Butterfly Basics Block Stamping Technique

Today I am sharing a cool way to make a fun background using ink pads and a clear block.  I'm calling this "Block Stamping Technique".  I used Lost Lagoon, Pear Pizzazz and Pool Party ink pads to create these beautiful designs.  See instructions below so you can create your own design.

This is a great time to grab the Stampin' Up! Butterfly Basics Stamp Set... it's on sale as part of the weekly deals promotion.

To start, pick 3 ink pad colors that blend nicely. I used Lost Lagoon, Pear Pizzazz and Pool Party. You will need a clear block and a spritzer filled with water.

I used the Stampin' Up! 'I' block because I wanted a wider strip of color.  Using your clear block,  ink up one end of the block in the darker color (Lost Lagoon)... tap 2-3 times, then take the same block and stamp the middle of the block on the medium color (Pear Pizzazz) and then finally stamp the other end of the block in the lighter color (Pool Party).

 

Spritz the block with water... saturate it well so the colors blend and the lines will blurr.  Put the block down on your piece of card stock and wait for the colors and water to blend (a few seconds).

 

The best paper to use is watercolor paper, but I was able to make these cards with regular white card stock.  Just make sure your paper is dry before stamping any images on top. 

These are some of the samples I made while playing.  As you can see, the first sample has some white, un-inked parts... that happens when you don't spritz enough water on the block.  But I sort of like the way it came out... doesn't have to be perfect to look nice.  It looks different every time you do it.

 

 

Stampin' Up! Weekly Deals

Stampin' Up! Weekly Deals

February 9 - 15, 2016

Monochromatic Monday: Butterflies Fluttering

I'm starting a new series on my blog called "Monochromatic Monday".  I think it's amazing how you can use only one color and still come up with a beautiful card.  I hope this inspires you.

Perpetual Box Calendar

I've seen these perpetual box calendars on various demonstrator blogs and on Pinterest and I couldn't wait to try it.  I created my own template (see instructions below).  I love the new Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper from the Occasions Catalog... it worked perfectly with all the different elements of this project.

Perpetual Box Calendar

1. First we need to make our base. Start with a piece of card stock 8 1/2" x 7 1/2" and score at 2" and 6 1/2" (along the 8 1/2" side).  Then score at 2 1/4" on the 7 1/2" side.

2. From the 2 1/4" score line, measure up 2" and cut in to the score line.

3.  Cut as shown and fold up the bottom piece. I like to use paper clips to hold my projects together while I am assembling and making sure I cut the right pieces.

4.  Cut up in an angle to create the side panel.  I cut this by eye, couldn't cut on the trimmer.  Leave the flaps on at the top of the calendar.  You will fold these back and tape them flat.

5.  You could cut off those flaps, but I kept them and folded them back to give it more structure and sturdiness.

6.  Run the top of the calendar through the Big Shop with your framelit to create the scallop at the top.  I used the "Labels Framelits" for my calendar.  I put through the card stock and the designer series paper together to make sure everything lined up.

7.  I created a little riser so the calendar boxes sit nice in the case. I cut a piece of card stock 4 1/4" x 4 3/4" and I scored at 2 1/4" and 2 1/2".  Decorate the side panels of the box with DSP.

8.  I used the Stampin' Up! Tiny Treat boxes to create the calendar with DSP and number die cuts.  The most important part is the way you layout your numbers...  box #1 should have numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and box #2 should have 0, 1, 2, 7, 8, 6 (which also acts as #9).  If you follow this pattern, you will have the right numbers for every day of the week.