stamp out loud by tami sanders

"smooched" graduation box...

As promised, here is another project for the graduate; an altered paper mache’ box that’s the perfect size to hold a gift card now, and a tassel later.

 

I used Smooch Spritz to give the box the look of old metal that has aged over time. Smooch Spritz is a shimmery ink that you can spray; it goes on opaque and covers well in just one coat. And although it looks like it took hours to achieve the finish, it was accomplished in about 15 minutes using just 2 colors of Smooch Spritz. And since Smooch Spritz covers so well, there is no need to paint or prime the box first.

 

 

Here’s a closer look at the lid…

 

 

And here are some more close-ups of the details on the box…

 

 

 

 

If you don’t need a graduation gift, you can still make the basic box and just change the lid embellishments to whatever theme you like. Father’s Day is less than a month away and this box would be terrific for any dad as well. Maybe add a few vintage keys tied with twine to the top, and stamp with an appropriate Father’s Day sentiment. {More Father’s Day projects coming up next week!}

 

Here are the supplies and directions you need to make your own altered box…

 

“vintage metal” altered paper mache’ box

 

Skill Level: easy

 

SUPPLIES: 

 

Clearsnap: Smooch Spritz: Silver Foil and Vanilla Shimmer, Smooch Accent Ink: Illuminate and Moonlight, Crafter’s Ink: High Top Pad – Black, Stylus with Blender Tip and Color Catcher

 

Indus Trading Company: DIY Bangles:Time Together Collection: wood cut out - Graduation

 

Hampton Art: Graduation Time clear value set

 

Hero Arts: Curly Alphabet cleardesign stamps

 

Memory Box: Antique Damask wood mount stamp

 

Darice: paper mache box

 

Tools: adhesive, white paper towels and heat gun {optional}

 

DIRECTIONS: 

 

Designer Notes:

•  use Smooch Spritz as you would spray paint, spritzing while moving your hand across the piece to create an even coat. 

• depending on the type of paper mache’ box you use, it may or may not absorb the Smooch Spritz quickly. If ink pools, you can gently blot with paper towels.  

• you can use a heat gun to speed up drying time, just be sure to keep heat gun moving and don’t overheat to avoid warping your box.

 

1) Remove lid and place it along with the box bottom in the Color Catcher. Begin spritzing the top and sides of the lid and the sides of the bottom using Silver Foil Smooch Spritz. Allow pieces to set a few minutes before turning them to another side. Continue until all sides are done. Let dry a few minutes.

 

2) Spritz pieces again as before, this time using Vanilla Shimmer Smooch, and blotting gently with a clean paper towel a minute or so after ink is applied. {The blotting will help develop the aged appearance of the box}

 

3) Ink wood cut out cap using Black Crafter’s Ink applied with Stylus and Blended Tip; let dry.

 

4) Apply Smooch Illuminate to top of cap; let dry.

 

5) Outline cap using Moonlight Smooch, then smudge lightly with your finger to blend.

 

6) Let all pieces dry completely before proceeding.

 

7) Ink tip {about 1”} of Antique Damask stamp with Black Crafter’s Ink and stamp design around sides of lid; set aside to dry.

 

8) Use Black Crafter’s Ink applied using Stylus and Blender Tip to “antique” edges and corners of box lid and bottom.

 

9) Stamp “2010” using Curly Alphabet and Black Crafter’s Ink at lower right of box.

 

10) Stamp “class of” using stamp from Graduation Time set, above and to the left of “2010” using Black Crafter’s Ink; let dry.

 

11) Fill in “class of” letters using Moonlight Smooch.

 

12) Adhere cap to box at upper left.

 

Fill box with paper shred in silver, white or black and add gift card…

 

---tami

 

school's out!

SCHOOL’S OUT! {or will be soon!} and we are entering graduation season so my posts this week will both feature projects for the graduate.

