Stampin' Up! Stars Framelits for Panther Polo

Hey Stampin' Friends!!

It's been a busy morning. I've been helping to get ready for my daughter's water polo banquet this evening (Thus, the late blog post!). But I wanted to share this still today because it features the Stars Framelits which are on sale RIGHT NOW!! Today is the last day that you can get them for under $21. Tomorrow new Weekly Deals will be announced.

Here is the card that I made for the coaches:

Stamps: Lots of Thanks

Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer, Stacked With Love DSP

Accessories: Stars Framelits, Mini Treat Bag die (row of stars), Polka Dot EF, Small Star Punch (retired), Silver Ribbon

I love creating frames with our Framelits. Just stack them inside each other and roll it through the Big Shot. Super easy!!

Here is the gift bag I made for the coaches gifts:

Stamps: none

Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer, Stacked With Love DSP

Accessories: Star Framelits, Mini Treat Bag die, Small Star Punch (retired)

The large silver star is the leftover from cutting the star frame on the card.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. ;)

And here are the table signs (a.k.a "pretty trash") that I made for the banquet:

Stamps: Perfect Pennants (red star)

Paper: Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer

Accessories: Large Star Punch (retired), Small Star Punch (retired), Itty Bitty Star Punch, Computer and Printer (words were printed)

Looking forward to a fun night with my daughter's team. As you can tell, her school colors are red, black, and white. Go Panthers!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

STAMP SOMETHING!

Krystal

Stampin' Up! Indescribable Gift Easter

Hi Stamping Friends!!!

I ordered the Indescribable Gift stamp set from the Occasions Catalog because I was hoping to hone my coloring skills with the new Blendabilities alcohol markers. But with the whole "blendies debacle" (the manufacturer could not meet SU!'s high level quality control so they are no longer available for purchase), I decided to return my marker set since I had never used them.  I also contemplated returning the Indescribable Gift stamp set. But I'm so glad I decided to keep it!!

Stamps: Indescribable Gift (Occasions Catalog)

Paper: Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla, Brushed Gold, Best Year Ever DSP (butterflies)

Accessories: Spring Flower EF, Label Framelits, Label Piercing Template, Gold Satin Ribbon, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Pearl Jewels, Baked Brown Sugar marker, Old Olive marker, Always Artichoke marker, Blender Pen, Bleach

I was inspired by a card I saw by Melissa Davies at RubberFUNatics. She used the bleach technique with this stamp set and it was so pretty I thought I would try it too.

I stamped my flower image (is it a cherry blossom or a dogwood?) using Early Espresso ink. then I cut it out with the Label Framelit. Next, using a small amount of regular bleach and a Blender pen, I "colored" my flowers.

It's a fairly simple technique. Just dip your pen in the bleach, and color, being careful not to touch your stamped outlines (which I didn't do and thus "erased" some lines and had to redraw them in using the fine side of the Early Espresso marker).

I love the look of the "bleach technique". I hadn't used it quite awhile. A few other simple tools and techniques I dusted off and used were:

My paper piercing template:

And my Embosslit:

I used to use the Beautiful Wings Embosslit All. The. Time. I love how it cuts out and embosses all at the same time! But when we got our new butterfly punches, my Embosslit got lost in the shuffle. It was fun to take him out again!!

Because I was not careful during my bleach coloring, I erased some of my lines. I thought I would replace the "inside" of my flowers by stamping them with a small image from the Sheltering Tree set using gold ink. It didn't turn out as I had planned. I wanted some soft, golden dots. Instead I got big splotches. So I tried covering them up with pearls. I still don't love it, but I wasn't about to start all over, so I did the best I could to "fix" it.

It's a big ol' hot mess in the center of my flowers. Oh well!! A tip to share though is: When Applying pearl or rhinestone jewels, use your paper piercing tool for perfect placement. It's especially helpful with those teeny tiny ones. You can use your piercing tool to lift them right off the sheet and place them anywhere you want them. So much easier than getting them stuck all over your fingers.

SInce I wanted to color my leaves green, I went to my marker set and realized that I had never converted my markers since the last color change!! Oh my! So before I could continue stamping, I first needed to organize my markers to the current colors.

