I hope everyone had a fabulous time on the hop this weekend! The design team really out-did themselves with all of the adorable ornaments. I'm sure you've been waiting to see who won, so without further ado, the Grand Prize winner is.......
craftykitten!
And the winner of the design team prize is....
Maylee!
Congratulations, ladies! Please contact Virginia at vvillasenor@instylestamps.com within 48 hours to claim your prize.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Method Monday - Paper piecing with Digital Images
Hello Everyone!!!
Welcome to this week’s Method Monday! Today I want to show you how to paper piece with digital images. It is really easy!!!
First decide how many different parts you will need. I needed one for the main image, a second for her left arm, and a third for each boot. So I printed three images onto one sheet of cardstock, cropping the excess image to save ink. I left a little extra room around the top one which is the one I used for the card. The others were printed close together since I only needed parts from each one.
Here’s a close-up of the three images after printing a second time:
See how easy that is!! I hope you enjoyed my quick tutorial! I can’t wait to see your creations! Please link back with your paper pieced projects, I would love to see them. Enjoy your week!
Welcome to this week’s Method Monday! Today I want to show you how to paper piece with digital images. It is really easy!!!
First decide how many different parts you will need. I needed one for the main image, a second for her left arm, and a third for each boot. So I printed three images onto one sheet of cardstock, cropping the excess image to save ink. I left a little extra room around the top one which is the one I used for the card. The others were printed close together since I only needed parts from each one.
After printing, I returned to my computer and deleted the top image. Doing so prevents the printer from printing over this image a second time. Remember, the top is the main image.
Using removable tape, I adhered small pieces of patterned paper over the area I wanted printed.
Here’s a close-up of the three images after printing a second time:
I then cut out the parts I needed and began putting her back together. Then I finished up the card to get this. Enjoy!!!
See how easy that is!! I hope you enjoyed my quick tutorial! I can’t wait to see your creations! Please link back with your paper pieced projects, I would love to see them. Enjoy your week!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Digital Images 101-Special Edition, Paper Piecing with Digital Images
Since Raquel, on the design team, is putting together a tutorial on paper piecing, we thought a quick informational piece on the ins and outs of paper piecing was in order.
What Is Paper Piecing?
Paper piecing is similar to appliquéing. In simple terms, it is the ripping or cutting of papers, then reassembling them to create new designs. When paper piecing, you can glue pieces side-by-side or layer them for a more dimensional effect. Papers may be pieced together using the same color and/or paper design, or by combining various colors and designs.
How Complex Are Paper Piecings?
Paper pieced projects can range from simple designs like a three-petal flower or skirt to more complex designs, like creating paper characters with interchangeable outfits.
What Can You Use For Paper Piecing?
You can use all types of paper and embellishments when you paper piece: cardstock, vellum, patterned paper, ribbons, and more. The key is to find a medium you feel comfortable with.
How Does Paper Piecing Work With Digital Images?
It pretty much works the same way it does if you’d used rubber stamped images. But instead of stamping your image with ink onto cardstock, you use your computer and printer to print the image onto your paper of choice.
Some people prefer to print the image onto regular paper, and then cut the image into sections (object parts), trace it onto their preferred choice of paper, and finally, cut out the pieces. Others, like the simplicity of printing the digital stamp directly onto their paper of choice, cutting it out, and adhering it to their project—one piece at a time. Whichever method you choose, the biggest obstacle will be cutting out the part of the digital stamp image you’d like to use.
How Do You Cut Out Paper Piecings?
There are two ways to cut out paper piecings: x-acto knives and small, curved scissors.
If you are not a great cutter, start by only cutting out the larger areas so you don’t have to focus on detailed areas. Then as you improve with your cutting skills, get in closer.
You can cut directly on the image outline or you can get as close to the outline of the image as possible. To prevent messing up the image by cutting too much of the image, itself, take a permanent marker and outline the image, then cut around—or on—the image.
How Do You Create Paper Pieced Projects?
The steps are simple:
1. Find an image to create a pattern or template with.
2. Select paper, embellishments, and coloring tools, like Copic markers or watercolor paints.
3. Cut image into sections (a.k.a. piecings).
4. Trace or print sections onto various papers.
5. Color and embellish sections.
6. Glue sections together.
7. Attach completed paper piecing to final project.
Now that you have a basic idea of what paper piecing is all about join us Monday, November 30th, for our Method Monday, where Raquel will be giving us a step-by-step tutorial on how to paper piece with digital images.
Next time we’ll return to our regularly scheduled article and discuss how to remove an image from a background in Photoshop®.
What Is Paper Piecing?
