Month: February 2020

A Month Made For Crafters

Creative Outlets For All

March is National Craft Month! Artisans have 31 days to celebrate what we love best. This seems like a good time for me to share more about my favorite craft: stamping.

FUN FACT: 56% of US households craft at least once a year.

To me, taking ink to stamp to paper is instant art. I don’t have to be able to draw a straight line, thread a needle or plane lumber. Stamping is easy and provides instant gratification. In this world full of hurry, I can stop and relax to stamp and get quick end results as well.

FUN FACT: Crafting has gained popularity as a great form of meditation, mindfulness and relaxation.

Soft Spring Host Stamp Set
One stamp set + two ink colors = instant art!

Papercrafting Supplies

Stamping is only a fraction of the fun in my papercrafting world. I am enchanted by the rainbow of colors in the form of cardstock. Carefully selecting the perfect print of designer series paper is magical.

Like a kid in a candy shop, I am obsessed with buttons, brads, embellishments and ribbons. (Really, can a crafter ever have enough of these needed supplies on hand?) My crafting symphony is written as I put all of these elements together into one project.

FUN FACT: Students who participate in arts and craft projects are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.

Pleased As Punch DSP
Stampin’ Up! makes color coordination super easy!

Build Your Inventory

Before I became a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I received some of my crafty stash without cost by hosting stamping parties. Joining a monthly stamping club was another great way to slowly build my inventory, as well as earning free product when it was my turn to host. As a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I thoroughly love my discount on all their great products and take advantage of the savings continuously.

FUN FACT: When you buy a Stampin’ Up! Bundle, you automatically save 10% on the offered product every day.

Stampin' Up! Host Sets
Just for hosts, exclusive stamp sets for free!

Learn and Teach

The role of Stampin’ Up! demonstrator is also that of a teacher and a leader. As I learn new stamping techniques, tips and tricks, or simple how to’s, I get to pass that information on and watch with delight as others discover their love for stamping. Sharing my learned skills brings my love of papercrafting full circle.

FUN FACT: National Children’s Craft Day is observed annually on March 14th.

Kids craft with artistic abandon that is so refreshing to witness!

Cards and Projects

Experiment and create cards, scrapbooks, home décor and 3D projects. You, too, will discover the wonder that papercrafting brings. Additionally, handcrafted items make great gifts, your one-of-a-kind creation can not be duplicated.

FUN FACT: Stamping is a lot of fun!

Papercrafting is not limited to cardmaking.

By default, my favorite part of stamping is turning my art into a card. Adding extras like embossed paper, designer paper and embellishments to my project is like icing a cake. When my cake, er…card, is done, I get to share it with someone by giving it away. And much like cake, I have found that a beautiful handmade card is also received with happiness and joy.

Soft Spring Host Stamp Set with Gorgeous Grape and Granny Apple Green Ink Pads, Eyelet Lace Embossing Folder, Brights 6 x 6 Designer Series Paper, Gingham Gala Adhesive Backed Sequins, Circle Punches

Even though March is considered National Craft Month, there is never a bad time to start your crafting journey. Take a stamping class or host a stamping party. Purchase some Stampin’ Up! supplies or become a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator. Ask me how today!

Color Your World with Stampin’ Blends

Just Add Color

This year, February has an extra day in it (Happy Leap Year 2020!). That means one more day of winter. Days, in my state, that are typically gray and brown and drab. So then, what’s a crafty person to do with this time on their hands? Color your world a pretty place, with Stampin’ Up!’s Stampin’ Blends.

Stampin’ Blends were introduced in 2018. When they first became available, there were 12 different colors, each with a light and dark shade. Ivory, Bronze and the Color Lifter round out the collection. Fast forward to the 2019-2020 Annual Catalog, and you can purchase blends in 36 exclusive Stampin’ Up! colors.

Stampin' Blends Collection
Pink Pirrouhette is a retired color, so the blends in that tone are no longer available.

