HSS Shadow Box Card Challenge #61

Hello Stampers!!! I am thrilled to share this weeks Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge with you- it is SHADOW BOX CARDS.  I hate to admit it but I have never made one of these until now... seriously it was EASY and fun!  It took me longer to decide on which stamp set to use than to actually make the card... seriously.

So here is what I came up with, I LOVE the color combo of pumpkin pie, rose red, and vanilla.  I took two 4.5x5.5 pieces of card stock and scored them at 1/2" and 1" from each end and then fan folded them so together they create a box shape.  Cut a hole in the front piece and using sticky strip attach the sides together- seriously easy construction.  I added an additional piece, the scallop circle is from the Scallop Circle Die (I have to look to see if that one is still available in the catty...)

 I used Fifth Ave. Floral (My MOST fav floral set) for my stamp set.  I stamped them onto vanilla card stock with black stazon ink.  Then using my water color pencils and blender pen I colored and shaded them in.  Here is a closer look for you- what I love about these water color effects id the more messy you make it (or imperfect) the better I think it looks- seriously artsy fartsy :)

 Here you can see that I created a few of the same flower and cut out sections to layer them to really give it dimension.  I really liked the POP-UP effect it appeared to have.

Here is a shot of the main flower from the inside.  I made three levels on that flower.  I thought this style of card would make an amazing invitation- don't you think?!

I hope you enjoyed this weeks project and I hope you create one of your own and share it with the rest of the crew.  We can't wait to see what you come up with- I am always amazed at the submissions we get at HSS.  Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a look see at my project and until next time~ TTFN



Play Date Portfolio Class Sneak Peek

Hello Stampers!!!  So here is another sample for an upcoming class called Play Date Portfolio, you can get the details for this class HERE.  In this class you make the portfolio case and 10 cards with coordinating envelopes.  These cards are all created using the PLAY DATE QUICK ACCENT pieces.  You will get your own packet of quick accents, which by the way makes more than 10 cards- so you will have some accents left over for additional cards... 

You have 2 attendance class options-

Option 1: Cost $20- which includes portfolio folder, 10 card bases, quick accents packet, 10 envelopes, and step-by-step instructions.  ~~OR~~

Option 2: Cost $30- which gets you your OWN package of portfolio folders (12 folders), 10 card bases, quick accent packet, 10 envelopes, and step-by-step instructions- this class option gives you the opportunity to make up to 12 portfolio packs and if you add fewer layers of your accents on your cards you can make MANY more than even 20 cards.   

Don't forget that you can also get this class as a tutorial or TO-GO version...

TUTORIAL option: For JUST $3.95 you get the detailed tutorial tips, step-by-step instructions, measurements, supply list, and photos to complete this project.  It will arrive as a .pdf file via email.  This is a tutorial and not a class planner and US or International orders are welcome.

CLASS-TO-GO KIT option: For just $20 (plus shipping $4.95 Flat Rate) You will get all the consumable and embellishment supplies needed to complete this project.  The only thing that you will need to supply is adhesive- how awesome is that!  These kits are only available to US residences only, sorry no international shipments.

Here are some close up pics of the project, hopefully they are easier to see.  This is the inside of the portfolio all together- what a great gift right?

 Here are the cards we will create- or change them up, you will be amazed at all the embellishments you get in your pack- there are a TON!!!

I hope you have enjoyed this class sneak peak and if you are in the San Antonio area I would LOVE to have you come and attend the class, and if you don't live near by then there are some great options for you as well!!  Have a great day and thanks so much for stopping by and until next time~ TTFN 

Xpress Card Class Sneak Peak...

Hello Stampers- I wanted to share with you the SNEAK peek of an upcoming Xpress Card Class projects.  You can see the details for this class and the dates by clicking HERE.  These are easy but FUN cards to make and I hope you can join me for the class, there are 2 options and an opportunity to earn the class for FREE!!!

These cool cards really spotlight all the fun things you can do with a variety of punches and dies, you will be amazed by the new ways to use your punches...you don't want to miss this class!

