Sunny Hugs Coming Your Way!

Welcome class!

I have another card made with the newest Sneak Peek Club from Waffle Flower Crafts...I had so much fun working with this kit!  The kit is a monthly subscription that sends members new products the month before they launch to the public.  So, if you're not in the club, you won't see the products I'm using today until the next release on October 5th, and if you're interested in signing up for the Sneak Peek Club, you'll start by receiving the October Kit that ships on 10/6.  The Sunflower Cluster bundle is so versatile that you can easily use the stencils by themselves without the coordinating die as well, and I dug into my stash and combined the previously released Sweet Plaid Texture Die and Oversized Hugs Die.

So here's the lesson plan:

1.  Pick your colors.  I used some of my older Altenew Fresh Ink Cubes to get a warm yellow hue to the flowers.

2.  Stencil the things!  These line up so well without the die even being used! Texturize the things!  I used the Sweet Plaid Texture Die on top of the stenciled layer to add some visual interest.  Die cut the things! I cut out a rectangle to pop up in the middle, as well as several Hugs sentiments so that I could give it dimension...the top layer is out of glossy black cardstock.

3.  Assemble!  Foam tape up the smaller rectangle, add the sentiment and sentiment strip and a few black glossy dots and it's a card!

Product Line Up:

• Waffle Flower Sunflower Cluster Die (available 10/5)
• Waffle Flower Sunflower Cluster Stencil (available 10/5)
• Waffle Flower Sweet Plaid Texture Die
• Waffle Flower Oversized Hugs Die
• Simon Says Stamp Glossy Black Cardstock

The above links are affiliate links, which just helps me fund this hobby at no additional cost to you and create more lesson plans and creativity for all of you--I appreciate your support!

Class dismissed!

Waffle Flower Sneak Peek!

Welcome class!

I'm excited to join Waffle Flower Crafts  today to share a couple of projects created using supplies from their newest Sneak Peek Club Kit!  Thanks so much to Galina for inviting me to do this....I'm honored and humbled to be able to do this!

It's a monthly subscription that sends members new products the month before they launch to the public.  So, if you're not in the club, you won't see the products I'm using today until the next release on October 5th.  If you're interested in signing up for the Sneak Peek Club, you'll start by receiving the October Kit that ships on 10/6.  

I've partnered with Waffle Flower on Instagram to give away an extra of this Sneak Peek Club kit #9 to one of my followers! You must be at least 18 years old and have a US shipping address. A winner will be chosen randomly from the comment section OF MY INSTAGRAM PAGE found at @teacher11494 and announced on the Waffle Flower Blog on September 30th. Entry closes on September 29th.

So here's the lesson plan:

1.  Pick your colors.  I used a few Concord and 9th inks (Sunflower, Buttercup, Avocado, Artichoke and Nutmeg)

2.  Die cut the things!  I had soooo much fun using the Sunflower Cluster Die included in this kit...the detail and dimension are out of this world.  Stencil the things!  This die has coordinating stencils that line up like a dream!  Using my Waffle Flower Sticky Mat in my Misti made it even easier.  My suggestion is to die cut first and then stencil with these products.  Emboss the things!  I used the Waffle Flower Sweet Lattice Sentiments stamps and dies for this and embossed the sentiment on dark blue paper with white embossing powder.

3.  Assemble!  I used a sheet of light blue gingham from the Waffle Flower Berry Sweet Gingham Paper Pad for the background and cut a stitched border with the Waffle Flower Lacy Layers dies for interest, and added some Starshine embellishments from Simon Says Stamp. A little white splatter across the sunflower layer and it's a card!

  Product Line Up:

• Waffle Flower Sunflower Cluster Die (available 10/5)
• Waffle Flower Sunflower Cluster Stencil (available 10/5)
• Waffle Flower Sweet Lattice Sentiments
• Waffle Flower Sweet Lattice Sentiments Dies
• Waffle Flower Berry Sweet Gingham Paper Pad
• Waffle Flower Lacy Layers Dies
• Simon Says Stamp White Embossing Powder
• Simon Says Stamp Starshine Embellishments
• Spellbinders Splatter White

The above links are affiliate links, which just helps me fund this hobby at no additional cost to you and create more lesson plans and creativity for all of you--I appreciate your support!

Class dismissed!

 

Too Sweet to Be Scary

Welcome class!

I absolutely love making Halloween cards....such fun, bold colors and the products out there on the market make my heart sing.  So when Waffle Flower Crafts dropped their Halloween release this year and I was sucked in by the amazing product line, I had to grab a few things.  The Sweet Ghosts suite of products (stencil and dies) were the first ones I grabbed for over a rainy weekend and came up with several cards...I can't wait to share them with you!

