Double D Stamp

Don't forget too that until Friday you can get the Double D stamp set for FREE by just spending $75 in product. Email me your order and I'll add 20% off your entire order. There's no better time to get a great deal!

Get 20% Off Anything CTMH

Until Friday I am offering 20% off your ENTIRE ORDER for any Close To My Heart product (including the Cricut Cartridge and Studio J memberships. How exciting!) Orders must be emailed to me to receive the discount. You can also take personal satisfaction in knowing that you are personally helping me earn the cruise to Hawaii. THANK YOU!!!

As an added bonus. All orders over $75 will receive the new Double D stamp FREE!

Studio J Easy Stitching

Adding stitching to any layout it easy now with Studio J's pre-set stitches that you can just drag in and resize. I layered some stickease here as well to create a cluster. If you would like instructions on how to make this layout please email me at happyscrappinsquad@gmail.com

2011 Regional Celebration

I had the most amazing time at the Regional Celebration in Vancouver hosted by Close To My Heart. I met so many amazing consultants and made some amazing artwork. Was shocked to see I had won 4 awards. I'll be sharing more in the weeks to come but here are some of the cute cards we made.

Thanksgiving Card: Project Inspiration Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book



Create a multi-layered stamping imaging using the base and shade technique and Close To My Heart's My Acrylix® So Grateful stamp set. As you can see on this video, it's as easy as pumpkin pie—and will look great on your Thanksgiving dinner invitations and cards.

Visit my You Tube Channel at HappyScrappinSquad

Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop!  This month there are 13 of us highlighting the Multicolor Motif Technique as shown on page 110 in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book!  This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique.  If you would like to start from the beginning, please visit Debi's Blog. While there you will also find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way.  Let’s get started!

If you are coming from Cherri Hardcastle Blog, you are on the right track!  

Technique: "Exclusive markers make it easy to selectively ink parts of a stamp with different hues. Just apply each ink color using the brush tip of the marker, then stamp on your project for multicolor images."

I selected my colors to match the colors in the Dreamin' paper pack. I choose Crystal Blue, Pacifica, Goldrush, Honey, and Chocolate.

Next I applied the color of each marker working from the bottom up.

Stamp your image firmly onto of a versamat or the foam sheet.

This will give you a watery looking image that I like to use as a watermark of sorts. I croped my stamped image down to 5 x 2 1/2.

Using the new My Reflections paper I was able to create a card from the Level 2 pack. I stamped the inside of my card as well.

To complete the outer stamped image I stamped the sentiment in three different colors over my watermark.

Lastly I finished the card off by adding a mat to my stamped area, a corrugated star and shimmer brad.

Please continue onto Michelle Battatori Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique!  Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!

Technique: Using Clear Cards

When using clear cards or arcylic chipboard the first thing you need to do is remove the clear plastic protector. I find the easiest way to do this is to use your piercing tool or tweezers to catch the plastic and then pull up. The protector sheet is on BOTH sides.


When inking the edges you want to use stazon ink so it doesn't smudge off.  Then allow the card to dry for a few minutes. I use this time to distress all my other papers. You can use any ink to distress the paper.


The trick to creating amazing clear cards is all in the layering. From the outside of the card you want it to appear as though the design is all on the front but the surprise is when you open it you see that it is actually layered. For this simple card I had only two layers but using both sides of the card you could have as many as four. I placed my largest layer on bottom and the smallest layer on the front.


When adhering your paper you want to be careful about covering or minimizing your adhesive. If you plan to cover the back or have multiple layers then you can use several different adhesives. However in my case the back of the paper was visible through the card so I wanted to minimize the sight.


The best thing to use is the mini dots and apply to only the corners and possibly one in the middle of the sheet. When applying dots, you'll want to press the dot up to the paper directly and then peel away the paper with the dot on it. This prevents the dot from stretching or getting stuck to your finger.


For this card I just had to add my giant flower and stamped image. I finished it off with some bitty sparkles.

Tip: Cleaning

When using StazOn Ink with clear stamps be sure to use the StazOn cleaner. This specific cleaner is designed to remove the color from solvent based inks and will en sure your clear stamps stay clear. Best if used immediately after stamping. I like to then also clean the stamp with our cleaner to remove the StazOn cleaner which has an oily residue.

When your double scrubber starts to get dirty (especially after using a lot of dark inks) simply remove the pads and rinse under water until it runs clear. Then return the pads and allow to dry.

