Itty Bitty Magnolia Lane

Celebrate You wm

I think I’m liking the Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper even more now after this project! At first I was drawn to the DSP because of the colours and of course the flower designs (especially the larger Magnolia flowers), but I thought that I would play around with some of the other designs to come up with a more masculine design, especially since Father’s Day is right around the corner.

For this card I chose this piece of DSP because of the colour (Mossy Meadow) and because the pattern was quite simple. It actually reminds me of paneling a little bit. I then chose to use Crumb Cake cardstock as the card base since it is a nice neutral colour and the Very Vanilla cardstock because it’s a little more subdued than the Whisper White.

With the DSP reminding me of paneling I decided to use the Pinewood Planks 3D embossing folder on the larger piece of Very Vanilla cardstock.

The phrase for this card acutally came from the Itty Bitty Birthdays cling stamp set. There were a couple of phrases that were not directly birthday related, but I chose this one because I wanted something that covered a bit more of the card than just the “it’s your day” stamp would have. I then used a couple of the oval Stitched Shapes dies for the phrase as well as the Mossy Meadow border.

To add a little extra something and still stay within the masculine theme of the project, I added some Linen Thread behind the phrase and popped it up using some Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Here’s the project sheet so that you can recreate this project for yourself. Post a pic of your version once you’re done, I’d love to see it!

2019 Itty Bitty Magnolia Lane Project Sheet

The 2019-2020 Annual Catalogue has arrived!

AC cover

It’s finally here!! I’ve been so excited to share what I could with you these past few weeks in anticipation of the new Annual Catalogue and now it’s available for everyone to see!

The Annual catalogue launches today and will be around until June 2nd of next year. The possibilities are really just up to you and your creativity (don’t forget there’s always Facebook and Pintrest to help spark some inkspiration!). There are products for just about every occasion (birthday, wedding, new baby, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, even just because) and every level of stamper… from the beginner all the way up to those of us who have been doing this for years.

I hope that you love it just as much as I do… and stay tuned for more projects from me!

If you’d like a bit more of a peek at the products in the new catalogue, check out this cute video that highlights different projects using some of these great new products!

www.youtube.com/stampinup20192010annualcatalogue

If you live in Canada and still haven’t got your hands on your very own copy, please send me an email (inkspirationwithteresa@gmail.com). I’m happy to pop one in the mail to you! You’re also welcome to head over to my website and check it all out online…

www.stampinup.com/inkspirationcards

Magnolia Lane DSP

Magnolia Lane card

I realize that this Designer Series Paper isn’t available to order until June 4th, but I just had to share this project with you. I love the designs and patterns that come in the Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper and can see it being well used over the next year!

For this card I really wanted to feature the Designer Series Paper, so I kept it fairly simple. I used the DSP as a card mat and instead of adding another layer of cardstock for stamping, like I often do in my other projects, I simply chose a phrase from the Free As a Bird stamp set (which will also be available on June 4th) to have on a small piece of cardstock.

The colours I chose specifically because they are used in the Magnolia Lane DSP… I used Mossy Meadow cardstock and ink, Petal Pink cardstock and ink as well as Whisper White cardstock. I also added a couple of  Rhinestone Basic Jewels to add just a little bit of sparkle.

Here’s the project sheet and if you haven’t received your copy of the Annual Catalogue yet, send me an email (inkspirationwithteresa@gmail.com) and I’d be happy to get one to you!

Magnolia Lane Project Sheet

Pokemon Birthday Party

Pokemon buckets

It was my littlest munchkin’s 6th birthday party this past weekend and he’s gotten super into Pokemon, so that was the theme this year. A couple of weeks ago I shared the invitations that I made for the party (check it out here) and now I’m sharing the rest.

I kept it pretty simple since the party was being held at a trampoline park and it was for 5/6 year old boys (my daughter’s birthday coming in October will be a very different story).

For decorations I printed some Pokemon characters and symbols on Whisper White cardstock to create the buckets above. The buckets originally were used for my daughter’s emoji birthday party and they worked out great, I’m so glad I saved them.

Loot bags wm

For the loot bags I used the Gift Bag Punch Board (which sadly is retiring and won’t be available after next week) and created medium sized loot bags that looked like Poke-balls using Real RedBasic Black and Whisper White cardstock. For the circle in the middle I used the 2 1/4″ Circle  and 2″ Circle punches and the “thank you” came from the retired Tin of Cards stamp set.

I really love how they turned out (and so did my youngest munchkin) and they were so simple to make. They added a great touch to the pretty basic party room that we were in and even some of the parents thought the loot bags looked cool.!

Loot bag wm

 

 

You Warm My Heart

Warm My Heart wm

I scaled back a bit on this week’s project… got back to some #simplestamping and only added a few pearls and a couple of dimensionals to add a little bit of pop. I have definitely had fun creating with this stamp set (Bike Ride) because it lends itself well to the idea of just using paper, stamps and ink and will be sad to see it go! This may be one that I hold on to so that I can still play with it every once in a while.

The two main colours I used for this project are Rich Razzleberry and Lemon Lime Twist (the cardstock has sold out already but you can still get the ink pad and other embellishments in Lemon Lime Twist). For some reason I just love how greens and purples compliment each other. It isn’t a combination that I would have naturally thought of, but once I saw it I just love going back to it.

I also used Crumb Cake for the basket and dog as well as Tuxedo Black Memento for the bicycle. The phrase and grass came from the Sheltering Tree stamp set which is also retiring (this might be another that I hold onto even after it retires in just over a week). On the flowers I added some of the Share What You Love Artisan Pearls just to add another layer and a bit of a different texture to the project.

For all the supplies, steps and tips to recreate this card for yourself simply check out the project sheet. And don’t forget to post a pic of your project!

2018 May Bike Ride Sheltering Tree

Enjoy the Little Things

Michaels Bike

A few weeks ago when I was wandering around Michael’s (a seriously dangerous thing to do) I saw this and immediately thought of the Bike Rise photopolymer stamp set and thought that it would be fun to try and recreate this on a card front. While I didn’t have a stamp that said “Enjoy the Ride” I think I came pretty close (I used one from the previously retired Enjoy he Little Things stamp set).

The main colours I used for this card are Crumb Cake and Mint Macaron (cardstock and inkpads). I also used Pool PartyPetal Pink and Fresh Fig for the butterflies (which came from the Beauty Abounds cling stamp set) and some of the flowers. I also used the Pinewood Planks Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder to give a bit of a paneled look.

Enjoy the Ride wm

For all the tips and tricks to recreate this project check out the project sheet. Don’t forget to share your project once you’re done, I’d love to see it!

2019 Bike Ride Project Sheet

Where Do I Start?

where-do-i-start

I don’t know about you, but at times it can feel daunting when I know I want to create something.. especially when I’m not sure what that might be. So in the spirit of sparking some inkspiration for all of us crafty people out there (and those that are just starting out), I thought that I would share some of what I do when I’m looking to design and create a card/project!

First things first…

Images

One of the best places to start when creating a project is with the image(s) you want to use, so think of what images you are drawn to. If this is a card for someone you know, think of what images would speak to them. In the case that this is for a particular event or occasion then that would likely guide your choice of image(s), for example a birthday cake or balloons for a birthday card. At times the image(s) I choose ends up helping me in my choice of colour(s) and other elements for the project.

Balloons

Words/Phrases

You want to take into consideration what message you want to convey to the person you’re giving this to, whether this is for a specific occasion or just because. Do you want just a simple word or two, or would a sentence or phrase be better able to say what you want.

Colours

This can be done at any point in time during the creative process. Sometimes I start with choosing the colours and at other times they come once I have a better picture in my head of what the project is going to look like.

No matter when this happens, this is similar to how you choose your image(s). Take into consideration what your favourite colour(s) is and what colour(s) compliments it. If the project is for someone else consider what their favourite colour is. The season you’re creating in or the occasion your creating for may or may not play a role in this decision.

More often than not I use the 2 Colour Rule, which means that you use two colours for your card or project. These two colours are then seen throughout the project with the cardstock, ink and the embellishments. The only exception to this rule is when you use a neutral colour as your third colour; black, white, grey, brown, navy as well as metallics.

colour

If you want to stop there you can or you can also look at bringing in other elements to take your project from a #simplestamping project to one with a little bit more zing.

