Yard Art and Coasters

Yard Art with the Big Shot!!

One of the WOW demonstrations at the San Antonio Regional featured yard art using roof flashing from the Hardware store and the Big Shot.  I finally gave it a try and love the results.  I used the Elegant Bird Die (cut 2 birds, 2 wings) from the Occasions Mini item 125593 for $21.95 available until April 30th.  Roof flashing is very sharp, but after cutting with the die the sharp edges are easier to manage. 

I then embossed the bird body with the Vintage wallpaper embossing folder and the wings with the Houndstooth embossing folder.  Make sure to emboss one body and wing, then turn the opposite direction so your embossing is on the correct side of your next body and wing!

I then attached the wings with our silver brads to the body, added a Tempting turquoise brad and a bit of  hemp twine.  Super simple, who knew embossing folders would work on soft metal!!  I can't wait to try this with the Beautiful Butterflies die!!  These would work well in a garden, patio pot or hanging in a hanging pot.

Cool Summer Coasters  

Coasters were one of the first items I stamped when I discovered Stampin' Up in 2005.  My Upline Laura used "Frosty" long ago retired to make adorable coasters for the Holidays.
 
When I first saw this stamp set Flower Fest (122280) $19.95 clearmount), I envisioned coasters.  Flower Fest is retiring the end of May so I need to ink it up fast!!  The line images are stamped with black stazon ink.  Images are colored with our Blender pens and Stampin' pastels.  The Stampin' Pastels chalks are on the retired list so grab them quick!!  Item 120962, $24.95.  After coloring , I then sprayed the finished coaster with clear acrylic spray to set the color.  The bottoms have 4 felt cushions to keep the coaster from scratching surfaces.  Imagine making you own tiles for emtertaining, gifts or even a back splash!! 

Flower Fest is very versatile and the images fit five of our punches.  Butterfly, 5-Petal, Fancy Flower, 1 3/8 circle and 2 38/8 scallop circle.  I will post a card using the stamps and punches later this week.  Check the retired lists on my website to puchase retiring items.  Several punches are retiring, one of them the Butterfly punch!!!  Item 119848 $16.95.  Place your order online for the latest availability of retiring items.  www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Have a Great week!!

Visit my Stampin' Up store for the best selection of retiring stamps, accessories and decor elements.  The list will be posted at Midnight MT April 25th, the early shoppers get the limited items! 

www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Also shop the Clearance rack and remember the "Summer Smooches Promotion"  and Occasions Mini Catalog" ends April 30th.  I have the petite purse and a card in a previous post using the Summer Smooches, love those bright colors!!

Sorry I have not posted since the Royals were in town.  I work at the Stadium, so the past 10 days have been busy!  Hopefully the team can get their Mo-jo back and win on the road!
Speaking of Mo-jo, MY Stampin' mo-jo has been on hold and I need to get in the studio and create.  Here are some pictures of "retiring stamp sets" on cards to Inspire you!!

Occasions Mini stamp set "Take it to Heart"

"Packed for Dad" in the Occasions Mini and "Many Mustaches" from the Big Catalog

 Gnome Sweet Gnome from the Occasions Mini

 "Under the Stars" from the Big Catalog, Oh I'm gonna miss this set, love the Bear and the skeeters!!

 "Beary Best Friends","Beary Best Wishes" I am afraid most of the Build a Bear items will be retiring along with the stamp sets!!

Elegant Easter

Today I am posting my Religious Easter Cards.  Simple yet elegant and showing that you can make cards with stamps that are not actually designated for a certain Holiday.  I used the Lattice die and cut away until I had a cross.  The curls and stems are from the Precious Butterflies Hostess set and the verse from God's Blessings.  This card can be used for Easter, First Communion, Sympathy, Encouragement and more.
The second card features the Easter Dove stamp from the Occasions Mini Catalog.    I stamped the Sunflower Background stamp with Daffodil Classic ink, added a layer of Mocha Morning Specialty Designer paper.  I stamped the focal image, embossed it with Designer Frames and then cut the image with our Framelits also available in the Occasions mini catalog.  Simple yet elegant.

Find all these products and more at my website:  www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Punch Banner Tricks

Here are the pictures I promised showing how to round your banners and do a fishtail corner.  In the top photo take your Designer Series Paper measuring 1 1/4 inches wide.  Use the 1 1/2 circle punch to create the rounded end.  Cradle the punch upside down in your palm.  Insert the paper into the middle of the punch.  This will be a little difficult at first, but once the paper finds the slot, it will slide right in.  Once your paper is even, punch and there is an example of the rounded corner next to the punch. For the Fishtail, use the 1 1/2 square punch and insert your paper in the normal way, but hold your punch upside down so you can see what you are punching.  Line up the paper and punch.  Example on the side. Now use these techniques to give your cards a new look.  Run the paper thru an embossing folder for more texture!

Summer Smooches and Cardmaking tip

Summer Smooches is HERE.  Enroll in classes on my website. www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net

The Mystery of the Hand Stamped Card?

Many of us rely on our Demonstrator to cut and prep our projects, then when we try it on our own, we are stumped!  Well, I am here to take some of that mystery out of the equation.  Grab you paper cutter and play along......

Take a 81/2 X 11 piece of cardstock.......cut it in half.  You can cut either way, but I find the 5 1/2 inch cut,  the most common and you can open your card like a book as the one pictured here, or turn the card to open from the bottom.  So now you have 2 pieces, each 5 1/2 by 8 1/2.  Score at 4 1/4 and fold in half.  2 card bases, Woo Hoo!!

Now for the layers.  The Solid layer or mat can be cut to cover the entire card base, or 1/4 inch smaller to create a frame.  I opted to cover my card, so My Island Indigo mat is 4 1/4 X 41/4. Notice the white space left at the bottom to stamp the sentiment.  The best way to make your Designer Series paper go the extra mile is to cut it in 4X4 squares. You will get 9 squares from one sheet of paper!!

Now take that 4X4 Designer Series paper and cut it into 3 pieces.  I cut mine at 1 1/4 inches, leaving a 1/4 inch scrap.  By doing this the three pieces will leave a bit of Island Indigo peeking thru and a frame of color around the designer paper.  For the rounded corners, I inserted the edge of my paper into the 1 1/4 circle punch.  Before you try this, it is not the usual way to punch!!  Hold your punch upside down so you can see the inner works.  Insert your paper into this view, barely catching the edge of the paper.  Punch and wa la a rounded piece of paper!  I will take a picture and post later showing this as I know a picture is worth lots!

Now for the focal point.  Pick you focal stamp and measure it!!  Yes that is the trick, place the stamp on your cutter and determine how big you paper needs to be to accomodate the image.  I believe mine is 1 1/2 inches wide by 2 inches high.  My Daffodil Delight mat is 1 3/4 X 2 1/4. Once again 1/4 inch difference to give you that framed effect.

Visit my website to order all these Summer Smooches Products.  Coming soon, the Petite Purse tips and tricks!

www.kathyswanson.stampinup.net