Becca Stamps and Scraps

I'm driving off for a while...

2010-08-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

I may be back, so if you want to check back in later, feel free...
hasta la vista mi amigos!

Long time no stamp!!!

2010-02-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

My stamps have been resting in boxes for a while and I am not sure how much longer this will take, but I will definitely start posting something again when I have some time for Stamp Therapy.
Hoping that is soon!!!

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-20T15:25:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May God bless & keep you in 2010.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

To everyone who is a Mommy and to everyone who has a Mommy -

- Happy Mother's Day.

Hoppy Easter

2009-02-27T00:47:00.001-08:00

I just love this little bunny stamp. He is hopping right into Easter!

Here is how this card was made:

Stamp bunny on strip of white cardstock & an extra bunny on a scrap piece of white cardstock
Stamp flowers along the bottom of the strip of white cardstock and color in with markers
Trim edge of stamped strip with blue marker
Using a mouse pad for backing, turn stamped cardstock upside down and free-hand swirls & dots with a stylus tool
Repeat swirl pattern on pink accent cardstock (I stamped the flowers along the bottom of the paper (back side) and outlined them with the stylus tool)
Using stamp pad, drag ink over front of raised swirl/dot design to pick up the color(s) ... I used celery green & added some pink ink for the background paper
Layer white cardstock strip to textured pink cardstock and then layer over two pieces of green background paper
Stamp the flowers in a repeated pattern all over white cardstock using the ink pad to distress the corners
Tie ribbons onto card front before adhering the layers onto the stamped card base
Cut out extra stamped bunny, color ears, nose & cheeks with pink marker and attach with foam tape
Add some bling with rhinestone stickers along the edge of the back layer
DONE

Hoppy Valentine's Day

2009-02-12T00:33:00.001-08:00

I love this sweet little bunny stamp, it is so Easter, but why can't it be Valentine's day too? I made this into a little holder for candy. I think I will work on a tutorial for this soon, it is so simple and cute (my friend Candy Heathman taught me this technique!) It is so very simple with just some scoring & layering it goes together very fast. A punch is used to slide the candy through (a little pack of gum fits well too) and then it is finished off with an adhesive velcro dot that I cut into fourths to close the card.

Gator Greetings

2009-02-09T23:48:00.000-08:00

This sweet gator wishes you a Happy Valentine's Day!

He is from a retired stamp set from SU named Animal Valentines.

The background is stamped in black on white cardstock, the dots are just done with markers, and the pink/green flowers are brads.

I'm Ready For Spring!

2009-02-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

I made this card today to personally invite Spring to HURRY UP!

I guess I am a little snowed in and am ready for a thaw, he he he.

The Pink/Green/Chocolate are so sweet together and I love the way they make me feel!

Hope you enjoy too.

Watercoloring

2009-02-04T23:40:00.000-08:00

This card went together pretty quickly.

Start with a dark green card base. Using Basic Black ink, stamp the design
On a white piece of paper, repeat the center design of the card
Watercolor the image on white paper
Tear through the image at the top and bottom
Place over card front and attach with decorative eyelets
Roll the edges of the torn white paper to add some distressing
DONE

Simple Layers

2009-02-04T23:29:00.000-08:00

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

♥
It is nearly Valentine's Day and I thought I better make some more cards before it gets too late to get them into the mail... Here is a card I made tonight with some basic layering. I layered the stamped images with foam tape over the ribbon set diagonally on the card front. The striped paper is scrapbook paper that I got in a bulk purchase a few years ago.
♥
I used sticky pearls, hearts punched out of cardstock, and the little pink flower is a brad. Hope you enjoy!!!

Love Letter

2009-01-28T23:59:00.000-08:00

I know this stamp isn't from a Valentine's Day set, but it reminds me of a love letter, so Valentine's it is!

(The hearts in the background are actually from a Christmas set.)

Birthdays are good for you...

2009-01-26T23:52:00.000-08:00

...the more you have, the longer you live!!!

I used mauve ink to stamp the background and the ribbon here is actually paper that I cut into the shape of a ribbon and pressed into the same ink pad to match the color of the card and then layered over white cardstock.

ZeppLynn says "Happy Valentine's Day"

2009-01-21T23:36:00.000-08:00

I thought I would take some time this evening to make a Valentine's Day card ... but the entire time I was working on it my son's cat (ZeppLynn) tried to help.

She was trying to eat the ribbon and chew on the cardstock. She had a rush of energy that I wish I could have shared, but after all of the playing, this is what ZeppLynn & I came up with. Hope you like it. Here she is getting into even more trouble in my supply closet! She is a handful tonight, that is for sure!

File this under 'Friend'

2009-01-19T22:34:00.000-08:00

A co-worker Valentine's Day card:

This card is inspired by the wonderful ladies I work with everyday! With Valentine's Day approaching I thought it might be nice to make a little something for my co-workers.

Hand Made Cards I received this Christmas

2009-01-13T17:59:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share the hand-made Christmas Cards I received this year. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do! I sure hope you ladies don't mind me posting them here, but I am so proud to have received them that I wanted to share with everyone. Thanks again for your kindness, it means so much to me!

Virginia

Linda
Candy

Audrey

Happy to be home again!

2009-01-12T18:16:00.000-08:00

What a way to start a new year...

This card was pretty simple, here is how I made it...

stamp image with black ink and watercolor
gently curl two corners to have a slightly distressed look
brush water over green mulberry paper and pull to feather edges
layer on craft cardstock that has had edges inked green (drag across stamp pad)
stamp flourishes on rust colored cardstock with versamark ink
stamp a flower on each end of a background strip of cardstock and punch holes (with push-pin) along side at top and bottom
layer all pieces together and accessorize with jewels
layer entire piece on mustard yellow card
DONE

We did have a wonderful Christmas and New Year in Arizona with family and friends. I hope you all did as well!

On the way back we ran into some difficulty getting home due to weather and ended up stranded in Seattle for a couple days waiting for a flight with seats available. Finally got home and then I got really sick. After days and days, I went to the Dr. to find out that a number of people from the same flight had been experiencing the same symptoms. I have now missed three days of work and have slept more than I would ever imagine possible, but am finally beginning to have small spurts of energy so I took advantage of the feeling and stamped for a little while today... I think I am about done for, so I am off for another nap.

Thanks for checking in... I will be posting lots more fun stuff soon and I am so happy to be back!

Jesus IS the Reason for this season...

2008-12-24T05:25:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (Merry Christmas)

Today is the final day of the 'Card-A-Day' challenge I presented to myself and I have had such a wonderful time making a card every single day and posting them here to share with you. I am doing this a little early today because it is afterall Christmas Eve and I am going to spend a little bit of time with my beautiful family!

This year Christmas is so different as we are celebrating for the first time without several loved ones. I was really feeling sorry for myself for a few weeks there. Getting sadder and sadder as Christmas day approached. Remembering traditions from the past and how they are no longer to be... because Dad won't be here to read the Scripture, wear his Santa hat and hand out gifts or say prayer at dinner. And little Ivy won't be with her mommy & sissy under the tree playing with toys tomorrow morning.

However, I came to a realization that this is a Blessed Christmas and we need to celebrate, because although Christmas is full of traditions, the true reason for celebrating is the Birth of our Savior. He gave the GIFT of eternal life to all who are willing to accept it. I also came to a realization that Dad and Ivy are WITH Jesus at his birthday celebration this year!!! Can you imagine what that celebration is like in Heaven? This makes my heart happy.

I will still have tears (many I am sure) this Christmas, but my heart is happy because I know that while we are celebrating the birth of our Savior here, our loved ones that have gone ahead are celebrating at the feet of our Master.

Now, that is a something wonderful.

A Santa Table Discussion

2008-12-23T14:40:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (36)

There was a Last-Minute discussion around Santa's Table before the big trip tomorrow ... have you been naughty or nice???

Merry Christmas to you & yours... and have a blessed New Year!

God Bless and have a Safe and Happy Holiday!

Love, Hope & Peace this Christmas...

2008-12-22T20:29:00.000-08:00

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This is a twist on the regal Gold & Purple. Instead I used gold & lilac cardstock. Of coure the base card is sage and it goes wonderfully together! I think these colors look like they were made for each other.

For the corners, I punched two sizes of squares Gold is the larger one and Sage is the smaller one. Cut the squares in half diagonally and layered behind the card front. I used the ticket corner punch and then added detail to the bottom of the card by adding small circles punched out of the same lilac colored cardstock for a faux embossed look.

Blue Holly & Gold Berries

2008-12-21T18:47:00.000-08:00

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Ok, I have been a little crazy with colors this Christmas, so I figured why stop now???

Here is how I made this one:

Layer strip of scrapbook plaid paper over teal cardstock - Distress edge of teal cardstock
Repeat layering & distressing on white cardstock
Layer on card front
Stamp holly leaves & berries then emboss with white embossing powder
Stamp & emboss 'love' and trim around image
Rub clear embossing ink onto white cardstock, cover with white embossing powder, tap off excess & heat
Repeat step 6 at least 3 times until you have a nice thick layer of white embossing
Just prior to the final step of embossing, ink the holly leaf with clear embossing ink (I used versamark) and immediately after heating the final time, stamp to make the reverse impression in the thick coat of embossing powder
Cut around embossed image
Attach ribbon & decorative thread to card front
Attach stamped images (using foam tape to adhere the embossed holly leaf)
Punch holes for brads, attach gold brad in every other hole
Heat surface of brad to be embossed with heat gun, place gently in embossing powder, tap off excess and heat to get a light coat of embossing
Attach embossed brads
DONE

Merry Christmas Baby!

2008-12-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

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I have a couple of friends that have brand new baby girls this Christmas.

This card was really fun to make! Here is how I did it:

Stamp pink snowflakes onto white cardstock
Rub pink ink onto edges of the front of the card
On dark green cardstock, stamp green snowflakes
Stamp snowflakes again using Versamark Ink then emboss in light pink
Stamp & emboss baby buggie & Christmas tree with light pink embossing powder and cut images out
Attach snowflake paper onto card front with pink brads
Stamp (or print) Baby's First Christmas then trim
Place clear packing tape over words and behind baby buggie
Dump pink transparent glitter onto tape and shake off excess
Trim edges of glitter tape
Attach ribbons to tree & card front
Tape baby buggie & saying onto card using double sided tape
Attach tree to card using foam tape for dimension
DONE

Gift for co-workers

2008-12-19T22:52:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (32)

...ummm ... errrrrrrrr Ok, this isn't a card, but it does have a little gift tag on it... does that count?

Tis the Season and even though we aren't doing formal gifts for Christmas at the office this year, I thought it would still be appropriate to give a little something to some of the ladies & gents. A few mint candies and some cherry kisses isn't a big-deal, but it sure was fun to make and I think they turned out cute!

I punched snowflake designed paper and taped to each side of the mint candy, placed several in a cello bag with some cherry kisses and finished off with some curling ribbon.

Here is a close-up of the little gift tag. It is pretty simple, but goes with the color scheme of the gift:

Oh Christmas Tree...

2008-12-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

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Ever wonder what to do with one small stamp? Here is a way to make an entire card using only one small image...

Stamp Christmas tree image on white cardstock
Color image and background with vibrant colors
Trim around image
Layer on several colors of matching cardstock & trim each layer to match the first
Stamp three images along side of card front with black ink and watercolor with same colors used
Trim tree shapes out of extra cardstock and glue onto card front
Attach layered image
Tie with a rag-ribbon
Layer card-front onto background papers
Attach accessories (here I used Hodgepodge Hardware)
DONE!

Buttons & Bows Snowman

2008-12-17T23:08:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (30)

Stamp Mr. Snowman with black ink on white cardstock
Color in hat & scarf with light blue & dark green
Cut snowman out and color around edges with light green
Add buttons to snowman
Stamp a second snowman, color his face and cut out head
With foam tape, adhere head to snowman body
Layer on decorative paper
Trim background paper (light blue cardstock) for frame
Twist some wire around one corner of frame
Stamp snowflakes on white cardstock
Attach snowman frame
Tie bows & attach button brad then adhere to front of card
Layer all on background (decorative paper)
DONE!

What I didn't tell you was that I punched a snowflake on the side of the card that has the snowman frame before I layered. Now, when you open the card there is a surprise snowflake inside to greet you!!!

Penguins, Purple & Pumpkin Pie Ink

2008-12-16T22:53:00.001-08:00

Card-A-Day (29)

May your home be warm with Christmas Cheer and peace abide throughout the year

I stamped this with purple and pumpkin pie ink. This penguin card was really fun to make, I had a chance to use some of the punches I have been neglecting and they made a great frame for the penguin!

The phrase was stamped with the purple ink and it scanned a little too light, so I typed it out above the picture. The accents are ribbon, 'adornments' fibers & hodgepodge hardware.

Feliz Navidad

2008-12-15T23:36:00.001-08:00

Card-A-Day (28)

Feliz Navidad - Prospero Año y Felicidad

The ribbon you see here was part of the Christmas Decorations we pulled out of storage and I just knew it would look great on a card!

Mary & Jesus were embossed with black embossing powder
Paper torn around image
Chalk (pastels) rubbed on image and on torn edge
Layered, torn & repeated with darker pastel on second layer
Tied narrow ribbon around layers
Feliz Navidad image was stamped with black ink, torn out and pastels were added to edge
Ribbons were run through round frame (Hodgepodge Hardware) and taped onto back side of card
Layered images were attached with double-sided tape
DONE

It is quite amazing to see the pastels as you rub them across the paper, as they get to the torn edge the color intensifies. Very fun!!!

Let it snow, let it snow...

2008-12-14T18:04:00.001-08:00

Card-A-Day (27)

This card was made using a brass template and dry-embossing technique.

Lay brass template onto light table
Place white cardstock over template and using stylus outline the design
Using a sponge (or tissue) pick up some ink from an ink-pad and rub across raised image. The ink is darker on the raised areas
Color image with markers (arms, carrot nose, mouth, scarf, hat)
Attach black brads for eyes
Stamp background snow
Layer onto brightly colored cardstock
Attach shaped brads in corners
Tie knot into ribbon and attach
Attach card front onto 6" x 6" card base (I used designer paper for the card base)
DONE

Blessings of peace...

2008-12-13T19:29:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (26)

May the blessings of peace, the beauty of hope and the spirit of love be your gifts this Christmas season.

I drug a stamp pad across the white cardstock background paper for the maroon edging and the green on the background was sponged on. I stamped & colored the Nativity family, cut it out, and layered it over some thread that had been wrapped around the background cardstock. Three black brads embellish the top corner and I added copper brads to some bracelet beads I found at the store and it was all layered onto a green card.

(I really love the copper & green together. Just feels right!)

Dear Santa...

2008-12-12T22:32:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (25)

Dear Santa, I have been good this year, just ask my mommy & daddy... I want a puppy and a dolly and a ball and a truck, and... Sound familiar?

I just thought since that letter to Santa is such a big part of Christmas every year, maybe I should make a card out of it. I had lots of fun making this and hope you enjoy it.

Star light, star bright...

2008-12-11T22:23:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (24)

Star light, star bright... what will you wish for this Christmas? I wish for peace on earth, of course. Also, I wish for health and happiness for my friends and family. May God bless you with a Merry Christmas and a very happy 2009!

I just love this star Christmas tree. You may remember it from the melted shimmery snow confetti card. This time I bleached the image onto dark blue cardstock, and once it was dry I ran it through the crimper.

Raffia is tied onto a satin ribbon (makes me think of hay in a manger) and the ornaments on the tree are silver brads.

The background is stamped with the same saying layered on the card.

Celebrate the Gift

2008-12-10T20:44:00.001-08:00

Card-A-Day (23)

Inside Card Reads:
Celebrate the gift all year long!

I wasn't quite sure what to make for a card today until Lisha suggested a Snowman card. Well Lisha, here is that snowman card, thanks for the inspiration!!!

I guess I have shopping & gift giving on the brain today and I thought it might be kind-of cute to incorporate little presents on this card too. I am loving ribbons and can you tell I am loving purple & green too? (The truth is, I haven't cleaned off my stamping table for a few days and had misc. paper on it and guess what... yep, you guessed it... if I can see it, I use it! he he heee)

With this card I started with a basic card front and the more I played with it, I felt it may need to be divided into sections. I think it turned out cute making three strips and decorating each one a little different instead of a traditional card-front.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog today!

Reindeer Greetings

2008-12-09T21:33:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (22)

I used some more traditional colors for today's card...here is how I made it:

Rudolph was embossed with Gold embossing powder and a red bead was glued on for his little nose.
The super-cool background was acheived by using bleach with the same reindeer stamp.
The ribbon on the front of the card is crimped paper strips.

Black & White for Christmas?

2008-12-08T22:32:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (21)

I think black-white-red are so pretty together, so I decided to try them for Christmas.

Mary & Jesus are embossed with chunky white embossing powder and then layered on black & white cardstock. The card background is a stamp, and then finally, it is all layered onto a piece of designer series paper. I was going to do something really 'out-there' today and then decided to keep it more simple. I think it has an understated elegance, I hope you enjoy it too.

Garden of SnowFlowers

2008-12-07T22:06:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (20)

...for Pat

I have heard it said that 'Friends are like Flowers' I believe this to be true. Our friendships grow and are more beautiful with time.

Directions for today's card:

Punch snowflakes several times in cardstock
Run a piece of clear packaging tape over the back of the paper so the punched-out area is tacky
Pour glitter on and tap off excess
Punch to shape desired
Create card
Done

Today I learned that my very dear friend Pat Hughes has gone on to be with the Lord. I learned so much from Pat and respected her so much. Through tears tonight I made this card with a technique that Pat taught me...

Rest In Peace My Friend...I love you

Santa Clause is Coming...

2008-12-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (19)
I just never get tired of this Santa Stamp. I love the versatility. Isn't he cute simply embossed and not even colored in?

White Christmas...

2008-12-05T23:02:00.001-08:00

Card-A-Day (18)

I know this card is a little difficult to see the detail on, but I thought maybe if I told you how it was made, it would be easier to envision:

Stamp Christmas tree stamp with versamark ink onto white cardstock
Cover and tap off excess 'heat & stick' powder
heat until tacky
cover with shimmery snow confetti (I used the kind I found at Wal-Mart)
Place between two pieces of paper and really press the confetti into the tacky glue
Tap off excess confetti
Heat - this causes the confetti to melt onto the glue and is a beautiful raised image!!!
Finally, add a bow (I used strips of shimmery tissue paper and finished off with a little dab of glue and more of the shimmery snow-confetti on the center of the bow)
Layer on Darker color background paper
DONE

In the PINK this Christmas...

2008-12-04T22:20:00.001-08:00

Card-A-Day (17)

I found these adorable brads and thought they would look so CUTE as ornaments on a little Christmas tree!!!

The ribbons are simply pieces of torn fabric. What a great way to have plenty of ribbon for any project, don't you think?

Mommy...where do snowmen come from?

2008-12-03T23:00:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (16)

I heard a little kid say this to his mom and I immediately started planning this card. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it. Don't you just love little kids???

Oh, and don't you also love the chunky glitter? So Fun!!!

Nativity Family

2008-12-02T19:08:00.001-08:00

Card-A-Day (15)

This simple card is a re-visited version of one I sent out several years ago to friends & family.

I stamped and embossed (with gold) the Nativity Family. Using a corner punch, I punched each corner and then inserted a gold metalic cardstock square into the back side of each corner before adhering to the card.

Amazing how something that is just so simplistic can really POP. I love when that happens!!!

Heavenly stars shining bright...

2008-12-01T23:15:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (14)

...shed a bit of Christmas light

I decided to stick with Santa for another day. He is so cute in the star shape hanging out on the spot paper with a stripe accent.

I used white liquid applique for the fluff on his hat & suit.

Isn't he cozy???

Does Santa really have to be dressed in RED?

2008-11-30T16:38:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (13)

I got to thinking about my friend Candy and her new grandbaby Julian... How exciting to spend a baby's first Christmas with him. This card is a little Santa ready to bring lots of joy and memories for Baby's First Christmas!!!

I used paper cut into little shreds for the ribbons. I crimped the yellow paper ribbons for some added texture... AND... I didn't quite find the color of paper I wanted in my stash for an accent, so I used white cardstock and colored it with my marker to make it match the design. I think it turned out cute, what do you think???
Kind-of difficult to see here, but the stars Santa is juggling & the stars in his pocket are glittery. Very fun!

Glory to God in the highest...

2008-11-29T19:14:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (12)

Today I made an Angel Christmas card with a pretty basic design:

Stamp & water color image - distress edges
Cut into quarters
Layer on several pieces of cardstock
Punch corner X 2 - place on opposite ends of the design
Wrap with ribbons
Layer all on top of card front that has been distressed
DONE!

I know I am mostly using sets that are retired, but that is what I have and I love them all, so I keep them (AND...I use them).
This is the stamp I used for the inside saying:

Pastels & Penguins

2008-11-28T20:53:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (11)

I adore these little penguins!

This card was a little involved even though it appears like a pretty basic design... here is what I did:

Fill large bowl with water and scrape pastels (chalks) into the water using a toothpick. I used blues and purple for this design...
Cut pieces of cardstock to a size that will be big enough for the image, and that will also fit inside the bowl of water. Lay on surface of the water (with chalk) and remove immediately.
Iron the cardstock to remove the water and prevent curling.
Stamp & emboss image
Trim & layer (I used decorative scissors for the layering)
For the background: Stamp snowflakes with versamark ink then using a cotton ball loaded with chalk, rub across the stamped images. (Here I used three colors of blue)
Add the layers to the card and add ribbon.
DONE!

Although this is a little messy, you get a really fun card!

A Simple Wish

2008-11-27T18:59:00.001-08:00

Card-A-Day (10)

Today's card is a simple Christmas tree embossed with white embossing powder and a simple one-word stamp for the sentiment.

I tied a little knot in the ribbon before attaching it to the layers of cardstock and made a nice little accent.

Hope you enjoy today's card and I hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving!!! God Bless.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me....

2008-11-26T22:49:00.001-08:00

Stamp-A-Day (9)

This card was made using the same stamp that I used on my last post, but with this one, I water-colored the image and then went over the entire image with glaze.

The "Peace on Earth" is stamped over a really easy background. (I used a Stampin' Spot for the background... just stamped the paper with the ink pad and there-you-have-it!!!)

I cut blue cording and glued it between the images at the bottom and top, stamped the saying a couple more times, cut them out (unevenly) and rubbed the edges with my stampin' write markers for a little added dimension and attached with foam tape.

I think I will go back to a more traditional stamp image next time, but I just wanted to do another design with that world ornament stamp. I just think it is great!

Peace on Earth

2008-11-25T20:20:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (8)

This card was really interesting to make. I am always fascinated with embossing, but I did a little bit of a twist to the normal embossing here with a Reverse Embossed image.

Ink a piece of cardstock heavily with embossing ink

Pour gold embossing powder on and tap off the excess and heat

Repeat steps 1 & 2

Prepare stamp with versamark or Top Boss ink (ink as you would to stamp the image)

Repeat steps 1 & 2 again, only this time add just a touch of black embossing powder along with the gold. (If you are doing your own project, you can do only one color & it looks just as great!)

As soon as the image is heated (now a thick layer) stamp immediately into the warm gold/black embossing
Now, just cut the image out and add ribbons then layer

DONE

Oh What Fun...

2008-11-24T21:53:00.001-08:00

Card-A-Day (7)

This is just such fun making these cards...

This card was quick and easy to make.

I stamped the gift and distressed the edge of the cardstock. Layered on scrapbook paper that I tore an edge and colored the torn paper with ink to match the design. Then after stamping the three holly hearts across the top of the paper, I glued beads on for an accent. Finally I wrapped the top design with ribbon (and wrapped that with hemp twine) and put it all together. Super easy and fun!

Hope you enjoy!

Christmas Quartet

2008-11-23T16:41:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (6)

Sometimes the most basic of design can be the sweetest card!

This sweet card is a re-make of a card I did a couple of years ago. It is so simple and easy to make, but really got the oohhh's and aawww's.

I stamped the little characters on the corners of a card front, colored with markers and glued on little pom-poms and chunky glitter for accent. (green for elf / white for Santa / red for reindeer / glitter for Miss Angel's halo.)

The sentiment is stamped on another piece of white cardstock and I inked the edges with a red marker and punched holes to run the ribbon through.

All that was left to do was to layer and DONE. So quick and easy and super-cute.

Hope you enjoy!

Time to Decorate...

2008-11-22T17:23:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (5)

Today I am inspired by some great ornament art that I saw...

Another wonderful use for my tab punch! I punched the tab then cut it in half and trimmed with decorative edge scissors to make the ornament topper. Then, I punched a tiny hole in the same gold cardstock and then a little larger hole punch over that to make the ring on top. (They sort-of look like eyelets.)

It doesn't show up like I would like it to in this picture, but the glossy gold paper and string are so shimmery and really make this card POP!

I am having such a great time making these cards. I hope you enjoy them too.

A new task I have started since we moved to Alaska is shoveling snow out of the driveway. It is a great work-out I have discovered, so I plan to really get in shape this winter, he he he.

I shoveled today, scraped & scraped and got all the ice off and guess what??? It is still clear. Woo Hoo!!! It is nice that I may get a little break from shoveling...more time to make cards, Yippee!

Snowman Present

2008-11-21T23:34:00.000-08:00

Card-A-Day (4)

It is snowing...and snowing...and snowing..

It is snowing outside my window today and so OF COURSE, I have to make a card with a little snowman family

I was trying to make this card look like it is sitting on-top of a little present. I think I pulled it off with a little layering of stamped & solid paper. Then I wrapped it all together with a simple white satin ribbon.

For the snow, I glued little beads onto the card with clear glue.

I was thinking that since so many people give out gift cards at Christmas time these days, at least the card could LOOK like a present, ha ha ha. I had fun making this one. Hope someone dear to me enjoys receiving it.

Warm Ginger Bread Cookies!

2008-11-20T23:50:00.001-08:00

Card-A-Day (3)

Warm GingerBread Cookies...

...yummy-yummy-in-my-tummy!

I am inspired today to make a ginger-bread Christmas card by my friend Terra & her mom Joan. They decorate so amazingly every Christmas and when they decorate Gingerbread, that is ALL they use, even the wrapping paper is gingerbread people. They make you feel like you are in a Christmas Wonderland when you walk into their house. Sure wish I could be there to see them this year. I think of them everytime I use this stamp.

The ric-rac was left over from my daugher's "Dorothy" costume and I thought it would make a great accent for the little ginger people, and I was right! I 'stitched' the card together with a marker.

I knew that I wanted to use the tab punch, but couldn't get it to look right until I tried it for a border at the bottom of the card and it all just came together. (I stamped the little hearts and put them on with foam tape so they have some dimension.)

I am doing good so far on the challenge I gave myself to make a card-a-day until Christmas and although a little sleep deprived and the house work unfortunately isn't doing itself. . .the important thing is that the cards are getting made.

Giggle, giggle.

Christmas Peace

2008-11-19T21:56:00.001-08:00

Card a Day (2)

PEACE ON EARTH . . .

Holidays will be a difficult time for my family this year. We will be entering this Holiday Season for the first time without my dad and without my cousin's daughter, Ivy.

Dad lost his battle with Prostate Cancer in June and a brain tumor took Ivy (5 years old) in July. We struggle everyday without them and I am sure the Christmas season will not be easy this year. I hope we can be reminded of the encouragement they gave us and share that spirit with others through Christmas time and through the years to come.

The card I made today is to remind us of the gift of peace that we have offered to us through Christ.

I will keep this faith and I believe that will give strength in my sorrow. I hope it will bring peace also to the others feeling sorrow at this time of the year. We do have much to be thankful for and we have much to look forward to...

This card was great, but I discovered that it was perfect for digital scrapbook pages too, I really like the way they turned out.

Card a Day Till Christmas...

2008-11-18T23:43:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be so much fun to try to make a card-a-day until Christmas. Here is my card for today.

For the background, I heated a piece of foam until it was soft and pressed my background stamp into it (with a lot of pressure). I inked the foam and stamped one side of the card and stamped the opposite side with the stamp I used to make the 'negative' impression. I think it compliments nicely. I stamped snowflakes over the background side to give it a little more personality.

This card just feels very peaceful to me.

What do you think?

Bleaching Technique

2008-11-17T22:26:00.000-08:00

I stamped this image on purple paper and embossed with white embossing powder.
I painted in areas on the dress and flowers with a water pen filled with bleach.
To attach the 'skirt' I cut a little slit along the waist and inserted a small rectangle of silver mesh, it naturally gathered as I inserted it into the paper. I attached on the back side with tape.
I really enjoy playing with the mesh. You can cut it to any desired width and it is so versatile. It makes amazing bows and I have seen myself buying EVERY color of mesh I can find at the fabric store. It is quite inexpensive and it goes such a long way.

It is so cute the way the little skirt puffs out and is so adorable! What an easy card to make. I love when you can make something quick and easy and it still has that WOW effect.

Bright Baby

2008-11-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

I went through my stash of cards last night and noticed I am low on baby cards (and you never know when you will need one) so I made a couple.

I usually make baby cards with pastel colors, and thought I would try some bright-cheery colors this time.

Hope you enjoy!

True Story...

2008-11-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

Hi, thought I would share this card and the story behind it with you all:

A few years ago, I was helping my mom & dad decorate the church building for Christmas. My mom remembered a little lady that had her feelings hurt for years because she made a beautiful glazed white ceramic Nativity set and year after year it was not put on display.

We decided we would make a beautiful arrangement on the communion table with her elegant Nativity set. We found the box that it was in and began setting it up. We got to the bottom of the box only to find that there was no baby Jesus with the rest of the figures. Oh no! We scrambled and looked through countless boxes of Christmas decorations and then we looked through Easter, Valentine, Mother's Day, etc...etc... Where was baby Jesus?

Okay...we decided this wasn't a problem since it was certainly Christmas time, we will just go to the store and buy a similar looking baby Jesus figure. We had a nice lunch and started shopping, we went to major department stores, discount stores, craft stores, designer stores, dollar stores and no baby Jesus.

One or two of the stores we shopped at had figures, but we couldn't get them to match her WHITE CERAMIC GLAZE set!!! The sad thing we encountered was how many of these stores didn't sell Christian related decorations at Christmas Time.

We ran into my daughter's teacher in one of the stores and she was surprised to see us and asked what we were up to? We said, 'We are looking for Jesus.'

Long story short: Mom remembered that she had a GLASS baby Jesus figurine in her attic so we went home, got the figurine, and set it up and put a little light behind it. It was beautiful and the little lady from church came the next Sunday morning and was just thrilled that her Nativity was used. (She didn't even notice Jesus didn't match the rest of the figures.)

Mom & I were discussing this and although she already had her Christmas cards, she decided that she needed to send something with baby Jesus on them as He is the Reason for this season...And THAT is the reason this card was designed.

Side Note: I made this into a snow-globe because my mom was giving several snow-globes to the kids that year. I guess it was just on my mind, but it turned out so cute!

Christmas Card Spotlight

2008-11-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share a quick tutorial of a Christmas card I made today and I absolutely love...hummm...I am thinking I may send this to my list this year. I even got the stamp of approval from my teenage daughter, WOW!!!

1) Gather Supplies in the color scheme you desire. I am using Tempting Turquoise & Close to Cocoa ink with white cardstock.

2.) Stamp image on white cardstock and then also on a sticky pad (Be sure to stamp across the top of the sticky pad page so you have the the tackiness under your image)

Next, cut the image out of the sticky paper. (This works best if you cut well inside the stamped image.)

Now, layer the small image over the image stamped on the cardstock.

3.) Stamp the solid background image over the masked image on white cardstock. Remove the sticky paper mask and trim the image and distress the edges by dragging over a complimentary ink pad. (I stamped with turquoise, so I distressed with cocoa.)

4.) I am using a solid stamp image and a decorative stamp that is the same size. Since I used the solid with the masked Christmas tree, I stamped the image on cardstock and punched it in a square shape then distressed the edges with the complimentary color (here I used cocoa to stamp, so I distressed with turquoise.)

5.) Stamp a piece of paper cut to just smaller than the card front. (The card shown here was a standard 4¼ x 5½ size.)

Place a small piece of tape to temporarily attach the card front to the card and punch the same size square you used for the accent above.

6.) Remove the card front and add ribbons as decoration. I am demonstrating them here with small strips taped at the back of the card front. (On one of the ribbons, tie another ribbon strip into a knot for an added embellishment.)

7.) With double sided tape, adhere the card-front onto the card being sure to line the square punched on both pieces exactly. (It is important to take a moment to get this right so the finished project turns out perfect.)

8.) Punch the word window punch in white cardstock, place face-down on the turquoise ink pad and rub gently to ink the surface of the paper, then stamp word in cocoa ink.

This can now be added to card-front with double sided tape.

9.) Place foam tape on the back side of accent square piece completed earlier. Close the card and line the accent image up with the square on the card and adhere to inside of the card.

(All done with the card closed, this is why it was so important to line the card-front up with the card earlier.)

10.) Distress the card edges with ink using the turquoise first as it is the lighter color. Drag the card across the ink pad to get the desired amount of distressing and then repeat with the cocoa ink pad.

This is a view of the inside of the card:

Done!

I would love to hear your comments... What do you think about this project?

Luminario Workshop Tutorial

2008-11-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

'Tis the Season to start thinking about decorating for the Holidays.

This little luminario project is wonderful. It is made out of vellum and it is so versatile it can be made for any occasion. I am demonstrating a very simple design here, but it can be adapted to any size candle and there are so many variations including adding brads, glitter, etc...

Here we go:

1.) Once you have your supplies organized, cut vellum to a size that will fit around a candle with a little room to spare, then stamp your design.

2.) Vellum is somewhat see-through, so flip the vellum over and color the back side with vibrant colors.

3.) Here I punched little holes in the top portion of the design for a little 'snow' look.

4.) Place tape on the front edge of the vellum.

5.) Wrap the back around to meet the front making a little tube.

6.) Slip over a candle.

Done!

(NOTE: be very careful with the lit candle, watch that the paper doesn't get too close to the flame and as always, never leave a lit candle unattended.)

6 x 6 Christmas Cards

2008-10-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

These 6" x 6" Christmas Cards are made using Scrapbook paper.

Cut a 12 x 12 sheet of paper in half, score the middle and if you flip one over (so they are wrong sides together) you can have a designer inside & outside of a card and it gives extra stability...about the consistancy of cardstock. Now it is just a matter of adding personality with accents.

With the Dove Card, I stamped & embossed with gold embossing powder and then painted inside the dove image with bleach to get the water-color effect. The ribbon that ties it together is simply a strip of fabric that is roughly torn to give the worn look.

Again with the stocking card I used a strip of fabric with a rough tear to give the worn edges. Layered on cardstock accented by dragging over a stamp pad for added detail (do you see the red on the yellow cardstock?)...OH and my favorite part: I love the little pom-poms. They are just glued right onto the cardstock. So cute. It just makes this card!

We recently moved and before we left I wanted to do something for my boss that would be special, so I made her a set of assorted cards using this technique. They were so quick and easy to make and they turned out AWESOME!

Gift Bag Tutorial

2008-10-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

This is a very simple project and it goes very fast, so you can make lots, but the best thing about it:

You still have the 'Wow' factor!

1.) Gather supplies in the theme you desire (With the project shown, I have a prepared card to attach to the gift bag, but you can definitely skip that step or add a tag, etc.)

2.) Stamp front & back of lunch bag(s).

3.) Fan-fold top of bag (a little less than half way down).

4.) Fill with goodies. (As you can see here, I am a chocolate 'fan')

5.) Re-fold the top and staple together at the center of the bag.

6.) Adhere edges together to form the fan-top.

7.) Attach gift card or tag.

Done!

These are great Christmas projects for gift giving or selling. So many possibilities and lots of versatility. I have made these as gift bags at a baby shower, birthday party

A fun and easy way to make these is to use a Stampin' Around Wheel. You can have a number of them made quickly!

Christmas Card Idea

2008-10-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

I was playing with the Hodge Podge Hardware today trying to start getting into the Christmas spirit...

I had fun with this one. The more I played with this card the more it looked like a belt on denim fabric. The belt-loop is a strip of paper and I did the distressing with two colors of blue ink (Bliss Blue & Brocade Blue). The ribbon going through the stamped element on top is also paper.

Fun, Fun, Fun!

Composition Notebook Workshop

2008-10-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

I had several requests for this workshop. This little notebook is so fun to make and even more fun to give as a gift. Join me and let's stamp!

1.) Gather supplies in the color scheme you desire.

2.) Stamp image and color portions that will not be covered with glitter

3.) Apply glue to the image you want colored, sprinkle with glitter (shake off glitter and get ready for next color) Repeat Step 3 for each color of glitter

4.) Layer on black cardstock with double sided tape and blend outline on envelope with blender. (Water color markers are great, aren't they?)

5.) Press a push-pin into the center of each flower and insert decorative brads for some extra bling.

6.) Now this gets messy... drop globs (technical term) of glue onto the cover of the open mini composition notebook and smear it around with your finger until entire surface is tacky, being cautious as it may mush out past the top onto the pages, just keep your eye on the pages...we want them to stay dry. Place decorative paper onto cover and rub to remove air-bubbles. Now trim the excess paper away from the book cover.

7.) Punch the tabs for the top of the book out of matching papers, fold in half so they are scored. Using double stick tape, adhere to notebook pages. (NOTE: Adhere front of tab to page in notebook and then fold over to back side of the same page to make your tab pages.)

8.) Punch another tab out of white cardstock to cover ribbon accent. Cut the tab in half. Adhere with double sided tape inside front and back covers with ribbon out so it can be tied.

9.) Cover back of layered design with double sided tape and attach to front of notebook.

Done!

This would be a great gift for:

Teacher
Secret Santa
Co-Worker
Stocking Stuffer
Etc...

Halloween Workshop

2008-10-21T22:58:00.000-07:00

How About a little fun project? It has been quite a while since I have had a workshop. I may be rusty, but I am ready to stamp so here we go...

First we need some supplies (some great Halloweenie colors)

Next, get the base of the note pad holder ready by coloring in the edge of the paper so it doesn't show as white. Now you can layer the green paper, but only adhere the front of the pad holder so you have a chance to fold the seam and insert the rafia before adding the tape to the back side. When you have completed these steps, you are ready to add the post it pad (tip: I usually seperate one note pad into about 4 by pulling them apart, this makes four pads out of one.)

Next we stamp and color our little witchy

And then tear the layers and attach them all together with double sided tape.

Stamp the final embellishment and we are done.

A TREAT for anyone that uses little post-it notes.
Thanks for stamping with me. Come back and visit soon and I would love to hear your feedback. Would you like to see more?

Happy Halloween

2008-10-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

Happy October

2008-10-15T00:48:00.001-07:00

This one just cracks me up!

It is pretty easy to make. I printed "My other car is a broom" on white cardstock, punched a hole and pulled some raffia through to finish the broom. So adorable!

Oh yeah, the little witchy was stamped on vellum and then colored on the opposite side of the paper with bold colors giving the muted effect. She is ready to 'drive' away!!!

We actually made this card at a stamp class several years back and everyone laughed the entire time. So fun!

Change is the Theme...

2008-10-03T23:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we are hearing it in politics and we are seeing it in our own lives, the big word these days is definitely CHANGE.

I have spent some time the past few months re-evaluating some priorities. I have been thinking about what is important...

Family

Community

Faith

Friendship

... and what I can do to improve those things in my life and hopefully in the lives of others. One thing kept coming to mind:

Random-Acts-Of-Kindness

This summer during my father's illness & passing, I was blessed to witness the amazing generosity & endless kindness of friends and family. I watched as cards & letters arrived in bundles in my parent's mailbox each day. We read them to my dad and memories were surfacing & stories were shared about past experiences that he hadn't thought of in years. A beautiful woman from my parent's church has made a huge impact in people's lives by making & sending them hand-made cards. My parents were blessed to receive many of her creations during that very difficult time. She has inspired me to begin a mission-at-home by doing much the same thing...I believe it is now the time to concentrate on Mass Producing Kindness. so I am going to do what I know how.

I am committing to making cards for those who may need one, and I am inviting you to do the same. A goal is to get a group of people together to 'mass produce kindess' but until then, I will get started.

If you wish to join me, I would love to hear from you. Post a message below or e-mail me and let me know you are sharing... Let's make a positive CHANGE together. Let's give a gift that we can all afford...

a little act of kindness.

pink & brown ... classic!

2008-05-15T05:56:00.000-07:00

The layering is fun, and I know it may be a little diffiult to see here, but the top portion (white area) of the card has hole-punches glued on for texture.

How about this for a birth announcement...

2008-05-15T05:48:00.000-07:00

Just another wonderful way to use the jumbo flower punch! (I am having too much fun.) The paper folds at the top, the punch goes over the neck & leg areas and then a circle punch trims them to size! Too easy...now you try, I would love to see your samples also.

F.R.O.G.

2008-05-15T05:42:00.000-07:00

I just thought this was the best advice. I made the card trying a new technique. I don't know if it turned out the way I wanted it to, but it is cute for the froggies.

I inked the stamp and then misted it with water to make it really wet and gushy before I STAMPED. Made kind of a sloppy water-color look . I think maybe I should have done a watercolor background to tie it all together? What do you think???

2008-05-01T05:55:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this give you Spring Fever? Time for flowers, leaves & bugs. What a cute way to welcome warmer weather.
(I used wire for the little antennas.) Cute as a bug!!!
If you want to see this cute little composition notebook close-up and in person, check it out at the

Hill Street Mall!
Just ask for Becca's Stamps & Scraps!

Birthday Cards

2008-03-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

I have lots of friends and family with birthdays this time of the year...

Here are several of the cards I have been (and will be) giving out this March/April...

This card uses the new hodge-podge hardware from SU! Very cute. Also, I got this background by kissing the paper with a stampin' spot ink pad then overstamping the flowers & leaves.

This card was made for my dad. I just love the great big '&' stamp! I printed the '...and many more' and used a pop-dot for the little cupcake at the bottom. Happy Birthday Daddy, I love you!

This card was made for my nephew. (19 already, wow!!!) Although the '19' is difficult to read on this scanned image, it is there on the tag in yellow ink. Of course I had to use green for him since his b-day is on St. Patty's Day! Happy Birthday Aaron..

This card was made for my sis-in-law... I just love the way it has an elegant simplicity. Used the Hodgepodge Hardware from the regular SU catalog. Hope she liked it too. Happy Birthday Carolina.

Easter Goodies

2008-03-17T20:40:00.000-07:00

Isn't this so cute?

Cello bag filled with:

shredded paper Easter grass
mini choco eggs

Topper made out of:

Green paper
rolled with flower image
two-step stampin' butterfly (cut out with wings folded to give flight)
'a gift for you' stamped in magenta

So Easy & So FUN!!!

Make 'N' Take

2008-03-03T19:05:00.000-08:00

This is the project we made at the

Saturday Make 'n' Take

(3/8/08 at Hill Street Mall in Globe, AZ)

3 sets: two stationary pages + matching envelope

(totalling 6 pages & 3 envelopes!)

TECHNIQUE: Masking

Mini Composition Notebook

2008-02-29T06:26:00.001-08:00

Mini Composition notebook using Stampin' Up! designer papers & CTMH ribbons. Don't you just love the punches?

It's a Shower!

2008-02-20T20:38:00.000-08:00

This card is made using white cardstock, basic black ink, watercolor markers & use of a net ribbon.

Ain't life grand?

Baby Girl

2008-01-27T20:03:00.000-08:00

This is my version of the baby girl card. (Note: inside has the announcement information.)

New Addition to the list of Classes

2007-11-30T08:01:00.000-08:00

Stamp A Stack

Stamp a Stack of cards - Three designs of 10 cards each. We will stamp and accessorize WHAT A BANG FOR THE BUCK!!!

Birthday Stacks
Christmas Stacks
Valentine Stacks
Baby Stacks
Wedding Stacks
Thank You Stacks

Keep checking back for dates & times... COMING SOON!!!

Candy Cards...

2007-11-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

Candy Cards

These candy cards are so fun and easy to make! Thanks to Candy Heathman for sharing the instructions at the Kearny Stamp Group in January. Maybe I am getting carried away, but they are so much fun to give away...so far no one has said 'NO' to one yet!!!

Class list

2007-11-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

I am thinking of starting some card-making classes also and am trying to get the different classes organized. I will get a calendar up as soon as I have it ready.

So far I am looking at teaching the following stamp classes:

Basic
Advanced Basic
Embossing
Advanced Embossing
Backgrounds
Masking
Omitting
Watercolor
Layering

I have a request to add SCRAPBOOK CLASSES TOO! Yeah! That sounds like it will be fun. I will post a list of those classes soon and hopefully we get it all organized after the holidays and things settle down some. Please keep in touch and post comments! I am interested in seeing them!

3If you have a moment, take the survey and let me know your level of interest in classes.

Technique of the week...

2007-11-06T21:00:00.000-08:00

Bleaching Technique

After tearing and layering colored cardstock onto white, stamp the words over the layered area.

Using bleach as your ink, stamp the image...as it dries, you will have the result you are looking for!

(NOTE: be sure to clean your stamp with soapy water before storing as the bleach may dry the rubber.)

TECHNIQUE: Bleach Stamping