247- Hoot Hoot Magic Card

I am going to be making quite a few of these magic cards in the next few weeks because I will be presenting this is a WOW technique at my upline's next megameeting.

I first learned how to make these card from Heather Summers at a meeting in London last year. When you open these cards it has a first view, then you can open it a different way to see a different image. Like Magic- hehe!

To make this card you cut your cardstock to 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" like normal. You then score the card at 2 1/8", 4 1/4", and 6 3/8". Fold it in a gate fold so that it opens in the middle. You are then going to make slits in the card using your paper cutter- you are going to cut these slits in between the 2 1/8" and 6 3/8" at 1 3/4" at the top and the bottom inside the card. This will let you put in two pieces of cardstock on the inside (the very vanilla on this card). You can then fold these back so that your card accordions and reopens to show another view. It is really fun- and I'll show you in person how to do it at Megameeting!

I decided to close the card with a belly band- love a nice belly band!

Recipe:

Stamps: Owl together now, stems and silhouettes wheel

Paper: Kiwi kiss, very vanilla, chocolate chip

Ink: Chocolate chip, kiwi kiss, riding hood red, summer sun

Accessories: Blender pen, 1/4" riding hood red taffeta ribbon, markers

Retiring Stamp Sets Contest!!

The retiring list is going to be released on June 1st and in anticipation I am having a little contest! It's my first ever blog candy of sorts!

Please send me an email (mcgill15@hotmail.com) and tell me 15 stamp sets that you think will be retiring. Contest ends on May 31st and I will announce the winner on June 1st. Whoever has the most correct picks wins

The winner will receive a stamp set and some other fun goodies. This contest is only open to Canadian residents. If you are international and would like to play I will have a separate contest set up and the winner will receive a pack of cards from me.

Remember when you are making your pics to look at the dormant list. To see all of the current sets click here

Good luck!

246- We Are Siamese

My best friend Becca has two siamese cats and they were my inspiration for a new punch art card for her birthday.

I googled pictures of cartoon siamese cats and noticed the large pointy head. To do this I punched out two hearts with my full heart punch- I really love how it turned out.

Recipe:

Paper: Whisper white, basic black, pink pirouette, bashful blue, bashful blue DSP

Accessories: Full heart punch, word window punch, large and small ovals, 5 petal punch, 1/2" and 1/4" circle punches, corner rounder, white gel pen

245- Loads of Love View Master

I have seen many other view master cards using the Loads of Love set on this site. I went to visit my stepmother on the weekend and she has this set and I knew I had to play with it and make my own.

I used 6 images from the set and it's accessories on the view master. I obviously had to colour the dogs as labrador retrievers and show them here. I did colour them all with the markers and the card can be used for various occasions.

I obviously had to colour the truck red to match my pretty new SUV. I also cut out a little me and put me in the drivers seat. I used my hobby knife to cut out the windows so you could see the background which I think really helps the card.

Recipe:

Stamps: Loads of love

Paper: Kiwi kiss, glossy white, whisper white

Ink: Real red, baha breeze, kiwi kiss, basic black, basic grey, yoyo yellow, pumpkin pie, chocolate chip, old olive, summer sun, tempting turquoise, brilliant blue, pretty in pink, certainly celery, elegant eggplant, regal rose

Accessories: Brayer, reinkers, hobby knife, 1/4" circle punch, brad punch, vintage brad, markers, cropodile, circle scissors plus

244- Birthday Gift Card

This card is based on one that was given to me by a fellow SU demonstrator Wendy Fee. She based the design of this on the cards that you get from Chapters that hold gift cards. I used the slit punch on the insert so that you can attach your gift card.

I used sticky strip to make sure the card stayed assembled- I just wanted to make sure it was extra strong.

For the flourish stamp I used the Yummy stamp and only inked the image and not the sentiment- I wanted to make this a birthday card for the swap so I used Sincere Salutations which has my become my go to set for sentiments.

I used beads for the first time on this card as embellishment and let me tell you I love the finished product. I coloured and cut out the flower and attached it to the card. I then put the crystal effects in the centre of the card then sprinkled the beads on top. They will adhere right away and stay- you don't have to worry about the beads flaking off.

Recipe:

Stamps: Yummy, sincere salutations, embrace life

Paper: Mellow moss, pretty in pink, whisper white

Ink: Pretty in pink, mellow moss

Accessories: Dazzling diamonds, silver beads, crystal effects, scallop edge punch, slit punch, corner rounder, sticky strip
Click here to order these sets and other fantastic Stampin' Up! products at my online store

243- Cupcake Pop-Up

This is a card that I made for a birthday card swap with my customers. I always like to cards that have a bit of a twist to them to give my customers new ideas. For this one I wanted to do a pop-up and in the end I really enjoy the finished product. I have to say I have rarely used Lovely Lilac and I'm not sure why- it is such a pretty purple and I will definitely be using it again.

As for the ribbon this was a bit of a departure for me- I tend to always make a bow. But I really do like the knot- I think it is a nice change

Recipe:

Stamps: Crazy for cupcakes

Paper: Lovely lilac, basic black, whisper white

Ink: Basic black, lovely lilac, regal rose, rose red, tempting turquoise, brilliant blue, pumpkin pie, yo-yo yellow

Accessories: big shot, texturz plate, 5/8" regal rose grosgrain ribbon, ticket corner, dazzling diamonds, blender pen, markers

To order this fantastic birthday set click here

242- Wild Neverending Card

I am still experimenting with never ending cards and trying new things. I made this for Julie's birthday because she seemed to really like this style of card.

With this one I used DSP and not card stock for the card. It makes it a bit flimsy and it bends quite easily. It is easier to move the card into the different folds but the card is not as solid. I think that I will stick with cardstock in the future.

Recipe:

Stamps: Wild about you

Paper: Walk in the park, whisper white

Ink: So Saffron, Kiwi Kiss, Baha Breeze

Accessories: Corner rounder, kiwi kiss/very vanilla satin ribbon, bone folder

241- Soft Summer Birthday

This is the card that I made for Ranuka from me for her birthday. I just got this stamp set and was excited to break it out- I always love two-step stamping. Especially with my stamp a ma jig! I am also trying to use up my in-colours and this card was perfect for that

I used basic black for the outline of my image because I always believe in outlining in black. This will sound weird but I remember being 7 years old and reading Archie comics and noticed that no matter what the pictures were always outlined in black then coloured in. So I still apply that rule to my stamping!

I stamped a background image on the kiwi kiss and also on the horizontal strip of baha breeze. I first did tone on tone stamping with the branch image from the set, then I went over it again in whisper white just to give it some depth.

I also sponged baha breeze on the whisper white image just to soften it so the white wasn't so harsh.

Recipe:

Stamps: Soft summer, sincere salutations
Paper: Baha breeze, pacific point, kiwi kiss, whisper white
Ink: Basic black, pacific point, kiwi kiss, baha breeze, whisper white
Accessories: Scallop edge punch, large oval punch, coluzzle, kiwi kiss/very vanilla satin ribbon, 5/8" pacific point striped grosgrain ribbon, white gel pen, ticket corner punch

Click here to order this amazing sentiment set at my online store

240- True Friend Marble Card

I have been wanting to play with marbles for a while and finally did it. I was stamping at Julie's and was up looking at her new nursery and found a pail of marbles in the playroom- awesome!! So after stealing toys from a child (sorry Kobe) I was able use them in my stamping!

I love how it turned out- I just wanted a nice blank card and like the effect. This was also a great way to use up my in colour paper- I will miss these colours when they retire next month!

Recipe:

Stamps: True Friend

Paper: Baha breeze, pacific point, kiwi kiss, whisper white

Ink: Baha breeze, pacific point, kiwi kiss

Accessories: 1 3/8" circle punch, brad punch, vintage brad, kiwi kiss/very vanilla satin ribbon, marbles

239- Labrador Retriever Card

Alright so those of you who know me probably guessed that there would be a matching Tobey card to go with the Lola card- I mean how can I break up the pair?! So again I used this card by Heather Summers

I also used the bandanna technique on this card but this time with Real Red DSP.

Recipe:

Paper: Whisper white, Real Red DSP, basic black, real red

Ink: white gel pen

Accessories: Corner rounder, 1/2" 1/4" circle punches, small oval punch, word window punch, black ribbon

Well after posting these two dog cards I definitely feel that I have to make a card soon that shows the amazingness of one Mr. Baxter

238- Golden Retriever Card

I was up north this weekend and Julie and I got together to do some stamping. She definitely wanted to do some punch art so we thought dogs. I saw this card by Heather Summers and thought I would alter it a little to look like my dad's Golden Retriever Lola. So it is a mixture of a case and an inspiration card because look at that face- is she not just the cutest thing ever! I love that dog!

I also thought it was a great way to try the bandanna technique too because I needed a fun background. I used a piece of Bashful Blue DSP and traced out some of the spots on the paisley with my white gel pen. I love the final effect- we were never allowed to put bandannas on the dogs so I didn't want to put one around her neck but the pattern around her looks great.

Recipe:

Paper: Whisper white, so saffron, bashful blue DSP, basic black, real red

Ink: Basic black, white gel pen

Accessories: Corner rounder, 1/2" 1/4" circle punches, small oval punch, word window punch, so saffron 5/8" so saffron grosgrain ribbon

PS- three guesses who will be the focus of tomorrow's card...

Cheers To You Card Kit

I am offering this project as a card kit available for purchase. The projects in this kit are 5 different styles of invitations using the Cheers to You stamp set and Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper. These are fantastic for summer barbecues and parties.

You will receive all of the paper and accessories that are required to make one of each invitations. You will also get the Cheers To You stamp set. In addition you will get detailed instructions including over 50 pictures that demonstrate how to make the invitations. The only thing that you will need will be the ink. This offer is only available to Canadian customers. The price of this kit is $35 which includes tax and shipping.

237- Sunset Thank You Card

I have been following many of Michelle Zindorf's tutorials recently because I am trying to perfect my brayering/sponging technique. I made this card based on this design of hers

Recipe:

Stamps: Lovely as a tree, much appreciated

Paper: Basic black, whisper white

Ink: Summer sun, pumpkin pie, really rust, chocolate chip, basic black, whisper white

Accessories: White gel pen, brayer, sponge

Click here to order this fantastic set and other amazing Stampin' Up! products online

236- Monkey Birthday Slider Card

I made this 8.5"x11" for Ranuka's birthday. She adores monkeys and she specifically asked for a monkey card. I don't own any stamps that could help with this so these are my little punch monkeys.

Recipe:

Stamps: It's your birthday

Paper: Kiwi kiss, walk in the park, chocolate chip, creamy caramel, basic black, whisper white, pink pirouette

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: 5/8" chocolate chip grosgrain ribbon, chocolate chip cordoroy brads, brad punch, 1 3/4" 1 1/4" 1/2" and 1/4" circle punches, large and small oval punches, corner rounder

Upcoming Stamping Classes

If any of you live around the GTA you should to one of my upcoming classes- they are always really fun. Few things get me more excited than debuting a new card!


CHEERS TO YOU CLASS- In this class we will be making five different styles of invitations using the Cheers to You stamp set and Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper. These cards are fun and summery and you will leave with lots of ideas on how to use the set at home. The price of this class will be $30 and you will leave with these 5 fantastic projects and the Cheers to You stamp set. If you are unable to attend this class is available as a class kit and you will receive all of the materials and instructions to make the projects at home. If you are out of town please add $5 for shipping. BYO adhesive

http://shaunacards.blogspot.com/2009/04/cheers-to-you-class-planner.html


TGIF GIRLS NIGHT OUT- I have decided to combine two of my favorite things- stamping and wine- in one fantastic girls night out every month. From now on I will be hosting TGIF Girls Night Out once a month. Come over and enjoy a glass or two of wine or some sparkling grape juice and stamp some great projects. The cost of the evening will be $20 and you will leave with 4 projects. The first one will be on Friday May 29th and will start at 6pm. Please come by any time afterwards- the projects will take you about 1 1/2" hours to complete. Don't worry about driving here- my condo is right behind the Cooksville Go station and there is public transit that can get you here and take you home. BYO Adhesive


SCRAPBOOK SUNDAY- In honour of National Scrapbooking Month I will be holding a scrapbooking day at my place. Please bring all of your scrapping supplies over and scrapbook the day away. It will be on Sunday May 31st starting at 1pm and will last until 5pm- please come by anytime.


SPRING STAMP A STACK- It's time for another Stamp a Stack! This one will be on Sunday June 7th at 1pm. You will be making 12 cards- 2 each of six designs. There will be an emphasis on birthday cards at this event but there will be other sentiments out so you can personalize the cards. There will also be one card that could be a Father's Day card. The cost of this event will be $25. BYO Adhesive


FIFTH AVENUE FLORALS CLASS- This is by far one of my favorite stamp sets right now. In this class you will make 3 absolutely spectacular projects using the set. The class will be on Sunday June 14th at 1pm and will cost $40. You will leave with the 3 cards and the fifth avenue florals set. If you are unable to attend this class is available as a class kit and you will receive all of the materials and instructions to make the projects at home. If you are out of town please add $5 for shipping. BYO adhesive

235- Wonderful You Card

This is a card that I made for last week's colour challenge (CC216). I do like the finished product although I would probably use if for a Christmas card

Recipe:

Stamps: Wonderful you, stems and silhouettes wheel

Paper: Real red, basic black, old olive, whisper white, real red textured paper

Ink: Real red

Accessories: Five petal punch, black embossing, 5 petal punch, filigree brads brad punch, 5/8" old olive grosgrain ribbon, 1/4" basic black grosgrain ribbon

234- Fifth Avenue Floral Mother's Day

This is the card that I made for my mom for Mother's Day. It is based on a card that we made at Laura's using the Joy Fold technique

Recipe:

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, All Holidays

Paper: Basic black, whisper white, pink pirouette

Ink: Pink pirouette, pretty in pink, basic black

Accessories: Big shot, texturz plate, 1/4" whisper white taffeta ribbon, ticket corner punch, black brads

Top 10 Stamp Sets on Splitcoast Stampers

A fellow demonstrator, Lisa Harris, recently went through the list of sets in SplitCoastStampers and ranked the most popular sets according to the number of photos that were posted.

Top 10 Stamp Sets - based on SCS uploads:

1. Lovely As A Tree - 6,766 photos posted
2. Baroque Motifs - 5,783 photos posted
3. Loads of Love - 4,556 photos posted
4. Wild About You - 4,092 photos posted
5. Simply Said - 3,771 photos posted
6. Embrace Life - 3,763 photos posted
7. Doodle This - 3,676 photos posted
8. Priceless - 2,912 photos posted
9. Always - 2,475 photos posted
10. Sincere Salutations - 2,313 photos posted

These results are about a month old. I haven't updated the numbers but I'm sure they are about the same.

How many of these sets do you have? I have 6of them, and have debated getting 2 others but I have friends who have them and I use theirs. If you want to finish your collection, give me a call or go do some online shopping here

Happy stamping!

233- Shiny Happy Mother's Day Card

My friend Chantale asked me to make a card for her to give to her mother and she had two requests- that it was really bright and really shiny. I think that it definitely meets both requirements- I used bold brights and clear embossing, glitter, beads and a rhinestone brad to make it shine.

As always when applying the beads I used crystal effects. For the glitter I used tombow.

I bought this stamp set specifically because I wanted to try the rock and roll technique. There are great instructions on splitcoast for this here

Recipe:

Stamps: Petal Pizazz

Paper: Yoyo yellow, pixie pink, lovely lilac

Ink: Pixie pink, lovely lilac, only orange, tempting turquoise

Accessories: Clear embossing, chunky sprinkles glitter, blue microbeads, rhinestone brad, brad punch, stamp a ma jig, corner rounder, crystal effects

232- Hawaii Papaya Fantasy Box

Last year at a meeting in London I saw someone demonstrate a fantasy box and have been meaning to do one ever since. I used this tutorial to help me make it:

http://www.stubbystampers.com/whatsnew/projects/fantasybox.html

I love the finished product but next time I may space out the boxes a bit more on the inside

Instead of using chipboard for the walls of the box I used the backing that came with the designer series paper

Recipe:

Paper: Hawaii Papaya DSP

Accessories: Bone folder, 5/8" chocolate chip grosgrain ribbon, cardboard, sticky strip

231- Fifth Avenue Thank You

I made this card for a coworker as a thank you using the layout from the SC226 layout challenge. She is a big girly girl and I wanted to make a card that was very feminine. I just got the Fifth Avenue Floral set and I knew it would be perfect for this. It was inspired by this card by Jenn Tinline

It was also a great excuse to break out my pretties kit- love the pearls! To stick them on the card I used crystal effects.

For the central flower I decided to use Very Vanilla just so that it would stand out even more. I stamped the image in rose red then using my blender pen traced the image with pretty pink. I love the final flower- it is so pretty!

Recipe:

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral

Paper: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Very Vanilla

Ink: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette

Accessories: Pretties kit, crystal effects, dazzling diamonds