Some Different Christmas Cards...

Well, isn't this embarrassing. It's been over two months since I last updated my blog. TWO! And it's not because I haven't been stamping. Just the opposite. I've been stamping like crazy, running many Christmas workshops and getting my own things ready for the holiday season! I'd like to share one card I did with my Stamper's Group at the end of November. We did two cards, but at this rate it won't get posted 'til February, so I'll post this one for the time being :p

One card we did is a tri-fold card. Looks really fancy, but ultimately simple to make. I used my favorite DSP ever, Christmas Cocoa, as well as my favorite new Christmas stamp set, Delightful Decorations and the coordinating Ornament Punch. The steps for this card are pretty simple:
*Cut a piece of 5-1/2" x 12" cardstock.
*Score horizontally at 2", 4", 8" and 10".
*Cut slots with paper cutter at 1-1/2" and 4" vertically, from 2" to 10" horizontally. Fold on scores as shown in card below.
*I left 1/8" mats behind my DSP.

You can follow my card as a guide, though if you google 'Trifold card' you'll find some more examples.


The recipe for this card includes

Stamp Set: Delightful Decorations
Card stock: Real Red, Real Red Textured, Soft Suede, Christmas Cocoa DSP, Whisper White
Ink: VersaMark
Accessories: Ornament Punch, Fire Rhinestone Brads, Gold Elastic Cord, Stampin' Dimensionals, Big Shot, Join in the Cheer Decorative Strip, Heat and Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter, Gold Embossing Powder, Tape

We also did a layered brayer card... stay tuned for that - hopefully soon! And keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

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.

Dasher - Christmas in August!

I just love Dasher - the new single stamp for only $10.95. So I've bought that stamp - can't beat the price! - and plan on making some lovely Christmas cards using this stamp. We'll also be using this stamp for one of the cards at my Christmas Stamp-a-Stacks. Well, actually, I've already made a cute card with this stamp for a demo swap I joined. I thought Dasher had beautiful lines that would look great embossed in white on a darker cardstock. So of course I chose my new favorite color, Rich Razzleberry and paired it with Old Olive. Who says none of the new In Colors can be used for Christmas cards!?!?! And what goes great with Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry? Chocolate Chip of course :) So without further ado - Dasher...


I got the layout from an old Mojo Monday Challenge and I love the way the ribbon comes under and through the top image. The recipe for Dasher is:

Stamp Sets: Dasher, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card stock: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Rich Razzleberry, Cast-a-Spell DSP
Ink: Craft White, VersaMark
Accessories: Modern Label Punch, Ticket Punch, Slit Punch, Paper Piercer, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Brads, Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Texture Plates, Heat Tool, White Stampin' Emboss Powder

But, if you love Dasher as much as me, you'll be even more excited to see the Dasher Decor Element - only available as a Hostess Benefit with a qualifying workshop of minimum $395 in sales. So be sure to book your Christmas workshop soon! Maybe make it a Stamp-a-Stack!

One thing that did make me a bit sad about the Dasher Decor Element though is that after Christmas I'd have to take it down. And then it would be gone. So, I bought some sturdy 3/16" foam board and a frame (without glass mat, just the wood frame) at the local craft store. Then I put Dasher on the foam board (I have the Chocolate Chip Dasher, but he's also available in Basic Black, Real Red, and Whisper White), mounted him in the frame and voila! A Dasher I can bring out Christmas after Christmas after Christmas! So there is a way to make your Decor Elements more permanent (or less permanent since they're not actually on your wall) than you probably thought! And once again, without further ado... Dasher #2 (though this guy is 17-5/8" x 13").


That's it for tonight and keep letting stamps (and Decor Elements) bring out your creativity!

Mojo Monday Week 98 - On a Monday!

Yes, I've managed to get this up on a Monday this week. But only because we have a holiday here today, hubby is home to deal with kiddo #1 and kiddo #2 took a good 3.5 hour nap! I really liked this week's sketch and will likely use it again. Though I did tweak it a bit, rotating the square mat diagonally and adding a sentiment. I need sentiments on my cards, lol! But I think it finishes off the empty space at the top of the card nicely.

For this week's card I also wanted to practice my watercoloring and blending a bit more. I finally broke out the Stazon as well - much much better for watercoloring than Basic Black ink. Doesn't run - at all! For the turtle's shell I started with Creamy Caramel and then blended in Chocolate Chip. I did two layers of Old Olive in the turtle's spots. I used watercolor paper and Watercolor Wonder Crayons and really like the way my turtle turned out. The scalloped circle looked a wee bit bland so I practiced some sponging around its edges. I haven't done this much, but really like the effect so will practice this technique more in the future. I used just plain ol' paint sponges for my sponging, though I do plan on investing in some 'real' Stampin' Sponges in the near future!


The card recipe for my Mojo Monday card this week is
Stamps: Older and Wiser (retired), Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card stock: Chocolate Chip, Watercolor Paper, Walk in the Park DSP (retired)
Ink: Timber Brown Stazon, Close to Cocoa, VersaMark
Accessories: Heat Tool, Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Earth Elements Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon, Modern Label Punch, Big Shot, Scallop Circle #2, Sponges

If you need to get your creative juices going... try out a sketch challenge! And keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge - Week 97

Yes, it's Wednesday. Again. But really... how can I be expected to get this card made, photo'd, and blogged in one day? Maybe if I didn't have a 3.5 year old and 3 month old in the house. In all honesty, I think we're lucky I get this card up as 'early' as I do, lol! So this week's challenge was a bit less out of the box for me, though I would definitely not have come up with this design myself!
I decided to use the retired Unfrogettable stamp set for this card. I need to make more cards for Belly Laughs and this was a nice simple design so I though, why not? Here's what I came up with... simple but sweet, I think.


My card recipe for this 'hoppy' card includes:

Stamp Set: Unfrogettable (retired)
Card stock: Wild Wasabi (retired), Crushed Curry, Whisper White, Walk in the Park DSP (retired)
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Basic Black, VersaMark
Accessories: Wide Oval Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Watercolor Wondercrayons - Earth Elements, Aqua Painter, Sizzix Big Shot, Scalloped Circles #2 Die, Button Latte, Linen Thread, Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon

That's it for this Mon... er Wednesday! Keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge - Week 96

This week's sketch challenge was definitely outside the box for me. I never would have thought to create a background with three equal strips of DSP.


When I saw this week's sketch design, I thought it would make a wonderful wedding shower card. My friend asked me to make a couple of cards for her, including a shower, so I used the challenge as my basis for this card. I think it turned out beautifully and I hope the bride-to-be loves it!


The card recipe for this card includes
Stamp Sets: She's All That (retired), Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Baja Breeze Regular and Textured (retired), Berry Bliss DSP (retired), Confetti White
Ink: VersaMark
Accessories: Big Shot, Scalloped Circle Die #2, Heat Tool, Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Clear Rhinestone Brads, Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware, Designer Label Punch, Flower Fusion Too, Chocolate Chip Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon

3D Pop-Up Card Tutorial

I had so much positive feedback on the 3D pop-up card that I made for my Father-in-Law. However, everyone was rather disappointed that I didn't include a tutorial for this type of card. So last week I sat down, made this pop-up card, and made sure to document every step! This is my first tutorial, so hopefully it all makes sense! Any feedback is appreciated :) Have fun making your own pop-up card and be sure to show me the final result! Or join me at my 3D Birthday card class on Sunday September 13th to make 2 3D Pop-Up Cards and 2 Shadow Box Cards. Contact me for more details!

Step 1

Cut an 8-1/2" x 11" piece of cardstock to 8-1/2" x 8-1/2". I like to use textured cardstock, with the textured side facing 'out' so that you can see the texture when the card is folded up.


