Stamp Talk with Tosh

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Flourishes June Release Focus and Messenger Bag Tutorial

HELLO Flourishes Friends! Lots to tell you today... Today the Flourishes Team and I are excited to show you one more look at the June stamp Releases. We liked everything so much we just couldn't stop at the Sneak Peeks. Be sure to visit the Flourishes Blog today too. The sweet and talented Stacy is the Designer Focus.

I adore the new S'more Fun Flourishes set. I love camping, and these images are perfect. In fact working with them has me craving a camping trip something awful!! ;)

I decided to design a Messenger Bag to hold these two cards. I might just include one card with a gift card inside too. I haven't decided yet. I've included a tutorial at the end of this post.

But first let me show you closer look at the two 4x4 cards. I love the S'mores and charming lantern in this S'more Fun set.

I added some Metallique - Steel Candi pieces to each card also.

The images are framed with a Postage Stamp die (Spellbinders), and the dp is Bluebell (My Mind's Eye)

Now, let me explain how I made the Messenger Bag:

Supplies you'll need:

6 1/8" x 12" piece of Carstock (I used Kraft-Core by Core'dinations)

3/8" x 8" Cardstock (Handle)

1/2" x 6" Cardstock (Strap)

1" x 1/2" Cardstock (Back patch over strap)

Scor-Tape or any other strong double-sided adhesive

Buckles (Tim Holtz ida-ology)

Scor-Pal

Piercing Tool

Stylus or Bone Folder (for scoring)

Magnetic Discs (Basicgrey)

I started by scoring along the long side of the cardstock at 1/4", 1" on both sides (that will leave 4 1/8" in the center)

Then turn the cardstock on it's side and score at 4 1/8", 4 7/8", 9" and 9 1/2"

Now, cut off the scored pieces starting from the shortest end up about 7 1/4". Stop when you get to the 1" scored piece.

I then scored down the middle of the two 1" pieces along each side and scored a mountain at the base so it will hold its shape when completed.

Now accordion fold the sides and add your Scor-Tape to the 1/4" pieces along each side.

For the strap, score at 1 3/4" and 2 1/4".

I used a Corner Rounder punch for the flap of the bag.

Then, lay the strap over the top and slide the buckle over it to see where you're going to need to pierce the main hole for the buckle. You want the buckle to end right at the base of your flap.

Pierce the holes and add your patch to the back to hide the end of the strap. For the handle, I just used my Scor-Tape to adhere it to the inside of the bag.

I also added a Magnetic Disc (Basicgrey) behind the base of the buckle and on the inside of the front of the bag so it will stay closed.

Here's what it looks like finished. I sewed along the edges, but you don't need to do that. And I added a "Happy Camper" sentiment from the S'more Fun Flourishes set. It was framed with Petite Oval dies (Spellbinders). I also used a small corner rounder punch for the end of the strap. Since I used Kraft-Core by Core'dinations, I sanded the cardstock to give the bag a worn look.

Here's a look at the finished back of the bag.

That's finally it for today's project.

Well, I'm the caboose for this little hop, so here's a list with the team links so you don't miss a stop. These gals are full of inspiration!!

And remember that today is your last chance for this month's New Release Bundle of stamps at 10% off. AND for more fun SALE news... Looking to add to your ribbon collection in your stamp room? Well, now is the time to stock up! Flourishes is having a bonanza of a ribbon sale. Nearly everything in our warehouse needs to go to make room for new collections! Most ribbon can be found at prices up to 40% off retail! And, once these ribbons are gone, they will be gone! So, hop on over and shop now for the best selection!

Here's a list of the Copics I used on the cards:

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Stamps: S'more Fun (Flourishes)

Paper: Kraft-Core Nostalgic Collection (Tim Holtz), Bluebell (MME), Vintage Cream and Kraft (PTI)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Vintage Photo (Ranger Distress)

Accessories: Copic Markers, Postage Stamp and Petite Oval Die (Spellbinders), Buckles (Tim Holtz idea-ology), Metallique - Steel Candi, Sewing Machine, Scor-Pal, Scor-Tape, Magnetic Disc (Basicgrey)

Monday, June 17, 2013

Waltzingmouse Blog Party ~ Summertime Fun

It's the 17th, and that means it's time for a Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Party. This month's theme is "Summertime Fun". So I thought this would be a perfect time to haul out my "My Island" set and get to playing. I first stamped the palm trees with Tea Leaves Chalk Ink (VersaMagic), then added the distressed oval with Smokey Gray (Versafine), and lastly the sentiment using Onyx Black (Versafine). I love how the design turned out.

To finish off the card, I added some score lines along the top and left side and some Washi Tape (Webster's Pages). And there you have it. A one layer CAS card that says summer to me. Oh how I wish I were on an island right now. :)

We'd love to have you join us too. All you have to do is make a card, with this month's theme, using Waltzingmouse images and link it on the Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog. On the 20th of the month – we will highlight a few of the entries that really catch our eye and you'll be able to see those here on the WMS blog. We give special attention to designs that use WMS use images in a unique and creative way. We will also select and announce our winner of the FREE stamp set of choice, using a random generator from those participating in the Blog Party! Click HERE for more details.

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Stamps: My Island (Waltzingmouse Stamps)

Paper: White (PTI)

Ink: Tea Leaves (VersaMagic), Smokey Gray and Onyx Black (Versafine)

Accessories: Scor-Buddy, Washi Tape (Webster's Pages), Rhinestone (Pizzazz Aplenty)

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Flourishes June Release Preview ~ Day 4

We're back today with our last day of fabulous New Flourishes Releases for June! Today's set celebrates the sweet bounty of a fruitful summer garden! Introducing.... Berry Sweet Frames. This set is surely berrilicious! Designed with three sweet-as-can-be accent stamps of raspberries, strawberries and cherries, this set can deliver a gift from your garden or cheer to a friend. The gingham background is designed as a perfect fit to our Perfectly Pierced Classic Frames Die. Layer using the die or come up with your own fun ways to combine all of these sentiments and images. With this fresh picked set, the creative options are endless! We'll have some berry-beautiful things to show you with these Berry Sweet Frames, so take a trip on over to visit the Design Team today to see what we have in store for you.

The Perfectly Pierced Classic Frames fits beautifully with the Spellbinders die Decorative Labels 22. I also combined papers from two different 6x6 packs: So Noted (Carta Bella) and He Said She Said (Teresa Collins) I used my Scor-Buddy to make the dimensional lines above the Border Punched edges (EK Success)

Now, don't forget that once again today we have a Mystery Blogger… One of the Design Team Members is today's Mystery Blogger. If you comment on her blog you could be chosen to win today's berry-great set! The more blogs you comment on the better your chances!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN OUR ENTIRE RELEASE?

If you would like a chance at winning all four of our soon-to-be released June sets...

You can play in our Textures of Nature Challenge – there will be multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is TODAY at 5 PM EST. OR, play along with the gals for this week's Timeless Tuesday Open Sesame Challenge ! Check out the links for the official rules!
All four of our June 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 four together in a bundle. And, for even more creative options here's the coordinating cut files for this release. Thank you for joining us for this month's New Releasea and all our outdoor fun! We can't wait to see what you create with this month's sets!
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!

Here are the Copic Collections I used:

That's it for this month's release. I hope you've been inspired by these beautiful nature sets, and by this fabulous group of designers.

Thanks so much for all your kind comments and for stopping by! It's a true pleasure designing for Flourishes and working with these wonderfully warm and talented designers!!

Happy Stamping my friends!!

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Stamps: Berry Sweet Frames (FLLC)

Paper: So Noted (Carta Bella), He Said, She Said (Teresa Collins), Cryogen White

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Onyx Black (Versafine)

Accessories: Perfectly Pierced Classic Frames die (Flourishes) Decorative Labels 22 die (Spellbinders), Border Punch (EK Success), Copic Collections, Seam Binding Ribbon (RRR), Sparklet (Webster's Pages), Scor-Buddy, Rhinestones (Pizzazz Aplenty)

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Flourishes June Release Preview ~ Day 3

I've been having so much fun working with these new nature images by Flourishes!! I have to say I think this S'more Fun set is my absolute favorite. Now, I usually lean towards flowers, but this set has this sweet little camper that is near and dear to my heart. I made this a bit masculine (even though it has red curtains...;) because it will be for my brother-in-law's birthday. Our family has camped many a time with his family and we have great memories. Plus, his favorite color is red.

And don't forget that we have one last day of the…
One of the Design Team Members is today's Mystery Blogger. If you comment on her blog you could be chosen to win today's great set! The more you comment on the DT Blogs, the better your chances of winning!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN OUR ENTIRE RELEASE?

Well, if you would like a chance to win all four of our June stamp sets, time is running out...

You can play in our Textures of Nature Challenge – Deadline for entries is Friday at 5 PM EST. OR, play along with the gals for this week's Timeless Tuesday Open Sesame Challenge! Be sure to check out the links for the official rules!
All four of our June sets can be pre-ordered even before you see the last set tomorrow. Take advantage our New Release Bundle and get 10% off when you purchase all four together in a bundle.
All sets will be live first thing Friday morning along with the coordinating cut files for this release.

Here are the Copic Collections I used on today's card: