STAMPIN' UP! NINE LIVES - REVERSE IMAGE STAMPING WITH STAMPARATUS©

Hello, Stampers!

     It's been a while.  I've had some personal and personalized cards to catch up on - this will be one of them for the anniversary of our good friends back in NYS.

     I know there are some terrific YouTube videos out there for reverse stamping with the Stamparatus, but I wanted to show you my way, although pretty amateurish - I don't do videos - no talent in that regard.  Anyway, I'm going to provide you instructions on how to do the reverse stamping of these Nine Lives cats and then I will give you the particulars on the rest of the card.  So, here we go - bear with me....

Happy Stampin’!
Sue Duffy ~
mandsduffy@comcast.net

• Add a Silicone Mat as your top layer on your Stamparatus - Figure 1.  Punch out a cat from some light colored scrap card stock - not black, and add to Stamparatus, as shown.  This is your template..
  
  
  
  
• Line up your cat stamp in the punched opening and pick up with your Stamparatus plate - Figures 2 and 3.
                        
  
  
• Ink your stamp with Memento ink and stamp in the cat opening - YES, you are transferring ink to the Silicone Mat - Figures 4 and 5.  Check to be sure you can easily see the image on your Silicone Mat - if not, just add more ink and stamp again.
  
                         

STAMPIN' UP's LET IT RIDE - STARRY, STARRY NIGHT - April Stamp Camp

Howdy, Stampers!
     This is another idea not original to me, but I couldn't help but recreate this unique template from Pinterest by Buffy Cooper, especially since I had everything I needed on hand.  So, let's get started!
Happy Stampin’!

Sue Duffy ~
mandsduffy@comcast.net

Details

• A2 card base in Whisper White Thick CS and a Night of Navy CS mat, with the sky cut from Twinkle Twinkle DSP.
• Cut a piece of the DSP 3-3/4 x 4-1/4.  On paper trimmer, cut bottom 3-3/4 edge from 4-1/4 at an angle up to 3-1/4.  Now, your DSP is 3-3/4 W x 4-1/4 L on the right side and 3-1/4 L on the left side.  If necessary, you can draw a line, first.
• Cut a piece of Night of Navy CS to 3-7/8 x 4-3/8 (or 4 x 4-1/2, if you prefer a wider border of mat to show).  Just as with the DSP, trim bottom edge from 4-3/8 at an angle up to 3-3/8 (or 4 to 3-1/2).

• Position your Navy mat on your card base so you can tell how much room you have to stamp and stamp the trees in Shaded Spruce and the grazing horses in Basic Black.  Color the horses as desired with Markers. Learn from my mistake - I used Blends and, even on thick CS, the color showed through. 😒
• Stamp desired sentiment(s) inside in Navy or Spruce and stamp the large horse head at the bottom right, if desired.
• OPTIONAL - Lightly spritz DSP with a mist of alcohol and a couple of drops of Champagne or Frost White Shimmer Paint to add sparkle before adhering to Navy mat. Test, first.
• Adhere dry DSP to mat and both to card base.

Products and links below.

STAMPIN' UP! HALF FULL - EASY BIRTHDAY OR HOST THANK YOU - April Stamp Camp

Cheers, Stampers!
     With a host gift of wine, or thank you to host, or birthday - this card is easy and perfect for any of those.  It also has two fun verses for a tongue-in-cheek Christmas card, which you can find on my Pinterest page.  https://www.pinterest.com/pin/574701602441339190/
Let's get started!

Happy Stampin’!
Sue Duffy ~
mandsduffy@comcast.net

Details

• Card base is a standard A2 vertical, top fold in (what else?) Merry Merlot CS.  Mat layer is 5-1/4 x 4 Pear Pizzazz.  The top layer is Shimmery White CS, 3-3/4 x 5 and the inside is 5-1/4 x 4 in Very Vanilla or WW.
• The wine bottle, "plaque" and "cheers" are all stamped in Merry Merlot.  The wine bottle is highlighted with Light Old Olive Blends and the label and bottle seal are coated with Clear Wink of Stella. The grapes are colored with Light Old Olive and Dark Soft Sea Foam Blends, or Pear Pizzazz and Soft Sea Foam Markers.
• The "Cheers!" sentiment is from a retired set called Happy Hour.  Alternatively, you could stamp the large single wine glass in that area.
• There is some light sponging with Pear Pizzazz in the lower left and upper right and the edges of this layer are sponged with Pear Pizzazz, as well.
• Stamp sentiments and wine glasses on inside piece and lightly color wine in glasses with Light Rich Razzleberry and Dark Soft Sea Form Blends and/or Merry Merlot or Rich Razzleberry and Soft Sea Foam Markers.* 
• Lightly sponge bottom of inside layer with Merry Merlot, adhere all layers together and add a small Glitter Enamel Dot or other small bling to the !.

    *TIP - Remember, if you don't have a certain marker or want a little lighter shade, you can use a Blender Pen with your ink pad to color, especially small areas.

STAMPIN' UP! FABLE FRIENDS FOR EASTER AND BABY - April Stamp Camp

Hi, Stampers!
      I have always loved the illustrations in the Beatrix Potter tales and this set is inspired by those tales and Mother Goose, at least that's how it appears to me.  See my posts of March 10 and 27 for more Fable Friends samples.  Here are the details and products I used for these sweet little cards.

Happy Stampin’!
Sue Duffy ~
mandsduffy@comcast.net

Details

• Chose desired color for vertical A2 card base to match Gingham Gala DSP.
• Trim DSP for background to 5-1/4 x 4 and adhere to front of card base.  I used a small pattern from the Needlepoint Nook DSP.
• Add a strip of Gingham Gala DSP 2" x 5-1/2" and adhere to middle of DSP layer.
• Trim a piece of card stock to match the card base to 1-3/4" x 4-1/2" and punch one end with the Banner Triple Punch.
• Trim a piece of Shimmery White CS to 1-1/2" x 4-3/8", punch one end with Banner Triple Punch.  Stamp bunny with Memento Black and color with Stampin' Blends, coloring the shirt to match your card base.  I used Light and Dark Crumb Cake Blends for the bunny with a little Dark Petal Pink on the ears.
• Add a bow below your bunny on the Shimmery White.  Stamp desired spring, Easter or baby sentiment on the Gingham Gala and adhere Shimmery White.
• If you want a girl bunny, punch a bitty flower and add to one ear, with a pearl at the center from the Share What You Love Artisan Pearls or color a Basic Pearl with Blends..
• On a 5-1/4 x 4 piece of WW card stock, stamp little squirrel and color the daisy flower and leaves with Blends.  Adhere to inside of card.

STAMPIN' UP! RETIRING LIST AVAILABLE TODAY

Hi, Stampers!
     Just a quick post to let you know that the Stampin' Up! Retiring List is available.  Just click the header above or go here to my DBWS - click Last Chance Products.  Remember, there will be a general price increase commencing with the 2019-2020 Annual Catalog.
     Thank you! for remembering to use the current Host Code at the top of my sidebar if you shop (orders under $150).  And don't forget, products on the Retiring List are available only while supplies last.

Happy Stampin’!
Sue Duffy ~
mandsduffy@comcast.net

www.theSilverStamper.com

STAMPIN' UP! SUBTLE LET IT RIDE (April Stamp Camp) #simplestamping

Hi, Stampers!
     We created this card at my April 13 stamp camp.  Surprisingly, it is comprised of only two neutral colors - Night of Navy and Smoky Slate.  With the exception of the three little candy dots, I think it qualifies for SIP, too - just Stamps, Ink and Paper.  So, let's get started!

Happy Stampin’!
Sue Duffy ~
mandsduffy@comcast.net

Details

• Basic A2 card sizes with a Whisper White Thick base, in this case with a top fold.
• Lightly ink the Crackle Paint background stamp in Smoky Slate, face up.  Lay the Whisper White top layer (3-3/4 x 5) on top of the inked stamp and press and smooth - pressing harder around the sides than in the middle area where you will stamp the horse.  Lightly sponge the edges with Smoky Slate.
• Stamp the trees once in Night of Navy in the upper left and once again without re-inking and slightly offset.  Stamp the "Go for it!" in Night of Navy in the upper right.
• Using Light and Dark Smoky Slate Stampin' Blends, let the lines from the Crackle background be your guide to create random splotches to turn this horse into a pinto!  I don't think I've ever seen a gray one, but I'll plead artistic license.  ;-)
• Adhere all layers together and add whatever embellishments you choose.  Here, we added three Night of Navy Candy Dots (retired).  On the inside we stamped the grazing horses in Navy in the lower right corner.  Products and links below.

STAMPIN' UP!'s HAPPY TAILS for Birthday (SNEAK PEEK) - April Stamp Camp - RGB CODES

Hello, Stampers!
     I will be hosting Stamp Camp next Saturday, April 13, at 10 AM, here in Mooresville, IN.  I you are local (including Indianapolis) and would like to join us, let me know by the end of the day, Monday (April 8).  Now, on to this card.
      You know, sometimes we are not thrilled about an upcoming birthday - the older we get, especially - been there, done that.  I've mentioned before, that I've been starting to print my own, original  sentiments for the inside of a card.  So, we will use one of my original sentiments for this Happy Tails, "not so thrilled to be having a birthday" card.
     

     TIP:  Did you know that you can use color codes to match SU! colors when creating a document or online?   After over 10 years as a Demonstrator, I finally found out about it - I never asked - who knew?  They are called RGB/HEX codes - and numbers correspond to each color. HEX for online use and RGB for MSWord or other software.  A generous, talented demo, Marie Shaughnessy (www.mariestamps.com), created a chart in 2018.  I can enter the codes in my MS Word custom color function.  Go to my blog or if you're already there, click "read more" to see the details.  FREE Project Sheet available by email.

Happy Stampin’!
Sue Duffy ~
mandsduffy@comcast.net

DO YOU WANT A FREE STAMPIN' UP!® 2019-2020 ANNUAL CATALOG? YOU WILL NEED TO LET ME KNOW BY APRIL 12

Hi, Stampers!

     The 2019-2020 Stampin’ Up!® Annual Catalog will be live on June 4!  If you are a regular customer or follower of my blog, you need do nothing.  If you are not a regular customer, you can still get a FREE Annual Catalog, but you will have to request it by email to mandsduffy@comcast.net.  The timeline is below.  Of course, if you are one of my regular campers, I will have yours for you at May stamp camp!

• April 12:  Last day to request a FREE Annual Catalog from me
• April 15:  Retiring List link available HERE or on my DBWS
• Approx. May 15: New Annual Catalogs will begin shipping direct
• June 3: Last day to order from the current catalogs – Annual and Occasions
• June 4: Online ordering begins for the 2019-2020 Annual Catalog

Happy Stampin’!
Sue Duffy ~
mandsduffy@comcast.net

STAMPIN' UP!S COUNTRY FLORAL DYNAMIC TIEF - THE ALL-OCCASION CARD FOR YOUR PERSONAL STASH

Hello, Stampers!
     I can't get enough of this Dynamic TIEF - Country Floral.  This TIEF will be carried over to the Annual Catalog.
     I created this simple card (and others) to keep on hand - an appropriate sentiment to be die-cut or punched out and added later, as needed.  It's a little bright and cheery for a condolence card,* but it's just right for Easter, spring, birthday, anniversary, get well or "just checking in."  The details are below.

*See my February 28 post for a softer look that would be appropriate for a condolence card.

Happy Stampin’!

Sue Duffy ~

mandsduffy@comcast.net  

Details

• The Gingham Gala DSP covers the front of the card base, an A2 top fold in Whisper White Thick CS.  The Country Floral embossed piece is 1/4 sheet of Shimmery White CS, trimmed to 5 x 3-3/4 after embossing.
• After embossing, I used Stampin' Blends in the colors below to color the flowers and leaves and a few random larger dots here and there.  I added a sheer ribbon and then adhered the layers with Multi liquid glue.  I added pearls to the center of the Light Calypso Coral flowers from the Share What You Love pearls.

Products and links are below.

STAMPIN' UP'S LET IT RIDE - ALCOHOL WESTERN SKY

Howdy, Stampers!
     I love horses, and today's card is a shameless CASE from a post on Pinterest by Jacquelyne Laburda, an artist in British Columbia.  I shamelessly used the same colors on my background, which brings to my mind sunset in big sky country.  It's actually pretty simple to do, so let's get started!

Happy Stampin’!
Sue Duffy ~
mandsduffy@comcast.net

Details

• 1/4 sheet Glossy White CS (you can trim to 5 x 3-3/4 later); Basic Black CS 5-1/4 x 4 for mat; Whisper White Thick CS for base.
• Wet some large cotton balls (1 for each color) with rubbing alcohol (70% is fine) and add a drop of refill to each of Calypso Coral, Lovely Lipstick and Gorgeous Grape.  Lightly wipe or drag each color across the Glossy CS until you've achieved the look you want.  Try to avoid puddling and don't hesitate to practice on some Glossy CS scraps.  The cotton balls will stay wet for a while.
• When the glossy is dry, using the Stamparatus, stamp the galloping horse and the sentiment in Stazon.  The birds?  Well, I just added those to cover a mistake!  ;-D They are from the High Tide stamp set.
• Color the horse with Stampin' Blends and/or Markers - I used both.  Jacqueline used a Basic Black Marker on her horse, which online looked like Navy to me.  I decided to try Blends, first and ended up with a combination - trial and error - of Lovely Lipstick, Rich Razzleberry and Highland Heather Blends and Gorgeous Grape Marker - so you might want to do some experimenting with that, as well.  It seems that the Blends lighten up a little as they dry.
• I tied a piece of Black twine near the center fold and stamped the two grazing horses at the bottom right on the inside.

Products

Let It Ride Cling Stamp Set [148765]	8-1/2" X 11" Glossy White Cardstock [144240]	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045]	Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [122934]
Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [147164]	Lovely Lipstick Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [147179]	Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad [101406]	Stamparatus [146276]
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272]	Basic Black Solid Baker's Twine [141682]	Rich Razzleberry Dark Stampin' Blends Marker [144583]	Dark Lovely Lipstick Stampin' Blends Marker [147028]
Brights Stampin' Write Markers [147157]	Dark Highland Heather Stampin' Blends Marker [146883]