Inspiration Ink

Team Swap - Wild about Flowers

I do a quarterly swap with my Team members.  It's fun to see what my fellow Demonstrators can create!

Unfortunately, only one of my Team Members, Michelle Hundertmark, had time to participate this month, but she created an absolutely gorgeous card!

  Uses Wild about Flowers Photopolymer Stamp Set and Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set plus Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad, Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad, Daffodil Delight Card Stock, Calypso Coral Card Stock, Very Vanilla Card Stock, SNAIL Adhesive, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, Tear & Tape Adhesive, Calypso Coral 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Word Window Punch, Craft Scissors, and Stampin' Trimmer.

Since I was leaving on vacation myself, I didn't have time to create anything new just for the swap, so I sent her one of my No Bones about It cards that I'd made earlier in the month.  You can see it here.

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Homemade for You Blueberry Boxes

I like to give my Club Members a little extra treat along with their orders each month.  So, while we were in Maine recently on a short vacation, I bought a bunch of dark and milk chocolate covered blueberries for them.  I love the "Bought This Just For You" tag image in the Homemade for You Set, so I used it and the block of circles image to decorate the boxes in the All Boxed Up Kit.  I then filled the boxes with some of the chocolate covered blueberries for quick and easy treats.

  Uses Homemade for You Clear-Mount Set plus Watermelon Wonder Classic Stampin' Pad, Island Indigo Classic Stampin' Pad, Island Indigo Stampin' Write Marker, All Boxed Up Kit, SNAIL Adhesive, Craft Scissors, Clear-Mount Block C, and Clear-Mount Block D.

You can place an online order for some of the products used on these boxes by simply clicking on the image of them below.  This will take you directly to my online store!  Or, contact me at michelerey@aol.com to have me place an order for you!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

 

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Say Hello Open House Follow Up

June Club Contest Winners

Each month, I challenge the members of my Stampin' Clubs to create a project for a contest and submit it to me.  I assign a theme for them each month. 

The theme for June was Summer Fun.  They could create any kind of project they wanted as long as it had a summery theme (4th of July, beach, sunshine, popsicles, watermelon, ice cream, vacation, etc.). 

All of the submissions were amazing and voting was really, really close.

Alayne Kerbert won though with this great card:

  Uses Branch Out Stamp Set (retired, but you could substitute the Sheltering Tree Set) and Pursuit of Happiness Stamp Set (retired) plus Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad, Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad, Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad, Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad, Soft Sky Card Stock, Wild Wasabi Card Stock, Early Espresso Card Stock, Whisper White Card Stock, SNAIL Adhesive, Tear & Tape Adhesive, Crushed Curry 3/4" Chevron Ribbon (retired), Neutrals Candy Dots, Sponge Daubers, Craft Scissors, and Stampin' Trimmer.

Pat Harrison made this great patriotic card which came in as a close second:

  Uses Flowering Flourishes Stamp Set and a sentiment stamp from the Paper Pumpkin Pinwheel Party Kit plus Night of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad, Real Red Card Stock, Night of Navy Card Stock, Whisper White Card Stock, Season of Style Designer Series Paper (retired), Red Glimmer Paper, Silver Glimmer Paper, SNAIL Adhesive, 2-Way Glue Pen, Tear & Tape Adhesive, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Standard Cutting Pads, Magnetic Platform, Bitty Banners Framelits, Banners Framelits, and Stars Framelits.

Alayne and Pat each have a $5 coupon they can use on their next order through me.  Thanks, ladies!  Great cards!

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May Club Homework Winner

May Club Homework Winner

I give my Club Members who attend Classes each month some "homework" - a selection of basic supplies like cardstock, designer paper, ribbons, buttons, etc.  Their assignment is to take those basic supplies and turn them into a card, tag, scrapbook page, scrapbook page embellishment, etc. and bring their creation with them to a Club Class the following month. 

For May, each person received the following supplies:

• Calypso Coral card base
• 4" x 5-1/4" piece of Bermuda Bay Card Stock
• 3-7/8" x 5-1/8" piece of Whisper White Card Stock
• 2" x 4" piece of Confetti Celebration Designer Series Paper
• 6" piece of Calypso Coral 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon
• Silver Basic Metal Button

Of course, they were allowed to add whatever other supplies they wanted and they didn't have to use all of the supplies that I provided, just as many as they could.

It was really fun at June Classes to see the very different projects that were created using these same basic supplies.  I did find it interesting that they all chose to use the same side of the Designer Series Paper piece!

I scanned all the projects in and then sent an e-mail to all my Club Members asking them to vote for their favorite project. 

The winning project for the May Club Homework was this lovely thank you card by Alayne Kerbert:

  Uses Painted Petals Stamp Set (retired) plus Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad, Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Pad, Bermuda Bay Card Stock, Calypso Coral Card Stock, Whisper White Card Stock, Confetti Celebration Designer Series Paper (retired), SNAIL Adhesive, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip (retired, but you can substitute Tear & Tape Adhesive), Calypso Coral 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Sycamore Street Ribbon & Button Pack (retired), Brights Candy Dots, Heat Tool, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, VersaMark Pad, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Multipurpose Platform, Standard Cutting Pads, and Spring Flower Embossing Folder (retired).

Alayne will be getting a roll of retired Soft Sky 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon from me as a prize.  Enjoy, Alayne!  Beautiful card!

Here are the other five cards that were created as May Club Homework submissions:

  By Cathy Kelsh.

  By Connie Gibbons.

  By Kasey Turner.

  By Pat Harrison.

  By Sherry Sparks.

Aren't they all fantastic?  Which one is your favorite?

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No Walk In Wednesday on June 24

Please be aware that there will be NO Walk In Wednesday today.  I'm flying back home this afternoon.

Walk In Wednesday will resume on Wednesday, July 1. 

Thanks!

Paper Pumpkin Love You a Lot Ideas

I finally got the chance to play with my April Paper Pumpkin Kit called Love You a Lot the other day as well.

I made one of the cute pocket cards as intended and used it to leave a note and check for her services to our friend who cat and house sits for us whenever we are away from home. 

Then, I used some of the other pieces by cutting them apart and making regular sized cards to send out with a few catalogs I still needed to mail out or extra paperwork to go with the catalogs that I had Stampin' Up! mail directly to my long distance customers.  I've indicated the extra supplies used next to each card.

  Also uses Crushed Curry Cardstock, Pacific Point Cardstock, SNAIL Adhesive, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer, Clear-Mount Block A, Clear-Mount Block B, and Clear-Mount Block G.

  Also uses Crushed Curry Cardstock, Pacific Point Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, SNAIL Adhesive, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Trimmer, Clear-Mount Block B, and Clear-Mount Block G.

Also uses Pacific Point Cardstock, SNAIL Adhesive, Craft Scissors, Stampin' Trimmer, Clear-Mount Block B, and Clear-Mount Block G.

  Also uses Crushed Curry Cardstock, Pacific Point Cardstock, SNAIL Adhesive, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer, and Clear-Mount Block B.

  Also uses Crushed Curry Cardstock, Pacific Point Cardstock, SNAIL Adhesive, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer, Clear-Mount Block B, and Clear-Mount Block G.

When you are ready to join Paper Pumpkin and start getting these great creativity kits in the mail, just click on this link - Sign Me Up for Paper Pumpkin.  Then, read all about Paper Pumpkin and sign up by clicking on the Join Here link at the bottom of the page.  Fill in all the required fields (including a credit card to be billed each month around the 10th of the month for $19.95 each month) and follow the prompts.  If you follow the link above, it should automatically assign me as your Demonstrator.  If it does ask you to choose a Demonstrator, please be sure to choose me - Michele Reynolds in Maryland.  Make sure you spell my first name with only one "l"!

Or, you can order a Pre-Paid Subscription.  What are the advantages to a Pre-Paid Subscription?

• No worries about a credit card number being changed and having a kit canceled as a result.
• Subscription purchases can be placed on a Club Order through me so they count towards Club Minimums.
• Subscription purchases can be placed on a regular order through me or online so they count towards earning Hostess Benefits.
• Purchase a 6-Month or 12-Month Subscription and you save a few dollars each month!
• Give a subscription as a gift!

- 3-Month Subscription, item # 137859, $59.85 (shipping is included) 

- 6-Month Subscription, item # 137860, $113.70 (shipping is included), save $1 per month

- 12-Month Subscription, item # 137861, $215.40 (shipping is included), save $2 per month

If you have any questions about Paper Pumpkin, please just let me know.  I'll be happy to answer them for you.  You can contact me at michelerey@aol.com.

Paper Pumpkin Birthday Bundle Ideas

I've been so busy with the retiring list and then all the new catalog goodies that I haven't had much time to play with my Paper Pumpkin Kits lately.  I needed some quick and easy birthday cards for this month though and the May Kit called Birthday Bundle was perfect!

I made up all the cards as intended and even stamped a little on the envelopes, which are included in the kit.

I also made all four of the gift bags included in the kit just as intended.  I'll have to fill them with something fun before giving them to my June Club Hostesses!

I made a couple of goofs while writing messages inside some of the cards I made, so I cut the fronts off and mounted them on extra Island Indigo Cardstock and rewrote the messages.

I then used the bits I'd cut off as layers on these two card variations.  I also used the negative space leftover after punching out one of the large balloons for the gift bags as a stencil on one of the cards.  I've indicated the extra supplies used next to each card.

  Also uses Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad, Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad, Tangerine Tango Classic Stampin' Pad, Tangerine Tango Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, SNAIL Adhesive, 2-Way Glue Pen, Paper Snips, Stampin' Trimmer, Clear-Mount Block B, Clear-Mount Block C, Clear-Mount Block H, and Post-It Notes for masking.

  Also uses Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad, Daffodil Delight Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, SNAIL Adhesive, Mini Glue Dots, Island Indigo 1/4" Cotton Ribbon, Stamping Sponges, Craft Scissors, Stampin' Trimmer, Clear-Mount Block C, Clear-Mount Block D, and Post-It Notes for masking.

Next, I used some of the leftover tissue paper from the kit on these next two variations.  I love the idea I found on Pinterest to use the balloon stamp as flower petals!  Again, I've indicated the extra supplies used next to each card.

  Also uses Tangerine Tango Classic Stampin' Pad, Daffodil Delight Cardstock, Tangerine Tango Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Tear & Tape Adhesive, Island Indigo 1/4" Cotton Ribbon, Paper Snips, Craft Scissors, Fringe Scissors, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Standard Cutting Pads, Magnetic Platform, Circles Collection Framelits, Clear-Mount Block D, Clear-Mount Block H, and Post-It Notes for masking.

  Also uses Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad, Tangerine Tango Classic Stampin' Pad, Daffodil Delight Cardstock, Tangerine Tango Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, SNAIL Adhesive, Brights Candy Dots, Candy Dots Brad Bases, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Paper-Piercing Tool, Stampin' Pierce Mat, Stampin' Trimmer, Clear-Mount Block B, and Clear-Mount Block D.

My final variation just uses the stamps that came in this kit and the Island Indigo Ink Spot.  I've indicated the extra supplies used next to the card.

  Also uses Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad, Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad, Tangerine Tango Classic Stampin' Pad, Daffodil Delight Cardstock, Tangerine Tango Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, Stampin' Trimmer, Clear-Mount Block B, Clear-Mount Block C, and Clear-Mount Block D.

When you are ready to join Paper Pumpkin and start getting these great creativity kits in the mail, just click on this link - Sign Me Up for Paper Pumpkin.  Then, read all about Paper Pumpkin and sign up by clicking on the Join Here link at the bottom of the page.  Fill in all the required fields (including a credit card to be billed each month around the 10th of the month for $19.95 each month) and follow the prompts.  If you follow the link above, it should automatically assign me as your Demonstrator.  If it does ask you to choose a Demonstrator, please be sure to choose me - Michele Reynolds in Maryland.  Make sure you spell my first name with only one "l"!

Or, you can order a Pre-Paid Subscription.  What are the advantages to a Pre-Paid Subscription?

• No worries about a credit card number being changed and having a kit canceled as a result.
• Subscription purchases can be placed on a Club Order through me so they count towards Club Minimums.
• Subscription purchases can be placed on a regular order through me or online so they count towards earning Hostess Benefits.
• Purchase a 6-Month or 12-Month Subscription and you save a few dollars each month!
• Give a subscription as a gift!

- 3-Month Subscription, item # 137859, $59.85 (shipping is included) 

- 6-Month Subscription, item # 137860, $113.70 (shipping is included), save $1 per month

- 12-Month Subscription, item # 137861, $215.40 (shipping is included), save $2 per month

If you have any questions about Paper Pumpkin, please just let me know.  I'll be happy to answer them for you.  You can contact me at michelerey@aol.com.

Watercolor Wings Quadrant Butterfly

I think this card using the Watercolor Wings Set is my favorite of the June Club Class projects.  Hope you enjoy it too!

  Uses Watercolor Wings Photopolymer Stamp Set plus Watermelon Wonder Classic Stampin' Pad, Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad, Pink Pirouette Classic Stampin' Pad, Watermelon Wonder Cardstock, Rich Razzleberry Cardstock, Pink Pirouette Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, 2-Way Glue Pen, Silver Metallic Thread, Metal Rimmed Pearls, Project Life Corner Punch, Washi Label Punch, Craft Scissors, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Multipurpose Platform, Standard Cutting Pads, Magnetic Platform, Bold Butterfly Framelits, Fluttering Embossing Folder, Clear-Mount Block D, Clear-Mount Block E, Clear-Mount Block G, and dryer sheet.

To avoid cutting your butterly's body, try stamping the wings completely and then cutting out the wings using the matching Framelits or Thinlits.  After you've cut the wings out, then you'll be able to see exactly where to stamp the body and can easily add it.  I found that if I stamped the wings and the body and then tried to cut things out with the Framelits or Thinlits, I had invariably stamped the body too high or too low and either had to cut off part of the body or cut off part of the wings. 

Do you have a problem with getting lots of ink on your Clear-Blocks, especially when using photopolymer stamps?  Try using a really light touch to ink up the stamps.  Even so, you'll probably get some ink on the blocks.  If your blocks get really messy, you can give them a good cleaning by rubbing them with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.  This will remove ink, fingerprints, and even stray bits of adhesive!

You can place an online order for some of the products used on this card by simply clicking on the image of them below.  This will take you directly to my online store!  Or, contact me at michelerey@aol.com to have me place an order for you!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

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Bohemian Borders Happy Hello

Here's another card from my June Club Classes featuring a couple of new sets - Bohemian Borders and Tin of Cards.  Enjoy!

  Uses Bohemian Borders Photopolymer Stamp Set and Tin of Cards Photopolymer Stamp Set plus Delightful Dijon Classic Stampin' Pad, Elegant Eggplant Classic Stampin' Pad, Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad, Delightful Dijon Cardstock, Elegant Eggplant Cardstock, Garden Green Cardstock, Very Vanilla Cardstock, SNAIL Adhesive, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, 2-Way Glue Pen, Venetian Crochet Trim, Banner Triple Punch, Label Bracket Punch, Chevron Border Punch, Craft Scissors, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Multipurpose Platform, Standard Cutting Pads, Boho Chic Embossing Folder, Clear-Mount Block C, and Clear-Mount Block I.

You might want to keep some baby wipes close by when using the Bohemian Borders stamps.  Some of them are so long, they only fit on Clear-Mount Block I, but it is way too wide, so you'll probably get ink on the block and will need to wipe off the excess using a baby wipe.

Here's a tip for mounting the long, skinny stamps from the Bohemian Borders Set on your Clear-Block.  Lay the stamp on your work surface so the back of the stamp is facing up.  Make sure the stamp is straight.  If you use our Grid Paper, this is really easy!  Then, press the block down onto the stamp.  Your stamp should now be mounted straight.  If you try to put the block on the table and then lay the stamp on it, the photopolymer stamps will often bend a little which may not be the look you want!

You can place an online order for some of the products used on this card by simply clicking on the image of them below.  This will take you directly to my online store!  Or, contact me at michelerey@aol.com to have me place an order for you!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

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From Land to Sea Turtle Smiles

I just love the new From Land to Sea Stamp Set.  I love all the images in it, but especially the turtle, lighthouse, and sailfish!  We used this set and the awesome new Watercolor Wash background to make this fun card during my June Club Classes.

  Uses From Land to Sea Clear-Mount Set, Petite Pairs Clear-Mount Set, and Watercolor Wash Wood-Mount background stamp plus Cucumber Crush Classic Stampin' Pad, Pacific Point Classic Stampin' Pad, Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pad, Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad, Cucumber Crush Cardstock, Pacific Point Cardstock, Tempting Turquoise Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, Shimmery White Cardstock, SNAIL Adhesive, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, 2-Way Glue Pen, Pacific Point 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, White Perfect Accents, Craft Scissors, Stampin' Trimmer, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Clear-Mount Block B, Clear-Mount Block D, Clear-Mount Block I, and old Stampin' Mist bottle filled with water.

After inking up the Watercolor Wash stamp with Tempting Turquoise and Pacific Point Ink, we sprayed it really heavily with water so the inks would really run together and blend.  We then stamped it on the Shimmery White Cardstock.  Shimmery White Cardstock works well for techniques involving water because it holds up well.

One of my customers discovered that you can remove the white backing on the White Perfect Accents so you have a clear bubble!  It is no longer self-adhesive if you do this though and you will have to attach it to your cardstock using a Mini Glue Dot or 2-Way Glue Pen.

You can place an online order for some of the products used on this card by simply clicking on the image of them below.  This will take you directly to my online store!  Or, contact me at michelerey@aol.com to have me place an order for you!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

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