WEDNESDAY’S WOW! #68 – FAREWELL LOVELY AS A TREE!

Today is a special Wednesday’s WOW!

Today we take a moment to remember the timeless Lovely As A Tree set.  It is so sad that this set is leaving us.  Each year we scour the catalogue to see if it has made it in.  This year though I think we were all saddened to see that it’s time had finally come. 

This set started in the Catalogue in the US back in 2001.  I believe it was designed by Shelli Gardner’s sister who started Stampin’ Up! with Shelli.  This set has been like a much loved family member so it is a sad occasion.  I bought this set in my first Demonstrator order after I joined back in 2008. This set has had so much use and I think every Christmas it gets pulled out.  It is such a classic stamp set.

So today for Wednesday’s WOW! #68 we look back at some of my projects with this stamp set.  I am sad that I couldn’t find photos of some cards I had made but let’s have a look back at these projects I have kept. I have to say it is also a look back at my stamping style too.  Perhaps that is a little embarrassing but … anyway. Enjoy the nostalgic journey.  Apologies in advance for lots of photos.

May 2011 – See the original Post -> HERE.

I don’t know what I was thinking with that button.

Even the inside of the card was stamped with the trees.

From a Stamp A Stack Christmas 2011 with another classic stamp Dasher.  What a great combination these stamps were.  See the original post -> HERE.

These cards were some I received for Christmas 2013.  It included a couple of cards using the Lovely As A Tree set.  I like how the tree is used on it’s side to give the effect of branches.  Very cute.

This Tunnel card was a favourite at a Christmas Card class in 2013.  You can see that post -> HERE and I included a Tutorial how to make the Tunnel card there too in that blog post.  Go and check it out.

This one below was a real WOW! at class back in 2011.  Everyone loved this card. This was a Sparkly Christmas card. You can see it in this post -> HERE and I have a tutorial how to make it in that post. You can use this technique with any stamp set.

Now this next card we actually made at a team meeting like nearly 2 years ago.  I didn’t quite finish it at the time.  So I put it aside on my desk to finish.  All it needed was to be stuck together and a sentiment added.  Well I actually finished it a month ago.  Or actually my daughter finished it for me.

On this card I masked a section of the card and sponged in the section.  Then with the group of trees I heat embossed in Silver Embossing Powder.

This card below was the most recent one from last Christmas.  I realised I hadn’t shared this card with you before. We used the Copper Shimmer Paint and swiped it over the card mat that had been embossed with the Tin Tile Embossing Folder.

Then for more shine we added the Shimmer Paint directly to the tree stamp and also on to the sentiment stamp.  To do this use the Dauber and pick some Shimmer Paint from inside the lid of the Shimmer Paint bottle then lightly dauber over the stamp.  Then stamp it on your card.  Against the Merry Merlot colour it is quite classy.

So sadly the Lovely As A Tree stamp set has sold out now.  I hope you managed to get hold of one.

A new replacement might just be the Rooted in Nature stamp set.  Have you added that one yet to your collection? This set has a number of stamps AND dies.  I think this will be a good alternative.  Hopefully I will get to play more with that one again soon.

Thanks everyone for your patience as we wander down memory lane.

Farewell Lovely As A Tree.  You have been a reliable stamp set for all those special projects and festive occasions. You will be missed.  But I won’t be able to part with you just yet.  Enjoy your retirement.

Jenny

 

 

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY’S WOW! #48 – WAYS WITH THE TIN TILE EMBOSSING FOLDER!

I have been using the Tin Tile Embossing Folder a lot lately.  This Embossing Folder is so popular every time I use it in class too.  Everyone loves it.  You don’t have to just run it through the Big Shot with  a piece of card in the folder, Why not try some other cool ways to use it.

I found this video from Stampin’ Up! with a great tip for getting the best impression on your card but also some other fun ways to take your embossed card that extra step. So today for Wednesday’s WOW! #48 we are looking at ways you can use the Tin Tile Embossing Folder.  I have a card below that I had actually used this idea on it before I even saw this video so be sure to look below.

I have to say I have yet to try embossing the Foil Sheets but don’t they look just gorgeous.  (adding to my list to do …)  And they looked so spectacular lightly sanding them and inking over them in parts as it showed in the video.

I like the card inked too after it has been embossed with the folder, but sponging over it with the Shimmer Paint does take the card to the next level.  I shared that video a few weeks ago of how to do that.   You can see that video -> HERE.

I will share the shimmered card piece again for you here below.

