Bring on the candles

Posted on March 29, 2014 by mauistamper

My son turned 20 earlier this month. His birthday coincided with the start of a fabulous spring break trip sponsored by the university, so he has only seen his card recently. I’m pretty sure he’s not a regular reader, but I didn’t want to spoil the surprise in the rare event he checked in.

I got a little carried away…yes, there are 20 candles.

I hope you like my candle flames! They’re cut from the end of the stem from the Bird Builder punch. The candles themselves were hand-cut and are primarily Soho Subway DSP with a little Early Espresso and Island Indigo thrown in for contrast.

The cakes are floating on sheets of Window Strips. They’re hand cut, too. This was for my son, after all!

I made little packages and put them on the side of the card with dimensionals. Honestly, I go through a LOT of dimensionals. I quit worrying about it a long time ago – about the time I figured out they cost just over a penny apiece. Seriously.

The other side has balloons:

The “strings” are held in place with Glue Dots. If you decide to make one of these cards (and I hope you do) trust me in this, you need Glue Dots. Just open up a fresh box and knock yourself out. I use a pokey doodle to pull them off the roll, but a bamboo bbq skewer works really well too.

Since my handsome son is away at school, I had to mail this card, and it required a custom envelope. I used to dread making custom envelopes, but not any more. The Envelope Punch Board is my BFF.

I didn’t use any bulky embellishments (such as buttons) so I just needed a little extra postage for the weight of all the extra card stock. I made the envelope on the roomy side since the card is thicker than usual.

Stamps: Make a Cake, You’re My Hero, Perfect Pennants
Color Palette: Island Indigo, Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Calypso Coral, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Oval Framelits, Window Sheets, Bird Builder, Small Oval, Corner Rounder, and 1/2 inch circle punches, Early Espresso 1/8 inch taffeta ribbon, Island Indigo Bakers Twine, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Hello – just Hello

Posted on March 28, 2014 by mauistamper

Sometimes Hello is enough:

This subtle Designer Series paper is one of the hidden gems in the Sweet Sorbet Sale-a-bration offering. I love having these single tone papers in my stash – they provide interest and texture without distracting. If you’re pairing Melon Mambo with ANYTHING you want to be careful not to get too distracted!

Take a good look at this detail – it’s not what you might initially think. The Melon Mambo oval is a frame, not a mat. Typically, to achieve this look I would cut two ovals: the larger would be Melon Mambo, the slightly smaller would be the DSP. However, in this case I wanted a different type of texture, so the two ovals are actually cut the same size, but there’s a smaller oval cut out of the center of the Melon Mambo oval. That creates a raised frame instead of a mat that sits behind the paper. It’s subtle, but I like the difference.

It’s VERY difficult to see in the full-card photos, but the first one is done with the frame style and the second is done with the mat style. As I said, it’s a very subtle difference, but you notice it when you hold the card in your hand.

Stamps: Petite Petals and Four You
Color Palette: Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Petite Petals punch, Sweet Sorbet DSP, Rhinestone jewels, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Early Espresso Stitched 1/4 inch grosgrain, Ovals Framelits, Decorative Dots TIEF an the Big Shot

You Make Me Happy

Posted on March 27, 2014 by mauistamper

…you make me happy, whether the skies are gray or blue!

Sweet Sorbet Designer series paper makes me happy, too – especially when it’s punched into banners! Stampin’ Up! has really hit the mark with Sale-a-bration DSP the past few years. I’ve got a little stash of Sweet Sorbet set aside just for me, myself and I.

Stamps: See Ya Later and Banner Blast (both SAB 2014)
Color Palette: Whisper White, Pool Party, Pistachio Pudding, Crisp Cantaloupe
Accessories: Pearl jewels and the Banner punch (SAB 2014)

This is an easy card sketch that will adapt to whatever sentiment and DSP you happen to have on your craft table. I made another card using my favorite sentiment from the See Ya Later SAB stamp set:

Don’t tell Mr. Maui Stamper you saw this one, because one of these days it’s gonna be in his carry-on when he’s headed off on business. When I met him, it really did change everything. 🙂

The little heart from the Owl punch fits perfectly at the top – it’s not as modern as the one on the stamp, but the change in color gives it an extra pop.

You’ve got until Monday to pick up these 2014 Sale-a-bration winners. Shop HERE.

A last look at Petal Parade

Posted on March 26, 2014 by mauistamper

March is almost over {gasp} and that means we’ve nearly reached the end of Sale-a-bration 2014. I know some of you folks on the East Coast had snow yesterday – my son told me it snowed on campus too. (There was deep disgust in his voice. He knows full well what the weather is here at home. I was a good mommy – for once – and didn’t mention the warm sunshine.)

If it snowed at your house yesterday, please accept my condolences and this bright Spring bouquet!

Stamps: Petal Parade and Yippee Skippee
Color palette: Summer Starfruit, Gumball Green, Melon Mambo, Pool Party, Basic Black and Whisper White
Accessories: Petite Petal punch, Victorian faceted buttons, Calypso Coral Baker’s twine, Sweet Sorbet DSP

Those faceted vintage buttons are very handy to have around. They come in 3 sizes and reflect colors around them very nicely. I have a nice little stash of them 🙂

I hope you have a little bit of spring weather!

Lovely Sale-a-bration

Posted on March 23, 2014 by mauistamper

Time to be honest: I almost didn’t order the You’re Lovely stamp set available through Sale-a-bration 2014. I got hung up on “You’re Lovely”. I mean, really? Who says that? If you know me even a little, you’re probably laughing your head off imagining me saying “You’re lovely” with a straight face.

But of course I did break down and get it, and here’s what I did:

Stamps: You’re Lovely and TBA*
Color Palette: Crisp Cantaloupe, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla
Accessories: Soho Subway DSP, Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Stampin’ Write markers, Scallops TIEF, Deco labels framelits and the Big Shot, Stampin’ Dimensionals

*The “TBA” part is one of my Lazy Stamper tricks. I keep a stash of cards with no sentiment. When I get caught short on time (or more likely, last-minute-forgetful) I can run through my stash, quickly add the appropriate sentiment – ie “sorry I forgot your birthday again” – and off we go.

I used a marker this time to color in the image – usually I choose the Aqua Painter because it seems to give me more control, but I was feeling daring.

I’m glad I ordered this stamp set!

This is the last week for Sale-a-bration. It officially ends on March 31st, and in Hawaii it ends at 7:50pm when you account for the time difference. If you haven’t placed an order yet, you’ve got a week to put it together and choose your free product – click HERE to see the whole SAB brochure.

There’s one other thing to consider. During Sale-a-bration, Stampin’ Up! sweetens the pot when you choose to become a demonstrator. The cost is still $99, but you’ll choose extra product – a total of $150 worth of product, to be precise. Once you’re a demonstrator, you’ll have access to All Stampin’ Up!, all the time. This year, new demonstrators even get a free convention registration – and I can guarantee you’ll have a good time! There’s no financial obligation besides purchasing the kit and the kit is made up of items you choose – the product is completely up to you. And no matter where you live, you’ll become a Maui Stamper!

Becoming a demonstrator provides an immediate 20% discount on Stampin’ Up! products. It can be a vehicle for providing extra income for your family, or just enough extra to support your craft habit. There’s no pressure to make it one thing or another – that’s completely up to you.

One of the things that has kept me firmly planted in my Stampin’ Up! experience is the quality of the product and the commitment the company makes to the demonstrators. Our support is outstanding, and I am very proud to be a representative of this company. If you’d like to join me, I’d be honored to tell you more about it. If you’re ready to start now, click HERE! And welcome to the family 🙂

Silly Rabbit….

Posted on March 15, 2014 by mauistamper

Can you stand another box card?

Cheryl and I got together last week to work on samples for our Step Into Spring class – today is the early bird deadline for all you Maui Crafters! We wanted to have an Easter Bunny option and she came up with this Silly Rabbit.

It’s amazing what you can do with a few punches!

Our class is Sunday afternoon, March 30, 2014 at the Kahului Masonic Lodge. Cost is $20 if you register today, $23 if you register tomorrow. All supplies are provided including your very own full box of Glue Dots – and you are going to love using Glue Dots when you put together a Card in a Box! The class projects will feature the Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper.

We’re also making an embellished Tag a Bag box perfectly sized for chocolate eggs or other treats, and a charming single-treat holder made with the Scallop Tag Topper punch:

Here’s the “publicity shot” of all 3 original samples:

I hope you’ll join us!

A Car(d) in a Box

Posted on March 3, 2014 by mauistamper

My buddy Isaac turns 3 today. His mama and dad had a party for him yesterday, and since his mama is also my stampin’ buddy, I wanted a card that would surprise and delight:

Isaac reminds me so much of my son at that age…he’s all about things with wheels. His card needed wheels, and to be a real race car, of course it had to be Red. Not just any red, but Real Red. (If Stampin’ Up! made Ferrari Red, that is what I would have used.)

Stamps: Rev Up the Fun and Memorable Moments (the 3)
Color Palette: Real (Ferrari) Red, Basic Black, Whisper White and Gumball Green
Accessories: Circle punches, Fringe Scissors, Simply Scored, Window Sheets, Bird Punch

I’ve done a few of these cards, though this is the first one I’ve shared. The trick for me is balancing the height of all the elements. I used thin strips of window sheet to float the motorcycles so you could see them behind the race car.

The candles are really fun…I use the top leaf from the bird punch branch to make the flame, layer flame colors with Stampin’ Write markers, and then use Tombo (the wonder adhesive) to secure them to the back of the candle.

I added a little grass just to break up the dizzying effect of the Modern Medley DSP and the tire tracks. Plus the fringe scissors are just plain fun to play with!

A card like this needs a custom envelope:

Ready in a flash with the envelope punch board! I used a retired set of Sizzlets to cut the letters for his name, since that Real (Ferrari) Red Polka Dot Parade DSP is so bold! You can tell it’s hand made, because despite my scientific effort his name is off-center.

Cheryl and I are planning a class on these cards for March 30. If you live on Maui or will be here for a visit, let me know if you’re interested! Details are coming soon.

Happy Birthday to one Super Guy!

More Monster Love

Posted on February 26, 2014 by mauistamper

Are you in love with a little monster?

I’m awfully fond of quite a few li’l monsters myself!

Stamps: Monster Maniacs, World Map, Just Sayin’
Color Palette: Crushed Curry, Night of Navy, Garden Green
Accessories: Regals Candy Dots, Big Shot and Word Bubbles Framelits

These are such fun to color. I’m still a kid, I guess…I love the coloring part!

Sale-a-bration is in full swing – when you’re ready to place an order, think in $50 chunks to take advantage of all the gorgeous free product available 🙂

Shop HERE!

Li’l Pink Monster

Posted on February 16, 2014 by mauistamper

How do you say “Love You” in Monster?

Apparently the same way as you would in English – or perhaps this little monster is bilingual.

Stamps: MonsterManiacs and World Map
Color Palette: Whisper White, Basic Black, Crushed Curry and Strawberry Slush

MonsterManiacs is a very special stamp set, a winning entry in the In With You contest sponsored by Stampin’ Up! It’s available as a clear mount set for only $14.95 and it’s become one of my favorites.

I sent a few Valentine packages this year – to my own kids and a few others that have a very special place in my heart. You know the kind….kids that for one reason or another just touch you. These kids have worked hard to get where they are, and they’re a long way from home. I just wanted to send them all a little love from home.

Woo Hoo! Its Two!

Posted on February 13, 2014 by mauistamper

Welcome to this month’s tour. The big news in these parts is that one of my favorite people in the whole wide world is expecting…TWINS! She’s RemARKable in so many ways – as a matter of fact, if you are following this Pin-Worthy tour in sequence, you’ve just come from her blog. I’m ruining the surprise factor, but today I’m going to share a bit of the decor for her baby shower.

A party begins with invitations and I’ve made TWO. These are designed to have the details on the back. Crystal has chosen bright colors for her nursery, and I chose Bermuda Bay and Calypso Coral tones for these projects.

The li’l Giraffes are stamped in Pool Party and Crisp Cantaloupe, and are corralled in our new On Film (LOVE!) framelits. There are so many awesome new framelits available in the Occasions catalog that it’s tough to choose – thank goodness for Sale-a-bration 🙂

Love this Retro Fresh DSP – it coordinates with EVERYTHING. These little birds – from the For the Birds stamp set – are seriously under-appreciated. To keep these really versatile, I didn’t use a “Shower” sentiment, so these cards could just as easily be announcements or thank you notes.

I quickly colored the wings and tails with markers, then used the Aqua Painter for a light wash over their little birdie bodies. Check these out – I’m telling you, For the Birds is a sleeper.

The second Party Sneak Peak is the banner. Gotta love those new banner framelits too!! Yes, you can hand cut your own banners. Yes, it’s not that hard. But cranking them out with the framelits gave me 13 IDENTICAL banners and you know that’s not easy to do by hand! So worth it…

The message is loud and clear, don’t you think? And I had such fun embellishing each banner. I used a lot of Retro Fresh DSP, plus embossing folders, buttons, ribbon – if I could reach it I used it!

I used the Natural Trim to string my banner, both for the color and the fact that the texture helps hold things firmly in place. And if you know me, you’ll know those buttons are actually sewed on with Linen Thread. It had to be done.

Each letter from the Timeless Type Sizzlets is mounted on an embellished circle from the Pennants Bigz die. I kept them uniform and relatively uncluttered to tie the message together since each banner was unique.

I’m telling you, it was a lot of fun to embellish all of these! Definitely Stand-Up-Stamping. (Do you stand up? I think we need a club.)

The new Bigz Spiral Flower die is getting a lot of action in my craft room. You can adjust the tightness of the spiral to give you an entirely different look each time, or even (as I’ve done here) add a big ol’ pearl to the middle.

If you’ve held off on making a banner because you thought it would be too hard, hold off no longer! The letters don’t have to match – mix-and-match is a great look. It’s a great way to use up scraps and bits, and although it might turn into a treasured memento, I view it more as an in-the-moment kind of project. Enjoy it for today, or this week, or even a month, and then replace it with something new!

Hope you’ve enjoyed this stop on the RemARKable PinWorthy tour. Time to head over to see what Audra has created this month. Thanks for checking in!

The Maui Stamper

papercrafts, my stories, and the occasional insight

Category Archives: cards

Bring on the candles

Hello – just Hello

You Make Me Happy

A last look at Petal Parade

Lovely Sale-a-bration

Silly Rabbit….

A Car(d) in a Box

More Monster Love

Li’l Pink Monster

Woo Hoo! Its Two!

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