February 15, 2017

Hearts, Hearts, Hearts and DIY Stencil



Happy Wednesday Stamping Friends! Today I have a little How-To to share. Did you know that Whimsy Stamps sells DIY Stencil sheets for making your own stencils? It is super fun and also super easy to make your own stencils.

You just use dies and cut out your favorite shapes and voila you have a stencil. I used the heart border die from the Card Builder - Hearts of Love set. I cut it 4 times using one of the blank stencil sheets. You just have to be careful when placing your dies on the sheet multiple times that it doesn't overlap where you already have cut outs. I used washi tape to secure the die on the stencil sheet to keep it from shifting. It's best to offset the dies when making kind of a background stencil like I did here.. As you can see on my stencil I rushed and didn't pay enough attention and two of the smaller hearts are too close together. Oh well, it is not perfect but I will use it anyway. ;-)

 
Here is the card where I used the stencil. I made my own background paper using Distress Crayons and my newly made stencil. (using the baby wipe technique) Then I cut out the large heart using the smallest die from the Stitched Hearts die set.

The large heart was also heat embossed in black around the edges. The small heart and the stitched heart border are also from the Card Builder - Hearts of Love set. The sentiment is from the newly released Friendly Flowers set. To create the red matching background I used a Distress marker (candied apple) and the Distress marker "Spritzer Tool" . A button and some burlap twine finish off my card.




February 10, 2017

Day 3 of the Whimsy Stamps February Release


Hello Peeps and Happy TGIF! The release party goes on! idf you haven't checked out the new stamps yet click here to see all of the new products.

Today I have a card to share using the NEW Friendly Flowers set.

Another clean and simple creation. I just added a ribbon and some sequins to embellish the card.

Don't forget to visit our Whimsy Stamps and Inspirations Facebook group to celebrate with us and the Whimsy blog to see a list of participating DT members for more new  release creations.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Hugs,



February 9, 2017

Day2 of the Whimsy Stamps February Release


Hello Everyone! Welcome to Day2 of the Whimsy Stamps February Release! Please visit our Whimsy Stamps and Inspirations Facebook group to celebrate with us! You can join us for games, fun, and a chance to win Whimsy prizes too. 

Here our my creations for Day 2 of the Release Party:


*New* Bee-cause by Krista Heij-Barber colored with Copics on a CAS one layer card. I also used the *NEW* Shapeology Honeycomb Pattern Die. The background is done with Copic airbrush and black speckles are added with Distress marker and the Distress Spritzer Tool.
To easily adhere the cut out honeycomb pattern I sprayed it with spray adhesive. Works like a charm and no messy gluey fingers ;-).


Here we have Furry Friends by our very own Tracy Wray! I love this cute doggie set! Colored with Copics and and the background is done with Pitt Pastels. I stamped the image on the inside of the card and cut out a circle on the front so you can see through. All stamps used on my card are from the set.


Here is the inside:


Thanks for stopping by and make sure to visit our Whimsy Stamps and Inspirations Facebook group to celebrate with us and the Whimsy blog to see a list of participating DT members for more new  release creations.

Thanks for stopping by and see you here again tomorrow when I'll be sharing my creations for Release Day 3

Hugs,



February 8, 2017

Whimsy Stamps February Release Is Here!


Today kicks off our February 2017 release party over in our Whimsy Stamps and Inspirations Facebook group. You can join us for games, fun, and a chance to win Whimsy prizes too.

We are releasing 12 new red rubber images and 6 new clear stamp sets. There is definitely something for everyone. Everything is available NOW to purchase. Click here to see all of the new stamping goodness. 

Here are my creations for Day 1 of our release celebrations:


This is Frog Friend by Crissy Armstrong, available in the Whimsy store now in rubber! I colored the image using Distress Markers. The sentiment is stamped using the NEW Clear set Typograhy.

My second card is CAS style and showcasing again the NEW Clear set Typograhy:


Thanks for stopping by and make sure to visit our Whimsy Stamps and Inspirations Facebook group to celebrate with us and the Whimsy blog to see a list of participating DT members for more new  release creations.

Thanks for stopping by and see you here again tomorrow when I'll be sharing my creations for Release Day 2

Hugs,



February 4, 2017

Mixed Media Butterflies Tag



Happy Weekend All! I had a play with my new Distress Crayons today ...soooo much fun to get a bit messy and play with all the ink, crayons, paint, paste etc.



I decided to go mixed media and made a tag using Clearly Whimsy's Flight of the Butterflies set, the Honeycomb Pattern die, the Butterfly Stencil  as well as the Clearly Whimsy "Lovely Lavender" set.

Hope you like it!
Enjoy your weekend.

Hugs,



February 2, 2017

Whimsy February Digi Release - You Are My Valentine


Hello Friends and Happy Groundhog Day! Hope the weather is the nicest wherever you are! ;-) Guess we got lucky, here it is sunny and blue skies...just perfect :-D

Did you see the New Digital Products that were released yesterday. Super cute images by Crissy Armstrong as well as papers and Sentiment sets and papers by Tracy Wray. Click HERE to have a look. They are absolutely gorgeous!

I had a play with the adorable New Digital Penguin Valentine and also used a sentiment from the New Digital Various Occasions Sentiment Set.

I colored this little love bug with my Copics. It is a CAS one layer card and I wanted to add some kind of embellishment without over doing it. So I decided to add some stitches using the recently released Clearly Whimsy set In Stitches. Aren't they fantastic? I think they look so real! I love this set.

Make sure you visit our facebook group HERE for even more Whimsy inspiration. thanks for visiting today!

Hugs!



January 26, 2017

Lovely Monstery Shaker Card


Hello Everyone and Happy Thursday! Today I want to share a fun Shaker card with you. I used the super cute Love Day Monster clear set from Whimsy's January release as well as the brand new in store Valentine Sequin Assortment


I colored the little monster with Copics as well as the heart with the arrow which is from the same set. The word die was cut out from white glitter paper and is from Whimsy's Shapeology Collection from the Card Builder - Hearts of Love Set. The DP is from an older Basic Grey set called Kneehighs.

Hugs,



January 19, 2017

If Friends Were Flowers.... - Whimsy Stamps 'Loveley Lavender'


Hello All! This is a CAS card I made using the newly released Clearly Whimsy Stamps set "Lovely Lavender".

I made the background using Faber Castell Gelatos. After the colors where dry I stamped the flowers and saying using Versafine ink black. The little butterfly was heat embossed using a garnet colored embossing powder. I added some violet Stickles to the smaller lavender flowers and on the tall flower I used a clear gel pen to add some bling.

On the inside I stamped the second part of the saying and again the large flower, to match the outside. This time I used Memento ink. The first time I stamped using LULU Lavender and a second time Sweet Plum to match my colors on the outside.

Thanks for visiting!

Iris








January 16, 2017

Whimsy Butterflies Stencil "How - to"


Hello All and Happy Monday! Did you see the awesome newly released Butterflies Stencil in the Whimsy store? I love how versatile it is and want to share some ideas with you on how to use it in different ways.

The stencil is 4 x 6 inches in size and 0.188mm in thickness. It is made using a smooth plastic and both sides have a slightly shiny surface which makes clean up real easy. To enjoy your stencil for a long time I recommend storing it flat and clean it up right after each use.
*NEW Butterflies Stencil
Sponging with inks, paints and stains are one of the most common techniques to use stencils. While you can achieve beautiful effects with these techniques, I love to add dimension to my cards and projects.
Here I am using a 3D paste with a nice pearlescent pink shimmer (Nuvo Embellishment Mousse). I've placed the stencil over my cardstock and secured it with some Washi tape to keep it from shifting. (I always work on a Teflon sheet covered work space - makes cleaning up ink and pastes a breeze as well as tape/glue removal.) Applying the paste with a spatula is best but a popsicle stick will work too if you don't have a spatula.

Carefully lift the stencil from the cardstock not to smudge your image. Let the 3D paste dry. Clean up your stencil with warm water and soap immediately.
Another way to achieve a dimensional effect is using modeling paste. Apply it the same way as you would the 3D paste.

Leave it like it is and let dry for a more simpler look - or after it's dried you could re-attach the stencil and sponge the butterflies with ink.


For some more bling add glitter to the still wet modeling paste and let dry. Clean up your stencil with warm water right after you're done. Don't let the modeling paste dry on the stencil. This might ruin your stencil.
Using your stencil with the heat embossing technique gives a nice dimensional effect as well:
Prepare your paper for heat embossing and then place your stencil over the paper. Secure it with Washi or masking tape so it wont shift.
Thoroughly apply embossing ink - I used Versmark. Carefully remove the stencil and applu embossing powder immediately. Heat set from underneath.