 

First up is a card for that special student that has worked hard and finally reached the end of the road…

 

 

I used the “traditional” colors associated with graduation, black and white, but you could personalize this card by using the school colors of the graduate instead.

 

I inked a wood cut out graduation cap with Crafter’s Ink, then stamped and embossed “hat’s off to you” with Top Boss Embossing Powder in white. I used black and white embossing powders to do all the sentiments as well.

 

Here’s a close-up of some of the details…

 

 

A diecut strip and a bit of ribbon added a little pizzazz, and helped highlight the “Graduation Time” message.

 

Here are the supplies and directions you need to make this card for your scholar…

 

“Hat’s Off” card

 

Skill Level: easy to moderate

 

SUPPLIES: 

 

Clearsnap: Crafter’s Ink: High Top Pad - Black, Top Boss: Embossing Pad {tinted or regular}, Embossing Powder: White and Black and Stylus with Blender Tip

 

Indus Trading Company: Diy Bangles: Time Together Collection: wood cut out - Graduation

 

Hampton Art: Footlong Big & Little Apha’s clear stamps and Graduation Time clear value set

 

Bazzill: Coconut Swirl, Blackberry Swirl and Glass Slipper cardstocks, Half the Edge Cardstock Strips – black and Black and White Stripe ribbon

 

Tools: heat gun, paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive and foam dimensional dots

 

 

DIRECTIONS: 

 

1) Cut a 4 ¼” X 11” piece of white cardstock and fold in half to make card.

 

2) Use Stylus with Blender Tip to apply Crafter’s Ink to wood cap; set aside to dry.

 

3) Stamp “School’s … OVER!” on a piece of black cardstock using embossing pad, emboss with white embossing powder; cut out when cool.

 

4)  Stamp “Finally Done!” on a piece of black cardstock using embossing pad, emboss with white embossing powder; cut out when cool.

 

5) Stamp “Graduation Time” on a piece of white cardstock using embossing pad, emboss with black embossing powder; cut out when cool.

 

6) Stamp “congrats”, with letters from the Big and Little Alpha’s set, on a piece of white cardstock using embossing pad, emboss with black embossing powder; cut out when cool.

 

7) Stamp “hat’s off to you” on center of inked cap using embossing pad. Then emboss with white embossing powder.

 

8) Cut a 2 ½” X 4” piece of silver cardstock and mat on a 2 ¾” X 4 ¼” piece of black cardstock.

 

9) To assemble card:

• adhere black cardstock strip about ¼” from left side of card, trimming excess.
• adhere silver on black cardstock piece about ¼” from top of card and cardstock strip.
• adhere a piece of ribbon horizontally about 3 ½” from top of card.
• adhere hat at an angle at top of card.
• adhere sentiments, using foam dimensional dots to adhere “Graduation Time” on ribbon.   

---tami

 

bling me up...

I received some wood bangles from DIY Bangles that I have been anxious to bling up. Creating your own unique jewelry pieces can accent a new outfit, or help update one from last season. It only took an hour or so to transform these 3 bangles…

 

 

Crafter’s Ink works well on wood; it covers well and dries quickly. You can also use pigment inks, but they will take longer to dry and you have to be careful not to smear them until they do. I used both on the bangles I made.

 

Here’s a closer look at each of the bracelets…

 

 

I inked a damask background stamp with several colors of inks, then rolled the bangle across the stamp …

 

 

for this one, I first stamped on the script design, then went back and stamped tiny flowers in different colors along it...

 

 

 

Rhinestones added the finishing touch…

 

 

This bangle has large flat panels on each side that are perfect for stamping on, I inked the panels a different color than the rest of the bracelet and stamped flowers on the panels…

 

 

 

I used a beauty swab to color in the flowers centers, and used the stylus and blender tip to “antique” the edges of the panels…

 

 

The BIG jewelry trend right now is just that – BIG! Stacks of bangles in different sizes and colors are showing up everywhere, so make your bangles in colors that coordinate and you can mix and match and STACK!

