I was so excited to see these chickens make a comeback in the Hey Birthday Chick in the January - June Mini Catalogue this year.  We last saw them during Sale-A-Bration in 2017 in a set called Hey Chick, and they are so fun!  I decided to ink up one of the silly chooks and CASE (Copy And Share Everything) a design by one of the Stampin' Up! concept artists.  I changed up the colours  a bit to make it my own.

See what I mean by fun?   ​If you've looked at the set in the J-J Mini on p. 52, you'll notice it's shown as a stamp set by itself.  Stampin' Up! has surprised us by releasing a coordinating set of dies...and re-releasing Hey Chick with its own set of dies!  They will be available for customers to purchase next Tuesday, 2 February.  Click on the pic below for more details!

I've used the bunting and sentiment dies as well as the one to cut out the chick on this card.  I like how cutting 2 sentiments and offsetting them slightly makes an outline effect.

Here's everything I used to make this card if you'd like to CASE it yourself.  Clicking on the pictures below will take you to my online store.

This is the project I made on my Facebook Live video this week.  You can catch the replay on YouTube or Facebook.  You can also subscribe to my YouTube Channel and request to be notified on my Facebook Page when I go live.

I had several items I was trying to choose between to feature in this video. As I promised in this post, I wanted to do a comparison between the new Basic White cardstock products. I also wanted to show off the new Tranquil Thoughts bundle and my new Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine (a.k.a. my "Baby Boss"). So, in the end I decided to go ahead and show all three!  Here's the result:

I CASE'd (Copy and Share Everything) a sample card from the January - June 2021 Mini Catalogue. I did change a few elements from the catty card...I don't have the Dandy Laser-Cut paper they used for the background element, so I subbed a retired product.  I also used the Label Me Fancy Punch instead of the die.  

I forgot to add any embellishments during the video, but I did add some Magenta Madness 2020-2033 InColor Enamel Dots to a few of the flowers, along with some Flirty Flamingo ones that I had hanging around from a very old Paper Pumpkin kit.

Here are my takeaways from today's play:

• Basic White is a bit whiter than Whisper White, and stamps beautifully.  Buy and use without hesitation!
• Tranquil Thoughts is a lovely bundle that will come into its own as people move past the big suites in the Mini Catalogue.
• The "Baby Boss" is fun and cute...but don't rely on it to be your primary die-cutting and embossing machine, because too many products won't fit in it.

Here's what I used to make this card...you can order by clicking on any of the pictures or this link.

Today I'm sharing my "best practices" for getting great results with heat embossing.  Warning - this post is long! Feel free to bookmark this page to refer back to...perhaps there's a tip you'll find useful, even if you've heat embossed many times. 

Once you’ve stamped, you have a limited amount of time to get the embossing powder onto the ink and heated before the ink dries up and won’t hold the powder in place.  That time varies depending on how humid your environment is…it’s just easier to have all your supplies and tools in place beforehand.  Heat tool plugged in, embossing powder and the tools recommended below to hand will make the process enjoyable.

Embossing powder goes everywhere, despite any and all precautions you may take. You want a place that is as clear of other items as possible.  At a minimum, put down some scratch paper (I recommend our large Grid Paper).  I’ve started using a shallow, cardboard box lined with Grid Paper.  It’s easy to move on and off my work surface and seems to keep most of the powder contained.​

Many stampers pour their embossing powder from the little pot it comes in onto their image and then pour the excess back into the little pot.  I’m here to tell you that transferring the powder into a plastic food storage container that you can hold a layer over is much easier.  Keep a spoon in the container and you’re always ready to go!
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If you have to heat emboss and don’t have another container, be sure to pour the powder over a piece of paper that you’ve folded and opened again (I recommend our large Grid Paper) so that you have a nice “funnel” with which to pour back into the pot.

This little sack of powder will eliminate static and oils left from your hands that can cause embossing powder to cling where you don’t want it.  Stampin’ Up! has discontinued carrying them, but I have a few for sale at cost.

To use it, pounce the pouch onto your cardstock a few times.  On dark cardstock you’ll probably see a bit of white powder.  Wipe the pouch all over the cardstock to spread the powder.  Don’t worry if a bit of it remains on the cardstock - it won’t affect the final product.  Proceed to stamping, trying to only handle the cardstock by the edges.

Keep a small paintbrush at hand.

​Despite using an Embossing Buddy you may have stray embossing powder on your cardstock.  A small brush - cheap watercolour brushes designed for kids work a treat -  will let you clean it off.

