Make An Imprint of Stamped Images

 Hello friends!

Today's post has the MOST views (nearly 600 views). I guess because it has some good ideas and perhaps more unique than most posts you see.  The original post was on March 10th, 2023. 

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I am popping in to share an older set of Craft Your Life subscription. 

 

This Watercolor Flowers has beautiful outline images. The layering stencils are simply outstanding. Previously, I had shared this first version. The use of embossing folder is the main focus of this card.  The outline stamps came in handy with the stamping of borders.

 

 With the endless possibilities, you can always come up with one of a kind designs. My 2nd version is all about stamping and stenciling. The layered stencils really makes it easy to color and add shades.

 

If you find it hard or frustrating to do stamp layering, you will enjoy these layering stencils so much more. They are basically fail-safe!

last but certainly not least.... it is the die-cutting. Although it may not seem obvious that I used the coordinating die, I did use the die to make an imprint around the floral image.

How do you achieve the subtle imprint around the outlines? Simply use a Tan Mat (from your die-cutting machine). The standard die-cut machine like THIS comes with a tanning mat. You simple align with image with the die and place them over your tan mat and then add the right sandwich (depending on your machine and check instructions)

While the die was still in place, I applied a tint of beige around the image to make it more pronounced. The products used are listed in the affiliated links below. 

 Craft Your Life Watercolor Flowers: Altenew, Simon Says Stamp

 

Shop Altenew sale here and check out your shopping cart HERE

Shop Scrapbook.com here

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Thank you for stopping by! I hope that this older post still inspires you.

Add Depths to Diecut Flowers

Hello friends!

Hope your new year is off to a great start. Starting today, I am sharing older posts while I am visiting relatives in Taiwan. This post was originally from Jan 30th, 2023.  The good thing about these products... the price has been reduced!  

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This year is 1/12 over!  Let's make good use of the rest of this year... without further ado, let's talk about today's project. I am using Spellbinders Zinnia Etched Dies as an example.

 

First of all, let me just say that I did not use the dies as intended. However, I love what I created something unique. I also love how my interpretation still looks OK without copying exactly what the dies are for. I need more time to play with this die and follow exactly how it is intended. We shall se if that time would come....

Let's talk about adding depth and color contrast to the flower petals and leaves. You can simply ink-blend (using ink pads) to create various shades and depth of colors. 

 

I also used watercolor brush markers or Watercolor to add darker shade and colors. Alcohol markers (such as Copics) are also great for adding colors and shades.

I did some Partial Dry-embossing with previous month's Embossing Folder. If you see closely, I also added a piece of vellum to create more interest.  Thanks for stopping by! 

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For more inspiration, I will share my favorite long post next.

Shop Spellbinders Clearance here

You can shop this die over Scrapbook. com here

Shop Simon Says Stamp here

My Favorite Release in 2023

 Hello friends!

Today's post is from my favorite release of 2023. Enjoy!

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Warning: Heavy photo post 

You can find the following featured products listed below:

  Lemonade Party Ensemble HERE

Stepping into The Rainforest Ensemble HERE

 

Feature products #1: Lemonade Party Ensemble, Zesty Life Bundle, Artist' Gouache Set (Strolling through New York),


 

If you love simple coloring and find it challenging to do watercolor. I highly recommend that you try Artist' Gouache Set (Strolling through New York) <--- on sale!

 

 

The Zesty Life Stamp Set has beautiful outlines and  is suitable for coloring/ watercoloring.


 

Do you know that it also comes with a stencil set? With the stencil, it's fail-proof! I didn't use a stencil set for this project, but you can totally color how you like it !

 

 

The copper-embossed sentiment on vellum and sequins are just the right bling!

 

Feature products #2: Wood Cookie Die, Exotic Plumerias Stamp Set, Cute Fruits Paper Pack

 

 

Let me tell you... the die set and pattern paper make the best pairing. This combo truly show through, wouldn't you say?
 

 

It's easy to get that woodsy look when you have that Wood Cookie Die. I used dark brown paper for the outer ring and inked card stock for the inner ring.

 I chose a leafy background paper from the Cute Fruits Paper Pack (Shop Simon Says Stamp here)

  One note about the lady bugs, they may look intricate to assemble, but it really is not hard at all. 

 

 

Just use one piece of black cardstock (base for the body), grey and red cardstock ( layering and top of the body) and you are all set.

 

 

 I cut out the scalloped border (from Cute Fruits Paper Pack ) for the sentiment. This little details makes the design extra special.

 

Feature products #3: Vase Art Stamp & Die and Stencil Bundle


 

This Vase Art set may be looking a bit wonky, but it sure is unique and modern.

 

One thing to know is that the Vase Art Stencil Set can work with other types of dies and stamps. 

 

 You see how I inked up the background without using the vase image (from the stencil)?

 

You can absolutely use the stencil with other types of designs.  I enjoyed adding details to the vase (with stamps,  Navy Gold Strip Washi Tape and Gilded Glitter Cardstock)

 

 

 Last but not least, I have created a project with Cupped Flowers and Wood Cookie Die.

 Shop Simon Says Stamp (Cupped Flower Stamp Set here, Die Set here)

 

  Please feel free to shop through my affiliated text product links. Affiliate links are applied at no additional cost  to you.  Thank you for your support. 

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Happy New Year!

Hello friends!

 I am writing this post to wish you a Happy New Year!

  

I am taking a small blog break here and will be traveling to see my family in Taiwan for two weeks.

 

 I will not have time to create or post new projects for a bit. I hope that you continue to use my affiliated links located at the right side bar for your shopping. 

For keeping up with the fun and inspiration, I will be sharing a few older posts just for the old time sake. I am hoping to find inspiration and energy after my traveling. Can't wait to see what's in store for you again. Hugs, Virginia

Year In Review with Altenew (My Favorite 4)!

Hello friends!  

I am delighted to be part of the Altenew Year In Review IG Blog Hop. You can find and follow my IG handle here and Altenew IG here.

 

  This pat year, I had numerous projects with Altenew products. Each one is special and dear to me. It is quite impossible to pick favorites. I picked out 4 projects that are most appealing to me, in terms of use of products, style, design and special features.

Project 1: Hanging Flowers Layering Die Set  (Altenew, Scrapbook. com, Simon Says Stamp)

Luxurious Motif Embossing Folder ( Altenew, Scrapbook. com, Simon Says Stamp)

Green Meadow-Red Sunset Gradient Cardstock-Brilliant Red Glitter Cardstock

Special features: dry-embossed vellum a underlay, glitter card-stock as embellishments (punched tiny red dots), layering diecut flowers.

Project 3: Made With Love Stamp & Die Bundle, (Scrapbook. com, Simon Says Stamp)

Magical Mirror 3D Embossing Folder (Altenew, Scrapbook. com, Simon Says Stamp)

Special feature: use embossing folder such as  Magical Mirror 3D Embossing Folder,  ink up part of the embossing folder, use stenciled die cut flowers Made With Love Stamp & Die Bundle as focal point.

Project3 : Zesty Life Stamp Set,  Artists' Gouache Set -Strolling Through New York (shop Altenew, Scrapbook. com, Simon Say Stamp)

Special features: using Artists' Gouache Set -Strolling Through New York is definitely a good idea for novice/advanced colorer, vellum sentiment, gold embossing

Project 4: Craft-A-Flower Japanese Camellia Layering Die Set 

(Altenew, Scrapbook. com, Simon Says Stamp)

 Exuberant Paper Pad (Altenew, Simon Says Stamp)

Special features: diecut layering dimensions, torn pattern paper effect, crisscross design, use of glitter paper strip, splatter effect

Don't forget to comment in my IG post here. All product links are affiliated links. Thank you for shopping through them without additional cost to you.

First time ever! Up to 50% off Marvelous Series Collection, including Craft Your Life Project Kits, Build-A-Garden Kits, Craft-A-Flower Die Sets, Dynamic Duo Sets, Mini Delight Sets, and Spark Joy Sets from 12/26/2023 at 12:01 AM EST until 12/28/2023 at 11:59 PM EST

Thanks for stopping by!

Adding Shine with Embossing Paste

 Hello friends!

I want to wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS! Hope you and family are enjoying the holiday season. I know Christmas season can be hard for some people, please know that I am thinking of you.

Today's card was created with my leftover pieces. I am just a very practical person, I guess. 😁

Supplies used in this project (affiliated links applied at no cost to you): 

Alex Syberia Frosty Lace Stencil: Scrapbook. com, Simon Says Stamp

Alex Syberia Holiday Wreath and Branch Stencil and Die Set: Scrapbook. com, Simon Says Stamp

I had two pieces of garland and one bow on my desk. I also wanted to try to new Embossing Paste that I got recently. About the embossing paste, I have my share of embossing paste in the past. However, I must say Simon Hurley's Embossing Paste is likely the best kinds out there. I used Golden Hour for the sentiment.

This embossing paste selection is truly awesome if you love to ad that textured look to your designs. All of the images were stenciled (colored and /or embossing paste). Thanks for stopping by!  

from Scrapbook. com 

✨ Use coupon code SANTA to take 10% OFF any order.
✨ OR! On Orders $100 or more, use coupon code EXTRASANTA to take 15% OFF.

Enjoy the holiday season and stay safe and healthy!

One Die Set, Three Looks!

 Hello friends!

I am still here! These days, I am taking a slower pace to share projects and enjoy spending time with family. After all, I have dedicated my life to this blog since 2009! It's hard to believe that it's been THAT long.... I am proud to say that I am still at it though. 😀

Today's project is part of the Small Die of The Month from Spellbinders.

The December "New Subscriber" registration window will be available December 6-27th. While supplies last. Join in December and receive the pictured kit. Clubs will ship by the end of the month.

Join the Small Die of the Month Club and receive an expertly designed die set each month, complete with inspiration. Plus, members get store savings, extra deals, gifts, and more. 

This month's "Sneaking a Kiss" small die set is perfect for making cards, decor, and more. 

 

 This time, I am adding a little twist to the design... sometimes it's just fun to think outside the box a bit. Some elements of surprise is refreshing, right?

 You may have seen quite a few samples with this Small Die of The Month. However, this might be the first one that you see without the feet! What happened was... I find that assembling the feet was a bit fussy. Ding--> NO feet version!

 For the skirt, I added a bit of shine with the Holographic Paper Pad.

As usual, I used paper pads from Scrapbook. com selections.

Here are the monthly subscription plans: 

Small Die of the Month, Large Die of The Month, Stitching Die of The Month, Embossing Folder of The Month, 3D Embossing Folder,  Clear Stamp of The Month, Clear Stamp & Die of the Month, Glimmer Hot Foil Kit,  

Stencil of The Month (new)

Wax Seal of the Month (new)

Better Press Plate of the Month (new)

Deluxe Caboodle (new)

The December BONUS Item is the The Blending Brushes – 3 Pack which is perfect to use with our NEW Stencil Club.

This club is the most affordable way to snag the Small Die + Large Die+ Stitching Die + Clear Stamp & Coordinating Die + Glimmer Hot Foil Kit and Embossing Folder (2D) & 3D Embossing Folder, Wax Seal, BetterPress + NEW Stencil Clubs. Create unique projects individually or combine them together for even more creative utility. $315.00 Value!

 Shop Spellbinders Holiday Sale HERE

Thanks for stopping by!

Quick Christmas Tags

  Hello friends!

I am popping in to share 3 Christmas tags! My daughter requested 3 tags for her Christmas gift-giving. I "whipped up" 3 tags within 5-10 minutes. 

The "trick"?

Watercolor paper,  

Terrific Tag Die Set (shop Altenew, Scrapbook. com, Simon Says Stamp)

 and Distress Oxide (Lumbard Jack, Rustic Wilderness) 

I sprayed a tiny bit of water mist over the tags first. Then I swiped the ink pad across and sprayed some more water. Let dry.

I used all the images from my Spellbinders Card kits stash. You can do so or use your own stamped and diecut images.Before you know it, you've got TAGS! Thanks for stopping by!

Scrapbook.com offers

 ✨ Use coupon code JOLLY to take 8% OFF any order.
✨ OR! Use coupon code EXTRAJOLLY to take 12% OFF your order of $100 or more. 

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Shop Spellbinders and check out HERE 

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