Coloring with the New Blendabilities Markers…. They’ll Be Here Soon from Stampin’ Up!

I’ve really been enjoying learning how to use alcohol markers as I play with my new Stampin’ Blendabilities.  These markers are a new line of product that will be introduced with the 2014 annual catalog on June 2nd. Unfortunately, there has been a delay for their initial release, so they will not be available for purchase right away, but I’m so excited about them that I wanted to show some of the wonderful effects you can achieve with these fantastic markers.  I will keep you updated about exactly when they will be available.  In the meantime, I’ve created a video tutorial for you that compares two different coloring techniques for alcohol based markers.

Blendabilties Techniques (3 of 6)

There isn’t a right or wrong way to use these markers.  Some people recommend coloring your lightest shade first and then moving to the darkest, others recommend going dark to light.  It is really a matter of personal preference.  As I explored with these markers this week, I tried both techniques out with each color set.  Here you can see the results.

Blendabilties Techniques (1 of 6)I have found that the darker the color, the more difference you can see between the two techniques.  I prefer coloring the darkest shade first because I think I am able to get greater contrast in my colors using that method.  Let me show you what I mean.

Blendabilties Techniques (4 of 6)

Blendabilties Techniques (5 of 6)

Blendabilties Techniques (6 of 6)

 What Sets Blendabilities Apart:

  • The Stampin’ Up! rectangular barrel keeps your markers from rolling away!
  • Flat storage helps to maintain the life of each marker.
  • Each marker comes with a tip on each end: brush and fine.
  • Marker tips are made of nylon, which is superior to polyester which can fray.
  • Color coded caps.
  • Stampin’ Up! markers coordinate wonderfully with our cardstock, and can be used with transparent sheets.
  • Blendabilities are alcohol based, which makes them colorfast and allows them to blend with each other beautifully.
  • You can color on anything… rhinestones, buttons, window sheets, etc.
  • Blendabilities marker sets, come in a 3-pack of light, medium and dark shades (of the same color )
  • Blendabilties provide your projects a more saturated look with blended colors

Blended Bloom (1 of 10)

I hope you have enjoyed my tutorial today.  I certainly had fun exploring all the different ways to color with my Blendabilties!  If you like this post, please pin it to Pinterest and leave me a comment.  You will find a “pin it” button at the very bottom of this post.

If you find inspiration from this blog, one way you can show your support is by selecting me as your personal Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.  If you need any stamping supplies you can shop now in my online store!  I’ve received the new annual catalogs from Stampin’ Up! and I will be mailing out complimentary copies to all my customers who place an order of $25 or more during the month of May!  Feel free to drop me an email if you have any questions.  I’m here to help!

Happy Stamping!

Heather

  • Visit my online store here.
  • Shop the Clearance Rack here.

WEEKLY DEALS for May 13-19

weekly deals 5-13

Click here to see the Weekly Deals from Stampin’ Up! in my online store.  The Weekly Deals are only while supplies last and only available at these great prices through May 12.


Retiring Products- Less than Two Weeks Left!

There are only two weeks left to get retiring products before they’re gone for good! Be sure to order now in my online store so you don’t miss out on these great products!  Many of the retiring products from Stampin’ Up! have already sold out!  Be sure to check out the links below to check to see which items are still available.  Stampin’ Up! is updating these lists daily to tell us which items are gone.  The last column has a little “x” next to the products that are no longer available.  If you want any of the products on the retiring list, be sure to order soon, so you don’t miss out!

  • Retiring Stamps (Available April 21-June 4, 2014, or while supplies last)
  • Retiring Accessories (Available April 21-June 4, 2014, or while supplies last)

If you need any stamping supplies, I’d be very happy to be your Demonstrator.  Just click on Order Stampin’ Up! Online Now in the main menu or in the sidebar to go directly to my online store or drop me an email if you have any questions.

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Sneak Peek at the New Blendabilities from Stampin’ Up!

NEW!  Blendabilities from Stampin’ Up!

Now is a great time to be a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator!  I just got my pre-order in the mail, so today’s project is a sneak peek at the brand new Stampin’ Blendabilities Markers.  These markers are a new line of product that will be introduced with the 2014 annual catalog on June 2nd. Unfortunately, there has been a delay for their initial release, so they will not be available for purchase right away, but I’m so excited about them that I wanted to show you what these beautiful markers can do anyway!  I will keep you updated about exactly when they will be available.  This project is full of sneak peeks for you.  I used the Blended Bloom stamp because  it cried out to me… “Heather, color me, please!”  Isn’t it lovely?  You are also getting a sneak peek at some of the brand new 2014-2015 In Colors and the Work of Art stamp set from Stampin! Up!

Blended Bloom (1 of 10)

I’m sure you are excited to try Blendabilities out too, but in the meantime, I wanted to take a few moments to share with you some of the features and benefits of these fantastic new markers.

What Sets Them Apart:

  • The Stampin’ Up! rectangular barrel keeps your markers from rolling away!
  • Flat storage helps to maintain the life of each marker.
  • Each marker comes with a tip on each end: brush and fine.
  • Marker tips are made of nylon, which is superior to polyester which can fray.
  • Color coded caps.
  • Stampin’ Up! markers coordinate wonderfully with our cardstock, and can be used with transparent sheets.
  • Blendabilities are alcohol based, which makes them colorfast and allows them to blend with each other beautifully.
  • You can color on anything… rhinestones, buttons, window sheets, etc.

These exclusive alcohol-based marker sets, come in a 3-pack of light, medium and dark shades (of the same color ), and provide your projects a more saturated look with blended colors. Stampin’ Up! recommends using Whisper White Cardstock with your Stampin’ Up! Blendabilities, but any one of our cardstocks would work just as well.

Blended Bloom (3 of 10)I began with one of the brand new In Colors for my card base, Blackberry Bliss.  It is a gorgeous rich dark shade of purple.  Then I layered on a panel of Designer Series Paper from the Moonlight DSP Stack, which I punched using the Envelope Punch Board to round the corners.  This one is also a new In Color called Hello Honey.  In an upcoming post, I will show you all of the new In colors with some comparisons to other current Stampin’ Up! colors…. so stay tuned.

Blended Bloom (4 of 10)

Next, I got out my yummy new Stampin’ Blendabilities markers, which I absolutely adore.  They are my new favorite item for sure!  The colors blend together so nicely, giving a watercolor effect but with much more saturated colors.  Love, love, love!  For my art piece today I stamped the Blended Bloom flower onto Whisper White card stock three times.  Then I stamped the leaf image from Fabulous Florets several times around one of the floral images.  (Remember, Fabulous Florets is on the retiring list, so if you haven’t got it in your collection, you should try to grab it before it is gone.)

Blended Bloom (5 of 10)

I stamped the image three times because I wanted to cut out several layers to give my card some dimension.  I began by coloring in the darkest areas of my flower first and then blending in lighter and lighter colors as I moved outward on each petal.  I colored in only the part of the flower that was necessary for each layer, then I “fussy cut” them out using my paper snips.  I put the layers together using Stampin’ Dimensionals and added the flower to the front of my card using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.

Blended Bloom (10 of 10)

Because the Blendabilities work a little differently than regular markers, I plan to create a video for you in the coming weeks that will show some techniques for using them.  Again, stay tuned for more great things from Handcrafting with Heather! 🙂

Blended Bloom (7 of 10)

For my sentiment, I chose the Work of Art stamp set featured in the new annual catalog.  I stamped it in Blackberry Bliss ink on a strip of Very Vanilla card stock and used my hexagon punch to create the banner effect at the bottom.  I used a sponge dauber to ink around the edges of the banner using the same color.

Blended Bloom (6 of 10)

Finally, I used my Stampin’ Blendabilities to color in some rhinestones to match the color scheme of my card.  Yes, that’s right, you can color on just about anything using Blendabilities!

Blended Bloom (9 of 10)

To finish off the inside of my card, I stamped a brush stroke border from Work of Art in Blackberry Bliss and then layered on a strip of the Hello Honey Designer Series Paper from the front of the card.

Blended Bloom (8 of 10)

I hope you have enjoyed my project today.  I certainly had fun playing with all my new products!  If you like this card, please pin it to Pinterest and leave me a comment.  You will find a “pin it” button at the very bottom of this post below the supply list and cards stock cuts.  Also, if you like my work, why not subscribe to my blog via email.  All you have to do is click on “follow” in the sidebar.

If you find inspiration from this blog, one way you can show your support is by selecting me as your personal Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.  One great thing about being a demonstrator is getting to preview some of the new products before they are available to the general public!  But don’t worry, you will be able to purchase the Blended Bloom and Work of Art stamp sets from Stampin’ Up! in just a few short weeks.  In the meantime, if you need any stamping supplies you can shop now in my online store!  I’ve received the new annual catalogs from Stampin’ Up! and I will be mailing out complimentary copies to all my customers who place an order of $25 or more during the month of May!  Feel free to drop me an email if you have any questions.  I’m here to help!

Happy Stamping!

Heather

  • Visit my online store here.
  • Shop the Clearance Rack here.

WEEKLY DEALS for May 6-12

weekly deals 5-6

Click here to see the Weekly Deals from Stampin’ Up! in my online store.  The Weekly Deals are only while supplies last and only available at these great prices through May 12.


Stampin’ Up! items used to create today’s project:

If you would like to order any of the products featured in today’s project, click the images below to order from my online store.


Card Stock Cuts

Card Base: Blackberry Bliss – 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″

Panels: Hello Honey DSP – 4″ x 5-1/4″ panel; Very Vanilla – 4″ x 5-1/4″ panel (inside of card)

Sentiment & Die Cuts:  Very Vanilla – (banner for sentiment) – approximately 1-1/4″ x 2-1/2″

 

Home Decor… Stampin’ Up! Style!

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, I decided to show you a really simple, yet fabulous home decor project I created using Stampin’ Up! products.  I wanted elegant, but bold stamps, so I chose the following sets for my project today:  Summer Silhouettes, Fabulous Florets (retiring stamp set), Serene Silhouettes, Blooming with Kindness, and for my background En Francais (retiring stamp).

Stampin' Up! Coasters (1 of 10)

These coasters are so easy to make, and they are the perfect gift!  I made a set for mother’s day, and I also made a set for my son’s daycare provider for teacher appreciation week.  Not only are these coasters beautiful, but they are also extremely affordable (i.e. “dirt cheap”)!  I would love to hear what you think of my project today.  Please leave me a comment.  Also, if you like my work, why not have my posts delivered to your inbox automatically?  Just click on the “follow” button in the sidebar to subscribe now.

Stampin' Up! Coasters (6 of 10)

I used Stazon Black Ink for my project today because it is permanent.  I began by stamping each coaster with the En Francais background stamp.  (This stamp is retiring, but as of the time I am writing this, it is still available in clear mount.)  Then I stamped the four different coaster designs using a combination of stamp sets.  I found that stamps with a lot of solid surface area worked well for this project.  I just love the black silhouettes against the scripted font of the background.

Coaster #1: Serene Silhouettes

Stampin' Up! Coasters (5 of 10)

Coaster #2: Blooming with Kindness & Summer Silhouettes

Stampin' Up! Coasters (2 of 10)

Coaster #3: Fabulous Florets

Stampin' Up! Coasters (4 of 10)

Coaster #4:  Fabulous Florets & Summer Silhouettes

Stampin' Up! Coasters (3 of 10)

Once the coasters were stamped, I put them on a cookie sheet in a cold oven and brought the temperature up to 375 degrees.  Then I baked them for 30 minutes and let them cool in the oven.  Once everything was completely cooled, I used Minwax Paste Finishing Wax to seal in my designs.  Finally, I added felt pads to the corners on the bottom of the coaster to protect the table from scratching.

Stampin' Up! Coasters (10 of 10)

My mom is just finishing up a big renovation at her house and she is sprucing everything up.  I know she is going to love these coasters!  If you love them too, you should pin them to Pinterest!  At the bottom of this post you will find a complete list of supplies used in this project. Just below the supply list is a “pin it” button.

Stampin' Up! Coasters (9 of 10)

If you need any stamping supplies, including any of the fabulous stamp sets used in this project, I would love to help you out.  Click here to shop online now!  If you find inspiration from my blog, one way you can show your support is by selecting me as your personal Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.  Feel free to email me if you have any questions.  I’m here to help!

