Category Archives: Stamping

Darkroom Door Winner!

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Hello, crafters! Suzanne Czosek here with you today to announce the winner of the Darkroom Door prize package announced on my June 11th blog post, where I introduced you to this creative Australian company and their gorgeous photo-inspired products. Here’s an image of the prize:

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest. The winner, as chosen by Random.org, is Naomi, who said: “Absolutely fabulous examples of how to use Rachel’s products!!  Would love to be able to win some of them!!”

Congratulations, Naomi! We will be contacting you via email with more details.

Thanks for stopping by!

Suzanne Czosek from Suzz’s Stamping Spot (www.suzzstampingspot.blogspot.com)

 

A Face Without Freckles Card

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Create a one-of-a-kind card for your favorite little freckle face using an adorable stamp set and a variety of fun die-cut shapes.

Materials

  • Cardstock: My Favorite Things Hot Fudge, Whip Cream; X-Press It Blending Card; scraps of gold and yellow
  • October Afternoon 8”x8” Paper Pads: Sasparilla Collection, Farmhouse Collection
  • American Crafts Brown Brads

Tools

  • Die-cutting system and My Favorite Things Die-namics Dies: Circle STAX 1 and 2, Woodgrain Fence, Notched Tag
  • My Favorite Things Pure Innocence Collection Freckles Stamp Set
  • Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad
  • .Too Marker Corp. COPIC Markers: E00, E11, BV000, R20, YG93, YG95, Y21, E31, E35, W1, W3
  • Stampin’ Up! Chocolate Chip Stampin’ Write Marker
  • Adhesives: paper adhesive; X-Press It Foam Tape, 1/2”

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, detail scissors, ruler, pencil, paper piercer and mat

Directions

STEP 1

Make 4-1/4”x5-1/2” brown top-fold card.

STEP 2

Cut three 1-1/4”x3” strips of blue diamond paper and adhere evenly spaced across top half of card front.

STEP 3

Cut and adhere 4”x1-1/2” striped paper strip to bottom of card front.

STEP 4

Die cut 2-7/8” STAX Circle from brown cardstock and 2-3/4” STAX Circle from yellow patterned paper; layer and adhere over blue diamond strips.

STEP 5

Die cut two Woodgrain Fence pieces, one from brown cardstock and one from woodgrain paper. Adhere woodgrain fence to cardstock fence, slightly offset. Trim to 4” long and set aside.

STEP 6

Die cut three yellow flowers and two gold flowers using Notched Tag die set. Position flowers on fence and pierce holes through all layers for brads; insert brads. Using a ruler and Chocolate Chip marker, draw stems and leaves for flowers. Set aside.

STEP 7

Stamp sentiment onto cream cardstock; trim and mat on brown cardstock. Adhere strip to card as shown. Adhere fence to card.

STEP 8

Stamp girl image onto Blending Card. Using photo as guide, color skin, hair, hair clip, and shoes with markers. Stamp pants onto denim paper; detail cut pants and adhere to main image. Stamp shirt onto floral paper; cut out and adhere to image. Detail cut entire image and adhere to card over fence and circle, placing foam tape beneath head to level layers.

Tip

  • Look online for COPIC coloring tutorials for different skin and hair color combinations.

by Michele Boyer (www.papercuts.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com)

Garden Markers

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Stamp clay garden markers to keep track of your plants this year while adding a touch of class to your garden décor.

Materials

  • Oven-bake polymer clay, in color of choice
  • Copper wire: 10-gauge, 36” lengths, two; 18-gauge, 24” length
  • Bead of choice, 1⁄4”

Tools

  • Stamps of choice (designer used script wording, dragonfly, flowers, and grass)
  • Metallic rub-on finish, in color of choice
  • Acrylic brayer or rolling pin
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet and oven
  • Clay-dedicated pasta machine (optional)

Basic Supplies

toothpick, craft knife, pliers

Directions

STEP 1

Follow manufacturer’s instructions to condition clay; roll to 1⁄4” thickness. For each sign, cut two rectangles of desired size (1-3⁄4”x2” shown in photo); shape edges as desired by pressing with fingers

STEP 2

Stamp one rectangle. Indent wording of choice with toothpick. Apply rub-on finish.

STEP 3

For stake-style marker as shown on right in photo, press 10-gauge wire length against remaining rectangle, leaving portion of wire above and below rectangle. Place stamped rectangle on top, matching edges; press together. Apply additional rub-on finish to sides.

STEP 4

For double hanging-style marker as shown on left in photo, slide bead onto 18-gauge wire length. Position and press wire length against two remaining rectangles, leaving portion of wire above and below rectangles and small portion with bead between them. Place stamped rectangles on top of rectangles, matching edges; press together. Apply additional rub-on finish to sides.

STEP 5

Bake at 265° for 25 minutes. Let cool. Use pliers to shape wire as desired.

STEP 6

For hanging post, use Figure 1 as guide to shape post from 10-gauge wire. Hang marker.

Figure 1

by Linda Welsh-Peterson

Bunting Flag Necklace

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Recently my friend, Ann Butler, sent me these fun stamps from her new stamp line “Faux Quilting” from Unity Stamps. I love to stamp on fabric and decided they would be perfect for creating patterns on scrap pieces I found in my stash.

I gathered some fabric, a new stabilizer I am trying out called Phoomph for Fabric from Coats and Clark, some Staz-on ink, and an iron.

The stamps are available in a variety of patterns. I used the 1” stamps “Diamonds and Plaid” and “Leaves All Over.” To stamp, simply mount the stamps on an acrylic block. Apply Staz-on ink and stamp onto fabric several times.

Once I started stamping, I got the idea to create a bunting flag necklace. So I stamped onto the fabric several times. Keep the stamped images close together so that you will have plenty of room to cut out triangle shapes for the bunting flags.

Phoomph is very easy to use. Simply peel the top layer of paper away and apply to the wrong side of the fabric. Phoomph is a double-sided adhesive fabric stabilizer. I used it for the necklace to give the bunting flags more body since I was creating a necklace. I left the back side of the paper on. Make yourself a simple bunting flag template by cutting out a simple triangle shape from a scrap piece of cardstock, cardboard, etc. I used the Phoomph packaging.

Use the template to trace and cut out several bunting flags.

To finish the edges, use a sewing machine and thread to sew a straight stitch on the edges. Sew directly through the fabric, stabilizer and paper on the back. I used black thread for contrast. Use a heavy-duty hole punch to punch two holes for stringing on the edges of the bunting flags.

Decide how long you want your bunting flag necklace to be. Cut a length of black satin cord and string on bunting flags by inserting one end through the right hole on the flag and working front to back, then back to front. Once I got my bunting flags strung on the cording, I decided that they needed to be a little heavier so they would stay in place while being worn on a necklace. I glued pennies to the back of each one using tacky glue.

To complete the bunting flag necklace stamped with Ann Butler’s Unity Stamps, attach a looped finding on the end of the satin cording.

Live Life Creatively,

 

 

 

Melony Bradley (www.mel-designs.typepad.com)

Great Finds Friday: Books

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Welcome to Great Finds Friday! Before we take a look at some fun craft books on the market, and give them away to three lucky readers, I want to announce the winners of the Zoom Creative Products prize package offered on the May 10th blog post. The winners of the Coloring Glitter Kits, as chosen by Random.org, are:

Terry Fowler, Sharon Gullikson, April Lopez and Shirley Hutchins

The winners of the StickPiction Magical Glitter Craft Kits for kids are:

Natasha Poteraj, Marilyn Tucker, Nancy Siebert and Donna W.

Congratulations, winners! I will contact you with more prize info via email.

Zoom Creative Products has generously offered Crafts ‘n things readers an exclusive 50% discount on any order placed through June 30th! When you place your order, enter coupon code cnt and hit “apply” to get the discount.

Now, here are three craft titles available in your local book or craft store that will introduce you to the art of hand-carved stamps. Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win; winners will be announced here on June 7th.

Put Your Stamp On It: Stationery, Aprons, Totes, and More by Meagan Lewis, Chronicle Books, (www.chroniclebooks.com), ISBN: 9781452115719.

