Faith Forward Card with Copics, Alcohol Inks and Stenciling

As a Christ follower, I am quite excited about the increasing availability of faith based stamp sets.  These sentiments go with so many other stamp sets in my collection that the hard part is narrowing it down to which one I'm going to use next.  In this card, I started with the sentiment.  I ordered the Janes Doodles Bless Your Heart stamp set around the same time as ordering the Stamping Bella Butterfly Girl Briana and they happened to be sitting together on my studio table, putting together my card for me.  Adding the alcohol ink wings (inspired by Marker Geek) and gold stenciling brought it together perfectly.  While there are several techniques in this card, they are simple to do and add a lot of texture, dimension and interest.  Here is the link to my video tutorial on my YouTube channel and my supplies are listed below.

Supplies:
Janes Doodles Bless Your Heart stamp set
Ink on 3 Blackout

Neenah Solar White 80lb cardstock
MISTI
Stamping Bella Butterfly Girl Brianna Bundle
Alexandra Renke Stencil Heart in the Middle
Ranger Alcohol Inks: Gunmetal, Teakwood, Indigo, Aqua, Pebble
Ranger Alcohol Ink Blending Solution
Glossy Cardstock
Creative Medium Embossing Paste in Metallic Gold
Inkadinkado Masking Paper
Copics:
Dress- BG11, 13, 15  Flowers- B28, BG02
Hair- E27, 29  Skin- E11, 13, 21; R20

I know I often say that I love my cards and this one is no exception.  It's so pretty and the sentiment is a foundation for me.  Like most other creatives, I don't share work I'm not happy with, so if you see it on my blog, YouTube or elsewhere, it's something I'm proud of and want to invite others to share my joy.

For Christs glory and much love,
Jasmine

Engraved Embossed Snowflake Ornament Tag with Infinity Engraving LLC

 Hello and Merry Christmas!  Todays project is a fun, easy and versatile tag that can be as elaborate or as simple as you want it to be.  It's also completely customize-able!  Change up the colors and stamps and you'd have something totally different.  So have fun experimenting and trying things out. 

I started with a Manilla tag and did some ink dipping, drying thoroughly between each layer.  If there is any moisture left in the tag, the stamping will blur out and you will lose the crisp edges. After that, I added the sheet music stamp in random spots and let that dry.  If the sheet music isn't dry, the white embossing powder will stick to it and you'll lose the intricacy of the snowflake stamp.  Then, I heat embossed the snowflake swirls using white pigment ink and glittery white embossing powder.  After that was heat set, I added more blue around the edges with an ink blending tool. 

Next is the die cut chipboard snowflake.  Cover the die cut with embossing ink and cover with embossing powder.  Tap off the excess and heat set.  Repeat this process, adding another layer of embossing powder.  Using the same sheet music stamp we used earlier, ink it up with embossing ink and have it standing by.  Add another layer of embossing powder and as soon as it's completely melted, stamp the sheet music stamp into it and lift off.  Add the die cut snowflake and die cut sentiment to the tag using liquid glue and the tag is complete.  Here is the link to the video tutorial on my YouTube channel if you'd like to see the process from start to finish and my supply list is below.

Supplies:
Ranger Manilla tag
Distress Inks: Blueprint Sketch, Brushed Corduroy and Evergreen Bough
Tim Holtz Holiday Wished stamp set
Simon Says Stamp White pigment ink
Wow Sparkling Snow embossing powder
Ranger Embossing Ink dauber/ Versamark
Inkadinkadoo stamp #98249 (snowflake swirl)
Infinity Engraving Chipboard Snowflake
Ranger Liquid Platinum embossing powder
My Favorite Things Merry Christmas die
DCWV Silver Glitter paper

What can you do with these?  I make one for each of my nieces and nephews and give them with their gifts as ornaments they can hang up on the tree for years to come. You don't have to limit these to Christmas; you can make them for birthdays or any significant occasion in someones life. 

Thanks for stopping by!  I'd love to know what you think or if you have any questions.  See you next time!