Don't forget that you can also purchase the tutorial for this class (check out the left side bar of my blog) if you can't make the class or don't live close enough to attend.  You have options-

TUTORIAL option for only $3.95 which comes with step by step directions, measurements, supply list and photos- it arrives in your email and is a .pdf file.  US or International orders welcome  ~~OR~~

You can do the CLASS-TO-GO option and get the tutorial, consumable supplies, and stamped images (excluding adhesive) for just $10 (plus $4.95 shipping), sorry only US residence no international sales available. 

What an easy way to make these FUN cards in the convenience of you own home.  Thanks for stopping by today and until next time~ TTFN

HSS Blooming Blossoms Challenge #60

Good Morning Stampers!!  I am SUPER busy getting my samples and projects planned and prepared for upcoming events and classes- BUT in the mean time I thought I would share with you this weeks challenge for Hand Stamped Sentiments-

Lets see what you come up with and create- don't forget to submit your project so we can see what your craftiness makes :-) I love seeing inspiration from all different areas and it sparks more creativity for me.  So definitely pop on over to HSS and play along with us this week, so lets see what i have made for this weeks challenge.

Genny is a wonderful friend of mine and I am always impressed with her flowers, especially ones she has made lately that I have seen- made from curling card stock.  She shared with me a few projects this weekend with those very flowers and so I attempted to create some to see hoe they turned out. *grin* I will say I like hers better but I am not giving up and will continue to try them. I started with this fun 3 x 3 card I created for a demo meeting using the Faux Silk technique- which was super easy and fun BTW.

Here you can see a side view of the flower, I took a circle punch (you determine the size) and then cut it around like a spring.  I decorated the edges with glitter and then curled it together and secured it to a smaller flat circle for the base.  Then I attached it to the card front to replace one of the stamped floral images. 

Here you can see the Faux Silk up close.  This is an easy technique to create- you simply stamp your image onto white card stock then crinkle up a piece of tissue paper then flatten out a bit.  Cover the stamped image with a layer of glue (I used a glue stick) then adhere the tissue paper to the card stock making sure to leave some of the wrinkle effects- but make sure that you flatten it enough so the image is still visible. 

I adhered the flower to my image and added some ribbon.  Pop up the focal piece with dimensionals and BAM you are done.  It is my new mantra to keep my card lay outs more simple then I used to, I used think I had to make my cards to time intensive and detailed and I have found that doesn't need to be the case.  The more simple the card the more they stand out I think.  I have found that you tend to get distracted when there is too much going on with a card... but that's just my opinion- for today :-)

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek see at my project, I cant wait to share my class projects with you all WHICH hopefully will happen before the end of the week.  Hopefully you will see some FUN new projects later this week- I have some cool things in store!!  Hope you enjoyed today's HSS project and until next time~ TTFN



Man was I SORE!!!

Afternoon Stampers!  I am here to share a NON-STAMPING project today.  I mentioned earlier that I would share my deck project with you as soon as I completed it, well I finally did.  It took me about 2 weeks but I did it!  I started by power washing the deck that took me about 4 days and man was the temperature still cool outside but I pushed through.  Then I took a day to get all the right supplies and had to wait a few days for a rain storm to pass through- then finally the day to start came...

Here is what it looked like after I power washed it and removed about 90% of the stain that was basically coming off on its own. 

The darker areas are like that cause my husband forgot to turn off the sprinklers, that is until I came running and screaming into the house that I need them off until I am completely done!!!

 Here is a view of the entire thing, there are 3 levels basically- oh and then the benches that aren't seen in the photos...

 Are you ready to see the final outcome?  I was SO thrilled with the final result.  I used a solid stain and it was thicker like paint- which was completely different from the transparent stain I used the first go around... that was thin and drippy and CRAP to try and put on.  I hated that. This thick stuff was great, I used a roller and put 90% of it on with that which made it SO much faster.  The bast part of this stuff was that once it dried it made the wood feel almost like that TREX-DEX stuff almost plastic-ie.  I did apply 2 coasts which I think was a great idea- it is seriously covered.  I then came back when I was done with the flat surfaces with a brush and did all the cracks and hard to reach places.  I have to admit that I took my time and it was WAY easier this go around- FO SHO!!!!

So here is the far level

 Stairs and lower level

A side view... 

 The entire thing... I felt so accomplished when it was all done.