Stationery lovers, paper crafters, hand-printing enthusiasts and anyone looking to make personalized gifts will love the simple, colorful projects found in this book. From hand-stamped gift wrap, journals, and cards, to towels, totes, aprons, and hair accessories, each project is presented in the author’s engaging, easy style. Filled with templates and extra tips, Put Your Stamp On It is a great reference for beginners and experienced hand-carvers alike. The author includes excellent guidance on materials and tools, how to clean and care for hand-carved stamps, how to create your own custom color palette, and more. Artsy and inspiring chapters include Decorations, Gifts, Accessories, and Organizers. Project #13, the whisk-stamped Kitchen Apron, belongs in every crafty girl’s kitchen! Put Your Stamp On It retails for $19.95.

Stamp It! DIY Printing with Handmade Stamps: 45 Projects + 200 Motifs by Jenny Doh, Lark Crafts (www.larkcrafts.com), ISBN: 9781454703990.

Author Jenny Doh, former editor of Somerset Studio magazine and President and Founder of www.crescendoh.com, invites every crafter to expand the creative horizon through the versatile art form of stamping. In the opening chapter, Basics, Doh writes: “With a single stamp, you can customize stationery, embellish a tote bag, create a card, or personalize wrapping paper. You can design wedding invitations, print on T-shirts, or make unique placemats for your kids. You don’t have to take a single art class or know how to sketch. All you need is a stamp, ink, and a surface.”  In addition to giving great tips and techniques for rubber stamping, Doh also teaches that it’s easier than you think to carve and work with custom stamps.  The eclectic motifs included in the book, approximately 20 each from Jenny’s hand-selected group of contributors, can be used in countless ways on countless surfaces. Stamp It!  retails for $19.95.

I Heart Stationery: Fresh Inspirations for Handcrafted Cards, Note Cards, Journals & Other Paper Goods by Charlotte Rivers, Universe Publishing, an imprint of Rizzoli New York (www.rizzoliusa.com), ISBN:9780789324887.

I Heart Stationery presents work by stationery-industry designers from around the world, showcasing a number of different processes including screen printing, block printing, letterpress, hand illustrating and more. Block printing is the process of inking a design that has been carved into wood, linoleum, cork, rubber, vinyl or foam. Rivers tells readers that the art form originated in China and India and has been used for centuries to print images and patterns onto fabric. Gather all that knowledge and use it to create your own modern, hand-carved stamps, using the designs in this book as inspiration, or visit the blogs and websites of the included designers to purchase these texture-rich, visually exciting paper goods.  Rivers’ fabulous Resources section includes a list of suppliers for various techniques, popular blogs and online communities, tradeshows, and details of the contributors and where to find their crafts. I Heart Stationery retails for $24.95.

I’d like to send these beautiful books to three lucky winners! Leave a comment for a chance to win. We’ll announce the randomly-selected winners here on June 7th.

Happy Crafting!

Dawn Gehring, Crafts ‘n things Editorial Staff

Congratulations Class of 2013

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Use leftover pieces from a graduation-themed scrapbook kit to create cards or photo gifts for your favorite grads. This card design would make a fun mini album cover, too!

 Materials

  • Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Starburst Metallic, Papertrey Ink Stamper’s Select White
  • Me & My BIG Ideas Graduation mambiKIT
  • Therm O Web Gold Glitter Dust Photo Corners

Tools

  • Papertrey Ink For The Graduate Clear Stamp Set
  • Acrylic block
  • Ink Pads: Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Black Soot, Tsukineko Memento Paris Dusk
  • Therm O Web XL Permanent Tape Runner

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, pencil, scoring tool, sponge dauber

Directions

STEP 1

Make 5”x5-1/2” Starburst Metallic side-fold card.

STEP 2

Cut patterned paper slightly smaller than card front.

STEP 3

Use Paris Dusk ink to stamp “Class of 2013” onto White cardstock; see Tip at end of instructions. Trim stamped image to width of paper; adhere strip. Sponge panel edges with Black Soot ink. Adhere panel to card.