Depending on your choice of embossing powder you can achieve different effects - metallic, pearlized, opaque, distressed etc.
Use the stencil together with the Copic airbrush system:
I used Washi tape again to hold the stencil in place and to cover the areas (in my case butterflies) I did not want to add color to.


 It works quite well, what do you think? I used two different shades of  teal to get some more effect.


The smooth and shiny surface of the stencil is easy to clean. Just use rubbing alcohol to clean your stencil from the Copic over spray. This will not damage your stencil!


An absolute fun technique is "Stamping through your Stencil":
First use the sponging technique to apply color the the butterflies. I used distress inks in yellow and a darker orange color. Let dry.


Now choose a stamp with a pattern that will fit your stencil. I chose a flower stamp set called "Friendly Flowers".  Yes, it is a clear set from Whimsy and will be released in February *sneak peek* ;-) Text or script stamps work well too. I stamped using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.


Remove the stencil and voila! You have a very nice contrasting effect. I used Memento and Distress inks, both dye inks, which will clean up nicely from your stencil. Pigment ink might leave some stains on your stencil and StazOn for sure does.
I stamped more grass at the bottom to match the butterflies and added little antennas to the butterflies with a very fine Copic Multiliner Pen.


Here's the finished card. The sentiment is from the newly released "Flight of the Butterflies" clear stamp set.
Thanks for visiting and I hope you liked my stencil tips. Don't forget to share all your Whimsy creations over in our facebook group. We love to see what you create!


Hugs & Luv,



January 12, 2017

Day 2 of the Whimsy January Release


Hello All and Welcome to Day 2 of the Whimsy January Release! The January 2017 release party continues over in our Whimsy Stamps and Inspirations Facebook group. You can join us for games, fun, and a chance to win Whimsy prizes too. Here is the link to the party event!

Here are my DT projects for the second release day: 

This is NEW Birthday Cow by Crissy Armstrong, available NOW in rubber! I'm in love with this image, too adorable! I colored it with my Copics. Sentiment is from the NEW Loveley Lavender Clearly Whimsy Stamps set. I also used together with my flower arrangements the NEW Honeycomb Pattern die. This die is so versatile, it's amazing and like with all the Whimsy dies, cutting is a charm.


My second card for today is a shaker card using the New Happy Sayings Die Set and the matching Happy Sayings clear set.
For the shaker filling I used the New Valentines Sequins and also added some coarse pink glitter granules. DP is from the Whimsy digital paper set Fresh Rose. The frame is cut with a die from the Shaker Builder - Sweetest Birthday die set.

To join our release party event, just pop over to the Whimsy group any time between January 11-13, this Wednesday through Friday.  We hope to see you all there!





January 11, 2017

Whimsy Stamps January 2017 Release

 Whimsy January Release - Rubber and Clear


This month, we are releasing the following new stamps and dies:

4 new stamps from Crissy Armstrong
3 new stamps from Lee Holland
2 new stamps from Wee Stamps
2 new stamps from Krista Heij-Barber
3 new stamps from Kirsten Winkelbauer
and finally - 6 new clear stamps and 2 new dies and 1 stencil
Have a peek at them all on our Whimsy Inspirations Blog!
GREAT NEWS - all of the new products are available to purchase from the Whimsy Stamps shop NOW!
Today kicks off our January 2017 release party over in our Whimsy Stamps and Inspirations Facebook group. You can join us for games, fun, and a chance to win Whimsy prizes too.
Here is the link to the party event!
 
Here are my DT cards for today:
 
 This is "Betty and Bob" by Wee Stamps, colored with Copics on a fairly clean and simple style card. I also used the In Stitches clear stamp set. DP is from the digital Butterfly Breeze 2 papers.



A real CAS and one layer card using the new Honeycomb Pattern die - cut out and used as stencil with Copic airbrush - as well as the Butterfly Stencil and the Flight of the Butterflies clear set

To join our release party event, just pop over to the Whimsy group any time between January 11-13, this Wednesday through Friday.  We hope to see you all there!




Hugs,



January 9, 2017

Totally Tiffany Product Review - Die Storage and Design Board


Totally Tiffany Product Review

Hello and Happy Monday to all my fellow crafters. Whimsy Stamps and Totally Tiffany teamed up and today I am here to review two products I received from Totally Tiffany in exchange for this review. Thank you for this opportunity!
Totally Tiffany is a company which sells all different kinds of storage and organization products for crafters, especially scrapbooking / card making. If you don't know them already here is a link to their website Totally Tiffany. Go and check them out you will be thrilled and surprised by the variety and usefulness of their products! These products make it easy to declutter your craft room and get organzied!

You will also have the chance to win some Totally Tiffany goodies :-) A little later in this review I will provide you with a link to a sweepstake. It's easy, just enter to win ;-)

....and if you are looking closely you might see some new Whimsy goodies.... just saying.

Ok but now onto the first product review:

Die-Namic Storage Set

This die storage set is called Die-Namic Die Storage and includes 5 pocket cards 5 storage sleeves for pocket cards and 1 carrying case with handle. It is made out of clear plastic which appears to be fairly sturdy. The size of the case is 13″ x 7″ x 1″. This is a neat size, big enough to hold quite some dies but not too large to carry it around. The case makes it easy to carry around your dies e.g. if you go to craft events or for get together at a friends house.



The pocket cards tucked into the sleeves. The recess on the brim of each sleeve makes it easy to lift out the pocket cards.


The pocket cards have each a tab on top which can be labeled to make it easier to find the contents. The clear plastic also makes it a breeze to see whats inside. They also have 5 layered / staggered pockets which are about 1 inch in height. Because they are staggered it makes it easier to find your dies or products.


Here you can see how they look with my Whimsy dies inserted in the pockets. They fit neatly :-) I also labeled the tab! aaahhh and yes these are NEW Whimsy dies :-D They will be released later this week...keep your eyes peeled! ;-)


Not only dies, also my stencils fit! Another Whimsy sneak peek.... You can put smaller dies, stencils or stamps in the lower pockets and smaller items in the top ones.


Or how about having your stamps and matching dies together in one pouch...or stamp set and matching stencil ;-) (more new whimsy stuffs ;-) )! That's organizing I love! You will have everything together which makes creating much faster and more fun!


Here's my Die-Namic Storage Set filled with dies, stencils and stamps. I love the usefulness of this die storage case and that it is so versatile. It also is light weight and makes carrying it around fun. From now on my dies, stencils and stamp sets are always organized.


I mentioned earlier that you are able to win some Totally Tiffany products. Just click the link below, fill out the form and you are entered to win! Good luck!
Sweepstakes link:  Enter to Win


 Clip & Create Rotating Design Board

The second product I am going to review is the Clip & Create Rotating Design Board.  Oh my I can tell you I am totally in love with this design board already! For me as a card maker and colorist this is such a huge help! Why is that you ask? I will show you in a minute....first let me give you some facts about the board itself....
The size of the board is 9″ x 11″ x 1.25″. There's a large clip included to hold your projectsIt is made out of wood and coated with a smooth, hard white plastic layer. The smooth plastic surface also makes cleaning it easy. But the best thing is you can rotate it! It moves freely a full 360 degrees. 



The two trays are connected through a ball-bearing, so they rotate smoothly.



The large clip is strong and moveable to hold your work in place. The underside of the part of the clip which holds your work in place is smooth so it wont damage your products.




For me of course this is ideal when I am coloring. I always rotate my image while coloring and this Rotating Design Board makes it very easy to do that! Just perfect!



But not only coloring...it's awesome while using your stencils too. In this pictures I am using my stencil (yes the new butterfly stencil from Whimsy!) with some modelling paste. Rotating the board makes it easy to apply the paste and make sure I have it everywhere I want it to be.



Here I am decorating a card on the board. It's so much nicer when I can rotate my card a full 360 degrees while putting on all the embellishments. Or when making one of my mixed media tags.

But no matter what crafts you like to do I am sure this board comes in quite handy for you as well. It is sturdy, stable and has 4 small foam rubber feet to hold it in place while you are working and rotating it.

I might even try and use it as a lazy susan the next time I make cup cakes, or when making a flower arrangement ....the ideas are endless! 



I mentioned earlier that you are able to win some Totally Tiffany products. Just click the link below, fill out the form and you are entered to win! Good luck!
Sweepstakes link:  Enter to Win



I hope you liked my reviews. I would love to hear from you, so please leave a comment if you have a moment, thank you! It's very much appreciated!

Don't forget.....the Whimsy January Rubber and Clear Release starts Wednesday! There will be some awesome new Rubber and Clear Stamps as well as Dies and something new ;-)

Luv 'n hugs