Imagining fall color

Posted on September 18, 2011 by mauistamper

Fall color in Hawaii…wellll, let’s just say it looks a lot like summer color, spring color, even winter color. I’ve said it before – we do have seasons. There’s mango season, whale season…we used to have tourist season but it seems that runs 365 days a year! There’s a lot to see as our islands have so many micro-climates. If you were to drive around any of the islands, you would see a great deal of change – rainforest, lava flow, broad agricultural fields, and of course beautiful sandy beaches. Here on Maui, it doesn’t take that long to drive anywhere to see this variety (although I’ve been known – often – to complain about a 35 or 40 minute drive. Call me spoiled.)

However, I’ve lived other places in my life, and I’ve certainly experienced seasons. Each fall, when Stampin’ Up! introduces beautiful autumn-based stamp sets, I take a little trip down memory lane. This year’s Spice Cake Designer Series Paper and fabrics are beautiful and brought back a lot of really fond memories. This suite is just my kind of design, and I couldn’t resist the stamps, paper and fabric.

For club this week, I chose the leaf image from Gently Falling that most closely resembled leaves we see here. It looks like the jatropha in my yard or the wili wili trees that line so many roadsides. We had to stretch our imaginations a little, but no one seemed to mind:

Gently Falling and Pretty Postage stamp sets
Whisper White, More Mustard, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze and Pool Party card stock
Early Espresso, Cajun Craze and More Mustard Classic ink pads
Spice Cake Designer Series Paper
Early Espresso 1/8″ taffeta ribbon
2 1/2 inch circle, Postage stamp, and 1 inch square stamps
Stampin’ Dimensionals
Dazzling Details

It’s a simple card with a simple layout. The unexpected brightness of Pool Party in the Spice Cake suite is reminds me of a clear sky on a perfect fall afternoon. It makes you happy to be outside and grateful for the sunshine. Little things…I try to be grateful for little things.

Speaking of little things…let me show you a little bit of sparkly detail:

Thank you, Stampin’ Up!, for Dazzling Details!!! Yet another form of sparkle on the Approved List for Mr. Maui Stamper. I love bling, but it’s not allowed to run free in my house. I’m okay with a little compromise – I get my sparkle, he gets sparkle-free laundry.

The orange cat hair I can’t do anything about.

Re-use, reduce, recycle

Posted on September 16, 2011 by mauistamper

We make a real effort to recycle in the Maui Stamper household. I spotted a great way to re-purpose a couple of Stampin’ Supplies, and the best part was that this little trick solved an annoying problem for me.

I’m not a fan of the way our Linen Thread and Baker’s Twine are packaged. You know, the ones wrapped around the card and stapled into a cello bag. This nifty solution appeared on a number of blogs:

Yep – those are little embellishment containers. I can’t bear to throw them away because they just seem so useful! They’re just right for dispensing twine and thread. Do you see the eyelet on the side? The Crop-a-dile punched a hold in the side of the container with no problem, and I set the eyelet there just because. I confess to still having a couple of containers full of eyelets even though we don’t offer them in our catalog any more. (Boo.)

Here’s the container for the Linen Thread:

I had to dress it up a little bit, and the little tags with the name of the thread are for those late-night stampin’ sessions when things get a little giddy.

Aha! Double recycling! I used an empty ribbon spool (this one is from the new In Color ruffled ribbon) to hold my thread so it wouldn’t snarl. I cut the cardboard ring from the ribbon spool down to fit inside the container – unfortunately, there isn’t a circle punch that fits right, so I used the 1 3/4″ circle and then trimmed it down. I put some pretty DSP on top with a little Tombo to dress it up, and when I punched the circle out of the middle of the DSP I saved it and stuck my needle through it. I always keep a fat needle with my Linen Thread and my Baker’s twine, and having it inside the container means I’m less likely to stick myself with the needle while rummaging in my drawer.

I’ll bet you have a couple of these little embellishment containers sitting around. If you don’t, you have two choices: hurry up and use a whole mess of buttons or brads or spinner arrows or whatever so you empty out a container, or order a set of 6 of them for $3.95 (#103649). You can still recycle the ribbon spool 🙂

A little mermaid

Posted on September 8, 2011 by mauistamper

Today it’s yet another Convention 2011 WOW Swap CASE. Honestly, I need to get crackin’ and come up with some original cards, don’t you think? Jeri Holm of Overland Park, Kansas made this irresistable card and honestly, I didn’t change much. It was an enormous hit at our class over the weekend, even if it was the most detailed card we made. Not hard!! DETAILED.

Word Play stamp set
Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke, Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy, So Saffron and Blushing Bride card stock
Sahara Sand textured card stock
Paisley Prints Designer Series Paper
Simply Scored
Not Quite Navy and So Saffron Classic ink pads
Oval, Small oval, 1 inch circle, 1 3/4 inch circle, 5 petal flower, Scallop Circle, Triple heart and Scallop Border punches
Scallop and heart Bitty punches
Champagne Mist Shimmer paint
Stampin’ Dimensionals
Stampin’ Sponges
Pearl Jewels
Big Shot and Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing folder
Googlie Eyes (non-SU)
Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler Stampin’ Write markers

I got a little carried away with the Champagne Mist Shimmer paint. Initially I used it mixed with rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to mist the card and give everything a little sparkle, but then I got the brilliant idea of dusting her little mermaid face and her “shells” with the paint. The shells, not so bad. The face, well, it looks like a 5 o’clock shadow to me. Next time we’ll leave it off. In class, we used the Shimmer Mist for the whole card but the new Dazzling Details glitter glue to give her shells some pizazz. Perfect!

One of the questions everyone had putting this together concerned crumpling the little flower stack for her hair. I used a bamboo skewer (the kind you use for kebabs) but the point of a pencil or even your snips would work – just poke a point into the center of the flowers and fold everything up around it. The only trick is to be sure you don’t press so hard that you punch a hole in the flowers.

There are loads of tutorials on the Side Step card. It’s a fun, it’s unusual, and it meets the “one-44-cent-stamp” criteria. That’s a plus in my book!

Making it simple

Posted on September 5, 2011 by mauistamper

I’ve been playing around with my new Simply Scored tool and I’m very pleased with it:

Simply Soft (Hostess) and Fabulous Phrases stamp sets
Naturals Ivory, Cajun Craze, More Mustard and Old Olive card stock
Cajun Craze, More Mustard and Old Olive Classic ink pads
More Mustard 1/2 inch scallop dots ribbon
Simply Scored

These specialty folds cards with all of the little score marks are enormously simplified with the Simply Scored tool. It’s so much easier to leave the paper in once place, and I really appreciate having the scoring lines every 1/8 inch. Those little pegs for marking your spot are really helpful, too! I think I’m going to have to break down and take some photos in the next couple of days, but that will require an archeological expedition. Things are a tad messy in the ol’ stamp studio right now. Creative process and all that.

The beautiful Monk Seal that was on Keawakapu Beach last week decided to find another spot to sunbathe. I’ve kept my eye out as I walk on the beach each morning, but I haven’t seen any sign of her. As much as I enjoyed watching her, I’m glad she’s a wild thing.

A special visitor

Posted on September 1, 2011 by mauistamper

Our family has a “spot” on the beach near our home. Sara walked over yesterday morning for a little beach time and quickly sent me a text that someone was sunbathing in our spot:

This is the Hawaiian Monk Seal, specifically an 11 year old female. Since she is a member of an endangered species, there were signs posted around her to remind her adoring public that she needs her space and should not be disturbed. I didn’t think taking a couple of pictures would disturb her, but the surf didn’t cooperate with her snooze:

We’ve had a pretty good swell going on the south shore for the past couple of days, and apparently she didn’t calculate enough distance for herself. She got a good soaking, rolled about 3 times (not easy for a girl her size!) and moved up the beach a little:

It’s a bit of a pity that I didn’t have a video camera on me. Although she is graceful in the water, her locomotion on the sand is what I would call galumphing.

Once she moved past the (present) high tide mark, she settled comfortably on the sand but kept an eye on me:

Volunteers from the community were on the beach providing information about the Hawaiian Monk Seal (and making sure the two-leggers kept their distance.) They assured me that this seal was healthy and had likely selected this spot (Our spot!) for a little R&R while she went through molting. All that lovely green algae growing in her fur will be shed in the next few weeks as she drops that coat and a new one comes in.

I’ll keep you posted.

Happy thoughts

Posted on August 30, 2011 by mauistamper

Here is another light-hearted card from this month’s Hostess Club:

Sending Love stamp set
Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango and Whisper White card stock
Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper
Basic Black Classic ink pad
Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango and Marina Mist Stampin’ Write markers
1 1/4 inch circle and scallop border punches
Marina Mist polka dot ribbon
Stampin’ Dimensionals

I based this card on Kelly’s convention swap, and I’m sorry to say I don’t have a photo of her card to share with you. We helped her put together the last few of them sitting at a table at convention, but we were too busy to take photos at that point – people were literally walking up and asking to swap as we were working on them, and each card was snapped up as soon as it was finished.

My beautiful middle daughter is home this week, and we are having a lovely time doing not-so-much. Last night was sunset picnic basket at the beach night with Mom and Dad (while brother went to a meeting), followed with Ono Gelato (brother’s meeting was done and he was very happy to meet us there). Today I think we’re going to see if we can’t get pedicures.

I’m thrilled that both of my daughters are confident and successful, but not so thrilled that they live a bazillion miles from me. Fortunately, Mom and Dad have chosen a pretty nice place to live, so it’s not too hard to persuade them to come and visit.

Inking up the butterflies

Posted on August 28, 2011 by mauistamper

Flight of the Butterfly has been collecting a little dust on my shelves. Another gorgeous WOW swap inspired me to brush it off, and I must confess that I cased this creation almost exactly:

Flight of the Butterfly and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets
Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette and Early Espresso card stock
Melon Mambo, Early Espresso and Pink Pirouette Classic ink pads
Butterfly punch
Pearl Jewels
Flower Designer brads
Whisper White 5/8 inch satin ribbon
Big Shot and Scallop Circle die

Now that I’ve gotten my hands on a few samples of easel cards, I’m having a lot of fun putting them together. It’s a perfect format for an announcement – like a baby announcement – when you would like to feature a photo.

This is one of the cards we’ll make at the specialty folds card class next weekend (September 4th) at Ramona’s house in Wailuku. Space is limited, so check the calendar at the Online Store or contact me directly to hold your place.

I’d like to give credit to the demonstrator who designed the original card. Her name is Dawn Shearer, and she’s a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator in Canada – and a very talented one at that!

All in Good Fun

Posted on August 26, 2011 by mauistamper

I received so many incredible cards at Joan Cristo’s WOW swap at convention this year. Honestly, I could spend an entire year creating new projects based on these beautiful cards. I made 130 cards to swap, and yes, that was insane. I don’t like production, and even though I made 2 different designs (so that I “only” had to create 65 of each) I found myself grumbling through the process. Then I would remind myself of the rewards and start humming, thinking about the possibilities.

There’s something about holding a design in your hand – versus seeing a photograph of it – that inspires me. If you’ve never participated in a swap, I highly recommend you give it a try. There are swaps of all shapes and sizes in a variety of forums online, or your stamp club or demo team might be willing to give it a try. Not every card will be to your taste or liking, but every card contains a possibility!

Last night at hostess club I worked from a design that I received in 3 or 4 different versions. It’s a relatively simple design, and I’ve seen it referred to as a telescoping card. We made our version in the bright, happy colors of the Big Top Birthday Designer Series Paper:

Perfectly Penned, Ain’t Love Grand, Pennant Parade and Crazy for Cupcakes stamp sets
Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight and Real Red card stock
Big Top Birthday Designer Series paper
Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, and Real Red Classic ink pads
Daffodil Delight and Real Red Stampin’ Write markers
Aquapainter
Unibal Signo White gel pen
Stampin’ Sponges
Piercing tool, template and mat
Petite Pennants Builder punch
Silver brads
Real Red 1/4 inch grosgrain ribbon
Big Shot and ALL the Scallop Circle and Circle Bigz and Originals dies

There must have been some fumes coming off those ink pads last night! The Piercing Tool, formerly known as the Pokey Doodle, suddenly became the Stabber. We had balloons and Stampin’ Sponges flying every which way, and I think we disturbed the concentration required to watch Sports Center in the other room 🙂 Ah well, all in the name of good fun and good times.

Great combinations with the Color Coach

Posted on August 24, 2011 by mauistamper

The new Stampin’ Up! Color Coach is a great way to jump start a project when you’re stuck for something new. I’ve used this combination before, and liked it so well I tried it again:

Flight of the Butterfly, 5th Avenue Floral, and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets
Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Cherry Cobbler and Wisteria Wonder card stock
Pink Pirouette, Cherry Cobbler and Wisteria Wonder Classic ink pads
Butterfly and Scallop trim border punches
Big Shot, Petal Cone Bigz L and Scallop Square Bigz dies
In Color Designer Printed brads
Stamp-a-ma-jig
Rhinestone jewels
Stampin’ Dimensionals

There are loads of tutorials for easel cards out there, so I’m not going to re-invent the wheel – just Google it (Easel card tutorial, not the wheel). Trust me, this is another case of “much easier than it looks”!

We did pull out the Stamp-a-ma-jig for this project. If you’re picky – and I am the first to admit that I am – some things just can’t be done by the eye-ball method. I need those little dots around that butterfly to line up Just Right. Even if Flight of the Butterfly were available as a clear mount stamp set, I would still use the SAMJ.

When we did this in class, I was demonstrating the SAMJ to a newer stamper. I cracked up when she pulled her stamp away from the positioner, looked at the results, and happily exclaimed, “It worked!” I have to confess that I have that same feeling every time I use that tool to get perfect alignment – I’m just so happy it works.

There’s another Getting to Know the In Colors class featuring Pool Party on September 18th. If you head on over to the calendar at my Online Store, you can see the details. Did you know that you can RSVP on that calendar? If you do, I’ll even give you a reminder. Oooh la la!

The Wonder of Wisteria

Posted on August 22, 2011 by mauistamper

Wisteria Wonder was the first 2011-2012 In Color selection featured in my Getting to Know the In Colors class series. I had one of those happy moments when I held it up and everyone ooohed and aahhhed:

Just Believe and Bella Toile stamp sets
Crumb Cake Classic ink pad
Wisteria Wonder and Concord Crush Stampin’ Write markers
Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake and Concord Crush card stock
Wisteria Wonder Patterns Prints Designer Series Paper (In Color collection)
Wisteria Wonder 3/8 inch ruffled ribbon
Blender pen
Pearl Jewels

It’s a very simple card, but I love the combination of colors, and I love that Just Believe stamp set. Someone in class asked if that was an “old” stamp set – it was brand new LAST year! It doesn’t seem old to me, because I always find new ways to use the images in the set.

The main image in this card is inked with Crumb Cake ink, and the ink is removed from the flower portions of the image with a Blender Pen. We used the Wisteria Wonder Stampin’ Write marker to add color back to the flowers, and then used the flat edge of the Concord Crush marker to accent the centers of the flowers before we stamped the image.

I’ve seen many cards using Wisteria Wonder and neutrals. That seems to be a really popular pairing, especially Wisteria Wonder and Crumb Cake. (hijack: I know Stampin’ Up! likes colors to have two-word, alliterative names, but really, what was wrong with Kraft??) I like that look myself, but enough is enough. We did some projects with other color combinations too. (stay tuned)

Here’s the inside of the card:

Oh dear, my title is going to create havoc with Google searches by gardeners in love with a vine. My bad 🙂

The Maui Stamper

papercrafts, my stories, and the occasional insight

Author Archives: mauistamper

Imagining fall color

Re-use, reduce, recycle

A little mermaid

Making it simple

A special visitor

Happy thoughts

Inking up the butterflies

All in Good Fun

Great combinations with the Color Coach

The Wonder of Wisteria

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