Product Highlight

Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

If you loved the Ribbon from the You&Me kit this summer you will want to get your hands on this bulk ribbon! Thick and neutral to match any layout, now you can get 5 yards of this 1 1/4" wide Colonial White and Dark Chocolate striped ribbon for $6.95.

Kraft Die-Cut Cards & Envelopes

These ten 6" × 6" die-cut cards and ten envelopes can be used the traditional way as cards or used to create a mini accordion album. Contact me for directions on how to make your own adorable album. Cards and envelopes are $6.95.

Dreamin' Level 2 Paper Packet

Fall is coming and this paper pack will really brighten up your memories and photos with color and warmth. Fall colors accented with blue makes this a great kit for autumn adventures, water escapades, or any outdoor activity. Create gorgeous layouts, cards, and gifts using these coordinating Dreamin' products today! Our new Level 2 kits now include 6 – 12" × 12" Cardstock Sheets (2 Bamboo, 2 Goldrush, 1 Chocolate, 1 Pacifica) and 6 – 12" × 12" B&T Duos® Papers (2 each of 3 double-sided designs). Our B&T Duos® Papers is now 100lb cardstock thickness! New kit price is $9.95!
Kit Colors: Bamboo, Goldrush, Chocolate, Pacifica, and Honey

Harvest Charms

These gorgeous charms coordinate with the Dreamin' paper beautifully. Six embossed adhesive-backed metal charms: 3 with epoxy, 3 without; approx. 2" × 2" and 1½" x 1¼"; antiqued copper for $5.95.

  Bronz Glitz Glue

 Want sparkle? This is a great way to quickly and affordability add that glitter look without the mess. Add Glitz™ to projects to make them sparkle by simply squeezing it out of the tube exactly where you want it. You can outline shapes, dot accents, fill in, and more. Get 0.8 fl. oz for just $2.75!

While Supplies Last

As the spring/summer idea book comes to a close we must say goodbye to the good to make room for the better. But get some of those products while supplies lasts from the clearance section on my website! There are 30 items there now and ONLY available for purchase on my website! Most products are 33% - 78% off!

Stamp of the Month

September: Limited Edition

We've made it easier for you to get the Exclusive Stamp Of The Month (SOTM). Simply spend $50 or more to purchase the D-Size Stamp at a reduced discount of just $5.00! That's a huge savings!

Or you can always buy the stamp at full price of $17.95. Remember the SOTMs are only available during the featured month and then go into retirement.

This versatile stamp can be used to create cards, tags, gifts like calendars, accents for layouts, and more. It really is a great addition to any collection.

Stamp images outlined in red coordinate with the Cricut® Art Philosophy collection (Z1686).

SEPTEMBER CONSTANT CAMPAIGNS

 

Celebrate National Stamping Month

In September, we are offering our first-ever double stamp set!

You can get the exclusive My Acrylix® Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set FREE when you place an order of $75 US from August 15 through September 30, 2011. You'll love this double set —two D-size sets in one envelope— which includes lots of clever phrases and coordinating images you'll use in your handmade cards all year long.

The double set has a retail value of $35.90, which drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! Have double the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set!

Need an Idea Book!

If you haven't received an idea book and would like a physical copy please email me and I can let you know how you can get one for free. You can also view it online here: Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book

Here are some Cricut Tips: Do not leave your paper on the cutting mat for a long period of time as the adhesive will glue the paper to it and you will need to rip the paper off then clean the mat. You may need to re-apply adhesive if your mat gets old, dirty, or just too many paper fuzzies. You can use our Memories Bonding Glue (The Blue Glue) to make your mat sticky again. Simply apply the glue when it is blue all over the mat and allow to dry clear and then your mat is ready to go again!

Click here to see all 700 cuts for our exclusive cartridge and stamp collection!

I Love Fall!

This is definitely my favorite time of year. I love how crisp the air is and the smells of fall. Pumpkin everything for me please! Add a touch of cinnamon to that cider while you are at it. My favorite is taking the girls on hikes through the leaves or going to the pumpkin patch. There is a certain beauty about fall that I just can't get enough of. What are you favorite memories or things to do during the fall months. I would love to hear from you. You can email me back here or post on the facebook page.

Technique Swap: Masking & Resisting

This month my team swapped cards with resisting using embossing or masking. Here are the cards:

2011 August Swap Cards slideshow by Happy_Scrappin on Photobucket