 Well I hope that you enjoyed something completely different than usual and see all the hard work that I poured into this deck and I plan on keeping it up and baby-ing this thing so I don't have to spend so much time on it next go around. :)  Have a great day and thanks for stopping by to take a peek see at my normal life.  Until next time~ TTFN



HSS Inspired By Nature Challenge #59

Good Morning Stampers!!  We have another FUN challenge this week at Hand Stamped Sentiments, anything Inspired By Nature.  Your options are limitless and now let the creativity begin. :-)

Here is what I was inspired to create- I LOVE this stamp set and think the Asian flair is just nature through and through.  I have used this set for SO MANY cards and I can't seem to get enough of this set- I spare you the pain of seeing all my creations with this set.  Lets see exactly what I did for this card...

I used Black, Olive and Bashful Blue card stock and inks for this card.  Once I stamped and filled in my focal image I covered in the flower with Crystal Effects to give the flowers some height and texture.  I had to wait about 20-30 min for it to dry completely, I put it on a little too thick (and I have to admit that the first one I made the CE ran ALL OVER the place...) Here is a TIP: use Staz-On Ink for your focal image, the ink wont run when you apply the CE to the image.

For the background I used my Old Olive ink and stamped the leaf images and filled them in with the Certainly Celery Marker Ink to achieve that water color effect. I sponged the outer edges of the Bashful Blue background sheet and the oval shape of the sentiment, both with Olive Ink.  I couldn't stop with the texture bit with just the Crystal Effects, so I heat embossed the sentiment with black embossing powder.  I just love the way heat embossing finishes a card, don't you?!

I know this is a simple card and I tend to lean toward more simple cards.  I think they pack more punch for me, but for some reason when I create cards for my classes I feel the need to make cards way too complicated and step intensive.  I need to stick to my gut feeling and Keep It Simple Stupid... :-)

Come on over to Hand Stamped Sentiments and play along with this weeks challenge- we can't wait to see what you create and share with us- Head on over NOW :-)

I hope you enjoyed this weeks project, I did want to share that I finished my deck- and it looks awesome!  I will share photos later this week.  I have family in town and not a lot of time to spend on the computer right now- but stay tuned and you will see them before the end of the week. :)  Have a great day and thanks for stopping by and until next time~ TTFN

Good Morning Stampers!!!  Another FUN and holiday inspired challenge from Hand Stamped Sentiments, of course it is GREEN centered. :-)  I think St. Patty's Day is a FUN holiday even though I am not a drinker I am a pincher! I love trying to find those who disobey the law of the holiday- no green gets you a "purple nurple" from me- hehehe... Ok onto something crafty.

I have very few St. Patty's Day stamp sets, in fact I kept this one that retired a year or so ago since it was the ONLY one I have purchased- it is sad but I make very few cards for this holiday but I broke out the creativity for this challenge.  I did a few creative things for this card especially.

I used clear embossing powder over my stamped sentiment image for height and texture. :)  I used my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig and with VeraMark ink I stamped directly over my green image and then covered it with clear embossing powder and then heat embossed it.  I hope you can tell from this photo the height it gets, and if you could touch the card you would feel the texture since the height is only in certain places.

Then I decided to add a few brads that hold the celery 5/8" grosgrain ribbon in place.  I love the little flare of ribbon on any card- I honestly don't think that a card is truly complete until there is ribbon on it.

I took a small strip of designer paper to embellish the bottom of the card, simple but adds a nice bit of interest I think.

I hope you enjoyed today's project and I hope you are preparing for the GREEN holiday in case I happen to be in your neighborhood... Ion a personal note- I don't know if I will have additional posts for this week.  I am currently RE-STAINING my deck and I am racing against the clock, trying to get it done before Thursday (I have class packets I need to prep- and) there is a rain storm expected later this week.  I have taken before pics and plan on taking after pics and I will share them after I have finished.  In case you are curious just how it looks... I keep repeating to myself how much I am saving by not paying someone to do this for me... chant, chant, chant...

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you come back later this week for my deck pics but until then~ TTFN

MORE Classes & CLASS TO-GO Kits!!!