I keep all of my old markers, so looking through them is like walking down a Stampin' Up! color memory lane. Who remembers Summer Sun? Handsome Hunter? Lavender Lace? Mellow Moss? Barely Banana?

Today is the LAST DAY to earn FREE Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration products!!! Don't miss out!!!

Don't forget to follow me on:

FACEBOOK: Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up Demonstrator - Oceanside

PINTEREST: Krystal's Cards - Stampin' Up!

INSTAGRAM: krystals_cards

I hope this inspires you to use some of your neglected tools and techniques. 

Thanks for stopping by!

STAMP SOMETHING!!
Krystal

Stampin' Up! Berry Easter Basket Card

Hi Stamping Friends!!

The kids had Spring Break this week so I didn't have much time to stamp. We were doing fun things like going to the movies (go see McFarland before it's too late!), shopping, and visiting Mickey Mouse. :) Yesterday was the first chance I had to hang out in my stamp loft and boy did I enjoy my self!! Therapy people!! I'm telling you that crafting is my therapy. (It may not be cheaper than actually seeing a therapist, but it is way more fun!)

I've been wanting to create some Eastery things, so that was my theme for the day. Here is one of the cards I made:

Stamps: Indescribable Gift (sentiment) and Hardwood Background stamp

Paper: Whisper White, Soft Sky, Sahara Sand, Best Year Ever DSP (SAB), All Abloom DSP Stack (grass)

Accessories: Berry Basket Die, Large Oval Punch, Beautiful Wings Embosslit (butterfly), Fringe Scissors, Rhinestone Jewels, SAB ribbon

The Best Year Ever DSP makes the BEST Easter eggs E.V.E.R!!!! Perfect colors and patterns. It made creating this card so easy! I wanted the basket to look 3D so I first scored the bottom to make it pop out a little, but ended up eliminating the extra "bump" because it stuck out too far. It's hard to tell from the pic, but the basket and front two eggs are raised with Dimensionals, so there is some depth.

I shortened my basket by cutting off the top a little. It was just not proportioned correctly for the size of my eggs. The little butterfly is cut out using the Beautiful Wings Embosslit. I almost forgot about this great little tool. Before we got the butterfly punches, I used it All. The. Time. I love how it embosses and cuts out at the same time.

I had cut these out for another project and had the larger two left over, laying on my workspace. It was the perfect pop of color. The Jewel Rhinestones look yellow because they are. I did not color them with anything. I had a pack that "turned" on me. Never had that happen before. I called Stampin' Up! and they replaced the "damaged" pack but of course I didn't throw them away. I'm going to use ever last one of those yellow jewels. :)

I'm hoping to do a little more crafting today. I'll probably inundate you with blog posts next week, trying to share all my Easter fun before Easter gets here next Sunday.

I hope you enjoy your weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!

STAMP SOMETHING!!

Krystal

Stampin' Up! Happenings Simply Created Thank You

Hi Stamping Friends!!!

Wanted to pop in and share the thank you cards we sent this month. I needed about 35 of them. Usually I find a design I like on the web and then replicate it. But this month I "cheated" a little. Instead of making all 35, I made 15 using one of Stampin' Up!'s Card Kits called Happenings. And I was so happy with the results that I wished I had another kit in the house!!!

I love how they turned out!! And they went together so quickly since all the parts and pieces are cut and ready. I did add a few little "extras" to each card. On the top card I added the arrows. On the middle card I added the embossed Pistachio circle. And on the last card I added the butterfly for an extra "pop" of color.

Making and sending these monthly thank you cards is such a wonderful privilege. I am constantly amazed and overwhelmed by God's provision for our family. Without the prayers, help, and support from so many loving and generous people, we would not be able to accomplish these things God has put on our hearts here in Oceanside. I'm so glad that my "hobby" helps me share my heart with those who have touched my life.

The Happenings Simply Created Card Kit is featured on page 198 of the catalog. The kit includes 15 of each:

white notecards with envelopes

designer series background paper

die-cut accents

silver glitter banners

white banners

silver baker's twine

silver buttons

I chose the "thank you" sentiment but you could choose any sentiment you want. You could add a cupcake and make them birthday cards. Add a flower accent and use them for "thinking of you" or a wedding/bridal shower. With these soft, pretty colors you could even use them for baby cards. So many options!!!