STEP 4

Adhere “Congratulations” sticker to card as shown. Trim glittered photo corner to fit end of sticker, creating arrow shape. Adhere chipboard stars and graduation cap stickers as shown.

Tip

  • Stamp numbers individually to make them fit within brackets, and use school colors for background cardstock and stamping. Most papers in kit are neutral and will work with any school colors.

by Alice Golden (www.alicegolden.com)

Stamped Ribbon Grad Frame

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Create a special graduation keepsake for a loved one. An inexpensive frame and simple ribbon can be stamped to express your sentiments!

Materials

  • Flat wooden frame, 6-1⁄2″x8-1⁄2″
  • Cardstock: graduation-themed; leather texture, black
  • Black ribbon, 1⁄2″ wide, two each: 6-1⁄2″, 8-1⁄2″
  • Photo of choice

Tools

  • Stamps: diploma, graduation cap, lowercase alphabet
  • Wood primer
  • Black acrylic paint
  • Metallic gold ink pad
  • Adhesives: Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue, adhesive mounting squares

Basic Supplies

scissors, paintbrush, sandpaper, soft cloth

Directions

STEP 1

Apply primer to frame; let dry. Sand and wipe dust with soft cloth. Basecoat frame black.

STEP 2

Place frame front on back side of graduation-themed paper. Trace and cut around frame; adhere to frame.

STEP 3

Use alphabet stamp and ink pad to stamp “congrats” on both 6-1⁄2” and 8-1⁄2” ribbon lengths. Adhere ribbon around frame opening.

STEP 4

Cut two 2″ squares of leather paper; adhere back sides together. Use ink pad and diploma and graduation cap to stamp both images. Cut out images; apply mounting squares to back. Adhere cap and diploma to frame as shown. Insert photo.

Tip

  • To personalize your frame, stamp the bottom ribbon with the year or the graduate’s name.

by Debbie Rines for Duncan Enterprises

Mother’s Day Butterfly Card

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Butterflies are a symbol of good things to come, so make sure this one lands in Mom’s mailbox this Mother’s Day.

Materials

  • Cardstock: cream, pink, light blue
  • Crystal adhesive gem

Tools

  • PSA Essentials Peel & Stick Stamp Sets: Cupcake, Topiary
  • PSA Essentials Stamper Body and Black Ink Cartridge
  • Die-cutting system and Spellbinders Nestabilities Standard Circles SM Dies
  • Brown ink pad
  • Markers: pink, green, light blue
  • Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents
  • Adhesives: paper adhesive, foam dots

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, ruler, pencil, sponge dauber

Directions

STEP 1

Make 3-1/2”x5” light blue side-fold card; sponge edges with brown ink.

STEP 2

Cut smaller cream cardstock panel, sponge edges with brown ink, and adhere to card.

STEP 3

Stamp butterfly and dot circle image from Cupcake set onto cream cardstock. Color image with markers and die cut into small circle. Die cut larger pink cardstock circle. Sponge edges of both circles with brown ink; adhere circles together. Adhere butterfly motif to card with foam dots.

STEP 4

Stamp black sentiment in center of card as shown; adhere gem as shown.

STEP 5

Carefully coat butterfly image with Glossy Accents; let dry.

Tip

  • For a little more sparkle, highlight the butterfly’s wings with glitter glue instead of Glossy Accents.

by Vera Winters Yates for PSA Essentials (www.psastampcamp.blogspot.com)

Blooming Cards For Mom

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Create multiple Mother’s Day card looks using just a few supplies and PSA Essentials’ Topiary Peel & Stick Stamp Set.

Materials

  • Cardstock: white, pink, light blue
  • BoBunny Press Country Garden Collection Charm Paper
  • Scrap paper
  • White adhesive pearls

Tools

  • Stamps: PSA Essentials Topiary Peel & Stick Set, Papertrey Ink Fillable Frames #10 Set
  • PSA Essentials Stamper Body
  • Die-cutting system
  • Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities Standard Circles SM, Papertrey Ink Fillable Frames #10, My Favorite Things Die-namics Little Open Scallop Strip
  • Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads: Worn Lipstick, Shabby Shutters, Tumbled Glass
  • Adhesives: paper adhesive, foam dots

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, detail scissors, ruler, pencil, sponge dauber

Directions

STEP 1

Make 4-1/4”x5-1/2” white top-fold card. Determine vertical or horizontal orientation.