You need an ink that is sticky and stays wet long enough to hold the embossing powder until it’s heated.  Versamark works with any colour embossing powder.  Whisper White Craft Ink works especially well with White Stampin’ Emboss Powder.

Ink up your stamp with Versamark ink, and, without stamping on cardstock, ink again in your desired colour.  Then stamp on light cardstock and sprinkle with Clear Stampin’ Emboss Powder and heat to melt.  Any Versamark that transfers to your coloured stamp pad won’t do any damage at all

The dreaded edge of the stamp leave an impression?  Part of the image didn’t stamp well?  The stamp moved and you’ve got a double-stamp/shadow?  Heat embossing isn’t going to fix it…try again.

Turn on the heat tool and allow it to warm up for 20-30 seconds before pointing it at your embossing powder.  Then hold the nozzle about  5 cm / 2 inches above your image and move it around slowly until all the powder has melted and turned glossy.  You want to heat the powder enough for it to melt, but not enough for the paper to scorch.  Note that Vellum buckles and scorches more easily than cardstock

Look at your image in good light while embossing.

You need to be able to see the powder melt and become glossy all over.  It’s frustrating to believe you’re all ready to assemble your card and discover unmelted embossing powder scattered all over.

Heat from the back to prevent excessive curling.

If your cardstock seems to be curling a lot try alternating heating from the back side as well as the front.  It will make the cardstock uncurl a bit.  Vellum especially benefits from this.

Today's card features a layout I've CASE'd from my fellow SU! demonstrator friend, Sarah Edwards.  I saw her do a series of these on her Facebook Live video a few weeks ago and scribbled down some notes and a sketch to be able to re-create it.  Of course, since I'm using A4 cardstock I've had to make some adjustments, but I think it worked out well.  Sarah's strips were 1 ¾" x 3", but I've made mine 4.5 x 7.5 cm.

I've used 2 FREE Sale-A-Bration items on my version, the Approaching Perfection Stamp Set and Flower & Field Designer Series Paper.  The DSP immediately caught my eye in the SAB brochure, but I have to admit I overlooked the Approaching Perfection stamp set at first...big mistake!

How fun are those sentiments and images?  You can get your own set with a purchase of at least $90.00.  Purchase at least $180 and get the DSP, too!  I can help you put together an order that will allow you to coordinate colours and products to use every bit of your purchase (Sarah said she calculated that one can create 96 cards using this layout and 1 pack of DSP).

Here's what I used to make this card...clicking on a picture takes you to the product page in my online store.

Product Playground: Arrange A Wreath

Some days I go to my stamp shelf, pull out a set that appeals and just sit down and create several different designs in one go.  It’s so satisfying to feel like I’ve really gotten a good play with my investment!  I’ve designed the Product Playground classes to give you the same experience in a fun and easy format.

This 2-month series features the Arrange A Wreath bundle that each participant will purchase, along with a selection of ink pads. Each month you will receive supplies and directions to make 2 each of 4 card designs, so that you wind up with 16 cards made from each product bundle.  You will also be invited to a group assembly session, or you can create on your own schedule.

These classes are a perfect way to slowly build your stamping stash and confidence.

Class format:  these class series will be by kit with an online assembly session. Local pick-up or post options available.

Cost:
Class kits: $35 each, 2-month series commitment required.  Postage is $8.95 if required.

Supply List: Click here to order your Arrange A Wreath Bundle and ink pads.  Some colour substitutions are possible on these projects, so don't feel like you have to break the bank if you have an alternative:

• Misty Moonlight - Night of Navy
• Cherry Cobbler - Real Red or Poppy Parade*
• Gray Granite - Smoky Slate or Sahara Sand
• Early Espresso - Soft Suede
• Pear Pizazz - Old Olive
• Calypso Coral - any red
• Blushing Bride - Petal Pink*
• Balmy Blue - Pool Party*
• Shaded Spruce - Garden Green

*let me know which you choose so I send the correct cardstock

Note: Participants will need to have their own basic card-making kit (Tear & Tape, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Glue Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Bone Folder). Classes with bundles that include dies also require a die-cutting machine.


Dates: Saturday afternoon, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
30 January
27 February
RSVP Deadline: Sunday, 17 January

This is the project I made during my Facebook Live video this week.  You can watch the replay on YouTube or Facebook.   Go follow my Nancy's Nifty Notes Facebook Page and get notified when I go Live every Wednesday at 10:00 am AET. 

I used the Ice Cream Corner suite of products (MC pp. 48-49) for this card.  I love the bright, summery colours! This technique for easily making a shaker card was introduced to me at the November OnStage@Home event by Rosemarrie Gonzalez, a US-based demonstrator who presented this suite to the world.

It uses an acetate envelope to contain the Ice Cream Corner Sprinkles with a piece of the Ice Cream Corner Designer Series Paper.  

All of the other elements are adhered to the outside of the acetate, so they don't impede the shaking of the sprinkles.

Here's what I put inside.

Why don't you give this shaker card technique a go?  You can upload a picture of your creation on my Nancy's Nifty Notemakers Facebook Group.  Click the link to join if you're not already hanging out with us!

Click on any of the pictures below to go straight to my online store to purchase.

Stampin' Up! recently announced that the paper mill that produced our Whisper White cardstock and envelopes had to permanently close down due to Covid-19.  They did a lot of research to find a replacement and have now introduced a line of Basic White products.

I've ordered the new products and plan to do.a comparison on a Facebook Live video soon, hopefully next week.  I have full confidence that SU! would look for the best replacement product, so I'm looking forward to it. Everything I've heard is that there is no difference in the quality of stamping on it, which is great!  

Since the Basic White products are new, they have new item numbers.  I've gone ahead and made some labels to put into my catalogue for easy reference.  If your'e in Australia and would like some for your catalogue just drop me a line and I'll send you a set.

If you're running low on Whisper White and need some Basic White here are direct links to my online store:

* Note Cards & Envelopes and Memories & More Assorted Cards & Envelopes are on their way.

Enjoy The Moment is a stamp set I received as part of my Swag Box when I attended the virtual OnStage@Home event in November.  It's on page 59 of the January-June Mini Catalogue and has pretty seed pod images from each Stampin' Up! market around the world.

I've had some fun playing with it recently, and wanted to share this monochrome card I made with it:

These are the projects I made during my Facebook Live video this week.  You can watch the replay on YouTube or Facebook.   Go follow my Nancy's Nifty Notes Facebook Page and get notified when I go Live every Wednesday at 10:00 am AET. 

They both feature products from the Fine Art Floral Suite -  one of the images from the Art Gallery stamp set in particular.  I inked the entire image in the pink inks, then went over the stems and leaf with my Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker's brush tip.  On the video I show another way to get dual-toned flowers, so be sure to check it out.

This one is stamped in Blushing Bride, since I think it goes with the piece of Fine Art Floral Designer Series Paper (DSP) I mounted behind it.  Then I did the 2-Step Stamping image on top in Versamark ink and added Heat & Stick Powder and Gilded Leafing.  

This one was started the same way, with Petal Pink ink all over the image and leaf and stems coloured with the Old Olive Marker.  Then I stamped that 2-Step image on top of the blossoms in Petal Pink ink for more colour variation before stamping in Versamark and adding Heat & Stick and Gilded Leafing.

Both cards have a panel. of Old Olive cardstock run through with the Painted Texture 3-D Embossing Folder.  On the bottom one I tapped my Versamark ink pad on one side before adding the cardstock and running through my Big Boss (Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine).  This allowed me to add Heat & Stick Powder and Gilded Leafing to this, as well.

Here's what I used to make these cards:

It's been 6 or 7 years since Stampin' Up! carried Heat & Stick Powder, but with the Gilded Leafing Embellishment it's made a comeback.  Here's a quick rundown of what it is and how to use it.

What is Heat & Stick Powder?
It’s a powder that when heated becomes a glue to hold tight to fine, loose embellishments like Gilded Leafing, glitter, tiny beads and more.  As with my embossing powders, I like to store it in a food storage container with a spoon for easy application.

How do I use it?
It is a lot like our Embossing Powder…we sprinkle it onto images stamped in the sticky Versamark ink and heat it with our Heat Tool.  Be careful to heat only until it just melts – too long and it dries out and is useless.

Once it’s melted, what do I do?
With the Gilded Leafing Embellishment, just cover the melted Heat & Stick powder with plenty of leafing.  I've transferred mine into a food storage container and just dip the piece of cardstock in it.  Use a brush to clear off excess.  I’ve found that long, sweeping brushing is great for getting off large flakes, then I switch to circular, scrubbing motions to get everything off except what’s stuck in the powder.  That’s it!

That's it!  You now have a gilded image that's ready to add to your project.

Here's how I used this one:

Get your Heat & Stick Powder, Gilded Leafing Embellishment and the tools you need to use them in my online store!  Just click one of the pictures below to go straight there.