Sketch Sunday: ATC #5

Today's sketch is for an ATC that is a miniature landscape. I am picturing a desert scene in oranges and yellow. Or maybe a beach scene with a palm tree, done in turquoise and blue. Or perhaps with a little school house in bright red on green grass.

I hope you will give it a try with your own vision of a tiny scene.

If you do choose to try it the design team would love to see your creation! Upload a photo somewhere (Flickr, Picasa, Photobucket, etc.) and then share a link with us in the comments. To share all you need to do is add the following codes to your comment, and then replace the word "link" with the actual link to your photo:

      <a href="link">My ATC</a>

Your comment will then contain the words "My ATC" which will link to your photo. The design team really looks forward to seeing your work!

Until the next time,
Kathy

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Vintage Card and Tag (Design Team Project)

by Anne Harada

Vintage Card and Tag

 

Hi Everyone!

For this project I went vintage-style using fun fabric Primas, wonderful dimensional ribbons and gorgeous Donna Salazar designer paper.  The Donna Salazar "Spring in Bloom" paper collection has a soft linen-type texture, so it lent it self beautifully to distressing for this set.



My card base is a Kraft card stock stamped using Tim Holtz Tea Dye and Walnut Stain Distress Inks and his Psychedelic Grunge stamps and ticket images from his "Components" collection.  From the "One Sheet Wonderful" Donna Salazar paper, I cut out an area where there was a grayish-white label print and stamped and distressed it with the same inks.  I crumpled up the paper, shred up the edges and attached it to the card base at an angle using three adorable Tim Holtz Idea-OlogyMini Fasteners {LOVE} and Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher staples.  The butterflies are actually attached to a single ribbon running down the side of the card, as are the Maya Road Mini Organza white roses across the bottom!  I love these!  Additional embellishments include a cream lace trim ribbon overlaid across the bottom and allowed to hang over each side, two white Maya Road Star Trinket Pins and the gorgeous "Roosevelt Collection Eleanor" fabric Prima Flowers.  



To create the tag, I die cut a large tag shape and covered it with more of the Donna Salazar designer paper.  I used all the same embellishments as the card with the addition of the Maya Road "Blue Ribbon Sentiments" Stamp set for the pennant. 



All the paper and embellishments used on these projects can be found in Fran’s store!

Thanks for stopping by today!
Anne

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Technique Thursday: Easy 3-D Flowers

by Anne Harada

Easy 3-D Flowers

Hi Everyone!

You can make fantastic 3-D botanicals with basic punches and tools whenever you need a flower for any project! And the best news is, most punches can be used to make multiple kinds of flowers. Hopefully after reading this post, you'll learn to make some new flowers you haven't made before with the punches you have! Punches are really a great investment when you can use them over and over, use up scraps, AND use most of them for many different types of flowers!

There are a few tools that are very handy when making 3-D flowers. The tools aren't required; they'll just make the activity easier and faster! A stylus with a large and small ball, tweezers, and small pointy-tipped scissors will be your best friends for just about any flower you want to make. In addition, you will find it helpful to have a mouse pad (or similar foam type mat) on hand when shaping flowers. Frantic Stamper carries a cool "kit" that includes a shaping tool specifically for making paper flowers, a stylus with several sized balls, a paper piercer and a craft knife with extra blades all in one handy-dandy hinged case: Floral Craft Punch Tool Kit-- I highly recommend it!! (I’ve used it for the flowers in my samples below.) The punches used in these samples are also all available at Frantic Stamper as well. Fran carries a huge variety and all the name brands!

• Black Eyed Susan
  
  
  
  Punch a scalloped circle (Marvy "Extra Jumbo" used here) from yellow cardstock. Score a line straight across the diameter in-between two opposite scallops. Cut down between each scallop towards the center to form "petals" -- about 1/4" from the center all the way around. Sponge brown ink on the edges on both the front and back of the scalloped circle; fold in half then sponge the folded edge.
  
  
  
  Use a stylus tool with a large ball and apply pressure along the fold so the center flattens and the ends curve upwards.
  
  
  
  Free-hand cut a dome shape from dark brown cardstock and glue behind the fold. Draw in some scratch lines as shown to complete the flower.
  
  


• Sun Flower
  
  
  
  Punch 3 daisies (Punch Bunch "Medium Daisy" used here) from bright yellow cardstock and a 3/4" circle from dark brown cardstock.
  
  Use a ruler as a straight edge to create a score line down the middle of each petal of the daisies. I use a paper piercer, very lightly, to get a thin score line.
  
  
  
  Pinch the petals so they fold slightly on the scores.
  
  Stack and glue the daisies and arrange them so the petals are staggered, making a complete circle. Set aside.
  
  
  
  Add black dots with a fine marker to the brown punched circle. Add some white highlights with a white pen (Signo Uni-ball used here).
  
  
  
  Turn the brown circle upside down. Use a stylus tool with a large ball and stir the so the brown circle cups. Snip foam tape so it fits inside the "cup".
  
  
  
  Turn over and adhere to the yellow flower.
  
  
  


• Bachelors Button / Cornflower
  
  
  
  Punch 6 Cosmo shaped flowers (Martha Stewart "Cosmo" punch used here) from periwinkle blue cardstock. Snip down the center of each petal of all 6 Cosmo flowers. On two of the Cosmos flowers, trim the petals down about 1/4".
  
  
  
  Use a stylus tool with a small ball and stir the center of 3 of the Cosmo flowers. Two of these you'll want to stir a little deeper so the petals cup up further.
  
  
  
  Use a stylus tool with a small ball and stir the center of the trimmed Cosmo flowers. Pinch at the base so the petals are gathered tightly, almost closed.
  
  
  
  Start with the one, "flat" Cosmo flower that has not been stirred -- this will be the base of the flower.
  
  Stack and glue the next three stirred Cosmos on top of the flat one. Finish the stacking with the two that were trimmed and tightly gathered.
  
  


• Begonia
  
  
  
  To make this flower, I followed the steps on p. 36 of Paper Bouquet (by Susan Tierney Cockburn). The handbook is far more detailed and extremely helpful, not to mention inspiring and gorgeous to look at! A great reference book if you're waning to jump in to crafting your own paper flowers!!
  
  Punch the "Mega Begonia Petals" by Punch Bunch 5 times -- you will end up with 25 petals. (You will not need all of the resulting petals.) Shape five of the large petals and chalk the tips of the petals with a darker color of chalk to add depth and tone to the petals. Repeat with eight of the medium-sized petals and two of the small petals. Punch one 5-pointed small flower to use as your base to adhere the petals to.
  
  
  
  Glue a medium sized petal to each point of the small flower. Continue adding the petals using smaller and smaller sizes as you layer them over the base petals.
  
  
  
  Finish with two of the smallest petals curled tightly in the center. Allow the glue to dry for about 10 minutes before handling.
  
  

A very small sampling of what you can make with scrap cardstock and punches!! I hope you try them out!

Hugs,
Anne

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Warehouse Wednesday: Meet the Team (Part 2) - Sherie

Meet the Team (Part 2) - Sherie

Sherie is our Warehouse Manager.  She's been on the Frantic Stamper team since May of 2007. Sherie is responsible for all aspects of the warehouse from shelving product to pulling your orders. 



With her background in library work, she keeps our warehouse neat and tidy and super organized.  

Sherie is a homegrown Oregonian from the Rogue Valley.  She enjoys morel mushroom hunting, camping, and anything to do with the great outdoors and nature.  She's not *yet* a scrapbooker, but we'll get her turned around soon when we have more time to play.

Of course, you've met Mattie (our warehouse mascot)… Sherie is her proud mommy.  

  Hugs,
-Fran
www.franticstamper.com
541-826-2500

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Tip Template Tuesday: 6 point pinwheel

Once a month or so on a Tuesday we will be offering a template in lieu of our usual tips... for a change of pace for both you our readers, and for the design team. Today is one of those Tuesdays!

Today we have a 6-point pinwheel template for you. Print to whatever size you want. Cut out on the solid lines. Score on all dotted lines. Valley fold the lines that form the hexagon in the center of the pentagon, and their extensions. Mountain fold the other lines.



The pinwheel can be then be stamped inside and out.

Tip: If you don't want the score lines on your card-stock, print the pattern on a different piece of paper. Use removable adhesive to adhere the paper to the card-stock. Cut both pieces at the same time, and score the card-stock through the paper.

If you make a pinwheel card, we would love to see it! Upload a photo somewhere (Flickr, Picasa, Photobucket, etc.) and then share a link with us in the comments. To share all you need to do is add the following codes to your comment, and then replace the word "link" with the actual link to your photo:

      <a href="link">My Pinwheel</a>

Your comment will then contain the words "My Pinwheel" which will link to your photo. The design team really looks forward to seeing your work!

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Sketch Sunday: Card #7

Today's I have a card sketch to share. I don't have a color scheme for you again today, I thought I would leave that entirely up to you! I am also going to leave it up to you to decide what theme your card will have. I hope you will use your imagination and have fun with the sketch.

And as always, if you decide to use this week's sketch, the design team would love it if you would share! Upload a photo somewhere (Flickr, Picasa, Photobucket, etc.) and then share a link with us in the comments. To share all you need to do is add the following codes to your comment, and then replace the word "link" with the actual link to your photo:

      <a href="link">My Card</a>

Your comment will then contain the words "My Card" which will link to your photo. The design team really looks forward to seeing your work!

Smiles,
Kathy

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Beach Themed Goodies (Design Team Project)

by Anne Harada

Beach Themed Goodies

Hi Everyone!

I have a collection of beach-themed projects to share with you this month! All of the materials can be found at Fran’s amazing store "Frantic Stamper Inc."! These include miniature dyed sea shells from Sealife Treasures; Photo Gems (so cool!), die cuts and glitter rub-ons from Paper House Productions, fun netting ribbon and Cosmo Cricket "Salt Air" Mini Deck and Ready Set Chip Board.  So much fun!



First I made a luggage tag by covering scrap cardboard with the Salt Air DP and cutting out two tag shapes.  I used a Nesti die to cut a window out of one of the tag shapes then adhered a piece of acetate to the back.  I applied red-lined tape to the sides, then added two eyelets to the bottom to hold the tag pieces together.  Next I added two more eyelets to the top corners of the front tag piece only.  This photo shows how the top part with the eyelets stays separated from the back tag piece.



By adding eyelets to the front tag piece only, a gap is created that will be just wide enough to slide a label in and out of the tag easily.  Next, I removed the backing from the red-line tape, sealed the sides together, and the tag was ready to embellish.  This tag could be used for luggage, a child's lunch box, backpack or even a purse!  Simply slip in your information or note and it's ready to go! Next I made a couple of easy key chains.  Both of these are made with Tim Holtz acrylic Fragments that come with a hole perfect for adding on a chain.  The little chains are Tim Holtz Swivel Clasps. 

This first key chain is simply a single "Photo Gem" sticker that I applied to the round TH Fragment.  The stickers are dimensional, epoxy coated photo quality images that are really fun to play with!  




For the second key chain, I glued Salt Air DP to the back of the Fragment piece using Crystal Effects.  I added a "Beach Comber" glitter rub-on (the starfish image) and then used E-6000 glue to adhere the cute little sea shells.  I added some letter stickers and it was done!




Finally, this little altered bucket and matching card:



I used Cosmo Cricket Salt Air DP, coordinating Chip Board pieces and some fun ribbon netting from Fran's store. 

To cover the flared shape of the little bucket, I cut a length of DP to fit around the bucket, then cut strips up from the bottom all the way up, to about 1/4" from the top of the DP.  I glued the uncut top edge to the top of the bucket just under the top lip, then glued each strip down, overlapping them as necessary to accommodate the flair.



