Jessica Lamb Stamps

How the heck do I re-ink my Stampin’ Up! Classic ink pad?

Do you have the same question? How the heck do I re-ink my Stampin’ Up! Classic ink pad? Well this is a question that I frequently get from my clients. There is no need to throw out your Stampin’ Up! ink pad once it gets a little dry, all you need is a bottle of re-inker and you can bring that ink pad back to life in no time!

 

How can you tell if your Classic Ink Pad needs to be refreshed?

There are a couple ways you can tell your ink pad may need some more ink. First you will notice the pad seems drier than usual. You will also notice that your stamped image doesn’t have good coverage even after using proper stamping technique. If that’s the case then you should refresh your ink pad.

 

Why should I re-ink my ink pad? Isn’t it messy? Why don’t I just buy a new ink pad instead?

Re-inking your ink pad properly is not a messy process. It literally takes minutes. And you could certainly purchase a new ink pad instead but a bottle of re-inker is about half the price and lasts a long time. You will be able to refresh your ink pad several times before you run out and in the long run it will save you some money.

 

How do I re-ink my Classic Ink Pad? How often do I need to do this?

It is easier than you think to re-ink your ink pad and it literally takes 5 minutes. All you need is a Stampin’ Up! re-inker in color and type of ink you are using. (Stampin’ Up! craft ink uses craft re-inkers and classic ink uses classic re-inkers). So if your Basic Black Classic Ink pad needs refreshing then you need the Basic Black Classic Re-inker. I recommend that you re-ink your ink pads once a year. If you use a color more often then you make need to re-ink it more frequently.  I put together a quick YouTube video for you with the step by step instructions.

 

 

 

See nothing to worry about – super easy to do! And the process for re-inking a Stampin’ Up! craft ink pad is exactly the same.

 

But I thought I heard that Stampin’ Up! is coming out with new firm foam ink pads?

That is true, in June 2012 Stampin’ Up! will be introducing new firm foam ink pads. I am pretty certain the re-inking process is exactly the same. But no worries if it is not, because I will make another video for you guys! But note – with the new foam ink pads 5 colors had a slight reformulation: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Marina Mist, Perfect Plum, and Tempting Turquoise – for these colors only – starting in June 2012 with the new firm foam ink pads to refresh them you will need a re-inker with the new formulation. The current re-inker is not the same formulation. For all other colors, the current re-inkers will work with the firm foam ink pads.

 

If you have any questions about how to refresh your ink pads or the new firm foam ink pads just leave your question in the comment section below.  And if you need any re-inkers you can order them from my website by clicking here.

 

Card making featuring the Simply Soft stamp set

Lately I have been seeing dandelion art work everywhere! And I’m hooked! I really hope there is a dandelion stamp in the new Stampin’ Up! catalog. Until the new catalog is released, the next best stamp set to use for the dandelion look is the Hostess Only, 2 step stamp set: Simply Soft. This set will be retired as of May 31, 2012 (insert sad face)

I love this set! It is just so pretty! The tall flower is sort of like a dandelion don’t ya think? The card I have to share with you was one of the featured cards in my April stamp a stack of cards class. It is reminiscent of a couple of dandelions standing tall.

 

 

The color scheme is So Saffron, Very Vanilla, and Certain Celery. This is one of my favorite color combinations – it is soft and classic; perfect for plants and flowers. The embossed background was made by using the Big Shot with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. I love embossing with the Big Shot – you get big impact results with little effort. This card design is super versatile – it can be used for birthday, thinking of you, Mother’s Day, or get well.

 

You can check out another card I made with the Simply Soft stamp set by clicking here. I’d love to know what you think of both of these cards. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know.

 

Introducing a new Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator starter kit!

Do you love to make cards and/or scrapbook? Wouldn't you love to earn money while doing something you enjoy? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then Stampin' Up! is the perfect opportunity for you.

 

You guys know how much I love to scrapbook and paper craft. And I love, and sharing my paper crafting passion with others! These are just a few of the benefits that made me decide to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I love meeting new people and having the chance to build a great business doing so. I also get to set my own schedule and that is a definite plus!

 

And starting in May 2012 Stampin' Up!'s New Demonstrator Starter Kit is completely customizable! Build your Starter Kit your way! Your kit – your way!

 

For just $99, you get:

• Your choice of up to $125 worth of any current Stampin' Up! products!