Paper piecing is similar to appliquéing. In simple terms, it is the ripping or cutting of papers, then reassembling them to create new designs. When paper piecing, you can glue pieces side-by-side or layer them for a more dimensional effect. Papers may be pieced together using the same color and/or paper design, or by combining various colors and designs.
How Complex Are Paper Piecings?
Paper pieced projects can range from simple designs like a three-petal flower or skirt to more complex designs, like creating paper characters with interchangeable outfits.
What Can You Use For Paper Piecing?
You can use all types of paper and embellishments when you paper piece: cardstock, vellum, patterned paper, ribbons, and more. The key is to find a medium you feel comfortable with.
How Does Paper Piecing Work With Digital Images?
It pretty much works the same way it does if you’d used rubber stamped images. But instead of stamping your image with ink onto cardstock, you use your computer and printer to print the image onto your paper of choice.
Some people prefer to print the image onto regular paper, and then cut the image into sections (object parts), trace it onto their preferred choice of paper, and finally, cut out the pieces. Others, like the simplicity of printing the digital stamp directly onto their paper of choice, cutting it out, and adhering it to their project—one piece at a time. Whichever method you choose, the biggest obstacle will be cutting out the part of the digital stamp image you’d like to use.
How Do You Cut Out Paper Piecings?
There are two ways to cut out paper piecings: x-acto knives and small, curved scissors.
If you are not a great cutter, start by only cutting out the larger areas so you don’t have to focus on detailed areas. Then as you improve with your cutting skills, get in closer.
You can cut directly on the image outline or you can get as close to the outline of the image as possible. To prevent messing up the image by cutting too much of the image, itself, take a permanent marker and outline the image, then cut around—or on—the image.
How Do You Create Paper Pieced Projects?
The steps are simple:
1. Find an image to create a pattern or template with.
2. Select paper, embellishments, and coloring tools, like Copic markers or watercolor paints.
3. Cut image into sections (a.k.a. piecings).
4. Trace or print sections onto various papers.
5. Color and embellish sections.
6. Glue sections together.
7. Attach completed paper piecing to final project.
Now that you have a basic idea of what paper piecing is all about join us Monday, November 30th, for our Method Monday, where Raquel will be giving us a step-by-step tutorial on how to paper piece with digital images.
Next time we’ll return to our regularly scheduled article and discuss how to remove an image from a background in Photoshop®.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Holiday Ornaments Blog Hop - VOTING NOW CLOSED
Voting is now closed. Winners will be announced on Monday.
Welcome to the InStyle Stamps November blog hop! It's the time of year when everyone starts getting out their holiday decorations, so to give you a little inspiration, this month’s theme is “Holiday Ornaments”. The design team has cooked up some fabulous projects to inspire you, so what are you waiting for? Get hopping! You are going to start with Cyndi's blog this month, and when you have finished hopping through all of the dt blogs, be sure to come back here to enter to win a great prize and to help us decide which design team member also gets a prize.
We will be giving away a Grand Prize to one lucky Blog Hop participant and also have a prize for one lucky design team member. To enter, hop through the design team’s blogs, (leaving a comment at each stop, of course!) and then come back here and vote for the designer who's project inspired you the most. Then, in order to be entered into the drawing to win the grand prize, leave your name with Mister Linky.
You have until 11:59pm EST on Sunday, November 29th to enter, and the winners will be announced on the InStyle Stamps blog on Monday.
*Please note that after voting, you will need to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the window that comes up to see the voting results.*
The winners will be determined as follows: The participant winner will be selected by random draw. The design team winner will be the member who receives the most votes. Designers can only win once every two months, so the previous months winner is not eligible for this month’s prize.
Welcome to the InStyle Stamps November blog hop! It's the time of year when everyone starts getting out their holiday decorations, so to give you a little inspiration, this month’s theme is “Holiday Ornaments”. The design team has cooked up some fabulous projects to inspire you, so what are you waiting for? Get hopping! You are going to start with Cyndi's blog this month, and when you have finished hopping through all of the dt blogs, be sure to come back here to enter to win a great prize and to help us decide which design team member also gets a prize.
We will be giving away a Grand Prize to one lucky Blog Hop participant and also have a prize for one lucky design team member. To enter, hop through the design team’s blogs, (leaving a comment at each stop, of course!) and then come back here and vote for the designer who's project inspired you the most. Then, in order to be entered into the drawing to win the grand prize, leave your name with Mister Linky.
You have until 11:59pm EST on Sunday, November 29th to enter, and the winners will be announced on the InStyle Stamps blog on Monday.
*Please note that after voting, you will need to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the window that comes up to see the voting results.*
The winners will be determined as follows: The participant winner will be selected by random draw. The design team winner will be the member who receives the most votes. Designers can only win once every two months, so the previous months winner is not eligible for this month’s prize.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Method Monday - Gift Card Holder...
