A Fractured Card

Fractured cards are quite popular right now and I thought this would be a great opportunity to share the technique.

What exactly is a fracture?  According to Wikipedia, Fracture is the appearance of a crack or complete separation of an object or material into two or more pieces under the action of stress.  Well, we don’t apply stress to our card, but you can see how it is “fractured” into 5 different parts.  What is the secret to a fractured card?  1/4” strips of card stock that are methodically adhered around the focal point.  The strips must abut exactly to the DSP and the strip it encounters. 

You can see in the second sample how the strips are run differently than the first sample.  Your directions will indicate where to start and where to end as you adhere your strips around your Flight and Airy DSP.  Note how the fracture accents your focal point – Flight and Airy DSP.  Each square of DSP will show 3 birds – albeit in different poses.  The shade of blue used for the Fractured Card is Azure Afternoon – one of the  new blues Stampin’ Up came out with in 2023. 

Where you place your DSP also plays into your fractured appearance.  It appears that in my 3 samples, the DSP placement was very similar.  Note the rhinestone embellishments for each card – clear rhinestones colored with either a blue or pink Sharpie.  The sentiments are from the Calming Camellia Stamp Set and the strip ends are finished with the Banners Pick a Punch.

You’ve now seen the 3 cards featured at April Stamp Camp.  We are trying for a 4th card and if it comes about, it will be the mystery card!

Please let me know if you are coming to April Stamp Camp, which day you plan on attending, and which cards you wish to make.  I look forward to seeing your smiling faces!

Blessings, Rosemary – (Cell)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

THE BIRD

So Debbie said to me – what is the name of this card.  I said – I don’t know, it’s a bird.  So…she named the card THE BIRD!!!  Once again, we are using the Flight and Airy DSP but this time, we are adhering the DSP to a strip of Blueberry Bushel and adhering it to the Azure Afternoon card front.  A Blueberry hexagon is layered with a smaller hexagon in whatever color goes best with your bird.  The majority of the single birds have been pre-cut with the Brother Scan’n Cut but a few require fussy cutting.  I chose Lemon Lolly for my hexagon to coordinate with the bird’s tummy.  The birds come in assorted colors. 

The hexagons come from the Beautiful Shapes Dies.  The die for the sentiment and tiny leaves come from the Thoughtful Expressions Dies.

In the second sample, I chose a Highland Heather hexagon to coordinate with my bird’s belly.  Both cards are embellished with Tinsel Gems which come in blue, pink, green and yellow.  As an afterthought, I should have used yellow gems on my first card but the blue looks fine. 

Did you know I am offering a 25% discount on any orders except Paper Pumpkin?  This is a great way to pick up some DSP, sparkling embellishments and bundles!

On April 15, from 10:30-2:30, I am again hosting Cards, Coffee and Water.  We had fun this month with 2 crafters, 4 boxes of paper pumpkin, and a kit box.  There is no charge for this even.  This is just a chance to come for Coffee, Tea and water and create something fun from the offerings of Stampin’ Up.  There is no cutting required, your tool box is out for you, and you can have some fun.  This event is limited to 4 people, so the first 4 people that reply with interest will be chosen to attend. 

Also for your calendars, May Stamp Camp will feature butterflies and will be held on Thursday-Friday, May 2nd and 3rd from 10am – 4pm. 

Please let me know which day you plan on attending April Stamp Camp – April 4th or April 5th – and which cards you wish to make.

Blessings, Rosemary – (Cell) 630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

APRIL STAMP CAMP–Flight and Airy

During Sale-A-Bration, I was able to get 3 packages of Flight and Airy DSP absolutely free!  I know several of you took advantage of the Sale-A-Bration and also obtained some of this beautiful DSP.  Although our creations for April Stamp Camp all feature Flight and Airy, most any medium lowered pattern would work just as well.

I love the cheerful colors of this DSP.  This fun fold is scored at 2 3/4 and 8 1/4.  I find it’s easier to simply score at 2 3/4 at each short end than to measure the 8 1/4.  The color combination is Bubble Bath and Fresh Freesia. The 2 white panels are embossed with my favorite Crosshatch 3D embossing folder.  I discovered a way to use this embossing folder much easier than last month.  Note the script at the top of the card.  This comes from the Sweetly Scripted Stamp Set.  St amps also include Happy Anniversary, Speedy Recover, Congratulations, A Million thanks, and Save the Date.  I love the flourishes at the beginning and end of the stamp.

If you choose not to stamp a sentiment on your card, you will still have a cheerful card worthy of any occasion.  I prefer not placing a sentiment on the beautiful DSP which explains the use of the Sweetly Scripted Stamp at the top of the card. 

When the card is opened, the recipient will find a cheerful scalloped bird on the message layer.  This little added touch carries the theme of the DSP throughout the card and is sure to bring a smile to the recipient. 

April Stamp Camp will be held on April 4th and 5th from 10am until 4pm.  Currently we have 3 cards planned for the month.  If there is time for a 4th card, it will be a surprise until you come to stamp camp.

Our theme for May will be butterflies and flowers will be the focus of June. 

We will have some stamp sets for sale at April Stamp Camp from $3 to $5. Cards remain $3.50 each.  Cards to go will be limited.  I think there are some cookies in the cabinet that we can snack on during April Stamp Camp.  My Keurig offers 5 different types of DD coffee, and we have plenty of tea bags and water. 

Hope to see you on April 4th or 5th.  Please let me know which day you plan on coming and which cards you would like to do.

Blessings,

Rosemary – (Cell)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

MEANDERING MEADOWS

So just what is MEANDERING MEADOWS?  You step into a dreamy meadow with the Meandering Meadows 6” X 6” Designer Series Paper.  Thick brushstrokes, vivid colors and bright will transport you to an impressionistic scene that’s sure to add movement and composition to your cards, banners, gift tags.  we are going to make the detailed flowers fields into the central feature on our cards.  You will have your own 48 sheet packet of this paper.

But what about the other side of the Designer Series Paper?  We have dreamy romantic clouds and abstract designs to add depth and texture to your handmade creations.  Each piece’s vibrant pigments and bright coloring will easily add depth and beauty to your paper crafts.

The cards above are your most basic cards – very simple, yet resplendent in rich color.  Each card features 3 embellishments – brass birds, butterflies, dragonflies.  You choose your embellishments.  Note the sentiment on the card to the right – it adds a personal touch without detracting from the beauty of the card.

Boho Blue 11 X 4 1/4 scored @ 5 1/2; DSP trimmed to 5 1/4 X 4 – keep the extra DSP to brighten up the message layer!

This Melon Mambo Gate Fold care features a full meadow when the card is closed but shows the split meadow when the card is open.  A sentiment was added to show how the sentiment can be used without distracting from the card. 

Melon Mambo 7 1/2 X 5 1/2 scored at 4 1/4”; DSP 5 1/4 X 3 and 5 1/4 X 1 1/2

The typical gatefold card has been embellished with two pieces of a cloudy DSP pattern that is found on a meadow backside.  A belly band in Blueberry Bushel and Crushed Curry would also be a festive.addition     

Blueberry Bushel 8 1/2 X 5 1/2 scored 2 1/8 from each long end; Meadow DSP – 5 1/4 X 2; cloudy DSP – 5 1/4 X 2

  

A Triptych is simply any photo, scene or painting divided into 3 parts.  This is a really fun way to use a 6” piece of Meandering Meadow paper simply by cutting it into 2” strips.

Crushed Curry 8 1/2 X 5 1/2 scored 2 1/8” and 4 1/4; DSP (3 pieces)5 1/4 X 2; White cs 5 1/4 X 2

This simple card is actually like our first one with the exception of die-cutting an arch out of the Shaded Spruce front and adhering DSP behind the arch.  Note that one card bears a St Patrick’s Day sentiment and a shamrock.  The first card has 2 shamrocks that are difficult to see.  The arch is part of the Garden Meadow Bundle. 

Shaded Spruce 11 X  4 1/4 scored at 5 1/2; DSP 5 1/4 X 4; the Crosshatch Embossing Folder was also used on the front and back of the card before the arch was cut out

The cost of our March Stamp Camp – March 7th and 8th from 10am-4PM – will be $20.  You will get an unopened package of Meandering Meadows DSP.  You will also get cut cardstock to make 4 cards and 12 brass butterflies/birds/dragonflies of your choice.  If you know now what 4 cards you want and tell us now, we will have the card stock cut for you.  If you would rather wait til you come and choose, we will help you cut your cardstock and DSP to size.  We will also have out additional cs you can purchase by the sheet to make additional cards here or at home.  Colored cs is $.50 per sheet which generally makes 2 cards.  White cs is $.30 per sheet which makes 4 message layers.  if you want the brass embellishments, they are $.10 each.  . 

