3amStamping Pad

Getting Your Sale-A-Bration Free Stamps

When you place an order of $50 or more, you get to select a free stamp set for every $50 of merchandise you've ordered.  That's the beauty of Sale-A-Bration!  You need to remember to order your free stamps or accessories (or both) using the item numbers in the Sale-A-Bration Mini Catalog.  This is particularly important when you're getting the stamp sets that are also in the regular catalog free.  The numbers are different!

Be sure to order your Sale-A-Bration sets before you complete check-out.  I believe you do get a reminder, but it doesn't tell you how many you have left to order, as far as I know.  Please let me know if your experience is different by either leaving comments or e-mailing me at mary@3amstamper.com.

To order and browse the Sale-A-Bration free items, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571, And you may always leave comments below.

Orange St. Patrick's Day Card

Here are the instructions and supplies for the card featured in yesterday's post.

I always include orange with my green for St. Patrick's Day.  This card is perfect for those "Orangemen/women" in your life!  I also chose a darker green for contrast, just to do something different!

Supplies Used:

Stamps & Wheels:

• 117074 Go Green

Card Stock & Paper:

• 102837 Only Orange Card Stock
• 105122 Handsome Hunter Card Stock
• 105124 Apricot Appeal Card Stock

Ink & Color:

• 105215 Handsome Hunter Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories & Tools:

• 107214 Ticket Corner Punch
• 113694 Heart to Heart Punch
• 117191 Extra Large 2-Step Bird Punch
• 109069 Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon
• 111325 Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware
• 102300 Bone Folder
• 105826 Mat Pack
• 116631 Paper Piercing Tool
• 101049 Stamp-A-Ma-Jig
• 104332 SNAIL
• 103683 Mini Glue Dots
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals

Directions:

1. Fold & crease 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" Only Orange card stock. Make sure the crease is sharp, then punch through both thicknesses in all corners with the Ticket Corner Punch.
2. Punch all 4 corners of 4" x 5-1/4" Handsome Hunter card stock and 3-3/4" x 5" Apricot Appeal card stock.
3. Stamp "Go Green" image in lower right corner of Apricot Appeal, about 1/2" from side and bottom edges.
4. Center Apricot Appeal layer on Handsome Hunter layer and adhere with SNAIL.
5. Pierce center of "O" in "Go Green" iamge and push brad through.  Spread prongs and flatten.
6. Punch 4 large hearts from scrap (2" x 3" minimum so you have enough room to hold it) of Handsome Hunter. Also punch out branch from 2-Step Bird punch. Use small heart for shamrock holder and attach Mini Glue Dot.  Attach 4 large hearts with points meeting in the center.  Attach branch to back of shamrock with Mini Glue Dot.
7. Place shamrock on card front and secure with Mini Glue Dots.  Pierce center and push brad through.  Spread prongs and flatten.
8. Wrap Mellow Moss ribbon around card front and tie knot.  Pierce center of knot through both layers of the card front.  Push brad through, spread prongs and flatten.  Trim ribbon ends.
9. Attach layer to front of card base with Stampin' Dimensionals.

To order what you need to complete this project, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Add Gentle Texture with Relief Stamping

The technique I call "Relief Stamping" is simple, easy and fun, but the results look like a lot of work.  All you need is a stamp, ink, paper or card stock and a double-pointed stylus.  You can make your images look embossed or debossed, depending upon which side you use for your impression.

Start with a piece of paper or card stock and stamp your image (or greeting) on it.  Trace the lines you want with the smaller end of the stylus.  You can do this on some sheets of scratch paper for a cushion, but I like the Mat Pack (#105826) with its Piercing Mat for this technique.

After you've traced the image, turn the piece over and re-trace to get the raised (embossed) effect.  This will give you a softer impression than Dry Embossing, but it does help give some texture and depth to your image.

For the debossed look, trace the image or greeting face up, pressing your line into the cushion you chose.   That's all there is to it!  You get a unique look for your image and you didn't need a lot of tools!

Try this technique with your favorite stamp sets and email me at mary@3amstamper.com with a picture/photo/scan attached.  Plus, if you are a newsletter subscriber, include the list of supplies used and you'll be eligible for my monthly contest.  To sign up for my newsletter, click on the button at left.

Flower Folds Die-Cut Idea

I just got my Stampin' Up! Flower Folds Bigz XL Die (#115970) this week and had to try it out!  This card is, naturally, quick & easy.  I wanted a monochrome effect to do something different, so I chose a Soft Suede and Kraft combination with Whisper White accents.

 

Supplies Used:

Stamps & Wheels:

• 118601 Well Scripted Clear-Mount Stamp Set (yes, I really, really love the clear-mounts!!)
• 118490 Clear-Mount Block H

Card Stock & Paper:

• 102125 Kraft Card Stock
• 115688 Soft Suede Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink & Color:

• 115657 Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories & Tools:

• 115970 Stampin' Up! Flower Folds Bigz XL Die
• 113439 BigShot Die-Cut Machine
• 113478 Extended Cutting Pads
• 117630 Extended Premium Crease Pad
• 114348 Basic Jumbo Grommet
• 114340 Kraft Corduroy Buttons
• 114616 Whisper White 5/8" Satin Ribbon
• 102300 Bone Folder
• 116631 Paper Piercing Tool
• 105826 Mat Pack
• 103683 Mini Glue Dots
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals

Note that the Flower Folds Die-Cut area is longer than 12", so you will have to cut one of the flowers from an extra piece.

The large flower is 4-3/4" wide, as I've attached it, so you will need an oversized envelope for mailing.  You can make a custom envelope by folding a matching piece of Designer Series Paper around the card and adhering it together.  You'll need extra postage for mailing, too, because the button makes the envelope bumpy.

If you'd like to make this or a similar project and earn some or all of the products used, let's plan a workshop together.  Give me a call at (707) 695-3571 or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com and let's chat.  I look forward to tailoring the project to you!

Sweet Treat Card Sample

This is an example of what you will learn to make when you attend my Sweet Treat Cards Class.  I made these for my special people for Valentine's Day.  The cards you'll be making will be of different styles, but they will all be refillable with your favorite treats.  The class will be on March 13th from 1 to 5 pm and costs $30.  You can see more details here.

The class will use both the round Sweet Treat Cup (#116802) as seen in the Holiday Mini Catalog and the Heart Treat Cup (#120435) I talked about here.  We will also be using the Stampin' Up! Magnetic Movers & Shapers Curly Label Bigz XL Die (#114506), along with Stampin' Up! Holiday Windows (#116821) and Stampin' Up! Punch Windows (#115953) to place the cups easily.

Keep checking back for more samples of what you'll be making in this class.  The deadline to register is March 5th, so don't miss out.   You can see the details and register here, or click on the button below and guarantee your spot.

By the way, Twitter Followers get immediate notice when I post a examples to my class pages.  Sign up by clicking the link at left.

New Projects Every Month in my Newsletter

I've expanded my monthly newsletter to include at least 3 projects, complete with directions.  These projects will not be available anywhere but in my newsletter.  Don't miss out!  Take a few seconds to join my mailing list and receive your own copy every month, direct to your in box!  Just click on the link at left.

Ahoy Pirates-Use this Card for All Your Mateys

Now that my friend (one of the original Road Pirates) is past his birthday and he should have received his card by now (yes, I sent it a teeny bit late), I can show it to you.  You can use this design for a multitude of greeting purposes for your pirate-loving friends and family.

 

Supplies Used:

Stamp Sets & Wheels:

• 115187 Beware Pirates

Card Stock & Paper:

• 105328 Sahara Sand Card Stock
• 101722 Not Quite Navy Card Stock
• 115317 Bermuda Bay Card Stock

Ink & Color:

• 103227 Not Quite Navy Craft Stampin' Pad
• 103008 Not Quite Navy Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories & Tools:

• 109130 Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder
• 100005 Embossing Heat Tool
• 103083 Embossing Buddy
• 102197 Powder Pals
• 109053 5/8" Bravo Burgundy Grosgrain Ribbon
• 107214 Ticket Corner Punch
• 104332 SNAIL Adhesive
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals

The inside is stamped with "Arrgh" and has a hand-written note with birthday wishes.  You can use this 'sentiment' for congratulations, retirement, get well soon, and a whole lot of others as well. 

To order what you need to complete this project, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Hearts for Haiti

There's still time to get the I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set (#117010-wood mount or #118571-clear mount, uses Clear-Mount Block C #118486 and optional Clear-Mount Block A #118487) and help out with Haitian Disaster Relief!  Over 7,000 of you have ordered these sets, which means $14,000 to the fund!  You can read more about it here.

Here is just one of the ideas you can do with this great collection of hearts for all occasions:

 

Supplies Used:

Stamps & Wheels:

• 118571 I {Heart} Hearts (clear-mount)
• 118486 Clear-Mount Block C
• 115370 Teeny Tiny Wishes

Card Stock & Paper:

• 105130 Regal Rose Card Stock
• 115316 Rich Razzleberry Card Stock
• 101650 Very Vanilla Card Stock
• 115675 Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper

Ink & Color:

• 115658 Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad
• 102283 VersaMark Pad
• 105542 Stampin' Pastels

Accessories & Tools:

• 113694 Heart to Heart Punch
• 116630 Modern Label Punch
• 105090 Word Window Punch
• 117649 Pinking Hearts Border Punch
• 102892 Sponge Daubers
• 101049 Stamp-A-Ma-Jig
• 103179 Craft & Rubber Scissors
• 104332 SNAIL
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals
• 100425 2-Way Glue Pen

To order what you need to complete this project, and help out the ARC Haitian Disaster Relief Fund, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Aid to Choosing Your Clear-Mount Block

My friend Michelle Laycock of Laycock Designs (who did my site design for me) created this template to help you decide what block you need to order with your Clear-Mount stamps.  I was lazy and ordered the whole Block Bundle (#118491), but you might not want all nine sizes (even though you save almost $10 over buying them individually).  Click the button to download the template.  You may print it on vellum or transparency to use to pick out the block size you need: just lay it over the image in the catalog to get the right size.

I must say, I love my Clear-Mount stamps!  They take up so much less room and are easy to place.  If you need exact alignment, you still need to use the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig (#101049).  I used both methods for this card:

 

You can also use the round Sweet Treat Cup (#116802) and fill it with actual small jelly beans or other treats!  I will be using this design in an upcoming class next month, so check back in a week or so.

Quick Change Centerpiece

I made a new belly band decoration for my big candle (see previous article here), then decided I wanted it on a different candle.  Here is the new look for my candle holder embellishment:

I changed the band size to make it a little easier to fit the curve of the jar and to slide in the ribbon.  I also scored the band so the inside fits all the way to the fold and the ribbon won't catch.  The shorter segment is on the outside.

Supplies Used:

Stamps & Wheels:

• 116517 Delightful Decorations (my other new favorite - it's only available until January 4th!)

Card Stock & Paper:

• 102482 Real Red Card Stock (1-3/4" x 4-1/4", scored at 1-1/2" & 3-1/16")
• 105122 Handsome Hunter Card Stock (4-1/4" x 5-1/2")
• 102935 Brushed Gold Card Stock (2" x 3")

Ink & Color:

• 105239 Handsome Hunter Craft Stampin' Pad
• 101017 Gold Metallic Encore Pad

Accessories & Tools:

• 113439 BigShot Die Cutting Machine
• 114506 Stampin' Up! Movers & Shapers Curly Label Bigz XL Die
• 116821 Stampin' Up! Holiday Windows for the Movers & Shapers Die (only available until January 4th!)
• 113459 Leaves #2 Originals Die
• 116794 Ornament Punch (only available until January 4th!)
• 105826 Mat Pack
• 100663 Stylus
• 102845 Blender Pens
• 103683 Mini Glue Dots
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals
• 115617 Chocolate Chip 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (24" for an almost 5" in diameter candle)

Tips:

1. Use Mat Pack and Stylus to draw veins on the leaves, then accent them with a Blender Pen dipped in the Gold Encore Pad.
2. Mark the Blender Pen you use with the metallic ink pad and use it only with metallic ink pads.  This is so the metallic effect doesn't transfer to another project.
3. If you're piecing scraps for the die cuts, be sure you don't overlap the paper.  The piece on top will get a line from the underneath piece.
4. I cut the bird and another window with the Movers & Shapers Die by putting the windows in the magnetic opening and covering with card stock.

If you'd like to make this or a similar project, let's plan a workshop together.  Give me a call at (707) 695-3571 or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com and let's chat.  I look forward to tailoring the project to you!

Quick & Easy Hannukah Card

Tomorrow is the first day of the Festival of Lights, or Hannukah.  You can get this card out in the mail before the postal carrier reports to work! (Luckily, the Feast runs 8 days, so you'll still be in time!)

Supplies:

Stamp Sets & Wheels:

• 111686 Shalom Sayings
• 116586 Many Merry Messages (inside: "Joy expressed,/Love shared,/a Miracle celebrated."

Card Stock & Paper:

• 100730 Whisper White Card Stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2" & 2-1/2" x 2-1/2")
• 100867 Night of Navy Card Stock (3" x 3")
• 107301 Whisper White Medium Envelope

Ink & Color:

• 102977  Night of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories & Tools:

• 104332 SNAIL

Directions:

1. Fold and crease large Whisper White piece to create card.  Stamp message inside with Night of Navy Pad.
2. Tear about 1/4" off the front side edge of the card.  Open it out and use the Night of Navy pad to scrape over the rough edges.  This is called the "Direct-to-Paper" technique.  Let the card dry flat.
3. Stamp the Menorah on the Whisper White square with the Night of Navy pad.
4. SNAIL to Night of Navy layer.
5. SNAIL layer to front of card.
6. Sign card, seal in envelope, address and mail!

Tip: Substitute Ballet Blue Card Stock (#100613) and Ballet Blue Classic Stampin' Pad (#100907) to match the colors in the flag of Israel.  I always do Ballet Blue, so I thought I'd be different this year.

To order what you need to complete this project, and be ready for next year, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.

Calendar Kit Does Triple Duty - Part III

The third use for the Delightful Dates Calendar Kit (#116771) is to take advantage of the designs on the backs of the calendar pages.  I decided to make a card, since I already showed a scrapbook page.  I also decided to use the calendar page with the BigShot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439).  The 3-1/2" square sheet easily cut two sets of flowers from the Floral Fusion Sizzlit (#115969), with scraps to make more!

Supplies I used:

Stamp Sets & Wheels:

• 116527 Note to Self

Card Stock & Paper:

• 116771 Delightful Dates Calendar Kit
• 100702 Old Olive Card Stock
• 115318 Soft Suede Card Stock
• 105120 Bashful Blue Card Stock

Ink & Color:

• 102283 VersaMark Pad
• 116854 Frost White Shimmer Paint

Accessories & Tools:

• 113439 BigShot Die-Cutting Machine
• 115969 Stampin' Up! Floral Fusion Sizzlits Die
• 115952 Stampin' Up! Hi Embosslits Die
• 114515 Stampin' Up! Flower Burst Embosslits Die
• 114514 Stampin' Up! Simple Flower Embosslits Die
• 102892 Sponge Dauber
• 115614 Crushed Curry 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon
• 106955 Earth Elements Brads
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals
• 102449 Hobby Blade
• 101087 Cutting Mat

You could use the Designer Series Paper side of the calendar page as a mat for a greeting, a stamped image, an embellishment, or even a photo.  The possibilities are endless!

What things could you do with the Delightful Dates Calendar Kit?  Post your ideas in the comments section below, then send in a picture when you're through with the calendar.  Email me at mary@3amstamper.com and attach a picture/photo/scan.  Plus, if you are a newsletter subscriber, include the list of supplies used and you'll be eligible for my monthly contest.  To sign up for my newsletter, click on the button at left.

To see Part I, click here.  To see part II, click here.

Calendar Kit Does Triple Duty - Part II

The most obvious use of the Delightful Dates Calendar Kit (#116771) is as a calendar.  The 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" pages look nice as they are, but you can stamp them with the coordinating Note to Self Stamp Set (#116527) and make the calendar more personalized.

The calendar makes a nice gift or stocking stuffer, especially when packaged in a Magnetic Gift Box (#116796-set of two), tied with ribbon and a tag. You can use the chipboard pieces that punch out to decorate the package, too.

Have a do-it-yourselfer on your list?  The Delightful Dates Calendar Kit and the Note to Self Stamp Set make a great gift package, and all you have to do is wrap them up!

Supplies I used:

Stamp Sets & Wheels:

• 116527 Note to Self

Card Stock & Paper:

• 116771 Delightful Dates Calendar Kit

Ink & Color:

• 102277 Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
• 115657 Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad
• 105209 Bashful Blue Classic Stampin' Pad
• 115659 Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad
• 103063 OLd Olive Craft Stampin' Pad
• 105394 Basic Black Stampin' Write Journaler

Accessories & Tools:

• 109130 Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder
• 100005 Heat Tool
• 101049 Stamp-a-ma-jig
• 102892 Sponge Dauber

Tip: I added a support piece by using the punched-out leaf pair and some Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive (#110755).  I found that to be the best for gluing to Craft-inked surfaces.  Crystal Effects(#101055) would also work, but it tends to pick up the color.  Multipurpose adhesive dries clear with no bleed-through.

To order your calendar kits and magnetic gift boxes, plus anything else you need to complete the project, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.

To see Part I, click here.

Background Bazaar V - Collection 3

This last set of backgrounds on the cards shows what the alcohol spritzer technique is really meant to do.  This brings our total to 10!

 

I had extra fun with the Shimmer Paint on the glossy backgrounds!

Supplies for this Collection:

Stamps & Wheels:

• 116517 Delightful Decorations
• 115108 Warm Words

Card Stock & Paper:

• 102599 Glossy White
• 100702 Old Olive
• 102482 Real Red
• 101341 Close to Cocoa
• 101650 Very Vanilla

Ink & Color:

• 103133 Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• 102277 Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
• 100531 Old Olive Classic Ink Refill
• 103287 Real Red Classic Ink Refill
• 116854 Frost White Shimmer Paint
• 116807 Platinum Shimmer Paint

Accessories & Tools:

• 102395 Brayer
• 109046 1" Circle Punch
• 107217 3/4" Circle Punch
• 101227 1/16" Circle Handheld Punch
• 107214 Ticket Corner Punch
• 109867 Gold Elastic Cord
• 116795 Sleigh Bells 5/8" Cotton Ribbon
• 116792 Mistletoe Ribbon Originals
• 112454 Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware
• 111325 Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware
• 102892 Sponge Daubers (or #101610 Stamping Sponges)
• 104332 SNAIL
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals

Stay tuned in the future for the technique itself.  In the meantime, think about hosting a workshop that features this technique.  Give me a call at (707) 542-3696 or (707) 695-3571, or send me an email at mary@3amstamper.com.    I'd love to plan a workshop with you!

Background Bazaar V - Collection 2

This is another collection of cards made with backgrounds created at my Background Bazaar V Class.  This set shows the waxed paper that acted as an ink pad for the alcohol spritzer technique.

The waxed paper is the pre-cut kind you can get in bulk, so it only makes 2 backgrounds. You cut the sheet in half and wrap it around a layer of Whisper White or Very Vanilla that's cut to the size you want.  SNAIL adheres the waxed paper to the back of the layer perfectly.

So far, the collection of cards from this one class totals 6.

Supplies for this Collection:

Stamps & Wheels:

• 116517 Delightful Decorations
• 115108 Warm Words
• 110384 Season of Joy

Card Stock & Paper:

• 100702 Old Olive
• 102482 Real Red
• 100730 Whisper White
• 101650 Very Vanilla

Ink & Color:

• 102277 Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
• 100531 Old Olive Classic Ink Refill
• 103287 Real Red Classic Ink Refill
• 116854 Frost White Shimmer Paint
• 101017 Gold Encore Pad

Accessories & Tools:

• 102395 Brayer
• 116794 Ornament Punch
• 101227 1/16" Circle Handheld Punch
• 109867 Gold Elastic Cord
• 116795 Sleigh Bells 5/8" Cotton Ribbon
• 115607 Real Red 1" Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
• 112454 Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware
• 102892 Sponge Daubers (or #101610 Stamping Sponges)
• 104332 SNAIL
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals

I'll be posting the remaining collection in the future, probably next week.  In the meantime, if you'd like to host a workshop that features this technique, give me a call at (707) 542-3696 or (707) 695-3571, or send me an email at mary@3amstamper.com.  Planning a workshop is so much fun, I'd love to share it with you!

Background Bazaar V - Collection 1

The class on October 10th went really fast, since we made one card, but everyone took home materials for at least 9 additional cards.  It was a lot of fun, even though it was also messy.

We used the alcohol spritzer technique for our background creations.  Everything we used for the technique turned into a beautiful background!

My first collection uses the card stock holding the waxed paper in place.

 

Supplies for this Collection:

Stamps & Wheels:

• 116517 Delightful Decorations
• 115370 Teeny Tiny Wishes

Card Stock & Paper:

• 101341 Close to Cocoa
• 100702 Old Olive
• 102482 Real Red
• 100730 Whisper White

Ink & Color:

• 103133 Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• 100531 Old Olive Classic Ink Refill
• 103287 Real Red Classic Ink Refill
• 116854 Frost White Shimmer Paint

Accessories & Tools:

• 102395 Brayer
• 116630 Modern Label Punch
• 116794 Ornament Punch
• 105090 Word Window Punch
• 101227 1/16" Circle Handheld Punch
• 109047 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch
• 116792 Mistletoe Ribbon Originals
• 115608 Real Red 3/4" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon
• 102892 Sponge Daubers (or #101610 Stamping Sponges)
• 104332 SNAIL
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals

I'll be posting the other collections in the future.  In the meantime, if you'd like to host a workshop that features this technique, give me a call at (707) 542-3696 or (707) 695-3571, or send me an email at mary@3amstamper.com.  I'd love to plan a workshop with you!

Beary Cute October Birthday Layout

I just love the Cast-A-Spell Designer Series Paper!  One sheet of the striped page can make a whole bunch of "ribbons"!

This layout is for a 6" x 6" album and uses leftover paper from my Jack-O-Lantern Bear page.  I decided to use the same color scheme, but add birthday embellishments to it.  I have my soon-to-be-4-year-old grandson's birthday party coming up, so I thought these would be good pages for photos from his party.

I will be doing the journaling with the White Gel Pen, but not until after the photos are put on.

Stamps & Wheels:

• 118052    Beary Best Friends

Card Stock & Paper:

• 101889 Perfect Plum Card Stock
• 102514 Creamy Caramel Card Stock
• 100730 Whisper White Card Stock
• 115677 Cast-A-Spell Designer Series Paper

Ink & Color:

• 104315 Basic Brown Classic Stampin' Pad
• 105542 Stampin' Pastels

Accessories & Tools:

• 102845 Blender Pen
• 103579 Paper Snips
• 102449 Hobby Blade
• 101087 Cutting Mat
• 104332 SNAIL
• 103683 Mini Glue Dots
• 105021 White Gel Uni-Ball Signo Pen

To order what you need to complete this project, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.

Stamp-A-Ma-Jig How-To

The Stamp-a-ma-jig (#101049) is my favorite stamp positioner.  It's easy to operate and store when you're done.  Plus, it cleans up quickly and doesn't care if you're right- or left-handed.  It works for both.

Stamp positioners help you place images and words/letters precisely where you want them to go.  They also let you re-stamp an image or word/letter that didn't stamp to your satisfaction the first time.  The Stamp-a-ma-jig lets you do this on any size project quickly and easily.

To use:

1. Place the "T" square flat on your work surface.
2. Slide the image sheet into the corner of the "T," textured side up so the image doesn't smear.  Use the smooth side for Craft Stampin' Pads.
3. Select your image stamp and ink it with a dark Classic Stampin' Pad.
4. Fit the image stamp into the corner and stamp the image sheet.  It doesn't matter how you place it, just make sure that the T and the stamp are in the same position you stamped them in when you line up the image sheet to stamp on your project.
5. Clean your stamp, if necessary, and re-ink it.
6. Align the image sheet with the location you want on your project.  If you are re-stamping an image, make sure the image sheet matches it.
7. Slide the T-square to the corner of the image sheet, making sure the position is the same as in Step 4.
8. Remove the image sheet.
9. Fit the stamp into the corner and stamp.  You probably won't need to huff on the stamp to moisten the ink, but you may.

 Try a Stamp-a-ma-jig yourself and let me know how you like it.  To order, click on "Online Ordering" at the right, then click on "Shop Now."  You can also browse the catalog while you're there, in case you need ink refills or another stamp pad, etc.
  

Photos for Holiday Cards and Pages

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Tips for Taking Holiday Card Photos

Your handmade holiday cards are special treasures already, but you can add an extra dose of uniqueness by incorporating photos into your work.  Plus, one of the cards will make a great start on a seasonal scrapbook layout.

E-mail me a scan or photo of your card or page and be a contributor on my site.  Send to mary@3amstamper.com.  I look forward to enjoying your artwork and sharing it with everyone.

Quick Notes: Make a Bundle of Notes in a Jiffy

Here is a quick and easy method to make a lot of note cards that will fit into an open-end or a regular envelope. You can stamp the envelopes to match, too.

"Say It with Scallops" Quick Notes How-To

 

1.      Cut 1 sheet of Designer Series Paper into 6" x 6" squares.

2.      Fold each square into 3" x 6" note.

3.      Stamp back of each note with personalized stamp.

4.      Stamp "Say It with Scallops" image on Whisper White card stock: one image for each note.  Punch out with Scallop Square Punch.

5.      Stamp the same image on one envelope for each note.

6.      Cut contrasting or coordinating card stock into 2" x 2" squares: one square mat for each note.

7.      Cut Whisper White card stock into 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" squares to add a contrasting layer when using the solid images.

8.      SNAIL punched out image to layer square and/or contrasting/coordinating square mat.  SNAIL layered piece to note front.

9.      Done!

 

Tips:

 

·    Notes may be top fold or side fold, depending upon how you place your layers.

·    Turn your note into a gift card holder by using the Slit Punch to make tabs.

·    1 package of Designer Series Paper makes 48 notes.

·    1 sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" card stock makes 20 scalloped square images, 20 square mats or 30 in-between layers.

·    Try using other stamp sets and other Designer Series Paper.  The secret is to have the lighter colored designs on the inside of the note.

·    Quick matting tip: cut the mat 1/4" larger (in both dimensions) than the wood block size of the image stamp to get 1/8" border all around.

·    Punching tip: make sure your piece of paper or card stock is at least 1" more than the width of the punch so you have enough room to hold it steady while you are lining up the image and punching it out.

 

Step It Up:

 

·    Add eyelets or brads to the stamped image.  Attach layer to quick note front with Stampin' Dimensionals or Mini Glue Dots.

·    Add a small felt flower from Flower Fusion with a brad to a corner.  Attach layer to quick note front with Stampin' Dimensionals or Mini Glue Dots.

·    Add a fabric flower and rhinestone brad from the Pretties Kit.

·    Scallop the note cover edge with the Scallop Edge Punch.

To order your Quick Notes Kit, download the form here. You may use it for reference to order online or complete it and e-mail to me.

Subscribers only: click on "Subscriber & Customer Only Programs" link in the latest newsletter to see the special offer.