iPhone Inserts by the Pampered Stamper!

 My hubby just got me the latest iPhone with Verizon. Living where we do in the middle of nowhere, we have to have Verizon. Being serious Mac/Apple people, we were dying to have an iPhone. So, now we do. Love it!!! I'm constantly finding new ways it makes my life more convenient and fun. Today's post demonstrates that I can be creative with it as well. Right after we received our iPhones™, my hubby insisted we go out and by "skins" for them to protect them. I insisted on buying a clear one. Here is why...I can design, stamp, stencil, paper inserts for my clear "skin" to suit my mood, or season, or...just because I can! Using a piece of acetate I created a "template" of the shape for the insert. My first example uses Dreamweaver Stencils. The background was white cardstock (for this you want thinner) using the ink transfer technique of spritzing ink directly on the stencil ("Damask") and placing the paper directly on top. Then I collaged over this with bright pink ink with the "Tole Heart" stencil using both the traditional stenciling process as well as the ink transfer. Over the top I stenciled "Friend" using my Copic Air Brush system. The two holes punched out at the top left corner are for the camera and flash on the phone. I added a thin piece of acetate between the phone and the insert because occasionally certain plastics will react in certain undesirable way.
Dreamweaver "Damask" (LJ907), "Friend" (LS1002), "Tole Heart" (LL3010), Memories Mists Silver (MM26), Copic Markers in pinks and grays, white cardstock, Stampendous Thermo Acetate (PC75)

 This second version is a collage of the very girly, "Dare to Be Fabulous", set from Lizzie Anne Designs. Using a base of DP, I stamped and embossed in white two of the elements. I stamped the others using pink or green ink. I love the border of the green "lace" image around the edge.

Lizzie Anne Designs "Dare to be Fabulous", Stampendous White Embossing Powder (EP100), Rose Bud and Bamboo Leaves Memento inks, Paper Adventures print, Stampendous Thermo Acetate (PC75)

 The third version features my favorite new design from Stampendous, "Dragonfly Vine" stamped and embossed in white over some bright, fun DP. I smudged some Aquamarine Chalk ink around the edges.

Stampendous "Dragonfly Vine" Cling stamp (P119), White Embossing Powder (EP100), Versamark ink (VM001), Aquamarine ColorBox Chalk ink, MME paper, Stampendous Thermo Acetate (PC75)

All in all, I had so much fun playing with these. They are as simple or as intricate as you want to make them, and definitely make a statement about who you are. Nothing normal or average about these! Expect to see me post more of these in the future.

Beatnik Jugs...Can You Dig, Man?

 I call this easel frame/card "Beatnik Jugs" because to me it has that 50's/60's beatnik vibe going. This was created using Stampendous' Perfectly Clear "Vases". The frame is made from chipboard, and was inked all over with Versamark before covering completely in white embossing powder. I did two layers of that. Then I wiped a small amount of talcum powder (prevents the embossing powder from sticking where you DON'T want it) over the surface before layering the stamped images and embossing in black for high contrast. The center portion was black linen cardstock, stamped and embossed in white. I stamped and embossed the sentiment and adhered it to  the back of a Tim Holtz Fragmentz charm. I used more of the black linen cardstock and created an easel for the frame to sit upright, punching the

 edge with my favorite EK edger/punch. I love the graphic look of this project, and the way the embossed surface of the frame created texture on the embossed vases. Because of the design of the easel, this can easily by folded to fit in an envelope, and inserting a great photo in the frame would make this such a great gift.

Stampendous:
Perfectly Clear "Vases" (SSC1093)
White (EP100) and Midnight Black (EP111) Embossing Powder
Tsukineko Versamark ink (VM001)

chipboard frame (Michael's)
black linen cardstock
EK Edger punch
Tim Holtz Fragmentz charm
ribbon
black felt covered brad fastener

Dreamweaver Sketch #3-Leaf Motif Tiles Card

 This week for the Dreamweaver Stencils' Dream Schemes Thursday, we have a sketch challenge as seen to the left. Nice clean, simple lines right? You think I can keep it that way? Probably not. Lol. For my version, I ran my tan card through my Big Shot with the new Stripes stencil which embossed the stripes to add texture across the card. I then stenciled a portion of the stripes with green and copper inks down the left side. I had this Leaf Motif stencil that I had been wanting to play with. What's cool about this stencil, is that you can stencil both the negative and/or the positive images of the leaves. I stenciled with the same inks that I used previously on four punched squares, along with the sentiment at the bottom of the card. A jute twine bow was added to finish. The squares were popped up off the card using foam adhesive squares. Be sure to visit the rest of the team's blogs as listed at right, as well as the Dream It Up! blog, for more versions of this sketch. Then break out your own toys and play along. Post your versions

with a link so that we can view your creations as well. As usual, if you have any questions regarding any of the techniques you see on our blogs, feel free to leave your question along with your email address, and we will get back to you. Have a very creative day!

Dreamweaver:
Stripes/Plaid stencil (LX7002)
Leaf Motif (LM218)
Thanks (LS1006)
stencil brushes (NHB 3/8"_

Pearlescent Ivy and Cosmic Copper Brilliance ink from Tsukineko
dark green and tan cardstock
double-sided foam adhesive
square punch, corner punch
jute twine

The Cure For the Winter Blahs!

Everyone seems to be getting itchy for spring, and this card is the perfect antidote to the winter blahs. Featuring some of Stampendous' new released Perfectly Clear images, bright pops of color, cute paper-piecing, all highlighted with white embossing around the edges. Nothing complicated here, maybe a little "fiddley" as my old friend and neighbor, Mrs. Frace used to say, but the end result is definitely worth it. Stamp and emboss several of the flower images on solid and print cardstock. Cut them out, layer and adhere them, popping some up with foam adhesive. The edge of pompom trim and bright buttons finish it off. 

Now, if you look at this card and think to yourself, "I could do something every bit as cute (or better)", then you need to read my previous post regarding the Stampendous Guest Designer BlogStars call out. Hop on it quick, because entries need to be to Stampendous by February 24th...that's THIS Thursday! Come on. Bring it on. Show us what you've got!

Stampendous:
Perfectly Clear "Narcissus" (SSC1107)
White Embossing Powder (EP100)
Versamark ink (VM001)

Plus:
Bazzill Butterfly, Ocean cardstock
white cardstock
buttons
pompom trim

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A STAMPENDOUS BLOGSTAR?

Feelin' crafty? Are your fingers perpetually covered in ink? When you remove your clothes at the end of the day, does glitter fall out? Do you wake up at two in the morning with a brilliant idea that you just have to get up and create? Then you need to read this:

Stampendous BlogStars - Guest Design Team Call
Stampendous is looking for 4 stampers in the blogosphere to serve for 3 months on our BlogStars Design Team. Every 3 months we'll put out a call for 4 new stampers.

What will BlogStars need to do?:
1. Create at least one blog post with a project or card each week during your 3 month term.
2. Complete and submit your post to Stampendous by Thursday of each week.
3. Post your project to your Personal Blog the following week.
4. Upload each project to various forums as requested.
5. Over the length of your term your posts should include one tutorial, one scrapbook page, and one 3D project. The rest of your posts may be any type of project you desire.
6. Upload your project (or another using Stampendous stamps and products) to one challenge blog anywhere on the web each week.
7. Participate in our Design Team challenge blog (with the same project or another).
8. Comment as often as possible on Stampendous' Blog, Facebook Posts, Tweets, on other Stampendous DT member blogs, and on Stampendous cards in forums and galleries.
9. Place a link to the Stampendous website and blog on your blog for the duration of your term. (we'll provide you cute badges with which to do this).
10. Provide model releases for any projects using photos of people (we can provide a plain release).
10. Participate in our Design Team Blog Hop which we will hold quarterly.

What's in it for you?:
1. You'll receive 2 Stampendous Perfectly Clear Stamp Sets or Cling Rubber Stamp Sets each month of your term, plus we'll include some Stampendous accessories such as glitter, embossing powder and stickers in each package. You may use any current Stampendous merchandise on your projects, not just what we send you.
2. You will receive adorable badges to display on your blog.
3. We'll put your name and a link to your blog on our blog.
4. Membership in our Design Team Facebook Group for the duration of your term.
5. New stamping connections and a great relationship with one of the top companies in the craft stamping industry.

Other Notes:
1. You won't need to send us your actual samples, but your photos must be top quality!
2. Your products and projects are yours to keep, but we retain the right to use your projects anywhere we like.

How to Apply:
1. Submit, by email, 3 - 4 projects which represent your best work. Projects should have Stampendous products and stamps as the focus, although other items may be used. Product used for this application does not have to be currently available.
2. We will consider photography of the projects as part of the judging process. We can only use high resolution photos of the best quality with good lighting, no distracting backgrounds, and clear focus. You may watermark your photos.
3. For at least one of your projects please include clear, concise directions and a list of products necessary for a reader to complete the project.
4. Please include a link to your personal blog, a list of other design teams on which you are serving/have served, and a little bit about yourself including your full name and preferred mailing address.
5. Send your email to submissions@stampendous.com with BlogStars in the subject line by Thursday, February 24th.
6. We'll respond to every email so you know we got it. We'll notify the 4 new BlogStars on Monday, February 28th and mail their goodies. First submissions will be due March 10th, and final submissions of the term will be due on May 26th.
7. If you're not chosen, we'll keep your email and check to see if you want to be considered for the second term of Stampendous BlogStars beginning in June.

CASE-ing is the Sincerest Form of Flattery!

 The Lizzie Anne Designs Team Challenge for this month, was to choose a project posted to the Sketchbook by another designer, and CASE it (Copy And Share Everything), with some change up. The first card was CASE'd from a fantastic card by Wendy Price, using one of the Little Bits sets called, "In the Parlor". Click HERE for the link to her version. For mine, I used the new set, "Teens and Tweens", kept the same color scheme and layout. The guitar was stamped and embossed in white repeatedly across the black panel. I added glitter pink brads between images instead of the rhinestones that Wendy chose. "You Rock" was more suited to the guitars, but I still lined up a row of bling underneath, and added a ribbon tie.

 My second card was CASEd from a card created by Joslyn Neilson, which you can find HERE. You've heard me rave about Joslyn before...I love her clean and simple style. Always pretty with a sense of whimsy. My version of her card uses the "Garden Inspirations" Little Bits set and the Simply Single "Grow With Love". Joslyn had paper-pieced the trees (from the "Good to be Queen" set) on her card which I chose to skip as the flower images are tiny, so I just colored them to match colors in my background paper. The layout is the same. I did color and cut out one flower and adhered the button and bow to it. Joslyn's card was created with a simple kraft card, which I only had enough of for a panel to adhere to the front of the aqua card that I chose. All in all I was quite pleased with the effect, and it really wasn't painful at all to keep it simple and leave some breathing space. This was really a fun challenge this month, as it, along with the blog I wrote on the LAD site, allowed me to pay homage to some of my favorite team members. Thanks to Wendy and Joslyn for the inspiration...hope you're flattered!

You Rock Card:
Lizzie Anne Designs "Tweens and Teens"
Stampendous White (EP100) and Black (EP111) Embossing Powders
Bazzill Criss Cross Bubblegum cardstock
black linen cardstock
brad fasteners
ribbon

Better With Love Card:
Lizzie Anne Designs "Garden Inspirations" set and "Grow With Love" single
Tuxedo Black Memento
Copic Markers-FBG2, Y11, Y38
October Afternoon paper
Bazzill
kraft, white cardstock
EK Edger punch
decorative scissors
ribbon, twine, button

Virtual Valentine Blog Hop Winners!

The winners have been randomly selected from the Virtual Valentine Blog Hop. Go to Taylor's blog for the complete list of winners and which blogs they won on. Thanks again for hopping our way, and much appreciation to Taylor Usry and her helper, Cyndi Bundy, for putting it all together. You gotta love all those wonderful sponsors for offering such awesome prizes!

Thursday Dream Schemes-Cocky With Kitsch!

Kellogg's® Corn Flakes does not have the only rooster in town. Dreamweaver Stencils just introduced this cocky fellow at CHA in January, and he is sooooo much fun to play with. I have to admit, roosters have really never been my thing. I inherited a pair of California pottery roosters from my mother and never knew quite what to do with them. Now I have a kitchen with all kinds of space above my cabinets to display all my antique kitchen gadgets and knick knacks...so that's where they go. They're kind of starting to grow on me...just like this stencil did. A week ago I posted a bright colored card paste-embossed with him. Today's post has a more old-fashioned kitcheny-kitsch to it. This is a version of stenciling with a crosstitch appearance, but far less time-consuming. I placed the stencil down on the cardstock and taped just the top edge with removable tape to act as a hinge. This helps you to continually check your progress as you go. Next I taped down a piece of screening perfectly sized for cardmaking. I used my smaller stencil brushes and tapped the various shades of ink through the screening and stencil. Keep lifting the edge carefully without moving your paper to see how your coloring and shading are coming along, because once you remove it all, you will never place it the same way again! LOL. When the rooster image was as I wanted it, I removed the stencil but left the screening in place to add shading in the background and around the edges for that vintage feel. The final step was stenciling the saying down the side. The panel was layered and wrapped with a bit of ink-rubbed tulle and adhered to the distressed and sanded Coredinations card. A little ink was rubbed over the flowers as well before tying them with twine to the tulle. Now go on and check out what the rest of the team has been up to this week, as well as the Dream It Up! blog site. If you missed the opportunity to do the Virtual Valentine Blog Hop, click HERE. You need to have done your hopping and commenting by 6 pm EST today, in order to possibly win some goodies!

Dreamweaver Stencils:
Rooster (LG732)
Screens (SC)
3/8" brush (NHB-3/8) and 1/2" brush (NHB-1/2)
3M Scotch Removable Tape (RMT)

Memento inks: Bahama Blue, Danube Blue, Rhubarb Stalk, Potter's Clay, Bamboo Leaves, Tangelo, Dandelion
Coredinations Dark Red/Brown cardstock
Canson off tan cardstock
Prima Flowers
button, tulle, twine
sanding block, pumice stone

The Key to Happiness

If you landed here for the Virtual Valentine Hop from Cathy Wallington's blog, please scroll down to the February 14th posting, or click HERE.

 Today was my first opportunity to post the blog for Lizzie Anne Designs. Each week a Design Team member pulls design samples from the "Sketchbook" and writes up what they think is particularly cool about these. In most instances, the member will also post a new creation of their own as well. The theme I chose to work with was using the sentiment of the card for the focal point. Lizzie Anne Designs has some wonderful sentiments that are perfect for this...some sweet, some funny, some simple, some thought-provoking, for every occasion or for no occasion at all. I guess that is the category that my card falls into. Just a fun little message to make the recipient smile. This particular sentiment can be found in the November Mix, "Key to Happiness". I used some gorgeous background papers, a bit of red for interest, corrugator for texture, and embellished with jute twine and an old key...for obvious reasons. The card itself was run through my Big Shot with Dreamweaver's new Damask stencil, my absolute fave

 right now. Be sure to come back tomorrow and Friday, as I will have two posts going up...one for the Dreamweaver Stencil's Thursday Dream Schemes, and one for the Lizzie Anne Team Challenge. Hey, all this creativity keeps me out of mischief. Okay, maybe not. Or to put it another way...if the police are looking for me, my fingers are already inked. ;)

Lizzie Anne Designs November Mix "The Key to Happiness"
Dreamweaver Stencils' Damask (LX7001)
Bazzill Patina
Coredinations dark red cardstock
Daisy D's paper
Nestabilities Labels Four
jute twine
old key

"Love, Love, Love...I Want Your Love"! (Apologies to Lady Gaga)

 Welcome to the Virtual Valentine Blog Hop instigated and promoted by the most patient and creative person that I know...Taylor Usry. If you are just beginning your journey, be sure to hop over to her blog, The Quiet Moments, to start from the beginning...not a requirement, but far more organized. If you hopped here from the amazing Cathy Wallington's blog, you are on the right track. Have you seen how many are taking part in today's hop? This is almost as big a love-fest as Woodstock...not that I would know...kind of before my time...sort of. Since I know you will be madly hopping and, of course, leaving lots of love along the way, I will refrain from giving you an abundance of details on my projects. However, if you have any questions regarding these projects, please leave your email address with your comments, and I will get back to you. I tried to cover each of the teams that I am fortunate enough to design for. The first card was created using Dreamweaver Stencils, with some paste-embossing, some machine embossing, and Metallic F/X for shimmer. Perfect for a Valentine, wedding, or anniversary.

Dreamweaver Stencils' Damask (LX7001) and Flower Heart (LG724)
Matte White (DEP) and Matte Black (DMBP) Embossing Paste
Pixie Blush Metallic F/X (FX09)

 This card was created using Lizzie Anne Designs images, and is my hubby's Valentine card this year. The sentiment is computer generated, and is one of my DH's favorite puns...yes, I know, painful isn't it? But you GNOME you've got to love it! I paper pieced the gnome, used some fun papers and jumbo brads for the manly touch. The sentiment on the inside is from the same Lizzie Anne set and says, "Make gnome mistake...I think you're pretty great".

Lizzie Anne Designs December Mix, "Warmest Thoughts"
Stampendous White Embossing Powder (EP100)
Basic Grey and Deja Views printed papers

This final card was one of my slightly over-the-top creations that I do on occasion. I was aiming for that vintage look of old wedding and anniversary cards like my dad always bought for my mom. Using new images from Stampendous and beautiful Crystal Embossing Powder, I went for the dimensional look of a tent card with lots of bling and pretty.

Stampendous Ornate Heart Cling (CRV143) and Petals Nouveau (CRR117)
Crystal Embossing Powder (EP050)
Class A' Peels Dot Scallop Border (AC724MRS)

Be sure to leave some love (especially since this ensures you more opportunities to win some of the over twenty prizes being provided by our wonderful sponsors as listed below). For more info, hop back to Taylor's blog at the end of your happy hopping session. Make sure to have the laces tied tightly on your cyber-sneakers, as your next stop is my fun friend and teammate, Wendy Price!

- StampInsanity - with a set of choice for one winner

- Meljens designs - 4 digis to one winner

- Pixie Dust Studio - 2 digis to one winner

- Lizzie Anne Designs - $10 gift certificate (donated by Taylor U)

- Christian Paper Crafts - 1 year general membership

- Paper Pretties - 3 total winners: 1 person will receive Timeless Love stamp set; 2 people will receive 5 digis of their choice from the store

- Karber Digital Images - 2 digis to one winner

- Di's Digi Downloads - 5 digi images to one winner

- The Scrappychick Boutique - 2 6x6 Cosmo Cricket paper pads to one winner

- Stampendous - 4 cling rubber stamps from new release to 1 winner

- Pink Cat Studio - 5 digis of winner's choice to one winner

- Amber Ink - $10 gift certificate (and more if people use an Amber Ink product - see deets on their blog)

- Simply Betty Stamps - 3 digis of the winner's choice

- Mark's Finest Papers - set of their choosing to the winner

- Dreamweaver's Stencils - a couple stencils, pearlescent embossing paste and a palette knife

- Chi Chi Memories - Meaning of Love Digi Stamp Set to one winner (

- Little Potato House - $20 gift certificate

- Kenny K digis: 4 digis to one winner

- Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps: winners choice of 2 images

Love for today, and Sneak Peeks for Tomorrow!