Using the idea of adding the Shimmer Paint to your embossed card we used that on one of our cards for the Shimmer Class last week.  Everyone just loved this too and we dragged out the good and faithful set Lovely As A Tree.  It’s been a while since we have used this set but it never gets dated.  It lends itself to so many occasions and techniques. NOTE: If you don’t have this set yet do yourself a favour and grab it.  You can order it in my store now -> HERE.

Here is the card we made.  Using the Copper Shimmer Paint we lightly daubered over the embossed card in places to add some shine.  Just a note too.  For the tree we daubered over some Copper Shimmer directly on the stamp.  We also did that with the Sentiment which is from the Host Set Hung With Care.

So now you have some important items you need to be sure to get:

Tin Tile Embossing Folder, Shimmer Paint, Lovely As A Tree.  Head to me store now to grab them. (link above)

Have fun with it.  Thanks for visiting me.

Jenny

FAREWELL ‘CELEBRATE TODAY’!

Since there is just over one week left of this  current catalogue and our retiring list I thought I would say a last Farewell to some of the products.

Today it is the Celebrate Today stamp set.

I have made lots of fun cards with this set but here are some favourites.

This one has been very popular and has been repinned on Pinterest nearly 650 times.  Check the original post HERE. 

What about a Fold Flat card? Check the original post HERE. 

It’s a great one for Christmas too.  This one we made at a Stamp A Stack a few years ago.  See how versatile it is!

This stamp set is reduced on the retiring list too.  Grab the Photopolymer set for $38.25 AUS.  Here in store.  Don’t forget the matching framelits too you can grab for $29 AUS.

Please use the HOST CODE: 2WNURG3N

         

Have a happy day,

Jenny

CHRISTMAS STAMP A STACK!

Another Christmas Stamp A Stack is this Friday. Have you been thinking about coming along but not sure.  Then if you are in the local area (Wollongong area) you really must join us.  We are normal – kind of! ;).  We do have a lot of fun and laughs at these classes.  Here are the details for you.

This Friday 10th October 10am or 7.30pm.

Cost: $15.  BYO: scissors and adhesives.

Please RSVP by Thursday so I can have your card cut all ready to go.

Here is what we will be making this week.

 

See you there or at another class very soon. 🙂

 

CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR US!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas Day.  Hard to believe after all the craziness leading up to it, it is now all done for another year.  Why does it get so crazy!!! We had a lovely Christmas Day though.  Church Christmas Eve and time with the family for Christmas Lunch.  It was nice and relaxing.

Today I thought I would share some special hand-made cards we received for Christmas.  They are all so gorgeous and it is always great to see new ideas.  I won’t go in to too much details of the cards.  If you want to know more about them or a closer look just let me know.

This first group is from my close Demonstrator friends.  How lucky am I!

These 2 are from some special blog readers who have now become good friends.  The one on the left is from Lynda.  Thanks Lynda for your continued loyalty and encouraging comments.  Isn’t this a clever way of using ‘Lovely as a Tree’.  That set is so versatile.  The one on the right is from my lovely Blog friend Patti from the the US.  How cute is that snowman???  It has been lovely to get to know Patti over this past year.  Thanks for always stopping by Patti and encouraging me along the way. 🙂

This next group is from some of my friends.  Some of them are from customers that I can now call lovely friends.  Aren’t they all so gorgeous??

I hope you might feel inspired by this lovely mix.  I love looking at them and touching them.  They bring a smile to my face.

Thanks for stopping by.  Come and visit again soon,

Jenny x

TUNNEL CHRISTMAS CARD

Here is the Tunnel Card we created at my Sparkly Christmas Class last week.  You might have seen these around your Blog Travels.  I am going to share the instructions below so you can create your own version, so read on!

Here is the inside of the card.

I have used the Framelits Labels to cut the centre out.  I stamped the cute greeting from ‘More Merry Messages’ and cut it out with a smaller Labels Framelits.  The DSP strips either side are from “Be of Good Cheer” DSP.  The little pinecone and leaves from ‘Lovely as a Tree’ are stamped in the corners.

You can see a top view how it opens out. Isn’t it cool!!

Here is the front of the card.  I kept it plain as we were focusing on the inside.

I cut a larger Labels Framelit in Old Olive and ran it through the Big Shot with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder.  I really think the tree could have some Dazzling Diamonds on it to give it some bling.  I think I will add that later.  The greeting is from ‘More Merry Messages’.

So, here are the instructions for you to make your own.

TUNNEL CARD (This is in metric).

Cut a standard card size base:  ie 14.8cm x 21cm, score this at 10.5cm.