 

 

Here’s what you need in order to make your own fashion statement…

 

“Damasked” bangle bracelet

 

Skill Level: easy

 

SUPPLIES: 

 

Clearsnap: Crafter’s Ink: Sunflower, Pink and Lime, ColorBox Pigment Ink: Turquoise and Stylus with Blender Tip

 

Indus Trading Company: DIY Bangles.com: ¼” flat wood bangle

 

Hero Arts: Antique Brocade Cling stamp

 

DIRECTIONS: 

 

1) Use Sunflower Ink, applied with Stylus and Blender Tip, to ink outside edges of bangle; let dry.

 

2) Apply Turquoise ink to stamp, then use Stylus and Blender Tip to apply touches of Lime and Pink inks to stamp {make sure you clean off tip between inks to prevent contaminating your pads}

 

3) Carefully roll bangle across stamp using even pressure. When you get to the end of the stamp; start rolling again where you left off on the bangle along a new place on the stamp. Let dry.

-----------------

 

“Flower Script” bangle bracelet

 

Skill Level: easy

 

SUPPLIES: 

 

Clearsnap: Crafter’s Ink: Sunflower, Pink and Lime, Frost White and Dune, ColorBox Pigment Ink: Marigold and Stylus with Blender Tip

 

Indus Trading Company: DIY Bangles.com: 5/8” flat wood bangle

 

Hampton Art: Friends clear stamp

 

Memory Box: Script Block wood stamp and Jewel Stickers: Diamond

 

DIRECTIONS: 

 

1) Use Frost White ink, applied with Stylus and Blender Tip, to ink outside edges of bangle; let dry.

 

2) Ink Script Block stamp using Dune ink, and then roll bangle across stamp using even pressure. When you get to the end of the stamp; start rolling again where you left off on the bangle along a new place on the stamp. Let dry.

 

3) Stamp flowers using Pink, Lime, Sunflower and Marigold Inks and let dry.

 

4) Apply rhinestones to centers of flowers.

-----------------

 

“BIG flowers” bangle bracelet

 

Skill Level: easy

 

SUPPLIES: 

 

Clearsnap: Crafter’s Ink: Sunflower, Pink, Lime and Dune, ColorBox Pigment Ink: Marigold and Stylus with blender tip

 

Indus Trading Company: DIY Bangles.com: 1 ½” pentagon

 

Memory Box: Big Flower wood stamp

 

Tools: Beauty Swabs

 

DIRECTIONS: 

 

1) Use Lime ink, applied with Stylus and Blender Tip, to ink outside edges of bangle except for the panels; let dry.

 

2) Use Sunflower ink, applied with Stylus and Blender Tip, to ink the panels; let dry.

 

3) Stamp flowers using Pink ink and let dry.

 

4) Use a beauty swab to ink the center of the flowers using Marigold ink.

 

5) Use Dune ink applied with Stylus and Blender Tip to ink the edges of the panels to distress them.

 

Wear and enjoy!

---tami

 

"smooched" X 2 thank you note...

My last post described a technique on how to apply Smooch Accent Ink to a rubber stamp in order to create a soft, pretty watercolor image. Today’s project will use that same technique; so please refer back to my post on 5-13 “smooched butterfly ATC”, for complete directions and step by step photos of the technique.

 

The project is a shimmery, glimmery thank you note that anyone would love to receive…

 

 

The Smooch technique is used on the script, circle butterfly…

 

 

I used 2 colors of Smooch Spritz to bling up some plain white cardstock to create the card, so this project has shimmer X 2! 

 

There are a few steps involved in making this card, but none of them are hard. And once you’ve learned how, you can apply the techniques used on this card on projects you design yourself.