So here's the lesson plan:

1.  Pick your colors.  I used Flirty Fuchsia, Martini and Orange Peel from my much neglected Catherine Pooler inks....they're so bright and fun for Halloween cards!

2.  Stencil the things!  This stencil is so easy to use! Die cut the things!  I used the Waffle Flower Lacy Layers products along with the new Boo word die that I cut out of some black glitter cardstock.  Splatter the things!  Put the first stencil in the pack on top of the finished panel and splatter with some Black Soot Distress Oxide spray.  

3.  Assemble!  I used a sheet of black grid paper from the Waffle Flower Spooktacular pattern paper pack for the background, and use a lot of foam tape to give this dimension.  A few Starshine embellishments and we're done.

Product Line Up:

• Waffle Flower Crafts Sweet Ghosts Stencil
• Waffle Flower Crafts Sweet Ghosts Wafer Dies
• Waffle Flower Crafts Spooktacular Paper Pad
• Waffle Flower Crafts Boo Word Die
• Waffle Flower Crafts Lacy Layers Dies
• Simon Says Stamp Starshine Embellishments
• Distress Oxide Spray--Black Soot

The above links are affiliate links, which just helps me fund this hobby at no additional cost to you and create more lesson plans and creativity for all of you--I appreciate your support!

Class dismissed!

Know When To Hold 'Em, Know When To Fold 'Em

Welcome class!

I'm branching out from Simon Says Stamp products for a bit and tackling the Altenew portion of my unused product basket.  Today's products are the Botanical Honeycomb stencil (which I've used already) and the coordinating 3D embossing folder (which is new to me).  This card is an exercise in knowing when to leave well enough alone as after I spent the time stenciling on the 3D embossed image and die cutting a rectangle out of the panel, I decided to put it back through the machine with the embossing folder....and it slipped, so it's a little off on the larger panel.  Lesson learned:  when you have something done, and done RIGHT, just leave well enough alone--LOL!

So here's the lesson plan:

1.  Pick your colors.  I went with the colors from the Color Cube card I randomly pulled out of the box.  I used an assortment of Altenew Crisp inks, with the exception of one Fresh ink that I have a cube set for.

2.  Emboss the things!  I had to experiment with my sandwich again, and ran this one through the Big Shot rather than my Gemini.  Stencil the things!  Die cut the things!  I used sentiments from Altenew's Versatile Greetings for both cards, and the sentiments are from Altenew's Flourishing Garden set. I love that stamp set for the florals and coordinating stencils, but all the sentiments in the set are so versatile, and in a great font too!  

3.  Assemble the things.  The first card is actually my extra credit card.  I love this layout as it allows for maximum use of the panel I made as it was about 6x6 when I started.  I doodled a bit on the flower centers to bring more black in to the card, and for the second card I used small black dots from Concord and 9th in the centers.  The second card uses some twine as for some reason I thought it called for some earthy texture.  

Hello Fall....Someday

Welcome class!

Today's card uses some oldies but goodies from Simon Says Stamp, the Etched Layered Daisy and Interlocking Circles stencil set.  I have a basket of items I've ordered and haven't used yet, so I took the time to randomly pick a few, dig for a random color combo from my Color Cube, and get to work.  Since I've discovered how much I like ink blending on top of white die cut images, I'm finding chances to do that on every card I can--LOL!

So here's the lesson plan:

1.  Pick your colors.  This one used Concord and 9th Avocado, Spiced Cider, Sunflower, Honeycomb and Nutmeg.

2.  Stencil the things!  Die cut the things!  I used an old sheet of random copper metallic cardstock from an unknown source for the sentiment.  Ink blend the things!  Sooo satisfying to see that flower come to life!

3.  Assemble!  I added a few Pink and Main clear dots for bling as I thought gold ones would get lost in the background.  

 Product Line Up:

• Simon Says Stamp Interlocking Circles Stencil Set
• Simon Says Stamp Etched Layered Daisy Wafer Dies
• Simon Says Stamp Fancy Hello Wafer Die
• Simon Says Stamp Vellum 

The above links are affiliate links, which just helps me fund this hobby at no additional cost to you and create more lesson plans and creativity for all of you--I appreciate your support!

Class dismissed!

 

Happy B-Day to You!

Welcome class!

