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

SPRINGTIME GARDENING

What a lousy spring we are having.  Usually I’m so excited by this time of the year – flowers, green trees, lots of buds and new growth on perennials.  But not this year.  However, this gardening apron helps put me in the mood.  This is a darling set from Tonic Studios.  Debbi designed the card in Blackberry Bliss and Highland Heather with the Flowering Fields DSP.  The  silver metallic garden tools peek out from a matching apron.pocket. Purple grosgrain ribbon and matte dots provide the finishing touches.

The second sample of Springtime Gardening is very similar to the first.  The silver metallic garden tools are hard to see but are definitely there.  A different sentiment and shape is used, and a lighter purple ribbon is used as apron trim. There are many small sentiments that can be used here. In addition, green dots are used to hold the ribbon in place.  Both card bases have been embossed with a retired leaf embossing folder. 

The message layer features a thin strip of DSP, a small tulip, and SURPRISE – a packet of flower seeds.  We have a nice assortment of seed packets but ask that you be kind if you can’t get the flower seeds you want.  May will be a great time to plant.  This card and seed packet are sure to be a pick-me-up for most anyone.

I will be taking the month of June off.  We will come together again for Christmas in July on Thursday-Saturday, July 14, 15, 16.  August will resume with the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the month – August 4th, 5th, and 6th.  We have some gnome surprises planned for fall and Christmas time.

Stay tuned for In the Moment

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

SPRING GNOMES

The silly gnomes come again but this time they are SPRING GNOMES!  There are actually 6 different gnomes and you can combine them as you wish on this slim-line card.  There is actually a strip of cut grass that the gnomes are resting on. Stamped, die-cut clouds float in the sky along with the butterflies and a bumblebee.  Debbie added 7 gems that are difficult to see in the picture but the card has lots of glitz!  The Scan’n Cut was our friend that cut out the gnomes and the grass.

The horizontal message layer can display one gnome as Debbie has shown here or can include additional gnomes.  You can make it a fun card however you choose.  And we have the sleek slimline envelopes from Stampin’Up!

This is the vertical slim-line version of the Spring Gnome card.  This sample was much more challenging to create than the horizontal sample above.  We do see 2 gnomes that were not used in the first sample in addition to the clouds butterflies and bee.  Wink of Stella and gems add lots of pizazz. 

The message layer features a single gnome along with a pot of flowers, butterfly and bumblebee.  Again, you can design the message layer as you wish. 

Please remember to let us know which cards you wish to make and what day you plan on coming.  Masks are optional as of this date. 

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

APRIL RAIN BOOTS

We are certainly ready for our next card thanks to all our rain.  But as hubby would say, rain is better than ice and snow.!  However, Flowering Rain Boots is another Stampin’Up bundle I really like.  We used a strip of the Flowering Fields tulip DSP and made a Bookbinder Fold – a new fun fold for me.  The main difference is an additional score line at 5 1/2” which allows for the 1” strip that is adhered to the card base.  Because the card front was smaller, the Wrapped in Texture Embossing Folder was used.  There are folders in this set and they are not as wide as the standard folders.  Note the embossed dots shown on the background.

The second sample shows more of a hound’s-tooth background.  The rainboots in the first sample were stamped in Cajun Craze while the sample to our right is stamped in Cinnamon Cider. The Cajun Craze has much more orange in it than the Cinnamon.  I recommend using the Stamparatus for stamping the boots to allow for a second application of ink.  The tulips are stamped in Pumpkin Pie and die-cut.  The Evening Evergreen stamped stems insert directly into the boots thanks to the use of an X-Acto knife.  Bumblebee gingham ribbon embellish the fold with the addition of a small bow which Debbie so graciously made.  Although several sentiments could be used, I thought Easter Blessings, and Live Life in Full Bloom were appropriate.

The message layer can be stamped with the cluster of daisies shown above on the envelopes, or you can be creative and actually make a tulip as I have done here.  The Tulips Dies make 3 different tulip styles. I chose a 3-D style here and die-cut the petals from the free Marbleous DSP from Sale-A-Brations.  The addition of a stamped and die-cut leaf and stem add to the realistic look.

As a reminder, April Stamp Camp is March 31, April 1 and April 2.  May Stamp Camp will be on May 5, 6 and 7 at normal times.  Christmas in July will be July 14th, 15th and 16th.  Mark your calendars now. 

I think the next post will be the crazy Spring Gnomes! 

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

CARDS BRING US SPRING!

This is one of my favorite times of the year!  We see tulips, daffodils, daisies, bunny rabbits, gnomes – all of my spring favorites!

I love the Daffodil Daydream bundle!  The daffodils – seen here in Daffodil Delight and Crushed Curry – are fun to make.  You can create daffodil buds and other sizes in addition to the full sized blooms shown here.  The DSP was free during the Sale-A-Brations celebration that ended last month.  The new 3-D Hive embossing folder is so cool – it leaves a deep impression on both the debossed (shown here) and embossed sides.   The Daffodil Dies include 2 butterflies shown here in Flirty Flamingo and Daffodil Delight.  Debbie thought Champagne Rhinestones are perfect for the butterflies and sentiment.

This is a perfect card for many occasions – weddings, anniversaries,, birthdays, thinking of you, and of course – Easter as we celebrate our Lord.  The small Scalloped Contours framelit is perfect for this sentiment.  Other springtime and Easter sentiments will be available for you to use on your cards.  Notice that the embossed side of the card stock was used on this sample – see how it pops out?  Both backgrounds are perfect for so many creative ideas. 

The message layer is simple – a decorative strip of the Daffodil Afternoon DSP and 2 die-cut butterflies – Flirty Flamingo and Daffodil Delight.  If you look closely at the centers of the daisies on the DSP, you will see a touch of Flirty Flamingo. 

April Stamp Camp is Thursday March 31, Friday May 1, and Saturday May 2 .  Masks are optional as of now.  We will see how the latest Covid variant is doing next week so stick a mask in your pocket just to play it safe.  Stamp Camp times remain 10am-4pm on Thursday and Friday, and 9am – 4pm on Saturday.  After the blogs are all posted, please let us know which day you will be coming, what cards you will be doing, and if you need Cards To Go.  This information helps us so much in our planning, bundling and table set-up.

Stampin-Up has listed their retiring items from the 2021-2022 catalog.  There are lots of good deals so fix yourself a cup of coffee, click here 2021-2022 Retiring Products, press on SHOP and relax while sorting through the list.  Of course not everything is marked down, but when you combine their sale prices with the 10% off I give, you can get some bargains!  You can also go directly to the Stampin’ Up Web Site, click here2021-22 Retiring SU Products and you will see the same items.  Also, Stampin-Up also has quite a few bundles 20% off.  Check them out here: 20% off Bundles.

Stay tuned for what?  Tulips – bunny rabbits – gnomes?

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

TULIP FIELDS

I must admit that the Tulip Fields Bundle is a favorite.  Spring is actually coming!  The Flowering Fields DSP is absolutely gorgeous!  Debbie chose this card and I was a little apprehensive as I thought it looked difficult.  But I was wrong!  The card is a cinch and it’s beautiful too! This is simply another fun fold.  Highland Heather is the primary color.  The sample here shows a windmill fashioned in Basic Black and Basic Gray.  The windmill is attached to the building with a split pin and there are several metals you can choose your pin from. 

This sample was actually my first card.  The windmill is done in Smoky Slate and Basic Gray.  You can create your windmill in any color you choose – Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry.  Gorgeous Grape ink is used for the sentiment which is die cut from the smallest Scalloped Contours Die.  If you look really close  at these images, you will find 3 brass butterflies – a perfect embellishment for a field of tulips!

The message layer cs is the Simply Marbleous DSP from Sale-A-Brations that has been run thru my printer with a light setting.  This gives us a light marble coloring that is decorative but light enough for stamping and a hand-written message.  The card stock is die-cut with the largest Scalloped Contours Die.  A basket is die-cut and tiny tulips are painstakingly adhered to the basket.  Note the bird perched on the bicycle seat.  The second sample has mixed color tulips in the basket and a Gorgeous Grape swallow swooping in. 

So far, we’ve seen St. Pat the Gnome and now Tulip Fields.  Two cards left!  Stay tuned for more! 

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

CURVY WISHES

For March Stamp Camp, we have both Easter and Spring creativity at work.  The Curvy Wishes cards feature the beautiful DSP from the Sale-a-Brations offerings.  This card uses the Paper Blooms DSP which is free with a $50 purchase.  Seaside Spray and Night of Navy match the DSP perfectly.  The Easter sentiment used is part of the Springtime Joy stamp set.

The second card features the Flower and Field DSP found on pg. 10 of the small Sale-a-Bration booklet.  Like the top card, this DSP is free with a $50 purchase.  Bumblebee and Granny Apple Green are the background colors we chose.  The springtime sentiment is from an ancient set that I hold on to because of the sentiment stamps. 

Ignore the blue shadow on this curvy message layer.  A simple message of Easter celebration is embellished with a small blue glimmer cross.  The die for the cross was MIA for a few days but when I cleaned off my desk, it reappeared!