Merry Christmas and much love,
Jasmine

Ink blended and die cut Concord & 9th HUGS

Hey guys! Welcome back!  It took what seems like forever to get this Hugs stamp and die set from Concord & 9th in my hot little hands and I cranked out 3 cards before I knew it.  It can take a little finagling to align it just right, but once you do, it's go time! I have all three in this blog post and the video on my YouTube channel walks you through how I did the pink and yellow version.  There really is no limit to what you can do with this die set and I plan on continuing to experiment ;)

Supplies:
Pink & Yellow
Hugs stamp and die set by Concord & 9th
Altenew Crisp Dye Inks in Mango Smoothie and Cotton Candy
Memento Tuxedo Black ink
Wow Sparkling Snow embossing powder
Ranger Holographic embossing powder
Inkadinkado masking paper or large post-it note
Neenah 110 lb Solar White cardstock (cut 4"x11")



Deep Teal & Gold
Neenah cut to 5.5" x 11"
DCWV Foiled Vellum cardstock
Lawn Fawn inks in Merman and Deep Sea
Stick-It sheet adhesive

Same ink blending technique as used on the pink and yellow card.  Add Stick-It to the back of the vellum, cut to size and adhere to the front panels.




Black & White (Great masculine card)
13 Arts Pegasus cardstock (comes 12x12) cut to 5.5" x 12"
DCWV Glitter cardstock
Lawn Fawn Puffy Stars dies
Ranger Liquid Platinum embossing powder
Stamp sentiment in Versamark and heat emboss using the liquid platinum embossing powder.  Cut stars from red glitter paper and adhere to card front.  Add shimmer spritz if desired. Here's the link to Concord&9th's video for how to use 12x12 cardstock with the dies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKy01xIvYSA


Thanks for stopping by to hang out with me!  I hope you enjoyed your visit and your creativity was sparked!  Be sure to let me know what you think or if you have any questions and I'll see you next time. Here is the link to Jennifer McGuires video using the Hugs die: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg33fG-oNXs

Much love,
Jasmine

Laura's Loft Challenge - WATERCOLOR

Welcome to Laura's Loft Watercolor Challenge! My project features Altenew's Floral Motif stamp set and Avery Elle's Wonky Frames die.  We had a 60 degree day in Michigan today, and I was feeling Spring!  Here's how I did it.
Supplies:
Strathmore 140 lb cold press paper
Doodlebug White "Sugarcoated Daydream" cardstock, 4.25" x 5.5"
Neenah Solar White 110 lb cardstock, 8.5" x 5.5"
Altenew Floral Motif stamp set
Avery Elle Wonky Stitches die set
Inkadinkadoo Masking Paper (or Post It Notes)
DCWV Foiled cardstock
SSS Smile die
Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolors
Silver Brush Co #4 brush
Archival Black ink
1/2" Scor-tape

Step 1)  I started with the butterfly stamp in the top right corner, then added my flowers and also stamped the flowers on my masking paper.  Cut out the flower masks and apply, then stamp the leaves.  Make sure you use Archival to stamp with so that the images are waterproof and don't run or smudge when you begin to watercolor.

Step 2)  Paint the butterfly, flowers and leaves and let dry.  Paint background.  I used a wet on wet technique.  That when you paint the area with clean water and add color.  This helps the color to spread and blend.  Be careful; too much water will allow the color to pool or spread too far.

Step 3)  Position the largest of the Wonky Stitches dies over the panel and run through the Big Shot.  Run the smile die with blue cardstock through the Big Shot as well.  Fold the Neenah in half to make the card base.

Step 4) Add Scor-tape along the edges of the front panel and glittered cardstock.  Adhere the painted panel to the glittered piece and that to the card base.  Add liquid glue to the back of the smile die cut and adhere.  Your card is complete!

The Challenge runs from Feb 20, 2016 to March 5, 2016 and you can link your project here.  We have 2 awesome prizes up for grabs this Challenge and you can add as many as you want.  One $25 gift card to Laura's Loft and one $20 gift card to Newtons Nook!

Thanks for stopping by and hanging out with me today! I hope you had fun and learned something new.  Feel free to ask any questions and let me know what you think.

Much love,
Jasmine

Somebunny's Luck

Welcome to the Somebunny's Luck blog hop with Laura's Loft.  We have tons of awesome projects to share with you, not to mention a giveaway, new products added to the shop and as always, $10 off a purchase of $75 or more from the shop.  More details are at the bottom of my post :)

My projects focus on celebrating the hope that Christ provided on Easter Sunday. I wanted to convey faith, light and joy in my Savior through my work to share with you.

My first card features Altenew's Beautiful Day stamp set from Laura's Loft.  This is a layering stamp set and while gorgeous just about any way you stamp it, using my MISTI made this so easy and fun and it turned out beautifully.

Supplies:
Neenah Solar White 110 lb cardstock
DCWV Glitter Brights cardstock stack: 4.25 by 5.5 inch panel
DCWV Foiled cardstock stack
MISTI stamp positioner
Xyron Sticker Maker
Altenew Beautiful Day stamp set
Inks:
Simon Says Stamp in the following colors:

• Pale Blush Pink
• Cotton Candy
• Doll Pink
• Orange Peel
• Lemon Chiffon
• Lavender
• Hydrangea
• Blue Violet

Lawn Fawn in the following color:

• Sunflower

Simon Says Stamp dies:
Oh Happy Day
Nativity (star)

Lawn Fawn Stitched Rectangle die
Tim Holtz Rays stencil
Wendi Vecchi Translucent Embossing Paste
Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink in Sunshine Yellow
Prima Finnabair Glitter in yellow
Inkadinkadoo Masking Paper or Post-It notes
Palette knife

Step 1.  Start with a 4.25 by 5.5 inch panel of white cardstock.  When using masking with stamping, you want to stamp the image you want in the front of the scene first.  In this case, I wanted the yellow rose to be in the front.  With layered stamping, you stamp the lightest color first.  The stamp sets come with instructions for what layer to stamp first, so don't worry about that.  For the yellow rose, I started with SSS Lemon Chiffon ink, then LF Sunflower and SSS Orange Peel last.  While that dried, I took the outline stamp from the set and stamped three on masking paper and fussy cut them out.  You'll need one to finish the stamping and then the other two later on.  Place one mask over the yellow rose, being careful to line it up properly.  Pink rose: Pale Blush Pink followed by Cotton Candy and finished with Doll Pink.  Purple Rose: Lavender, followed by Hydrangea and finished with Blue Violet.  I used my MISTI with this because it allows you to line up the stamps on the project so it's a perfect image.  If there's a spot that doesn't stamp properly, you can ink the stamp and stamp again and it will line up perfectly.  It's awesome!

Step 2.  I used the second largest of the LF Stitched Rectangle dies and ran it through my Big Shot to get the stitching detail around the edges.  Place your masks over each rose so that it's aligned properly.  Line up the stencil so that it looks like the rays are coming from behind the roses.  I tape my stencils into place to make sure they can't shift.  Using a palette knife, take about a teaspoon of embossing paste from the jar and place it on a non-stick work surface.  Add a bit of glitter and 1 drop of yellow ink.  I wanted it to look like light, so I wanted it to be translucent and airy.  Mix the ink and glitter into the paste until there's no white left.  Spread over the stencil, making sure to cover all the exposed paper and it's an even coat.  Remove the stencil and wash both the stencil and palette knife immediately.  Letting the paste dry on them can ruin them.

Step 3.  While the paste dries, run the dies and gold cardstock through the Big Shot.  I ran my die cuts through my Xyron Sticker maker to add adhesive to the back.

Step 4.  Adhere the 4.25 by 5.5 inch teal glitter panel to a white cardbase using tape runner or another adhesive.  Adhere stamped panel to the middle.  Add sentiment die cuts along the bottom edge.  I started with Happy in the middle and added Oh and Day on the appropriate side to get proper spacing and placement.  I finished off my card with the star in the top right corner, shining in the sunlight.





For my second card, I made a shaker card and wanted to convey the same theme as my first card; faith, hope and life in Christ.

Supplies:
Strathmore 140 lb coldpress watercolor paper
Dylusions Spray Inks:

• Calypso Teal
• London Blue
• After Midnight

Lindy's Stamp Gang Sprays:

• Glitz Spritz Royal Emerald Fire
• Hydrangea Blue

Perfect Pearls Spray in Pearl
Faber-Castell Glass Bead Glitter Gel
Simon Says Stamp Cross die
TH Rays Stencil
Palette Knife
Avery Elle Stamp Pockets
WRMK Fuse Tool
Recollections Glitter Shapes
Doodlebug Sequins
MSE Sequins and Glitter Shapes
3M Foam Tape
Stick-It Adhesive
DCWV Foiled Cardstock
Memory Box Alphabet die
Scor-Tape 1/8 and 1/4 inch

Lets start with the focal panel.  I like to take 11" by 17" sheets of watercolor paper and use spray inks to create large pieces I can cut down to use in my projects.  I have another tutorial for how I do it on my blog here.

Step 1.  Using the largest of the LF Stitched Rectangle dies, run the panel through the Big Shot.  Place Cross die on the panel where you want the cross and tape in place (I use painters tape, Post-It note tape or washi tape) and run through the Big Shot to die cut.  Set the Cross aside for another project.

Step 2.  Plug in your Fuse tool so it can heat up.  I wanted my rays of light to be shining over the Cross, so I arranged it thusly and taped in place to avoid shifting.  Spread glitter gel over stencil, making an even coat and making sure to get all exposed paper.  Lift stencil and wash both stencil and knife immediately.  Let dry; it should take between 15 and 20 minutes to dry completely and dries clear.

Step 3.  While the panel is drying we can make our shaker pouch.  I used the die cut cross as a size guide.  You want your shaker to fill the die cut opening with a bit of extra plastic to allow for adhering the pouch to the back side of the panel.  I filled my pouch pretty full so that the entire cross was full, but normally I like to allow room for the shaker bits to move around.  Using the ruler that comes with the Fuse, make the seams where you want them, leaving an opening and add your shaker bits.  Carefully flatten out your pouch to determine if it's full enough to your liking and make sure it's no more than 1/4 inch thick after it's sealed.  Add your final seam to close it up.  Before I trim my edges, I add 1/4" Scor-Tape to the edges to attach it to the front panel.  Then I trim off any excess plastic.  Remove the backing and adhere it to the front panel.

Step 4.  Add foam tape around the edges of the panel and double up.  You want to add enough to add stability and make the surface level.  I used two layers.  I remove the backing from one corner and line it up.  Once the corner is stuck down and it's lined up properly, remove the rest of the backing to completely adhere.

Step 5.  Add some Stick-It adhesive sheet to the back of the gold foil cardstock.  Using the an alphabet die and gold foil cardstock, run it through the Big Shot enough times to get the letters to spell "Hallelujah".  I had to run mine through 3 times.  I picked out the letters I needed and starting with "l" in the middle, spelled out the word, removing the backing paper and sticking down each letter.  My card is complete and I loved it.

There is lots more to be enjoyed on the hop! Your next stop is at Robbies, the previous stop is at Deana's and if you want to start at the beginning, head over to Laura's.

Hop blogs are listed below in case you get off track or want to visit one of us again:

1. Laura -  http://www.lauralscott.com/somebunnys-luck
2. Deana Benson -http://www.designcreativelybling.com/2016/02/somebunnies-luck-with-lauras-loft.html
3. Jasmine Burgess - You're here!
4. Robbie Rubala - http://inkedx2.blogspot.com/search/label/LL
5. Heart of Craft - http://heartofcraft.blogspot.com/2016/02/lauras-loft-shop-and-hopsomebunnies-luck.html  (Emma)
6. Lisa - http://royalpumpkinart.blogspot.com/2016/02/st-pattyseaster-shop-hop-with-lauras.html
7. Linda-  http://dabblesbylinda.blogspot.com/2016/02/somebunnys-luck-with-lauras-loft.html
8. Sue T.-  http://thecre8tivestudio.blogspot.com/2016/02/february-blog-hop-at-lauras-loft.html
9.Kim- http://angeldreamcrafts.blogspot.com/2016/02/happy-st-pattys-day-with-lauras-loft-dt.html
10.- Noe.- http://elscrapdecrisynoe.blogspot.com.es//2016/02/laurasloftfebruaryhop.html

Giveaway Entry:
There are several ways to enter and the more comments you make in the different social media platforms, the more entries you earn! It is required that you comment on each blog in the Hop.  After that, we encourage you to like and comment on our Facebook page, tag on our Instagram post and pin on Pinterest, as well as share on your own pages. The participant with the most entries wins the fabulous prize package! How cool is that!?!

Prize: Wait for it...

Boom! WRMK Fuse Tool, Laura's Loft Exclusive Jewel Box Sequin Mix, WOW Opaque White Ultra High Embossing Powder and a pack of Virginia Turtle Enamel Dots.  I'd say that's a killer prize pack!
Bonus: All the Christmas items are a generous 45% off (no coupon code required) and Laura always offers $10 off a purchase of $75 or more with the code: $10off75.

Be sure to stop by and see all the new products we've added to our collections!
Tim Holtz Mini Ink Kits
Stamping Bella
Hero Arts
Ranger
Lawn Fawn
Design Creative Bling Sequin Mixes, a Laura's Loft exclusive


Thank you for stopping by and hanging out with me for a bit! I hope you enjoy the hop, enter the giveaway and get inspired to create something amazing.  I'll be happy to answer any questions and hope you'll let me know what you think!

Much love,
Jasmine

Love Grows Here Blog Hop with Laura's Loft

Hello! Welcome to January's blog hop at Laura's Loft.  We have lots of talent to share with you and I hope you find lots of idea's and inspiration along the hop.  You should have arrived her from Deana's blog, but if you want to start from the beginning, head to Laura's.  Don't forget to leave a comment at each hop stop to enter for the giveaway.  Entry details, sale info and a discount code are at the bottom.

My project started with glossy cardstock and alcohol inks.  While that dried, I die cut "friend" by CAS-ual Fridays from silver foil cardstock.  The stamps are from the Girlfriend set, also by CAS-ual Fridays, and I stamped them using the MISTI.  I stamped the "love ya" three times as the silver alcohol ink acted as a bit of a resist, but I loved the almost smokey effect it gave.  To add some interest, I applied Faber-Castell Glass Bead glitter gel using a heart stencil and palette knife, finishing it off with a few enamel dots once the glitter gel was dry.  To add the stitching detail, I used the largest of the Stitched Rectangle dies from Lawn Fawn.  I mounted the finished panel on a white card base and it was complete.

This my second project for today's hop.  The stamp sets are Beautiful Day by Altenew and the same CF Girlfriends stamp set and die as my first project.  Beautiful Day is a layering stamp set.  Using 3 shades of one color, the first stamp is the lightest shade, the second is the middle shade and the last is the darkest shade.  For the middle rose, I stamped the outline in Archival Black and the rose in Momento Angel Pink, Lulu Lavender and Lilac Posies.  The other two are Simon Says Stamp inks in Cotton Candy, Pale Pink Blush and Doll Pink.  The leaves are Simon Says Stamp Green Leaf and Midnight Green.  I stamped "friend" in Delicata Golden Glitz ink and layered the die cut "friend" over it, making the gold act as a shadow and to bring out the gold in the die cut.  To finish of my stamping, I stamped "hey there" in SSS Doll Pink.  The front panel and vellum are die cut using Lawn Fawn's Stitched Rectangles die set (I can't seem to get enough of the stitching detail!).  The front panel is popped up using foam tape and the DCWV foiled vellum panel is adhered using Scor-tape over a SSS Doll Pink card base.  To complete the card, I added a few sequins from the same mix I used on the first card, Garden Splendor.
The next stop on the hop is Robbie and I'm sure you'll love what she has to offer!

Feel free to let me know what you think and I'd be happy to answer any questions!


Here is a list of the each stop on the hop:

1. Laura  -  http://www.lauralscott.com/love-grows-here/
2. Deana Benson -http://www.designcreativelybling.com/2016/01/lauras-loft-love-grows-here-shop-and-hop.html
3. Jasmine Burgess -http://journeywithjasmine.blogspot.com/2016/01/love-grows-here-blog-hop-with-lauras.html
4. Robbie Rubala - http://inkedx2.blogspot.com/search/label/LL
5. Heart of Craft - http://heartofcraft.blogspot.com/2016/01/lauras-loft-hop-and-shop-love-grows-here.html (Emma)

6. Sue T.- http://thecre8tivestudio.blogspot.it/2016/01/blog-hop-at-lauras-loft.html
7. Kim- http://angeldreamcrafts.blogspot.com/2016/01/lauras-loft-dt-january-blog-hop.html
8. Linda Gorman-  http://dabblesbylinda.blogspot.com/2016/01/love-grows-here-with-lauras-loft.html
9. Lisa Bedigian - http://royalpumpkinart.blogspot.com/2016/01/love-grows-here-shop-hop-with-lauras.html
10. Valentina Dalmonte - http://valentinascrap.blogspot.com/2016/01/love-grows-here-dtlaurasloft.html


Giveaway Entry:
There are several ways to enter and the more comments you make in the different social media platforms, the more entries you earn! It is required that you comment on each blog in the Hop.  After that, you are encouraged to like and comment on our Facebook page, tag on our Instagram post and pin on Pinterest, as well as share on your own pages. The participant with the most entries wins the fabulous prize package! How cool is that!?!

Prize: Wait for it...

Boom! WRMK Next Level Embossing Folders, Heat Wave Pen kit, Laura's Loft Exclusive Garden Splendor Sequin Mix and a pack of Virginia Turtle Enamel Dots.  I'd say that's a killer prize pack!
Bonus: All the Christmas items are a generous 45% off (no coupon code required) and Laura always offers $10 off a purchase of $75 or more with the code: $10off75.

Thanks for hopping with us!! I hope you had fun and learned something new.  See you next time!

Much love,
Jasmine

Ringing In The Holidays with Laura's Loft blog hop

Hello! Welcome to the Ringing In The Holidays blog hop with Laura's Loft.  I'm sure you've enjoyed all the talent so far and I know you'll enjoy my project as well.  If you have missed any stops along the way, click here to head back to the beginning and here for the previous stop.  Laura has a generous giveaway with the hop this month as well as a discount code.  Details will be at the bottom.

My hop project this month features Newton's Nook Frozen Friends stamp set and Creative Bling Design sequin mix in Glacial Bliss.  

 Here's my supply list:

• Spectrum Noir paper by Crafters Companion, cut to 4 by 5.25 inches
• Neenah Solar White 110 lb cardstock, cut to 4.25 by 11 inches and folded at 5.5 inches
• Royal Blue DCWV Foiled Cardstock, cut to 4.25 by 5.5 inches
• Inkadinkadoo Masking Paper
• Newton's Nook Frozen Friends stamp set
• Neat & Tangled Bright Baubles stamp set
• CAS-ual Fridays Snowy Sayings stamp set
• Lawn Fawn Stitched Borders die set
• Simon Says Stamp Dark Chocolate ink
• Momento Tuxedo Black ink
• Distress Ink in Tumbled Glass and Blueprint Sketch
• Tim Holtz Mini Ink Blending tool and foam
• Delicata Golden Glitz ink
• Spectrum Noir Markers
• Ranger Embossing Powder in Superfine Detail Gold
• Jellyroll Black pen
• tape runner
• Tombow Mono-multi liquid glue
• Glitter Ritz glitter in Harvest Gold
• Creative Design Bling sequins in Glacial Bliss

Step 1.)  Using the border die with the mild curve, place the die towards the bottom of a sheet of the Inkadinkadoo masking paper and run it through a die cutting machine.  Apply the mask towards the bottom of the Spectrum Noir paper.  Using the NN Frozen Friends, stamp the short snowman in the valley of the curve with the bottom edge of the snowman on the edge of the mask using Momento ink.  Stamp the tall snowman on the peak of the curve with the bottom edge of the snowman on the edge of the mask.  Stamp both snowmen on the masking paper and cut out to create masks; apply masks over stamped images.
Step 2.) Stamp the tree image from the Bright Baubles set using SSS Dark Chocolate ink, or another dark brown ink, in between the snowmen.  Stamp the star and ornaments from the same set using the gold ink.  Stamp the snowflakes from the Snowy Sayings set and Frozen Friends set using both colors of the Distress Inks.  The tiny snowflakes are stamped in Golden Glitz.
Step 3.) Using the mini blending tool and clean foam, add Tumbled Glass around the edges of the cardstock and lightly over the edge of the snowbank mask and in between the snowmen.  Remove masks.
Step 4.) Stamp arms on the tall snowmen and heart in the middle of the mug with black ink. Stamp the sentiment towards the top in the gold ink and emboss with the Ranger detail gold embossing powder.  Color in the hats, scarves, mittens, noses, cheeks and mug with SN markers.  The colors I used are as follows: Noses: OR 1 and 2
Tall Snowman: TB 2 , 3, and 4; PP1 for blush; IB 1, Black and blender pen
Short Snowman: HB 1, 2, and 3; PP1; IB 1, and blender pen.
I also used IB 1 to add detail to the snowbank at the bottom and went over it with the blender pen to soften it.  Attach the sequins using mini glue dots and use a bit of glue in the heart of the mug to add glitter.  Attach the blue foil cardstock to the card base using tape runner.  Lastly, attach the card front to the foil layer using tape runner, being sure to place it evenly.  Our card is finished!

There's lots more to discover as you move along the hop! For the next stop, click here to head to Emma's blog.  Below is a complete list of all the fun to be had.  Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to ask any questions and be sure to let me know what you think! Much love and Merry Christmas!

