Thank You Sew Much ~ A Quilt Story + Card Video

On Sunday I shared that I have a story to go along with my visit to Quilter's Junction in Chehalis, WA.  Scroll down if you just want to see the card.  Keep reading if you want to hear my embarrassing geeky story.

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First off I want to give a shout out to Rita Whalen.  Thank you for making me feel like a "rockstar" even if it embarrassed the "normal person" out of me.   You really did make my weekend.

As a blogger and designer, most of my work goes on in the privacy of my own home.  I create alone, most of the time. I do my blog and design team work behind a computer screen. .  Even comments on my blog are silent as I read them on my cell phone or computer.

Last Sunday when I walked into Quilter's Junction in Centralia, WA looking for the exact match to my light gray (Vapor) fabric, the lady behind the counter was very helpful.   She asked what I was looking for and took me around the shop trying to find a solution.   It's a small shop and I was very specific, so it didn't take long.  She then asked me my name.  I said "Heather" and she said "North?".  At first I panicked a little because I didn't recognize this lady, but she knew my last name, so I must have known her.  I'm terrible at remembering names, but I usually at least recognize the face.  This time I was at a complete loss.

She told me that she follows my blog.  In addition to being a quilter, she is also a cardmaker.  I was so embarrassed that I had shown my Dresden block to this person who actually knew who I was that I took that block and literally covered my face with it.

Just picture it. This block with my face and head under it.  Can you get any more geeked out than that?!   I could have played it cool and confident, saying "thank you, I'm so glad you are interested in my blog".... but no, I had to turn (what I am sure was) a tomato bright red, and cover my face with the block  that I was embarrassed for anyone who "knows" me to actually see.

As if that wasn't bad enough, I think I covered myself 3 more times before I left the shop.  Apparently I wasn't cut out for being "famous". LOL.   My work is out here on my blog for the world to see, but when I meet someone face to face who is looking at my work I am filled with embarrassment and self doubt.  Obviously something I need to work on.

When I asked for her name she told me, Rita Whalen and I instantly recognized her name from my blog, emails and Facebook. Thank you Sew much Rita Whalen for making feel like a rockstar.  I'm sorry for being such a nerd and not knowing what to say. Next time I visit you I will try not to cover my face every time you pay me a compliment.   Bless you in your upcoming adventure!

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Now on to my sewing card.   This one comes with a video.

http://youtu.be/KSd9rhnTnAM

Stamps: Notions (Waffle Flower)
Ink: London Fog, Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Whisper White (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Stitched Rectangle Dies, Quilted Swirl Stitch Die (Lil' Inker Designs); White Bakers Twine (Stampin' Up!): MISTI 



One last thing before I go... StampNation is going on a Virtual California Vacation and it starts tomorrow.  Be sure to come along and join in the fun as we visit 7 popular tourist stops and have challenges along the way.  The fabulous Ellen Hutson is our sponsor and she has a very special coupon code and giveaway for StampNation members.

Sneak Peek of StampNation's California Vacation

We have one more sponsor and it is a mystery.  Can you guess what is inside the box?  If you are a card maker, you are going to LOVE it!  

Sew Saturday + Cards

I haven't had much time in my sewing room this week, except for doing some ironing, and fabric pulling, so I don't have any new sewing pictures to share with you.  BUT, I do have some cards.  :)  

My quilt guild (SSMQG) asked me to make a few thank you cards for them to give out.  It was perfect timing because I just got this new Notions stamp set from Waffle Flower.  If you love to sew and make cards, this stamp set will be right up your alley.  I've made 8 card already using this stamp.  :)  I'll be sharing them on my blog over the next couple of weeks.  Subscribe to my blog to have posts emailed to you if you don't want to miss them.

 I get bored pretty easily with repetitive card making, so I like to make little changes to each card.  Can you spot the differences in the 3 cards I made above?

To make this card I stamped the sewing machine, then used a piece of post-it note masking tape to mask off the right side of my card.  Then, I began filling in the right side of my card  using different stamps from the stamp set.  I varied the colors of ink for the spools of thread and the buttons.  When I was happy with the coverage of "notions" I lightly sponged on some soft color so the line would be clearly marked.  The last step was to add my sentiment.

I've been using the masking technique on my cards all week.  Clicky here and here if you want to see more examples.  If you ever want to see a video on how I made any of my cards, just leave me a comment letting me know.

Stamps: Notions (Waffle Flower)
Ink: Aqua Mist (Paper Trey Ink); Berrylicious (My Favorite Things); Green Apple, Slate (Simon Says Stamp); London Fog, Tuxedo Black (Memento); Bermuda Bay, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise (Stampin' UP!); Black Onyx (Versafine); Vesamark
Paper: Marshmallow (Bazzil)

Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder (SU); Liquid Platinum Embossing Powder (Ranger)

Small Stamp Background with Waffle Flower and Simon Says Stamp

What draws you to a stamp set?  For me it is the font/sentiment 90% of the time.  First I notice the script, then what is being said and if they use 2 or more fonts in one sentiment I am sold!  I'm also drawn to cute little images that come in these sets, but don't always know what to do with them.

That problem has now been solved for me.  I've been playing with my new stamps from Waffle Flower and discovered that it is FUN to create my own patterned paper.  (See Wednesday's post for another example)  I can get just the colors I need for any project and feel like I have used the entire stamp set.

Here's my first attempt at masking using a stitched rectangle die.  When I peeled up the mask I discovered that ink had bled through the stitching holes.  DOH!  I tried adding black lines to frame the sentiment and hide the boo-boo, but the lines aren't even and it bugged me.  I tried the technique again, but used masking tape to cover up the holes.  This worked perfectly.

On my card today I knew the design I wanted, but wasn't sure what colors to use until I saw the new challenge up at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.   The challenges is using my favorite color pallet from one of their releases.  I knew I had to play along.  My plan was to use the cupcake from the SSS Cupcake Party stamp set (clicky) and stamp the little flower from my card above, but when I got to the stamp room a different card came out.  Sometimes that happens.  I still want to try stamping the little bloom on the cupcake liner.   Perhaps I should head back to the stamp room and play some more.  It is almost the weekend, afterall.

Special Note: Waffle Flower is sponsoring StampNation this week with a $50 gift certificate going to one lucky stamper who enters the challenge.

Stamps: In Every Way, Notions (Waffle Flower)

Ink: Audrey Blue, Cotton Candy, Doll Pink, Surf Blue, Mint (Simon Says Stamp)

Paper: Marshmallow (Bazzil)
Accessories: Stitched Mat Duo 2 (Pretty Pink Posh)