Emboss Resist is an easy wow technique. This week we are going to mix it up by using pastels and gold embossing powder!

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Easter Blossoms (W121905/C122057)
• Ink: Versamark (102283), Stampin' Pastels (120962)
• Paper: Very Vanilla (101650), Perfect Plum (101889), Baja Breeze (111352)
• Accessories:), SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Gold Embossing Powder (109129), Stampin' Sponges (101610)
• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting System (113439), Tulip Frame Embossing Folder (121809), Scallop Oval Die (114521), Butterfly Die (114507), Heat Tool (100005)

Cardstock Dimensions for this Project

• Perfect Plum
  • 5.5 x 8.5 for card base
  • 4.25 x 5.25 for Big Shot oval
• Baja Breeze
  • 4 x 5.25 for embossed mat
• Very Vanilla
  • Scrap for Big Shot butterfly

     

Technique Directions

1. Stamp image as desired on cardstock in Versamark.
2. Cover with embossing powder of your choice and heat set.
3. Using pastels gently sponge overtop of the image. Use lots of colors for a multi-toned effect.
4. If any pastels stick to your embossed image you can easily remove with tissue.

Finishing Touches

1. Cut and fold card base in half.
2. Run Baja Breeze piece through Big Shot with the Tulip Frame Embossing Folder.
3. Cut butterfly out of Very Vanilla, and oval out of Perfect Plum using Big Shot.
4. Stamp branch image on butterfly in Versamark, and greeting on oval in Versamark. Cover with gold embossing powder, tap off the excess and heat set.
5. Using pastels, execute emboss resist on the butterfly as per above technique directions.
6. Attach tulip frame piece to cardstock using SNAIL.
7. Attach oval to card base using Stampin' Dimensionals.
8. Take butterfly and gently curl up wings and then attach to card with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Try out emboss resist on your next project with either pastels or ink to create a one of a kind look.

To stock up on different embossing tools including embossing powder, Versamark and the heat tool, you can shop in my online store 24/7!

Did you know that I hold a card class the 2nd Friday of each month? It's been so great meeting new people and introducing them to stamping. This month, I'm hosting 2 card classes…my next one is this Wed (Mar. 16th). If you want to come, register here! We'll be making 5 cards for only $15 or you can get the class for FREE if you spend $30 in products!

Click here to see all my upcoming classes. If you'd like to plan a private class with just you and your friends, give me a call or email!

Spotlighting is a technique that falls under "oldie but goodie" and is a quick and easy way to highlight any image. In this case, only a portion of the image is watercolored for maximum impact.

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Easter Blossoms (W121905/C122057)
• Ink: Soft Suede Classic (115657), Soft Subtles Watercolor Wonder Crayons (119802)
• Paper: Very Vanilla (101650), Pink Pirouette (105118), Soft Suede (115318)
• Accessories:), SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Rose Red Breeze Seam Binding (XX), Basic Pearls (119247)
• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting System (113439), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976) , Decorative Label Punch (120907), Wide Oval Punch (119859), Blender Pens (102845)

Cardstock Dimensions for this Project

• Pink Pirouette
  • 5.5 x 8.5 for card base
  • 4.25 x 3.25 to mat image
  • Scrap for punched Decorative Label
• Soft Suede
  • 4 x 5.25 for embossed mat
• Very Vanilla
  • 4 x 3 for stamped image
  • Scrap for stamped highlight

Technique Directions

1. Stamp image as desired.
2. Stamp image again on scrap of same paper and punch with the punch of your choice. Here a 1 ¼ Circle was used. Then color image as desired.
3. Match up the punched image and align on top of the main stamped image.

Finishing Touches

1. Cut and fold card base in half.
2. Run Soft Suede piece through Big Shot with Square Lattice Embossing Folder.
3. Wrap seam binding around embossed panel and secure with SNAIL. Attach to card base with SNAIL.
4. Stamp image on Very Vanilla and attach to the Pink Pirouette mat. Attach to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals. Follow directions for the spotlighting as above – color with Watercolor Wonder Crayons and a Blender Pen. Punch with 1 ¼ Circle Punch. Attach with Stampin' Dimensionals and add pearls to centre of the flowers.
5. Stamp greeting in Pink Pirouette on Very Vanilla and punch with Wide Oval Punch. Punch Decorative Label out of Pink Pirouette and then layer greeting on top with SNAIL. Attach to card with SNAIL.

Easter Blossoms is one of the most versatile stamp sets in the Occasions Mini, and a must-have for your Spring and Easter projects. You can shop online 24/7 in my store and have it delivered right to your door.

This is a quick and easy technique that packs a punch – literally and figuratively. With the Big Shot, an Embossing Folder and a punch, you can create backgrounds that wow!

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Valentine's Defined (W121941/C123057)
• Ink: Real Red (103133)
• Paper: Whisper White (100730), Real Red (102482), Pink Pirouette (111351), Red Glimmer Paper (121790)
• Accessories:), SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Pretty in Pink 1/8 Taffeta Ribbon (119260), Whisper White Organza Ribbon (114319)
• Tools: Heart to Heart Punch (119881), Pinking Hearts Border Punch (117649), Small Heart Punch (117193), Large Oval Punch (119855), Scallop Oval Punch (119856), Big Shot Die Cutting System (113439), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976)

Cardstock Dimensions for this Project

• Pink Pirouette
  • 5.5 x 8.5 for card base
  • Scrap for punched hearts
• Whisper White
  • 2 x 5.5 for border punch
  • Scrap for greeting
• Real Red
  • 5.25 x 4 for mat
• Glimmer Paper
  • Scrap for scallop oval

Technique Directions

1. Punch desired shapes and adhere to base randomly using SNAIL. Make sure you get the edges of each punched shape down completely.
2. Run through the Big Shot using the embossing folder of your choice. The punched shape should now be part of the mat creating a single panel.

Finishing Touches

1. Cut and fold card base in half.
2. Create inlaid embossing panel as above.
3. Using Pinking Hearts Border Punch create border strip with Whisper White cardstock.
4. Layer ribbon pieces around the back and affix with SNAIL. Attach to embossed layer. Attach to card base.
5. Stamp greeting in Real Red and punch out with large oval.
6. Punch scallop oval out of glimmer paper and adhere greeting with SNAIL. Attach to card base with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Cupcakes are one of the hottest trends in papercrafting, and the new build a Cupcake punch is perfect for creating these little cuties on your cards and scrapbook pages. One of the best parts of the cupcake is the frosting, so this week's technique will help you step you your cupcakes with a bit of heat embossing.

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: So Happy For You (Earn it free during Sale-A-Bration!)
• Ink:Real Red Classic (103133), Versamark (102283)
• Paper: Whisper White (100730), Pink Pirouette (111351), Soft Suede (115318), Red Glimmer Paper (121790)
• Accessories: Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (119768), SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Glue Dots (103683), White Embossing Powder (109132), Dazzling Diamonds (102023)
• Tools: 2 ½ Circle Punch (120906), Build A Cupcake Punch (121807) Paper Crimper Tool (101618), Heat Tool (100005)

Cardstock Dimensions for this Project

• Pink Pirouette
  • 8.5 x 5.5 for card base
• Whisper White
  • Scrap for punched circle
• Soft Suede
  • Strip for cupcake bottom
• Glimmer Paper
  • Scrap for punched cherry

Technique Directions

1. Using a small container mix together equal parts of White Embossing Powder and Dazzling Diamonds. Be sure to mix them well.
2. Take punched out "top" of cupcake and apply Versamark. Cover with embossing powder/dazzling diamonds mixture and tap off excess. Heat and set with Heat Tool.
3. Allow to cool and repeat to build up frosting.

Finishing Touches

1. Fold cardbase in half.
2. Take piece of Soft Suede cardstock and run through paper crimmer. Punch out bottom of cupcake.
3. Punch cherry out of glimmer paper.
4. Punch circle out of Whisper White and stamp greeting towards bottom in Red Classic.
5. Attach bottom of cupcake to circle using SNAIL, attach top using a Stampin' Dimensional and the cherry with a glue dot.
6. Add ribbon to card base using SNAIL. Cut off at left edge and cut on angle towards the right hand edge.
7. Add circle with cupcake using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Chipboard is one of those items that most people just don't know on earth they'd do with it. This week we'll cover it with Designer Series Paper and learn a few tips and tricks for making it work for you.

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Three Little Words (113254)
• Ink: Early Espresso (119670), Pretty in Pink (101301)
• Paper: Real Red (102482), Whisper White (100730), Early Espresso Cardstock(119686), Designer Series Paper Patterns Love (124156), Red Glimmer Paper (121790)
• Accessories: On Board Mix & Match Chipboard (119240), SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430),Sponge (101610), Distressing Kit (118762), Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Glue Dots (103683)
• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting System (113439), Scallop Square Duo (120903), Perfect Polkadots Embossing Folder (117335), Small Heart Punch (117193), Paper Snips (103579)

Cardstock Dimensions for this Project

• Real Red
  • 8.5 x 5.5 for card base
• Early Espresso
  • 4 x 5.25 for embossed panel
• Whisper White
  • 4 x 4 for scallop square
• Designer Series Paper
  • 3.5 x 3.5 to cover chipboard heart
• Glimmer Paper
  • Scrap for punched heart

Technique Directions

1. Take chipboard and cover top with Tombo Mono Glue
2. Apply paper on top and set aside and allow to dry
3. Once dry take your paper snips and trim off excess paper.

