3amStamping Pad

Do It Yourself Cloud Template 3

At long last...

The next step is to use your cloud template.  I am going for a sunrise effect here:

I like the effect you get when you use a Stipple Brush and the Classic Stampin' Pad.  You can move your template into any position to get the cloud masses you want.  I used Glossy White Card Stock here, but it also looks great on Whisper White.  You can also try a reverse effect on colored card stock with the Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad.

As you can see, I'm also using a punched out circle for the "sun" to get my sunrise effect.

Check back for the final step - putting it all together.

Thinking About Earning Some Extra Cash?

With the special Starter Kit offer (click on the "Join SU" button at left to see the details) going on through the end of the month, I've had some questions about finding ideas about how to build a business.  One of the great things about the Stampin' UP! opportunity is the terrific website for Demonstrators only.  It's filled with ideas for projects and ideas for creating a successful business, plus discussion boards for additional help.  You can use any or all the of resources and design your own business to fit your needs, whether it's earning a few dollars extra each month or paying for family vacations every year.

In addition, there are several fantastic other resources for stamping business owners.  One of these is John Sanpietro's Stamping Is My Business (SIMB) web site and its companion blog site.  The blog has a lot of ideas, suggestions and discussion posts that provide a wealth of information that can be invaluable in building your business.

A key business-building principle is marketing your business. This example of the SIMB blog information gives you some insight into what you can find.

The 31st is fast approaching, so give me a call at (707) 542-3696 or send me an e-mail to mary@3amstamper.com to find out what Stampin' UP! can do for you.

Stampin' UP! Dies and Sizzix Machines

This summarizes what works with the BigShot and the BigKick die cutting machines:

All the products on pages 193 through 203 of the 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog work with the BigShot (of course) and BigKick die-cut machines.  You may need to get different cutting pads, etc. to work with your machine.

All Sizzix products in the same categories as the Stampin' UP! dies work on the Stampin' UP! BigShot machine.  (Bigz, BigzXL, Embosslits, Sizzlits, Originals, Texturz, etc.)

See the 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog, pages 193 to 203, for the BigShot product line, including cutting pads and other accessories.  Click in the Online Catalog section of the right column to browse the catalog and order, or download the catalog from the link under "Online Catalogs" for reading and marking up as you like.

Stationery Folder and Matching Cards - Watercolor Class

You can still register for my Watercolor Wash class this Saturday from 8:30 to 11:30am.
Here is a sample of what we'll be doing:

If you're in the Santa Rosa/Sonoma County California area, or are going to be, and want to come, please register by Thursday, March 19th.  See the Events link at left for more details.

The class fee is $20 for the stationery folder with coordinating all occasion cards and envelopes.

Stamp Cleaning Tip - Pigment Ink

I also keep a separate Stampin' Scrub Clean-Up Pad (# 102642) for cleaning my Craft Stampin' Pads.  The pigment ink loves to stick to the bristles and transfer to the next stamp cleaned.  I first blot my stamps with a moist towelette such as a baby-wipe, then I use the cleaning pad.  Pigment ink tends to collect in the wells of the image, so if you don't have a separate scrub pad, you will probably need to blot more than once, making sure you get into all the crevices, then clean with Stampin' Mist.

Do you have a stamping tip or querstion about this or any other topic?  Feel free to e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.  You are welcome to post a comment on this topic below.

Stampin' UP! Dies and Sizzix SideKick Machine

Q: I have a Sizzix SideKick machine. Can I use the Sweetest Stem Embosslit in the Stampin' UP! catalog with my machine?

A: Certainly. Along with Embosslits, you can use these dies in your machine:

Sizzlits dies (including 4-packs)

Sizzlits Decorative Strips (but you'll need the Decorative Strip Cutting Pads #113479)

See the 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog, pages 198 to 202, for dies you can use.  Click in the Online Catalog section of the right column to browse the catalog and order, or download the catalog from the link under "Online Catalogs" for reading at your leisure.

Instant Card with New Texture Die

I just got my Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions die (#114517, just became available last week) and decided to follow the suggestion in the instructions that came with it.  Here is the result:

This is a top-fold card from a 4-1/4" x 11" sheet of card stock (Pretty in Pink, from the Soft Subtles color family), greeting stamped with a Lovely Lilac Classic Stampin' Pad (#102874) and decorated with a knot of Whisper White Organza Ribbon (#114319).  The greeting is from the "Eight Great Greetings" stamp set, available now in advance of the new mini catalog (see yesterday's post).

The card took about 5 minutes to make, 3-1/2 of them for me to tie the knot.  I'm seriously bow-challenged and even knots are a struggle, so it takes me longer to get them right. I used the Double Rectangle Punch to make holes for the ribbon to go through.

I think this same card would look great turned on its side, too.  Just stamp the greeting the other way.

There is another suggestion for a quick card in the Manhattan Flower die instructions.  I'd love to see how your ideas come out.  Just e-mail me a scan or photo to mary@3amstamper.com and I'll post them so we can all share. Plus, if you use all Stampin' UP! products (current or retired), and are a newsletter subscriber, you'll be eligible for my monthly contest and I'll automatically enter you.  To sign up for my newsletter, click on the button at left.

Sneak Peek - Just in Time for Easter

From now through March 31, you may order stamp sets suitable for Easter greetings and get a head start on your Easter cards and pages.  These stamp sets and wheel are in the forthcoming 2009 Occasions Mini Catalog, which is due out the end of the month.

Download the sampling now and take advantage of the Sale-A-Bration benefits of free stamp sets or accessories with every $50 you order.  To order, click on Online Ordering at right.  You may also receive a free 2009 Idea Book & Catalog with your order, while supplies last.

Aren't sure you're on my mailing list for the Mini Catalog?  Sign up for my newsletter and I'll send you a copy of the Mini as soon as it's available.

Stampin' UP! Dies and Sizzix Original Machine

Q: I have a Sizzix Original machine and I really love the Tulipe die in the Stampin' UP! catalog.  Can I use it in my machine?

A: I'm sorry, but the Bigz dies like Tulipe are too large for the Original machine.  Tulipe and the other Bigz dies work in the BigShot and BigKick machines. You can use these dies in your machine:

Embosslits

Sizzlits dies (including 4-pack)

Originals

See the 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog, pages 199 to 202, for dies you can use.  Click in the Online Catalog section of the right column to browse the catalog and order, or download the catalog from the link under "Online Catalogs."

Stamp Cleaning Tip-Permanent Ink

Cleaning your stamps is one of the best ways to keep them in good condition.  One of the toughest things to clean off is permanent ink such as that from Basic Black/Brown/Gray Classic Stampin' Pads or solvent ink like StazOn.  I find the StazOn Cleaner (item # 109196) works great to remove stains on my rubber stamps from all of these inks.  The stamps clean up really well, even if they've been left out overnight or longer.

I have a separate Stampin' Scrub Clean-Up Pad (# 102642) that I use for StazOn Cleaner, since the cleaner leaves an oily residue.  I follow up my StazOn cleaning with a Stampin' Mist (#102394) cleaning (separate scrub pads for Classic dye-based ink and for Craft pigment-based ink), which removes the residue and keeps my stamp well-conditioned.  If you don't have a separate scrub pad, you can blot your StazOn on a paper towel, then clean with Stampin' Mist.

Do you have a stamping tip or querstion about this or any other topic?  Feel free to e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.  You are welcome to post a comment on this topic below.

Elephant St. Paddy's Day Card

Since my Irish heritage is more orange than green, I always make St. Patrick's Day cards with a little bit of orange thrown in.  I've used Glorious Green, Green Galore and Tangerine Tango in this card.

Do you have a favorite way to show the "Wearing of the Green?"  Email me at mary@3amstamper.com and attach a picture/photo/scan.  I'd love to post a St. Patrick's Day Showcase with your artwork! Plus, if you use all Stampin' UP! products (current or retired), and are a newsletter subscriber, you'll be eligible for my monthly contest and I'll automatically enter you.  To sign up for my newsletter, click on the button at left.

This is one of the projects from my Watercolor Effects Class, featuring Watercolor Wonder Crayons.  If you're in the Santa Rosa/Sonoma County area and want to attend, you may register below.  Deadline to register is tomorrow, March 6th.

Date:  Saturday, 3/7/09

Time: 8:30am to 10:30am

Location: 2305 Jose Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Questions: (707) 542-3696

Register now: