Well it’s a good thing my husband doesn’t read my blog because this is the card that I am giving him tomorrow for our 19 year anniversary.  I used the sketch from Brenda’s Birthday Sketch Challenge for this card and really like the way it turned out.  I wasn’t sure I’d be able to pull off a lovey-dovey heart card in masculine colors.  I don’t think it’s too frilly and I think he’ll like it just fine!

I’m also planning on using this card for the Anniversary or Wedding card swap coming up here at CARDScraps.  You have until 4/12/10 to sign up, so that will give you plenty of time to get a card made!

I didn’t make a project sheet on this one because the layout and dimensions are so similar to the project sheet I made on yesterday’s card which is posted in the Project Sheets section.

Now, I want to talk about the adhesives that I used in my card.  I realized when I was making my supply list for what I used in my card that I had used several different adhesives.  I tend to do that quite a bit, and the other day, my daughter asked me why I needed so many glues.  So I figured I would run through the adhesives today and tell you my favorites and what I use them for.

Anywhere Glue Stick #104045 – $3.95 for a pack of 2 I used the glue stick on just about all of the assembly, including all of the layering as well as the larger hearts.  Many people don’t like using glue sticks (including Brenda) because you end up with it on your fingers and if you’re not careful, you get it on the fronts of your card stock as well.  With a little bit of practice though, you learn how to handle card stock with glue on it and as long as you keep a napkin close (or wear jeans..lol), you can wipe your fingers off regularly.  I just feel more confident that my card isn’t going to come apart when I’ve got the entire surface of my card stock glued rather than just the edges as typically done with SNAIL adhesive.  Not to mention, it’s very cost effective!

2-Way Glue Pen #100425 – $3.50 When it’s time to glue down tiny pieces, I find it much easier to grab my 2-way glue pen.  The chisel tip allows you to put glue on the thinnest surfaces and it sticks so well and dries quickly.  On this card, I used it to glue down the small punched hearts as well as the Kraft scalloped heart outline.

Here’s a close-up of the “heart-work”.  I love the little Kraft heart frame made by using the Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit and then punching it out with the Large Heart Punch.  It wasn’t planned – I was just punching it out so I could overlay the Kraft heart onto the Night of Navy heart.  But once I punched the heart out with the large heart punch and saw the adorable little heart frame it left, I knew I had to use it on my card as well.

SNAIL Adhesive #104332 – $6.95 This is Brenda’s favorite for assembly as I’m sure it is for many other crafters.  It’s quick and easy to use and there’s no mess involved.  However, I tend to use it more for attaching ribbon more than anything else.  I don’t normally apply it to the entire ribbon unless a ribbon just really isn’t wanting to stay in place.  I usually just use it on the ends that wrap around to the back side.  As you know, I pretty much use ribbon on every card so my SNAIL gets a workout too.

Dotto #103305 – $12.95 This is the most expensive of the lot, but I think it’s well worth it.  When I’m trying to figure out where I want all of my different layers on my card, I put a very small amount of dotto on the back of each piece to hold it in place.  Because it’s REPOSITIONABLE, I can move it from one place to another without problems, but it keeps everything from sliding around while I’m designing the card.  I tend to have all of my pieces cut and “in position” before I ever apply any permanent glue and I can’t stand them moving all around.  I told tend to add this to my supply list since it’s only temporary.  I just wanted you to know that I think it’s an indispensible tool!

Now, I didn’t use the adhesives below on today’s card, but I wanted to go ahead and talk about them as they each have their uses.