Using Stampin’ Blends

Everyone can get professional looking results when coloring your world with Stampin’ Blends. These alcohol markers feature dual tips that don’t fray. The brush end is for larger images and the fine tip is for details. With minimal effort, you will glide ink on with ease, creating effortless shading and great coverage. Instant Artist!

Step 1

Stamp your image in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink onto Whisper White Cardstock. To get the darkest image possible, use the Stamparatus to apply multiple layers of black ink without fear of lining up the stamp properly each time. Choose an image that has plenty of coloring opportunity for the most fun.

Band Together Stamp Set and Stamparatus
The Stamparatus is a great tool with tons of features.

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink (water based) must be used when coloring with Stampin’ Blends (alcohol based). Just keep in mind the old adage, “opposites attract”. If you were to use StazOn Ink (alcohol based) in error, the blends color would bleed into the black ink outline and create…mud. Yuck.

Step 2

Next, place your image to be colored on a protective surface or use scrap paper underneath. The blends are designed to saturate the paper with intense color. As a result, the ink will bleed thru the back in some areas.

Start coloring, using both the light and dark shades of a Stampin’ Blend color. It doesn’t matter which tone is chosen first, the outcome is the same. No matter how much color you apply, the alcohol ink will not pill up and ruin your paper. And, you can color right over the inner black ink image lines with no ill effect.

Coloring with Stampin' Blends
This oversized flower image from the stamp set, Band Together, was colored with Stampin’ Blends in So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie and Granny Apple Green.

I prefer to begin with the lighter blend and apply generous coverage, then add some shadowing with the dark blend, followed by another application of light to soften the lines. A circular or scribble motion will help blend your color edges together.

Step 3

Use the Color Lifter as desired to change the look of your Stampin’ Blends coloring. This step is optional but will give your design another color dimension.

The Color Lifter appears to be a white marker, due to the cap color. Actually, it’s more like an invisible ink. It can be used to soften colors, as the ink “lifts” some of the shading off the paper. The Color Lifter will clean up edges as well as create highlights on your image.

Color Lifter STampin' Blend

Additional Tips and Uses of Stampin’ Blends

The artistic results you receive when using the Stampin’ Blends are phenomenal, but they do more than color stamped images. You can also color ribbon, changing white or ivory into your chosen tone. Do the same with embellishments like rhinestones, pearls and buttons.

Whisper White Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon
I colored the Whipser White Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon on the Silicone Craft Sheet. I cleaned the excess ink off the craft sheet with a baby wipe.

Stampin’ Blends have a rectangular barrel, so they won’t roll off the table like traditional markers. You should store the blends horizontally, so ink is readily available at either end of the marker. Stampin’ Up! offers stackable storage units for your blends to make organization easy.

Stampin' Blends Storage Trays
One set of trays will hold 30 Stampin’ Blends.

The Stampin’ Blends end caps let you know at a glance what color ink lies inside. Replace the tight fitting caps immediately after using your blend to prevent the alcohol ink from drying out too quickly. The blends are not refillable, but since they are sold individually, it is easy to replace one if you need to.

Stampin’ Blends make coloring quick, easy and fun with spectacular results. For a quick reference guide to Stampin’ Blends, print or pin a copy of my Do’s and Don’t’s Cheat Sheet.

Take your projects from drab to fab by adding some of these rainbow making tools to your crafty stash today. Visit my online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net and start with your favorite colors. Let your collection of Stampin’ Blends grow, and color your world.

My finished card also uses the Detailed Bands Dies and the Brick and Mortar 3D Embossing Folder.

No Purple Posy Ink Pad, No Problem

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The Lack Of Purple Posy Ink Pad

In my previous blog post, The Purple Posy Collective, I spoke of the numerous crafty items that are available in the 2019-2021 In Color, Purple Posy. You can get paper, ribbon, embellishments, stampin’ write markers and stampin’ blends. However, there is no Purple Posy Ink Pad; I will show you how this is no problem.