I have one more batch of cards using the Simon Says Stamp Stamptember release, this time with the new Layering Sprinkles stencil set, with the help of of a CZ Design Happy Bday die and a stash of sequins that I had almost forgotten about in my stash.  I have a few little boys in my life that have back to back birthdays, which inspired the color choices and designs.  What 7 year old doesn't like a shaker card?  

So here's the lesson plan:

1.  Pick your colors.  I went with some blues, oranges and greens for this duo using Pawsitively Saturated Inks.

2.  Stencil the things!  Once you've stenciled everything, it's fun to add some sparkle!  I use some old Nuvo glitter paste from my stash. Die cut the things!  With this one, I use the shadow layer as the basis for my shaker card, and placed the stacked sentiment on top.  Doodle on the things!   I used an Arteza white gel pen to put highlights on the sentiment.

3.  Assemble!  I used my foam tape to pop up the stenciled layer to make a home for my sequins, and grabbed a sentiment strip sentiment to supplement that big, beautiful die cut!

EXTRA CREDIT!

I didn't want the stenciled shadow layer to go to waste, so I made a second card, this time only using blues for the sprinkles stencil on a light blue cardstock.  More doodling on the sentiment, and I used some white glitter cardstock and a star die to accent the card.  Super simple for a child's birthday card!

Product Line Up:

• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks: Orange Leaves
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks: Green Meadows
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink Cubes:  Blue Skies
• Simon Says Stamp Layered Sprinkles Stencil Set 
• Simon Says Stamp CZ Design Happy Bday Wafer Dies
• Simon Says Stamp Stars Die Set
• Simon Says Stamp White Glitter Cardstock

The above links are affiliate links, which just helps me fund this hobby at no additional cost to you and create more lesson plans and creativity for all of you--I appreciate your support!

Class dismissed!

AAA Colourful Challenge #8

Welcome class! 

I'm here with another card for AAA Colourful Challenges!  This month has a great color scheme that can be used for fall OR Halloween cards.  Since I just had a few new Halloween goodies show up in my mailbox from Spellbinders, I figured I should give them some love.  I am a huge fan of Betterpress plates, and where I used this on in a basic black on white color scheme, I can't wait to try hot foiling with it using white or silver foil on dark colored cardstock.  Halloween cards are my FAVORITE!

So here's the lesson plan:

1.  Pick your colors.  The color board does a great job of doing that for me.  I used Concord and 9th's Clementine as my orange, and the patterned paper is American Crafts Happy Halloween, which was a release from last year. 

2.  Die cut the things!  This Woof or Treat die from Spellbinders will be on soooo many of my Halloween cards this year! Betterpress the things!  I used the Spiderweb Background plate I got over the summer on sale. I used the Betterpress Porcelain paper for this.

3.  Assemble!  I love how the patterned paper has holographic sheen to it, and it works well with the spiderweb at the top of the page.  Some twine and a sentiment from Simon Says Stamp CZ Big Bat and we're calling it a card!

Product Line Up:

• Spellbinders Spiderweb Background Betterpress Plate
• Spellbinders Woof or Treat Etched Die set
• American Crafts Happy Halloween 6x8 Paper Pad
• Simon Says Stamp Big Bat Wafer Dies
• May Arts Black Twine
• Simon Says Stamp Nesting Circle Wafer Dies
• Spellbinders Betterpress Porcelain A2 Panels

The above links are affiliate links, which just helps me fund this hobby at no additional cost to you and create more lesson plans and creativity for all of you--I appreciate your support!

Class dismissed!

Just Because I Appreciate You

Welcome class!

Today's card once again takes the Just Because suite of products from the Stamptember release out for a spin, in a totally different way than I've used before.  By doing some creative inking, you can get a pretty spectacular result with little effort with a little help from my Pawsitively Saturated ink cubes.

So here's the lesson plan:

1.  Pick your colors.  I went with a tried and true rainbow palette using my Pawsitively Saturated Inks.

2.  Stamp the things! I used the darkest color in each hue and stamped a strip across the background stamp.  Without cleaning, I repeated the process through the rainbow. By overlapping inks, I got a great transition between colors.  Blend the things! With the lightest color in each family, I lightly went over what I had stamped.  Die cut the things!  I used white glitter cardstock for the sentiment, and I also used my favorite Hero Arts Nesting Rectangle dies to pop up the center of the stamped panel.  