Hi There Stampers!!  I am so thrilled to share with you some sneak peeks of upcoming classes and the projects!  With the CLASS TO-GO Kit you get the supplies you need to create the cards and projects shown in the photos.  The only thing it doesn't include is adhesive.  See the details following the photos.  The TUTORIAL option gives you the written step bu step directions and color photos of each project.  The tutorial is emailed to you in a .pdf format once payment has been received.

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Sale-A-Bration PUNCH BUNCH Spotlight Class

In this class we will create 5 cards to spotlight the stamp set PUNCH BUNCH, available in the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  These adorable cards gives you something for every occasion.  Get additional details for this class on my EVENTS page.

Class Dates: March 11th from 6-8pm OR 12th from 1-3pm

Class Fee: $10 includes the project, supplies and envelopes

CLASS-TO-GO Kit: can't make the class or live out of the area but want to make the projects? Then this class option is for you!  For just $10 (plus $4.95 shipping flat rate) you can make these projects at home on your own.  You will get the .pdf detailed directions and the supplies you need (including the stamped/punched images) to complete this class.  Class kit doesn't include adhesive.

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TUTORIAL option: For just $3.95 you can get the step-by-step directions with color photos as a .pdf file.  The tutorial includes project details, supply list and measurements to complete all the cards or projects.  This class tutorial will be emailed to you as soon as payment is received.
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Masculine Hostess Club Projects

This month my Hostess Club will be making these masculine birthday cards.  We have 4 different styles and several color schemes that would work great for any man :)  You can become a member of my Hostess Club and get to make these cool projects and get to earn free stuff as well.  Contact me today if you want to become a member.

Club Dates: March 18th from 6-8pm

Club Fee: Place a minimum order of $20

CLASS-TO-GO Kit: Can't make the club or live out of the area but want to make the projects? Then this class option is for you! For just $10 (plus $4.95 shipping flat rate) you can make these projects at home on your own. You will get the .pdf detailed directions and the supplies you need (including the stamped/punched images) to complete this class. Class kit doesn't include adhesive.

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TUTORIAL option: For just $3.95 you can get the step-by-step directions with color photos as a .pdf file. The tutorial includes project details, supply list and measurements to complete all the cards or projects. This class tutorial will be emailed to you as soon as payment is received.
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Thanks for stopping by and feel free to contact me with any questions you may have at erin@handstampedstyle.com.  I would love to assist you with any crafty urge you may have :) until next time~ TTFN

HSS Color Splash Challenge #57

Good Morning Stampers!!!  I have been playing with my MDS again... AND Hand Stamped Sentiments has another challenge for you this week!  We had SO many great submissions last week I can't wait to see what everyone shares this week.  Our color inspiration for this weeks challenge is Poppy Parade, Pear Pizazz, and Blushing Bride.  What can you create?  Submit anything from a card to any type of paper craft project or home decor item.  Come on and play along...

Here is the card I created in My Digital Studio.  Don't forget that TODAY new downloads are released, in fact NEW downloads are released EVERY Tuesday.  For this weeks project I made a birthday card that uses a technique called "stamping off".  I know what you are thinking, Erin- you didn't use stamps.  Well in case you didn't know that this technique is really simple to recreate even though you are not using stamps.

 You make all your images (in this case I used the hearts and the letters for the words) the same color and then tweak the opacity for each of the images which gives you the stamping off effect.  The hearts are done in three different shades of the Poppy Parade shade.  I did the same effect for the words HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY.  I wanted kind of a kaleidoscope type effect and did more of a fade in and out type thing.

To create the ribbon fishtail on the side, I just placed a photo box filled with designer paper and then placed a white filled square punch shape on a 45 degree angle to give the fishtail effect.  Easy and adds interest and dimension to the card. Then I added some buttons, ribbons, staples, and stitching and called it a day.  These can be printed out and transformed into a hybrid project as well- Hmmm I feel a class idea coming on...

I hope you enjoyed this weeks project and stay tuned- I am preparing the photos of upcoming class projects and class-to-go kits that will be available.  Have a great day, definitely stop by the Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge blog to take a stab at this weeks challenge and DON'T FORGET that we are heading into the final weeks of Sale-A-Bration  You can create this exact cards using the digital downloads available in the SAB brochure- SUCH cute designs and patterns!!!  Well, until next time~ TTFN