Step 2

Score your cardstock at 4-1/4" on each side, so you'll have your cardstock scored into four quadrants. You'll also need to score on quadrant in half diagonally. To do this, place your cardstock diagonally onto your Scor-Pal or paper cutter making sure that both corners are on the score line. Hold cardstock in place carefully and score the one quadrant diagonally - this is where the card will 'fold in'.



Step 3

Once all the scoring has been done, orient your cardstock with the diagonal score line in the top right quadrant. Then, cut the score line between the two bottom quadrants as shown.


Step 4

Fold your cardstock along all the score lines with a bone folder to ensure crisp folds. Once all the folds have been made, bring the bottom right quadrant over to the left and adhere to the bottom left quadrant and adhere with a strong adhesive (such as Stampin' Up!'s Sticky Strip). Your card will now stand up and you're ready to create your scene.


Step 5

Create your scene in the card. I used the Razzleberry Lemonade DSP to enhance the backgrounds of this card. I also used SU!'s Sticky Strip to adhere all pop-up elements to make sure that they stayed firmly on the card as these cards are often manipulated a lot ;)

You may be wondering how to create the 'pop-up' elements on the card. Cut a piece of cardstock, 1/4" or 1/2" depending on the width of your pop-up element, and fold into a square or rectangle. Adhere one side to your element, one side to your card (with Sticky Strip) as shown below. Make sure to take into account the folding of the card when including your pop out elements. Don't place them right on the bottom of the card as they'll be crushed during folding. Before adhering them, be sure to check that the card folds properly with the element in place.


Since the card will always tend to 'pop-up', I like to make a belly band to hold the whole thing together. This is easy to do. Use a 1-1/2" x 8-1/2" piece of cardstock, scored at 2" and 6-1/2". You'll be left with a 1/4" gap at the front of the belly band. This is easily hidden with a decorative elements, such as the flower on scalloped circle on my card.


The card recipe for this card includes:
Stamp Sets: Sock Monkey, Pun Fun, Family Phrases
Cardstock: Melon Mambo (textured and regular), Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Confetti White, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write, Soft Suede Stampin' Write, Dusty Durango Stampin' Write, Crushed Curry Stampin' Write, Melon Mambo Stampin' Write, VersaMarker
Accessories: Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals, Tombo Mono Adhesive, Chunky Glitter Essentials, Wide Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Sticky Strip

That's it for today. Keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

July Stamper's Group Projects

As I mentioned in this post, one focus in our demo magazine was 3D cards. So for our stamper's group this month I decided to try out another type of 3D card - a shadow box card. The idea behind this card is simple, create a shadow box with cardstock and place your scene inside, message on the outside. The trick is to make your scene 3D as well, using dimensionals, etc., to give the shadow box elements depth. I also wanted to showcase the new In Colors so our shadow box was made of Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede and Melon Mambo textured cardstock.

The great thing about this shadow box is that it fits into a standard A2 card envelope! It is constructed with two pieces of 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" cardstock, each scored at 1/2" and 1" on both ends (cardstock in landscape orientation). The front and back pieces of the cardstock are adhered together using Sticky Strip - just to make sure that the shadow box stays together if it's manipulated a lot by admirers - which it most certainly will! :)

The card recipe for this Forest Friends shadow box card is:

Stamp Sets: Forest Friends, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock:Soft Suede Textured, Rich Razzleberry Textured, Melon Mambo Textured, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Ink: Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Basic Grey, Old Olive
Accessories: 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Modern Label Punch, Slit Punch, Crushed Curry 1/2" Grosgrain Ribbon, Soft Subtles Buttons (retired), Vintage Brads, Linen Thread, Paper Piercing Tool, Mat Pack, Stampin Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Our second card involved lots of brayering and two resist techniques: wax resist and emboss resist. We used the new Animal Stories stamp set and made a jungle-themed birthday card. I especially love the look of wax resist, which involves taking crumpled wax paper and ironing it on glossy cardstock (make sure to use a cloth between your iron and the wax paper so that you don't ruin your iron!). Then brayer over the cardstock with a dark color - we used Chocolate Chip - and wipe off excess ink with a tissue or paper towel. The ink will only adhere to the areas where there is no wax creating a safari looking effect.

For emboss resist, the image is embossed in white on Whisper White cardstock. Then ink is brayered over the cardstock and the embossed image 'resists' being ink, causing it to stand out from a colored background. Much more so than if it was simply embossed on coloured cardstock. We used Crushed Curry only, but you can use more than one color to create neat color gradient effects. The ink doesn't adhere to the embossed image and causes it to pop out. On this image we also sponged chocolate chip around the edges to help the giraffe stand out.

The card recipe for this emboss resist card is:

Stamp Sets: Animal Stories, Family Phrases
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Whisper White, Glossy White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Crushed Curry, VersaMark
Accessories: Scallop Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Sponge Daubers, Heat Tool, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Brayer, 1" Double Stitched Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Wax Paper, Iron

Enjoy and keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge - Week 95

Okay, so I know it's Tuesday. But I did make this card on Monday, just didn't get a chance to post it 'til today. Life with two kids sometimes gets in the way of blogging :p Who would've thought? LOL!

It's my second week doing these sketch challenges and I love it! It forces me to think outside 'my' box and use DSP and embellishments in ways I'm not used to. For example, I would've never thought to place elements on my card on an angle like in this week's sketch. Or I wouldn't usually use DSP for my background for fear of making my card too 'busy'. But, I'm quite pleased with what I came up with and although it's busier than what I'm used to, I also think it 'simple' enough to be pretty.

So here's what I came up with, using the retired Sweet Always DSP and 'Merci' stamp set for inspiration.

The card recipe for my Mojo Monday Week 95 Sketch Challenge is:
Stamp Set: Merci (retired)
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Pixie Pink, Whisper White, Sweet Always DSP (retired)
Ink: Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Big Shot, Simple Flower Embosslit, Ice Circle Rhinestone Brads, 1/16" Hole Punch, 1" Double Stitched Chocolate Chip Ribbon, 1/4" Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Perfect Plum Stampin' Write, Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write, Summer Sun Stampin' Write, Basic Black Stampin' Write

The other thing I love about these sketch challenges is that I have carte blanche to use retired SU! products. Of course I can use them in all my creations, but I much prefer to use current products so that my customers can recreate them if they want. There's nothing worse than a customer falling in love with something and having to tell them it's not available!

I hope you enjoy this week's sketch challenge, it gives you some inspiration as well and keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Razzleberry Butterfly

Well, I'm loving this Razzleberry Lemonade DSP. It looks a little crazy in the catalog and I really hesitated purchasing it during our demo preorder. But I took the plunge and I'm SO glad I did!
It is SO much fun, great colours, great patterns and actually rather versatile! In my second last order I also got the Big Shot Beautiful Butterflies die and thought this DSP would be perfect for it! I played a bit and this is what I came up with.

The card recipe for my Razzle Butterfly card includes:
Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo (textured), Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: VersaMark
Accessories: Modern Label Punch, Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Big Shot, Bigz Beautiful Butterflies Die, Bigz Top Note Die, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Button Latte, Glue Dots, Silver Brads

I couldn't stop at just one butterfly though, and wanted to use a flower from my Pretties Kit as well as play with brayering. I brayered Crushed Curry on glossy cardstock, then brayered Rich Razzleberry overtop, without completely covering the Crushed Curry. I then wiped it down with a baby wipe, to remove excess ink and blend it all. In the end, I came up with this Pretties Butterfly card.

The card recipe for my Pretties Butterfly card includes:
Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry (textured), Crushed Curry, Glossy Cardstock, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies Die, Pretties Kit, Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Glue Dots, Silver Brads, Brayer Eyelet Border Punch, Crystal Effects

These new In Colors are just so bright and so much fun and this DSP just incorporates it all! So go for it, take the plunge with this crazy DSP!
Keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Christmas in July!

There's been a lot of talk amongst demonstrators over whether the new In Colours can be used on Christmas cards. There are no reds or greens. But in my opinion, these colours can be used with regular SU! colours to make some great non-traditional Christmas cards. I personally LOVE the new In Colors (they are SO my cup of tea!) so I decided to challenge myself to make two different Christmas cards using them. They're definitely not traditional, pretty unusual (especially the one using the crazy but lovely Razzleberry Lemonade DSP), but I would most certainly love getting one of these in the mail :) I used the new Level II Hostess Set Christmas Punches for these cards. This is such an awesome Christmas set, definitely one other good reason to book a Christmas workshop (in addition to great hostess benefits, lots of fun and a make-and-take!) Contact me today or attend my Champagne Punch Open House to book yours!

Take a look at these crazy Christmas cards and let me know what you think!


The card recipe for my Razzle Chistmas card includes:
Stamp Set: Christmas Punch, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP (New!)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, VersaMark
Accessories: Tag Punch, Modern Label, Eyelet Border Punch, Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Silver Brads, Silver Cord (retired)


The card recipe for my Christmas Punch card includes:
Stamp Set: Christmas Punch
Cardstock: Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Bermuda Bay, Whisper White,
Ink: VersaMark
Accessories: Boho Blossoms Punch, Tag Corner Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Silver and Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I Texturz Plates, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals

Keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge - Week 94

So I've been getting bored of the same old card designs I've been using. My cousin Patti is always sending me pictures of her fantastic cards with awesome layouts. Lately though, I just don't have the energy to come up with my own. So I decided I'll participate in this weekly challenge. Every Monday the folks at Mojo Monday provide a card sketch and the challenge is to adapt it to your own card. People use all kinds of stamps, cardstock, papers, accessories, etc. since it's not a Stampin' Up! thing. Here is this week's sketch:

So for my first challenge I decided to finally crack open my package Summer Picnic DSP, retired last July! I purchased it and loved it so much that I didn't want to use it. But really, that's just silly. I bought it to use it, and boy did I ever! Lots of DSP and I used my favorite patterns from that set. Here's what I came up with... I clear embossed the oranges using craft ink. I used markers to color the strawberry three different colors and also clear embossed it by stamping over the colored strawberry with VersaMark (using the Stamp-a-ma-jig).


The card recipe for my Mojo94 card includes:
Stamp Set: Tart & Tangy
Cardstock:Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Whisper White, Summer Picnic DSP (retired)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie (craft), Real Red, Basic Black, Old Olive, VersaMark
Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I Texturz Plates, Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals

Keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

New Catalog Champagne Punch Party

I'd like to invite you to my New Catalog Champagne Punch Party to be held on July 26th from 2-5 PM. It's 'Open House' style, so come anytime to enjoy

-A FREE make-and-take using new stamp sets, In Colors and accessories
-Door Prizes
-Exclusive specials including FREE 'Jingle All the Way (S)' Decor Element with a $50 purchase or FREE Ink Pad or 'Welcome (S)' Decor Element with every $75 purchase
-Viewing the new Idea Book and Catalog, as well as the new Definitely Decorative Brochure
-Class sign-ups and workshop booking specials
-A chance to purchase my retired stamp sets and some retired accessories
-And of course Champagne Punch and some yummy treats!

Please RSVP at 613-836-8844 or monkeypapercrafts@gmail.com. Can't make it? Give me a call or place your order by e-mail to qualify for these specials and to book your Christmas season workshop! I'm looking forward to seeing you and be sure to bring a friend to book your FREE GIFT!

Stay tuned for more projects using the New In Colors, Stamp Sets and Accessories and keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

New Catalog! And Happy Birthday Canada!

Today is a big day - not only is it Canada's Birthday, but today the new Stampin' Up! catalog goes live! There are so many exciting new products, stamp sets and accessories in this catalog! And not only that, but there are over 1000 items at $25 and under! How amazing is that!

