August 2020 - Page 2 of 3 - The Maine Stamper

How To Organize Those Stampin’ Blends

August 13, 2020

Do you have a growing collection of Stampin’ Blends from Stampin’ Up? If you do, you may be wondering how, exactly, to organize those Stampin’ Blends.

Stampin’ Blends

Stampin’ Up! currently sells 39 different combo packs of the Stampin’ Blends, plus the single “Color Lifter”. Each combo pack consists of a light and a dark shade of one of Stampin’ Up!’s particular colors. The color lifter (white cap) helps to add highlights and dimension, and minimize coloring outside the line done in error.

I use these alcohol based markers for the majority of my coloring needs on stamped projects. They provide instant ink coverage and make blending colors a breeze. And because I am reaching for them all the time, I need to be able to find them quickly and easily.

Organiztional Tools

When I started collecting my Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Up! did not sell a specific storage solution for them. The one I purchased is from a company called Stamp -n- Storage. It is natural wood, and holds 90 Stampin’ Blends total. My storage unit holds some retired Stampin’ Blends colors, and is almost full!

Stampin' Blends assortment ready for organization

Soon, I will have to make the decision to purchase another Stamp -n- Storage organizer, or move on to the organization provided by Stampin’ Up!. The Stampin’ Blends Storage Trays (item #149169) are a set of 5 white plastic trays, each storing 6 blends. I have similar storage from Stampin’ Up! for my ink pads and markers, and I love that they are white and appreciate that they stack well.

Stampin' Blends Storage Trays, perfect for organizing Stampin' Blends

Detailed Organizing

I love having my blends in rainbow color order, stored in the proper horizontal position and ready to pull out for action. But, I couldn’t tell which blend was Real Red, Cherry Cobbler or Poppy Parade from the end cap color! Instead, I had to pull out each blend individually to read the color name listed on the barrel.

Along came a brilliant idea from a fellow Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, Cindy Johnson. She shared her version of coding the end caps with initials to help determine Real Red (RR) from Cherry Cobbler (CC) from Poppy Parade (PP). Working from her idea, I initiated my own brand of organizing Stampin’ Blends!

Labeling Stampin’ Blends

Step 1

First, I created and printed a word document with the capitalized initials of each of my Stampin’ Blends color names. I only used 2 initials for each, so Granny Apple Green became GA, for example. I enhanced the letters to bold, and used font size 11.

Later, I realized the MM’s were too wide for my circle punch, so I re-created them in font size 8. This kept the finished size of my punched circle the same, and the font size difference is not overly noticeable.

Step 2

In order to make the mini initial circles stick to the Stampin’ Blends end caps, I took advantage of my Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets. I still have small remnants from when Stampin’ Up! carried them a few years back. I cut my initials by long rows and added adhesive strips. They were prefect for this job!

Adhesive Sheets for instant stickers — The latest version is called Adhesive Sheets (item #152334), and does the same thing: creates a “sticker” for easy adhering.

Step 3

Next, I needed a circle punch to cut out each of my blends initials. I started with my office hole punch, but it is old and wasn’t cutting thru the paper nicely. So, I searched thru my punch collection to find one that was just right in size. I wanted the labels to be visible on the end caps, but not overpower the color of the cap itself by being too large.

Choosing the proper size circle punch can be a challenge

I ended up using the small circle from the combo circle/oval mini punch. It was 1 of 4 included in the Bitty Blooms Punch Pack from the Stampin’ Up! 2019 Spring Catalog, now retired.

Handy Tip:

If your punch is not giving you a clean cut, try “sharpening” it by punching thru aluminum foil repeatedly.

Step 4

Let me tell you, those tiny punched circles are super…tiny. I used the spatula from my Take Your Pick Tool (item #144107) to aid in removing the back of the adhesive paper from the small circles. It was also super handy in getting the circles centered on the blends caps.

Using the Take Your Pick Tool to help center the labels on the blends caps.

Organization Off The Chart!

After all of my Stampin’ Blends were labeled and nestled in their designated holder, I realized I would never remember the order in which they were so perfectly displayed if I took them out to use them. Therefore, I decided I needed a handy reference chart so I knew what order to return them to.