STEP 2

For vertical card, cut smaller white cardstock panel. Cut slightly larger pink cardstock mat; set aside.

STEP 3

Stamp flower from Topiary set a few times onto scrap paper; detail cut flower group to use as mask. Using mask, stamp flower repeatedly in different colors onto white cardstock panel.

STEP 4

Adhere panels together and to card. Cut thin green Charm paper strip to same width as stamped panel; adhere to card.

STEP 5

Stamp Worn Lipstick sentiment onto white cardstock; die cut/emboss into small circle. Lightly sponge circle with Tumbled Glass ink before removing template. Adhere circle to card with foam dots.

STEP 6

For horizontal card, cut striped Charm paper panel slightly smaller than card front; adhere to card. Die cut scalloped strip from light blue cardstock, trim to width of striped panel, and adhere to card.

STEP 7

Stamp Tumbled Glass frame image onto white cardstock; die cut frame. Stamp Worn Lipstick sentiment inside frame; adhere to card.

STEP 8

Stamp three Worn Lipstick flowers onto white cardstock scraps. Detail cut flowers and curl slightly with fingers to add dimension. Adhere pearl to each flower center. Adhere centers of two flowers directly to frame edge, leaving petals free. Adhere center of third flower to card with foam dot.

Tip

  • If you only need one or two Mother’s Day cards, use up the remaining paper scraps to create birthday, thank you, or congratulations cards. Just stamp an appropriate sentiment.

by Vera Winters Yates for PSA Essentials (www.psastampcamp.blogspot.com)

Flowers For Mom Card

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Stamp and watercolor a masterpiece for Mother’s Day or Mom’s next birthday.

Materials

  • Stampin’ Up! Cardstock: So Saffron, Chocolate Chip
  • STAEDTLER Watercolor Paper
  • My Mind’s Eye Indie Chic Ginger Collection 6”x6” Paper Pad

Tools

  • Sizzix Big Shot Die-Cutting System
  • Spellbinders Edgeabilities Classic Scallop Die
  • Our Daily Bread Designs Stamp Sets: Happy Birthday, Mom
  • Ranger Ink Pads: Archival Jet Black, Tim Holtz Distress Gathered Twigs
  • STAEDTLER Ergo-Soft Aquarell Watercolor Pencils
  • Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Acrylic Grid Blocks
  • Scor-Pal Scor-Pal Scoring Board
  • Ranger Inkssentials Tools: Ink Blending Tool, Craft Nibs, Craft Nib Holder
  • Inky Antics Gamsol (odorless mineral spirits)
  • Adhesives: paper adhesive, foam dots, Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, pencil, stamp cleaner, non-stick craft sheet

Directions

STEP 1

Make 5-1/2”x4-1/4” gold top-fold card. Sponge edges Gathered Twigs using Ink Blending Tool.

STEP 2

Cut smaller panel from desired paper, sponge edges Gathered Twigs, and mat on brown cardstock. Adhere to card.

STEP 3

Cut paper strip same width as patterned panel, sponge edges Gathered Twigs, and mat on brown cardstock. Die cut brown border strip, trim, and adhere to back bottom edge of layered strip. Stamp Jet Black sentiment and adhere strip to card.

STEP 4

Stamp Jet Black watering can image onto watercolor paper. Using photo as guide, outline individual sections of image using watercolor pencils. To blend colors, dip edge of blending nib into Gamsol, then pull color into desired areas using circular motion. Repeat until entire image is colored.

STEP 5

Using paper trimmer, trim image down so only a few portions extend beyond edge. Detail cut those portions of image.

STEP 6

Sponge edges of image panel Gathered Twigs. Mat on brown cardstock and adhere to card with foam dots.

Tip

  • Create a coordinating fresh floral centerpiece for Mom inside a new watering can. It’s always fun to have new garden tools.

by Lisa Somerville (www.lisasomerville.com)