So, you may be wondering, how you would use this beautiful color without an ink pad? After all, the ink pad is what you use to make color as you stamp. Now it seems like a big part of the puzzle is missing. Actually, you will find that it isn’t.

There are so many ways, when stamping, to replicate a specific color without actually using that specific color. And in this post, I am going to show you some methods. Read on, and prepare to experiment with Purple Posy.

Make Your Own Purple Posy Ink

It is easy to stamp on Purple Posy Cardstock using VersaMark Ink to create a tone on tone look. VersaMark gives a perfect watermark effect. No matter what color paper you use, VersaMark images pick up the same hue. Purple Posy is a very light color, so the VersaMark ink re-creates the subtle hue.

Very Versailles Stamp Set with VersaMark

Be sure your VersaMark pad is well inked for best results. It is always best to have re-inkers on hand for every stamp pad you own. I apply the re-inker drops liberally and spread them into the foam pad using the back of a plastic spoon. You can also use your bone folder for this, keeping in mind darker ink will stain it.

VersaMark Ink Pad and Refill Ink

Stamp an image on Purple Posy Cardstock using VersaMark, then add clear embossing powder and heat emboss. This technique creates the tone on tone look as well, but adds depth, volume and shine.

I really like the way the clear embossing powder darkened the overall look of the stamped image. Take care not to overheat your embossing powder. Also, use of the embossing buddy before stamping keeps unwanted powder off your paper.

Emboss Buddy and Clear Embossing Powder

Stampin’ Spritzers can be used to spray color saturation on your paper. Add 6-8 drops of Highland Heather Ink Refill (darker in color than Purple Posy, but a light purple tone as well) and dilute with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing Alcohol is preferred to water, since the alcohol base dries quicker.

Shake your spritzer well before each use to avoid settling or separation. Before using it on your project, you may need to flatten your color-spritzed paper. Watercolor Paper or Shimmery White Cardstock work nicely with these wet procedures. And don’t rule out Glimmer Paper for extra sparkle.

Stampin' Spritzers

Sponging is one of my favorite coloring techniques. Again, use Highland Heather ink, then choose from the Sponge Brayer, Stamping Sponge or Aqua Painter. By applying ink in this manner, you create a softer look, making the darker Highland Heather look more like the lighter Purple Posy. Apply a little or a lot, you are the artist.

Sponge Brayers and Stampin' Sponges

When using the aqua painter, I like to place a drop of ink refill directly onto my clear stamp block. I pick up the color with the dampened aqua painter brush, and add more water to my project by squeezing the barrel to release the contained water thru the bristle ends. Practice makes perfect.

Aqua Painters

Stampin’ Write Markers are great for coloring directly onto red rubber cling stamps. This method allows you to apply multiple colors of ink before stamping an image as well. After applying the marker ink(s) to the stamp, huff (exhale breath to moisten) the red rubber, then stamp. By holding the stamp to the paper longer, more ink is transferred for a darker saturation.

Stampin' Write Markers

Lastly, use the Stampin Blends in light or dark to color stamped images. Stamp your image first using Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, then blend away with the high quality, dual tipped markers. The specialty alcohol ink in the blends creates a deep rich artistic color. Make sure to color on a protective surface as these markers bleed thru paper.

Stampin' Blends

Putting Purple Posy Together

Creating with Purple Posy is such a delight. This soft color lends delicacy and impressive elegance to your projects. Following are 2 cards that I completed using the parts and pieces of my above examples.

There are so many ways to incorporate this sweet shade into your next work of art. Take advantage of all Purple Posy has to offer while it remains active in the color line-up.

If you need any of the Stampin’ Up! products used to create with Purple Posy, visit my online store, https://www.juliemakson.stampinup.net. I hope you try one or more of these resourceful methods with happy success.

The Purple Posy Collective

The In Color Story

Every year, Stampin’ Up! adds 5 new colors to their core color collection. Known as In Colors, they freshen the palette, mimicking current fashionable trends. After 2 years, In Colors are retired to make way for the next wave of color to come…in.

With the release of the 2019 Annual Catalog, we first met the In Color, Purple Posy. This pale, soft shadow of purple whispers beauty. Unfortunately, the angelic Purple Posy is also problematic.

Purple Posy Cardstock 150881
Purple Posy Cardstock, the lightest purple hue Stampin’ up! has offered.

The Purple Posy That Wasn’t

From April thru November, Stampin’ Up! strived to meet standards when developing the Purple Posy Ink Pad. Manufacturing issues and testing proved grim. Color shifting was not acceptable. After a few failed attempts to get it distributed to anxiously awaiting customers, the ink pad was permanently pulled.

This was a strange anomaly for the 2019-2021 In Color Collection. No Purple Posy ink pad? The catalog went live, the product was showcased. But it was too late for this color to be removed from the line-up or be replaced with another.  

Perfect Purple Posy’s

Although this particular ink pad will remain unavailable, Purple Posy is abundant in the Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog. And it is here to stay until 2021. Consequently, that results in numerous possibilities for use of this fabulous purple.

Woven Threads DSP 149497
Woven Threads Designer Series Paper has Purple Posy “woven” throughout.

You can purchase Purple Posy as cardstock in sizes 8.5 x 11 and 12 x 12. In Designer Series Paper, you will find it well represented in the 6 x 6 In Color stack, with gingham, argyle, script and mosaic designs. As a supporting color, Purple Posy is found in the 12 x 12 Woven Threads pack, featuring variations and irregularities for an authentic feel.  

Choose embellishments like the Purple Posy Scalloped Linen Ribbon, thick and luxurious.  The In Color Faceted Dots provide adhesive enamel fun, or sprinkle some of the Woven Threads Sequin Assortment throughout your creations. Ink in Purple Posy is available in the form of the Stampin’ Write Markers In Color Collection, or Stampin’ Blends in both light and dark.

Woven Threads Sequin Assortment 149498
Faceted sequins add sparkle and allure to any project.

Purple Posy Potential

Along with the vast product selection, there are multiple applications for this exceptional color. My next blog post will show you how easy it is to work Purple Posy into your project without the use of a stamp pad in that color, so be sure to follow up for directions.

This card blends Purple Posy into the color spectrum seamlessly.

Meanwhile,  grab some of these great Purple Posy products from my online store http://www.juliemakson.stampinup.net and be prepared to purple the world.

Val Pal Card Exchange

“Valentine’s Day isn’t just for romantic couples anymore. It’s a great time to celebrate friendship and caring to everyone we hold dear. The cold and dark winter months are still upon us. Warm them up and add light to someone’s day by sending and receiving a card” was my recent message as I hosted my first annual Val Pal Card Exchange.

The program was simple. Make an A-4 size card featuring hearts. Mail it to me with a self-addressed stamped envelope by the deadline, and I will mix up the received cards and mail one back to each of the participants. Fun, indeed!

It was my intention to share some love by sending cards, and 16 others took my inspiration to “heart”. I was thrilled and excited to receive them in my mailbox and view everyone’s creativity. Now, as promised, I am sharing the images of all the cards for everyone to see.

Isabella, age 9, was the youngest participant. She made an adorable mini card, and used markers to color a fantastic drawing on the inside. Her hand-stamped heart says it all, “with love”.
This is the inside of Linda B’s exquisite gate-fold card. The heart on the belly band (that helps hold the card in the closed position) is encased in 17 individual stamped and punched flowers, each with a tiny jewel for sparkle. The outside (not shown) is composed of 2 light pink panels, perfectly embossed in tiny hearts. This card is absolutely divine open or closed.
Steph went non-traditional with a green and gold card base. This cute and quirky card features a white glitter heart and snowflake sequins, sponged ever so lightly in red, made with lots of love. Additional sequins in gold coordinate with the card base. Her theory, that it usually snows on Valentine’s Day in the northeast, provides humor and holds true!
Holiday was inspired to make this stunning card with a gold and white striped base. A large red glitter heart adds sparkle to the gold foil background. The bottom strip is aligned and designed with hugs and kisses, in the form of exceptional pink and red x’s and o’s.
This fabulous purple hello friend card was crafted by Alisa. Each heart has a different pattern, contrasting nicely with the purple and white floral card base. The light pink panel is sweetly embellished with stamping, sequins, enamel and glitter dots, and jaunty bakers twine.
Ginny lovingly created this masterpiece featuring panels of contrasting red and white patterned paper. A touch of black adds contemporary chic and provides great interest. The white die cut leaves and bakers twine add whimsy and accent the red heart perfectly.
Linda M made this charming card with a unique fold. Traditional colors of red, pink and white are thoughtfully layered in mixed mediums of felt and glitter, adding great dimension. The lacy heart on the white pattern paper anchors the card and adds a touch of elegance.

This enchanting card in pink and red was created by Jane. It’s simplistic beauty showcases three punched floral hearts in varying shades that correspond with the pretty pattern paper. A soft white ribbon tied in a faux bow completes the sweetness perfectly.
Barbara’s beautiful card is crafted in red and white. The oval focal point has a die cut center heart and is embossed in mini hearts as well. Small raised corner hearts and a red bow add style to the paisley print paper, which is detailed in tiny elegant die cut stitching.
This darling card was assembled with care by Nancy. The soft pink card base is topped with red and purple, the perfect Valentine combo. The white doily and multi-sized pearls add refined elegance while framing the hand-stamped hugs and kisses heart.
This delightful card was made by Marsha. The sentiment was perfectly stamped on the gorgeous floral paper. Multiple hearts are die cut from the raised pink and white stripe paper. The inside (not shown) sports a hand-stamped doily and corner stamped hearts.
Carolyn crafted this lovely card in soft pinks and green. There is great care in the way she layered all of the printed papers, as well as the stamped sentiment. The green in the ribbon is reflected smartly and beautifully in the green pulled from the patterned paper.
Chris went for glitz and glam in this fantastic card. The card base and top layer are dazzling in sparkle. Fun patterned raised hearts, a white doily and deep red ribbon all add to this card’s well composed layout and allure.
When making this clever card, Jen relied on the hearts in the pattern paper to meet the exchange requirements. The focus then became the stunning seven layered floral accent piece. This card is sending love with a gold glitter band and red sequin trim, making it festive and fabulous.
Abby’s divine card has lots of heart, the sporty red pattern paper with the detailed torn edge proves that. Her layered heart accent piece also features an arrow and a keyhole. This card is artfully embellished with a long line of red sequin trim, some bakers twine with hints of green and a scattering of green jewels, making it fresh and fun.
This card from Sandy has cute and adorable stamped all over it. Against the pink pattern background are three attached mini envelopes in white. Each envelope holds a small stamped note that can be removed, read (hugs and kisses, sent with love and love you lots), and re-positioned. Sequin flowers in an array of pink add additional texture and interest. Did I mention adorable???
My card is designed in pool party and white. I used pool party emboss powder to heat emboss the smaller heart before punching it out. The larger white heart is embossed with the Scripty folder and brushed with Wink of Stella glitter pen on the raised lettering only. The pattern paper is from Parisian Blossoms. The Parisian Flourish folder was used to emboss the lower pool party paper. After embossing, I sponged the cardstock with pool party ink. I die cut the white corner paper with Lasting Elegance Dies. The card is finished with ribbons in both pool party and white, as well as accent pearls. My intention was pure elegance.

As you can see, there was great variety in creativity and amazing love adhered to every layer of all these wonderful cards (also known as paper hugs). Again, from the bottom of my heart, I am so grateful to each of you who took the time from your busy lives to make something personal to share with a potential stranger.

I truly hope that I inspire you to continue to share love with others. Every day is an opportunity to celebrate something with someone. Stamp a saying, send a card! Even if there isn’t a single heart on it, there is certainly a lot of heart in it.