Hello Everyone!!!
Welcome to this week’s Method Monday! Holidays are around the corner..we all are super busy.. so I will show you how to make a quick and easy gift card holder..perfect for the gift giving season.
:::::::::::Supplies::::::::::
4 1/2" x11" Cardstock
4 1/2"x 41/2" piece of patterned paper
1" x4" strip of another patterned paper.
ISS image-- I used "Kissmas Monkey"--Super cute!
1 1/4" circle punch
adhesive
ribbon and any other embellishments
Step 1::
Score the cardstock at 4 1/2" and 9"...
Step 2::
Fold on the scored line and adhere the 1"x4" strip of the PP to 1 1/2" part .... punch halfway with circle punch in the middle like this......
Step 3:::
Apply adhesive to the inside of short ends of the 1 1/2" part..
adhere to form the pocket..
Step 4::
Decorate the inside with any sentiment and emb. and insert gift card in the pocket.
Step 5::
Finish of the card front...
There you have an easy peasy gift card holder ... you can also use it to give some family photos to the dear ones or favorite recipe cards...
I hope you enjoyed my quick tutorial ! I can’t wait to see your creations! Please link back with your gift card holders, I would love to see them. Enjoy your week!
Hugs
Piali
Friday, November 20, 2009
How to Print and Color Digital Stamps
Digital Stamps 101 – How to Print and Color Digital Stamps
In the last issue, we discussed what digital images are. Today, we will discuss how to print and color digital images.
Before you can begin printing your digital images, you need to think about the quality of the printer ink and the quality of the paper upon which it will be printed, otherwise, your results could be less than satisfactory.
You see, certain papers don’t handle printer inks well, thus causing ink to remain wet, or damp. When inks remain wet, adding color will only smear the image and result in wasted time and resources.
Best Cardstock For Coloring
That’s why we recommend that you use a nice thick cardstock, like Neenah Classic Crest solar white or bright white cardstock—we sell the Classic crest in our store. While this paper is a bit pricey, it can handle alcohol-based markers, like Copic and Prismacolor markers, without smearing, running, or bleeding.
However, if your budget doesn’t allow for Neenah Classic Crest cardstock, we suggest that you find a paper that is at least 80 lbs. Choosing a paper that has a paper weight of at least 80 lbs isn’t just good for printing, it’s also great for scoring; allowing you to get a nice crisp line without folding marks or creases.
That being said, if you notice your ink smears or colors run, we recommend that you print your image on new cardstock then set your printed image before coloring. You can set your image two ways: heat setting or embossing.
Heat Setting
Once you’ve printed your image, get out your heat gun (or your blow dryer), turn it on, and hold it 5 to 8 inches from the image. As you dry your print, rotate the image under the heat gun for approximately 20 to 30 seconds. Do not hold it too close to the paper or you will burn the paper. Once done, let the image cool for 5 to 10 seconds, then begin coloring. (Please note that this method has not been tested on watercolors, only Copic and Prisma markers.)
Embossing
Embossing is real simple and holds the ink in place so that it doesn’t run, bleed, or smear when you color. To begin, grab your glue and place it on whatever part(s) of the image you want embossed. (We recommend a glue pen because it allows you to be more precise, but you can use whatever works best for you.) Before the glue dries, add clear embossing powder. Grab your heat gun and heat the image using the heat setting instructions above. Let cool, then begin coloring as normal.
Taking this one simple, yet extra, step can ensure your piece of mind. It will practically guarantee that all of your digital images come out as beautifully as you want them to and it will absolutely save you time and money in the long run.
Join us next time to find out how to remove a background from an image using Adobe Photoshop.
In the last issue, we discussed what digital images are. Today, we will discuss how to print and color digital images.
Before you can begin printing your digital images, you need to think about the quality of the printer ink and the quality of the paper upon which it will be printed, otherwise, your results could be less than satisfactory.
You see, certain papers don’t handle printer inks well, thus causing ink to remain wet, or damp. When inks remain wet, adding color will only smear the image and result in wasted time and resources.
Best Cardstock For Coloring
That’s why we recommend that you use a nice thick cardstock, like Neenah Classic Crest solar white or bright white cardstock—we sell the Classic crest in our store. While this paper is a bit pricey, it can handle alcohol-based markers, like Copic and Prismacolor markers, without smearing, running, or bleeding.
However, if your budget doesn’t allow for Neenah Classic Crest cardstock, we suggest that you find a paper that is at least 80 lbs. Choosing a paper that has a paper weight of at least 80 lbs isn’t just good for printing, it’s also great for scoring; allowing you to get a nice crisp line without folding marks or creases.