Embellishments

There are many options if you decide to take this route and you don’t have to choose just one (although if you are just starting out you may want to start with one and then as you feel more comfortable add more layers).

Designer Series Paper is a great way to add pattern and texture to your projects. You can simply add a strip or it could be the background for your images/words.

Adding ribbon/twine will also give similar effects and options for both are never in short supply!

And of course there is always one of my favourite ways to add a little something extra to a project… a rhinestone/jewel or glitter gives such sparkle and shine to projects and you don’t need to add a lot.

stampin up party

I hope that these tips have been helpful to get those creative juices flowing and don’t forget there’s a lot around us everyday that can spark an idea for a project!

Pop On By

pop on by

We have recently closed on our house in Milton (finally!!) and I thought it would be nice to use the Pop On By stamp set to make some thank you cards for those that have helped us through our journey of becoming first time home owners. While I was working on these cards I adjusted the phrase on a couple of them (such as the one pictured above) so that I would have something the next time one of our friends or family members moves.

I usually add some ribbon/twine or sparkle to my cards and the thought definitely entered my mind, but when I saw the final product I felt that it didn’t need more so I just kept it simple. The cardstock colours I used for this project are Mint Macaron and Smoky Slate. For ink I used of course used Smoky Slate Mint Macaron, but I also used Crumb Cake for the fence.

I also coloured and sponged for this project. All in all I think that it turned out pretty well. For all the supplies and instructions you need for this project, simply click on the project sheet.

2019 Pop on By Project Sheet

I also thought that I would share a card that my mom made for me using the same bundle. (there’s some non-Stampin’ Up! product in here as well) There is a lovely sentiment on what would typically be considered the outside of the card and so the baby velcro on the sides is there to keep the card closed.

pop on by 2

Pokemon Birthday Invitations

pokemom birthday with pokeball

So this year for his birthday my littlest munchkin wants to have a Pokemon themed birthday party. I’ve definitely heard him talking a lot about Pokemon and he loves looking at his cards (he’s only going to be 6 so he doesn’t quite know how to play yet) so I wasn’t at all surprised when he shared this.

With this in mind I used the colours and design of the Poke-ball to create his birthday invitations (this will also inkspire the gift bags I make for his friends, so stay tuned).

pokemom birthday

I used Real Red cardstock for the card base and then layered on some Whisper White cardstock and a 1/2″ strip of Basic Black cardstock to give the Poke-ball effect and then I used the 2 1/4″ Circle punch with the same colours of cardstock to create the Poke-balls. I simply cut the Real Red and Whisper White circles in half and then trimmed them down a little bit so that the Basic Black would peak through. I don’t have the 1/2″ Circle punch (which is now on my wishlist) so I simply traced a circle onto Whisper White cardstock and used my Paper Snips to cut them out. Both the Poke-ball and the “You’re Invited” (which is from a retired stamp set) were adhered to the card base using Stampin’ Dimensionals and behind both circles is paint splatter stamped using Real Red ink to add just a little something special to the card. This particular paint splatter came from the retired set Gorgeous Grunge, but you could easily use either the Beauty Abounds cling stamp set or the Artisan Textures stamp set to get a similar effect.

When I showed them to my little guy he just loved them! I can’t wait to see his face on the big day!!

Gingham Gala Butterflies

Rainbow Gingham wm

I saw similar card a while ago, I wish I could remember who posted it, and ever since then I have been meaning to recreate it. Finally I got it done and I am loving how it turned out!

This card features the Gingham Gala 6×6 Designer Series Paper (which is sadly retiring) and I used the Beauty Abounds cling stamp set. If you don’t have any wooden butterflies from Sale-a-bration like I do, you can use whatever you like or you can stamp another butterfly from the same stamp set and either cut it out yourself or use your die cutting machine along with the Butterfly Beauty Thinlits Dies. I also added some Gold Metallic Thread behind the circle, some Linen Thread also might have been a nice touch.

I’d love to see your version of this card! Check out the project sheet and then post your pic!