1. Laura  http://www.lauralscott.com/ringing-in-the-holidays/
2. Deana Benson  http://www.designcreativelybling.com/2015/12/ringing-in-holidays-with-lauras-loft.html
3. Robbie Rubala    http://inkedx2.blogspot.com/search/label/LL
4. LeeAnn McKinney http://mimiscraftyabyss.blogspot.com/2015/12/lauras-loft-is-ringing-in-holidays.html
5. Debbie Brunssen: http://debbielovestocraft.blogspot.com/2015/12/december-shop-hop-ringing-in-holidays.html
6. Joy Hadden: http://piecesofjoyhadden.blogspot.com/2015/12/ringing-in-holidays-with-lauras-loft.html    
7. Lisa Bedigian - http://royalpumpkinart.blogspot.com/2015/12/ringing-in-holidays-december-shop-hop.html
8. Jasmine Burgess - http://journeywithjasmine.blogspot.com/2015/12/ringing-in-holidays-with-lauras-loft.html
9. Emma at Heart of Craft- http://heartofcraft.blogspot.com/2015/12/lauras-loft-shop-and-hop-ringing-in.html
10. So Stinkin' Crafty - Cindy Dooley - http://wp.me/p5d3NQ-4b

Giveaway Entry Requirements:

1. Follow Laura's Loft on IG @InLaurasLoft, like the IG Hop/Giveaway post and tag a friend. as many as you like but one tag per comment please (this part is for extra entries).  If you do not have IG, just let us know:)
2.Visit & Like Laura's Loft store page on facebook https://www.facebook.com/Lauras.Loft.Shop
3. Leave a comment at each stop on the blog hop including Laura's.
After doing these 3 things, fill out the rafflecopter on Laura's blog to be entered!! Yay!

Here's the prize up for grabs: 2 Newtons Nook stamp sets and 2 exclusive Laura's Loft sequin mixes!  The discount code is WRMK20% for 20% off all We Are Memory Keepers products, through January 3, 2016.  As a bonus, Laura has all the Christmas Stamps AND dies 30% off, no code needed.  Happy shopping!

2015 Christmas Project Series Day 7: Vintage Christmas tag

 It's day 7 of my Christmas project series! We're over half way through.  Today's project is quick and fairly simple to put together, but has huge impact with our stamp-embossed tree.  Lets get started!
My supply list:

• #8 Manilla tag by Ranger
• Distress Inks in Blueprint Sketch, Weathered Wood, Gathered Twig and Hickory Smoke
• Water in a spray bottle
• Mini Holidays Stamp Set by Tim Holtz
• Old Letter Writing by Hero Arts
• Cabin by Inkadinkadoo
• Snowy Sayings by CASual Fridays (SOA box)
• Pine Tree Bigz die by Tim Holtz/Sizzix
• Delicata Golden Glitz ink
• VersaMark ink
• Ranger Super Fine Detail Embossing Powder in Gold
• Neenah Solar White 110 lb. cardstock (for the pine tree)

 Step 1). Swipe Weathered Wood and Gathered Twig over your craft mat and add a bit of Blueprint Sketch.  The blue is a much stronger color than the other two and can easily overwhelm them so be careful not to add too much.  Spritz water 2-3 times over your ink to get it moving and blending; be careful not to add too much because it can thin the ink too much and you won't get the color saturation you are looking for.  Lay your tag down in the ink and let it sit for a few seconds.  Lift it up and heat dry with a heat gun.  It will curl up and then flatten back down.  Once it's dry, dip it again and dry it again.  It's important that it's dry before you move on to the stamping.  If the tag is damp, you won't get a crisp image.  If it feels cool to the touch, it's not completely dry.

 Step 2.)  Ink the cabin stamp with Hickory Smoke ink and stamp it about half way down the tag. 

Set aside to let dry while we make the gold tree.

 Step 3.)  Using a sheet of scrap paper, cover the die cut tree with VersaMark embossing ink.  Pour gold powder over it, covering it completely.  Let your heat gun get good and hot by letting it run for 60-90 seconds before applying it to the tree.  When it's hot enough, the powder will start to melt almost immediately.  Repeat the ink, apply powder, melt cycle 2 more times, giving the tree three layers of embossing powder.  Before the third layer, ink the large script stamp with VersaMark and have it ready.  As soon as the third layer of powder is melted, stamp the script stamp onto the warm tree and lift off.

You can use any stamp with this technique, but fine line designs look the best.

Step 4).  I like to lay my pieces on my project before I add my sentiment so that I know what is going to look best and how things are going to lay.  Ink up the sentiment stamp from the TH Mini Holidays stamp with Gathered Twig and stamp towards the top third of the tag, aligning it with the right edge.

Step 5).  Attach the tree with foam dots so the the left edge of the tree is off the left edge of the tag.  Finish off with the gold snowflakes. The flakes I used are from the Snowy Sayings set by CASual Fridays with Golden Glitz ink by Delicata.

I finished off my tag with some royal blue and cream seaming binding ribbon from Prairie Bird Boutique on Etsy.com.

Thanks for spending some time with me today.  Keep in mind that you can do this style with any stamps; you don't have to have the exact same one I've used.  Try it out with different colors and different styles, but most importantly, have fun and get creative!  Feel free to ask questions and let me know what you think!

Much love!

2015 Christmas Project Series Day 6: Do you wanna build a Snowman?

Welcome to Day 4 of my 2015 Christmas Project Series! This guy is just adorable and I love how the background turned out.

Here's my supply list:

Simon Says Stamp Build a Snowman stamp and die set

Simon Says Stamp inks in Blue Violet, Lavender, Hydrangea, Island Blue, Sea Glass, Maliblue, and Orange Peel

Tim Holtz mini ink blending tool and foam

Inkadinkadoo Masking Paper

Neenah Solar White 110 lb card stock

Lawn Fawn Stiched Cloud die set

Lawn Fawn ink in Lobster

Simon Says Stamp Stitched Slopes and Hills die set

Momento Tuxedo Black ink

Simon Says Stamp "Winter Flurries" sequins

Zots bling glue dots

Scor-tape -1/2 inch

Tape runner adhesive

3M foam tape

Wink of Stella Clear glitter pen

Step 1).  I started with an 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of white cardstock.  Using my paper trimmer, I cut it in half long ways, giving me 2 4.25 by 11 inch pieces.  One piece was my card base, scored at 5.5 inches and folded in half.  The other, I cut at 5.5 inches.  One of those pieces I trimmed to 4 by 5.25 to make the card front.  I used the other piece later on in the project.

Step 2).  I used one of the Lawn Fawn cloud dies and 2 of the SSS slope dies to die cut a sheet of the masking paper into thirds.  Pay attention to the spacing because you'll be ink blending over the cut edge and you'll want a bit of space to avoid any unwanted smudges.  If it's not wide enough, just use a piece of scrap paper where you need it.





Step 3).  I started at the bottom of my cardstock, working my way up and changing the shape of each layer of ink.  Looking at the picture, the blue side is the positive side of the die and the purple is the negative side of the die.  Each time I moved the mask to add a layer of ink, I changed the color and used the negative side to mask the layer I just finished inking.  The picture on the right gives a better example of the process.

Step 4).  I stamped the snowman and his twig arms in Momento Tuxedo Black ink (separately) on the spare piece of cardstock.  I also added his eyes and smile in the same ink.  I stamped the scarf and mittens in SSS Maliblue ink, carrot nose in SSS Orange Peel and the bird in LF Lobster ink.  Using the matching die set, I die cut all the little acessories to the snowman and attached them using tape runner.  The mittens stamp in one piece, so I cut them apart to make two separate pieces.  The snow bank was cut using one of the SSS Stitched Slopes dies.  

Step 5).  Time to assemble.  I started by adding the snow bank to the inked panel with tape runner and trimmed the edges with scissors.  I then adhered the inked panel to the card base with Scor-tape, appling it along each edge with a strip diagonally across the middle.  Leaving the edge backing in place, I remove the middle backing and then reapplied it, moving the backing down an inch, leaving an inch of adhesive exposed.  This allows for even placement and adjustment before I permanently adhered it.  I pressed it down when I had it properly placed and pulled the rest of the backing strip out, completely adhering the middle.  Then I removed all the edge backing and smoothed it down.   I attached the nose to the face, mittens to the arms, arms to the body and scarf to the neck with tape runner.  To pop up the snowman, I used foam tape on the back of the snowman and under the mittens.  I also added foam tape to the bird and put him standing on Olaf's head.  (I couldn't help myself, that song keeps running through my head!)  I added the sequins with tiny glue dots and added a coat of Wink of Stella glitter pen to the scarf and mittens.  

Step 6.)  I must admit I almost forgot the sentiment. I stamped it in the same Momento black ink.  And we're done!

Thanks for joining me today for another project!  I didn't quite know how the background was going to turn out, but I was really pleased with the results.  If you're new to ink blending, that's ok.  Just remember to take your time and keep it light.  Keep light pressure on your inking tool and go slowly.  You'll learn and you'll be fabulous!  Please feel free to ask any questions and let me know what you think!

Much love!