I love that Stampin' Up! makes stamping fun, creative, and convenient!! And at only $14.95 for the kit, they are also a great deal! Make sure you add them to your next purchase and keep them lying around for when you need that quick, last minute card. You can thank me later. ;)

And if you love card kits, you should join my March Online Stamp Class:

From now through March 20th, purchase the Sheltering Tree stamp set AND the Hardwood Background stamp from my Stampin' Up! website using the Hostess Code: PM2XM9RC and receive a FREE card kit from me featuring both stamp sets.

Sheltering Tree on page 22 of the Occasions Catalog
#137163 $24.95

Hardwood Background on page 175 of the "Big" Catalog
#133035 $13.95

If you already have either of these stamp sets, then simply place a qualifying order of any products of your choice in the amount of $38.90 from my Stampin' Up! website using the Hostess Code: PM2XM9RC by March 20th and you can still receive the FREE card kit.

Stampin' Up had TONS of announcements the last few days that I've skipped blogging. I can't remember which ones I've already shared with you so if I repeat myself, just pretend you are listening to your mother and shake your head and smile. :)

BLENDABILITIES PRODUCT LINE HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED:

A number of you have experienced quality issues with the Blendabilities product line, which has resulted in frustration. Due to the nature of the defect, we have concluded that difficulties, dissatisfaction, and product returns will only become more widespread. The manufacturer is unable to correct the problem in a manner that we are certain would meet our high quality standards and provide us with a stable, long-term solution. Therefore, after a great deal of deliberation and in order to prevent further disappointment, the Blendabilities product line has been discontinued.

MDS WILL BE UNAVAILABLE AFTER MAY 31, 2015:

After careful evaluation and consideration, Stampin’ Up! has determined that we will no longer offer MDS or its associated professional print services.

NEW SALE-A-BRATIONS ITEMS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST:

AND FINALLY...

NEW WEEKLY DEALS:

Whew!! That's a lot of information!! And I have a feeling there is more to come as one of our updates mentioned that "major changes" were coming to Stampin' Up! I don't know what that means, but I say BRING IT ON!! I love when they change things up a bit. Keeps it fresh and new.

Don't forget to check me out on other social media sites. My favorite hangout is FACEBOOK: KRYSTAL'S CARDS - STAMPIN' UP OCEANSIDE

And my second favorite is PINTEREST: KRYSTAL'S CARDS

And I just recently joined the INSTAGRAM family. Look for me: krystals_cards

Well. I think that's finally it!!

Thanks for stopping by!

STAMP SOMETHING!

Krystal

Stampin' Up! Espress Yourself Meets That's the Ticket

Good Saturday Morning Stamping Friends!!

I know it's not Wayback Wednesday or Throwback Thursday or even Flashback Friday, but I have an invite that I originally created in 2009 to share with you today. This is the updated 2015 version:

Stamps: Espress Yourself, That's the Ticket

Paper: Pretty in Pink (retired), Creamy Caramel (retired) Chocolate Chip, Coastal Cabana, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink DSP (retired),

Accessories: Cupcake Builder Punch, Itty Bitty Heart Punch, Duo Ticket Punch, Candy Dots, Decorative Dots EF, ribbon unknown

 This is the original 2009 prototype:

Back in 2009, a friend of my had called and said she wanted to have a "first day of school" coffee time for mom's after they dropped their kids off at school. Could I make 20 invitations? Well of course I could!!! So I borrowed the Espress Yourself stamp set from sister to stick with the coffee theme.

It's a fun pocket invite where you pull the info card out of the pocket. I was going to print the "back to the grind" sentiment on my computer. I thought that was a cute sentiment about going back to school and coffee. Anywhoo... I don't exactly remember why, but my friend decided not to have the party and I was stuck with 20 half-finished invites. 

Fast forward to 2014 and we are packing up to move after living in our house for 15 years. My office/homeschool/craft room was only 9x9 in size, but I had it so organized that I packed all kinds of wonderful treasures in there. These invites being one of them. I just couldn't throw them out, so I packed them up and moved them to Oceanside.

I've been wanting to invite the ladies from my "hood" over to stamp cards, so I came up with Cupcakes, Coffee, and Cardmaking. It was only after I came up with the name that I remembered I had these invites. Perfect!!! I just needed to add a cupcake to stick with the theme. I think the addition of Coastal Cabana adds a much needed punch of color.

