Last night was a pajama party and "monster" swap with 125 other demonstrators. I'm overwhelmed by all the beautiful artwork and ideas I received from my fellow demos. Karen Duke of Alberta, Canada, proved to be an elegant (and willing) pajama model.
Today's post highlights the card front I created for the swap (with the assistance of my daughter, Caroline) using Wings of Friendship (Hostess Rewards Level 2). Did you know that on-line orders qualify for Stampin' Up! Hostess Rewards? Team up with a few friends and take advantage of the free stamps and merchandise that Stampin' Up! offers beginning at $150 in product. Click here for details.
STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:
Making 125 card fronts is quite an undertaking. I offset a Very Vanilla square from the bird image layer to create an accent without having to add a more precise (full) mat.
- Punches (like the Large Oval and Scallop Oval used) make sentiments a snap.
- Textured backgrounds like the Finial Press (don't you love the exclusive Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folders?) add a big dose of "wow."
- A single rhinestone is all the bling this card needed. I used both the yellow and red Circle Rhinestones (all sizes) from the Fire collection.
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Stamp Set: Wings of Friendship (114308, Hostess Rewards Level 2)
Paper: More Mustard (100946), Ruby Red (102030), Very Vanilla (101650)
Ink: Ruby Red (102259)
Cool Tools: Big Shot Die Cut Machine (113439), Stampin' Up! Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (115963), Large Oval Punch (107305), Scallop Oval Punch (114889)
The Perfect Touch: Very Vanilla 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109055), Circle Rhinestone Brads (109110, Fire), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
Mary – I love your blog & this card is so pretty! I visit here several times a week, and your designs are so inspirational. Thanks for sharing what you love to do with us!
Hi Natalie:
Tips on the Texturz Plates. You can add a thin shim (a piece of card stock works) to tighten your sandwich pressure . . . only if it will go thru your die cutting maching comfortably. Please don’t force it. Or you can spritz water or alcohol on the card stock . . . this makes a pretty big difference. The advantage of alcohol is that the card stock doesn’t curl the way it does with water. I use water and keep it flat . . . but plan to try alcohol in the future.
Hugs,
M
Mary Fish, Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator
Stampin’ Pretty
6651 N. Paseo de Los Altos
Tucson, AZ 85704
www.stampinpretty.com
Hi Mary, your work is simply gorgeous! Quick question – how do you get the Texturz to show up so crisp on the cardstock? It seems when i do it, it’s not as crisp. I wonder if i’m not doing it right. I do it based on the instructions on the Big Shot template and always only put one sheet in. Thanks for your help! Have a blessed day. :o)
Karen was a total hoot . . . she couldn’t wait to see “herself” (not a blogger girl) once I posted. Hugs, M
Mary Fish, Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator
Stampin’ Pretty
6651 N. Paseo de Los Altos
Tucson, AZ 85704
www.stampinpretty.com
I love how you stamped your image on colored card stock.
Karen is rocking those jammies! Looks like a blast.
Not a grumpy postmaster . . . all homemade cardsl need to “clear” the slot . . . this can happen with other embellishments (brads, for example). To be sure, I usually take my cards to the post office or add extra postage so that I don’t risk something being returned or delivered with postage due. Another trick to keep things flatter is to put thin cardboard over the bumpy side. Sometimes it’s just enough to “smooth” things over.
Hugs,
Mary
Mary Fish, Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator
Stampin’ Pretty
6651 N. Paseo de Los Altos
Tucson, AZ 85704
www.stampinpretty.com
This is so simple and so beautiful, Mary! Great colors, too! Great collaboration!
What a beautiful swap Mary! I’m glad you are enjoying your trip, you most deserve Founder’s Circle!!! Nice picture of Karen too, cutie pajamas & slippers!!! Karen is my cousin, so its most exciting to see her on your blog!! TFS 🙂
I love this card, Mary. The sentiment is wonderful and so are the colors. Beautiful job!
What a beautiful card – love the colors – TFS!
Yet another gorgeous card, Mary; and, I have a question. In using many of your gorgeous designs, I’ve fallen in love with SU’s 5/8″ grosgrain ribbon. The USPS, however, does not like it. In dropping off cards at the PO a couple of times, I’ve had my cards rejected due to their thickness (the “bump” from the ribbon knot). They slip the cards through this plastic sheet with a slot in it and tell me if it’s thicker than that, it’s too thick. I tie them to look just like yours. Is anyone else having trouble or do I just have an extra grumpy post master? Any suggestions? Thanks!
Beautiful card, Mary! I love the colors and the embossing! I’m sure that you and Caroline had a blast!
Mary, that card is wonderful. Have a great time there. You deserve it.
Simply Delightful!!
Beautiful job, Mary. You always come up with the most striking color combinations. And I guess I’m going to have to add some of these impressions folders to my shopping list!
Mike
Can’t wait to see what you come up with once you’re back from the lovefest! I know that getting together with lots of creative people energizes the psyche. You go girl!
Very pretty Mary! Lovely sentiment. Have fun!!!
This is so pretty – hope you got lots of good things in return!
What a cute card! You must have loved spending so much time with Caroline! I always find projects a fun time.
Gorgeous swap Mary! Sounds like you’re having a great time!