Stamp Talk with Tosh: August 2013

Friday, August 30, 2013

WMS Pajama Party

It's time for our second Waltzingmouse Pajama Party, and there are some super fun challenges!! Click HERE to read all about it.

I made a CAS card using the "Nautical Theme's" color inspiration, and this month's Bedtime Story Sketch.

I used the following stamp sets: Ocean Bound, Safe Harbor, Pinstripe Backgrounder and Chevron Backgrounder

I used the following inks for the color challenge: Smokey Gray and Onyx Black (Versafine), Red Brick, Night Sky and Jumbo Java (VersaMagic).

That's it for me today. Be sure to stop by the Waltzingmouse Blog for all the details and see how others have taken on these challenges!! We'd love it if you could join our Pajama Party!!

Here's the Bedtime Story Sketch:

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Ferns and Fiddles Free for All

Today you're going to see some fun creations from the Design Team with a couple of our still beautiful but older sets Ferns and Fiddles and Falling Leaves ...perfectly inspiring for the upcoming season of Autumn! I wanted to try something a bit different with my card today. I took a brown paper lunch sack, spritzed it water, crinkled it up, and diecut a Long Rectangle (Spellbinders) opening. I wanted a rustic look to highlight my fern image. I used the Emboss Resist technique by stamping my fern image with Versamark and embossing it with Clear EP. I then sponged Antique Linen and Forest Moss Ranger Distress Ink over the image and watched it "pop" off the paper. Lastly, I stamped the sentiment: "Nature is the Art of God", with Soft Sand Hero Arts Shadow Ink, over and around the image. I added a corrugated cardboard flag along with some burlap string, a scored diecut heart, and one of the other sentiments included in this set, "Just Breathe".
That's it from me today. If you haven't seen what the rest of the Flourishes DT has done today, you're missing out, so head on over and visit...

Make sure you check out the Flourishes Blog today too! Allison Cope has moved from the Friends of Flourishes Blog DT to the Finest Designers team, and we couldn't be happier!! It's now the last chance to CASE a designer for the summer. Winners are up for a Flourishes Goodie bag.

_______________________________________________________

Stamps: Ferns and Fiddles (Flourishes)

Paper: Classic Ivory (Flourishes), Paper Bag, Corrugated Cardboard

Ink: Antique Linen, Forest Moss and Vintage Photo (Ranger Distress), Soft Sand (Hero Arts)

Accessories: Heart Die (Tim Holtz), Circle Die and Long Rectangle dies (Spellbinders), Scor-Buddy, Rusty Safety Pin (The Funky Junky), Clear Embossing Powder (Judikins), Gesso, Burlap, Rhinestones (Pizzazz Aplenty), Sewing Machine

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Flourishes Watercolor Focus

Today the Flourishes Senior Team is going to do something a little different! We're going to spend this Friday on a Technique Focus we think you'll enjoy. It's one that's very "hot" in the cardmaking industry right now, watercolor. You'll see many examples of some great watercoloring techniques along the way with the Design Team. We're also going to focus on a product we have in store that's great for watercoloring, AND it's in our OVERSTOCK Sale too! It's our Letraset Aqua Markers, which are perfect for watercoloring, and on sale - who can beat that!

I love the new Chrysanthemum images. They just feel so free and wispy. So I decided to use Flamingo Pink on the blooms and Celery on the leaves. The nice thing about these water color markers is their two tips. The fine tip is actually a bit lighter than the thicker nib, making it easier to make a contrast with shading. I used a watercolor brush to blend the colors. I used Watercolor paper as my base and stamped the image with Versamark and embossed it with Black Embossing Powder. The border piece was dicut using the A2 Bracket Borders One dies by Spellbinders.

As well, we wanted to remind you that today is our last day to purchase the August New Release Bundle at a discount. Here's a reminder of how beautiful the August sets are:

Autumn Blessings

Chrysanthemum

Mountain View

So you can head on over to the Design Team and see their Focus on Watercolor today. But don't forget to keep reading here...there's more for you!

Here are the details about the sale: If you click HERE, you can take a trip to our SALE page you'll find hundreds of items with prices that will be slashed at the time of check out! Just add the coupon code OVERSTOCK25 and 25% will be deducted from your total. This coupon code will ONLY work on SALE PAGE items. We have inks, paper, embellishments, ribbons and even overstocked stamp sets. On those items with sale prices, you will be able to take an ADDITIONAL 25% off! It's the deal of the season! So click HERE to shop early for the best selection!

So glad you could drop by today. I hope you have a fabulous weekend!!
Happy Stamping!

____________________________________________________________

Stamps: Chrysanthemum (Flourishes)

Paper: Classic Ivory (Flourishes), Watercolor

Ink: Versamark, Onyx Black (Versafine)

Accessories: Flamingo Pink and Celery Aqua Markers (Letraset), A2 Bracket Borders One dies (Spellbinders), Wrinkled Seam Binding Ribbon (Prairie Bird Boutique), Vintage Glass Button (Melissa Frances), Crystal Stemps (Bling Stam), Corner Rounder Punch, Watercolor Brush

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Flourishes August Release Previews ~ Day 3

Welcome to our last day of August New Releases at Flourishes! We're thrilled with your response to these beautiful fall-themed sets, and to finish our week out we know you'll love today's little treasure too! You can celebrate all that Autumn has to offer with a spirit of thanksgiving. This beautiful and earthy set, called Autumn Blessings, penned by Marcella Hawley features three main images, two accent images and six mix and match sentiments. Set measures 4 by 6". It has a wonderful homespun feel and the Design Team had a lot of fun playing with it. You'll also be glad to hear that it has it's own cut-file for extra creating options.

So while you're visiting the Design Team remember that you're also looking for one last... Hidden among the Design Team's blogs today is our Mystery Blogger of the day. Comment on her blog and you could be chosen to win today's set! The more you comment, the better your chances.

I tried something new with my coloring. Nothing much, but it was fun to step a bit out of my coloring box. I've noticed many Copic colorers using colors, other than black, to stamp their images with, and I like the results. So, I stamped the pumpkin cart image with Rich Cocoa Memento Ink, Diecut it with the Perfectly Pierced Classic Frames Die set, and ink distressed the edges with Antique Linen Ranger Distress Ink.

Here are the Copic sets I used:

In addition to this beautiful stamp set - we have something even more exciting to offer.

This month's... Classinabox-AugGfx

If you like what you see with the cards above, you should click HERE and pick up our August Class in a Box Kit. The last one sold out in a matter of hours! With each kit you receive pre-cut paper and detailed instructions to make the three cards and 2 of each design for a total of six cards. Just stamp, color and put them together! When you’re done, save the full-color, glossy instructions to make all of these cards on your own in the future. It's inspiration delivered right to your door! The instructions are great layout ideas for any and all of Flourishes sets! The kit comes with the Autumn Blessings stamp set (SS256) embellishments, twine, buttons, trims and pre-cut decorative paper, the remaining Autumn Harvest 6 by 6″ paper pack plus card stock for card bases.You can check it out HERE! But, hurry before this kit is gone! Also, have you heard about our Overstock Sale? All sale items are an additional 25% off when you use the code OVERSTOCK25 in the coupon code box at the time of checkout. Keep in mind, this discount only applies to Sale Page Items. We have paper, ink, ribbon and even overstocked stamp sets! Click HERE to see for yourself and pick up some goodies before they are gone!

DO YOU WANT TO WIN OUR ENTIRE RELEASE?

If you would like a chance at winning all three of our now released August sets…

You can play in our Colorful Creations Challenge – we will have multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is TODAY FRIDAY August 16th at 5 PM EST. Check out the link for the official rules!
All three of our August sets are NOW AVAILABLE and you can check them out HERE. Take advantage our New Release Bundle and get 10% off when you purchase all three together in a bundle. And, for even more creative options, there are Silhouette Cut Files for some of the stamp sets in this release -- Chrysanthemum Silhouette Cut File and Autumn Blessings Silhouette Cut File!
Join us back here on the Flourishes Blog tomorrow for the Winner’s Circle where we’ll announce all of our winners of this weeks’ challenges!

Thanks for your great support, and encouraging words again this month and we look forward to what you create with our August Releases!

________________________________________________________________

Stamps: Autumn Blessings (Flourishes)

Paper: Loolah (Creative Imaginations), White (Flourishes)

Ink: Rich Cocoa (Memento), Antique Linen (Ranger Distress), Cornucopia (VersaMagic), Smokey Gray (Versafine)

Accessories: Perfectly Pierced Classic Frames Die set (Flourishes), Standard Circle die (Spellbinders), Natural Burlap String, Wood Button (Basicgrey), Rhinestones (Pizzazz Aplenty), Sewing Machine

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Flourishes August Release Previews ~ Day 2

There is something so majestic about seeing mountain wildlife in their element, and today we have an amazing scenic set to show off to you called Mountain View. It's an elk standing ready with a beautiful mountainside in the background - that's the centerpiece of this 4" by 3" set penned by Lauren Pope. Perfect for the guys in your life, this set features one main image as well as three sentiments. We think it's an impressive and stately image and our Design Team is ready to show it off to you bringing it to life!

Don't forget to look for: Hidden among the Design Team's blogs today is our Mystery Blogger of the day. Comment on her blog and you could be chosen to win today's set! The more you comment, the better your chances.

I love this stately Elk with the mountain in the background. I stamped the scene with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink and colored it using the Copper Collection and the Warm Neutrals Collection. I ink distressed all the edges using Pumice Stone Distress Ink to age it a bit too.

DO YOU WANT TO WIN OUR ENTIRE RELEASE?

If you would like a chance at winning all three of our soon-to-be released August sets…

You can play in our Colorful Creations Challenge – we will have multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is FRIDAY August 16th at 5 PM EST. Check out the link for the official rules!
All three of our August sets can be pre-ordered now, even before you see them all! Take advantage our New Release Bundle and get 10% off when you purchase all four together in a bundle, this discount will be available for only 1 week following the release.
All sets will be live first thing Friday morning along with the coordinating cut files for this release.
Come back to the Flourishes Blog Saturday for the Winner's Circle where we'll announce all of our winners of this weeks' challenges!

Join us back here tomorrow for a thankful Autumn set that will bless you!

__________________________________________________

Stamps: Mountain View (Flourishes)

Paper: Loyal (Authentique), Classic Ivory (Flourishes), Cryogen White

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Pumice Stone (Ranger Distress)

Accessories: Copics, Labels 3 die (Spellbinders), Brads, Jute Ribbon, Distrezz-it-All (Zutter)

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Flourishes August Release Previews ~ Day 1

We are so excited to be back with a new round of beautiful stamps for you this August! Today's stamp set is a new offering from illustrator Sam Pickard and it showcases the unique blooms of the Chrysanthemum flower that is a staple for fall color and bouquets. This 4 x 6 set contains several arrangements of single or grouped flowers, a buzzing bee, plus wonderful sentiments around a sunshine theme. It's sure to bring wonderful cheerfulness to your designs on those crisp Autumn days that are coming. And for even more creative options, we'll have a cut-file available for this set as well on Friday.

So we want to show of some of our Chrysanthemum creations to you today and there's a chance for you to win today's set! All you have to do is find: Hidden among the Design Team’s blogs today is our Mystery Blogger of the day. Comment on her blog and you could be chosen to win today’s set! The more you comment, the better your chances.

My card, today, is pretty CAS. I just stamped the mums with Versamark and embossed them with white embossing powder.

If you haven't had a chance to check out the rest of the DT's inspirational posts, here are the links. You won't want to miss a stop!

DO YOU WANT TO WIN OUR ENTIRE RELEASE?

If you would like a chance at winning all three of our soon-to-be released August sets…

You can play in our Colorful Creations Challenge – we will have multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is FRIDAY August 16th at 5 PM EST. Check out the link for the official rules!
All three of our August sets can be pre-ordered now, even before you see them all! Take advantage our New Release Bundle and get 10% off when you purchase all three together in a bundle, this discount will be available for only 1 week following the release.
All sets will be live first thing Friday morning along with the coordinating cut files for this release.
Come back to the Flourishes Blog Saturday for the Winner’s Circle where we’ll announce all of our winners of this weeks’ challenges!

Along the way this week as you're hopping you'll notice the beautiful goodies from our new 123 Create Kit called Isabella. Be sure to check it out. It's our way of pulling together all of your design elements so you can create beautiful things! If you want to see this kit and all it has to offer in the store, just click HERE. And, one more piece of fun news for you! Just in time for release week shopping, Flourishes is sweetening the deal by offering an..... Overstock Sale!

If you click HERE, you can take a trip to our SALE page where we've added hundreds, yes hundreds of items! Keep in mind, some items are listed at retail prices. It's only when you add the coupon code OVERSTOCK25 that the 25% will be deducted from your total. This coupon code will ONLY work on SALE PAGE items. We have inks, paper, embellishments, ribbons and even overstocked stamp sets. On those items with sale prices, you will be able to take an ADDITIONAL 25% off! It's the deal of the season! So click HERE to shop early for the best selection! Join us back here tomorrow where we'll show you a gorgeous set with a view!

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Waltzingmouse Stamps August Release

Waltzingmouse Release Day has finally arrived!! 9 new inspirational sets!! Claire is starting the hop today and will have a list of all DT participating, so if you didn't start there, you might want to make a stop.

I have two final cards to share with you today. For my first card, I stamped the rounded rectangle rope frame (Ocean Bound), masked it off and added the ship's wheels inside by rocking-and rolling them with Jumbo Java (VersaMagic) and Black Onyx (Versafine) ink. The background papers are all from Carta Bella's Well Traveled 6x6 paper pack.

Waltzingmouse's Funky Flowers set is super fun to play with. I started this card by embossing the curve using Spellbinders' A2 Curved Borders One dies. I then added some score lines with my Scor-Buddy. After I had my frame, I diecut some copy paper with the A2 Curved Borders One die and used it as a mask. I then added my flowers with a variety of inks, and the sentiment from the new set Big Day-Today.

Now, don't forget, Waltzingmouse Stamps offers you a chance to win a free stamp set of your choice on Release Day. All you have to do to be entered is leave a comment on each blog along the hop. You have until August 12 at 3:59 am Pacific time. The winners will be posted on Claire's Blog August 14.

Well, that's it for me today. Thank you, so much, for all your encouragement and support this past week during the previews. Now, head on over to the uber talented Kelly's blog for some awesome inspiration!!

___________________________________________________________

Old Salt

Stamps: Ocean Bound (Waltzingmouse)

Paper: Well Traveled (Carta Bella), Vintage Cream and Black (PTI)

Ink: Jumbo Java (VersaMagic), Onyx Black (Versafine)

Accessories: Eclipse Tape, Sewing Machine

Funky Flower Birthday

Stamps: Funky Flowers and Big Day-Today (Waltzingmouse)

Paper: White and Lemon Tart (PTI)

Ink: Pretty Petunia, Purple Hydrangea, Thatched Straw, Pixie Dust, Turquoise Gem, Pumpkin Spice, Pink Grapefruit, and Key Lime (VersaMagic), Onyx Black and Smokey Gray (Versafine)

Accessories: A2 Curved Borders One die (Spellbinders), Scor-Buddy

Friday, August 9, 2013

Waltzingmouse August Release Preview ~ Day 3

Okay, I'm really excited to share my projects with you today. And I'll tell you why in a second. First of all, let me mention that the DT is featuring 3 sets again: Zig Zag Background, Pinstripe Background and Big Day - Today

I was inspired by Claire's life preserver, in the Ocean Bound set, and thought I'd make my own using Circle dies (Spellbinders), some Red String (Olive Manna), and some Silver/White Cording (Darice). I burnished the back of the preserver with a stylus to give it more dimension.

Can you see the background square? I stamped the new SWEET Zig Zag Background with Aspen Mist (VersaMagic). I like how subtle it is, yet it really makes the preserver pop. I added the sentiment from the Ocean Bound set to the bottom

I also included the inspirational preserver on the inside, with another of the Ocean Bound sentiments.
LOVE this set!!

For my second card I used 3 different sets: Tying the Knot, Ocean Bound, and Pinstripe Background. I loved how the Zig Zags looked with the Aspen Ink, so I decided to use it with the Pinstripes too. I love the soft look.

Okay...that's it for my projects today. If you haven't seen the previews from the rest of the DT, be sure to check them out. These girls are just full of creative ideas and inspiration!!

Kelly Schirmer
Kim Duran

Laurie Schmidlin
Lynn Mercurio

Renee Lynch