It was fun to find these and finally be able to use them. It was a little like walking down Stampin' Up! memory lane. Pretty in Pink?! Creamy Caramel?! I love that Stampin' Up! continues to change and add colors and designs. They are always trying to stay fresh with the new trends and I appreciate that. In fact, I can't wait to see what the newest In-Colors will be in June!!

On a side note, I never did return my sister's stamp set. And now it is packed up in a box somewhere with all my other retired stamps. In fact, I had to google the name of it because I had no idea what it's name was. :)

Do you have any favorite stamp sets from the past that you still use? Or are you like me and always want to get the latest and greatest? :)

If you want to see more pictures of this invite renovation, go visit my Facebook page. I'm only 7 "likes" away from 200. When we hit the 200 mark I will give a special giveaway. So stop by and have fun stamping with me!!

KRYSTAL'S CARDS - STAMPIN' UP OCEANSIDE

Hope you all have an awesome weekend. We are hoping to have a little beach time today. And hopefully some stamp time too. ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

STAMP SOMETHING!

Krystal

Stampin' Up! That's the Ticket Mojo388

Hi Stamping Friends!!

A number of years back I was a card challenge junkie. I seriously needed a 12 step program. I played in every challenge I could find. It was a ton of fun, but also took up a ton of my time so I had to quit. So "for the first time in forever" I am playing in the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge. Here is my card:

Stamps: That's the Ticket

Paper: Primrose Petals (retired), Coastal Cabana, Whisper White, Best Year Ever DSP (SAB), Soft Suede DSP

Accessories: Cupcake Builder Punch, Decorative Dots EF, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Ticket Duo Builder Punch, Pink Pirouette Taffeta Ribbon (retired), Pearl Jewels

Here is what the sketch looks like:

I made about 10 of these cards to use as invites to a Cupcakes, Coffee, and Cardmaking class that I am hosting. 

I put them in a clear bag along with a Sale-A-Bration brochure and am handing them out to gals in the neighborhood and moms from my son's class.

I already have 3 RSVP's!! If you are in the North County San Diego area you should come!!

I loved this sketch so much that I decided to use it for our monthly support thank-yous. 

24 of them all ready to go!! Just need to sit down and address the envelopes and sign the insides. Easy enough. Except I always get distracted by some stamping thing or another. Like sketch challenges!  :)

For more stamping fun and a peek into my stamping world, you should come hang out with me on Facebook. 

KRYSTAL'S CARDS - OCEANSIDE

Thanks for stopping by!

STAMP SOMETHING!

Krystal

Stampin' Up! Calling All Heroes for a Special Friend

Hi Stamping Friends!!

If you've been around the blog long enough, you have heard me mention that our family moved last July. While we LOVE living in North County San Diego, we left many dear family and friends behind in the Central Valley. There is one friend in particular that I consider one of my "super hero" moms. So I sent her this card:

Stamps: Calling All Heroes (This is a photopolymer special release so it is not in any catalog. You can find it in my Stampin' Up! store in the photopolymer section of stamps.)

Paper: Real Red, Basic Black, Island Indigo DSP, Crushed Curry, Whisper White, Gold Glimmer

Accessories: Starburst Framelits, Star Itty Bitty Punch, Gold Ribbon

I remember one of the first times I saw LaCinda. She was sliding down the slide with her daughter. ON SUNDAY!! IN HER CHURCH CLOTHES!!! I thought, "Who is this crazy lady?!" But you know what, that is what I love about her most. That she is brave enough to slide down a slide on a Sunday morning because her daughter wants her to. Regardless of who else is around or watching. She has taught me to enjoy the small things, not take myself too seriously, to love Jesus, but mostly to HAVE FUN!!! And I'm a little jealous because she has the world's best hats and fake eyelashes. EVER!

The "Kratt Sisters" at VBS.

Driving down the streets of Tulare in a golf cart. "RIGHT ON!"

Love and miss you friend!!! When are you going to convince that husband of yours to move down here to paradise? ;)

Send a "super hero" a card this week and tell them how much ya love 'em. I dare ya!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Stamp something!!

Krystal