3.  Assemble.  A little foam tape and Starshine embellies later and we have a card. 

Product Line Up:

• Simon Says Stamp Just Because Background Stamp
• Simon Says Stamp Fancy Just Because Wafer Die
• Simon Says Stamp Reverse Just Because Sentiment Strips
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks: Pink Blooms
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks: Orange Leaves
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks: Yellow Sunsets
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks: Green Meadows
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks: Blue Seas
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks: Purple Fields
• Simon Says Stamp Starshine Embellishments
• Simon Says Stamp White Glitter Cardstock
• Hero Arts Nesting Rectangle Wafer Dies

The above links are affiliate links, which just helps me fund this hobby at no additional cost to you and create more lesson plans and creativity for all of you--I appreciate your support!

Class dismissed!

Floral Hellos

Welcome class!

I've always had a heck of a time getting embossing folders to bend to my will, and when I got my Gemini Jr, it just got worse as I never got a good sandwich to work.  It was either too thick or too thin.  I finally solved the problem, and it let me get a fun embossed layer to go underneath the flowers from the Elegant Blossom Branch die!

So here's the lesson plan:

1.  Pick your colors.  I went with the Blue Lagoon Pawsitively Saturated Ink Cube pack, and the Nutmeg cube from this month's release.

2.  Die cut the things!  I die cut the flowers out of white cardstock and got to work blending with the inks.  I LOVE how this turned out, and was tickled pink when Heidi said how much she liked it on the Simon livestream on September 1st!  Emboss the things!  My sandwich that worked with this folder in the Gemini was to use one cutting plate, a metal shim, then the embossing folder.  Perfect pressure sandwich!  I must have used something with shimmer spray on it earlier as the white cardstock has a nice glimmer to it.  Splatter the things!  I used some of the Simon inks to get some extra dimension on the background.  

3.  Assemble the card.  I used a scrap of Concord and 9th Sunflower cardstock for the sentiment, and after assembling the card, I felt the brown centers of the flowers needed a yellow glow-up, so I dusted off my yellow Nuvo drops and put a layer on top of the brown.  Happy with the result!

 Product Line Up:

• Simon Says Stamp Elegant Blossom Branch Wafer Die
• Simon Says Stamp CZ Design Hello Wafer Die
• Simon Says Stamp Blossom Field Embossing Folder
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks:  Blue Lagoon
• Simon Says Stamp Starshine Embellishments
• Simon Says Stamp Clear Detail Embossing Powder
• Versafine Clair Nocturne (Black) Ink Pad

The above links are affiliate links, which just helps me fund this hobby at no additional cost to you and create more lesson plans and creativity for all of you--I appreciate your support!

Class dismissed!

Stretch Your Supplies: Sending You Peace

Welcome class!

More Stamptember inspiration coming your way!  Sometimes it's fun to stretch your supplies and use them in unexpected ways.  Somehow I don't have a big assortment of Simon branded Christmas products, so finding an idea for the new CZ Simple Peace wafer die was a little challenging.  But then I thought about how it can also turn into a sympathy/thinking of you sentiment wishing someone peace in a troubled time, and this card was created!

So here's the lesson plan:

1.  Pick your colors.  I went with an assortment of blues and greens from the Pawsitively Saturated Ink line.

2.  Stencil the things!  I wanted to get this Monstera Stencil from last month's release some love, so I did some ink blending, with part of the stencil hanging off the page.  Die cut the things!  I used Matte Silver Cardstock for the sentiment and mounted it on a Vellum layer.  Splatter the things!  I used some black watercolor to make a spray across the card.

3.  Assemble the parts.  I popped up the stenciled layer on a white card base, and added my Starshine Embellishments.  A simple sympathy/thinking of you card for someone in need!

  Product Line Up:

• Simon Says Stamp Monstera Stencil
• Simon Says Stamp CZ Happy Combos Stamps
• Simon Says Stamp Starshine Embellishments
• Simon Says Stamp CZ Simple Peace Wafer Die
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink:  Green Trees
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink:  Blue Seas
• Simon Says Stamp Vellum 
• Simon Says Stamp Matte Silver Cardstock
• Simon Says Stamp Clear Detail Embossing Powder
• Versafine Clair Nocturne (Black) Ink Pad

The above links are affiliate links, which just helps me fund this hobby at no additional cost to you and create more lesson plans and creativity for all of you--I appreciate your support!

Class dismissed!

Hello My Friend!

Welcome class!

I've got a colorful card for you to wrap up this first week of Stamptember offerings!  I put the Block Alpha Words stamp set to work with a super colorful rainbow palette and am thrilled with the results, and I hope you are too! With ways to say thanks, hello, love you and more, it's a super versatile addition to your stamp collection.

So here's the lesson plan:

1.  Pick your colors.  I went with a rainbow hued color scheme using Pawsitively Saturated Inks, focusing on the lighest and second lightest colors in the sets.

2.  Stamp the things!  This took me a hot minute to line everything up but it turned out!  Die cut the things!  I used a CZ Hello die along with the sub sentiments in the stamp set. 

3.  Assemble!  I used some Starshine embellishments and let that bold stamped background do the heavy lifting here. 

 Product Line Up:

• Simon Says Stamp Block Alpha Words Stamp Set
• Simon Says Stamp CZ Hello Wafer Die
• Simon Says Stamp Starshine Embellishments
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks: Pink Blooms
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks: Orange Leaves
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks: Yellow Sunsets
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks: Green Meadows
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks: Blue Seas
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks: Purple Fields
• Simon Says Stamp Clear Detail Embossing Powder
• Versafine Clair Nocturne (Black) Ink Pad

The above links are affiliate links, which just helps me fund this hobby at no additional cost to you and create more lesson plans and creativity for all of you--I appreciate your support!

Class dismissed!

Thankful for Watercolored Pumpkins!

Welcome class!

I'm here with more inspiration from this month's Simon Says Stamp Stamptember release, this time using the Pumpkin to Talk About stamp set.  I LOVE the huge size of this set, allowing for both vertical and horizontal cards, and the outlines give so many possibilities for creativity.  On this card, I decided to try my hand at watercoloring with a set of Karin markers!

So here's the lesson plan:

1.  Pick your colors. I wanted to go earthy on this one, and I made sure to toss a few green-grey pumpkins in there for fun!

2.  Stamp the things!  I used Versafine Nocturne ink with clear embossing powder on Tim Holtz watercolor paper. Color the things!  I was happy that I gave things a try with Karin markers!  I lightly dampened the paper and applied the ink.  I'm still working on my technique with these markers, but I'm excited to play with them more.  Die cut the things!  I used a Thankful die from last year's Stamptember release. 

3.  Assemble!  I added some May Arts twine and gold sequins for some flash and it's a card!

 

 Product Line Up:

• Simon Says Stamp Pumpkin to Talk About stamp set
• Simon Says Stamp Fancy Giving Thanks Wafer Dies
• Simon Says Stamp Matte Gold Cardstock
• Simon Says Stamp Stay Gold Embellishment Mix
• Simon Says Stamp Clear Detail Embossing Powder
• Versafine Clair Nocturne (Black) Ink Pad

The above links are affiliate links, which just helps me fund this hobby at no additional cost to you and create more lesson plans and creativity for all of you--I appreciate your support!

Class dismissed!

15th STAMPtember Party!

Welcome to the Simon Says Stamp STAMPtember blog party!  Different than a blog hop, today you'll participate in a scavenger hunt to find amazing codes for free goodies on everyone's posts, and everyone has something different!  Where can you find the complete list?  At the Simon Says Stamp blog!  I'm featuring the Spooky Web Embossing Folder which is free with a $30 purchase...just follow the directions on the last photo in this post.  Get a head start on your Halloween crafting!

So here's the lesson plan:

1.  Pick your colors.  I was inspired by the new ink cubes released this month, the Red Earth bundle!  I used Punch, Sangria and Cabernet, along with Cabbage and Nutmeg for the stem and leaves.

2.  Die cut the things!  Somehow this was the first time EVER that I've cut a die cut out of white and blended the color onto it.  OMG game changer for this late bloomer!  This Elegant Blossom Branch die cut is going to get a workout!  I also die cut an arch out of vellum to place the sentiment and die cut flowers on.  Stamp the things!  I stamped the Just Because background stamp (another HUGE favorite from this release) in Versafine black and clear embossed over it.

3.  Assemble the card!  Add some Starshine Embellishments and a sentiment from the Reverse Just Because Sentiment Strips pack.

Throughout STAMPtember there will be exclusive collaborations, contests, prizes, special promotions, announcements and more surprises!  Simon's blog will announce what is planned every day...stay tuned!

Product Line Up:

• Simon Says Stamp Elegant Blossom Branch Wafer Die
• Simon Says Stamp Just Because Background Stamp
• Simon Says Stamp Reverse Just Because Sentiment Strips
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks:  Red Earth
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks:  Blue Lagoon
• Simon Says Stamp Starshine Embellishments
• Simon Says Stamp Clear Detail Embossing Powder
• Versafine Clair Nocturne (Black) Ink Pad

The above links are affiliate links, which just helps me fund this hobby at no additional cost to you and create more lesson plans and creativity for all of you--I appreciate your support!

Class dismissed!