Background Stamping

Hi guys! I'm back again to show off my latest creation. :)

I've always loved the look of cards with script stamping. Those big block rubber background stamps give cards such cool details -- especially when you don't necessarily want to add texture to the card and just want to use ink and stamps. So when I got the chance to use the Stampin Up "script, Irish Blessing" stamp, I went for it! It was a learning process that's for sure...

After inking up the stamp, I tried stamping it onto my cardstock...only to discover that I wasn't pressing hard enough or something, 'cause what I got was cardstock with the inked image...and lots of empty spaces where nothing had transferrred!!! So I tried again. This time I made sure to precisely ink up the WHOLE stamp (in case that was the problem) and then stamped it on my cardstock, making sure I pressed really hard on every part of the block. Same result!!! Grr!!! I was getting frustrated!! Not to mention wasting perfectly good cardstock!!! :(

Finally, after multiple attempts and the same results, I decided to try a different approach. This time I inked up the block stamp...but instead of stamping onto the cardstock, I took the cardstock and pressed it onto my stamp (which was lying upright on the table of course). I made sure to lightly press all over the cardstock...and when I pulled the cardstock off the stamp...what do you know -- a perfectly stamped background!!! :)

Trial and error. Lots of patience. I've learned something new. And next time I won't be afraid of wasting cardstock, 'cause this technique is now tried and true -- and works everytime! (I stamped multiple backgrounds so I know it wasn't just luck. :p It really works everytime!)

Anyways, enough of about all that stamping drama!!! I'm sure you all want to see my card, eh???

I stamped the Script background stamp with red ink. Next, I stamped a beautiful  LOVE clear stamp onto some plain white Vellum paper I've had in my stash forever.

I love Vallum on cards, but it just never seems to fit for any of my cards. With this stamped background it was perfect! :) I love that you can see the script underneath, but it's not so overpowering and the "Love" stamp is still the focal point of the card.

Finally, I added two tiny butterfly cutouts and of course some bling. :)

It's a simple card, but because of the stamped background paper there's still lots of detail. Background stamps are soooooooooo cool!!! :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. :) ...and all your kind comments. You make blogging and showcasing my work that much more fun! :)

challenges I'm entering this card into:

Simon Says Stamp Challenge -- Anything Goes

Moving along with the Times -- Seeing Red 

Less is More -- Love and Marriage

Hiding In My Craftroom -- Anything Goes

A Challenge for YOU!

My mom was garage sale-ing on Saturday. She knows I am forever running low on envelopes, so when she saw a pack of "Shower Invites" that included 20 envelopes for a quarter, she bought them. I opened the package, took out the envelopes  and just as I was in the process of throwing the cards into the garbage can, I saw the back of the cards. Stripes! And I thought -- you can never go wrong with keeping some striped paper around.

As I was stashing the envelopes and cards away, I decided to try making another Criss Cross Card using the striped paper on the cards...and the image on the front of the card as well. (might as well use everything since it's right there, eh?)

I just LOVE this card! I actually sat down and made five!!!!

They're so cute!!! :) Only 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 -- so basically they're small note cards. They're quick...easy...definitely don't look simple...but sooooo much fun! :) Tied a ribbon around it to hold it all together...and it's ready to be sent to someone! I never knew fancy folding cards could be so much fun! Maybe I'll try a few other techniques!

 Go out of YOUR comfort zone...and try something new today! :) Triangle Tri Fold Cards Tutorial

Scoring "Something New"

I found a challenge that has a Scor Pal for the prize!!!!!!!! The Beary Sweet Design Challenge #2. Like totally wow, eh??? I've heard a lot about "scoring" when I watch/read tutorials, but I've never owned anything that does this! So this prize would be like a huge win for me! :) One catch though...the challenge is "Fancy Folds"  -- which is like totally out of my norm!!!!!! I'm the "fold the paper in half, create a card" type of girl...never done a fancy folding card (of any kind )!!!! So I'm totally out of my league here!

But I went for it! I thought -- what the heck! Even the crappy-est looking card gets an entry -- it is random draw prize, btw. :p So I gave it a shot. In fact, I tried TWO different techniques!!!!!!! And the totally amazing part is....

... they don't look bad!!!!!!!!! In fact, I actually LIKE them!!!!

Guess you want to see my creations already, eh???

Tah-dah!!!!!!!

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The first one is a Criss Cross Card (Pocket Card): See a Tutorial

Basically it's a pocket with the note slipped in on the top. And a fancy band attached to the bottom.

Definitely a different kind of card for me! :)

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Because the first card turned out so nice...I decided to attempt another technique.

This one is called "Triangle Trifold Card". See the tutorial

When it's opened it looks like this:

So that's basically it! I had a blast -- went out of my comfort zone...and now have two more amazing cards to add to my pile! :) TFL

...and lest anyone forgets -- I LOVE COMMENTS!!! :D

Ribbon Tying Tutorial #2 -- The Classic Bow

NOTE: I made this tutorial a few months back...but I've gotten so many followers since then, I thought I'd post it again so people who missed it, could see it! :) Enjoy!!! :)

The classic bow is the bow that most people seem to be using on their cards, but it's also the bow that most people seem to be struggling with! And at first it was frustrating for me as well, but I was determined to get it! Now that I know the steps, it's actually a pretty basic bow...but one that truly looks amazing!!! I love using this bow!

THE CLASSIC BOW: (ALONE)

When I first read the instructions for this bow, I was taken back to my childhood years. Did you learn to tie your shoelaces using "bunny ears"??? If so, then this bow should be a breeze! Yup -- it's all about the bunny ears. :)

Fold the ribbon back and forth to form two loops (or bunny ears!)

Tie the two bunny ears together, left over right.

Pull gently, and trim ends as desired.

NOTE: To really make the bow ties stand out...put your two fingers into the loops...and then pull gently. It gives it a little something extra! :)


THE CLASSIC BOW: (AROUND A CARD)

 Start with your ribbon around the card. Cross left end over right end, wrap around, and pull through.

Make a loop with the ribbon that is now on your right side. Bring the left end toward you and around the loop. Push left end through hole forming a second loop. (basically tie a ribbon like you would your shoelaces on your sneakers)

Pull loops gently.

NOTE: I really don't like the second variation of this bow. If you can't make the bow look good...simply take a long piece of ribbon...tape the ends around the card. Then make a Classic Bow (Alone) and simply adhere the bow on the ribbon wherever you want it! I like this look a whole lot better -- and if you like what you see on my cards...this is what I do! So go get creative! :)

Ribbon Tying Tutorial #3: The Tailored Bow

Once you've go the classics down (the knot and the classic bow), you'll want to add some diversity to your projects from time to time. Here's another variation that works well with cards -- and is pretty much the simplest bow tying technique out there! :)

The TAILORED BOW

First, cut a piece of ribbon twice the desired length of the finished bow. Then cut a ribbon about twice the length of the width of the ribbon. (it goes around the ribbon)

Form a loop and secure the ends together. Flatten the loop and secure in the center.

Now, take the smaller piece of ribbon and wrap it around the center of the bow, and adhere the ends to the back.

And there you have it -- another great looking bow to add to your card or project!!! :)


You can either use the bow alone, or you can adhere it to another piece of ribbon.

Enjoy experimenting with this new technique!!! Happy crafting! :)

Ribbon Tying Tutorial #1 -- The Knot

I've had quite a few people ask me how I make the ribbons on my cards. If you are a follower or even looked a just a few of my cards, you will no doubt see that I used a few different techniques with the ribbons. Some are simpler than others, but whichever one I use...it just gives the cards and layouts a little something extra. :)

I've been leaving comments on other people's blogs about how much I love their tutorials (on anything and everything!). So I figured I should probably give it a shot as well!!! :p Not sure how good this one will be -- but as far as tying ribbons go -- that's how I learned the techniques I use myself!

Just remember, it takes patience...and if the ribbon doesn't look good the first time...try, try, try again! :)


On to the tutorial!

THE KNOT:
I know it probably sounds simple, but it took me awhile until I had finally mastered this particular tying technique. And as I discovered just awhile ago, there are a few different techniques to making the knot.

Technique 1:

First, take a bottle and tie the ribbon around the top. (double knotted and evenly spaced).

Now pull the ribbon off...and cut the loop at an angle (so you get a nice finished look to the ties)

Finally adhere the ribbon to your card.

Technique 2:

This technique requires two pieces of ribbon. Your first piece gets wrapped around the card and taped in the back.

Next, take a smaller piece of ribbon...and tie that piece around the first piece (wherever you want your bow to be).

And there you have it!!! All set to make those knot ribbons!!! Have fun!! :)