That being said, if you notice your ink smears or colors run, we recommend that you print your image on new cardstock then set your printed image before coloring. You can set your image two ways: heat setting or embossing.
Heat Setting
Once you’ve printed your image, get out your heat gun (or your blow dryer), turn it on, and hold it 5 to 8 inches from the image. As you dry your print, rotate the image under the heat gun for approximately 20 to 30 seconds. Do not hold it too close to the paper or you will burn the paper. Once done, let the image cool for 5 to 10 seconds, then begin coloring. (Please note that this method has not been tested on watercolors, only Copic and Prisma markers.)
Embossing
Embossing is real simple and holds the ink in place so that it doesn’t run, bleed, or smear when you color. To begin, grab your glue and place it on whatever part(s) of the image you want embossed. (We recommend a glue pen because it allows you to be more precise, but you can use whatever works best for you.) Before the glue dries, add clear embossing powder. Grab your heat gun and heat the image using the heat setting instructions above. Let cool, then begin coloring as normal.
Taking this one simple, yet extra, step can ensure your piece of mind. It will practically guarantee that all of your digital images come out as beautifully as you want them to and it will absolutely save you time and money in the long run.
Join us next time to find out how to remove a background from an image using Adobe Photoshop.
What are Digital Stamps
Digital stamps are one of the hottest ways to create beautiful, effortless scrapbooks and paper crafts. With the click of a mouse you can flip, rotate, mirror, and digitally manipulate a digital stamp to fit any project—scrapbooks, greeting cards, jewelry, wall art, and even mixed media art. And because they are saved to your hard drive, storage is no problem.
What a way to get more bang for your buck!
What Are Digital Stamps?
Digital stamps are images that have been made available for instant download and can be used over and over again. Most digital stamps are hand drawn and inked or computer generated in programs like Adobe Illustrator® and come colored and non-colored (black and white line art).
Digital images or “digis” as they are more commonly called often come with an angel policy that allows the images to be used for personal use and restricted commercial use—i.e. selling handcrafted products that have not been mass produced.
Digis are created in several formats (psd, .png, .ai, .jpeg, .tiff, and .gif) to accommodate various software programs. Downloading a digital stamp in the right format can be quite fun, but downloading a digi in the wrong format could be a nightmare; since you’ve essentially purchased a non-useable product. Therefore, if you don’t know which format is right for your program (.ai is for Adobe Illustrator and .psd is for Paintshop or Photoshop), stick to .jpeg. It’s the most versatile and universal format and works with all software programs.
What Is Dpi?
An important part of a digital image is the dpi resolution of that image. Dpi is short for “dots per inch”. In non-techie terms, it simply means the higher the dpi the better quality the digital image will be.
The dpi of a digi should be set to 300 or higher to avoid pixilation and provide the best image quality possible; anything lower than 300 dpi will cause problems when you try to resize and print your digi—regardless of the type of paper or ink you use. In fact, your image will appear distorted, and the lines will appear fuzzy instead of looking crisp and clean.
Are There Limitations To Using Digital Stamps?
Although digital stamps are great to work with, there are resizing limitations, regardless of the dpi used to create the digi. For instance, a digital image created at 400 width by 200 width cannot be enlarged without losing the quality of the image; even if it was created at 300 dpi. Therefore, while you can resize digis, you can only resize them to a smaller size—not a larger size.
But What About Vector Images?
There is, however, one exception to this rule. Images created as vector images do not lose quality when enlarged—but they are much larger files and require a larger space on your hard drive. They can even be digitally colored before printing! (InStyle Stamps offers images in vector format as well as .jpeg. however you need Adobe Illustrator to use digis in vector format.)
Why Choose A Digital Stamp Over A Traditional Stamp?
Versatility, convenience, and space.
Both traditional and digital stamps have their advantages. We can’t recommend one format over the other since both have their place in the craft world. However, if you’re computer savvy, you will find digis to be extremely fun!
And if you’re not computer savvy, don’t worry! It is our goal to show you how easy it is to use digis and how economical it is too!
Stay tuned for our next article, “Printing and Coloring Digital Stamps”.
What a way to get more bang for your buck!
What Are Digital Stamps?
Digital stamps are images that have been made available for instant download and can be used over and over again. Most digital stamps are hand drawn and inked or computer generated in programs like Adobe Illustrator® and come colored and non-colored (black and white line art).
Digital images or “digis” as they are more commonly called often come with an angel policy that allows the images to be used for personal use and restricted commercial use—i.e. selling handcrafted products that have not been mass produced.
Digis are created in several formats (psd, .png, .ai, .jpeg, .tiff, and .gif) to accommodate various software programs. Downloading a digital stamp in the right format can be quite fun, but downloading a digi in the wrong format could be a nightmare; since you’ve essentially purchased a non-useable product. Therefore, if you don’t know which format is right for your program (.ai is for Adobe Illustrator and .psd is for Paintshop or Photoshop), stick to .jpeg. It’s the most versatile and universal format and works with all software programs.
What Is Dpi?
An important part of a digital image is the dpi resolution of that image. Dpi is short for “dots per inch”. In non-techie terms, it simply means the higher the dpi the better quality the digital image will be.
The dpi of a digi should be set to 300 or higher to avoid pixilation and provide the best image quality possible; anything lower than 300 dpi will cause problems when you try to resize and print your digi—regardless of the type of paper or ink you use. In fact, your image will appear distorted, and the lines will appear fuzzy instead of looking crisp and clean.
Are There Limitations To Using Digital Stamps?
Although digital stamps are great to work with, there are resizing limitations, regardless of the dpi used to create the digi. For instance, a digital image created at 400 width by 200 width cannot be enlarged without losing the quality of the image; even if it was created at 300 dpi. Therefore, while you can resize digis, you can only resize them to a smaller size—not a larger size.
But What About Vector Images?
There is, however, one exception to this rule. Images created as vector images do not lose quality when enlarged—but they are much larger files and require a larger space on your hard drive. They can even be digitally colored before printing! (InStyle Stamps offers images in vector format as well as .jpeg. however you need Adobe Illustrator to use digis in vector format.)
Why Choose A Digital Stamp Over A Traditional Stamp?
Versatility, convenience, and space.
Both traditional and digital stamps have their advantages. We can’t recommend one format over the other since both have their place in the craft world. However, if you’re computer savvy, you will find digis to be extremely fun!
And if you’re not computer savvy, don’t worry! It is our goal to show you how easy it is to use digis and how economical it is too!
Stay tuned for our next article, “Printing and Coloring Digital Stamps”.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Winner- Wednesday Felt Challenge
Sorry for the late post. The winner of the free digi of your choice for last Wednesday's felt challenge is Divya Rao. Please email me at vvillasenoratinstylestampsdotcom within 48 hours to claim your prize. Congratulations
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday Challenge - Scalloped Edge
Welcome to InStyle Stamps’ Wednesday Challenge. I’m so happy to be your host this week!! This week’s challenge is to use a scalloped edge on your card/project. I hope you’ll join in on the fun.
For my card, I used a new ISS image called Kissmas Monkey. Isn't he just cute!!!
Here is Angélique's card using the ISS image, Nathan.
And here is Geneviève's card using the ISS image, Kimi.
We hope you will join us. One lucky participant will receive an InStyle Stamps digital image of their choice. If you have an ISS image please be sure to use it but you don't have to. Make sure you upload the link by commenting at the end of this post by 12:00 p.m., PST, Tuesday, November 24th.
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you'll play along!!
For my card, I used a new ISS image called Kissmas Monkey. Isn't he just cute!!!
Here is Angélique's card using the ISS image, Nathan.
And here is Geneviève's card using the ISS image, Kimi.
We hope you will join us. One lucky participant will receive an InStyle Stamps digital image of their choice. If you have an ISS image please be sure to use it but you don't have to. Make sure you upload the link by commenting at the end of this post by 12:00 p.m., PST, Tuesday, November 24th.
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you'll play along!!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Method Monday: Easel Card
Hi Everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend!
I'm here today to share with you how to make an easel card. They have been popping up everywhere in the blogging world recently!
I'm here today to share with you how to make an easel card. They have been popping up everywhere in the blogging world recently!
So let's get started!... You will need 2 pieces of cardstock, one cut to 8"x4"; and the other cut to 4"x4"
Score the 8"x4" piece on the long side at 2", and again at 4", and fold on those scored lines
Add some adhesive only to the 2" section at the bottom
Adhere the 4" square by matching the bottom edges
Decorate the front! I used the super cute skier, Suzette
Decorate the inside too! Add a sentiment.
Fold & place the bottom edge of the front of the card above your sentiment.
(Please notice that the sentiment is raised with dimensional tape to hold the card front in place)
(Please notice that the sentiment is raised with dimensional tape to hold the card front in place)
Voila! You just made a Easel card! When you have the card closed, it folds neatly to a 4"x4" card to fit in any standard envelope.
Thanks for coming by! Hope you give the easel card a try!!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Club Anime Color Challenge
Today is color challenge day over at Club Anime. Go check it out. You could win a $20.00 gift certificate to the store!!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Over the Hump Day Blog Candy Give-A-Way
Happy Hump Day!
You know what that means? It’s time for another Over the Hump Day Blog Candy Give-A-Way!!!
***Non-related talk next...scroll down a couple of paragraph's if you want to skip***
This hump day is special to me because it is also Veteran’s Day. My husband is in the Marine Corps reserves. He served over 6 years active duty. He has about 11 years total so far. He was in Iraq in 2007 and is going to Afghanistan soon. We don’t know the exact date but it is imminent. Yesterday was the Marine Corps birthday. I personally think we should honor and thank our service people year round not just on particular days, but hey, that's just me.
This month’s challenge is to create a snow themed card or project using an ISS images. You all have one now, at least the first 150 that signed up for the blog do. So I’m expecting a lot of entries!!! This month’s blog hop theme (the last Friday of each month) is ornaments so a few of the DT member’s combined the two. Their creations will be showcased shortly.
The prize for this month’s candy is September and October’s paper kits from Club Anime. Here is what you will get:
1 Chef Jules Stamp and 1 Kimmi the angel stamp that hasn't been released yet
And here is a pic of the whole shebang!
You know what that means? It’s time for another Over the Hump Day Blog Candy Give-A-Way!!!
***Non-related talk next...scroll down a couple of paragraph's if you want to skip***
This hump day is special to me because it is also Veteran’s Day. My husband is in the Marine Corps reserves. He served over 6 years active duty. He has about 11 years total so far. He was in Iraq in 2007 and is going to Afghanistan soon. We don’t know the exact date but it is imminent. Yesterday was the Marine Corps birthday. I personally think we should honor and thank our service people year round not just on particular days, but hey, that's just me.
I am so proud of my hubby. When he was in Iraq, we had a very close family member pass away and it was very hard on him being so far away from us all especially during that very stressful time. I know there are a lot of service members that experience far worse than what he did. It is truly a sacrifice to serve our nation and be the defenders of our freedom. For that, I truly thank every man and woman that has enlisted to protect our country. Some may not agree with war. Some may not think the military is important. Whatever your opinion or mindset is, you are entitled to it. But we should still respect and be thankful for those that do serve. Happy Veteran’s Day!!!
Ok now on to the craft related stuff . OTHDBCGA was started to give a little boost to get us over hump day. It occurs on the 2nd or 3rd (if there are 5) Wednesday of the month. That was a mouthful huh? I thought it would be a good idea to offer some monthly candy. Who doesn’t like candy?
This month’s challenge is to create a snow themed card or project using an ISS images. You all have one now, at least the first 150 that signed up for the blog do. So I’m expecting a lot of entries!!! This month’s blog hop theme (the last Friday of each month) is ornaments so a few of the DT member’s combined the two. Their creations will be showcased shortly.
All you have to do once your project is complete (and you have 30 days to do this) is simply post a link to your project before 11:59 pm, PST, December 15th, 2009. We will then announce the winner by 6:00 pm December 16th, 2009. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me by email to claim their prize. And that is it. Easy Peasy.
The prize for this month’s candy is September and October’s paper kits from Club Anime. Here is what you will get:
24 sheets of Bo Bunny Kitchen Spice patterned papers (4 sheets of 6 designs)
32 sheets of Bo Bunny Delilah patterned papers (4 sheets of 8 designs)
18 sheets of Bazzill cardstocks (2 sheets of 9 colors)
11 yards of May Arts ribbon (1 yard of 11 colors)
2 packages of matching Bo Bunny iCandy brads32 sheets of Bo Bunny Delilah patterned papers (4 sheets of 8 designs)
18 sheets of Bazzill cardstocks (2 sheets of 9 colors)
11 yards of May Arts ribbon (1 yard of 11 colors)
1 Chef Jules Stamp and 1 Kimmi the angel stamp that hasn't been released yet
And here is a pic of the whole shebang!
Now that’s a lot of goodies!!!
Piali
Melissa
Mary
Cyndi
Virginia
Genevieve
Julie
Jodi S.
Kimmi's
Lana's
Margie
Janelle's
I think the DT projects are wonderful. How about you? You're next!
Thanks for Looking,
Virginia
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Images
All images have been emailed. There were about 24 people that left a comment but DIDN'T leave your email address. I went to your blog and copy and pasted your email it I found it.
If you didn't receive an email from me and were one of the 150 that posted...please email me at vvillasenoratinstylestampsdotcom (those are 2 v's and remove the at and dot) and I will check your post and respond to your email.
Virginia
P.S. you will find the images on our website at http://instylestamps.com
If you didn't receive an email from me and were one of the 150 that posted...please email me at vvillasenoratinstylestampsdotcom (those are 2 v's and remove the at and dot) and I will check your post and respond to your email.
