Too Cool Stamping

Sunday Showcase—Easter Projects I Wish I Had Created

Happy Easter!  I can't believe that it's here already!  I had a half dozen projects that I really wanted to try out before this holiday came, but here I am on Easter Day with none of them accomplished!  Story of my life.

So, today's showcase features projects I WISH I had created for Easter. 

Even though it's too late to inspire you for this year's holiday, I had to share these fantastic ideas from some of my favorite fellow stampers!  Hopefully, I'll be able to find them to try again next year.  Until then, pretend these Too Cool ideas are mine!  LOL!

Created by LeeAnn Greff: Punch Art Easter Eggs & Chicks.

Use the Extra Large Oval Punch to punch out some egg shapes from Sweet Shop Designer Series Paper, then use the Bird Punch to make the chicks!  I should have made this one!

Created by Le Tirzah Jones, CASEd from Kara Creech.

Cute bunny butt!  Love this!  Easy punch out bunny with the 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch (tail), and Owl Punch (heart).  Plus, the flowers are created with the Bird Punch and Itty Bitty Punch Pack.  Love the Woodgrain background to make it look like a hollow tree. Shoot, I should have made this one!

Created by Barb Mullikin: Bright Blossoms Bunny.

Another cute punch-art mini bunny created with the 3/4" Circle Punch (head), Small Oval Punch (body), Blossom Petals Punch (ears).  He looks so sweet tip-toeing through the tulips from the Bright Blossoms set!  Too cute!  Why didn't I make this one?

Created by Dawn Olchefske at DO Stamping: Scallop Envelope Basket.

I've been wanting to make this cute basket from the Scallop Envelope Die for two years!  This one looks so pretty with one of my favorite papers of all time from the retired Tea Party DSP.  I should have totally made this one this year!

Created by Chiaki Haverstick: Scallop Square Basket

Here's a super-easy Lattice textured Easter basket created with the Scallop Square Die. 

1. Score any square into thirds in both directions (ie: for 6x6", score at 2", 4" on both sides)
2. Snip to the intersecting score lines on two opposite sides.
3. Fold up the sides and secure with a brad.

So easy, why didn't I take 2 seconds to make this one?!

Created by Betty Traciak at Kitty Stamp: Petite Purse Ideas.

This one is made with the Summer Smooches Designer Paper and Petite Purse Die!  Can you believe it?!  Simply die-cut the purse front with purse flap six times, trim off the sides (leave the tabs), and adhere together.  I SO should have made this one when I was playing with the Summer Smooches products! 

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I hope you've enjoyed my Easter projects that never were!  Thanks to all of designers for their awesome project ideas!

Have a lovely Easter Day!

Angie

Four Square Double Embossed Tempting Tulips

I'm loving all of the bright colors in the new Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper!  So versatile!

The Summer Smooches DSP has tons of colors to choose from: Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Real Red, and Rich Razzleberry.  That's half of the Brights Collection, plus two In Colors!  Think of all of the color combinations you can try with this paper—Too Cool! 

In yesterday's post, I used the paper for a card featuring Daffodil Delight and Island Indigo: Summer Smooched Blossoms. 

Today's Two Cool cards feature Tempting Turquoise, Rich Razzleberry, and Lucky Limeade Summer Smooches colors for a totally different look!

 

In fact, I only used the actual Summer Smooches paper for a small Rich Razzleberry accent.  I just used the same colors from the paper as my color palette.  They look great together!

TIP: Even if you don't use (or even have) Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper, take note of the color combinations featured in the different packages!  They do a lot of research on colors that work well together.  Why reinvent the (color) wheel?  Haha!

Four Squares: The tulips are two-step stamps from the Bright Blossoms stamp set featured as part of the Summer Smooches Catalog Sneak Peek this month.  They were punched with the 1" Square Punch, then layered on a Postage Stamp Punch from Island Indigo card stock.  All four squares are mounted with Dimensionals onto a square from the Scallop Squares Due Die. A perfect fit!

 

Double Texture Embossing: This is my favorite of the Two Cool cards, because I love the embossed tulips border along the bottom!  Did you notice the Double Texture Embossing with the Perfect Polka Dots and Framed Tulips Impressions Folders?  This particular combination of textures is easy to achieve!

I started by embossing the Framed Tulips part first.  I laid my card stock in the middle of the long side of the folder, so I only got one nice border edge.

Option: Learn how to get a Framed Tulips border all the way around any size of card stock: Framed Tulip Border.

Next, I aligned the Perfect Polka Dots folder along the edge of the tulip border, so the tulips were sticking outside of the folder when I ran it through.  TIP: I also had the top Cutting Pad lined up flush with my folder edge, so I wouldn't accidently get a crease on the tulips as it ran through the Big Shot. 

I think we'll be doing this card at my April "Last Thursdays" Card Class because it's fast and fun!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Bright Blossoms, Petite Pairs
• Ink—Rich Razzleberry, Tempting Turquoise, Lucky Limeade Markers
• Paper—Summer Smooches DSP; Lucky Limeade, Tempting Turquoise, Island Indigo, Whisper White card stock   
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder, Framed Tulips Impressions Folder, Postage Stamp Punch, 1" Square Punch, Scallop Square Duo Die, Big Shot, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Order all the supplies you need to make this project and more at my Online Store!

Angie

Summer Smooched Blossoms

Oh, I'm having so much fun playing with my new Bright Blossoms stamp set and new Summer Smooches  Designer Paper that I almost forgot to blog today!  Ooops!

The Summer Smooches Suite of products are available as a sneak peek now through April 30.

Here was the first project I created...I love how these Two Cool cards turned out!

 

CASEd from Jen Smith at Ladybug Stamper

Love it, love it, love it!  The patterns in the Summer Smooch DSP go so perfectly with the Bright Blossoms images—dots and circles everywhere! 

Bright Blossoms is a two-step stamp set, so you can stamp the vase you want and add flowers in a different color.  There are a couple of ways you can get multicolored flowers. 

For my two-color image above, I stamped the tulip twice, once in Tangerine Tango and once in Rich Razzleberry. Then, I cut out the Rich Razzleberry petals and popped them up with Dimensionals over the Tangerine tulip, so only the dot at the top shows through.  I popped up the vase to match.

 

For this version, I used markers to color the flowers right on the stamp before stamping.  Then, I cut out the entire flower and popped it up.  The stem and circle flowers image underneath were colored the same way for a multicolor look, but most of that ended up be covered anyway. 

Other Card Details: Once the Bright Blossoms images were stamped and the sentiment from Kindness Matters added, I die-cut the Whisper White piece with the Labels Framelits.  Island Indigo Ribbon gives it some additional texture and dimension.

 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Bright Blossoms, Kindness Matters
• Ink—Lucky Limeade, Tangerine Tango (card #1), Rich Razzleberry (card #1), Island Indigo (card #2), Real Red (card #2) Marker
• Paper—Summer Smooches DSP; Daffodil Delight, Whisper White card stock   
• Accessories—Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon
• Tools—Labels Framelits, Big Shot, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Order all the supplies you need to make this project and more at my Online Store! 

More fun Summer Smooches projects to come!

Angie

Introducing The New Petite Purse Die!

Check out the new Petite Purse Bigz Die in action! 

Emily Montoya from Stampin' Up! introduces the Petite Purse Die, along with three cute projects, in her video below! (click HERE to take you to my actual post to see the video!)

 

Isn't it simply ADORABLE!  Wouldn't they be cute for a bridal shower or wedding favor?  Or a girl's birthday party?  Or, a cute and quick keepsake for your next Girls Night Out!  What about Mother's Day?!  Lots of possiblities!

This die is currently available as a Summer Smooches catalog sneak peek item through April 30.  Get it while it's available for fun spring treats!  Order the Petite Purse Bigz Die today at my Online Store!

Angie

3 Sassy Summer Smooches Projects & 3 Idea Galleries!

"My Favorite Ideas" Gallery

I love sharing Too Cool Stamping ideas with you here on this blog, but did you know that you can also find project ideas at my Too Cool Stamping website?

You know...that's the place where you can shop at my Online Stampin' Up! Store!

Well, there is also a gallery there filled with 100s of fun and unique projects created by Stampin' Up!.  Be sure to check it out: My Favorite Ideas. 

3 New Summer Smooches Projects

Three new projects have just been added to the My Favorite Ideas gallery and they're created with the products from the new Summer Smooches Suite!  Find out more about the fabulous Summer Smooch items available as a sneak peek now through April 30.

Click the links for project supplies.

3x3" Thanks Card—Featuring the Bright Blossoms stamp set, Summer Smooches Designer Paper, and Summer Smooches Fabric Brads.

Sweet Treats Purse—Created with the Petite Purse Die and decorated with the Bright Blossoms stamp set, Summer Smooches Designer Paper, and Daffodil Delight Seam Binding.  The actual die-cut has a flap closure on the purse, but I love the open top for a different look! 

Grateful Card—Featuring the Summer Smooches Designer Paper, plus Summer Smooches Designer Fabric as a cute gathered fabric flower with a Summer Smooches Fabric Brad center!

Find Even More Stampin' Up! Project Ideas

That's not all!  I also have links to even more project ideas on my website under the Stampin' Up! Ideas link under the Ideas tab.  There are three categories of projects created by Stampin' Up! that you can explore:

• Card Projects
• Scrapbooking Pages
• Papercrafting & Gifts

Don't Forget About The Idea Book & Catalog

And, while we're talking about where to get stamping ideas, don't forget about the fabulous Idea Book & Catalog as a resource!  With 100s of fantastic card, scrapbook and papercrafted gifts at your fingertips, you're sure to find some inspiration for designs and color combinations! 

Don't have a copy?  It's time to get one!  Here's how!

• Order one at my Online Store ($9.95, plus shipping & tax).
• Purchase one from me for $10.
• Receive a FREE Idea Book when you host a workshop. Contact me to schedule.
• Receive a FREE Idea Book with your $100 order. Order now at my Online Store.

The current 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog will only be available until May 31, and it is the last one in the "Idea Book" format, so don't miss out! 

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Now that you've got the inpsiration, it's time to get stamping!  Let me know if I can help!

Angie

Pucker Up! It's Time For Some Summer Smooches!

Spring has only recently arrived, but Stampin' Up! is already giving you a sneak peek at some Summer Smooches from the upcoming catalog!

Summer Smooches Promotion

For the month of April only, you can purchase some fun new coordinating items from the upcoming Summer Smooches product suite. 

This is a sneak peek offer—these products are from the new catalog that comes out on June 1.  Be the first to get your Smooch on!

• See complete details on the Summer Smooches Flyer PDF
• Browse Summer Smooches products at my Online Store.

Introducing...Summer Smooches Products!

Are you ready?!  Let's take a sneak peek at the new catalog products that are available right now for a limited time!

Bright Blossoms Stamp Set

Cute and contemporary flowers and vases with a retro flair!  Available in clear and wood mount.

Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper

Bright, cheery colors with delightful patterns that are fabulous for spring and summer projects!  Includes 12 sheets: 2 ea. of 6 double-sided designs. 12" x 12". Acid- and lignin-free.  Colors include: Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango, and Tempting Turquoise.

Summer Smooches Designer Fabric

Get sassy this summer with our Summer Smooches Designer Fabric. Includes three extra-wide fat quarters (27" x 18") in three coordinated designs. Colors featured: Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Real Red, Tangerine Tango, and Tempting Turquoise.

This was the pretty fabric that was used for the mini reversible tote that we received at our Leadership event in January.  Love the colors!

 

Summer Smooches Fabric Brads

Fun, fabric-covered brads are about 5/8" in diameter.  Three bold designs to coordinate with all of your Summer Smooches projects. Package includes 24 brads: eight each in three designs. Coordinating colors: Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango, and Tempting Turquoise.  Available only for a limited time; will not be available again after April 30.

Daffodil Delight Seam Binding

A new color to this awesome style of ribbon!  This soft and flowing ribbon drapes like silk. Includes 10 yards.

Petite Purse Bigz Die

My purse-onal favorite!  Die-cuts and scores your card stock and designer papers for a quick and easy, feminine favor!  Design and decorate your mini purse to fit your favorite style or occasion!  Fun, fun, fun!

Summer Smooches Photobook Template Download

A versatile My Digital Studio template that's perfect for vacations or everyday moments.  Pair stamps brushes and embellishments for additional coordinating projects.  Download includes: 24-page 8" x 8" photobook designer template, 16-piece stamp brush set, 15 Designer Series Papers, 39 embellishments

Summer Smooches Décor Stencil

Create a one-of-a-kind summer garden on ceramics, walls, and more with this easy-to-use, approximately 10" high stencil!  Available only for a limited time; will not be available again after April 30.

Purchase products from the Summer Smooches Suite at my Online Store!

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Stay tuned for fun new projects using the Summer Smooches items!

Angie

Sunday Showcase—24 Blossom Builder Kit Ideas!

Stampin' Up! had LOTS of fun ideas for the Blossom Builders Kit on display at Leadership in January.  In fact, all of our make & takes were created with blooms from this fabulous kit! 

Just look at all of those colorful flowers!  Each die-cut bloom is printed on double-sided, textured card stock, with a pattern on one side and a coordinating solid color on the other.  There are more than 50 blossoms in a variety of sizes to mix & match for fast & easy embellishments on cards, boxes, scrapbook pages, and more! 

Plus, you get a sheet of pink rhinestones (30 each in 7mm and 2mm) to add some bling to your blooms!

Blossom Builders Kit Showcase...

Here are two dozen fun Blossom Builders Kit project ideas from Leadership to give you some inspiration on how to use them!   

I'm not giving much detail on the projects, but if you have any questions on how any of them are made, just ask me! 

And, rather than repeat my links 4 gazillion times, I'll just list the main ones once.  The majority of these projects also feature Twitterpated Designer Series Paper, Mixed Bunch and Loving Thoughts stamp sets, the Blossom Punch, Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, and Bright Buttons.

The blossoms match the card stock and ink colors for perfect coordination! 

The Mixed Bunch stamp set and Blossom Punch also coordinates beautifully with the blossoms in this kit!  Love the textured Poppy Parade strips, courtesy of the Crimper.

I love how these blooms mimic the flowers in the Twitterpated Designer Series Paper background.  Also features the Scallop Edge Border Punch.

The Paper Pierced border adds a charming finishing touch! 

Those long white banners are also die-cut from the same Blossom Builders Kit.  Just stamp with a Loving Thoughts sentiment and adhere! 

So many colors, limitless layering possibilities, especially when you add the Mixed Bunch images and Blossom Punch shapes!

Torn strips of the Twitterpated Designer Fabric were braided together for the flower stem.  The dots are from the Distressed Dots background stamp.

The ric rac on this card (and the one above it) is from the Tasteful Trim Die.

You can really see the lovely texture of the blossom card stock on this one.  Cute idea to wrap the card three times with 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon.

It's fun to layer the delicate images from Mixed Bunch with the soft patterns on the flower die-cuts.

You can see that the Blossom Punch cut-out layers nicely on some of the larger blooms.

How adorable are these trio of small blossoms?!

Simple, fast and pretty thank you card.

Use the Loving Thoughts words to create a bookmark that you can give in a Petite Pocket Die envelope.

The Blossom Builders Kit is absolutely awesome for quick & cute scrapbook embellishments!

This one also features Pennant Builder Punch shapes and the Just Add Cake DSP.

Or, how about creating some wall décor!  Check out the butterflies that were made from one of the blooms!  The butterfly bodies are pieces of a wooden skewer.

Here's another handy home item...a decorated bulletin board!  Super cute!  These embellishments, particularly the folded circle banner, would look terrific on a scrap page!

Dress up an embroidery ring into a work of art!  Talk about creative, that's thinking outside of the box!

And, don't forget about boxes!  This Fancy Favor Box is much cuter with a Blossom Builders Kit flower on the front!

Here's another pretty box that's really decked out with floral layers in bold colors!

Inside the box was a mini "Memories" photo book!

Why not make it a whole gift set with this matching card & envelope!  Can't resist some good Stampin' Up! coordination!

Finally, a fun and unique way to give treats with this cone-shaped, hanging party favor! 

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Are you ready to have fun building some blossoms? 

Order this fun Blossom Builders Kit at my Online Store today!  This kit is a limited-time-only item, available from the Occasions Mini Catalog until April 30!

Angie