	Stampin’ Dimensionals #104430 – $3.95 Oh what would I do without these little gems?  I LOVE dimension on cards, and these give your layers the right amount of POP!  I can’t believe I didn’t use any Dimensionals on today’s card as I reach for these quite often.  Because they’re made of foam and they’re not too thick, they compress and go through the mail quite well.  They’re super easy to cut so if you need a smaller size, simply cut one in half or in quarters.  That’s what I did for the clouds on yesterday’s card.
	Glue Dots #103683 Mini Glue Dots – $4.95 #104183 Pop-Up Glue Dots – $3.95 These little things are super-sticky and are fabulous for attaching things like buttons or bows to your card.  The Mini Glue Dots are only 3/16″ so they fit well behind very small objects.  The Pop-Up Glue Dots are quite a bit bigger.  They are approximately 1/2″ and are 1/8″ thick.  Like the Dimensionals, they give your layers dimension but they don’t compress like the foam dimensionals do.  If your card were to get smashed, the card stock would tend to bend around the Pop-Up Glue dot.  However, like I said, these things are super sticky so they’re excellent if you’re attaching something heavy.
	Sticky Strip #104294 – $6.95 If you do anything 3-Dimensional like make boxes, bags, etc., you need Sticky Strip.  This stuff is super permanent.  I think the only draw back this stuff has is that you have to cut it with your scissors – you can’t just tear it off.  This is also great for adding micro beads or glitter to your cards.  Stampin’ Up! also sells Sticky Pages which is the same thing although it’s a 12×12 sheet, so you can cut it, punch it or die cut it!  I’ve these on several occasions to make beaded pens!
	Crystal Effects #101055 – $6.25 Essentially, I use this to add a shiny dimension to my images.  Just squeeze it out onto your image, spread with a toothpick and set aside to dry.  Now, in my experience, the nozzle will get clogged unless you stick a pin down into the top between uses.  And make sure its a stainless steel pin or it will rust.  Trust me, I know.lol.  However, what some people don’t realize is that this is a fantastic ultra glue.  I used it to create some magnets with glass pebbles recently and they’re awesome!
	Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive #110755 – $3.95 Now, this is probably the glue I reach for the least.  There is nothing wrong with it.  It’s a wonderful liquid glue – especially for adhering to chipboard.  I just don’t do a whole lot of that, so I haven’t used it very much.  Some crafters swear by it though, so maybe I just haven’t attempted to use it on enough of my projects to give a fair shake!

I hope you enjoyed my post today.  If you have any questions, just let me know.

Happy Stamping

Lianne Carper
CS partner and DTM for Brenda Cook
Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator

• Stamps:  I {Heart} Hearts (CM#118571) and Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370)
• Paper:  Soft Suede, Not Quite Navy and Kraft card stock, Bella Bleu designer paper
• Ink:  Soft Suede and Not Quite Navy
• Other:  Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit, Big Shot, Glue Stick, SNAIL Adhesive, 2-Way Glue Pen, Full Heart Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Small Heart Punch, Scalloped Trim Border Punch, Crimper, Soft Suede 1/2″ Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Jumbo Grommet

As we wrap up the last few days before Valentine’s Day, I wanted to show you a quick card I made today.  Although it is very simple, I think it turned out beautiful – in fact, I think this may be the one that I give my sweetie this year.  He’s not fancy, so the card for him shouldn’t be fancy either. 

This card literally took me about 10 minutes to make.  It took me longer to decide what paper I wanted to use than to make it.  I was inspired by a card created by Michelle Wooderson – at least my layout was.  The rest just kinda fell into place.  I still have some of the printed circle embellishments that we gave away in the last CARDScraps Gazette newsletter, so that’s what I used for my main embellishment. By the way, you can sign up for in the top left corner under Newsletter Signup.  I simply punched out a larger circle from Real Red cardstock and then cut a Kraft circle with the Circle Scissors Plus.

I used the new Sending Love Specialty designer series paper and then embossed hearts from the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set on the Real Red cardstock strip on the left side. The bottom image here shows the sparkly Iridescent Ice embossing powder really well.  I finished it off with a beautiful Real Red satin bow.

I hope you like it and if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Happy Stamping

Lianne Carper
CS partner and DTM for Brenda Cook
Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator

• Stamps:  I {Heart} Hearts (WM #117010 – CM #118571)
• Paper:  Kraft, Real Red, and Very Vanilla cardstock, Sending Love Specialty designer paper
• Ink:  VersaMark
• Other:  Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Circle Punches, Circle Scissors Plus, Real Red Satin Ribbon, Dimensionals, Glue Stick, Scallop Trim Border Punch, I {heart} you embellishment (printed from free download in February CARDScraps Gazette newsletter)

Help make a difference in the lives of those who continue to suffer from the effects of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12.  From now until February 28, 2010, Stampin’ Up! will set aside $2 from sale of every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set and donate it to the American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund.  The Red Cross is already well established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Contact us today or place your order online today to order the I {Heart} Heart stamp set, and make a difference in the lives of the Haitian people.