 Ever have one of those mojo moments when you just happen to have the perfect scrap of paper, laying on top of another scrap of paper on your desktop, and you go hmmmmm...that could be cool? Well, this little project is one of those epiphanies. The background paper was something I was working with on a different project, only the opposite side (double-sided DP...gotta love it!), and the strip of black was sitting just under it. Since both scraps were long and narrow, this tag/pocket for a gift card idea came to me. I love black and gray with a punch of red. It works for everything and everyone, just like gift cards do! Of course, it would be easy enough to tuck "love" coupons inside, or a mushy note, but the gift card was handy as I'd just recently bought some to give to the many wonderful people who helped us while my MIL was so sick. I love the graphic simple look of this little quickie project. Will have to keep that in mind for future gifts.

Stampendous Scroll Heart (Q148)
Holiday Greetings Class A' Peels (AC723MRR)
Tuxedo Black Memento ink
black linen, red linen cardstock
Deja Views "Sweet Romance" paper
circle punches
black eyelet, ribbon

Here are a few sneak peeks of tomorrow's amazing Virtual Valentine Blog Hop!

Saturday Morning at the Paris Bistro!

 Mon dieu!Since I missed out on the opportunity to play with the new release images from Lizzie Anne in time for the sneak peeks, I'm trying to make up for lost time now. I love the new Bonjour set of stamps...Eiffel Tower, Fleur de Lis, Bistro Set, and great sentiments to go with. I had the perfect background paper to create a harlequin look, which I stamped and embossed in gold the Fleur de Lis, as well as on the turned up corner. I stamped the Eiffel Tower on crumpled up kraft paper, embossed the torn edges, distressed the edges of the card. Finally, I stamped and embossed the Bistro Set on a Tim Holtz Fragmentz tag, and attached with twine and a ribbon. I had so much fun playing with this set...so plan on more in future posts! Mais oui! Meanwhile, be sure to come back for another visit on Monday, the 14th, for the Virtual Valentine Hop. Great inspiration, great prizes, and lots of "LOVE-ly" creations!

Lizzie Anne Designs Bonjour stamp set
Versamark ink
Stampendous Pirate Gold Embossing Powder
Tim Holtz Fragmentz tags
Recollections print paper
Coredinations cardstock
kraft paper
ribbon, twine
corner rounder
sanding block

Monday the 14th-Virtual Valentine Blog Hop!

Come hop along with the over forty participants in the "Virtual Valentine Blog Hop", on Monday, the 14th, beginning at 8 am. So far, around twenty prizes are available for the hoppees. The more hopping that you do, and the more love you leave at each stop, increases your opportunity to win one of these great prizes including stamps from Stampendous, paper packs from Scrappy Chick Boutique, a gift certificate from Lizzie Anne Designs, and a stenciling gift pack from Dreamweaver Stencils, plus so much more! Mark your calendar, leave Post-its all over your house, tie a string around your finger...whatever it takes to remember to join in the fun!

Dream Schemes Colorway: Pink & Brown

 This week's Dream Schemes challenge was a colorway, specifically pink and brown. I decided to keep in the Valentine mode, and chose the fun Cupid and the new release Tole Heart. Both were paste-embossed using a mixture of Pearlescent Embossing Paste and Cocoa Metallic F/X. Photography does not quite do this combo justice. There is a beautiful sheen which also seems to add to the texture of the paste. The background paper was created using the Damask stencil, also a new release at CHA last month. I used my Copic Airbrush System with a deep shade of brown and pink for the variations in color. I also airbrushed some extra color over the Prima flowers. A wispy effect from tulle and a satiny ribbon knot complete this card...just waiting for Cupid to deliver it to that special someone! Flit with him over to the rest of the Dream Team's blogs as well as the Dream It Up! blog for more inspiration using pink and brown and gorgeous stencils from Dreamweavers. Be sure to leave some comments...we love to hear from you.

Dreamweaver Stencil's Products:
LL3010 Tole Heart
LM216 Cupid
LX7001 Damask
DPP Pearlescent Embossing Paste
FX18 Cocoa Metallic F/X
palette knife, 3M Scotch brand temporary tape

Misc.:
Copic Sketch Markers E29, R85
Copic Air Brush System
Prima Flowers
Bazzill Blossom and Nutmeg CS
Mohawk White CS
felt brad fastener
tulle
Nestabilities Circles and Scalloped Circles dies