What a stately tree! This handmade card uses the online exclusive, Frosted Forest Bundle #164137. This bundle contains a stamp set, coordinating dies and a decorative mask (stencil.) Because this bundle has MORE parts, it offers MORE ways to be creative. This tree uses ONLY the masks. The grass is the pine tree stamp image.

TIP: before you remove the leaf mask, splatter the tree with a dark green marker! This adds another layer of interest.

The tree image and a gold foil layer were cut with the Countryside Corners Dies #161471. This card would be great for a guy! Be sure to check out the Online Exclusives in my online store's menu. There are lots of fun products there!

REDEEM your coupons in August!

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BRAND NEW SEASONAL PRODUCTS!!

Here is a different way to use masks, also known as stencils! Using the new Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks #162331, trace around each petal with a fine tip marker. Then use BLENDS to apply your color. Try different colors like: Fresh Freesia, Highland Heather and Smoky Slate. Splatter with Wink of Stella #141897 to add shimmer. This is FUN!!

The base card is a simple "Z" fold, 11 X 4-1/4", scored at 5-1/2 and 2-3/4". The Basics 3D Embossing Folders #161598 was used to emboss the Fresh Freesia and Highland Heather cards stocks. The base is Basic Grey card stock.

Inside

Increase your options with masks by using this easy Blends method! HAVE FUN with colors, too!

ORDER - NEW MINI CATALOG

So sorry to see this lovely Art Gallery Stamp Set #158201 and Floral Gallery Dies #154316 retire on May 1st! The Stamparatus #146276, positioning tool, is also retiring.

Shop Last Chance List HERE

I love PURPLE!  This card pairs the versatile Sending Smiles Bundle #158707 with Artistic Mix Decorative Masks #159178.

These assorted masks, also called STENCILS, create wonderful soft backgrounds by using Blending Brushes #153611.

Wouldn't you love to get this card in the mail?

Make a card and send a card, today!

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Have you tried Stampin' Up!'s Blending Brushes #153611? They are fun and amazing! I used the brushes with the Artistic Mix Decorative Masks #159178. You might also call these "stencils."

Simply collect ink on your brush, directly from an ink pad. Secure the mask over your card stock. Use light pressure on your brush to apply the ink. Heavier pressure will increase your color intensity. I wanted a SOFT application for backgrounds. Color does not have to be perfectly even. Let it vary for some for interest!

This is one of my favorite stamp sets, Sending Smiles Bundle #158707.  Note how I curved the sentiment. It's easy to do with pliable photopolymer stamps!

Try sponging!! Check back because more sponging will post!

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Sale-A-Bration ENDS in 2 wks.

Maple Trees are so colorful in Autumn! I just could not resist this Soft Seedlings Stamp Set #159905. The sponged background is created with the Artistic Mix Decorative Masks #159178 using Blending Brushes #153611.

Colors used: background is So Saffron, Leaf is Crushed Curry, Real Red, and Old Olive. The layers are not mounted straight so they give the feeling of motion!

Add this Soft Seedlings Stamp Set to your collection - it's lovely & realistic.

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because it's Sale-A-Bration!!

This stenciling technique is amazing! The Butterflies & Flowers Layering Decorative Masks #158142 helps you build layers of colors! These flowers were all created using only a Misty Moonlight ink pad and Blending Brushes #153611. Simply use more or less ink!

Tape down your card stock and mask, using a low tack tape, like blue painter's tape.

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Stenciling softness is easy to create with Stampin' Up! Blending Brushes #153611 and the NEW Butterflies & Flowers Layering Decorative Masks #158142.

This card is so soft yet happy with Daffodil Delight and Flirty Flamingo inks! I'm sure it will make someone smile!

SHOP & Earn

during Sale-A-Bration 

I enjoyed stencilling the last post so much, I looked thru my dies to see what else I could use for the same technique, Stencilling with Thinlits. I chose the NEW Quilt Builder Framelits #144673. I die cut this image in the center of a quarter sheet of cardstock to create my own stencil.

I selected three autumn color ink pads and coordinating Sponge Daubers #133773. I'm using the daubers instead of sponges because the areas to stencil are smaller than the leaves I did in the last post.

I laid the negative die cut on Whisper White cardstock. I wanted the corners a different color so masked them with sticky notes. I sponged on color and blended a darker center.

The stencilling has a very appealing blended softness.

Please TRY THIS fun and easy "Stencilling using Thinlits!" To see other stencil ideas, click "STENCILS" in the sidebar on the right which is my archive.

Autumn has arrived and I love playing with fall colors!  Did you know you can use thinlit dies to create stencils in a SNAP??

Using Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies #143751, die cut the basic leaf shape in the center of a quarter sheet of cardstock to create an instant stencil.

Selected three or more fall color ink pads and coordinating sponges.

Lay the negative of the die cut on Whisper White Cardstock and sponge on colors, blending as you go. Pounce the sponge on the ink pad to pick up color and then pounce or scrub that color inside the stencil. It's best to start with the lightest color and work to the darker color. Blending is simple and smooth.

I created a pile of colorful autumn cards that will go out to some of my North Star Stampers Demonstrator Team. The base card is Basic Gray and the embellishment is the darling Smoky Slate 1/2" Gingham Ribbon.

TRY THIS!!

Send a cheery HELLO in Tangerine Tango cardstock, popped with Copper Foil!

The Stylish Stems Framelits Die makes a great STENCIL. Use Tangerine Tango ink pad and sponge dauber to pounce color thru the framelit stencil, concentrating ink in the center. Then add Wink of Stella Clear to the center for sparkle!

Copper Foil Paper #142020 is a great compliment!

Stylish Stems Framelits Dies 

#142750 - $31 for 11 dies

also available in a bundle w/ stamps

DID YOU KNOW??? Happy Patterns Masks coordinate perfectly with Elegant Dots Embossing Folder!! If you were at my Rockford North Star Stampers meeting, you received this set of Masks.

I used the top right Mask (which is a STENCIL) and a Sponge Dauber to create the pattern on Pool Party Cardstock with Bermuda Bay ink pad.

Next, I placed the stenciled cardstock into the Elegant Dots Embossing Folder, carefully lining up the design. Ran it thru the handy dandy Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and now there is images and TEXTURE!!

I used glue dots to add random Sequins for sparkle....sparkle is a must for a PARTY!!

This is the inside. There is Dazzling Details on the candle flames!

Love the results - SO LET'S PARTY!!

Need a FAST card?? Grab Stampin' Up!'s HAPPY PATTERNS Stencils and pre-packaged notecards! Demonstrators, this is a no prep Make & Take!

I used a Watermelon Wonder Ink Pad and a Sponge Dauber to quickly stencil this snappy card!

A punched flower is all I added!

There are FOUR patterns in this package of stencils - here is one I did in a Fall Theme. Thank You is stamped on after stenciling.

These colors are Cajun Craze & Delightful Dijon sponged on every other row.

Happy Patterns Decorative Masks

#138313 - $6 - four patterns

You need to try this REALLY cool technique, Tone-on-Tone-on-Tone!! The supplies you need are: Irresistibly Yours Designer Series Paper (a FREE Sale-A-Bration item till 3/31/2015,) Dots & Stripes Decorative Masks (really a stencil,) ink pad, stamping sponge, and a tissue. I'm using Sahara Sand and a 3X3" piece of the DSP.

Pounce the sponge onto the ink pad to collect color. With stencil on top of the DSP, SCRUB the sponge over the stencil to create dark areas as shown.

Remove the stencil. LIGHTLY sponge the entire area with circular motions. I only did half so you could see the difference it makes! The white embossed image POPS OUT like MAGIC!! Buff with a tissue to remove ink on the white embossed area.

And here is the finished piece - three layers of color! So interesting! Now for the card...

Look at the stunning results!! The white embossed area is glossy and really stands out. I just LOVE this quick technique! The Irresistibly Yours Designer Series Paper contains 2 each of SIX different designs for a total of 12 sheets of 12X12" papers. This project only took a 3X3" piece!

MORE Tone-on-Tone-on-Tone cards

 this week - stop back!!

Here is a clever trick I taught at my Bitty Butterfly Punch Class: punch out a butterfly, then use the negative as a stencil to sponge a soft background! It's a perfect way to have a pale background repeating the SAME image! COOL!

Supplies List:

• Stamps: Perfect Punches #117022 Wood or #120516 Clear
• Cardstock: Whisper White #100730, Very Vanilla #101650, Pink Pirouette #111351, Rose Red #102544
• Ink: Crumb Cake #126975, Pink Pirouette #126956
• Accessories: 5/8" Vanilla Flower Trim #126869, Scallop Oval Punch #119856, Etra-Large Oval #119859, Fan Fair Designer Series Paper #126918
  

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