Download the Stampin’ Up! Haitian Relief flyer here.

OK..you know my secret, I {Heart} Hearts has quickly become one of my favorite stamp sets and I just LOVE the heart with LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!  I will try to showcase another one of these fabulous stamps in this set, for my next blog post. LOL

This is another one of those 10 minute quick cards. You could use any of the stamps within this clear mount set (or wood mount, if you prefer) and just change up the size of the square mats behind the heart, if needed. This is a simple format. All you have to do is change the papers and the stamp and you will have an entirely different presentation.

Here is how I did it:

I started with a Very Vanilla card base and used the En Francais background stamp and stamped the front panel with the Sahara Sand Classic Ink Pad.

Then I cut all of my cardstock and designer paper pieces. Layer the top pieces first and be sure to wrap your twine around them before adhering to the card base. Then take and layer your square mats and place on the card front. Last but not least, stamp your heart and punch out using the 3 heart punch and attach to the card front, utilizing dimensionals to pop it up.

Brenda Cook
Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator
Tarboro, NC

Supply List – All items are by Stampin’ Up!

Stamp:  I {Heart} Hearts, En Francais
Paper:  Cottage Wall DSP, Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry, Orchid Opulence, Pink Passion CS
Inks:  Rich Razzleberry, Sahara Sand
Other:  Natural Hemp Twine, 3 Heart Punch, Snail, Dimensionals

 
Hopefully by now, you have the Sending Love designer paper in your hands and you are ready to create your own Valentine cards. If not, you can get in touch with me and I will help you get it ordered from the Occasions mini catalog, which expires April 30, 2010. Don’t think it is just for Valentine’s Day though – it is dreamy. full of floral designs, versatile and popping with color. And, don’t forget..the Sale-A-Bration promotion runs through March 31, 2010, which allows you to earn free goodies for every $50 that you order in Stampin’ Up! products.

I used the new clear mount “I {Heart} Hearts stamp set, along with one of my favorites, “Baroque Motifs.”  The Polka Dot background stamp that you see is retired, but I still keep it handy.

I never get rid of stamp sets because I love them all. One day though, I am going to have to think about selling some of the older ones that are retired. Lianne and I counted up the other day and between us both, we have approximately 300 Stampin’ Up! stamp sets and I have only been a SU demonstrator for about 16 months. What does that tell you…we LOVE Stampin’ Up! stamps!

Brenda Cook
Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator
Tarboro, NC

Supply List – All products are by Stampin’ Up!

Stamps:  I {Heart} Hearts, Baroque Motifs, Polka Dot Background (retired)
Paper:  Sending Love DSP, Barely Banana, Bravo Burgundy, Whisper White CS
Ink:  Bravo Burgundy, Versamark
Other:  Bravo Burgundy 1/4″ Grosgrain Ribbon, Heart Punch, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Sponge Dauber, Snail
Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging

A few days back, I came across a card created by Dawn McVey that utilized similar colors as my card trio here.  It didn’t utilize Stampin’ Up! stamps or colors, so they weren’t exactly the same.  Anyway, I was intrigued by it but didn’t really give it another thought.  Until today when I dozed on the couch.  When I woke up, this color scheme was stuck in my head and the first thing I did was grab my Card Stock Sampler and pull these colors out – Bermuda Bay, Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White and Kraft.  Yes, I dream about card making – don’t you?

I planned the Kraft card first.  But I couldn’t stop there.  By the time I was finished, I had a cute little card trio perfect for Valentine’s Day, love notes to your sweetie or even to let a friend know how much they mean to you.  Because there isn’t a sentiment other than “friend” on the one card, you can use them anytime of the year.