Virginia
P.S. you will find the images on our website at http://instylestamps.com
Monday, November 9, 2009
Image distribution
I will be sending emails to those that added their email addresses to the Official post today.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Method Monday- Tent Topper Card
Today, DT member, Joy Stagg, is showing you how to make a Tent Topper Card. Tent Topper Cards aren’t your traditional sized cards, but they still fit into a regular card-sized envelope. Plus, they really show off the main image of the card- which ISS Images are perfect for! 
Materials needed:
Adhesive
Designer paper as desired
Image- I used Scarf Chick- Anime Digi Image
Additional Cardstock as desired
Embellishments as desired
Optional- Nestabilities- I used the Large Regtangles and Large Scalloped Retangles
Step 1
Score/Fold your 4 1/4" x 8 1/2" piece of cardstock at 4 1/4"
Step 2
Decorate your card front with additional cardstock, DP and embellishments as desired. Make sure you leave room on the top to add your image
Step 3
Print/Stamp, Color, Layer your image as desired
Step 4
Apply adhesive to the lower half of the back of your image
Step 5
Adhere your image to the top half of the card, and VIOLA, you have a Tent Topper Card!
Now, go and make your own! Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Announcing the new design team!
Thank you to everyone who applied to our design team call. We had an overwhelming response, and it took us quite a while to narrow down our final selections from all the talented ladies who applied. I wish we had room for everyone, but since we don't, our newest design team members are...
And our new guest designers for November and December are...
Please join me in welcoming them to the team! And be sure to pop by their blogs soon to see all of the fabulous projects they will be making!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wednesday Challenge: FELT!
Hello!! Welcome back for another Wednesday Challenge! This week's challenge is to use felt.
I LOVE adding embellishments to my projects - and felt adds the perfect dimension & texture. I used the super adorable Snowman Chick digi image. Added a felt snowflake ribbon and button (red flower under button) to embellish to my card.
To participate, create a project using at least ONE InStyle Stamps image. Leave the direct link to your project by Tuesday, November 10th using Mr. Linky below for a chance to win a digi image of your choice! Can't wait to see all of your fabulous projects!
{My Blog}
I LOVE adding embellishments to my projects - and felt adds the perfect dimension & texture. I used the super adorable Snowman Chick digi image. Added a felt snowflake ribbon and button (red flower under button) to embellish to my card.
To participate, create a project using at least ONE InStyle Stamps image. Leave the direct link to your project by Tuesday, November 10th using Mr. Linky below for a chance to win a digi image of your choice! Can't wait to see all of your fabulous projects!
{My Blog}
Monday, November 2, 2009
First 150-CLOSED!!!!!
Thanks for supportin us by following! You won't be disappointed. Just a quick reminder...if you are following us and wanted to be one of the first 75 to receive the free digi stamp or paper don't forgot to leave a comment in the post in order to qualify to receive the image of your choice.
If you followed but didn't leave a comment, please do so asap. :)
Thanks
Virginia
P.S. I extended it to the first 150. We've had an incredible response. BUT MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE ORIGINAL POST!!!
If you followed but didn't leave a comment, please do so asap. :)
Thanks
Virginia
P.S. I extended it to the first 150. We've had an incredible response. BUT MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE ORIGINAL POST!!!
Method Monday
Hello Everyone,
Before I get into the Method Monday post for this week, I have the pleasure of announcing the winners for the Blog Hop.
The post winner is:
KraftyChick
She said, "This was a fun hop! I got so many great ideas; but, the voting was really hard! My favorite holiday tradition is to have my grandsons together a day or two before Christmas Eve and we bake and decorate cookies together - it’s a good chance for all 3 boys to bond and for Grams and Umpa to have a great time (and great scrapbooking memories!). Thanks for a great blog and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!"
And the DT winner is:
Joy.
Please email me with 48 hours to claim your prize. My email address is vvillasenor@instylestampsdotcom (those are 2 v's).
Now onto Method Monday.
I'm up this week. My tutorial is a Quilt Block Top Note Die card. I got the idea from my ex-downline Angie over at Chic N Scratch. She is a wonderful tutorial maker. I love following her blog.
So let's get started shall we. But I forewarn you, once you make one, you will be addicted and make tons. I've made at least 50 of them myself for Christmas cards.
The Supplies:
You will need - Big Shot, Top Note Die, Cuttlebug (optional), Paper cutter, Cardstock, Patterned paper, Ribbon, punches (not shown), embellishments, adhesive, lot's of Patience!
Step One: Cut a piece of cardstock for the base of the quilt block 5 x 3.75.
Step Two: Cut your patterned paper into twelve (12) 1.25 x 1.25 squares. I used double sided paper so I made sure to cut 4 of one paper and just flipped them over to use the opposite pattern side.