For the inside: Card size is 14.4cmx20.6cm.  Score this at 5.2cm, 10.3cm and 15.5cm.

If you wish to add Patterned Paper strips, these measure 4.7cmx14cm.

You can create any shape window in the centre of the inside card, either cutting a square or using the Big Shot with the Framelits (the Big Shot is much easier!!).

On the inside card piece, adhere only the 2 outside sections onto the card base.  Don’t add any adhesive in the middle section or it won’t pop out!

*This card can be decorated any way you desire.  The inside piece could be entirely of Patterned paper.  It’s all up to you!!

So off you go and make your own now.

Why not show me your version.  I would love to see it.

I am heading off in the morning to the Stampin’ Up! Heartfelt Event in Sydney.  I can’t wait to meet up with some stamping friends and be totally blown away with all the inspiration there.  That’s always what happens anyway!  I will  tell you all about it next week.  I will show you my projects I have created for the Inspiration Boards too.

Have a good weekend,

Jenny

SOME MORE CREATIVITY!!!

Just a quick post to show you some more cards we made at our stamping weekend a few weeks back.  These were some fun cards to create.

This first one I CASED from Leonie using the cute set “I Dig You”.  This is a great set.  I think I need to add it to my collection.  I just don’t have too many little boys to use if for, but then again I have a few “young boys at heart”!

This one was CASED from Renee Van Stralen here. I love the emboss resist effect with the tree from ‘Lovely as a Tree’.  The layout is kept simple so the effect stands out – I hope??? I used Pool Party for most of the sponging and along the left hand edge I added just a touch of Garden Green.

We each made one of these so I thought I would show you a group shot.  It is funny how they look in different colours.  Andrea made hers in Old Olive (top), Leonie’s was in Marina Mist (bottom left), and then mine.  I really should have tied a bow on mine rather than just knotted the organza ribbon, and added some rhinestones.  It really makes them look more classy!

Now this card below is a sneak of a new set coming in the new catalogue.  This set is called “Blooming with Kindess”.  I got to have a play with Leonie’s set.  She got this set from Convention at the Manager’s reception.  I love the detail in this flower.  It is really gorgeous.  I love the font in the greetings in this set too.  We CASED this card but I can’t tell you from where at the moment.  I will get back to you on that if I can find out.

This card is done with the Emboss resist technique again. I have used Pretty in Pink around the flower with Cherry Cobbler sponged in the centre.  Then I sponged Old Olive along the stem of the flower.  I added a bow with Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon.

Here are the 3 together of this card.  (Sorry about the mess around the photo).  Left is Leonie’s with the Certainly Celery bow. Centre is Andrea’s.  She went for a square card. Sorry the photo is not very clear. Mine is on the right.

I hope you liked them.  I have some fun Pop-Up cards still to show you in next post, so stop by again very soon.

Jenny

DASHER WITH LOVELY AS A TREE!

Just a quick post today.  I wanted to show you this card, I think it is one of my favourites from my Christmas Stamp-A-Stacks over the last few months.

Sponging and masking – 2 of my favourite stamping techniques together!!!  I CASED this from Crafterbobbie on Splitcoaststampers.  I changed the colours and the greeting used.  Colours are Old Olive and Crumb Cake.  I also used Soft Suede instead of the Crumb Cake on some of the cards we did.  This is very easy to create.  To create your mask take a piece of copy paper the same size as your Whisper White card, cut a rectangle from the centre.  Add dotto to the back of the copy paper piece and add to your White card.

Stamp the tree from ‘Lovely As A Tree’ in Old Olive several times.  Offset the tree each time and re-ink before you stamp.  Sponge in Old Olive around the trees while you still have the mask in place.  Remove the mask and remove any adhesive residue from the white card using your trusty Adhesive Remover (something I have on my desk all the time when I stamp!).  Stamp up Dasher in the bottom right corner in Soft Suede and your greeting in the bottom left.  Adhere this to the Crumb Cake (or Soft Suede) mat and then to the Old Olive base.  Add some bling to Dasher’s Antlers with Adhesive Rhinestones.  See, easy!!

Don’t forget, you still have time to enter my blog giveaway for 20,000 hits.  I know it is a small number compared with some blogs, but I am excitied! When I started this I really didn’t think I would get many people stopping by my corner of blogland, so it is nice to see that people do stop by.  So to celebrate I wanted to say ‘Thanks’ by giving away a little prize.  See the previous post for details, or if you are subscribing you can check the details here.  You have until tomorrow night (Sunday night – Australian time).