These cards are very simple to make so I’m not going to go into the details.  If you have any questions, just let me know.  I utilized the new I {Heart} Hearts stamp set as well as the two new border punches released in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog.  I tell you – if you have this stamp set, you’ll never need another heart stamp!  So many different designs – 10 total!

Hope you like them! 

Happy Stamping

Lianne Carper
CS partner and DTM for Brenda Cook
Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator

• Stamps:  I {Heart} Hearts (WM – #117010, CM – #118571)
• Paper:  Bermuda Bay, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Whisper White and Kraft card stock
• Ink:  Real Red and Bermuda Bay Classic Inks, VersaMark, Whisper White Craft Ink
• Accessories:  Bermuda Bay Grosgrain Ribbon, Hemp Twine, Pinking Hearts and Scallop Trim Border Punches, Big Shot, Stampin’ Up! Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates, Sponges, Buttons (from stash)

 As promised, here is another card using Baroque Motifs. Do you think that I may adore this stamp set?  I also used the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set, which will be available January 5. If you do not already have your Occasions and Sale-A-Bration catalogs, let me know and I will get one out to you.

This was sort of an experimental card for me, in regards to the background. You know how it is when you are playing around and you come up with something that you like.

Here is how I did it:

First, I cut my Basic Black card base and scored. Then I cut a piece of Apricot Appeal cardstock for my card front.

Next, I stamped Baroque Motifs with Versamark and sprinkled Black embossing powder and embossed with the heat gun. Then I stamped the “Friend” stamp with Rose Red classic ink on Apricot Appeal cardstock and punched it out with the Heart punch.

I kept looking at what I had created so far and kept thinking that this was just to plain, so I took Versamark and started randomly stamping the small heart (also from the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set). That was still not enough, so I took and stamped the small heart with Apricot Appeal classic ink. I purposely stamped offset on many of the already stamped Versamark hearts and strategically positioned others. In this case, I believe more was better! NOTE: The embossing acted as a resist and I was able to stamp the small hearts anywhere on the cardstock.

Then I adhered the card front to the base and completed the card by attaching the heart to the card front with dimensionals.

Well, breakfast is almost ready – Can’t you smell the country link sausage cooking now!

Brenda Cook
Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator
Tarboro, NC

Supply List – all products are by Stampin’ Up!

Stamp:  Baroque Motifs, I {Heart} Hearts
Paper:  Basic Black, Apricot Appeal
Ink:  Rose Red, Versamark
Other:  Heart Punch, Black EP, Heat Gun, SMJ, Snail, Dimensionals

They’re coming! The new Occasions and Sale-A-Bration mini catalogs will arrive soon – probably mid to late December. Check your mailbox daily for the greatest minis cattys yet! They are chocked full of new goodies and you will be introduced to new Stampin’ Up! product lines, such as Clear Mounted Stamps, which are used with clear acrylic blocks. The wood mounted stamp sets will also be available for you wood mount diehards. Stampin’ Up! will also be introducing a new punch style, along with new Designer Paper. There are so many new products, that we don’t have the space to list them all. The best part of all is the selection of FREEbies that you can earn by purchasing your favorite products!

I made the decorative border on this card utilizing one of the new punches, called “Scallop Trim Border.” I believe you can never have to many punches! You will be thrilled with their new matching corner and border punches.

The heart was created from the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set, which includes ten different heart styles. You can see the different hearts below. This set will be great for Valentines Day and for so many other occasions.

Brenda Cook
Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator
Tarboro, NC

Supply List:

All products are by Stampin’ Up!

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, Very Thankful
Paper: Basic Black, Bashful Blue, Whisper White CS
Ink: Basic Black, Bashful Blue, Real Red
Other: Signo Gel Pen, Basic Black Marker, Real Red 3/4″ Grosgrain Ribbon, Big Shot, Polka Dot Texture Plate, Circle Die, 1-3/4″ Circle Punch, Scalloped Trim Border Punch, Sponge, Snail

NOTE: Sending Love DSP (photo background)

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