Step Three: Arrange your cut squares on your base cardstock the way you want. Then add your adhesive to the cardstock base. I use Mod Podge because I slap it down and before it dries I can add all my squares quick and easy. You can also use double sided tape. Just make sure your squares are adhered securely. You won't want them coming up during their run through the Big Shot.
Step Four: Once your Squares are arranged and adhered to the base cardstock run it through the big shot using the top note die.
Step Five: Here is how the finished quilt top note will look:
Step Six: Add your ribbon and other embellishments to finish your card off. I used a finished card that I had done early.
And here is a close up of the edges of the top note die. I wanted to show you how finished your edges will look:
Here are some tips for making this project as close to perfection as possible:
*Make sure you cut your squares exactly 1.25 by 1.25. Sometimes you will be a little off and can trim as you are putting them onto the base.
*If the squares go over the base don't worry about it. When you run it through the big shot it will cut it down anyway to shape the top note so you will be fine. I also ran some cardstock through the cuttlebug just to give it some dimension and had no problem running it through the big shot or adhering it the cardstock base.
*Make sure you stick your squares down securely or they will come off when you are running through the big shot.
*Have fun and experiment. I did some with fabric. It works the same way except you should coat the top of the fabric with ribbon stiff or whatever you use to make the fabric a little more stiff. It also stops the edges from fraying. But they come out soo cute.
Hope you enjoyed this simple tutorial. Have fun!
Recipe:
Cardstock - Neenah, Paper Accents, Patterned Paper - Bo Bunny Abbey Road, Ribbon- May Arts, Swavorski crystals, Stampin Up! punches, sentiment and ink pad. Big shot, Cuttle bug, paper cutter, adhesive.
Before I get into the Method Monday post for this week, I have the pleasure of announcing the winners for the Blog Hop.
The post winner is:
KraftyChick
She said, "This was a fun hop! I got so many great ideas; but, the voting was really hard! My favorite holiday tradition is to have my grandsons together a day or two before Christmas Eve and we bake and decorate cookies together - it’s a good chance for all 3 boys to bond and for Grams and Umpa to have a great time (and great scrapbooking memories!). Thanks for a great blog and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!"
And the DT winner is:
Joy.
Please email me with 48 hours to claim your prize. My email address is vvillasenor@instylestampsdotcom (those are 2 v's).
Now onto Method Monday.
I'm up this week. My tutorial is a Quilt Block Top Note Die card. I got the idea from my ex-downline Angie over at Chic N Scratch. She is a wonderful tutorial maker. I love following her blog.
So let's get started shall we. But I forewarn you, once you make one, you will be addicted and make tons. I've made at least 50 of them myself for Christmas cards.
The Supplies:
You will need - Big Shot, Top Note Die, Cuttlebug (optional), Paper cutter, Cardstock, Patterned paper, Ribbon, punches (not shown), embellishments, adhesive, lot's of Patience!
Step One: Cut a piece of cardstock for the base of the quilt block 5 x 3.75.
Step Two: Cut your patterned paper into twelve (12) 1.25 x 1.25 squares. I used double sided paper so I made sure to cut 4 of one paper and just flipped them over to use the opposite pattern side.
Step Three: Arrange your cut squares on your base cardstock the way you want. Then add your adhesive to the cardstock base. I use Mod Podge because I slap it down and before it dries I can add all my squares quick and easy. You can also use double sided tape. Just make sure your squares are adhered securely. You won't want them coming up during their run through the Big Shot.
Step Four: Once your Squares are arranged and adhered to the base cardstock run it through the big shot using the top note die.
Step Five: Here is how the finished quilt top note will look:
Step Six: Add your ribbon and other embellishments to finish your card off. I used a finished card that I had done early.
And here is a close up of the edges of the top note die. I wanted to show you how finished your edges will look:
Here are some tips for making this project as close to perfection as possible:
*Make sure you cut your squares exactly 1.25 by 1.25. Sometimes you will be a little off and can trim as you are putting them onto the base.
*If the squares go over the base don't worry about it. When you run it through the big shot it will cut it down anyway to shape the top note so you will be fine. I also ran some cardstock through the cuttlebug just to give it some dimension and had no problem running it through the big shot or adhering it the cardstock base.
*Make sure you stick your squares down securely or they will come off when you are running through the big shot.
*Have fun and experiment. I did some with fabric. It works the same way except you should coat the top of the fabric with ribbon stiff or whatever you use to make the fabric a little more stiff. It also stops the edges from fraying. But they come out soo cute.
Hope you enjoyed this simple tutorial. Have fun!
Recipe:
Cardstock - Neenah, Paper Accents, Patterned Paper - Bo Bunny Abbey Road, Ribbon- May Arts, Swavorski crystals, Stampin Up! punches, sentiment and ink pad. Big shot, Cuttle bug, paper cutter, adhesive.
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