I typed up the name of each color in the order of my organization (size 12 font, bold) and after printing my list, adhered it to a piece of Balmy Blue Cardstock. I added this handy chart to the side of my blends holder using Tear & Tape. Now, I can quickly refer to the color order when putting my blends away.

Organizational Thoughts

Yes, organizing can be hard work, but so rewarding when the job is done! Here are some pros and cons and thoughts on this particular blends organization:

Pros

I can quickly find the color I need at a glance, knowing the names of the colors to begin with.
By keeping the labels to the same end of each blend, I know which end is the smaller tip and which end is the brush tip.
If I need to replace my Stampin’ Blend when it runs dry, I can swap out the end cap without needing to make a new label.

Cons

Making tiny labels can be frustrating and time-consuming.
The paper labels have the potential to get dirty. (You could combat this by adding a layer of clear tape over the initials before punching them out.)
Many of the labels have identical initials. You need to know your Calypso Coral from your Cinnamon Cider! But generally speaking, if you are looking for Misty Moonlight in the blue section, you won’t be bothered by Mint Macaron in the green section.

Organize Those Blends Today

So, whether you have a few Stampin’ Blends, or a lot, get started on organizing them today! And if you need some additional storage (or additional blends), be sure to check out my online store anytime!

Now that my Stampin’ Blends are so organized, I think it is time to stamp and color. Not only am I confident that I will be able to find the color I want instantly, I will be able to put it back just as easily in the right location. I can stamp happy! Your turn…

Ornamental Gift Card Holder Card

August 10, 2020

Monday’s Are Hard, Stamping Shouldn’t Be

Monday’s are hard, but in this cardmaking series, I will show you that stamping shouldn’t be. In fact, it’s quite easy. And with minimal supplies and minimal efforts, you can get fabulous results! But…

Today’s Monday Card changes things up a bit. Instead of my usual recipe for one stamp set, two colors of ink and two colors of cardstock, for our gift card holder card we are using more!

How much more? For starters, an extra stamp set. I used Ornamental Envelopes and Itty Bitty Birthdays. I also used Designer Series Paper from the Brights Collection. And, to top it off, the Envelopes Dies and a Big Shot die cutting machine.

Easy???

Yes. This gift card holder card is still easy. In fact, you could make it without the dies. You could use whatever colors of cardstock and ink you prefer. You could change up the designer series paper (DSP). All you need is the basic recipe!

The Gift Card Holder Card Recipe

Melon Mambo CS: 4-1/4 x 11″, score at 5-1/2″ for card base.

Whisper White CS: 4 x 5-1/4″, (2) of 3 x 4″, 3/4 x 3″, scrap

DSP: 2-3/4 x 4″, 2 x 3″

Card Base Basics

The card base for this gift card holder card is not standard. It may be hard to break the habit of cutting your cardstock in half horizontally. After cutting the paper to 4-1/4 x 11″ (portrait orientation), score the 11″ length in half at 5-1/2″.

Next, you will need to cut 2-1/4″ off of one end of the cardstock. You can save this piece for another use, we won’t need it for this card.

Die Cutting Effects

This gift card holder card takes advantage of the Envelopes Dies to create our pocket for the gift card. I used the smallest of the envelope liner dies and some DSP to create my pocket.

Next, I used my Paper Snips to trim away the excess flap. I folded the top of my liner down and scored the edge with my bone folder to finish creating my pocket. The polka dot pattern remains on the outside (bottom), and the faded pattern shows at the top.

Additionally, I used an accent die from the Envelopes Dies to create a cut-away border on the top and bottom of one of the 3 x 4″ pieces of Whisper White CS.

Simple Stamping

My Monday Cards require as much simpleness as possible. For this gift card holder card, I only used one color of ink, Melon Mambo for my sample, and Bermuda Bay in my video tutorial.

I started with the remaining piece of 3 x 4″ Whisper White CS, and stamped in both upper corners with a stamp from the Ornamental Envelopes Stamp Set. I added an additional accent stamp in the top middle too. Next, I stamped my sentiment from the Itty Bitty Birthdays Stamp Set on the 3/4 x 3″ white cs.

