The Unicorn and the Rainbow

Posted on April 3, 2018 by mauistamper

I’m many years distant from our My Little Pony days, but the unicorn from the Magical Day Suite takes me right back! Pairing the unicorn with a rainbow is in keeping with that trip down memory lane, and this card inspired me to create my own version:

Stamps: Magical Day and Sunshine and Rainbows
Color Palette: Whisper White, Basic Grey, Real Red, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Lemon Lime Twist, Island Indigo, Tempting Turquoise, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Big Shot, Magical Mates dies, Rainbow Builder dies, Myths and Magic glimmer paper, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Eastern Palace Specialty DSP, Aquapainter

This card is an easel card, as was my inspiration. I chose not to put anything on the inside layer to act as a stopper. I’ve done that in the past, but find it isn’t really necessary and adds bulk. If I were coloring that rainbow mane again, I would use Stampin’ Write markers as they’re more precise than the Aquapainter, and some of those spaces are pretty narrow.

Wouldn’t this be a perfect birthday card for a young fairytale dreamer? You could even add a glimmer number above the unicorn to personalize it even more.

The waning hours of Sale-a-bration 2018

Posted on March 31, 2018 by mauistamper

Ah, it’s been a great Sale-a-bration. We’ve had pandas, peacocks, lavender, Tutti Frutti card and envelope sets, and my all-time favorite, Springtime Foils Specialty DSP. There’s so much more – but after tonight, it will all head to the archives.

I have loved coloring the Springtime Foils DSP with Stampin’ Blends. It’s a little discouraging to note that they have been taken out of inventory due to supply problems, but Stampin’ Up! assures us they are working as hard as possible to address that concern. In the meantime, if you were lucky enough to get the paper and some blends, try fussy cutting one of the floral images for a stunning focal point.

The shimmer from the paper sets off the shimmer in the ribbon.

This card uses the same technique with the blends, but I also used the Direct-To-Paper method (just like it says – ink pad straight on the paper – you’ll need to blot with a paper towel for best results) on a sheet of dotted foils to get that steely background. It’s a stretch for me to mix copper and steel, but I like the contrast that resulted.

This entire color combination is a change of mindset for me!

I was late to the Lots of Lavender party, but it’s a really sweet set that’s easy to use. I chose Sweet Sugarplum partly because it was the right tone, and partly because it’s a retiring In Color and I want to enjoy it these last few weeks. Don’t miss out on all of the 16-18 In Colors!

If you look closely at that Linen Thread, you’ll note that it doesn’t go across the card. It’s not stuck on with a glue dot, either – that’s not secure enough for me. I punched a 1/8 hole about an inch from the edge of the Whisper White panel and tied the Linen Thread around that edge. It looks suspended, but it’s quite secure.

You can place a Sale-a-bration order until 11:50pm Mountain Time tonight. I recommend you add the 16-18 In colors to your order! Shop HERE

Springtime Foils Narrow Note Cards

Posted on March 17, 2018 by mauistamper

The Springtime Foils DSP available through March 31 as a free Sale-a-bration choice is one of my favorite SAB offerings EVER. Seriously. This paper is absolutely beautiful on its own, and can be dressed up left, sideways and upside down as well. I may or may not have splurged on some extra supplies just to stock up on this paper.

Last month’s Host Club got to play with this paper as a simple background for some charming note cards:

Stamps: Beautiful Bouquet
Color Palette: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Peach Parfait, Lemon Lime Twist, Bermuda Bay, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Narrow Note Cards, Ombre Lemon Lime Twist ribbon, Bermuda Bay shimmer ribbon (SAB 2018), Big Shot, Bouquet Bunch Framelits, Layering Circles Framelits, Tutti Frutti Adhesive Backed Sequins, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Rhinestone gems, retired ribbon

The Beautiful Bouquet bundle has the perfect assortment of flowers, leaves and sentiments to satisfy any card occasion, but it’s the subtle patterns and glimmer in that Springtime Foils DSP that really sets the card apart. You’ve seen plenty of great techniques with these papers, but don’t forget that they have great impact just as they are.

Truth: I thought the Tutti Frutti Adhesive Backed Sequins were kind of a dumb idea and a waste of money. WRONG. WRONG. WRONG. These little sparklers pack a big punch and are super easy to add to any project. I am seriously in love and regret ever doubting their marvelousness.

I chose Crumb Cake for the mat in this suite of cards to tie them together and to allow the bright colors to pop. This is the sort of card I would keep in my desk at work for that moment when you want to dash off a quick note of appreciation and leave it in someone’s bag to discover on the way home

This final design features the sparkly ribbon in the Shimmer Ribbon pack (SAB 2018). It’s sparklier than you can see in the photo, and when we’d finished crafting for the evening it took a while to figure out where all the glimmer on the table had originated. Mr. Maui Stamper is NOT a fan of glitter, so I had to get out a microfiber cloth and apply some elbow grease to make sure all traces were eradicated. It’s a small price to pay to live with that wonderful man.

What’s a cute note card set without a custom box? The last part of the ensemble is a package made with the Lots to Love Framelit dies. I used a Pool Party Stampin’ Blend to add color to the leaves on the Springtime Foil paper, and stamped and punched a pair of Daisies (Daisy Delight stamps and the Daisy punch – and there’s a bundle!) for the embellishment on the top. The center of that embellishment is supposed to be a Clear Faceted Gem, but for the life of me I cannot find them in the chaos of my craft space. I know they’re there. I’ve used some of them, recently even. It drives me crazy when this happens. CRAZY!!

Yesterday Stampin’ Up! announced additional products to the 2018 Sale-a-bration lineup. These products are items from the Annual Catalog that you can choose with you $50 or $100 product order. If you choose one of those Annual Catalog items, be sure to use the unique Sale-a-bration reward code and not the product code in the catalog.

There are some great values, and one in particular is worth noting: the Color Me Happy project kit is valued at $25 and you get it for free with a $50 order! There is a coordinating Color Me Happy stamp set that will get you started with your Sale-a-bration order, or you can use stamps from your existing collection. The cards are delightful, the envelopes are luxurious, and you have to look far and wide find another deal like this. But don’t take my word for it: shop for yourself.

Blending the Birdies

Posted on March 10, 2018 by mauistamper

Do you think it’s a coincidence that there are HEAPS of great images in the current Stampin’ Up! line that are absolutely perfect for coloring with Stampin’ Blends?

I don’t think it’s a coincidence either. But either way, I’m pretty happy about it.

Stamps: Flying Home
Color Palette: Whisper White, Pear Pizazz, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Pumpkin Pie, Blushing Bride, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black
Accessores: Big Shot, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Lemon Lime Twist Striped Ribbon, Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I choose to color these images pretty quickly, without a lot of finesse in the shading. I wanted to see what my results would be, and in my humble opinion, it worked out just fine.

It also gives me great delight when I discover that I can “fudge” the color coordination. Lemon Lime Twist, Pear Pizazz and Old Olive are unique and distinct colors, but that Lemon Lime Twist ribbon works perfectly with Pear and Olive. It’s the happy co-existence of different types of fruit, don’t you think?

Creating with Petal Palette and a little Brusho

Posted on March 5, 2018 by mauistamper

Brusho intimidated me for a while. Everyone else seemed to be an expert, but I was afraid to begin. I’m happy to report that my fears were unfounded: even a Brusho Novice can get really interesting results:

Stamps: Petal Palette
Color Palette: Very Vanilla, Elegant Eggplant, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Big Shot, Petals and More Thinlits dies, Brusho, Watercolor Paper, Aquapainter, Layering Oval Framelits, Twine (retired from Holiday 2017), Rhinestone Jewels, Fine Tip Glue Pen

Did you know that the Fine Tip Glue pen works like a gloss coat? I should have let the ink dry a bit longer, but the resulting muddied colors made the roses look more vintage. (That’s my story and I’m standing by it.)

The Green Brusho can separate out into component colors including yellow and purple. This result was completely unexpected, but inspired the color palette that I ended up using. Honestly? I haven’t used either Elegant Eggplant or Always Artichoke in a very long time – years, perhaps! I was really pleased with the outcome, which goes to show that stretching out of your comfort zone (or the zone of the familiar) is a good thing.

When was the last time you stretched outside your creative routine?

Heart Happiness Valentines

Posted on February 13, 2018 by mauistamper

I’m not really a “heart person”, although I’m liberal with heart emojis 💕 in my text messages. I made an exception for Heart Happiness because of this beautiful, ombre-screened, striped heart. There’s something about it that makes my own little stamper heart sing.

Stamps: Heart Happiness
Color Palette: Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red
Accessories: Big Shot, Heart Happiness, Lots to Love Framelits, Bakers Twine, Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin’ Dimensionals

This is a very simple design, and I chose to leave it without a sentiment on the front. I tried to put a phrase on the banner, but nothing seemed to work and I decided less would be more.

I know. SHOCKING.

I also played with the stripes using Stampin’ Write markers. There’s a little heap of these hearts in my craft room, but these bold colors were my favorites:

Stamps: Heart Happiness, Tabs for You
Color Palette: Whisper White, Bermuda Bay, Berry Burst, Lemon Lime Twist
Accessories: Big Shot, Lots to Love Framelits, 3/8″ Lemon Lime Twist stripe ribbon, Stampin’ Write markers, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Again, I considered adding more (specifically, using a background stamp or TIEF on the Bermuda Bay panel) but decided to stick with less. There are lots of men in my life who need Valentines.

This is my Go Bold Or Go Home combo. I LOVE THESE COLORS TOGETHER, and I hope that you do too.

This Little Piggy Loves You

Posted on February 12, 2018 by mauistamper

Last week I sat down with a friend to make some Valentines. It was such a pleasant evening together, and it underscored why I love to craft. It’s a great solitary activity, but it’s just as enjoyable to share it with someone else. You get caught up on one another’s lives, you share some ideas, and you take home something useful! Perfect.

Stamps: This LIttle Piggy, Heart Happiness
Color Palette: Whisper White, Memento Black, Pear Pizazz, Calypso Coral, Pink Pirouette, Pool Party
Accessories: Big Shot, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Scattered Sequins Dynamic TIEF, Calypso Coral 1/8″ Sheer Ribbon, Stampin’ Blends, Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I used the scattered heart image from Heart Happiness with Pink Pirouette ink on the inside of the card. I’ll just write over those soft hearts when I send this Valentine.

Do you have the Stitched Shape Framelits? I find myself reaching for them over and over again. There are graduated sizes of circles, ovals and squares, and the stitching lines that frame the inside of each shape create such a clean, finished look.

I’m gaining some confidence with Stampin’ Blends. I don’t have to THINK quite so hard when I approach a new image. I’m just letting it happen. I made a few of these, and each pig is different.

They’re in the mail already – have you sent your Valentines yet?

With deepest sympathy

Posted on February 6, 2018 by mauistamper

It’s the card no one wants to make, but the one that means so very much to receive. Mr. Maui Stamper and I needed a card for dear friends who lost a beloved mother, grandmother, friend.

Stamps: Hello Friend, Loving Thoughts (retired)
Color Palette: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Big Shot, Layering Circles framelits, Black Diamond Jewels (retired Holiday 2017), Layered Leaves Dynamic TIEF, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I was pleased with the color palette because it was light enough to be hopeful, but subdued enough to convey the depth of our feelings. Color speaks volumes.

I stocked up on those tiny black rhinestone jewels from the Holiday 2017 catalog, and they were the perfect touch.