Happy Stamping!

Heather


Weekly Deals from Stampin’ Up! – May 6-12

weekly deals 5-6

Click here to see the Weekly Deals from Stampin’ Up! in my online store.  The Weekly Deals are only while supplies last and only available at these great prices through May 12.


Retiring Stampin’ Up! Products – Available while supplies last until June 4, 2014

Many of the retiring products from Stampin’ Up! have already sold out!  Be sure to check out the links below to check to see which items are still available.  Stampin’ Up! is updating these lists daily to tell us which items are gone.  The last column has a little “x” next to the products that are no longer available.  If you want any of the products on the retiring list, be sure to order soon, so you don’t miss out!

  • Retiring Stamps (Available April 21-June 4, 2014, or while supplies last)
  • Retiring Accessories (Available April 21-June 4, 2014, or while supplies last)

If you need any stamping supplies, I’d be very happy to be your Demonstrator.  Just click on Order Stampin’ Up! Online Now in the main menu or in the sidebar to go directly to my online store or drop me an email if you have any questions.


Stampin’ Up! items used to create today’s project:

If you would like to order any of the products featured in today’s project, click the images below to order from my online store.

 

 

Fabulous Florets Layered Panel Birthday Card – Stampin’ Up!

Hello stampers! Today’s birthday card features the Fabulous Florets, En Francais, and Build-a-Cupcake stamp sets from Stampin’ Up!  These are three of the sets that will be retiring on June 4th and are available only while supplies last.  I absolutely adore these sets!  If you don’t have them in your collection, please consider getting them before they are gone.

Fabulous Florets Razzleberry Birthday (1 of 8)

Today’s color scheme was inspired by the Dynamic Duos Color Challenge #99

Fabulous Florets Razzleberry Birthday (5 of 8)

Fabulous Florets Razzleberry Birthday (3 of 8)For this card, I decided to try making a video tutorial.  This is my first foray into the world of video demonstration, so I would love your feedback.  Please let me know what you like about it and how I could improve in the future. During the month of April, I will be doing a drawing each Sunday.  One lucky winner who left me a comment will receive one of the featured products from Sale-a-bration.  So, if you missed out on the free items during the sale, now is your chance to win one!  Also, if you enjoy reading my posts, why not have them delivered to your inbox automatically.  Just click on the “follow” button in the sidebar.

Fabulous Florets Razzleberry Birthday (8 of 8)

I like how this card turned out.  I think the combination of the Fabulous Florets and En Francais stamp sets is very elegant.  I also like the effect of the tone on tone stamping of the card base.  I hope you like this lovely card too!  If so, I hope you will pin it to Pinterest for me.  If you scroll to the bottom of this post, you will find a complete list of supplies used to make today’s project, including the dimensions for the card stock cuts.  Below the supply list, you will find a “pin it” button.  I would appreciate your help in spreading the word about my work.  Also, don’t forget to leave me a comment for your chance to win a free stamp set from Sale-a-bration!

If you find inspiration from this blog, one way you can show your support is by selecting me as your personal Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.  If you are interested in purchasing the Fabulous Florets, En Francais, or Create-a-Cupcake stamp sets from Stampin’ Up! now is the perfect time.  These stamp sets are on the retiring list, so they are only available while supplies last through June 4th.  Also, you can enjoy FREE SHIPPING until Friday, April 25th.  Don’t miss out… shop now in my online store!  If you need any stamping supplies or have any questions, I would love to help you out.  Just click on Order Stampin’ Up! Online Now in the main menu or in the sidebar to go directly to my online store.  Feel free to drop me an email if you have any questions.  I’m here to help!

Happy Stamping!

Heather

  • Visit my online store here.
  • Shop the Clearance Rack here.

WEEKLY DEALS for April 22-28

 Screen Shot 2014-04-22 at 6.20.14 AM

Click here to see the Weekly Deals from Stampin’ Up! in my online store.  The Weekly Deals are only while supplies last and only available at these great prices through April 28.

And, don’t forget… FREE SHIPPING on all orders April 21-25!  There is no minimum order to qualify.

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Stampin’ Up! items used to create today’s project:

If you would like to order any of the products featured in today’s project, click the images below to order from my online store.


Card Stock Cuts

Card Base:  Rich Razzleberry – 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″

Panels:  Basic Black – 3″ x 4-1/4″ panel; Very Vanilla – 2-3/4″ x 4″ panel, 4″ x 5-1/4″ panel (inside of card)

Sentiment/Die Cuts: Basic Gray – Modern Label Punch; Very Vanilla – Word Window Punch

 

Fabulous Florets Triple Time Thank You Card – Stampin’ Up!

Today’s project is a lovely floral card that features the Fabulous Florets and Summer Silhouettes stamp sets from Stampin’ Up!  I saw this card design on Pinterest, and knew I just had to CASE (copy and share everything) it!

Fabulous Florets (6 of 7)

I changed the orientation and the sentiment, but everything else on the front of the card is exactly as Sandi MacIver designed it to be.  I just loved her choice of colors, and the beauty achieved by the resist technique paired with the layered panels.  Sandi has a great video tutorial that shows exactly how to create this card.  She gives wonderful step by step instructions about how to achieve all the techniques in this project.  I have provided a link for her video tutorial at the bottom of this post after the supply list.  If you are interested in the details of how to create this card, I would definitely recommend watching Sandi’s video.

Fabulous Florets (7 of 7)

I just love the “Triple Time” layered panel technique of this card.  It gives an added element of interest to the card design.  Please leave me a comment to tell me what you think about it.  During the month of April, I will be doing a drawing each Sunday.  One lucky winner will receive one of the featured products from Sale-a-bration.  So, if you missed out on the free items during the sale, now is your chance to win one!  Also, if you enjoy reading my posts, why not have them delivered to your inbox automatically.  Just click on the “follow” button in the sidebar.

Fabulous Florets (1 of 7)

I needed to stock up on some extra thank you cards, so I chose the “Thanks So Much” greeting from simply sketched for my card today.  I also decided to stamp my envelope and add some extra design elements to the inside of my card.  You know me, I don’t like to leave the inside of my card “naked.”

Fabulous Florets (4 of 7)

Fabulous Florets (5 of 7)

I don’t normally re-create the work of someone else almost exactly, but I just loved the design of this one.  There wasn’t much I wanted to change.  As we head into spring, my dogwood trees and azaleas are starting to bloom.  This card reminds me of the beauty of this season.  I hope you have enjoyed this lovely card too!  If so, I hope you will pin it to Pinterest for me.  If you scroll to the bottom of this post, you will find a complete list of supplies used to make today’s project, including the dimensions for the card stock cuts.  Below the supply list, you will find a “pin it” button.  I would appreciate your help in spreading the word about my work.  Also, don’t forget to leave me a comment for your chance to win a free stamp set from Sale-a-bration!

If you find inspiration from this blog, one way you can show your support is by selecting me as your personal Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.  If you are interested in purchasing the Fabulous Florets or Summer Silhouettes stamp sets from Stampin’ Up! you can shop now in my online store!  If you need any stamping supplies or have any questions, I would love to help you out.  Just click on Order Stampin’ Up! Online Now in the main menu or in the sidebar to go directly to my online store.  Feel free to drop me an email if you have any questions.  I’m here to help!

Happy Stamping!

Heather

  • Visit my online store here.
  • Shop the Clearance Rack here.

WEEKLY DEALS for April 15-21

 Weekly Deals

Click here to see the Weekly Deals from Stampin’ Up! in my online store.  The Weekly Deals are only while supplies last and only available at these great prices through April 21.


Stampin’ Up! items used to create today’s project:

If you would like to order any of the products featured in today’s project, click the images below to order from my online store.


Card Stock Cuts

Card Base:  Crumb Cake – 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″

Panels:  Very Vanilla – 2″ x 3-1/4″ panel, 3″ x 4-1/4″ panel,  two panels 4″ x 5-1/4″ (front and inside of card); Crumb Cake – 2-1/4″ x 3-1/2″ panel, 3-1/4″ x 3-1/2″ panel

Sentiment/Die Cuts:  N/A

Video Tutorial:  Click here to view Sandi MacIver’s video tutorial for this card.