Adding stamped images to the smaller panel

On the 4 x 5-1/4″ piece of Whisper White CS, I made sure to stamp on the edge that would be revealed when the card is in the closed position. I chose “it’s your day!” from the Itty Bitty Birthdays Stamp Set, and completed the look with the confetti stamp from Ornamental Envelopes.

And Repeat

The last bit of stamping also requires the last bit of die cutting. I stamped the trio flower stamp from the Ornamental Envelopes Stamp Set onto a scrap of white cs. Lastly, I die cut it with the coordinating die from the Envelopes Dies. The die cuts out 3 individual flowers!

Cutting the trio of flowers using the Envelopes Dies

Quick Assembly

The gift card holder card goes together easily! For the front, I layered the die cut Whisper White piece, the 2 x 3″ DSP and the sentiment piece, in that order.

Front of gift card holder card, assembled

I placed the stamped 3 x 4″ Whisper White piece on the backside of the card front. Then, I carefully added adhesive to only the outer sides and bottom edge of my die cut pocket.

Glue adhesive on the back pocket of the gift card holder

I added this gift card pocket to the bottom of the white panel, making sure there was room to add a gift card. If you use too much glue or tape adhesive, the gift card will not fit in the slot.

Assembled inside panel of gift card holder card, with pocket — I added a small drop of Tombow Liquid Glue to the pocket flap to hold it down. Next, I glued on the largest of my die cut flowers as an accent piece.

The large 4 x 5-1/4″ Whisper White panel needs to be adhered to the gift card holder card base, and assembly is complete! All that remains is adding a gift card and gifting this card away!

Gift Cards Galore

Gift cards remain a popular choice, and sticking one willy-nilly into a card creates awkward moments when the recipient opens it. This gift card holder card gives you the option to secure your gift card, and make the present far more ‘presentable’!

I hope you enjoyed this stepped up version of a Monday’s Are Hard, Stamping Shouldn’t Be Card. If you would like to watch my video tutorial on assembling this card from start to finish, you will find it on my FaceBook Page or YouTube Channel.

And if you need any supplies to create this great card, head over to my online store, where you will be sure to find everything and then some! Tune in next week for more quick and easy Monday style stamping with me!

Ornamental Envelopes Part II

August 5, 2020

Envelopes For Every Occasion

For those of us who take the time to make a homemade card, it is no effort to create a beautiful envelope to go with it. Many times, I do this by simply stamping images on my envelope that coordinate with my card.

But what if you want to take it up a notch? Really make something special? Stampin’ Up! has you covered, with their Envelopes Dies (item #153531), new to the August-December 2020 Mini Catalog.

Envelope Liners: New Vs. Old

Let’s take a moment to recall the old Envelope Liners from Stampin’ Up!. They appeared in the Holiday Catalog in 2013 as a set of 3 framelits for $26.95.

When you compare the old Envelope Liners (3 dies for $27!) and the new Envelopes Dies (12 dies for $36!), the value of today’s offering is phenomenal.

The new Envelopes Dies not only give you 4 different envelope sizes, the dies are designed with an open end so you can also choose the amount of paper you want to use when creating the depth of your liner. And these dies make more than just liners too!

Die Cut Envelope Flaps

In Part I of my mini series on the Ornamental Envelopes, I covered the basics of using the Envelopes Dies to create beautiful liners. I also shared a handy measurement chart for each envelope liner size.

Today, I have moved on to experimenting with the die cuts that create peek-thru elements on envelope flaps. There are 3 different dies that are designed to do this, and the results of each are very unique.

The Splashy Spray

I started with the largest of the Envelope Dies accent die. I placed it evenly on my open envelope flap before die cutting it.

Die cutting the envelope with the Envelopes Dies

This will cut into the gummed adhesive on the envelope, but only slightly. You may need to keep this in mind when securing the envelope shut, and add a little extra adhesive of your own.

Envelope flap that was die cut using the Envelopes Dies

Now for the hard part: choosing the Designer Series Paper that will work perfectly with your Envelope Dies. Because DSP is double sided, and both sides will show when you are lining an envelope with a cut-away, you must carefully select your paper!

Choosing DSP for the Envelopes Dies liner — Since I am using this envelope for a Christmas themed card, I chose Heartwarming Hugs DSP (item #153492). The inside will show the red stripes, and the outside cut-away will show the green design. Both colors will coordinate with my card nicely.

I used the same technique as shown in Part I of my Ornamental Envelopes post to dry fit the DSP into the envelope. Next I carefully fold the envelope flap forward, and score the flap and DSP at the same time.

Scoring the envelope flap and liner using a bone folder

As I indicated in my basic envelope post, I like to remove the DSP and use my bone folder to burnish the creased edge once more. This will give the paper a clean bend and make it easier to close the envelope flap nicely.

Using the bone folder to further burnish the crease in the envelope liner

Finally, it is time to adhere the envelope liner into the envelope. For a basic liner, it is okay to add adhesive anywhere on the liner flap. In this case, we have a cut-away to consider. Therefore, glue is the best adhesive choice, and using it sparingly and properly really matters.

Adding adhesive to the envelope liner — I added a small line of Tombow Liquid Glue around the outside of the envelope liner. Then, I carefully added small dots of glue on the envelope flap itself, focusing on the tiny paper surrounding the detailed cut-away sections. There is a fine balance between enough glue to secure your project and too much glue that globs and overflows.

The last step I took after adding adhesive was to close the envelope flap onto the DSP. Here, I made sure the completed look was achieved.

Envelope Cut-away, closed — When closed, the green DSP peeks thru fashionably.

Envelope Dies liner in envelope — When opened, the red stripes add great interest.

The Doily Border

This cut-away die from the Envelopes Dies is similar to the splashy spray die. However, it is much smaller in stature. DSP will still show thru the envelope flap, but in tiny increments.

Using a cut away die and liner die from the Envelopes DIes

For this envelope, I wanted to try the large scallop edge to create a solid border too. I used Real Red CS to coordinate with my DSP colors.

The scallop edge die from the Envelopes Dies

I kept the CS the same length as the die, then trimmed it to fit the width of my envelope. For this version of my ornamental envelope, I chose to adhere the scallop edge to the envelope instead of the flap.

Open version of envelope with scallop die form Envelopes Dies — The envelope in an open position.

Ornamenatl Envelope with cut-away die and scallop die using the Envelopes Dies — The envelope in a closed position.

The Polka-Dot Bridge

The third cut-away die from the Envelopes Dies was the trickiest to use. Like the doily border, it is smaller in size. I felt that it sat most naturally along the bottom of the envelope flap, but this position bites into the envelope’s adhesive.

I also used the large scallop edge die again. But this time, I cut my Real Red CS down in size to fit the flap of the envelope instead.

Cut-away die and scallop border die from Envelopes Dies — This decorative envelope does not use any Designer Series Paper. The Real Red Cardstock provides the background for the cut-away die here.

I found this version of designer envelopes the most difficult to adhere. I added glue along the top and sides of my scallop die cut. Next, I used my aqua painter to moisten the natural adhesive on the envelope flap. Careful maneuvering was required here!

Adding adhesive to Envelopes Dies liners

Die cut envelope and aqua painter — When closed, this envelope front is adorable.

Ornamental Envelopes Stamping

The coordinating Ornamental Envelopes Stamp Set (item #153434) has stamps that can be used to decorate your envelopes too! And since I am still jazzing up envelopes, I thought I would try a little stamping as well.

First, I turned to the dotted lines stamp. This one is perfect for an address label on your envelope. I used Gray Granite Ink for my envelope.

Stamping address lines on envelope using Ornamental Envelopes Stamp Set

Corner stamps are a lot of fun to use, and I chose Real Red Ink to showcase this one. I love the continuity of dots in so many of the stamps from the Ornamental Envelopes Stamp Set.

Stamping corner images using the Ornamental Envelopes Stamp Set — When I use a smaller stamp, I prefer to use my ink spots. It is too easy (and disastrous!) to get ink from a large ink pad all over my clear block when loading the stamp with ink.

Envelopes Made Easy

Envelopes decorated using Envelopes Dies

The Ornamental Envelopes Stamp Set and coordinating Envelopes Dies are designed to make it easy for you to create elegant envelopes. Whether you die cut, stamp or both, you won’t go wrong with this great bundle! Head over to my online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net, to pick up your set today.

The Maine Stamper

Julie Makson Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Month: August 2020