Don’t forget 25% off any Stampinup products and take advantage of SALEABRATION.

Go to you onsite store here https://paperrose01.stampinup.net/ and scroll down to the catalog and the Saleabration items.  25% off anything except paperpumpkin and suites.  Please let me know if you are coming, and if so, what day.  Thanks for being there for me.  Rosemary

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ADORABLE OWL

This little guy is so very cheerful.  Adorable Owls is one of the stamp sets that is free with a $50 product purchase during the Sale-A-Bration promotion which ends February 28.  3 owls are featured.  Balmy Blue must be the color for March Stamp Camp as Nested Friends also features Balmy Blue.  Dandy Designs, also from the Sale-A-Bration promotion, is the DSP shown here.  The white layer to the left framed in Balmy Blue has been embossed with the Wrapped in Texture Embossing Folder. Two embossing folders come with this set so a different one was used for each of the samples.   Layering Circles Dies are used for the owl image and the sentiment.

The owls are colored with Stampin’ Blends.  The owl in the card above is colored with light SU500 and dark SU200.  These are Stampin’ Up skin tone shades.  The owl to the right is colored with light and dark Crumb Cake.  Light Balmy Blue is used for the outer eyes and a bit of Light Pool Party is used on the inner eye.  Light Petal Pink or Pale Papaya color the beak and feet of both owls.  Several messages come with this set.  The sentiment “You’re a friend like no other” is from the Best Bunny stamp set.  Several clear rhinestones are adhered and of Wink of Stella adds a bit of sparkle.

The message layer features a strip of the Dandy Designs DSP that matches the front, and a small stamped bird that is also found on the envelope.  The bird comes to us from the Best Bunny Stamp Set and is colored in Balmy Blue and Petal Pink or Pale Papaya.

We’ve seen a bit of nature for March Stamp Camp – birds, owls and shamrocks – but NO FLOWERS.  I wonder what our final March Stamp Camp card will look like????????????????

Blessings, Rosemary – (H)630.759.3089 – (C)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

Spring is Coming–Nested Friends

Spring is coming – just 1 month away.  Nested Friends is a perfect way to celebrate the upcoming sunny days.  Actually, hubby Norb requested this card as he thought it would be an ideal card for a male. 

Nested Friends is a stamp and die bundle from the January – April 2023 Mini Catalog. shown here as a Z-card fun fold.  I wanted to use a gingham DSP background.  I have not purchased the Country Gingham DSP as it is sized at 6X6 and I am not a fond user of 6X6 card stock.  I dug into my archives and found some long retired Balmy Blue Gingham Gala DSP – perfect for spring.  The scoring for this sized Z-fold on an 8 1/2 X 5 1/2 piece of cardstock is 4 1/4 and 2 1/8 inches.  The top 4 1/4 inches is scored in half (2 1/8 inches) and folded back.  This style card generally uses less DSP – 2 X 5 3/8 and a 1/4” strip used on the inside. 

The message is stamped in Old Olive on white cardstock and punched with a hexagon shaped punch.  A piece of balmy blue is also punched and shadows the white message on the card.  The Birthday Wishes message used here comes with the set as do several other message stamps.

The Hive 3-D embossing folder and the 3-Way Punch give us dimension and interest on the Z-fold artwork.  3 pastel adhesive-backed sequins add a bit of glimmer. 

Stampin’ Blends were used to color the Nested Friends images seen here.  Light and Dark Crumb Cake were used for the nest, Light and Dark Old Olive for the leaves and Light and Dark Soft Suede for the wooden branch.  I applied color with the light, highlighted with the dark and went back and blended with the light Stampin’ Blend.  The bird is colored in Light and Dark Balmy Blue, and Light and Dark Petal Pink.  Pale Papaya can be used in place of the Petal Pink

The card is open in this view.  If desired, an additional bird could be added to an inside corner

March Stamp Camp is right around the corner – March 2, 3, 4 from 10am to 4pm each day.  Cards are $3.50 each and as always, all supplies and tools are provided.  Water and soft drinks are in the fridge and some type of snack will appear on the counter – maybe healthy or maybe not! 