• A business supply pack valued at $65!

• The kit still ships for free!

That's a total value of $190!

 

You can completely customize your kit! How awesome is that! For just $99, you get to choose up to $125 worth of any current Stampin’ Up! products—stamps, accessories, tools, digital downloads, and more! You want $125 worth of Designer Series Paper and card stock – then get that! Or you want $125 in Big Shot dies – cool, get that! It is completely up to you!

 

So what are you waiting for? Join my team today! Click here for all the details and to sign up now.

Last chance stamp set: Not So Seriously stamp set

The last chance Stampin’ Up! stamp set list for 2012 is here! Every Tuesday until May 31 I will be sharing with you projects made from items on the last chance list. These are some of my favorite Stampin’ Up! products and they will be retiring; the current Idea Book & Catalog will be retired on May 31 NOT June 30.

 

 

The annual catalog will run from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013. Which means the current Idea Book & Catalog will end on May 31, 2012 NOT June 30^th!!

 

This week’s featured retiring product is the Not So Seriously stamp set.

 

 This is a fun little set! Perfect for cards for your BFF! Check out this fun birthday card

 

 

But wait – check out the inside of the card!

 

 

Isn’t that great! LOL What girl friend wouldn’t love this card!

 

You can check out some other cards I made with the Not So Seriously stamp set here and here.

 

As a reminder, the last chance accessories and Definitely Decorative are while supplies last.  Once these products are gone, they are gone. So if there is something on your Wish List that is being retired order them now via my website. Just click here or the shop now button above (oh and be sure to check out the clearance rack while you are there – there are some great deals –up to 70% off!)

Are you on my electronic mailing list yet?

You’re not, say it isn’t so – what are you waiting for?? My electronic mailing list is a great resource of information for you. Whether you want to know about my upcoming classes and crops or the latest Stampin’ Up! news, my electronic mailing list is filled with important and useful information.

 

 Let me tell you all about my electronic mailing list.  As a mailing list subscriber, you can expect to receive:

 

• My monthly newsletter which usually comes out the 1st Tuesday or Wednesday of the month and includes techniques, tips, promotion information and much more! I will send other periodic emails during the month with information on classes, promotions, and events.
  

• Information on upcoming and current Stampin’ Up! promotions

• Exclusive stamping and paper crafting techniques

• Mailing list member only coupons and specials

• And much more!

 

I take your privacy seriously and I will not sell or share your information with others.

 

My May newsletter will be out tomorrow and it is jam packed with information! You can join my mailing list by entering your information into the box in the upper left hand corner or by entering your information here.

 

Join the Jessica Lamb Stamps electronic mailing list!

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If you'd like even more exclusive information and inspiration, don't forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube!

 

Who wants to be a Queen of the Crop?

Are you looking for a weekend away with the ladies crafting, laughing, and having a great time! Then I have the event for you! Our NJ Crop Weekends Summer Crop 2012!

 

 

Registration is OPEN for our Summer Crop Weekend from August 10-12, 2012 at the Dolce, Basking Ridge, NJ!

 

A paper crafting getaway is sooooo much fun! There are classes, contests, games, great food, and of course great company! This is 1 scrapbooking retreat you won’t want to miss!

 

One of the many benefits of our crops is to become a Queen of the Crop!

 

Check out these Queen of the Crop perks:

• PRIORITY SEATING - All queens are able to choose their seat.  We will do our best to keep the rest of your table open for your friends, but there are no guarentees. (Your best bet is to have your friends be Queens as well!!)  Queen seating is offered first come, first served.

• EARLY CROP ROOM ENTRY - All queens can enter the Crop Room at 8:00AM on Friday.  That's TWO bonus hours to unpack, settle in, and start cropping before anyone else arrives at 10:00!!!

• CLASS DISCOUNT - All queens receive a 10% discount on all classes at the weekend.

• PRIORITY FOR TABLE MASSAGE APPOINTMENTS - Our fabulous table massage therapists have very limited appointments.  As a queen, you are guaranteed to get an appointment if you'd like one.

• EXTRA DOOR PRIZE TICKETS - All queens end up with at least 10 more door prize tickets than everyone else.  More tickets means more chances to win!!

• DECORATED SEATS - Everyone will know you are a queen by the great decorations on your seat!! 

 

Still not convinced -- check out our YouTube channel to hear what some of our clients have to say!