Again, please ignore the blue shadow.  Not sure where it came from.  A spring message and a butterfly are perfect for the springtime card. 

As a reminder, March Stamp Camp will be held in my home following the Covid-19 guidelines.  We will continue to limit attendance to 4 per day for March and request masks as well as social distancing.  If you prefer to craft at home, please let me know as soon as possible that you prefer a kit.

Sale-a-Bration ends February 28th as does my 20% discount.  This is a great time to stock up on paper and Stampin’ Blends.  If you order 6 sets of the blends, the total cost to you would be $55.33 which includes shipping, tax, and the 20% discount.  And you would be able to choose one of the cute DSP paper sets shown here or maybe the Darling Donkeys stamp set featured in the next Blog Post.  Something to think about.

Looking forward to seeing you in March – March 4th from 10am – 4pm, March 5th from 10am – 4pm, and March 6th from 9am – 4pm.  Remember to let me know if you are coming or would prefer a kit, and which cards you choose to do.

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

 

 

SPRINGTIME JOY

Springtime Joy was at the top of my Wish List when I received my January – June 2021 Mini Catalog.  We decided to feature the images on a Z-card. These sweet animals are perfect with a touch of color and springy gingham DSP (designer series paper).  Small pearls embellish the flower crowns the little lamb and bunny are wearing, and a small bow is the perfect topper for the sweet lamb.

When the card is open, the message appears as well as a panel of embossed Calypso Coral.  The stamp set features both Easter and spring sentiments as well as 2 flowers and a cute Easter basket.

I’m happy to let you know that March Stamp Camp will once again take place in my home.  The Covid-19 infection rate has dropped tremendously.  We will still need to wear masks, keep our hands super clean and wipe down tools before they are used by others.  For eating, the options are to sit in your car with the heat on, or limit eating to occasional bites and chewing with your mask in place.  Sadly, Norb and I have been unable to find vaccinations and we are still super careful. 

March Stamp Camp will be held on Thursday March 4th from 10am – 4pm, Friday March 5th from 10am – 4pm, and Saturday from 9 am – 4pm.  The cost is the same as last year – $14 for any 4 cards and $3 for each card over 4.  We have cards for spring, Easter, and even St. Patrick’s Day!  Lots of creative fun and relaxation.  The Blog Posts will all be up on February 20th.  Please let me know shortly after that if you will be coming and which cards you wish to do.  If you are concerned about being with others and would prefer doing your cards in your home, please please please let me know early so I can prepare your kit.  

Don’t forget about the 20% discount and Sale-a-Brations special.  Both end on February 28th.

Stay warm!  Rosemary – (H)630.759.3089 – (C)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com 

PAINTED POPPIES

In my previous blog post, I mentioned that the Hibiscus was one of my favorite flowers.  Well, the Poppy is another favorite of mine!  This card was case’d from Stampitupwithjamie.com.

Sometimes you see a card that is perfect and there is no reason to make any changes.  This was almost one of those cards.  I did change the top layer from Whisper White to Very Vanilla and added the linen look with the Subtle Textured Expressions Embossing Folder (TIEF). I also changed the sentiment and how it was displayed.  I am in love with these 2 dies from Sending Flowers and incorporating them for a sentiment. 

The color combination of Grapefruit Grove, Calypso Coral, Old Olive and Mossy Meadow is extremely pleasing and denotes a peaceful feeling.  The Poppy Moments Dies are perfect for die-cutting all the pieces.  The Grapefruit Grove outline is a bit tricky to adhere so that is being die cut with Sizzix backed adhesive.  The second card sample has a bit of Wink of Stella bling and a 2-part center with a rhinestone.  By the way, did you see the butterflies?

One of the dies that comes with the Poppy Moments Dies is a poppy pattern with the vacant portions forming the poppies.  For the message layer, a piece of Calypso Coral cs is adhered to the back of the Very Vanilla to allow the color to carry thru from the front to the back. Note the humorous message used.  This comes from the Birthday Wit set.  The Stamparatus  is used as a double stamping is needed due to the heavy black area.

The message layer for the second sample has the olive background peeking thru the poppy images.  Although not as colorful as the message layer above, it is still very pleasing.

This is the final card for March Stamp Camp.  We have seen daisies, tulips, hyacinths, poppies, and ladybugs – lots of spring cheer.  Please let me know what day you plan on coming and which cards you wish to do.  The dates are March 5, 6, and 7.  Everything you need to make your cards is provided including beverage and a snack.  The cost remains $14 for any 4 cards and $3 for each additional card. 

In April we will have Stamp Camp on April 2, 3 and 4.  We will be making both birthday and Easter cards. Mark your calendars now!

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