Bunny Hop Card Class

Hi stamping friends,
Just wanted to give you a heads up on my next card class being held at Scraporium in Lutz, Florida.  It will feature Easter Cards with Sparkle N Sprinkle stamps.  Of course, they do not have to be for Easter....you could use them for lots of other ocassions, like birthdays or get well or thinking of you.  Just leave off the holiday wording or add your own words.  Here's the low down:

Date:  Wed, March 14
Time: 10:30 - 1:30
Cost: $20

Bunny Hop Card Class

Be sure to call Denise at the store to sign up in advance.  Looking forward to seeing you then!
Cheesy Sandy

MORE SOOT STAMPING

Hi Stamping Friends,
Just got finished teaching the Smokin Hot Card Class using soot stamping techniques.  I have shown you two cards previously (see Feb. 19  post below) which were masculine cards done with soot and reverse soot stamping using the Sparkle N Sprinkle Stamp Set #285 - 1900 Cars.  So I thought I'd show you the other two cards we made. 

First is color soot stamping.  For this technique you first apply water based inks to the glossy cardstock and let dry.  Then proceed as usual with sooting and stamping.  Here is the card we did using this technique:

SNS Set #316  Elements

This is a tent topper card.  I used Petite Scallop Circle Large S4-115 to cut out the sooted image of Floral butterfly circle from Stamp Set #316.  This was the class' favorite card, even though many of them came to class specifically for the masculine car cards.  LOL.

Next, we did soot stamping onto precolored glossy cardstock.  Glossy cardstock comes in many different colors, but I chose a yellowish gold thinking it would show up better with the soot.

SNS Set #160 Butterflies

This is a gate fold card with a "belt" closure around the center.  We used one butterfly stamp from the Sparkle N Sprinkle Set #160 Butterflies.

So I hope this has given you some inspiration!  I am having company coming and going for the next 2.5 weeks, so not sure how often I will get to post.  I will try to get something up at least once a week, so check on back.  See you soon!

Cupcakes for Birthdays

Don't you just love punches?  I know I do.  I recently added EK Success's Cupcake Chain Large Border Punch #54-50023 and wanted to use it.  on't you just love border

EK #54-50023

Cute, isn't it?  Since I have a number of neices and nephews, I decided to create a card that I could make several of and keep onhand.  Here's what I came up with:


3 Cupcake Birthday Cards

 I started by punching out the border in white cardstock, traced the bottom of the cutout along the front edge of the card and cut out.  Sponge a color of ink onto the cupcake wrapper and glue to the card.  Take some dimensional glue (I used Sparkle N Sprinkle #539) and then sprinkle on your desired outcome.  I used Sparkling Snow Glitter G1003 on the light pink card.  Since it is semi-transparent, some of the cardstock color shows thru.  On the dark blue card, I used Bridal Glitter G1029 which is opaque so the cs color doesn't come thru.  On the purple card, I used the Sparkling Snow, but added multi-colored holeless beads (they are really tiny) to make it look like sprinkles on the icing.  Since I made 7 cards, I really played around with different topping looks and I even did one that looked like chocolate frosting by adding Chocolate Sparkle EP127 embossing powder onto the glue (NO, you do not heat it.  Use it just like it was a glitter).  Sorry, but I already mailed that one out without taking a picture.

The words were from a piece of laser cut paper I bought at the local big box store.

I just cut out the words I wanted, coated with Versafine ink and embossed with different embossing powders.  Run it thru the Xyron machine and you have instant sticker words!  On the purple card, I used Dragon Fruit EP410 to emboss the words.  It has a kind of speckled appearance which went so nicely with the cupcake topping. LOL

Inside is some fun paper stamped with a cupcake that is colored with added "frosting" on top.  Each card has different papers inside. 

Think the kids will like them?  I hope so.  Try making one.....its not very hard.

Since I need a couple of cards that will go to some children that are a little older and live at the same house as those getting these cards, I am about to make a different cupcake card.  Stay tuned............

Have a great day today

The Look of Old Time Photos (Reverse Soot Stamping)

I am really fascinated with the Soot Stamping techniques.  My favorite so far is the Reverse Soot technique.  I used a stamp from Impression Obsession called Lottie Collage for these two cards.  Isn't she beautiful?  I recently purchased this stamp used at a stamping garage sale.

This first card was for a swap in my Florida Stampers online group: 

Reverse Soot Stamping - Lottie

To do reverse soot stamping, you first stamp the image using Versamark ink onto glossy cardstock.  I use a piece larger than needed for the card.  Then you hold the paper with the stamped image toward the flame of a candle moving the paper around until soot begins to build up on the surface of the paper.  Be sure to keep moving the paper so that it does not catch on fire.  Tip--the edges catch on fire quickly.  So far every time I've done this, the edge has caught on fire...so be prepared!  And the soot will rub off if you touch it so you also have to be careful when putting out your burning paper.  After you have all the soot you want, take a tissue and wipe off the excess.  The soot remains on the stamped image, and there will be a little left on the rest of the paper too.  You need to spray this with a matte Final Fixative so it doesn't rub off (you can use hairspray, but I was afraid it would yellow after awhile).  I purposefully caught these edges on fire to give it an old, worn look.  I used a little Antique Linen Distress Ink on the lace so it would look older, layered it onto a dark brown ruffled ribbon and also put a tiny beige ribbon on top.  Added some real dried/pressed flowers at the top that I had in my stash and the saying at the bottom is from Inkadinkado.

The second card is the same image done in the same way:


Lottie in Purple - Reverse Soot Stamping

 I sent this card to a friend (oh, she is the person I bought this stamp from).  She is a good buddy and I haven't been sending cards out "just because" lately.  The image this time looks a little more worn because you can see that it got a slight bit more burned in one area.  I added some purple mulberry paper behind the soot image.  Just add some water to where you want to rip the paper and it will pull apart easily leaving fibers showing at the edge.  I inked the edges here because this paper had white showing after I ripped (first time for that).  Added the fun ruffled purple and black ribbon with  a pale lavender piping glued on top.  The flowers were beige Prima wildflowers that I colored with Milled Lavender and Dusty Concord Distress Inks and put small half pearls in the centers.

I love how the same image looks so totally different depending upon the card arrangement!
Hope that you will try sooting!   Send me a picture (ilchezhead@yahoo.com) and I will post it here, and/or I can link back to your blog also.

Happy Sooting!
Sandy (Cheesy)

Bleach - Its Not Just for Dirty Clothes

I have been playing around with different techniques that I had seen in years past.  This one is with bleach.  The idea is that you use bleach instead of ink to stamp your image.  I have seen some awesome cards done this way, but so far mine haven't been that good. 

First, you need to "create" a stamp pad with the bleach.  Take a container large enough to hold the stamp you will be using.  (I used a plastic container from Stampin Up stamps.)  Line it with paper towels or baby wipes and add some bleach.  You do not want too much bleach.....

Coyote Bleach Trials

Notice in the upper left corner, the image is not very defined.....too much bleach.  The lower left image has better definition.

Here is the simple get well card I made with one of the coyote bleach images:

Get Well "Oww-ch" Card

The next most important element is the paper.  All papers will act differently.  I tried about 10 different ones, and the coated ones (usually more expensive ones) did not work well.  I tried Core-dinations brand hoping that the second color would show thru, but it did not.  Really, the best paper to use from my experience is usually the thinner, cheaper paper.  Below you can see how different papers reacted.  The fun part is that you just never know what you will get!


Different Papers


Next element is the stamp.  You can see above that the more detailed stamps (Lottie Collage by Impression Obsession) can prove difficult to get the full image.  I did have success after a few tries, but it was harder.  I really like the blue one above.  It looks like a "negative" to me.  I haven't had time to make a card with it as yet.  When I do, I'll post it for you to see.

And finally.......some images that I was not at all happy with.  Just wanted to share the boo-boos too!

2 Giraffes-hard to see

2 Lions-blurry

I will be trying these images (both stamps by Beeswax) again when I have time.  I LOVE the images, just not sure that I love how they turned out with bleach!  LOL

Thanks for looking!
Sandy (Cheesy)

Smokin' Hot Card Class

Have you ever done SOOT stamping?  There are a few different ways to do it and I've been having fun with it.  I will be teaching a class on it at Scraporium in Lutz, Florida this Thursday, Feb 23 from 10:30 to 1:30. 

Here are two samples using one of the great classic cars from the Sparkle N Sprinkle Set #285 - 1900 Cars:


Soot Stamping



Reverse Soot Stamping

We will be making 3 - 4 cards and the other two will be more feminine for a little variety.  Give Denise a call at the store to sign up at 813-269-7946.  Hope to see you at the Smokin Hot Card Class , even if you are NOT a pyro!  LOL!

Sandy (Cheesy)

MORE EXCITING NEWS!

If you live in Central Florida, then you know Stampfest is an annual stamping event held in Clearwater.  I have attended it for 4 years now, and was lucky enough to work at the Sparkle N Sprinkle booth last year while I was on their design team. 

This year I will be working at the Heartfelt Creations booth.  I had worked for them at the Chicago expo this past summer at their demonstration table.  We made some awesome flowers....see?

This was done with their coordinating stamps and dies, then colored with a product called Inka Gold.

Not sure what this year's demo will be yet, but check back after Feb. 11 and I will show you!

Lots to get done so see you soon.
Sandy

Extra! Extra! Read All About It

I am very excited to share with you that I will begin teaching classes at a really neat store in the Tampa/Lutz area called SCRAPORIUM.  I just met the owner, Denise, and she is really very sweet.  I can't wait to begin.

 

Here is the first class:

 

 

 

 

Hearts Are Wild Card Class

Thursday, February 9           10:30 -  1:30            Instructor:  Sandy

The cards will use three techniques:  shaker card, faux quilting and heart explosion.  You will get directions to take home so you can make more cards on your own.   Even though we are using these cards for Valentine's Day, I have also used some of them for Anniversary, Birthday and even Baby with a few simple changes.  You can go to Scraporium's website here for information on how to sign up.  If you live in the area, I'd love to see you!

 

Thanks for visiting.

Sandy (Cheesy)

 

Valentine Cards

Has it really been 2 months since my last post?  Where has the time gone?  Well, I plan to be posting again lots more often.

FEBRUARY!  And Valentine's Day is not far off.  I am busy making cards for the grandchildren.  These are explosion cards.  I think they turned out pretty cool.  Here's the first.  It has glitter paper punched with a Fiskars corner punch, some tissue paper (that I adhered to freezer paper) and a Sissix die.  The inside uses the Verses Rubber Stamp heart explosion template along with some stickers, Glimmer Mist and Spellbinders Scalloped Heart dies.  All four of the cards are basically the same, but the color combinations and a few changes make them look different.



Brian




Brian's inside















Next is Caleb's card and it is mostly the same.  Red and black color scheme but most of the same as before just in different places.

Caleb



Caleb's inside














Diego is a little older and I did the red and black again.




Diego




Diego's inside














Isabelle is the youngest and she got lots of pink and purple. 




Isabelle




Isabelle's inside

















Try one of these explosion cards...they are not too hard.
Thanks for stopping by.  Hope to see you again soon!
Sandy (Cheesy)