**TO BECOME A QUEEN OF THE CROP, YOUR REGISTRATION FORM AND PAYMENT IN FULL MUST BE RECEIVED BY TODAY -- SUNDAY, APRIL 29**

 

I’d love to have you join me for the whole weekend or just 1 day. Several packages are available.

 

Plus we have a referral program! If you refer a NEW friend to NJ Crop Weekends, take $10 off* your package price and $10 off* your friend’s price!!  (*Save $5 on packages D, E & F.)

 

All packages include:

• Ergonomic seating
• Use of Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Center
• Power strip at every table
• Complimentary Punch & Die-cut Table
• Goodie Bags Filled with Products!!
• Free Wireless Internet & Free Wireless Printing
• Coffee, Tea, Water, Juices, and Snacks 24/7
• And much more!

 

For more information and a registration form click here. And remember today is the last day to reserve your spot as a Queen of the Crop! Space is limited so reserve your spot today! Oh, FYI – early bird pricing ends June 30!

 

I hope to see you at the crop!

 

Baby Congratulations card featuring the Curly Cute stamp set

I have the most adorable baby card to share with you today (if I do say so myself!) I used the Curly Cute stamp set for the card greeting. I love this versatile stamp set!

 

I can’t wait for you to see the baby card – so let’s start with the picture!

 

 

The inspiration for this congratulations card came from the Stampin’ Success magazine. Stampin’ Success is just 1 of the perks of being a Stampin’ Up! demo. Every month we receive a free magazine filled with project ideas and business tips! It is a great resource! The card I CASED (ie: copy and share everything) was made by fellow demonstrator Barbara Dykhouse. BTW – CASING a card is one of the highest forms of flattery – just be sure to give credit to the original designer. Her card used a different greeting and her baby dresses were on hangers. I decided to make a little clothes line instead.

 

Changing this card up for a little baby boy is easy to do – just switch your color pallet to Whisper White and Bashful Blue! And of course don’t add the ribbon trim to the dresses.

 

What do you think of this adorable card? Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know!

An assortment of engagement party invitations

My youngest sister got engaged a few weeks back and the engagement party is quickly approaching! I designed 4 different engagement party invitations for my mom to use for the celebration. All four cards feature my sister’s magenta (Rose Red) and orange (Pumpkin Pie)  color scheme.

 

I wanted to make a trendy and hip invite for the party that reflected my sister and fiance’s personality. All 4 cards are flat, standard A2. I choose this size so we wouldn’t have to worry about extra postage or an odd shaped envelope. I also didn’t want anything that was too 3 dimensional out of mailing concerns. Finally I wanted something pretty that I could easily duplicate. Using a variety of Big Shot dies and embossing folders makes these cards easy to reproduce.

 

All of these engagement party invitation samples could be used for any party invitation including birthdays, anniversaries, sweet 16, and bridal showers.

 

So here’s what I came up with!

 

For the first sample I created a simple invitation using both of their monograms. The invitation wording would be printed on the Whisper White card stock block.

 

 

For the remaining samples the invitation wording would be printed on the back of the card.

 

The next sample is a sweet, cute invitation. I love the flower cluster in the lower right hand corner, don't you?!

 

 

The last 2 samples are bolder in their color scheme because I added a little bit of Basic Black. The black really kicks up the dramatic factor a few notches and gives the invitations a hipper look I think.

 

 

My mom and sister have not decided which one they want to use for the party. They better decide quick so I can get a move on making them. They want to mail them out next week!

 

Which invitation is your favorite? Leave a comment below and let me know.

The Last Chance Accessory and Definitely Decorative Lists are here!

The 2012 Stampin’ Up! Last Chance Accessory and Definitely Decorative Lists are here! The Last Chance Stamp Set List came out last week.

 

 

Before I get to all the details --- here is the most important piece of information:

 

Once these products are gone, they are gone. They are while supplies last. So if there is something on your Wish List that is being retired order them now via my website. Just click here or the shop now button above. Some of the items are up to 70% off! There are ink pads, ribbon, brads, Big Shot dies, and soooo much more! I think the list is 12 pages long!

 

Ok, onto the rest of the details.

 

As I’ve shared with you before, the entire Décor Elements product line is being discontinued :( I am sad to see it go. I use these products on many home décor projects such as these flower pots and picture frame.

 

Why the long retired list?