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope things aren’t too frantic with all the Christmas preparations.  I still have wrapping to do and the cards to write.  I think I might put 2 elves here to work!!!!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,

Jenny x

“SPARKLY TREE”

This post has been a while in the making.  I can explain and you might understand!!  A couple of weeks ago I had my ‘Christmas Bling Class’ and we did some fun cards using bling in different ways.  Christmas is a great time to go overboard with the ‘bling’.  I might show you some of the cards we did later, but this particular card got some attention.  This is a card I had as a sample but everyone wanted to know how I did it.  As time is running out to fit in another class, I promised them all I would do a tutorial on my blog AND now you can all benefit too.  So, finally here it is.  Now what has taken so long is that I needed to recreate the card to get some step-by-step photos.  Well, as what normally happens, it just wasn’t coming together right.  So I have had to redo the card AGAIN.  So ladies, I hope you appreciate this 😉

This is the original card. It is hard to see the sparkle in this photo but the whole tree panel is all sparkly!  Read on to find out more.

This glitter panel is created with Heat and Stick Powder and Dazzling Diamonds.  This really adds an impact – I think!  I am going to outline how to do this technique if you are not familiar with this.   Now I am a bit of a lazy stamper so I will also let you know a cheat step at the end.

Before you start here are some helpful tips:

Make sure you have a sticky versamark pad.  It really makes a difference.  That was where I went wrong when I first recreated this card.  I realised I was using an old Versamark pad and it was a bit dry.  Also, have your powder and Dazzling Diamonds ready to go so you can apply them straight away.

So, here you go:

GLITTER PANEL TUTORIAL

You will need:  Your stamped image, A versamark stamp pad, Heat and Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds, Heat tool.

1. Swipe your card firmly with your stamped image with the Versamark Pad.  Be careful to just touch the sides of your card with your fingers so you don’t wipe off any versamark from the card.

2. Pour over your Heat and Stick.  Yes, you want a good coverage!

Tip off the excess and tip the extra back into your container.  Heat the Heat and Stick with the Heating Tool to melt the powder.

3. While the Heat and Stick is still hot and melted pour over your Dazzling Diamonds.

Pour off the excess back into the container and Heat set again with the Heat Tool.

4.  The glittery panel is done.

CHEAT TIME:

Sometimes I cheat a bit to save time.  You can combine the Heat and Stick and Dazzling Diamonds in a container about equal amounts.  After you swipe your card with versamark then tip the mix over your card and heat it all in one go.  It does work although it may not be as sparkly!

And so for the finished card:

Psst! See the dark green behind the card.  That is my wall in my craft room.  It is a bit darker than in real life.  I have just taken photos of my craft room when I tidied up recently so I am going to post those soon.  We all like to spy on other stamping areas don’t we? So stay tuned for those very soon!

Anyway, here is a close up of the finished card.

Oooh! Sparkly!!!!

Now it is your turn.  Why not have a go at this technique yourself.  Send me a photo of your card.  I might show them off here.  I look forward to seeing them.  Maybe I will have to dig up some blog candy!! 🙂

See you soon,

Jenny x

‘LOVELY AS A TREE’ SYMPATHY!

This is another card that we made at our stamping get together last week with Andrea and Leonie.  I am finally getting a chance to show you.  I don’t know where the time is going to this week!  Andrea bought a sample of this card along and we all wanted to make it.  I loved the masked edge to it. I’m not sure where it was CASED from.  I will have to check back with that.

ADDED: Andrea just let me know where this card was CASED from.  This is by Kim and can be found here.

The area was masked and then the tree from ‘Lovely as a Tree’ stamped several times.  Sometimes it was stamped and then stamped again to get a fainter second image.  Then the area was sponged with Old Olive.  The masks were removed.  I then added the greeting and some twine.  The button is a clear button (now retired) that I added some DSP to underneath, then cut around it.  I thought this would make a lovely sympathy card.

You can’t see from this but we added some Champagne shimmer paint to the stamp and then stamped it over the top to create some sparkle.  You can see it a bit here.

This is the inside of the card.  I stamped the trees along the lower edge and the message is from ‘Thoughts and Prayers’.

This card was very timely as 2 of my friends lost their Dad’s last week, so I created another one and sent them on their way.

You may have heard by now that the Stampin’ Up!  Convention is starting tomorrow.  Unfortunately I won’t be there, BUT I am getting together with THE bestest stamping buddies for a ‘Convention’ of our own.  Should be a blast.  Stop by soon and I will show you “some” of the things we get up to.

Thanks for stopping by.  See you again soon.

Jenny xx