For the first time, Stampin' Up! has an ALL CANADIAN stamp set! Glorious and Free is now available for only $31.95. Put your Canadian mark on all your projects. For the month of July, Stampin' Up! is also introducing the 'Deal of the Week'. Once a week, a new deal is revealed. This week, save 30% off the Scallop Edge Punch:
This very versatile punch is great for adding a little something to all your projects. But hurry, this deal is only available through July 5th. A new deal will be revealed on July 6th! View all the new items in the catalog in my Online Store and be sure to purchase your punch at 30% off today!

Enjoy browsing the new catalog and Happy Birthday Canada!

3D Cards! Combining some old with some new...

This month, Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator magazine had a few pages dedicated to 3D cards. Well, after seeing this 3D pop-up card I knew I had to make one! Luckily, my Father-in-Law's birthday was yesterday so I made one for him. This type of card is great for pop-out elements such as the scallop Happy Birthday. You could do many more pop-out elements but it was my first time doing it and I didn't want to over do it!

Seeing that we're going to be switching catties in a few short days, I combined some old with some new, including my favorite DSP from the last cattie - Parisian Breeze - and my favorite new In Color - Rich Razzleberry. The cardstock that makes up the main part of the card is Soft Suede - also a new In Color. I wanted to include a space to write a little something so I used the Big Shot to make an enevelope into which a small greeting card can be placed. So I guess it's a card within a card ;) To tie it all together (and keep it together) I made a belly band using Baja Breeze (my fave old In Color) textured cardstock and the new polka dot Rich Razzleberry ribbon. As an aside, I LOVE the new In Color ribbons! You can either use the polka dot side OR the plain underside. I used sticky strip in a few spots where I thought the card may need a bit of extra holding power. Take a peek and let me know what you think :)


The card recipe for my 3D card includes:
Stamp Sets: Crazy for Cupcakes, Teeny Tiny Wishes, So Many Scallops (retired)
Cardstock:Soft Suede , Rich Razzleberry, Baja Breeze Textured Cardstock, Whisper White, Parisian Breeze
Ink: Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Bermuda Bay, VersaMark
Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, VersaMarker, Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder, Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Big Shot, Scallop Envelope Die, Rich Razzleberry Ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Crazy for Cupcakes!

I love cupcakes. I probably ate too many of them during my pregnancy :p And it's no surprise I finally ordered this stamp set in my 8th month (I'd been eyeing it for about 7 months at that point!) I immediately mounted it and made these cards. I wanted to play with some retired DSP that I had as well (Berry Bliss from the SS 2008 Catalog). After playing with this stamp set I love cupcakes even more than before. But I absolutely LOVE making birthday cards with it! It's so fun, so versatile, and there are so many possibilities - these cards are clearly just the beginning! You can add glitter or Crystal Effects to the sprinkles, cut out the candle or cupcake top to add texture, play around with the greetings and do many many other things!


I'll be back with more soon as I've been busy making some new cards for Belly Laughs. In the meantime, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!

A Gift for My Midwife

I'm once again resurrecting my blog. I've had my baby, he's now 6 weeks old and I'm trying to get back to this blog! I had my discharge appointment with my midwife this week and I made her a pregnancy shadow box to show her my gratitude for the wonderful care she gave me and my baby. The practice will be getting a new clinic space in the near future and I thought something new for their walls would be nice.

I made the background of the shadow box by weaving two pieces of Designer Series Paper together. I had never done this technique but I just love it and I'm hooked! It's definitely time consuming, but worth it. I also took advantage of my Big Shot using the Bigz Top Note Die (an SU! exclusive) and I dry embossed it with the Big Shot Texturz Plates. Here's the shadow box - my midwife loved it, hope you like it too!

Full shadow box:
Picture only:
Detail of paper weaving:
The recipe for my shadow box includes
Stamp Sets: She's All That and Everything Baby (both retired)
Carstock: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Green Tea (retired) and Parisian Breeze DSP
Ink: VersaMark
Accessories: Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Paper Piercer, Flower Fusion Too, Fire and Ice Rhinestone Brads, Corner Rounder Punch, Slit Punch, Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Big Shot, Top Note Die, SU! Texturz Plates

Keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!