 

In January Stampin’ Up! announced some major changes to the Idea Book and Catalog including:

• Simply Adorned & Definitely Decorative product lines will be discontinued.

• The current Idea Book & Catalog will be retired on May 31 NOT June 30.Starting June 1, 2012, Stampin' Up! will release one annual catalog, comparable to (but smaller than) the current Idea Book & Catalog, and two seasonal catalogs, comparable to (but larger than) the current mini catalogs.

• The annual catalog will run from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013.

• There will be NO Summer Mini catalog. Instead there will be a Holiday Catalog and a Spring Catalog.

• The first Holiday Catalog will run from August 1, 2012 through the beginning of January, 2013 The first Spring Catalog will run from the beginning of January 2013 through May 31, 2013.

 

Every Tuesday from today through May 29 my blog post will feature 1 or more of my favorite retiring products. You can check out my last 2 last chance list blog posts by clicking here for the Inspired By Nature stamp set and here for the Creative Elements stamp set.

 

Here are PDF versions of the 3 Last Chance Lists

Last Chance Stamp Sets

Last Chance Accessories

Last Chance Definitely_Decorative

 

And remember, the accessories and Definitely Decorative are while supplies last so be sure to shop now by clicking here.

 

Last Chance Stamp Set: Creative Elements

The last chance Stampin’ Up! stamp set list for 2012 is here! Every Tuesday until May 31 I will be sharing with you projects made from items on the last chance list. These are some of my favorite Stampin’ Up! products and they will be retiring; the current Idea Book & Catalog will be retired on May 31 NOT June 30.

 

 

Starting June 1, 2012, Stampin' Up! will release one annual catalog, comparable to (but smaller than) the current Idea Book & Catalog, and two seasonal catalogs, comparable to (but larger than) the current mini catalogs. The annual catalog will run from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013. Which means the current Idea Book & Catalog will end on May 31, 2012 NOT June 30^th!!.

 

The Creative Elements stamp set is 1 of the stamps sets that are retiring as of May 31. I love this eclectic set.

The inspiration for my card came from Stampin’ Connection. Stampin’ Connection is an online discussion group for Stampin’ Up! demonstrators. It is filled with all sorts of information, forums, and project ideas. I used a card made by Jan Burnett as the jumping off point for my card.

 

 

I LOVE this card! I think it would be even cooler if I distressed it a little bit more but I love it as is. What do you think? The greeting is from the Loving Thoughts stamp set. Which reminds me…the Loving Thoughts stamp set is in the Occasions Mini Catalog and it will only be available until April 30.

Oh and as a reminder the Décor Elements and Simply Adorned product lines will be discontinued :( These items are while supplies last, so order them now while they are still in stock.  And the Last Chance Accessory List will be released tomorrow, so be on the lookout for that. The accessories sell out quickly – consider yourself warned – don’t dilly dally ordering something that you really, really want from that list.

 

If you love the Creative Elements stamp set as much as I do be sure to order it today by clicking here. To see and order from the full list of Last Chance Stamp Sets just click here.

 

Angry Bird punch art birthday cards

Angry Birds are all the rage! Are you addicted to the game? I find myself playing Angry Birds Rio on a regular basis and boy do my kids like the game! My son even has a bunch of Angry Birds stuffed toys!

 

We have some kid birthday parties coming up so I thought I’d try to make some punch art Angry Birds for birthday cards. I made some red birds and black birds. My kids love the cards – what do you think?

 

 

These guys are pretty easy to make and all you need are some standard punches. My son has also requested that I make the king pig and yellow bird – so be on the lookout for them soon!

 

This card is simple enough that you could use it for an Angry Bird themed birthday invite and coordinating thank you card as well! You could do an entire set with matching treat bags too!

 

Let me know how much you like these cards by leaving a comment below and by pinning them to Pinterest.

 

Stamp Set of the Month Club -- a virtual club for everyone!

Are you bummed that you can’t make it to my monthly classes? Do you wish you lived closer so you could attend? Are you busy with various activities and work that my evening classes just don’t fit in your schedule right now? No worries! I have the solution to your problem. A way to get your hands on my step by step instruction as well as two fresh, trendy, pretty card samples each and every month. It is my stamp set of the month club!

 

With my stamp set of the month club there are no meetings, no driving, and no extra time out of your already busy schedule, but ALL the fun! This virtual club is the best of both worlds!