I will be giving a 20% discount on all orders placed during the month of March with the exception of Paper Pumpkin.  I’m pleased many of you took advantage of the Sale-A-Brations promotion that ends on the 28th of February.  The gorgeous Dainty Flowers DSP that we fell in love with finally ran out of stock.  Needless to say, we will be making cards with this beautiful paper.  When you look at DSP, do you ever look at the reverse side?  Often times, the reverse side is of more use than the front  – especially for muted backgrounds.

I’m looking forward to seeing you in March.  Please let me know what day you plan on coming and which cards you wish to do.

Blessings, Rosemary – (H)630.759.3089 – (C)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

NESTED FRIENDS

Spring is coming – just 1 month away.  Nested Friends is a perfect way to celebrate the upcoming sunny days.  Actually, hubby Norb requested this card as he thought it would be an ideal card for a male. 

Nested Friends is a stamp and die bundle from the January – April 2023 Mini Catalog. shown here as a Z-card fun fold.  I wanted to use a gingham DSP background.  I have not purchased the Country Gingham DSP as it is sized at 6X6 and I am not a fond user of 6X6 card stock.  I dug into my archives and found some long retired Balmy Blue Gingham Gala DSP – perfect for spring.  The scoring for this sized Z-fold on an 8 1/2 X 5 1/2 piece of cardstock is 4 1/4 and 2 1/8 inches.  The top 4 1/4 inches is scored in half (2 1/8 inches) and folded back.  This style card generally uses less DSP – 2 X 5 3/8 and a 1/4” strip used on the inside. 

The message is stamped in Old Olive on white cardstock and punched with a hexagon shaped punch.  A piece of balmy blue is also punched and shadows the white message on the card.  The Birthday Wishes message used here comes with the set as do several other message stamps.

The Hive 3-D embossing folder and the 3-Way Punch give us dimension and interest on the Z-fold artwork.  3 pastel adhesive-backed sequins add a bit of glimmer. 

Stampin’ Blends were used to color the Nested Friends images seen here.  Light and Dark Crumb Cake were used for the nest, Light and Dark Old Olive for the leaves and Light and Dark Soft Suede for the wooden branch.  I applied color with the light, highlighted with the dark and went back and blended with the light Stampin’ Blend.  The bird is colored in Light and Dark Balmy Blue, and Light and Dark Petal Pink.  Pale Papaya can be used in place of the Petal Pink

The card is open in this view.  If desired, an additional bird could be added to an inside corner

March Stamp Camp is right around the corner – March 2, 3, 4 from 10am to 4pm each day.  Cards are $3.50 each and as always, all supplies and tools are provided.  Water and soft drinks are in the fridge and some type of snack will appear on the counter – maybe healthy or maybe not! 

I will be giving a 20% discount on all orders placed during the month of March with the exception of Paper Pumpkin.  I’m pleased many of you took advantage of the Sale-A-Brations promotion that ends on the 28th of February.  The gorgeous Dainty Flowers DSP that we fell in love with finally ran out of stock.  Needless to say, we will be making cards with this beautiful paper.  When you look at DSP, do you ever look at the reverse side?  Often times, the reverse side is of more use than the front  – especially for muted backgrounds.

I’m looking forward to seeing you in March.  Please let me know what day you plan on coming and which cards you wish to do.

Blessings, Rosemary – (H)630.759.3089 – (C)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

FRIENDLY HELLO

I love free items I can actually use!  The Friendly Hello Stamp Set and 12X12 Designer Paper are absolutely free from Stampin’Up thru the current Sale-A-Brations period which ends February 28 providing you make a $100 or more product purchase.  And I’m offering a 20% product discount thru February 28.  So a $100 product will cost $80 PLUS you can get this stamp set and DSP FREE!  There are other items you can choose from for $50 product purchases and for $100 product purchases.  Check it out at Sale-A-Brations. 

This cheerful card can be done with or without the “friend.”  The Petal Pink letters, flower, bird  and the “friend” image are pre-cut with the Scan’n’Cut.  The flowers can be colored with light and dark Petal Pink Stampin’ Blends with a bit of yellow or Calypso Coral for contrast as I have done here.  Light and Dark Crumb Cake with a touch of Soft Suede provide color for our bird which is adhered to a die-cut white circle matted on a Petal Pink scallop circle.  The DSP border is pre-cut from the Friendly Hello DSP.

The Message layer features 2 additional pre-cut flowers colored with Stampin’ Blends to match the top card layer.  A DSP bird can perch anywhere you want to place him.

And there we have it – March Stamp Camp.  Gnomes, tulip fields, a split circle technique, and a friendly hello.  Which cards do you choose to do?  Please please please let us know your card choices and which day you prefer to come.  If you want cards to go, please let me know. 

Please note that because of the date of Easter, April Stamp Camp will be held on March 31, April 1 and April 2.  This is to insure everyone has adequate time to complete Easter cards.  The USPS appears to be slowing down a bit and I want to make sure there is sufficient mailing time.  please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in March.  Thanks to the Governor, we will be mask-optional!

Blessings, Rosemary – (H)630.759.3089 – (C)630.965-1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

GRACE’S GARDON

Grace’s Garden is one of my favorite sets and I’m sad to see it retire.  I love the overall ambience of the set as well as the message.

The Highland Heather card is layered with the Brick and Mortar 3D embossing folder.  The white card stock was water misted prior to the embossing which allows the maximum texture.  The garden arch opens to the message layer and you can see flowers peeking through.  The gate actually opens although I find its easier to adhere the arch with the gate closed then cut open after.

 

The flower, bird and cat images have all been pre-cut.  The flowers can be colored with Stampin’ Blends and placed as you choose. On the top card, the garland of purple roses is climbing up the arbor.  On the card to the right, the rose garland embellishes the message layer and a partial garland embellishes the top of the arbor.  There is no wrong placement.     Dimensionals are used for several images.  The bird and cat are at a visual stand-off.  Purple and yellow butterflies add additional color and interest. 

The message layer is seen from the front and the inside.  The message is wonderful for friends and family and can be embellished as you choose.

This is the final card for May Stamp Camp – 2 flowery cards, a tree, and butterflies.  Please let me know as soon as possible which cards you choose to make. 

As a reminder, May Stamp Camp is on Thursday and Friday May 6 and 7 from 10am to 4pm, and Saturday May 8 from 9am to 4pm.

The next stamping experience will be Christmas in July on the 15th from 10am to 6pm, and July 17th from 9am to 4pm.  Debbie and I are already discussing Christmas.  I am taking the month of June off to concentrate on physical therapy for my knees!   

Springtime Blessings, Rosemary – (H)630.759.3089 – (C)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

Free as a Bird

Free as a Bird is one of the new Stampin’ Up suites from the 2019-2020 catalog.  For June Stamp Camp, this stamp set is being featured on an easel card.  Although dies are not available for this stamp set, there is beautiful Bird Ballard DSP.  The Bird Ballad bundle is sold with the new Stitched Nested Labels which you can see used here.  The Bird Ballad suite bundle is $94.75 BUT includes the Free as a Bird stamp set, Stitched Nested Labels Dies, Bird Ballad DSP, Bird Ballad Laser-cut Cards & Tin, 10 yards of Very Vanilla Scalloped Lace Trim, and 24 Bird Ballad Trinkets!  $94.75 is not such a scary price when you consider everything included.  I opted for the Free as a Bird Bundle which includes the stamp set and the Stitched Nested Labels Dies for $51.25 – 10% off the individual price.

The birds and flowers in the top easel card sample are colored with assorted yellow Stampin’ Blends – Daffodil Delight, Pineapple Punch, So Saffron (new) and Mango Melody, plus a bit of Smoky Slate.  The sample to the left has some added color in the flowers – light and dark Rococo Rose (new).  Of course you can color your birds and flowers in any color you choose!  The card base is Basic Black and the Daffodil Delight rectangle is embossed with the 3D Basket Weave embossing folder.  The “pop-up” piece that holds the easel up is a simple stamped “HELLO” that is die cut with the smallest Stitched Nested Labels Die and layered on the next size Nested Labels Die in Basic Black.  This double layer is adhered with Stampin’ Dimensionals which gives it the “pop” needed to hold the easel.

I attempted to flatten the card for this picture but it refused to stay absolutely flat.  This, however, shows how the card would look when removed from the envelope. 

Don’t forget to let me know if you will be coming to June Stamp Camp and which cards you would like to do.  I’m looking forward to working with colors other than the Christmas in July reds, greens and navy!

Blessings, Rosemary – (h)630.759.3089 – (c)630.965.1965 – paperrose01.com