 

Here’s what you need to make this thank you note:

 

“Butterfly Thanks” card

 

Skill Level: easy to moderate

 

SUPPLIES: 

 

Clearsnap: Smooch Spritz: Gingersnap and Gold Glow, Smooch Accent Ink: Carrot, Sundance, Taffy and Tuxedo, ColorBox Fluid Chalk Ink: Blackbird {full or mini size} and Color Catcher

 

Hampton Art: Foot Longs: Big & Little Alphas, Artsy Edges and Circle Birds clear stamps

 

Bazzill: Coconut Swirl cardstock

 

Tools: paper trimmer, scissors, foam dimensional dots and adhesive

 

DIRECTIONS: 

 

1) Cut a 5 ½ X 8 ½ piece of white cardstock and fold in half to make card.

 

2) Place card in Color Catcher and spritz front of card with Gingersnap and Gold Glow Smooch Spritzes; spraying from about 12” away to apply a fine mist of both colors. Let dry.

 

3) Stamp border and “thanks” using Blackbird chalk ink on front of card.

 

4) Using Smooch technique described in 5/13 post, apply Smooch Accent Inks to circle script butterfly stamp and stamp image on white cardstock; let dry.

 

5) Cut out circle, then lay in Color Catcher and apply a very light spritz of Gold Glow Smooch Spritz to circle; let dry.

 

6) Adhere circle to front of card as shown using foam dimensional dots.

Now all you need is someone special to THANK!

---tami

 

"smooched" butterfly atc...

The next two projects will continue the butterfly theme of the clay pendant and will both feature similar color schemes; brown, orange, yellow and a touch of black. Butterflies are symbolic of spring, but I wanted the colors to be soft and subtle, not the bright pastel colors usually associated with spring. So, like the pendant, these projects could work equally well for fall.

 

Both projects will use the same technique to stamp the butterfly, so I want to share that with you first today. We’ll be applying different colors of Smooch Accent Ink to the stamp; then blending them together so that when you stamp the image, you get a soft, shimmery watercolor effect.

 

First, you’ll need to ink your stamp with Top Boss Embossing Ink – clear or tinted, it doesn’t matter. This will create a layer between the stamp and the Smooch so that the Smooch won’t dry on your stamp and will blend and release easier as well…

 

 

Then you need to dab different colors of Smooch onto the stamp, being careful not to get the tip in other colors {clean off before putting applicator back in bottle if you do}. Place colors as you would if you were painting in the image, but don’t blend yet and you don’t have to cover the entire surface of the stamp...

 

 

 

Here is a closeup of the “smooched” stamp…

 

 

Then gently use your finger to dab – not wipe – the colors to blend them on the stamp…

 

 

 

Then stamp as you would with a regular inked stamp, only be careful not to apply to much pressure or your stamp could slide…

 

 

Practice the technique on some scrap paper until you are happy with how the colors blend and you get the hang of it.

 

Today’s project is an ATC card, which I’m sure most of you are familiar with. ATC stands for Artist Trading Card and they are a fun way to share miniature works of art…

 

 

Here’s what you need to make your own ATC:

 

“Remember ” ATC

 

Skill Level: advanced

 

SUPPLIES: 

 

Clearsnap: Stylus Molding Mat: Moorish Tiles, Smooch Accent Ink: Silver Fox, Pumpkin, Gold Lame, Luscious Lime, Molasses and Tuxedo, Ancient Page Inkpad: Sandalwood, Sienna, Coal Black, Chocolate and Light Brown {full size or mini}, Top Boss: Tinted or Clear Embossing Pad, Asparagus and Dazzling Copper Embossing Powders, Design Adhesives: Sentiments and ColorBox Stylus Handle with white blender tip

 

Memory Box: Solid Butterfly wood mounted stamp

 

Hampton Art: Artsy Edges and Circle Birds clear stamps

 

Bazzill: Peanut cardstock

 

Tools: paper trimmer, scissors, black pen – fine, foam dimensional dots, adhesive and heat gun.

 

DIRECTIONS: 

 

1) Use “smooch” technique described above, with Silver Fox, Luscious Lime, Pumpkin, Tuxedo and Molasses applied to circle stamp with scroll design on a piece of peanut cardstock. Set aside to dry, then cut out, leaving a thin border around the edge. Ink edges with Coal Black ink applied using ColorBox Stylus and white blender tip.

 

2) Use same “smooch” technique to ink butterfly stamp, using Silver Fox, Tuxedo, Pumpkin, Gold Lame and Molasses. Stamp on a piece of peanut cardstock and set aside to dry. Cut out, leaving a thin border around the image.

 

3) Ink hexagon section of molding mat using Sienna, Sandalwood, Coal Black and Light Brown applied and blended slightly using stylus with blender tip. Stamp on a piece of peanut cardstock. Ink the diamond section of the molding mat in the same way, using the same colors and stamp on a piece of peanut cardstock. Handcut stamped squares from cardstock; then cut each square into quarters measuring about 1”. You will only need 3 squares of each design.

 

4) Cut a 2 ½ X 3 ½ piece of peanut cardstock. Stamp the left and bottom edges using the narrow edge stamp from the Artsy Edges set and Coal Black ink. Use Chocolate and Coal Black ink, applied using stylus and bender tip, to ink the edges of card.

 

5) Use Coal Black and Chocolate ink, applied using stylus and blender tip to ink the edges of the 6 - 1” squares. Adhere the squares, in 2 vertical rows, beginning about 1/16” from the top right corner, and spacing the squares about 1/16” from each other.

 

6) Cut “memories” word and pronunciation from Design Adhesives sheet and adhere to a piece of peanut cardstock. Emboss using Asparagus embossing powder. Cut out design, leaving about 1/8” border around edges. Ink edges using Sandalwood and Chocolate inks.

 

7) Lay “memories” strip down left side of ATC just past top of border stamp. Cut “remember” from Design Adhesives sheet, and before you remove the backing, make sure it will fit along the bottom of the last row of squares. Adjust position of “memories” strip if needed, then adhere.

 

8) Apply “remember” Design Adhesive along the bottom row of squares, having the bottom of the letters right along the bottom edge of the squares. Emboss using Dazzling Copper embossing powder. When cool, outline the letters using black pen.

 

9) Adhere stamped circle from step 1) to the right side of card, about 1/8” up from the top of “remember”, having about ½ of the circle hang off the right side. Trim overhang and ink the edge using Chocolate and Coal Black ink applied with stylus and blender tip.

 

10) Adhere butterfly at the upper left of the circle using foam dimensional dots.

 

Now you are ready to trade!

 

---tami

 

flutter by here...

The project for today is a spring themed pendant made with polymer clay that has been “painted” using Smooch Accent Ink…

 

 

Don’t worry if you’ve never worked with polymer clay before, this project is quick and easy to make and I used stamping tools instead of specialized clay tools to create it. I’ve also included photos of each of the steps in the directions to make it even easier.

 

I wanted the pendant to have a vintage look, so I “stained” the clay with black Crafter’s Ink after I’d “smooched” it.

 

Here is a closeup of the pendant itself…

 

 

A bail and a piece of leather cording was all I needed to complete the project. You could also make a set of matching earrings to go with your pendant if you like. Just roll 12pter, thinner balls of clay and make sure that you emboss with one of the 12pter butterflies that are on the molding mat.

 

You could use these same techniques to create embellishments for other types of projects too. Like making a larger piece to adhere to an altered journal or composition book, or roll the clay thinner to create something to use on a scrapbook page.

 

Here are the supplies and instructions to create your own unique piece of jewelry…

 

“Vintage Spring ” pendant necklace

 

Skill Level: easy to moderate

 

SUPPLIES: 

 

Clearsnap: Stylus Molding Mat: Flutter By, Smooch Accent Ink: Silver Fox, Carrot, Kiwi and Sundance, Crafter’s High Top Ink Pad: Black and ColorBox Stylus Handle with white blender tip

 

Indus Trading Company: Deerskin Lace – 1/8” black

 

Other: Plaid: Forged: metal findings – multi bales and Polymer Clay: beige

 

Tools: 2 large acrylic blocks {at least 3 X 3}, Static Away or Cornstarch, Paper Towels and wood skewer {or something to punch hole in pendant with}

 

DIRECTIONS: 

 

1) Condition clay according to package directions. Then pinch off 2 rows of clay and roll into a ball about 1 ¼” in diameter.

 

 

2) Dust the tops of 2 acrylic blocks LIGHTLY with Static Away or cornstarch; then place ball on one block and place the other, dusted side down on top of ball. Then press on top block using light even pressure until ball is flattened to about 1/8”. {Don’t worry if there is some slight cracking at the edges, you can fix that. And don’t worry if your pendant isn’t exactly round either}

 

 

3) Smooch the edges of the circle and gently push together any cracks using your fingers.

 

4) Place pendant back on the dusted surface of one of the blocks. Lightly dust your molding mat, then place the mat face down on top of the pendant. Place other acrylic block on top of mat to sandwich the clay and molding mat between the two blocks.

 

Then, using light even pressure, press down on the top block to impress the design into the clay. {Don’t press TOO hard!} Remove top block and peel away edge of molding mat to check design. If the design isn’t deep enough, replace mat and block and press again.

 

 

5) Carefully remove pendant from block and punch hole at top for bail. Then bake as directed on package. {I placed mine on a foil lined cookie sheet}

 

6) Once pendant has backed and cooled, you are ready to “smooch” it. Paint in embossed designs as you like…

 

 

Until all of the recessed designs have been painted in…

 

 

then set aside for about 15 minutes or until Smooch has dried completely before going on to next step.

 

7) Use black Crafter’s Ink applied using Stylus Handle and blender top to “stain” the pendant, front, back and sides. To do dip foam tip in ink pad, then gently rub onto pendant in a circular pattern…

 

 

 

Once you have covered the entire pendant, gently wipe excess ink off using a clean, white paper towel and set aside for about 15 - 20 minutes to dry.

 

 

8) Insert bail in hole and thread your lacing though. Finish ends as you like; I just left mine to tie so I could adjust the length.

 

wear and enjoy!

 

---tami

 

long and leggy...

Today’s project is a bright and cheerful card set that you can make for yourself or as a gift. Or better yet, make 2 sets, so you’ll have one to give and one to keep. {These would make a lovely gift for Mother’s Day too!}

 

 

I used 4 different stamps; all are STICK CHICKS by Karen Stopler, and are available from American Art Stamp. I just LOVE those skinny leg girls, the designs are all so cute. The stamps I used for the card set all feature flowers so they are perfect for spring.

 

Jean used some Stick Chick stamps in her posts for spring also, so if you like the designs, be sure you check out her posts too.

 

Even though portions of the images are VERY small and VERY narrow, the great applicator tip that comes with the Smooch Accent Ink, is able to get in there so you can “color inside the lines”. I like to emboss images that I plan to “Smooch” since it makes it easier to stay in those lines.

 

Here are some close-ups of the “Smooched” images…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can blend several colors of Smooch together to create shading – just use a clean beauty applicator and work quick as Smooch dries FAST! Or, you can add layers of color to create a new color. I shaded the flowers on the card with the pink background; I used Taffy on the petals, then added a touch of Sassy Pink near the center and blended the two where they met. For the pots, I used a base of Pumpkin, then layered Molasses over it to give the pots a more terra cotta look.

 

For the envelopes, I used some new ones from Hero Arts that have a fabulous shaped flap. AND – there is a liner template available too, which is what I used so that my cards and envelopes would coordinate.

 

 

 

Here’s what you need to make your own set…

 

“Long and Leggy Spring ” card set

 

Skill Level: easy to moderate

 

SUPPLIES: 

 

Clearsnap: Smooch Accent Ink: Taffy, Sassy Pink, Carrot, Pool, Grape Soda, Molasses, Kiwi, Sundance, Snickerdoodle, Silver Fox, Pumpkin and Tuxedo, Top Boss: Tinted Embossing Pad and Black Embossing Powder, ColorBox Fluid Chalk Ink: Rouge, Tangerine, Wisteria and Ocean {full or mini size}

 

American Art Stamp: Bouquet, Watering, Picking Daisies and Gardening Cling Mounted Stamps

 

Hero Arts: Hero Hues: Daffodil Folded Notes and Envelopes, Envelope Liner Template and Circle Pattern Cling Stamp

 

Bazzill: Coconut Swirl cardstock

 

Tools: paper trimmer, scissors, pencil, heat gun, bone folder, beauty swabs and adhesive

 

DIRECTIONS: 

 

1) Stamp each of the 4 images on a 2 ½” X 4” piece of Coconut Swirl cardstock using Tinted Embossing Pad, sprinkle with Black Embossing Powder and heat set.

 

2) Use Smooch Accent Inks to color in the designs, using layering or blending ideas as suggested above.

 

3) Cut 4 – 3” X 4 ½” pieces and 4 – 3 ½” X 5 ½” pieces of Coconut Swirl cardstock and stamp 1 large and 1 small piece with the Circle Pattern stamp, using a different color of Chalk Ink for each pair. This will make the backgrounds and liners.

 

4) Use the envelope liner template to trace and cut out the envelope liners from the larger – 3 ½” X 5 ½” stamped pieces of cardstock. {Be sure you score along line in template too}.

 

5) Assemble the cards using the background color of your choice mixed with the “Smooched” stamped image of your choice.

 

6) Fold liners along score line and crease well using bone folder. Add adhesive the the back of the liners, insert in envelopes and press well to adhere. {hint: I folded mine along the score line to be sure the envelope would close correctly before the adhesive set.}

 

Now you are ready to write someone a note they are SURE to appreciate, or wrap up a gift for someone special!

 

---tami

 

mother's day cards...

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so today I’ve got three quick and simple Mother’s Day cards to share with you. One for mom, one for Grandma and one that your child can make for you or for Grandma.

 

You can make any or all of these cards in no time at all, and what Mom doesn’t appreciate a handmade card.

 

The “Heart Pocket Aprons”  and “Tweet Little Birdie” cards have stamped images that have been colored in using ink applied with a beauty applicator {pointed cotton swab} …

 

 

 

Here are some close-up shots of the stamped elements…

 

 

 

The “Swirl Flower” card has a stamped background paper and is embellished with flowers; all made the same set of Inkum’s Pocket Stamps. All the images were stamped with My First ColorBox inks, which are child-safe and wash off easily from hands.

 

 

Here’s a closer look at the background and the flowers…

 

 

 

And here’s how you can make your own…

 

“Heart Pocket Aprons” card

 

Skill Level: easy

 

SUPPLIES: 

 

Clearsnap: Vivid! Ink: Lemon Ice, Aqua and Tea Rose {full size or mini}

 

Hero Arts: Happy Mom’s Day ClearDesign stamp setand Card Buttons - Neutral

 

Bazzill: Coconut Swirl, Icy Blue, Chiffon and Strawberry cardstocks and Black Polka Dot ribbon

 

Other: white twine

 

Tools: paper trimmer, scissors, 1 ½” circle punch, beauty swabs, dimensional foam dots and adhesive

 

DIRECTIONS: 

 

1) Cut a 5” X 12” piece of Chiffon cardstock and fold in half to make card.

 

2) Cut a 5” X 1 ¾” piece of Strawberry cardstock and adhere about 1” down from top of card.

 

3) Cut a 5” X 2 ¼” piece of Icy Blue cardstock and adhere under Strawberry piece.

 

4) Adhere a 5” piece of ribbon over where the 2 pieces of cardstock meet.

 

5) Stamp verse using Tea Rose ink on a piece of Coconut Swirl cardstock, cut out to measure 2 ½” X 2”. Ink edges using Aqua ink. Adhere to card at an angle in the upper right corner.

 

6) Cut 3 – 2” X 2” squares of Coconut Swirl cardstock. Stamp apron image on each using Tea Rose ink. Color in aprons using inks applied with beauty swabs. Add polka dots to apron using Lemon Ice ink applied with swab. {hint – to apply inks, lightly dab your swab on the pad, then “paint” in the color. Apply more ink to swab as needed.}

 

7) Punch out aprons using circle punch {hint, hold punch upside down so you can center image}, ink the edges using Lemon Ice ink, then adhere aprons with foam dimensional dots on Icy Blue cardstock.

 

8) Tie buttons with twine and adhere on either side of verse.

 

“Tweet Little Birdie” card

 

Skill Level: easy

 

SUPPLIES: 

 

Clearsnap: Vivid! Ink: Black, Lemon Ice, Aqua, Orange and Tea Rose {full size or mini}

 

Hero Arts: Happy Mom’s Day ClearDesign stamp set

 

Bazzill: Coconut Swirl, Icy Blue, Chiffon and Strawberry cardstocks and Black Polka Dot ribbon

 

Tools: paper trimmer, scissors, beauty swabs, dimensional foam dots and adhesive

 

DIRECTIONS: 

 

1) Cut a 5” X 12” piece of Chiffon and fold in half to make card.

 

2) Cut a 3” square of Strawberry cardstock and adhere at the lower right corner.

 

3) Adhere a 5” piece of ribbon across card about ½” up from the bottom of the red square.

 

4) Cut a 2” square of Icy Blue cardstock and adhere at the upper left corner.

 

5) Stamp birds image using Black ink on a 2 ¼” square piece of Coconut Swirl cardstock and fill in the images using inks applied with beauty swabs. A touch of Orange ink was used at the very tip of the beaks. Adhere square in the upper left about ½” down and to the right from the corner.

 

6) Stamp sentiment on a piece of Coconut Swirl cardstock using Black ink; trim to 2 ½” X 1” and adhere along ribbon about ¼” from right side using dimensional foam dots.

 

“Swirl Flower” card

 

Skill Level: easy

 

SUPPLIES: 

 

Clearsnap: My First ColorBox Inkpads: Light Brown, Red, Pink, Turquoise and Yellow and Inkum’s Pocket Stamp Set: Spiral #1

 

Hero Arts: Small Variety Alphabet ClearDesign stamp set

 

Bazzill: Coconut Swirl and Ballet cardstocks and Brown Rick Rack

 

Other: Zig: Writer – Brown, Darice: 1 lb of Rhinestones

 

Tools: paper trimmer, scissors, 1” circle punch, corner rounder and adhesive

 

DIRECTIONS: 

 

1) Cut a 4 ¼” X 12” piece of Ballet cardstock and fold in half to make card.

 

2) Cut a 3 ½” X ¾” piece of Coconut Swirl cardstock and round the upper corners. Stamp sentiment using alphabet letters and Light Brown ink. Adhere sideways about ¼” down from top and 1/8” from left side of card.

 

3) Cut a 3 ¼” X 4” piece of Coconut Swirl cardstock. Ink your choice of spiral stamps with Yellow ink and stamp background. Adhere about 1/8” from upper right corner.

 

4) Adhere 5” piece of brown rick rack across bottom of background.

 

5) Cut 12 – 2” squares of Coconut Swirl cardstock. Using your choice of spiral stamps and color of ink, stamp 3 of each color and design. Punch out using circle punch, and adhere as shown.

 

6) Adhere rhinestones to centers of flowers.

 

7) Draw in stems and leaves using pen.

 

***Note, if you are helping a child do this project remember that originality, creativity and having fun are MUCH more important than following the directions exactly!

 

--- tami