2019 Gingham Gala Butterflies

Designer Series Paper for your Phone

A few weeks ago I finally upgraded and got a new phone (yay!). Since I’m a working mom with two munchkins and know this means that phones fall/get dropped and who knows what else I knew that I needed to get a good case for it. I would have got one right away, but I knew that I wanted to get a clear case which they didn’t have at the time. The reason I wanted to get a clear case is because I had seen someone use Designer Series Paper to bring a bit of style to their phone and I just loved that idea (to whomever posted that thanks so much!!).

So first things first… I created a template on cardstock (first I started on plain paper until I got the dimensions right) that I could then use on whatever DSP I choose. It worked out to be approximately 2 3/4″ x 5 3/4″ to be able to fit into the case for my iPhone XR. I still had to adjust it a little bit and I eyeballed the curve to go around my camera and flash.

I decided to use a sheet from the Nature’s Poem DSP for my first one and am planning on making one for sure from my leftover Botanical Butterfly DSP from Sale-a-bration. From there who knows?!

Here’s how it turned out!

DSP in phone case.PNG

 

Jar of Love

Save the Date

The inkspiration for this card came from a Save the Date for a wedding for one of my husband’s cousins. When I saw those two jars just hanging from the tree branch I knew exactly what I wanted to use… the Jar of Love stamp set as well as the Everyday Jars dies to create this cute shaker card filled with LOVE!

Love Jar wm

In terms of the cardstock I used Crumb Cake and Mint Macaron and for the ink colours I used Crumb Cake (to pull from their Save the Date magnet) as well as Mint MacaronPowder Pink and Fresh Fig. The sequins inside the jar are the Iridescent Sequin Assortment and I love the extra bit of colour they bring to the card. I added the Linen Thread bow to add a bit more texture to the card and again to pull in the colour from their magnet.

I really liked how this card turned out and am sad to see that the stamp set and dies are retiring. For the full list of retiring products make sure to head over to my website. In the meantime here’s the project sheet for this shaker card. Enjoy!

2019 Jars of Love Project Sheet

Everything is Rosy

everything is rosy medley

Introducing the Everything is Rosy product medley!!… what the heck is a product medley you may be wondering?! It’s basically just about everything you could possibly need to create beautiful cards, scrapbook pages or whatever else you would like. This is a new idea from Stampin’ Up! and will only be available from May 1st to May 31st (or while supplies last).

Everything is Rosy uses Night of Navy, Melon Mambo and Rose Gold as it’s colour palette. It includes a photopolymer stamp set, coordinating dies, 6 x 6 Designer Series Paper, 6 x 6 Rose Gold foil sheets, Rose Gold shimmer paint as well as two different kinds of ribbon (Melon Mambo Ruched Ribbon and Night of Navy/Rose Gold Metallic-Edge Ribbon), Printed and Rose Gold Die Cuts and Mirror Embellishments. All you need to have are adhesive and stamping blocks.

I’m super excited about this new idea and really hope that they launch other product medleys in the future. In the meantime here are a couple of ideas to spark your inkspiration!

Happy Easter!

Spring Baskets wm

I hope that everyone has enjoyed this past long weekend. Whether you celebrated Easter or Passover or another special day I hope that it was filled with good food and even better company!!

I thought that I would share the cute baskets that I made for my two munchkins and my mom. They’re very simple to make and you can decorate them however you would like! For these ones I used a little bit of current and a little bit of retired product.

For the two baskets in the back I just used White Stampin’ Emboss Powder with the butterfly coming from the Beauty Abounds cling stamp set and the flower from the Amazing Life stamp set. The cardstock I used for these were Island Indigo (retired) and Berry Burst and the glimmer brads I used are also retired.

Butterfly Basket wm

For this basket I simply attached some Designer Series Paper instead of stamping. Since it’s Spring and butterflies and flowers are very Spring I used some of my leftover Botanical Butterfly DSP from this year’s Sale-a-bration, but you can use whatever you have at your disposal.

To recreate these simply use a piece of 6″ x 6″ cardstock in the colour of your choice (the handle is 1/2″ x 6″), score at 2″ and 4″ and simply cut along 4 of the score lines so that you are able to fold up the edges to create your basket. Enjoy!