Shimmer Paint, Spiral Butterflies and Cracked Glass

At our last Stamper's Group, we did two very different projects. But two very fun projects with very unique techniques. The first technique was the Cracked Glass technique. A detailed tutorial is available here. We applied the Glassy Glaze Enamel EB 3 times. Although we did not sponge the dark ink in the cracks we did sponge it around the edges of the card stock of both the image and greeting. But other than that, this tutorial was followed to a tee. This technique is a bit involved but worth the time spent! We inked the image in the waterproof basic black ink to prevent it from bleeding when the image is embossed. On this card, we also used SU! Jumbo Grommets in Whisper White (these are SO easy to use and add so much!) as well as the new Perfect Details Texturz for the Big Shot.

The card recipe for this card includes:

Stamp Set: Asian Artistry (Level II Hostess Set)
Card stock: Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Confetti White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Basic Black, VersaMark
Accessories: Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, and Ruby Red Stampin' Write Markers, Big Shot, Perfect Details Texturz, 1-1/4" Striped Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Jumbo Grommets, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Heat Tool, Glassy Glaze Embossing Powder

We also did a Spiral Pop-Up Card. I absolutely loved this card when I first saw it and made it right away. It's so easy to make and decided my Stamper's Group would love to try it out too. This is how the inside of the card turned out

I also decided to show my group how to die pretties, the satiny flowers that come in the Pretties Kit. It's very easy, just mix some ink refill with water in a small plastic container or ziploc bag, pop your flower into it for a few minutes and voila, a perfectly dyed flower in SU! colors! You can also dye the Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon this way. To add a little 'je ne sais quoi' to the card we painted some of the Frost White Shimmer Paint, found in the Holiday Mini, on the flower. I love love love the Shimmer Paint. It so easy to use (just apply with a sponge or sponge dauber) and has so many different uses. You can apply directly to your cardstock, you can apply directly to your stamp and stamp with it, apply to embellishments... and I'm sure you can find many other uses :) I know I will!



The card recipe for this card includes:

Stamp Set: Flighty of the Butterfly
Card stock: Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Cottage Wall DSP
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Butterfly Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Pretties Kit, Rich Razzleberry Refill, Sticky Strip, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Frost White Shimmer Paint

Keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up!

It's here! My Digital Studio, the new digital scrapbooking software from Stampin' Up! Stamps, Designer Series Papers, embellishments, Stampin' Up! exclusive 48 colors, In Colors and much much more all in on easy to use digital scrapbooking program.

I've had this program for almost a month now (one big advantage of being a demo - you get to preorder these goodies :) ) and LOVE IT! LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It's so easy to use - I have yet to read any instructions. Much to busy digitally crafting :) Here is my first creation, took me 20 minutes!


That's my favorite thing about this software. It's completely intuitive. Using it just makes sense!

My next project was an album of our apple picking adventures. I've always liked the idea of scrapbooking but I just don't have the attention span ;) Luckily I can do this while watching tv or just hanging out in the family room after the kids have gone to bed. I made 8 pages in 1-1/2 hours - with the premade templates included in the software you just select your photos, drag them to the designated boxes on the page and voila - you have a perfectly crafted scrapbook page!




I know some people love the three-dimensional feel and that's the beauty of working with this software. After printing out your pages you can add your own embellishments and create a hybrid page!

More information on this great program is available on my Stampin' Up! Website. Have you been thinking of joining Stampin' Up! ? We now have a new Starter Kit available for those who want to focus on Digital! Get My Digital Studio as well as some traditional stamps, ink, cardstock and other accessories, as well as business supplies in your starter kit for only $239! See the Promotions section of my website for more information.

I'll be back soon with some more info on my upcoming Christmas classes, my last stampers group project and more My Digital Studio info.

Keep letting stamps (and digital stamps) bring out your creativity!

Christmas 2009 Stamp-a-Stacks!

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted. But that's because I've been busy, with a capital B! Busy getting ready for the Christmas season. I know, it's nearly 4 months away, but believe it or not the Christmas season is starting! I will once again be offering Christmas card Stamp-a-Stacks where you'll be able to make your own Christmas cards. All materials are supplied and precut. Make 20 beautiful cards using several different stamp sets - without having to buy multiple Christmas stamp sets! Everything is ready for you and all you have to do is have fun! How does it work?

1- Pick a Stamp-a-Stack date below and register. Space is limit so register early! You will make and take 20 cards with envelopes. The cost is $30 and all supplies will be provided.

*Sunday October 25th, 2-5 PM
*Sunday November 15th, 2-5 PM

Please note: All workshops are prepaid. You must book two weeks in advance to ensure supplies are delivered in time for the workshop. The cards pictured are samples of the type of cards we may make - these may not be the exact cards made at the Stamp-a-Stack.

2 - Come to my house on the chosen date with your favorite adhesive (or puchase a Stampin' Up! glue stick for $3) and scissors and make your cards. All cards are pre-cut and include ribbon, embellishments and use of ink pads allowing you to make and take. To make additional cards you will be able to purchase supplies during the workshop. Please allow 2 weeks for delivery.

3 - Relax, enjoy yourself and when you're done, you'll have 20 handmade Christmas cards! It doesn't get much better than that!

Do you have a few friends with whom you'd like to do a Christmas Stamp-a-Stack? Contact me about a private 12-card workshop for you and your friends - my house or yours. This would also make a great Mother-Daughter workshop or workshop for kids 8 and older. As a Stamp-a-Stack workshop hostess, receive a FREE gift from me in addition to the wonderful Stampin' Up! Hostess Benefits for any orders placed! Contact me at monkeypapercrafts@gmail.com for more information.

Below are some samples of the types of cards we'll be making (click on image to see it full-size). I hope to see you this Christmas season and keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Mojo Monday Week 99 - Almost a week late

I guess that's what happens with kids :p You get to be late late late on some things. I was super busy this week but I also had trouble coming up with an idea for this week's sketch. It was just really an odd sketch for me, I couldn't figure out a way to make it work:

Then, on Thursday I got my preorder goodies from the Holiday Mini! As well many many other things that I ordered :p I couldn't wait to get into the Cold and Cuddly stamp set and realized that it was PERFECT for this sketch. Well, that and I changed the sketch up every so slightly to suit me better. I used a BUNCH of preorder items, the yummy shimmery as well as flocked Christmas Cocoa DSP, the Cold and Cuddly stamp set AND the wonderful and inexpensive Shimmer Paint!


My card recipe for this card includes:
Stamp Set: Cold and Cuddly
Card stock: Real Red, Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Christmas Cocoa DSP
Ink: Basic Grey, Real Red, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Frost White Shimmer Paint (used on the iceberg), Soft Suede Polka Dot Gros Grain Ribbon, 1" Circle Punch, Paper Piercing Tool, Vintage Brads

So many gorgeous things in that Mini - order from it beginning September 1st. Or sign up for one of my Christmas Stamp-a-Stacks to make some Christmas cards using all the Mini items used in this card (and more!).

Enjoy and keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

In Color Ribbon - Get YOUR Sampler!

The Polka Dot In Color Ribbon is so yummy! Not only do the new In Colors remind me of Tropical Skittles, but the ribbon is gorgeous! It's a little shiny with super cute polka dots. I wanted all 6 colors - as I know a lot of people do. Take a look - isn't it gorgeous?

But I didn't want 15 yards of each color (well, except the Rich Razzleberry - my favorite SU! color evah!). So I'm offering the 09-10 In Color Ribbon Sampler - 2 yards of each In Color ribbon for only $15!

Want to get your sampler for FREE? Book a workshop with me between now and December and get a Ribbon Sampler from me as a thank you gift! It can be a regular workshop or a Christmas Stamp-a-Stack, whatever you prefer! Contact me today to book your workshop or to purchase your Ribbon Sampler.