 

Here are the club details:

• This is a virtual club! ANYONE in the US can join!

• Club members have access to a member only, password protected site with project samples and instructions!! 

• Your subscription is 7 months and renews automatically!

• Your choice -- clear mount or wood mount stamp sets!

• Sometime during the month you will receive via the mail a brand new stamp set plus TWO finished sample cards!

• Easy billing with a credit card on file!

• This club runs year round, you can join at any time!

 

Plus Exclusive Member only perks including:

• Referral program: refer a friend and receive a FREE catalog item of your choice (value $19.95 or less) during your 7 month membership!!

• Member only coupons!

• Exclusive sneak peaks and more!

 

Monthly membership fee: $27 (clear mount) or $30 (wood mount); tax, s/h included  - value up to $23.95

 

So what are you waiting for? Join my stamp set of the month club today!

Join the club!

Wood Mount : $30.00USD - monthly Clear Mount : $27.00USD - monthly

Registration is now open – NJ Crop Weekends Summer Crop 2012!

Are you looking for a weekend away with the ladies crafting, laughing, and having a great time!Then I have the event for you! Our NJ Crop Weekends Summer Crop 2012!

Registration is now OPEN for our Summer Crop Weekend

August 10-12, 2012 at the Dolce, Basking Ridge, NJ!

 

A paper crafting getaway is sooooo much fun! Aside from having the opportunity to scrapbook without my 3 kids “helping” me, there are classes, contests, games, great food, and of course great company!

 

One of the many benefits of our crops is to become a Queen of the Crop! Check out this video to learn about some of the queen perks!

  

**TO BECOME A QUEEN OF THE CROP, YOUR REGISTRATION FORM AND PAYMENT IN FULL MUST BE RECEIVED BY SUNDAY, APRIL 29**

 

I’d love to have you join me for the whole weekend or just 1 day. Several packages are available.

 

Plus we have a referral program! If you refer a NEW friend to NJ Crop Weekends, take $10 off* your package price and $10 off* your friend’s price!!  (*Save $5 on packages D, E & F.)

 

All packages include:

• Ergonomic seating
• Use of Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Center
• Power strip at every table
• Complimentary Punch & Die-cut Table
• Goodie Bags Filled with Products!!
• Free Wireless Internet & Free Wireless Printing
• Coffee, Tea, Water, Juices, and Snacks 24/7
• And much more!

 

For more information and a registration form click here. And remember you have until April 29 to reserve your spot as a Queen of the Crop! Space is limited so reserve your spot today!

 

I hope to see you at the crop!

 

 

Color combo challenge using Concord Crush, Perfect Plum, Old Olive

I had a lot of fun with this week’s INKcredible Impressions color combo challenge! We had to use Concord Crush, Perfect Plum, and Old Olive. Initially I thought the perfect combo for spring flowers! But then I got to playing with the colors in My Digital Studio and tried something a little different.

 

The first is based on a sketch from the May/June 2012 Paper Crafts magazine (I shared a completely different card using this sketch the other day – check it out here)

 

 

This card would be super easy to make the traditional paper and glue was as well. I love how it looks! I think I will be printing out a bunch of these! Don't you love how the pennants are sideways?!The sentiment is from one of my go-to favorite sets: Thank You Kindly – which will be retiring as of May 31! I am so bummed! If you don’t have this set, it is a must have. Be sure to order it before it’s too late!

 

Ok, for the next card I just had to use the flowers! So I created a digital get well card. The sentiment is from the Perfectly Penned stamp set (another favorite of mine! -- it is available in wood and clear mount)

 

 

To make the flowers look like they have some dimension I used the drop shadow feature. It gives the embellishments a little pop; like you are using a Stampin’ Dimensional. I think this card would definitely cheer someone up!

 

How would you use this color combination? Leave a comment and let me know!

 

Oh, and if you are curious about My Digital Studio – check it out here. You can try out My Digital Studio Express for FREE for 30 days!

Summer Smooches 3x3 card box and coordinating note cards

This past Sunday I held a customer appreciation event for all the ladies who hosted a Sale-A-Bration workshop. It was a fun afternoon of games, eating and of course paper crafting! One of the projects we made was a 3x3 card box and coordinating note card using the Simply Scored scoring tool and Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper.

