch

I used a FUN technique called "rock-n-roll". I inked up my image using the Summer Sun ink, then rolled the inked image in the Pumpkin Pie ink- making sure just to roll the outside edges of the stamp and not get the ink in the middle. This gives you a neat two toned almost 3-D effect for your image. I punched out the image and layered it onto the Summer Sun card stock then added a dimensional before attaching it to the packet.

I used my printer and my Avery labels to make the sentiment for these it states, " Thanks for all the effort you POUR into Primary". then I punched them out using my Modern Label Punch and stuck them onto the front of the pockets. I used some retired Designer Series Paper to spice up the backing of these packets and added a scallop punch embellishment for the top that fits over the lid of the water bottle.

To create the top, I punched a circle out of Summer Sun card stock first then came back with my scallop punch and centered it over the circle then punched it out. That gives me a perfectly centered hole in the middle of my scallop.

To close the pockets I simply used my 1/16" punch to create the holes for my vintage brads. I attached them on either side to hold my contents nicely in my pouch and BAM you have an adorable personalized water bottle great for any occasion. These are FAB too because you can customize them to coordinate with any theme or event that you are having.

I hope you enjoyed my project for today and come play along with us over at HSS, we LOVE to see your creativity and who knows maybe you will be chose as a guest designer for an upcoming challenge. :) Hope to see you playing and until next time~ TTFN!!

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