BLUEBIRD OF HAPPINESS

Sorry, I couldn't resist that title.  It's because I am happy. This will be one of the cards we will do at my Stamp Camp on May 8th.  The rest of the projects are under wraps until then. 

As long as I was punching birds, and using the BigZ Oval Scallop Frame die for the stamp camp card, I thought I might as well actually punch another bird and use the frame.  The frame was cut from Whisper White and that looked a bit too bland, so I sponged it with Old Olive and Bashful Blue.  There probably isn't any such bird in nature, but it fit the color scheme.  So, I'll claim artist's choice. Not that I fancy myself much of an artist, but I actually do like the way that it turned out.  The base is Crushed Curry.

The card goes together very fast - especially since the frame was already cut.

The 2-Step Bird punch is way too much fun to work with. So is the Butterfly punch. ( Oops. Could that be a hint?)

Here's a tip:
When glueing down tiny pieces like the leaves or the stem of the branch, it can be a challenge to get just a little bit of glue on the piece.  Too much and it runs outside and leaves a glue shine where you don't want it.   Try using a plastic container lid, dropping a small dollop of glue onto the lid.  Pick up just enough with a toothpick and apply it to the image you wish to glue down.  Easy as pie and no mess to spoil your lovely creation.

Asian Artistry in Pastels

This card was created for a very special friend.  She "has no use for computers", she says, so she won't see it here first. That gives me the opportunity to share it with you before sending it off.

Are you familiar with the technique, Poppin' Pastels?  It's one of the first techniques I learned and I still enjoy playing with it. It's fun watching the design pop out when the pastels are applied. The final result is a soft, understated appearance. That is, unless you want it to be brighter  Then you can both use brighter colors and apply more pastels to the image. You don't have to color inside the lines.  In fact, it looks better if you don't. If you get color where you don't want it, a handy little pastels eraser that comes with the set will take care of that for you.

Asian Artistry is a lovely stamp set and I will be sorry to see it retire at the end of June. It is available only as a hostess gift and will be retired when the new line is introduced on July 1st.  If you would like to earn this free set and some free Stampin' Up! merchandise, let's schedule an event for you to hostess.  We have to do it before the end of June. 

Here are the supplies used to make this card:

Stamps: Asian Artistry, Curvy Verses

Cardstock: Kraft, whisper White, Very Vanilla, Creamy Caramel, Handsome Hunter

Ink: Basic Brown, Versamark

Accessories: Stampin' Pastels, Circle Scissors Plus, Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon, Glue Dots

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN ALUMINUM

Here is a card that I hadn't planned to post, but my grandson laughed so hard when he opened it, I just have to share it with you, along with his comments.

This young man, who just turned 11, has grown up stamping and using his mother's stamping supplies. He's used the Big Shot since it was first introduced in the Stampin' up! line.  So, because my friend, Mimi, sparked the idea by showing me some samples using Big Shot textured aluminum foil, I thought that might give my grandson a chuckle. Did it ever!  His first comment as he pulled the card out of the envelope was, "Designer foil?  He laughed so hard at the idea that his mother and I got the giggles laughing at him. When he caught his breath, he asked what the gold faux buttons were cut from.  Candy wrappers. That information sent him into another paroxysm of laughter. His mother's comment later, "I guess he's been listening when he hears me talk about Designer Paper". 

It is a silly card but it generated such a reaction, I thought you might enjoy it, too.

The stamp set is Happy Everything

If you decide to run aluminum foil through your big shot with a texture plate, I would suggest that you use heavy duty foil and, for a little deeper impression, layer a piece of printer paper with the foil. I may still experiment with some card ideas, but not using a whole large panel like this, unless it becomes an under-panel.  Stay tuned for some other adventures with the Big Shot.  It's amazing what this little machine will do.

CHURCH YOUTH EASTER CARD MAKING DAY

What a great way to spend a Saturday!  Six teens, their leader and three women from United Methodist Women filled my living room, dining room and kitchen with enthusiasm, laughter, moments of concentration on their task, eating, and prayer.  The end result?  A wonderful day of fellowship and a service to the church.  They created these Easter and All-Purpose cards to be sent out to shut-ins and others.  The daffodil cards are bookmark cards and were fairly complex.  The cards in the foreground provided the most opportunity for their creativity, as you can see. Of course, they enjoyed using the Big Shot. Everyone does.

They had a sample to work from but it is always interesting to see how stampers take the same basic idea and materials to express their own creativity. Teens are very good at that. They created beautiful cards - and gave me some new ideas as well.  Thanks. Scroll down to previous entries see clearer pictures of their samples.

Naturally, before they go to work, they have to have a snack.  After all, they are teens. 

Hard at work. They wanted their creations to be just right for those who will be receiving them. So - there's a time to be serious and ...

There's a time to play....  and they know how to play! It is such a joy to see how they enjoy one another.

The youth and their outstanding leader, Jennifer, (center back). Unfortunately, one of the girls had to leave before the photo was taken, so you don't see her, but she was a busy card maker right to the end. We had such fun. I hope they will want to do it again before too long.

Wonderful women from United Methodist Women who know teens need to eat - before, during, and after... Jan, Dianna, and Shirley were great!  Some of the cards you see are their creations, too.  Thanks so much.  You helped make the day so successful!