Quick Tip - Creating Animal Prints

 

The strips of zebra and giraffe prints made this African themed card come together!  It was a special request for a neighbor...the challenge was that she wanted the zebra and giraffe prints and Stampin'   Up!® didn't have any DSP (designer series paper) at the time with giraffes and zebras. 

I had to get a little creative. And THAT is what I love to do. 

I started to feel like MacGyver or the NASA team when they have to make something out of whatever is in the room. And then it came to me.  Embossing folders!!  No, I didn't ink my embossing folders! (I've done it before though and it is quite messy.) 

Follow along on this quick video and see how truly easy it was to create these animal prints!  You will be hooked!

**** Please note that the Timber 3D folder is re-appearing in the upcoming Jan-Jun 2022 catalog.  I said that it would reappear in the annual catalog in the video.  I was wrong.... it happens sometimes!!

So grab your Hammered Metal and Timber folders and let's make something fun!!!  Be sure to send me a pic! Otherwise, I just feel left out. 

On To the B Sides!!!

 

This blog is part of a demonstrator training blog hop.  When you are done taking a look at my blog, hop on to the next blog from the list below.  That blog will have the same list at the bottom, and you will just hop on along to the next blog on the list.  That is so much better than googling the night away!!  All this talent in one quick and easy list! 

Welcome to Card Zen by Jen!  This is my December/January Customer Appreciation card.  What does that mean??  Place an order using my current host code, 3W9J72PD, and you will get this card mailed to you for your personal use. Tried something a bit different for this card.... I used the B sides.  I have always been a lover of the B sides.  It all started with Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust."  Can you believe it was on the B side?? Never underestimate them. 

So, here we are in December... about to close out the June-Dec catalog and I have loads of the Cute Halloween paper left as well as the Cutest Halloween stampset.  Oh what is a girl to do???  Let's use some B sides.

Here are the A sides and B sides of this paper and the stampset. At a glance, it seems like you can only use this for Halloween, but let's think outside the box a little.

 

Using the Taylored Tag, I cut the shapes from the B sides.

Cut Flirty Flamingo cardstock to 3¾" x 5".

I started with the paper using the colored dots in the center and added the black and white shapes around it. Your shapes will go off the cardstock.

*** I put the center image down with TEMPORARY ADHESIVE while I worked out my design. I then adhered the black and white shapes with permanent adhesive.  Don't permanently adhere the colored center shape just yet.

  

Turn it over and cut around the cardstock.

Center it onto Rich Razzleberry cardstock measuring 4" x 5¼".

Did you know that we have Granny Green glittered organdy ribbon??  Well, we actually have white, but all you have to do is color it with a Stampin' Blend.  You can do this will all the white ribbons that Stampin' Up! sells. (Talk about the ultimate B side!)

So, you guessed it, color your ribbon!!!

Remove the center shape from your card, add some dimensionsals and wrap your ribbon behind it. 

Stamp the "You put a smile on my face" in Old Olive on Basic White cardstock.  Fussy cut it out. Add it to the center of your center shape using a dimensional. 

Adhere it to Old Olive cardstock (Gray Granite works well also.)

I hope that this really does put a smile on your face.  Take a look around your current supplies and see if they don't have some B sides that are still useful.

Don't forget to place your order using my current host code to get this card for free!

Reflected in Nature

 

This Reflected in Nature monochromatic card is my contribution to Kylie Bertucci's Monthly International Blog Highlights and my team member appreciation card for December. 

I would be honored if you would take a second to vote for my card.  The top 10 will get to participate in the Winner's Circle and I so want to be there!!!

As we near the end of the July-Dec 2021 catalog, I am drawn to some of the overlooked stampsets that will be retiring such as Reflected in Nature and Well-Defined.  And sadder yet, the designer series paper "Peaceful Place" will also retire. Have you seen it?  Absolutely beautiful, and it can be paired with any colors, or keep it monochromatic, like this.  

Items needed:

Cardstock: Smoky Slate, Basic Black, Basic White
Peaceful Place DSP 
Stampsets: Well-Defined, Reflected in Nature
Ink: Smoky Slate, Tuxedo Black Memento
Glittered Organdy Ribbon

Directions:

~Cut the Smoky Slate cs to 4¼" x 5½"  for the base. Cut another piece 3¼" x 8' for the easel, scored at 4" and 6".

~Cut two pieces of the DSP to 4" x 1½". Adhere to the base as shown. Then adhere the Smoky Slate cs centered to the base so that it will act as an easel.

~Stamp the reflected cabin scene in Smoky Slate on a piece of Basic White, then fussy cut around the image. Adhere it to the Basic Black cs (cut to 3¼" x 3⅛").  Center it on the folded Smoky Slate piece. ADHERE ONLY BELOW THE FOLD. 

~Wrap the ribbon and tie a bow.

~Stamp your sentiment from "Well-Defined" onto Basic White cs, then die cut it using the smaller label die from the "Seasonal Labels Dies."

~Adhere the label to the inside of the card with dimensionals, just high enough to not be seen when you close the card.

Join my team before the end of December and you will get this card from me!  

Don't forget to get these stamps and paper before they are gone - which is January 3rd or when they are sold out, whichever comes first.  If you order through me using my current Host Code (shown on the right of this screen), you will get my customer appreciation card for December!  

Well Defined

Reflected in Nature

Peaceful Place DSP

Quick Tip Tuesday - Hold my Glue!!!

To buy it now - click here.

 I love using the Tombow liquid glue and it is just $4 through Stampin' Up!®. I go through about 2-3 tubes a month!

When I am putting my cards together, I don't want to be bothered to screw the lid back on. That takes two hands and usually my other hand is holding my paper. If I just lay it on it's side on my craft table, then I have to wait for the glue to run back down to the bottom when I need it again. Forget it!!!

I started looking for a solution.. some friends just put it upside down in a shot glass and let the glue run out of it.... I am WAY too cheap for that....frugal, we will call it frugal. So, here is my solution that has been doing the job for the past year!

Here's an inexpensive (and fun) way to create a glue holder. You can even personalize it- have fun!

Join me next week, when I teach you how to debone a chicken.

Just kidding, who has time for cooking while we are having so much fun stamping???

Quick Tip Tuesday - Make your Clear Stamps Sticky Again

It happens.  You have favorite stamps that get more use than others.  Or maybe you had them too close to your embossing buddy or powders.  It happens.  They lose their stickiness.  Now you go to put them on the block and they fall off---- usually after you have ink on it and it falls right onto your project. 

My life motto is " You can either curse the darkness, or light a candle." 

After much cursing, I searched for a solution.

In most cases, your Stampin' Up!® demonstrator will be able to guide you to a solution.  If you don't have one, I am happy for the opportunity to help you on your stamping journey.  So, let's make some stamps sticky again!??

 

Join me next Tuesday for another episode of Quick Tip Tuesday!!

November's Customer Appreciation Card

 

Use current host code 3W9J72PD and get this card free!

Welcome to Card Zen by Jen!  This is my November Customer Appreciation card.  What does that mean??  Place an order using my current host code, 3W9J72PD, and you will get this card mailed to you for your personal use.  Not only that, but I will also send you the written tutorial and access to the video tutorial so that you can make your own!!  We'll talk more about this exclusive stampset, Eden's Garden, in a second. But first...

This blog is part of a demonstrator training blog hop.  When you are done taking a look at my blog, hop on to the next blog from the list below.  That blog will have the same list at the bottom, and you will just hop on along to the next on the list.  That is so much better than googling the night away!!  All this talent in one quick and easy list! 

Back to the card!!!!!  As a demonstrator, we have exclusive early access to stampsets from future catalogs.  This totally satisfies my FOMO personality!  You can't see the catalog yet, but you can now order this set!  Let's take a quick peek!

Eden's Garden Bundle - Early release from the June-July 2022 Catalog

The sentiments in this set are so "real" and would be well-received. The images are distinktive stamps.  What does that mean?  They pick up the ink at varying rates to create lighter and darker images in one stamp.  This effect can be seen in the picture of the inside of my card below.

Ever Eden DSP  12 x 12
ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL 1/3/2022 OR WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!

This paper highlights two of the 2021-2023 In-colors, Soft Succulent and Evening Evergreen.  This photo doesn't adequately show the pops of gold foil.  This paper truly is the star of the Eden's Garden show!  I am sad to say that this paper is not in the upcoming catalog.  It is only available until 1/3/2022 or while supplies last.  It has been very popular so far so don't wait!

Again, I have a FOMO personality, so if you want to cover your bases, just order the collection and get it all!  You won't regret it!

EDEN’S GARDEN COLLECTION 

The entire exclusive, early-release collection can be yours! 

In all honesty, I loved the colors, but this set was not one of my favorites.  But once I put stamp to ink, I was hooked.  It's versatility makes it useful for Christmas, masculine or feminine projects.  

Don't forget to use my host code G2T6X42X so that you can get this card and the tutorial!

Now hop on along to the next talented, brave, and beautiful Stampin' Up!® demonstrator's blog!

Quick Tip Tuesday - Adhesives - A Sticky Situation?

So, you started dipping your toe into the papercrafting pool. The directions in the tutorial say "adhere" but what does that mean??? What do you use? There are so many choices! 

In most cases, your Stampin' Up!® demonstrator will help you navigate this sticky situation. If you don't have one, I am happy for the opportunity to help you on your stamping journey.  So, let's explore some sticky stuff, shall we??

 

Join me next Tuesday for another episode of Quick Tip Tuesday!!

Frosted Gingerbread or Snowflakes?

 

Do you want to make this card? See how to get the packet below!

This card is part of an International Blog AND my November card packet to my team members.  

If you like my card, please follow this link to place your vote (for me, pretty please). If I finish in the top 10, then I get to participate in a special blog hop with the other finalists!

The Frosted Gingerbread stampset is getting a workout in my Craft Cave.  This card uses the dies and stamps at snowflakes instead of cookies.  Snowflakes don't taste as good as cookies, but do have less calories.  

Get the card packet, pdf tutorial, and a bundle for FREE!

My team members are getting this card packet and the pdf tutorial for free in November.  

Stampin' Up!® is having an unbelievable promotion to join from 11/4-11/30/2021.  

Join my Stampin' Up!® team before 11/30/2021 and get all of this:

• Pick $125 worth of Stampin' Up!® product and you will pay just $75  (marked down from the standard $99)- and no shipping cost on this order! And YOU get to choose what you get!!!
• Enjoy a discount of at least 20% for as long as you are a demonstrator.
• Join an amazing community of stampers that share ideas and support each other. 
• While you have the opportunity to sell Stampin' Up!® and earn extra product, income and trips, many join for the discount and become "hobby" demonstrators.  There is nothing wrong with that!!! Take advantage of this promotion while it lasts!!!  (ends 11/30/2021)
• Oh, and you will also get my card packet and the pdf tutorial.... seems so little after all the other goodies, right?

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

If you have any questions about joining, feel free to email me at cardzenbyjen@yahoo.com or call me! I'd love to chat!

Quick Tip Tuesday - Preparing to Stamp

 

So, you bought a Stampin' Up!™ stampset but when you opened the case, they don't look the same as the ones you used in class or saw online.  And there are really no directions in how to prepare them or what to do next.  The idea behind the "no directions" is that you would get instruction from your friendly Stampin' Up!® demonstrator.  But what if you bought retired stamps online??  Do you have a demonstrator?  If not, I am happy for the opportunity to help you on your stamping journey.  So, let's get those stamps ready to use!  

Let me show you the different types of stamps offered, how to prepare them, and how to get the best results. 

In the video, I showed how to use the photopolymer (clear) stamps with the mat.  I couldn't remember the name at the time (old age is setting in).  It is the Stampin' Pierce Mat and you can order it by clicking on the photo.  It is just $5 but makes all the difference when using the clear stamps.

Don't forget to get your shammy to wipe your stamps off in between uses.  I call it the "squishy, squishy"!  It is just $8. You can order by clicking on the photo.

Catch you next Tuesday for Quick Tip #3!  

Do you want a quick tip on a specific topic?? I am happy to take requests!