PENCILING IN SANTA FOR CHRISTMAS - A STAMP HAPPY HOLIDAYS POST

Hi Stampers! 

I have been going through my craft room drawers and cabinets, tossing out some things that just need to go; an almost empty bottle of glue that stopped being glue long ago, an empty embossing powder container- I am certain I kept it for a good reason, tiny scraps of cardstock I have no clue why I saved, a stack of notes and sketches I made years ago, etc.  As I continued my purge I came across supplies and tools I have not used in some time. One of the supplies was colored pencils. I have not used them in forever! I decided now is a good as time as any to put those pencils to work. I am by no means an expert on using colored pencils, but I am happy with the results. Let’s take a look at the sample cards:

For the cards I decided to use whimsical images and I felt the 4 1/4” square size was perfect for Santa and the reindeer! I created the background with Distress Oxide Spray (Tumbled Glass) and a spritz of water.

VIDEO

PENCILING IN SANTA FOR CHRISTMAS

USING COLORED PENCILS

So, how does one go about using colored pencils? I just pick them up and start coloring! Sometimes I color in small circular strokes. Other time I use long or short horizontal strokes. Are either of those techniques optimal or even correct? I have no clue! As I stated earlier, I am no expert. I tend to get the color on the page, then I go back and add more color if needed. Lastly I use something to smooth out and blend the color. This seems to work for me. 

SUPPLIES I USED FOR THIS TECHNIQUE

* COLORED PENCILS

As I am a card maker and not a professional artist I use lower end colored pencils - mostly. I am talking Crayola, Rose Art, and some that appear to be a generic no name brand. I think they actually belong to my grandson. Come to think of it most of my colored pencils belong to or were purchased for use by my grandchildren! I do have some Prismacolor pencils. The color goes on easily, and the pencils are reasonably priced. For today’s cards I used  Prismacolor®️, Crayola®️,  Rose Art®️, and the no name pencils. The Prismacolor and Crayola seemed to glide a bit more smoothly over the paper than the other two brands. I was able to get a really good blend with all 4 brands of pencils

There are many other brands and types of colored pencils. Some are oil based, others are water soluble like watercolor pencils. 

* PENCIL SHARPENER 

* BLENDING METHOD

Blending colors together or smoothing out the coloring is easy with colored pencils, and it really adds a nice finish to the image. When it comes to blending you have several choices.

1. Blending Pencil - this is a colored pencil with no color lead, so to speak. If you do not have a blending pencil you can use a white colored pencil or a color a shed lighter than the image to blend.

2. Blending Pen - a marker with a colorless solution usually alcohol based. If you have a Copic®️ colorless marker or a Stampin’ Up!®️ Stampin’Blends Color Lifter those will work. Prismacolor also makes a blender pen. If you do not have a blending pen you can use isopropyl alcohol with a blending stump (sort of a paper pencil) or small paint brush. If the alcohol fumes bother you remember to ventilate your area by opening a window, turning on the ceiling fan or a portable fan.

3. Gamsol - this is an orderless mineral spirit. It has been refined to remove as many of the pollutants as possible to reduce negative effects to the respiratory system. Odorless does not mean it has no smell, and it does not mean fume-less.  Use it with some ventilation -open a window or turn on a ceiling fan or portable fan if you fine the fumes bother you.  I pour a bit in a small jar I labeled and dedicate specifically to odorless mineral spirits. Having just a small amount sitting out while I use it seems to cut down on the fumes. When I finish I put the lid on the jar and put it on the shelf next to the bottle it came from until next time. Gamsol can be a bit on the pricey side, but if you keep the lid on tightly it will last quite a while. An alternative is to use regular odorless mineral spirits you can buy anywhere you purchase house paint. There is usually some around my house for cleaning paint brushes and the like. 

Apply the Gamsol with a blending stump or small paint brush.

INK

The blending method used will determine the type of ink used to stamp the image.  The best choice is Memento Tuxedo Black or any ink you use with alcohol markers. These work just fine with the blender pens, colorless alcohol markers, alcohol, and Gamsol / mineral spirits. 

Avoid solvent inks, archival inks, etc.

The blending pencil works fine with any ink.

HO HO HO SANTA CARD

SUPPLIES I USED

* Stamp Sets - Santa Paws (& dies), Joyful Greetings, Fresh Snow (dies)

* Card base - 8 1/2” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 4 1/4” (Balmy Blue)

* Mat layer - 4 1/8” x 4 1/8” (Basic Black)

* Focal panel - 4” x 4” (Basic White)

* Inside panel - 4” x 4” (Basic White)

* Other cardstock for stamping and die cutting (Basic White)

* Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black

* Colored pencils - Peach, Green, Poppy, Red, Cherry Red

* Blending method - Odorless mineral spirits and blending stumps

* Background - Distress Oxide Spray (Tumbled Glass) + water

* Adhesive and dimensionals

CHEERY CHRISTMAS REINDEER

SUPPLIES I USED

* Stamp Sets - Warm & Toasty, Fresh Snow (dies)

* Card base - 8 1/2” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 4 1/4” (Real Red)

* Mat - 4 1/8” square (Basic Black)

* Focal panel  4” square (Basic White)

* Inside panel 4” square (Basic White)

* Other cardstock - white and red for stamping and die cutting

* Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black 

* Pencils - Tan, Black, Red, Cherry Red, Pink, Brown, Light Brown

* Blending method blending pencil

* Background - Distress Oxide Spray (Tumbled Glass) + water

* Circle dies - Stylish Shapes

* Adhesive and dimensionals

NOTE - the images and greetings I used on my cards are retired, but may be available through eBay and other such outlets. I encourage you to use stamps and dies you already have and create your version of these cards.

COLORED PENCIL CARDS

I enjoyed getting to know my colored pencils again. I have a feeling I will pull them out more frequently now. I had forgotten how enjoyable it is to use different media to add color to stamped images. So, what supplies have been sitting on your shelves just waiting to be rediscovered? Why not put them to work for you?

Thank you for stopping by. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

Supply Sources:

Cardstock - Stampin’ Up! (All colors current)

Stamp set - Warm & Toasty ©️1990-2024 Stampin’ Up! (Retired)

Dies - Stylish Shapes (current)

Stamp sets & Dies - Santa Paws, Joyful Greetings, Fresh Snow ©️2012 Paper Smooches®️ (all retired)

CASEing the 50’s Part 2 - A RETRO LAYOUT FOR HOLIDAY CARDS; A STAMP HAPPY HOLIDAYS POST

Hi Stampers!

Last week I recreated my version of Christmas cards from around 1950  -1960. For me the project was a very satisfying creative exercise, and it resulted in a few more cards I can add to my 2024 stash! The inspiration for today’s cards is another 50’s era card, but instead of focusing on the card as a whole the focus is on the layout! When I saw this card I knew I wanted to make cards using that layout!!! Let’s take a look at the cards:

VIDEO

A RETRO LAYOUT FOR HOLIDAY CARDS

This is my version of the original card:

NEW YEAR CHEER CARD

To view the original card click HERE.

Since I had no physical access to the original card, I have no idea if my measurements are equal to the original. I do think the measurements I came up with closely represents the original.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Cardstock colors - Basic Black, Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Poppy Parade (all from Stampin’ Up!®️)

* Inks - Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Shaded Spruce, and Memento Tuxedo Black (all available through Stampin’ Up!)

* Stamp Sets - Stars Are Shining, Be Jolly By Golly, Framed & Festive, Cheers to the Year (Stampin’ Up!), Cocktails & Dreams (Visible Image ®️)

MAGICAL SNOWMAN CARD

This is my recreation of the card layout.  The asymmetrically cut pieces of cardstock were cut one on top of the other to insure the edges would meet up seamlessly on the card. I used the card base as a mat for the layout. Once the symmetrical pieces are cut there are enough for two cards. Simply cut two card bases and two of the strips that go along the bottom of the layout.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Cardstock - Granny Apple Green, Balmy Blue, Blueberry Bushel, Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Inks - Granny Apple Green, Balmy Blue, Pecan Pie, Memento Tuxedo Black; Stampin’ Blends (alcohol ink markers) - Pumpkin Pie (light) - (All from Stampin’ Up!)

* Stamps - Snowman Magic and coordinating dies (Stampin’ Up!)

WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS LAYOUT

(ORIGINAL VERSION)

(Correction - for two cards you will need 2 strips of cardstock cut at 4” x 1”.)

* Card base - Cardstock cut 2 at  8 1/2” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 4 1/4” along the 8 1/2” side 

*  Strip for layout - Cardstock  cut 2 at 4” x 1” (I used an embossing folder to add texture to this piece)

* Asymetrical piece #1 - Cardstock cut at 4” x 3” 

* Asymetrical piece #2 - Cardstock cut at 4” x 3”

   NOTE - If you plan to stamp a greeting on the card front, one of the of the asymetrical pieces should be white or a light color of cardstock.

* Inside panel - Cardstock - white or light color cut at 4” x 4”

* Other - Stamps for greetings and images, punches, dies, coloring medium, adhesives of choice

CUTTING THE ASYMETRICAL PIECES

* On one of the 4” x 3” pieces of cardstock measure and mark with a pencil at the 1 1/4” point along the 4” side (top left)

* Now on the other 4” side measure over and mark at 1 1/4” (bottom right)

* Place the second 4” x 3” piece of cardstock behind the on you just marked, be sure they are lined up as best you can

* Place the two pieces of cardstock on a trimmer line up the two marks in the cutting track, and cut.

* You will have two sets of pieces  - enough for two cards - be sure to line the up so the two different colored panels form a 4” x 3” rectangle

PUTTING THE LAYOUT TOGETHER

* Complete any stamping on the panels before adhering them to the card base. Punched out or die cut images can be added once the layout is completed

* Place the 2 symmetrical pieces on the card base leaving an even border all around

* Once you are satisfied with the placement, remove one piece at a time, place adhesive on the backside of the piece and adhere it in place. I find it easier to start with the 4” x 1” strip. Repeat the process for the remaining pieces.

FINISHING THE CARD

* Stamp sentiment and or images on inside panel, then adhere it to the inside off the card

* Add any embellishment and other final touches to the card.

* This square card will fit inside an A-2 size envelope (Stampin’ Up!®️ Medium Envelopes)

THREE VARIATIONS FOR MORE OPTIONS

Now let’s take the original layout and modify it a bit to create three similar, but different layouts!

POLAR BEAR GREETINGS CARD

SUPPLIES I USED

* Cardstock - Blueberry Bushel, Azure Afternoon, Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black, Blueberry Bushel, Azure Afternoon; Stampin’ Blends - Azure Afternoon (light & dark), Shy Shamrock (light & dark), Bubble Bath (light), Basic Black (dark); Wink of Stella (all from Stampin’ Up!)

* Embellishment - Adhesive backed snowflakes

* Stamps - Warm & Toasty, Holly Jolly Wishes (Stampin’ Up!)

WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS LAYOUT

(4 1/4” SQUARE - MODIFIED - NO STRIP)

This variation of the layout simply changes the size of the cardstock for the asymetrical pieces to 4” x 4”, and omits the 4” x 1” strip along the bottom. Create the asymmetrical pieces as directed for the original layout. You will have enough asymmetrical pieces for two cards. 

CHRISTMAS TREE TRIO CARD

For this card I adjusted the original layout to fit an A-2 card front. 

SUPPLIES I USED

* Cardstock - Basic Black, Basic White, Parakeet Party, Summer Splash, Shy Shamrock, Pretty Peacock, Poppy Parade, Pecan Pie (Stampin’ Up!)

* Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Pretty Peacock, Shy Shamrock, Summer Splash (Stampin’ Up!)

* Stamps - Tree Angle, Snowman Magic (Stampin’ Up!)

This version of the layout is created in a similar manner to the original with the following exceptions:

* Cut the cardstock pieces as directed above. For an A-2 card - cut cardstock at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” score and fold at 4 1/4”

* Mark one piece of the 5 1/4” x 3” pieces of cardstock at 2” along the top left on the 5 1/4” side, and do the same on the bottom right. Place the second piece of 5 1/4” x 3” cardstock under the one you marked. Place the cardstock pieces in a trimmer with the two marks lined up on the cutting track, and cut.

JOYOUS CANDLES CARD

This version of the layout adjusts the size of the asymmetrical cardstock pieces, and does not use the 5 1/4” x 1” cardstock strip.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Cardstock - Basic Black, Basic White, Parakeet Party (Stampin’ Up!)

* Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black; Stampin’ Blends - Poppy Parade (light & dark), Parakeet Party (light & dark), Pretty In Pink (light & dark), Smoky Slate (light), Pumpkin Pie (light), Daffodil Delight (light), Lemon Lolly (light & dark); Wink of Stella (from Stampin’ Up!)

* Stamps - God’s Peace (Stampin’ Up!)

For this version of the layout 

* Cut the cardstock for the asymmetrical pieces at 5 1/4” x 4” 

* Mark one piece of the 5 1/4” x 4” cardstock as directed for the previous card

FOUR VARIATIONS OF ONE LAYOUT

I hope you give one or more of these layout options a try. Each adds a festive look to Holiday cards, or cards for any occasion! Thank you so much for stopping by today. Next week’s Stamp Happy Holiday project will be a fun fold card featuring a Christmas tree!  Hope to see you then! Until next time…

Stamp Happy!

Kim

NOTE - I list cardstock colors, ink colors, and the names of stamp sets I use as a reference only.  Most of the Stampin’ Up sets I use are retired. I encourage you to use supplies you have on hand to create your version of the sample cards.

Cocktails & Dreams stamp set by Visible Image®️

See it HERE.

All other stamps ©️1990- 2024 Stampin’ Up!®️

To view current Stampin’ Up! products click HERE.

LAZY DAISY - CARDS SO SIMPLE THEY ALMOST MAKE THEMSELVES! FEATURING FRESH AS A DAISY DSP FROM STAMPIN’ UP!

Hi Stampers!

Today we will take a look at the Fresh As A Daisy Suite from Stampin’ Up! ®️ This suite of products is part of the Stampin’ Up! 2023 Annual Catalog. It includes the Cheerful Daisies Bundle (stamp set & dies), the Adhesive Back Solid Gems in Copper Clay, Boho Blue, and Lemon Lolly, and Fresh as a Daisy DSP (Designer Series Paper). The DSP color scheme features all the 2023-2025 In Colors (Copper Clay, Wild Wheat, Boho Blue, Moody Mauve, and Pebbled Path),  as well as three new core colors (Azure Afternoon, Bubble Bath, and Lemon Lolly), one returning color (Pretty Peacock), and others from the core colors!

I like all the components of this suite, but my favorite is the DSP, especially a specific sheet of the DSP. In my last post used designs from one pack of paper to create cards. For today’s post I used just one particular sheet of DSP, and made 10 cards! Let’s take a look:

Here is the sheet of DSP I used to create the cards:

To see all the patterns in this paper collection, page down a bit and view this post’s corresponding video.

Below are photos of the other items included in the suite:

CHEERFUL DAISY BUNDLE

(STAMP SET + DIES)

ADHESIVE- BACKED SOLID GEMS

(LEMON LOLLY, BOHO BLUE, & COPPER CLAY)

As mentioned earlier the color scheme for the Fresh As A Daisy DSP this suite includes the 2023-2025

In Colors: Boho Blue, Copper Clay, Moody Mauve, Pebbled Path, anWild Wheat.

2023-2025 IN COLORS

From top left - Boho Blue, copper Clay, Pebbled Path; Bottom Row - Moody Mauve & Wild Wheat

Inks, ink refills, Stampin’ Write Marker, Stampin’ Blends, Cardstock, Ribbon, adhesive backed dots, 6” x 6” DSP, and Luster Specialty Paper all come in the new  2023-2025 In Color colors!w

 So much color coordination makes card making a breeze!

VIDEO

LAZY DAISY- CARDS SO EASY THEY PRACTICALLY 

MAKE THEMSELVES FEATURING FRESH AS A DAISY DSP

SUPPLY LISTS & MEASUREMENTS FOR THE CARDS

GROUP 1

STAMPING DIRECTLY ON THE DSP

YOU MADE MY DAY CARD

SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD

* Cheerful Daisies stamp set

* Fresh As A Daisy DSP

* Card base - Early Espresso - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2”  scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Inside Panel # Basic White 5 1/4” x 4”

* Ink - Early Espresso and Wink of Stella (to go over flower centers)

* Rustic Metallic Adhesive - Backed Dots - 5

* Adhesive

HOPING FOR BETTER DAYS CARD

SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD

* Lasting Joy stamp set and On the Ocean stamp set

* Fresh As A Daisy DSP

* Card base - Azure Afternoon - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Mat Layer - Basic White 5 3/8” x 4 1/8”

* Inside Panel - Basic White 5 1/4” x 4”

* Ink - Pebbled Path

* Brushed Metallic Dots - Gold, 5

* Adhesive

SOME PEOPLE CARD

SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD

* Cottage Wreath stamp set

* Card base - Very Vanilla (thick) 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/2

* Mat - Blueberry Bushel cardstock 4 1/4” x 3 1/4”

* Fresh As A Daisy DSP

* Inks - Pebbled Path, Gray Granite, and Blueberry Bushel

* Sponge Dauber (use with Gray Granite ink to sponge around edges of DSP)

* Embossing Folder - Timber 3-D

* Adhesive, Dimensionals (use to pop up matted focal panel)

GROUP 2

ADDING DIE CUTS AND DIMENSIONALS

BRIGHTEST DAISY BIRTHDAY

SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD

* Cheerful Daisies stamp set

* Card base - Boho Blue 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Inside panel - Basic White 5” x 3 3/4” plus a scrap for greeting

* Fresh As A Daisy DSP

* Inks - Boho Blue (stamp 3 small Davies and their centers in the lower left corner of the inside panel), Versa Mark, and White embossing powder; Stampin’ Blends - Boho Blue (dark) - use to color rhinestones

* Embossing Additions Tool Kit (optional) and heat tool

* Deckled Rectangles Dies - smallest

* Textured Ribbon - Boho Blue5. 1/2” - 5 3/4”

* Rhinestones Basic Jewels - 5

* Adhesive and dimensionals (to pop up sentiment)

BIRTHDAY WISHES CARD

SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD

* Lasting Joy stamp set

* Cheerful Daisies Dies

* Card base - Garden Green cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Inside mat - Basic White cut at 5 1/4 x 4”

* Mat - Pebbled Path cut at 5 3/8” x 4 1/8”

* Sentiment mat - Pebbled Path - 3 1/8”  x 2 1/8” 

* Fresh As A Daisy DSP

* Scraps of Basic White, Daffodil Delight, and Garden Green to die cut flower

* Ink - Pebbled Path

* 2023 - 2025 In Color Fots - Pebbled Path - 3

* Adhesive and Dimensionals (took up focal panel and the center of the die cut daisy 

HAPPY RAINY DAY CARD

SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD

* Playing In The Rain  Bundle (stamp set and dies) and Cheerful Daisies stamp set (inside greeting)

* Card base - Boho Blue 8 1/2” x 5 1/2”  scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Inside Panel - Basic White - 5” x 3 3/4”

* Fresh As A Daisy DSP

* Mat for DSP -  Basic White 3 7/8” x 2 7/8”

* Basic White cardstock for stamping and die cutting

* Inks - Boho Blue, Stampin’ Blends - Boho Blue (light & dark), Bubble Bath (light); Wink if Stella (go over embossed raindrops

* Raindrops Embossing Folder (dry emboss the front of the card only)

* Stylish Shapes Dies - circle 1 5/8” diameter (for sentiment)

* Adhesive and dimensionals  to pop up clouds, rabbit, and greeting

WILD WHEAT DAISY BIRTHDAY

SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD

* Cheerful Daisies Bundle

* Card base - Wild Wheat 8 1/2”x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Inside panel - Basic White 5 1/4” x 4”

* Scraps of Wild Wheat cardstock 2 3/8” x 1” and Pretty Peacock cardstock  2 5/8” x 1 1/4” for sentiment and Wild Wheat for stamping and die cutting daisies

* Textured Ribbon - Wild Wheat about 6” folded and adhered to back of greeting

* Brushed Metallic Dots - Gold - 5

* Adhesive and dimensionals ( pop up center daisy and greeting)

GROUP 3

USING DIFFERENT CARD SIZES

BUBBLE BATH BIRTHDAY

SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD 

(square card - I mail this size card in an A-2 sized envelope - Stampin’ Up! Medium Envelopes)

* Lasting Joy stamp set

* Card base - Garden Green cut at 8 1/2” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Inside Panel - Basic White 4” x 4”

* Cardstock for greeting - Garden Green for mat 1 3/4” x 7/8” and Basic White 1 5/8” x 3/4”

* Inks - Garden Green; Stampin’ Blends - Bubble Bath (dark) to color rhinestones

* Rhinestone Basic Jewels - 5

* Adhesiveand dimensionals to pop up greeting

MOODY MAUVE THANKS

SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD

(Mini Slimline card fits perfectly inside a letter sized envelope)

* Biggest Wish stamp set

* Fresh As A Daisy DSP

* Card base - 7” x 6” scored and folded at 3 1/2” along the 7” side

* Inside Panel - Basic White 5 3/4” x 3 1/4”

* Mat - 2023-2026 In Color  6” x 6” DSP - Moody Mauve 5 3/4” x 3 1/4”

* Pebbled Path cardstock to mat focal image (DSP) and greeting. For focal image - 3 1/4” x 2 1/4”; for greeting - 1 1/2” x 2 1/2”

* Basic White cardstock for greeting 1 1/4” x 2 1/4”

* Ink - Moody Mauvwh

* 2023-2025 In Color Dots - Moody Mauve 3

* Adhesive and dimensionals - for focal image and greeting -  use dimensionals to pop up focal point panel, then place adhesive on back of  top left side of the greeting and dimensionals on the back of the right side. Attach the left side to the focal image, and the right side directly to the card base.

COPPER CLAY HAPPINESS

SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD

(Another Mini Slimline card)

* Pansy Patch stamp set

* Fresh As A Daisy DSP

* Card base - Copper Clay 7” x 6” scored and folded along the 7” line at 3 1/2”

* Inside panel - Basic White cardstock 5 3/4 x 3 1/4”

* Mat for focal panel - Basic White 4 1/4” x 3”

* Inks - Copper Clay, Lemon Lolly, Daffodil Delight, Pebbled Path, Old Olive

* 2023-2025 In Color Dots - Copper Clay 3

* Adhesive and dimensionals to pop up flower and focal panel.

There you have it! Ten easy to make cards and ten very different cards from one very unique sheet of DSP! Thank you for stopping by.  Check back next week for an “In Detail” look at the Cheerful Daisy Bundle! Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

All stamps and stamped images ©️1990-2023