Wednesday, June 9, 2021

 Hi, I'm still here and still making cards and scrapbook pages using the great, color coordinated Stampin' Up products.  I've endured through the pandemic and just started doing classes.  It is so much fun to be able to create with friends again!

A new catalog started last month, it's always so exciting to look through a new catalog and find stamps, dies and embossing folders that will help make cards and scrapbook pages easier and prettier!  I made a couple of cards with a new bundle that I am pretty crazy about.  I need to print some beach pictures so I can do some scrapbook pages with it too.

The bundle is called "Friends Are Like Seashells" and includes the stamp set and dies.  There is also an embossing folder called Seashells that matches with the stamps and/or the dies.  I used all 3 of these on both of my cards.  First, I used the Costal Cabana and Crumb Cake ink pads directly on the embossing folder, being sure to apply them on the side that will be raised out.  After applying the ink I spritzed both the embossing folder and the white cardstock with water and ran it through the die cut machine.  This helped bleed out the lines the ink pads left so it is a nicer blend of colors.  After it dried good I added the little star fish, seashell and tied a length of linen thread around the embossed layer.  Then I stamped the sentiment on the sand dollar and applied it with Stampin' Dimensionals.   A few Basic Rhinestones finishes off the front and then I layered it on Coastal Cabana and Crumb Cake.

The other card uses the very popular alcohol spritz technique.  I colored circles with Coastal Cabana and Evening Evergreen Blends markers on vellum and spritzed them with rubbing alcohol (has to be at least 90%).  After it dries it's ready to use on a card.  I cut a piece of Basic White cardstock the same size as the vellum and stamped the dots from the stamp set on the bottom of the white layer before adhering the vellum to it.  To adhere, I sponged liquid glue all over the back of the vellum and carefully placed it on the white layer.  Then I put it under a heavy book all night to help straighten it out.  Vellum curls when it gets wet!  The next day I added some shells and a sentiment that I used one of the Ornate Frames dies to cut out. I layered all this on a Coastal Cabana background.  I'm thinking it would look good with some twine and gems too!