I used the negative piece of the  "window" that I had cut out with a Nestie from the (above) luggage tag project as my bucket handle.  (I had to cut a second one for the back side to match!)  I glued the top of the labels together using E-6000 glue, then slid it over the handle and decorated each side.



For this side of the bucket, I used another TH Fragment and an awesome, real starfish by Sealife Treasures on the label.  The base of the bucket is embellished with more of the fun netting, little seashells, faux gems and chipboard pieces. 



This is the reverse side of the bucket -- more seashells, faux gems and chipboard embellishing!



My favorite part was gluing some of the little shells to the inside, bottom of the bucket as a little surprise for the recipient!


All the embellishments used on these projects can be found in Fran’s store!

Thanks for stopping by today!
Anne

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Technique Thursday: Tim Holtz Uses Distress Inks

Today we would love to share a couple of videos with Tim Holtz and Distress Inks . We hope you will enjoy them.

First up, Tim will share a few basic techniques for using distress inks.



Here is another fun technique... Color Blocking with Distress Inks.

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Warehouse Wednesday: Meet the Team (Part 1)- Mattie: Our Mascot

Meet the Team (Part 1) - Mattie: Our Mascot

Meet Mattie, the Frantic Stamper mascot and spirit lifter.

Mattie is a yellow lab who is 3.5 years old. She comes to work every day with her owner, Sherie (you will get to meet her next week).

She's a pretty mellow girl who spends most of her day relaxing on her bed in the warehouse...until she hears the delivery trucks! She knows the UPS lady and the Fed Ex lady will both have a biscuit for her, and she greets them with enthusiasm.



Mattie always has a smile on her face. She's a good distraction for when we have a bad day.

She always starts the day greeting everyone with her "wiggle butt" and a kiss.

Hugs,
-Fran
www.franticstamper.com
541-826-2500

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Tip Tuesday: Distress Inks

Today we would like to give you some tips for using Distress Inks. We hope you will find them useful.

Tip #1
These inks are a little different from other water-based inks in that they stay wet a little longer so they can be used well with embossing powder. Stamp your image with distress ink, add embossing powder, shake off the excess, and heat to melt the powder. Works as well as embossing ink, but comes in so many great colors! Use clear powder to have the color show through, or use opaque colored powders with different effects with different base colors.

Tip #2
Press a distress ink pad onto a clear acrylic stamp mount. The ink will puddle up and can then be used like water colors with a brush and water. But it can also be stamped from the block onto paper, leaving a block of color on the paper.

Tip #3
A Ranger craft sheet is a natural partner for distress inks. Swipe a distress pad across an area of the craft sheet. Spritz with water, heavily in some areas, lightly in others. Place cardstock on the inky area. Lift off carefully. Let dry. Repeat with other colors as desired. Makes a FABULOUS background!

Tip #4
You can paint directly from the distress ink pad. Simply place the tip of a damp brush against the pad to pick up color. Paint as you would with water colors.

Tip #5
A drop or two of distress reinker on a slick surface like the Ranger craft sheet or an acrylic block can be like watercolors, too, but will be brighter and more vibrant than ink taken from the pad.

Tip #6
Distress reinkers are PERFECT for use with Cut n' Dry to make custom, multicolor ink pads. Start by stamping the image you want the custom pad for in a permanent ink onto the Cut n' Dry. Then simply color in the areas of the image with the reinkers. The colors won't mix with each other, and your ink pad will be perfect for that image!

Tip #7
Because distress inks stay wet longer than regular inks, they blend better than regular inks. Use a blending tool to apply ink in a swirling motion, and blend into adjacent areas of color for beautiful effects.

Tip #8
Water has amazing effect on Distress ink. Once you have your background down, try dropping a few small droplets onto it. Or stamp an image on it using water as your ink. The ink will flow out away from the water for dramatic (though somewhat unpredictable) results.

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