 

 

The Summer Smooches DSP has the following coordinating colors:

Daffodil Delight

Real Red

Tempting Turquoise

Lucky Limeade

Island Indigo

Tangerine Tango

Rich Razzleberry

 

The Summer Smooches DSP will be in the new Idea Book & Catalog!!! But you can have this new designer series paper early when you order it during April!  You can order it until April 30 and then it won’t be available again until June 1. There is actually an entire suite of products that you can order now – click here to see everything in the Summer Smooches collection.

 

Check out the 3x3 cards we made using the Summer Smooches DSP and 2 stamps from the Pretty Postage stamp set.

 

 

And here is the coordinating 3x3 note card box. This box came together in no time flat by using the Simply Scored scoring tool.

 

 

What I love about this box is that is easily holds the four 3x3 note cards and envelopes, it makes a great little teacher’s gift or thinking of you gift, plus you can decorate it countless ways! I have a feeling you will see several versions of this little box in the upcoming weeks!

 

You can order any of the items to make these projects from my website. Just click the Order Now button above.

 

The 2012 Stampin’ Up! Last Chance Stamp Set List is here!

The Stampin' Up! 2012 Last Chance Stamp Set  list is here! Can you believe a year has almost passed already since its debut? I surely can’t! Actually since Stampin’ Up! is making some significant changes to the Idea Book and Catalog the Last Chance Stamp Set List has been released 6 weeks sooner than usual.

In case you haven’t heard, the current Idea Book & Catalog will be retired on May 31 NOT June 30.

Starting June 1, 2012, Stampin' Up! will release one annual catalog, comparable to (but smaller than) the current Idea Book & Catalog, and two seasonal catalogs, comparable to (but larger than) the current mini catalogs. The annual catalog will run from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013. Which means the current Idea Book & Catalog will end on May 31, 2012 NOT June 30^th!! There will be NO Summer Mini catalog. Instead there will be a Holiday Catalog and a Spring Catalog.

 

• The first Holiday Catalog will run from August 1, 2012 through the beginning of January, 2013

• The first Spring Catalog will run from the beginning of January 2013 through May 31, 2013.

•  Plus the Décor Elements and Simply Adorned product lines will be discontinued :( These items are while supplies last, so order them now while they are still in stock. Once they are gone I cannot get them for you.

The Last Chance Stamp Set List is 2 pages long! ( Click here for a downloadable PDF version). There are a lot of great stamp sets that are being retired. Get them now while you can! Some of my absolute favorites and go-to sets are going bye-bye! including:

 

Best Friends Forever

For All You Do

Thank You Kindly

Little Princess

 

Every Tuesday for the next 6 weeks I will be featuring one of my favorite retiring products. – Oh, BTW – the Last Chance Accessory List will be released on April 25, so be on the lookout for that. The accessories sell out quickly – consider yourself warned – don’t dilly dally ordering something that you really, really want from that list.

 

Ok, back to my Tuesday plan….every Tuesday from today through May 29 my blog post will feature 1 or more of my favorite retiring products. Today’s feature stamp set is Inspired By Nature. I LOVE this set. I am so sad to see it go. I love coneflowers – they are one of my favorite flowers!

 

 

To create this card I was inspired by (no pun intended – lol) a card sketch from the May/June 2012 Paper Crafts magazine. The flower is stamped in Bravo Burgundy, Old Olive and Basic Black. The patterned paper is from the Paisley Petals DSP. (BTW I would assume the Paisley Petals DSP will be on the accessories last chance list).

 

The next card is an oldie but goody – one of my go-to cards and reason why I purchased the Inspired By Nature stamp set a few years ago.

 

 

The yellow coneflower aka – Black Eyed Susan!

 

Don’t you just love the Inspired by Nature stamp set? If you love it as much as I do be sure to order it today and pin these card samples to Pinterest by clicking the "Pin It" button below! To see and order from the full list of Last Chance Stamp Sets just click here.

Adventures in paper crafting: making a decorated paper cone party favor

 

Now that my sister is engaged I have been drafting ideas for invitations and party favors for the upcoming engagement party and bridal shower. Most of the ideas are mostly thoughts yet to be translated into a sketch let alone an actual project, but I’ve been anxious to try my hand at making those cute paper cones that you can fill with treats. Usually you see them hanging off the back of a chair.

 

BTW – if you are a newsletter subscriber and you are looking to see who the winner is of my retired list contest – be sure to read to the end :)

 

Here is my version of the paper cone party favor using the new Summer Smooches DSP; I used a template from Scrapbooking, etc to create the cone.

 

 

I think it is just adorable! What do you think? I have several ideas for different versions of this party favor, so be on the lookout for more to come!

 

Some tips when creating your paper cone:

• When you create your paper cone you want to use a strong adhesive such as sticky strip to secure the cone.

• If you are going to decorate the top of the cone with ribbon the way I did, you want to embellish it prior to securing the cone closed. It is much easier to embellish the paper cone with the ribbon while the paper is still flat and not cone shape.

• Instead of a paper handle use ribbon or lace.

• If making for a bridal shower, instead of using the punched flower medallion to embellish the front of the paper cone stamp the bride-to-be’s monogram on the front of the cone.

• Use light weight treats to fill your paper cone.

 

What ideas do you have to embellish the paper cone? I’d love to know – just leave me your ideas in the comment section below!

 

And now for the winner of the $20 product gift certificate from me – Terry Callaghan! Congratulations! You won the mailing list subscriber exclusive contest and had the most correct guesses for stamp sets that will be retiring from the Idea Book & Catalog! This is just 1 of the perks for being on my mailing list! You can sign up for my mailing list below

Sign up for Jessica Lamb Stamps Email Newsletter

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To see a list of all of the 2012 Stampin' Up! retiring stamp sets just click here.

Punch Art Sesame Street Characters

What little toddler doesn’t love Sesame Street? I know as a child Sesame Street was one of my favorites! Granted there wasn’t as many kids’ programming choices as there are now, but Big Bird was a staple in our home! Now Big Bird’s crew has grown and Sesame Street has a variety of characters.

 

I have plans to make some childrens’ birthday cards so I thought I would play around with some punch art Sesame Street characters.  Here’s what I came up with:

 

 

The base for all these characters is pretty much the same. You just need some “basic” supplies for each, then maybe add a punch or embellishment or change the card stock color.

 

To follow is a listing of all the basic supplies you will need and then specifics for each character.

 

Basic supplies for all characters:

Punches: 2-3/8” scallop circle (base), 1-3/4” scallop circle (face), ¾” circle (mouth), ½” circle (eyes), ¼” circle (black part of eyes)

Adhesive: Stampin’ Diminensionals, Tombo Multipurpose Liquid

Other: paper snips

Note: for characters with a mouth either punch a full ¾” Basic Black circle and cut in half with paper snips or just punch half a circle.

 

Elmo

Punches: Basic punches +3/8” circle (nose)

Card Stock: Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Basic Black

 

Zoe

Punches: Basic punches + 3/8” circle (nose), flower (itty bitty punch pack)

Card Stock: Pumpkin Pie, Regal Rose (nose), Whisper White, Basic Black, Melon Mambo (flower)

Other: Basic Rhinestone

Note: I punched 2 flowers and pinched up the edges to give the flower some more dimension.

 

Big Bird

Punches: Basic punches + Pennant Punch (beak)

Card Stock: Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise, Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Basic Black

Notes: For Big Bird’s eyes I punched 1 Tempting Turquoise ½” circle and 1 Poppy Parade ½” circle and then cut them in half before layering them askew behind the white eye. For the beak you can either punch a full triangle using the Pennant Punch and trim with paper snips or only punch a portion of the full pennant just like you would punch half a circle with a circle punch.

 

Cookie Monster

Punches: Basic punches + Boho Blossom (cookie bite)

Card Stock: Pacific Point, Soft Suede, Whisper White, Basic Black

Other: Basic Black Marker

Notes: For the cookie I punched the medium size flower from the Boho Blossom punch out of a scrap piece of Soft Suede card stock. Discard the punched flower. Then use the ½” circle punch to punch out a cookie with a bite. Use the Basic Black Marker to make chocolate chips. Be sure to adhere the blacks of his eyes a little off center to give him his classic goofy look.

 

Oscar the Grouch

Punches: Basic punches + 3/8” circle (tongue)

Card Stock: Old Olive, Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Basic Black

Notes: For Oscar’s eyebrows punch 1 Basic Black ½” circle and cut in half using paper snips. Adhere them on a slant for a grouchy look. For the tongue use the 3/8” circle punch and punch a half circle.

 

I’d love to know what you think of my versions of these Sesame Street characters. Just leave a comment below.