Stepping Up Cards by Guest Artist, Kivonne Tucker

 

When you hear stampers talking about “Stepping a Card UP”, stampers ask what does that mean? To me it means adding more layers. Stepping up your cards is a great way to get the most of your favorite card designs. The concept for stepping up cards is simple. Start with a basic card design and then build upon that design by adding layers or accents to change the look. You can also look at this with stampers who is new to stamping will create a card with one layer and is really focused on stamping. (This are also called Quick cards) A casual stamper will add a little more to their cards including layers, ribbon, and embellishments. An avid stamper will add fancy folds, technique, and more layers. As stampers you will learn to create all these cards. The key to stepping up starts with a basic card design and build upon it by adding layers, embellishments, Embossing folders, to change the look/focus. Today I am going to start with Designer Series Paper and add on. Today I am using the “All About Autumn” Suite from the new Mini Catalog. (September – December 2023)   Stamps: All About Autumn Ink: Copper Clay, Pretty Peacock Paper: Very Vanilla (5-½” x 8-1/2” scored at 4-1/4”, 1’ x 2-1/2”, 3-3/4” x 5” for inside), Mossy Meadow (4” x 5-1/4” cut 2), All About Autumn 6” x 6” DSP (2-1/2” x 4”) Accents: Paper Trimmer, Dimensionals Stamps: All About Autumn Ink: Copper Clay, Pretty Peacock Paper: Very Vanilla (5-½” x 8-1/2” scored at 4-1/4”, 1-1/2” x 3”, 3-3/4” x 5” for inside), Mossy Meadow (4” x 5-1/4”), All About Autumn 6” x 6” DSP (2-1/2” x 4”) Accents: Paper Trimmer, Dimensionals, All About Autumn Dies, Distressed Tilt 3D Embossing Folder, Adhesive-Backed Speckled Dots, Stampin Cut & Emboss Machine Stamps: All About Autumn Ink: Copper Clay, Pretty Peacock Paper: Very Vanilla (5-½” x 8-1/2” scored at 4-1/4”, 1-1/2” x 3”, 3-3/4” x 5” for inside), Mossy Meadow (3-1/2” x 4-3/4”), All About Autumn 6” x 6” DSP (2-1/2” x 3-1/2”), Pretty Peacock (4’ x 5-1/4”), Copper Clay (3-3/4” x 5”) Accents: Paper Trimmer, Dimensionals, All About Autumn Dies, Distressed Tilt 3D Embossing Folder, Adhesive-Backed Speckled Dots, Stampin Cut & Emboss Machine, Copper and Natural Ribbon Combo, Glue Dots

Masking Technique w Masking Paper

I know that you have used this technique before ~ successfully I am sure.  But, I wanted to be sure that you knew about MASKING PAPER in Stampin' Up!'s annual catalog.  You can find it on page 151 (order number 155480, 12 adhesive-backed sheets for $7).  The masking paper is easy to use and will not shift while you are creating your card.  The stamp set used for this card is BOTTLED HAPPINESS and you can also find it in the annual catalog on page 98.  This card was created by Dawn Duval who is on my team of STARS!  Thanks Dawn!

 

Supplies: Stamp: Bottled Happiness #158684, Charming Sentiments #159985, Zany Zoo #161305 Ink: Azure Afternoon #161663, Berry Burst #147143, Lemon Lime Twist # 147145, Pumpkin Pie #105216, Memento Black, Azure Afternoon Stampin’ Blends #161672 Paper with cutting measurements: Misty Moonlight #1530815 5½ X 8 ½ scored at 4 ¼, Azure Afternoon #161719 1 X 2 ¼, Bright & Beautiful DSP #161449 4 X 5 ¼, ¾ X 4, Basic White #159276 (2) 3 ¾ X 5, ¾ X 2 1/8. Accessories: Stampin’ Trimmer 152392, Paper Snips #103579, Bone Folder #102300, Silicone Craft Sheet #127853, Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430, Rhinestone Basic Jewels #144220, Masking Paper #155480, Multipurpose Glue #110755   Instructions: 1. Cut all cardstock as stated above. 2. Stamp the largest bottle twice on a piece of Masking Paper and fussy cut along the lines of the bottle. (Color doesn’t matter). 3. Using the Lemon Lime Twist ink and the large bottle stamp, stamp the image towards the bottom left corner of the Basic White CS. 4. Using one of the Masks, remove the backing and cover the bottle with the bottle lines slightly showing. If need to trim Masking Paper to do so. 5. Once covered, stamp the next bottle in Berry Burst with the left side slightly overlapping the first bottle. Remove Mask and set aside. 6. Stamp the third bottle to the right using Azure Afternoon ink. 7. Using both Masks cover the Lemon Lime Twist and Berry Burst bottles. Stamp the bottle over the Lemon Lime Twist using Pumpkin Pie. 8. Using the confetti stamp from the Zany Zoo, stamp random colors towards top left and right of card top. 9. Remove Mask and discard. Stamp sentiment from the Charming Sentiments in Memento Ink on Basic White scrap. Using your Paper Snips cut each end at a slant. Set aside. 10. Cut the Azure Afternoon CS and cut the ends at a slant. 11. Adhere the Basic White Sentiment above using your adhesive. 12. Stamp confetti. 13. Using the Azure Dark Stampin’ Blend color two Rhinestones and attach to sentiment. 14. Add SU Dimensionals and attach towards the top right. 15. Adhere the completed Basic White CS to the Bright & Beautiful DSP using adhesive, then attach to card front. 16. Add the strip of DSP to Basic White using adhesive and then attach it to the inside of card.

Why do I need a Color Lifter?

When ordering blends it is important to add a Color Lifter to use with them.  The order number for the Color Lifter is 144608 and it is $5.00.  You can find the information on page 123 at the bottom of the page (it's hidden) in Stampin' Up!'s annual catalog. This tool has a number of uses. When the color bleeds outside the line, you can use the color lifter to push the color back behind the lines and/or erase the color.  It works just like magic! You can also use the color lifter to add highlights to your work if you haven't  left some white areas when you were laying down your base coat of color. If you have a line in your work between colors, you can use the color lifter to soften and blend the line. So, while making a purchase of your Stampin’ Blends, add a color lifter to your order so you can add a little magic to your work and make your life easier ~ less stressful too!

Vellum Technique

 

Double Stamped Vellum Technique If you are looking for a unique technique to try, one that packs a wow factor, try the Double Stamped Vellum Technique. It is easy to do and can be adapted using your favorite stamp sets and ink colors. Here’s what you need to make this card. Supplies: · Stamp Sets – Irresistible Blooms (161140) · Cardstock – Basic White (159276); Vellum (101856) · Stamp Pads – Parakeet Party (159208); Tahitian Tide (159210); Versamark (102283) · Misc. – Tahitian Tide Stampin Blends (159221); Basics Embossing Powder (155554); Heat Tool (129053); Deckled Circles Dies (162286); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108); Adhesive-backed Glitter Sequins (162029); Paper Snips Scissors (103579); Basics 3D Embossing Folders (161598) Measurements: · Basic White: 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” & 3 ½” square; 2 ½” x 1 ¼” · Vellum: 3 ½” square Instructions: 1. Fold Basic White cardstock in half and crease to create card base. 2. Emboss front of card base using Basics 3D Embossing Folders. 3. Ink bloom image using Versamark ink and stamp onto Vellum. Emboss using Heat Tool and White Embossing Powder.  4. Color bloom images using Tahitian Tide Dark Stampin’ Blend.  5. Turn Vellum over and stamp leaf image using Parakeet Party ink. Let dry.  6. Using Deckled Circles Dies, die cut Vellum and create Basic White frame. Adhere frame to Vellum using Multipurpose Liquid Glue. Then adhere to card base. 7. Ink Irresistible Blooms phrase using Tahitian Tide ink and stamp onto Basic White cardstock. Cut out using Paper Snips Scissors. 8. Attach phrase to card front using Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals.  9. Add 3 Adhesive-backed Glitter Sequins to complete card.

A Background You Will Love

Cardstock Vellum Technique If you are looking to create a unique background that coordinates perfectly with your card elements, then try this Cardstock Vellum technique. Each time you try it your vellum layer will look completely different from the previous time and will add a wow factor to all your cards. Even better: this technique is not time intensive! Supplies Stamp set: Earthen Textures bundle (161514) Paper and cutting dimensions: Starry Sky: 8 ½” x 5 1/2”; 4 ½” x 2 ¾” Basic White: 5” x 4 ½”; 2 1/8” x 1”; 4 ½” x 2 ¾” Cardstock Vellum: 3 ¾” x 5” Miscellaneous: Cardstock Vellum (101856); Starry Sky Stampin’ Blends (159222); Balmy Blue Stampin’ Blends (154830); Orchid Oasis Stampin’ Blends (159223); Tahitian Tide Stampin’ Blends (159221); Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels (158987); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Bakers Twine Essentials Pack (154475); Isopropyl Alcohol 99.9%; Water Painters (151298); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108) Instructions: 1. Fold Starry Sky cardstock in half and crease to create card base. 2. Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue, adhere Basic White layer to Starry Sky card base. 3. Using Balmy Blue Stampin’ Blend (light), scribble several lines of color onto Cardstock Vellum. 4. Using Tahitian Tide Stampin’ Blend (light), scribble several lines of color onto Cardstock Vellum. 5. Using Orchid Oasis Stampin’ Blend (light), scribble several lines of color onto Cardstock Vellum. 6. Using Starry Sky Stampin’ Blend (light), scribble several lines of color onto Cardstock Vellum. Note: if your Cardstock Vellum starts to curl, adhere flat using Washi Tape. 7. Dip Water Painter into Isopropyl Alcohol and add drops randomly onto Cardstock Vellum. As paint runs and ‘bubbles’ add more drops as desired. Let dry. 8. Die-cut Starry Sky and Basic White elements using Earthen Textures dies. Adhere together using Multipurpose Liquid Glue, then adhere to Cardstock Vellum. 9. Ink phrase using Starry Sky ink and stamp onto Basic White cardstock. Trim around phrase. Attach phrase to Cardstock Vellum layer using Mini Dimensionals. 10. Adhere an Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewel to the corner of the Cardstock Vellum layer. 11. Adhere Cardstock Vellum to card base, using Multipurpose Liquid Glue only on back side of Basic White element. 12. Attach a Mini Glue Dot on the backside of the Vellum layer, under each Pearl. Adhere Cardstock Vellum layer to card base. 13. Attach White Baker’s Twine bow to Starry Sky element using Mini Glue Dot.

Masks are back!

THANKS to Barbara Schweiger for these lovely sunflowers!

 Oh no!  I am so tired of the masks BUT not these!  You can find the ABUNDANT BEAUTY DECORATIVE MASKS on page 47 in the mini catalog.

The layered sunflower masks are numbered and include notched guides for easy alignment.

 

Four in One Card Technique

The 4 in 1 card is stamped on a full sheet of card stock, using just the center for images. When stamped as you desire, cut the card stock 4-1/4” x 5-1/2” or 4" x 5 1/4" to add to your base card with a small margin all around. Decide what you want the layout to be for each card. Stamp the desired greeting on the blank area of each and then adhere to the card base. A very quick and easy technique for 4 cards.  The cards above are created with the stamp set, GO TO GREETINGS, for the sentiments and CHEERFUL DAISIES (page 111 AC) for the flowers.  This technique makes four easy-peasy cards!  Please show me what YOU create with this technique!  I'll be happy to post your creations right here!

 

Guest Artist: Linda Manning

You know that I love the ZOO CREW SUITE on pages 46 & 47 in the annual catalog.  Obviously, Linda does too!  She created this darling card (yes, it does fit in our regular envelopes) using the darling dancers from the Zoo Crew dancing designer series paper (161304, $12.50).  She describes this as a HEXAGON POP-UP CARD and found a video on YouTube to learn how to make it.  Here is the same card ~ from the top!

Thanks so much for sharing Linda!  And, if you like this and want to make your own ~ google it!

Faux Tearing Technique

Faux Tearing Technique Do you look for ways to create easy cards with an unusual technique? The Faux Tearing technique is quite simple even for beginner stampers. Supplies: Color & Contour 154994 Ink: Memento Black 132708, Basic Gray 149165, Soft Sea Foam 147102. Stampin’ Blends: Poppy Parade 154958, Old Olive 154892, Highland Heather 154887. Paper: Poppy Parade (119793) 5 ½ X 8 ½ sc 4 ¼, Basic Black (121045) 4 x 5 ¼, Basic White (159276) 3 ¾ X 5, Masking Paper (155480). Accessories: Blending Brushes (153611), Paper Trimmer (152392), Silicone Craft Mat (127853), Multipurpose Glue (110755). Instructions: 1. Tear two pieces masking paper for width of Basic White cardstock and apply. See pic. 2. Stamp images between and on top of masking paper. 3. Color as desired using your Stampin’ Blends. 4. Using Blending Brush and Sea Foam ink lightly apply ink over image to give the background a soft color. 5. Remove masking tape and stamp sentiment using Basic Gray ink. 6. Add adhesive and apply above to the Basic Black cardstock and then to Poppy Parade card base. 7. Add embellishments if you desire.

Tool Tip

 

Tool Tip – Adhesive Sheets On page 138 of the annual catalog you will find Adhesive Sheets (152334). These sheets are essential when die-cutting detailed or small items. They save you from the tedious task of applying tiny dots of liquid glue to thin areas of the die-cut and risking getting globs of glue. My tip: Apply an adhesive sheet to an 8 ½” x 5 ½” piece of each color cardstock you use frequently and store it with the cardstock. Then when you have a detailed or small piece to cut out, you already have the adhesive sheet on the back. It’s simple to die cut then just pull off the paper backing and apply the die-cut to your project.