Envelope Card for Love in the Air

The new Love is in the Air stamp of approval collection is due to release tomorrow and I am back with more ideas and samples using this collection.  First up are some envelop ideas.

Recently I've been watching youtube videos on making pretty envelopes.  This new SOA collection was just what I needed to try it out for myself.  I used my SU envelope punch board to make my own envelope out of watercolor paper, so I could watercolor in the background.  First I stamped my balloon images and then masked them to help prevent getting them wet. 

 Catherine Pooler inks are dye inks and react with water, so I didn't want the images to get wet.   That is exactly what I wanted for the background though, so I carefully watercolored around the rest of the card, purposefullly leaving some white space to give the illusions of clouds.

It's very subtle, but after the ink was dry I stamped the cloud images in water and then used a paper towel to pick up some of that blue ink.  Lastly I added a few more stamps and the sentiment.  

Stamps: Bon Voyage, Love is in the Air (SOA - CPD)

Ink: It's A Boy, Mint to Be, Sweet Sixteen, Black Jack, Midnight, It's A Girl (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Paper: Watercolor (Canson)
Accessories: #8 Round Brush (Silver) Envelope Punch Board (Stampin' UP)

This next envelope could be stamped on any envelope you have, or even on the back of your card.

Stamps: Happiness Enclosed (SOA)

Ink: Midnight, Party Dress (CPD)

Accessories: Clear Sparkle Pen (Spectrum Noir)

After stamping the heart in the center, I picked up some of the same ink with my paint brush and lightly painted in the center.  Then, I used my Spectrum Noir clear sparkle pen to add some shimmer to that heart. It doesn't show in the picture, but the recipient will see it.

How about a card to go with these envelopes?  Of course you could use the cards I made yesterday for the blog hop.  Have you commented yet for your chance to win?

I love the little heart inside the starburst thingy.  Yes, I have a thing for hearts.  Someone asked me yesterday if I made Valentines cards and who did I send them to.  I'm more likely to make a love card than a Valentine's card because it can be given all year long to family and close friends.

As you can see I stamped most of the heart bursts in the same blue ink as my top envelope.  I chose one in the top left corner to stamp in Party Dress ink.  For the love die I first did the direct to paper technique, again with party dress and then quickly poured Wanderlust embossing powder over it to give it a sparkle and shine.  It needed an extra POP on the card, so I layered it over a another die cut out of black cardstock.   The strip you see is direct to paper using It's A Girl ink.  

To get the ombre look for the heart arrow I stamped the lighter pink in the center and darker pink on the hearts, then used a sponge dauber to blend where the 2 colors meet.  I felt the card needed a little something for the visual triangle, so I added sequins, putting the blue iridescent on in the top right corner.

Stamps: Bon Voyage, Love is in the the Air (SOA)

Ink: It's A Girl, It's A Boy, Party Dress, Midnight (Catherine Pooler Designs)

Paper: Bright White, Midnight (CPD)

Accessories: Love Die (SOA) Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh) Wanderlust Embossing Powder (WOW)

Are you joining in the StampNation PJ party tonight?  I have a meeting tonight, but I am hoping to catch part of it.  If you are a member be sure to go to StampNation for all the deets!

SOA Naturally Inspired Release Day

ETA: This is the post I wrote up for release day of the Naturally Inspired Stamp of Approval Collection.  It sold out before I got up that morning, so one of my favorite cards never got its screen time.  TODAY this collection is being released in the Catherine Pooler Store for individual sale!!!



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Today is the day!  The big release of the new Stamp of Approval Naturally Inspired by Catherine Pooler.  I think this is my favorite one yet.  I sat down to stamp and 3 days later felt like I had barely scratched the surface of what this collection has to offer.  THAT is a great collection!

My card today was certainly inspired by my dear friend, Kristie Goulet.  She is a genius at using stamps in unique ways and creating fun background using small stamps.  

Direct Link to youtube video: https://youtu.be/j5ixcgQrY48

Here is a close up, so you can see how I lined up the feathers and background stamps.

SUPPLIES for Card 1 (included in project guide)

Stamps: Birds of A Feather, Medallion Mix Up, Simply the Best
Ink: All That Jazz, It's A Boy, Flirty Fuchsia, Midnight, Mint to Be, Sweet Sixteen
Paper: Bright White
Accessories: 2 Way Glue Pen, Spiro Doily Die, Wanderlust Embossing Powder

Here is the second card I made.  By twisting the stamp to make a cross instead of an x, you get a slightly different background.

Close up of the second card. 

SUPPLIES for Card 2

Stamps: Medallion Mix Up, Simply the Best
Ink: Aquatini,  Midnight, Mint to Be, Something Borrowed
Paper: Bright White

Along with products from this collection a couple of add on dies have been added.

Birds of a Feather

Small Doily Die

In case you missed my Naturally Inspired cards, or just want to see them again.  Here they are...

Clicky to see post

Clicky to see post

Clicky to see blog post

Winterhaven Is Coming

How are you spending World Card Making Day?  Winterhaven is coming next week, and blog hops for the new Stamp Of Approval start today.  My blog hop day will be Monday, but I just couldn't wait to start sharing my cards with you!

Stamps: Here We Come A-Caroling, Tis The Season (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Ink: It's A Girl, Rockin' Red, Tutti Frutti, Garden Party, Grass Skirt, Lime Rickey (Catherine Pooler Designs) Versamark 

Paper: Premium White (Catherine Pooler Designs) Vellum Cardstock (Stampin' Up)

 Accessories: Gold Embossing Powder (Stampin' Up) Gold Confetti (Pretty Pink Posh)

I took the Tis' The Season stamp set from this collection and paired it with a sentiment from another set in the collection to make this card.  The instructions for this card will be included in the project guide that comes with every Stamp of Approval collection.   Make sure you are on the waitlist to find out when these products are released. cpstampofapproval.com

If you would like to join the first day of blog hops and comment for your chance to win, start HERE at Catherine's blog. 

In case you haven't popped on over to StampNation yet, here are my sneak peeks for 2 of the challenges.

Fresh Flower Motif

This card was inspired by my friend Kristie Goulet.  She is a master at taking stamps and using them in unique ways to create new designs.  Her classes over at StampNation have me looking at my stamps with fresh, new eyes.

Watch video in HD on youtube: https://youtu.be/62nI2m9AbtQ

My other inspiration for this card came from my new business.  I needed some tags to add to the mini facials I was giving away and that sparked the overall theme of this card.  I chose fresh colors from our logo and stamped them on a tag that I could include as part of their gift or on a card like you see here.

Stamps: Leaf Motif (SOA)

Ink: Bellini, Garden Party, It's A Boy, It's A Girl, Melon Ice, Midnight, Mint to Be, Sweet Sixteen, Tiara (CPD)
Paper: Bright White (CPD)
Accessories: Marching Leaves Stencil, Tags, Etc. Dies (SOA) White & Grey Twine

Today is the second day of blog hops.  Be sure to head on over to Catherine's blog to see who is participating today.  And, don't forget to get on the waitlist to find out the moment this collection goes on sale!

Counting Blessings Stamp of Approval Blog Hop Day 1

A new Stamp of Approval is being released this week.  The name of this limited edition collection is near and dear to my heart: Counting Blessings.  I'm so excited to share a couple of my projects with you today!  This first one is included in the project guide that will be emailed to you after you purchase the collection. 

My first card uses one of the 2 stencils included in this collection to make a rainbow of leaves.  Isn't that a fun, yet simple idea?

Stamps: Autumn Blessings (SOA)
Ink: Garden Party, Fiesta Blue, Flirty Fuchsia, Garden Party, Tiki Torch (CPD) Versamark

Paper: Basic Black (SU) Bright White (CPD)
Accessories: Tags, Etc. Dies, Marching Leaves Stencil, Thankful Die (SOA) White Embossing Powder (SU)

My second card uses the unique Fallen Leaves Dies.  First I die cut a row of leaves out of my card panel.  The I die cut some leaves from paper that had been sponged with Bellini and Flirty Fuchsia inks.  I did a partial inlay die cut technique, using the white outline die and select sponged fillers from the dies.  Next I did my stamping. The final touch was to splatter with a little black ink using a spritzer tool and mount it on some light gray cardstock. 

Stamps: Autumn Blessings, Blooming Bouquet (SOA)
Ink: All That Jazz, Bellini, Flirty Fuchsia, Midnight
Paper: Smoky Slate (SU) Bright White (CPD)

Accessories: Basic Black Marker, Spritzer Tool (SU) Fallen Leaves Die (SOA)

These collections sell out fast, so make sure you are on the waitlist to find out as soon as they go up for sale.  Our last release sold out before it could go live to the public.  Only those on StampNation and the waitlist had the opportunity to snatch one.

WAIT LIST SUBSCRIBE: WWW.CPSTAMPOFAPPROVAL.COM

Now on to the fun stuff.  Let's see how some of the other designers on the team were inspired and give you a chance to win one of these new collections for yourself.  All you have to do is comment on each stop on the hop for your chance to win.  Come back tomorrow and Tuesday for days 2 & 3 of the hop.  

BLOG HOP PRIZE 

One winner will be chosen at random from each day's comments and announced on AUGUST 17th on Catherine’s blog. The winners will win their box and if they already bought it, they will be issued a Gift Certificate worth $100 towards a future purchase.

Next up on the hop is the creative genius, Maureen, from Mama Mo Stamps!

Blog Hop List

Catherine
Jennifer
Melissa
Heather <you are here>
Maureen <<<GO HERE NEXT>>>
Amy

PJ Party Stamping for SOA

We had a PJ party over at StampNation where members were given the link to shop early for the new Naturally Inspired Stamp of Approval.  I pulled out my collection and stamped while members jumped on the link and started ordering like mad!  Here is the card I came up with.

I think it is my favorite one yet!  If you are on the waitlist, please check your emails.  The link goes out today.  If there are any left ordering should open for everyone tomorrow.

Stamps: Birds of A Feather, Wild Garden (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Ink: Fiesta Blue, Garden Party, It's A Boy, It's A Girl, Flirty Fuchsia, Party Dress Pixie Dust, Something Borrowed (CPD)
Paper: Bright White (CPD) Watercolor (Tim Holtz Distress) Winter in the Woods Stack (DCWV)
Accessories: Lattice Frame Die, Wild Garden Dies (CPD)

SOA Naturally Inspired Blog Hop

Today is blog hop day 3 for the soon-to-be-released Naturally Inspired Stamp of Approval by Catherine Pooler.  If you aren't on the waitlist, you will want to be. Go to www.cpstampofapproval.com

My first card is inspired by a summer sun splashed meadow.

Stamps: Simply the Best, Wild Garden

Ink: Melon Ice, *Mystery Ink*
Accessories: Best Die

Direct link to youtube video: https://youtu.be/zm63Aow_LEg

If you have never heard of Stamp of Approval, it is an exclusive quarterly collection curated by Catherine Pooler.  Each product in the collection is designed to work with the rest of the collection.  These boxes are limited edition and only available while supplies last.  Once they sell out you won't be able to order them for months, and never again bundled together at this price.  Get yourself on the waitlist at cpstampofapproval.com to be one of the first notified when this release goes for sale.

My second card was inspired by the picture above.  I saw it months ago on pinterest and I've been wanting to make a card inspired by it ever since.  I just needed some dandelion stamps.  :)  As you can see I used the same basic layout, but came out with 2 completely different cards.

Stamps: Birds of A Feather, Wild Garden
Ink: *mystery ink*, Aquatini, Midnight, Versamark
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder (Stampin' Up) Wanderlust Embossing Powder (WOW)

This collection is called naturally inspired.   We were each asked how we are naturally inspired.  Honestly, I am inspired by almost everything in the world around me.  I'm very visual, so I see color, pattern and design everywhere I look.  I love being inspired by nature, though I'm not really an "outdoorsy" kind of girl.  So, what inspires you?  Answer in the comments below for your chance to win one of these boxes for free!  If you've already ordered yours, Catherine will refund the money.

Then hop along the rest of the hop and do the same.  Next up is: Cynde Whitlow  If you missed the first 2 days of the hop I will link you to the start of those days below.   Good luck!

Catherine Pooler

Taheerah Atchia

Laurel Beard

Lydia Evans

Ingrid Blackburn

Heather North -you are here

Cynde Whitlow -NEXT STOP- Day 1 Day 2

Naturally Inspired Stamp of Approval Coming Soon

Catherine Pooler is releasing a new stamp of approval this week and it is one of my favorites!  So easy to work with.  I was going to take a leave of absence for this collection because I was having trouble creating while grieving, but decided to sit down and see what these stamps could do.  2 days and 9 cards later I told Catherine I was in.  :) 

This card didn't exactly turn out the way I envisioned it, so it didn't make the cut into my blog hop day.  (which is tomorrow btw, so you'll want to come back for that)  Here is a close up for you.

Can you see the flicks of water I laid down and then pulled up with a paper towel?  Catherine Pooler inks react with water, so you can get cool effects like this.

Speaking of blog hops, there's one going on today and there was one yesterday too.  Comment along each of the stops, each day for your chance to win and come back here tomorrow for my blog hop day!  :)  Go HERE to catch the first 2 days of blog hops.

Stamps: Birds of A Feather, Simply the Best, Wild Garden (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Ink: Bellini, It's A Boy, It's A Girl, Melon Ice, Something Borrowed, Tiara (CPD)
Paper: Bright White (CPD)
Accessories: Spiro Doily Die (CPD)

Go to cpstampofapproval.com to sign up for the wait list and be among the first to hear when the box is released.  This is a limited edition collection and once it is sold out you won't be able to purchase these items for months, and never again in a complete collection at a bundled price.

StampNation Slumber Party

The night before the new Stamp of Approval release of The Perfect Reason collection, StampNation had a slumber party to celebrate.  Catherine Pooler and some of her team that are night owls (or on the west coast, like yours truly) joined her for an hour of stamping fun with the new collection.  She then opened up shopping early for all StampNation members to get first dibs on the new release!  SWEET!  

Several of the team got on camera, but I was still coughing each time I talked and blowing my nose and was generally in a very un-camera  friendly state.  I did stamp along with them though and finished my cards when I was able to go to my stamp room a couple of days later.  Here are my cards.

This first card was a CASE of Catherine's card from day 1 of the blog hops. Clicky to see her card.  I simplified mine down to one layer, changed the colors and the sentiment up a bit.

Stamps: Everyday Mod (CPD)
Ink: Aquatini, Flirty Fuchsia, Midnight, Tutti Frutti (CPD)
Paper: Bright White (Catherine Pooler Designs)

My second card came about because I was playing with this sunflower.  During the live event I stamped out a couple of these flowers, but didn't have my big shot with me.  It was fun just to stamp.  This card reminds me of summer days to come.  Just what I needed during our recent snow storms.  I think the border I added looks like waves. Hmmm... I feel another card idea brewing.

Stamps: Everyday Mod, The Perfect Reason (CPD)
Ink: Fiesta Blue, Lime Rickey, Tiara, Tiki Torch, Tutti Frutti, Midnight (Catherine Pooler Designs)

Paper: Bright White (Catherine Pooler Designs) 

Accessories: Merry Label Dies (CAS-ual Fridays Stamps)

My last card was inspired by one of my LuLaRoe friends.  She always starts her live broadcasts by saying "Hello Loves".  She is just the sweetest thing, so I wanted to make her a card that she can send to one of her loves.  :)   This time I paired the sunny flower with not only the Merry Label die, but the large tag from the Lovely Flowers & Dies.  I left the background clean, simple and white, but added another pop of color with some pink twine from Pretty Pink Posh.

Stamps: The Perfect Reason (CPD)

Ink: Grass Skirt, Party Dress, Tiara, Tiki Torch (Catherine Pooler Designs)

Paper: Bright White (Catherine Pooler Designs) 

Accessories: Lovely Flowers & Banner Die (CPD) Merry Label Dies (CAS-ual Fridays Stamps) Pink Twine (Pretty Pink Posh) 

Want to go shopping?  There are still a limited few boxes left of The Perfect Reason collection and the other Catherine Pooler Designs products can be found if you clicky here.  In fact, the only thing I used on these 3 cards that can't be found in her shop is the twine.  Sweet! 

Playing Tag with my Christmas Deer

Over at StampNation the Design Team is playing tag and you are invited to play tag right along with us.  Today is my feature day, and I had the opportunity to CASE (Copy And Share Everything) my talented friend, Kristie.  I loved her card so much that my CASE ended up looking too much like hers and I had to go back to the drawing board and tweak it up just a bit for my tutorial.  Here is a sneak peek of my card.  Head on over to the StampNation classroom to see my video.

Winter Berry Love SOA Candy Cane Lane

This card is Clean & Simple, yet still lovely.  I stamped the berry branches in different directions on the smaller label included in the Merry Labels Fri-Dies set.  I then popped them up on a strip of red cardstock I had embossed using the Peppermint Stick background.  I've gotten a lot of miles out of that background stamp and I'm sure I'll be using it for years to come.  Here is a close up so you can see the embossing a bit better.

Stamps: Merry and Bright Boughs, Peppermint Stick (Catherine  Pooler Designs for SOA Candy Cane Lane)
Ink: Cucumber Crush, Real Red, Soft Sky (Stampin' Up) Versamark
Paper: Clear Embossing Powder (SU) Merry Label Fri-Dies (Cas-ual Fridays Stamps for SOA Candy Cane Lane)

Joyful, Merry, and Bright Christmas

This silver embossed Christmas card brings an elegant touch to the Stamp of Approval Candy Cane Lane Collection.

Direct link to youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hmu7p26B_E

Close up so you can see the detail. 

Stamps: Merry and Bright Boughs (Catherine Pooler Designs for SOA Candy Cane Lane Collection)

Ink: 004, 031, 033, 036, 040, 041, 042 (Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers) Island Blue (Simon Says Stamp) Versamark
Paper: Bristol Cardstock (Strathmore) Silver, Whisper White (Stampin' Up)
Accessories: Silver Embossing Powder (Stampin' Up)

VersaMark Ink Pad

Ranger Multi Medium, Matte Mini, 1/2 oz.

Quilled Creations Precision Tip Glue Applicator Bottle 0.5 oz.

Tim Holtz Tonic Retractable Craft Pick

EK Craft Tweezers

Powder Tool Adhesive Deactivator

Hero Arts Embossing Gun

Essentials by Ellen, Julie's Smooth Bristol, 20pc-5.5" x 5.5"

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 004, Fluorescent Green

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 031, Cobalt Blue

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 033, Persian Green

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 036, Light Blue

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 040, Green

ZIG Clean Color Real Brush Marker 041, Light Green

WOW Embossing Powder, Super Fine - Metallic Silver

Bazzill Specialty Paper, Metallic Silver Foil 5pk