Tips & Tricks

• Sand off extra pieces with sanding block, for smaller pieces use the files from the distressing kit. These are very handy when you are dealing with the inside of a letter!
• To "finish" edges, gently sponge with coordinating ink. On this project the edges are inked with Pretty in Pink ink.

Finishing Touches

1. Fold cardbase in half.
2. Emboss Early Espresso piece in Big Shot using Polkadot Embossing Folder. Attach to card base using SNAIL.
3. Run Whisper White piece through Big Shot using Scallop Square.
4. Stamp greeting towards bottom using Early Espresso Ink. Attach square to cardbase using SNAIL.
5. Attach finished chipboard heart to scallop square using glue dots.
6. Punch heart from glimmer paper and attach with a glue dot.

Create a unique look for your cards by stamping images with Shimmer Paint.

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Serene Snowflakes (115438)
• Paper: Whisper White (100730), Bashful Blue (105120), Night of Navy (100867) Cardstock
• Accessories: Night of Navy 5/8 Satin Ribbon (120932), Platinum Shimmer Paint, Antique Brads (117273), Basic Rhinestones (119246), SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Sponge Daubers (102892)
• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting System (113439), Top Note (113463), Square Lattice Embossing Folder(119976), Paper Piercer (116631)

Cardstock Dimensions for this Project

• Night of Navy
  • 8.5 x 5.5 for card base
• Bashful Blue
  • 4 X 5.25
• Whisper White
  • 4.25 x 5.5 for Top Note

Technique

1. Apply Shimmer Paint directly to stamp using a sponge dauber
2. Stamp as desired

Tips and Tricks: This is a great technique to use when you don't have the tools for heat embossing and still want the impact of silver stamped images. Be on the lookout for globs of paint before you stamp to ensure you have a crisp image.

Finishing Touches

1. Fold card base in half.
2. Run Bashful Blue cardstock through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.
3. Cut a Whisper White Top Note using the Big Shot. Then flip the Top Note and lie it on the die so that the ends are overlapping the sides and then run through again to get a square.
4. Stamp snowflakes using Shimmer Paint and set aside to dry.
5. Attach ribbon to the Bashful Blue panel by tucking edges in behind and tying a cheater bow. Attach to card base using SNAIL.
6. Set brad through large snowflake using Paper Piercing tool. Attach to base with Stampin' Dimensionals.
7. Top off brad with a rhinestone.

Shimmer Paint is truly one of the most versatile products around offering you lots of looks and techniques! To add it to your stash, you can shop online 24/7 here.

Stampin' Up recent announced that Watercolor Crayons are now available. These are a great colouring medium as they add texture and are easy to work with.

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Greeting Card Kids (W119887/C120633), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
• Ink: Early Espresso (119670), Crumb Cake (121030) and Garden Green (102272) Classic Ink, Regals (119803), Subtles (119802) and Neutrals (119805) Watercolor Wonder Crayons
• Paper: Real Red (102482), Very Vanilla (101650), Crumb Cake (120953)
• Accessories: Twill Tape (119970), Jumbo Pewter Eyelets (108432), SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), 2-Way Glue Pen (100425), Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (102023), Sponges (101610)
• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting System (113439), Scallop Square Duo Bigz Die (120903), Top Note (113463), Crop-A-Dile (108362), Modern Label Punch (119849), 2 ½ Circle Punch (120906), Blender Pen (102845)

Cardstock Dimensions for this Project

• Real Red
  • 4.25 x 5.5 for card base
• Crumb Cake
  • 4 x 4
• Very Vanilla
  • 4.25 x 5.5 for stamped images

Technique

1. Stamp image in desired ink.
2. Color with Blender Pen and Watercolor Wonder Crayons.

Tips and Tricks: To keep your crayons fresh and extend their life, take the color from the flat end of the crayon using your blender pen and apply to your project. For larger images, you can color using the chisel tip and then disburse the color using the blender pen.

Finishing Touches

1. Cut Top Note out of Real Red using the Big Shot.
2. Cut larger of the Scallop Squares out of Crumb Cake using the Big Shot.
3. Stamp image in Early Espresso on Very Vanilla and then punch out with circle punch.
4. Colour image in with crayons and blender pen.
5. Sponge edges with Crumb Cake Classic Ink for a vintage feel.
6. Attach Scallop Square to the Top Note using SNAIL. Layer colored image on top using Stampin' Dimensionals.
7. Stamp greeting in Garden Green Classic on Very Vanilla cardstock, punch with Modern Label and then attach to project using Stampin' Dimensionals.
8. Set eyelet using Crop-A-Dile and tie knot with twill tape.
9. Add glitter underneath the girl using the 2-Way Glue Pen.

Watercolor Wonder Crayons are a great tool to have on hand. They are sold by colour family so they coordinate with your cardstock, ribbon and more. To order your crayons today, visit my online store.

Use the following item numbers to purchase your Watercolor Wonder Crayons:

• 119802 Subtles
• 119803 Regals
• 119804 Brights
• 119805 Neutrals

Details:

• Artist-quality, highly-pigmented crayons
• Water soluble and easy to blend, allowing for an unlimited range of shades
• Coordinate with Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive colors
• Available in colour collection assortments 
• Contains 10 crayons per package
• Can also be used without water to colour images

With the holidays quickly approaching, we are all short on time, so this week's project shares three really quick and easy techniques – perfect for mass production of holiday cards.

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Home for the Holidays (W118736/C120597)
• Ink: Early Espresso (119670) Classic Ink
• Paper: Always Artichoke Cardstock (105119), Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper (120810)
• Accessories: SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Basic Pearls (119247), Frost White Shimmer Paint (116854)
• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting System (113439), Northern Flurry Embossing Folder (120902), Sponge Daubers (102892), Sanding Block (103301)

Cardstock Dimensions for this Project

• Always Artichoke
  • 8.5 x 5.5 for card base
• Designer Series Paper
  • 4 x 5.25 for card front

Technique #1: Sanded Embossing

1. Emboss Designer Series Paper with the Big Shot and then sand to reveal the white core.

Technique #2: Stamp on Designer Series Paper

1. Stamp images on Designer Series Paper

Technique #3: Add Shimmer Paint

1. Using sponge dauber, sponge shimmer paint over the entire surface of the paper for shimmery fun.

Finishing Touches

1. Take card base and fold in half.
2. Take designer series paper and emboss with Big Shot.
3. Sand to reveal snowflakes.
4. Stamp image in bottom right hand corner.
5. Sponge Shimmer Paint over surface of card. Set aside to dry.
6. Attach to cardbase with SNAIL and top off with Basic Pearls.

Simple techniques are the perfect way to save some time and get projects done! Combine a few for a unique look.

Learn how to add embossing detail to a focused area this week. Perfect for adding a bit of shine with clear embossing powder as on the bells above.

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Bell and Boughs (W120831/C121142), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
• Ink: Crumb Cake (121030), Early Espresso (119670), Basic Black Classic Ink (101179), More Mustard (100076), Early Espresso (119680), Cherry Cobbler (119681) and Always Artichoke (105113) Stampin' Write Markers
• Paper: Crumb Cake (120953), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Basic Black (121045), Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper (120810), Newsprint Designer Series Paper (117166)
• Accessories: SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Antique Brads (117273), 1/8 Basic Black Taffetta Ribbon (119261)
• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting System (113439), Two Tags Bigz Die (115954), Versamarker (100901) Heat Tool (100005), Clear Embossing Powder (109130)

Cardstock Dimensions for this Project

• Cherry Cobbler
  • 8.5 x 5.5 for card base
• Basic Black
  • 4 x 5.25 for card mat
• Crumb Cake
  • Piece for tag die
• Deck the Halls
  • Strip of holly designer paper for strip on bottom of tag
• Newsprint Designer Series Paper
  • 5.25 x 2.5, and then torn

Technique Directions

1. Take Versamarker and color where you want to add the embossing detail. This is a great way to add clear embossing powder over colored images.
2. Add embossing powder and tap off excess.
3. Heat set until it becomes shiny. (It's hard to see here but the bells become shiny!)

Tips and Tricks:

• Using the Versamark, you can add clear embossing powder to highlight images on your card, fill in areas, etc.
• The Versamark is a great way to fix stamped images that you've embossed and haven't turned out as you wish.

Finishing Touches

1. Take card base and fold in half.
2. Take designer series paper with music notes from the Newsprint Designer Series Paper and tear gently. Ink edges with Crumb Cake Classic Ink. Attach to Basic Black Cardstock with SNAIL. Attach to card base with SNAIL.
3. Cut large tag using Big Shot out of Crumb Cake Cardstock.
4. Stamp holly images randomly on tag using Crumb Cake Classic Ink.
5. Stamp greeting with Early Espresso on right top side.
6. Add strip of Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper to bottom of tag. Top off with strip of Basic Black ribbon with SNAIL, trim off edges.
7. Stamp bells on left hand side in Basic Black and color in with markers.
8. Take Versamarker and carefully color over the stamped/colored image. Add clear embossing powder and tap off excess. Heat set until it is shiny.
9. Add vintage brad through hole on tag.
10. Attach tag to card base with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Get out that Versamark and see where you can use embossing powder to add a little unexpected pop to your projects.