I hope you don’t need a card like this, but if you do, I hope you’ll be inspired to make and send one. Don’t worry about what to put inside. Simple things are best, things like “I’m thinking of you” or “I’m available to pick up your kids from school all month”. Don’t try to fix it or make it better. Grief takes its own course. Just be present.

Beautiful Peakcock in My Favorite Colors

Posted on January 29, 2018 by mauistamper

Blues and greens are my favorite colors and my favorite color combination. It’s what I see outside my window: blue skies and ocean, green plants and trees. They’re restful colors to me, but with the right intensity, they are vibrant as well. And they’re the colors of peacocks!

Stamps: Beautiful Peacock (SAB 2018), Tabs for Everything
Color Palette: Whisper White, Dapper Denim, Pool Party, Lemon Lime Twist
Accessories: Big Shot, Garden Trellis TIEF, Lemon Lime Twist Ombre Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I inked the “tail” of the peacock with Lemon Lime Twist on the top and Pool Party on the bottom. I reversed the process on the tail feathers – this set is so much fun!

You might be surprised to learn that we have a little peacock flock here on Maui. They live at Yee’s Orchard, home of some of the sweetest, juiciest mango you’ll ever sink a tooth into. Their piercing cry (it’s a screech, really) will make you sit up and listen if you happen to be shopping nearby at Longs!

Partying with the Pandas

Posted on January 24, 2018 by mauistamper

I may be a little biased here, but in my humble opinion, you really NEED Party Pandas. Tell me, how is it possible to resist?

Stamps: Party Panda (SAB 2018), Watercolor Wings
Color Palette: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pool Party, Bermuda Bay
Accessories: Stamparatus (coming soon!), Whole Lot of Lovely DSP, Lots of Labels Framelits, Layering Circles Framelits, Balloon Bouquet Punch, Basic Black Metallic Thread, Tutti Fruiti Cards and Envelopes, Stampin’ Dimensionals

This guy is juicy and solid because I stamped him with Stamparatus. You know how hard it is to get a perfect impression with solid stamps? Not any more!!! You can layer perfectly in line with your image to cover those annoying spots that just won’t take the first time around. Stamparatus is the bomb dot com and it will be available again when the new annual catalog debuts in June. Make a note!

This little Panda is holding a balloon, but I wanted some sparkle. The Balloon Bouquet punch is a tad larger than the stamped image, so it’s easy to place on top. He needed something to sit on, and why not sit on bubbles?

I am in love with the Tutti Fruiti Cards and Envelopes. They are ready to roll – envelopes lined and card bases scored – and come in four gorgeous prints. The card bases are quite substantial and give your projects a very professional feeling. They’re one of my top SAB picks!

I love these little chubsters, and a few quick snips of a sticky note yielded a mask so they could create a little love-fest. I used Stampin’ Write markers on the sentiment and the tiny heart to add a little extra Calypso Coral to this fundamentally black and white focal point.

Look at those eyes! How could you not fall in love?

I like the Crumb Cake lining on the Pool Party card and envelope, but I LOVE the Basic Black liner on this Calypso Coral pair! It’s perfect with the Pandas, and it works well with the Pick a Pattern Washi from the Annual Catalog, too.

The Party Pandas are free with your $50 merchandise purchase during Sale-a-bration. You can choose either clear mount red rubber or wood block red rubber (same price – FREE!) but the Stamparatus is designed to work with clear mount stamps. Get started shopping HERE!

The Maui Stamper

papercrafts, my stories, and the occasional insight

Category Archives: cards

The Unicorn and the Rainbow

The waning hours of Sale-a-bration 2018

Springtime Foils Narrow Note Cards

Blending the Birdies

Creating with Petal Palette and a little Brusho

Heart Happiness Valentines

This Little Piggy Loves You

With deepest sympathy

Beautiful Peakcock in My Favorite Colors

Partying with the Pandas

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: