Create With M.E.

Decorate A Daisy~Retiring Stamp List

It's that time of the year where we have to say goodbye to some of our favorite stamps and supplies.  So let's take a look at some of my favorites these next few days.  Here is one using the set that was only in the catalog for a season.  Its called Decorate A Daisy and if you love it as much as I do you can click on the name and order it right now before it's gone at the end of the month.

I searched to find some samples that wowed me and frankly there were a ton of them but most everyone must have loved to use scissors and although I love my scissors this day I only wanted to use them with my ribbon :)  So I came up with this little sample.  If you click on the sample above you can get a closer look at the detail such as the embossing on the background and the little bit of dazzling diamond glitter around the center image. 

Check out the retiring stamps and accessory list here:

Download Check out the sets retiring on the 30th of May

Download Check out the accessories retiring on the 30th of May updated May 8, 2013

 

 

Resist~Putting the Puzzle back in it!

My friend Linda Yearsley showed me this awesome technique quite awhile ago and then she demonstrated it to our demonstrator group a few weeks ago at our Spring into Stamping Event.  I really loved the way this technique looked but never got around to actually making one myself until now.  Wow it's so much fun! What a cool effect you get. It's called the Puzzle Piece Resist Technique.

This was my first attempt.  Now I can't wait to make another one.  It was so much fun and different than my usual stamping.  I love that you can use one "set" of framelets to make this specific card because these framelets have a variety of designs that "nest" together.  They are the Floral Frames Framelits Dies and can be found here #127012. 

The way you cut the base of the card is similar to how I made this card.

The Technique is done by taking a 4.5" x 4.5" piece of Whisper White cardstock and stamp your background stamp in versamark and heat emboss it with white embossing powder.  You can use clear also but it seems the white embossing powder works best.  After you heat emboss the background paper you will cut the background with the Floral Frames Framelits of your choice. This is where the fun begins.  Color!  Start sponging on ink colors of your choice.  So many to choose from I could hardly decide.  I used Tangerine Tango on the outer "ring/petals", Daffodil Delight next then Melon Mambo and finished with Early Espresso for the center of the flower.  After you color them wipe them with a paper towel or swiffer sheet to clear the ink off the white embossing and really make it pop.  Before you reassemble the pieces you may choose to sponge the edges (outer or inner or both) with a darker color to make them more distinct.  I did it in some places and not in others just to see how it looked. 

I found that it was best to take the Tombo liquid adhesive and apply it to my card base and then assemble the pieces this way for the best results. 

So, what do you think?  Are you going to give it a try?  Order your Framelits today by clicking on the link above and then show me your puzzle piece resist by posting in the comment section with a link to your design.

Ecaustic Wax Technique~Stampin' Up! Watercolor Wonder Crayons

 

I don't know if you have heard or not but due to some unforseen problems with Stampin' Up!'s manufacturing of their Watercolor Wonder Crayons they have had to discontinue them.  The colors that they have left are going fast.  So if you love this technique and need to order yours don't delay.  You can get them by clicking here #119805 Neutrals, #119803 Regals. Each set of 10 are $16.95. Since first working on this post the Subtles and Brights are now sold out. So do not wait.

I first saw this idea on youtube from Michelle Wecksler and was fascinated by it. 

You will need a choice of colors.  I used a smattering of blues.  (smattering means an assortment incase I lost you with my wordology :) You also need a hobby blade.  I of course use the Stampin' Up! Hobby Blade which now that I have searched the whole catalog so I could point you in the right direction have not found it. Evidently we do not sell it anymore.  Wow.  I could have removed this comment and you would be none the wiser but hey I'm human too and frankly find it a little funny that I didn't know that. :) Ok so use whatcha got!

Start by scraping your crayons with your straight edge of choice.  I made a nice little pile with an assortment (smattering) of all the blues.  I found that I can control the curls by either doing nice long slow strokes or fast short strokes which gave me just little flakes which would be nice if I needed just a little color.

Here's where I stopped.  Usually I will just use two pieces of Whisper White cardstock but I decided to try folding the paper this time and hey I kinda liked that. It didn't shift when I did the next step which is ironing.

Either I have the biggest hands in the world or the smallest craft iron....Oh come on the iron is small people! doh! oh isn't she cute?! Yes, it's a she it is pink afterall!  Iron this paper/crayon sandwich until the crayon melts.  It doesn't take but a few seconds but I found it doesn't really hurt to keep the iron on there longer either. 

Take a peek to make sure it has melted:

Mine has so I can open it all up...isn't it cool?!  Oooh just like melting crayons between wax paper a project I think we did in grade school and all these years later I still get the giggles when I see the results.  It's always a fun surprise! It's like a Rorschach test.

Now it's time to punch it!

I used the bird punch.

Here are my bluebirds of happiness.  Such a cool effect.  I decided to make them into a wedding card.

I really like the way this card turned out.  Such a fun technique.  Give it a try and share the results by commenting with a link to your blog or other online post.

 

 

 

 

Wax Paper Resist Technique~Texture or no Texture?

I learned a new fun technique last week and had the opportunity to share it this last weekend with some of my fellow demonstrators at our group meeting.  I guess it's called wax paper resist.  Well, that is what I am going to call it.  I know in the "olden" days we used to wad our wax paper up and then iron it onto glossy cardstock and then brayer over it.  Now we have texture folders to run the wax paper through.  So much texture! 

Here is a sample of one card I made after I had cut out a framelet thinking that was what I wanted to use but I loved the frame so much I made it into a card instead.

 

I left the glare on my picture today so you could see that it is on glossy paper and their is no actual texture just the look of texture.  As much as I love the texture plates with the overall texture what I like about this technique is it looks so shabby chic because some places catch the ink more than others.

So how did I do it? I ran a piece of wax paper through an embossing folder.  Overall textures seems to work the best.  Then sandwich this between two sheets of glossy paper with the glossy sides in.  Iron this sandwich on both sides.  Remove the wax paper and toss it, then brayer the glossy cardstock with the classic ink color of your choice.  Take a paper towel and wipe off any extra ink.  Voila that's it!  Cut it, punch it, big shot it or use it as is!  Here is another sample I made using many different texture folders.

There are 4 different beautiful textures on this card.  I almost forgot to let you know I learned it originally from France Martin. Now remember today at midnight is the last day to get free shipping on your Stampin' Up! order.  Order today to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

 

 

Happy Anniversary~to M.E.!

Ten years ago tomorrow (March 14th, 2003) I decided to join a company I appreciated. I appreciated their dedication to quality in Papercrafting supplies.  They were and have continued to be cutting edge in the craft arena.   It's Stampin' Up! of course.  When I joined all those years ago I signed up because I wanted the discount on my papercrafting supplies.  Now I can't even imagine not using those supplies to make top quality cards and projects to share with all of you!

I have met so many great women over the years from all over the world, most I would never have met without this bond of creativity. 

So let's Celebrate!!  Place a $50.00 online order here (You must create an account if you do not have one) then use the Hostess Code: GEAVPERY (not case sensitive but make sure it says the hostesses name is Mary Ellen Stites) and not only will you get to pick a FREE Sale A Bration item  from these products, but I will also send you a great Make-n-Take Packet to create 9 cards with 1 full card to copy (10 cards for 10 years!). (stamp set not included in Make-n-take packet) You can use a stampset in your repetoire to make a similar card or if you want to duplicate them exactly make sure you add #129120 "By the Tide" to your order. The card was featured here. 

This online special will end at noon on Thursday March 21st.  After all orders are in I will randomly choose one name to earn ALL the hostess benefits!  Wow!!  More "FREE Stuff!" You will be contacted via email before the end of that day so get your wishlist ready!

Remember the online 10th Anniversary Party code is: GEAVPERY

I mentioned that I have met many great women in my Stampin' "lifetime".  39 women have signed up directly under me to join me on the Create With M.E. team over the years and numerous more under them!  So I have a special one time offer for that 40th woman to join my team.  Sign up with Stampin' Up! before the 22nd for $99 and pick out $156.50 worth of stamping supplies from any current catalog.  I will also include an additional stamp set of your choice out of any current catalog!  Don't wait! You will want to be the first one! Join by clicking here or email me for more details. 

 

Vintage Verses~Chalkboard tutorial

Have you fallen in love with the "new" Chalkboard technique but think it's too hard to duplicate or don't even know where to start? Well, let M.E. break it down for you. I love this great look probably because I can be messy and it LOOKS GREAT that way! LOL

Start by throwing your embossing buddy down on your basic black cardstock.  If you do not have an embossing buddy do not stress over it.  Order your's here today or just skip this step.  The reason you use the embossing buddy is because it just takes that stark blackness off of your paper and gives the next step a little bite.

After you wipe this around and blow a little you will take some Whisper White craft ink and a piece of sponge and lightly sponge some white color onto your cardstock.  I concentrate on the edges for the most part.  I always start off my page in a swirling motion and work onto my cardstock.  Then I might swipe here and there.  Do it just like you are cleaning off the blackboard in class. I taught this for a class full of teachers the other day and they told me it's all white boards and smart boards now! Probably why we love this technique it's vintage anything vintage is cool because it reminds us of our childhood...right?

Now it's time to do a little stamping!  Yay!  Here I used one of the greetings from the FREE sale-a-bration set called Vintage Verses.  I love this versatile set.  Each greeting is unique and different and did I mention FREE!  Who doesn't love FREE.  But remember it's only available for another WEEK.  Get more details on how you can earn yours for FREE here

click on the image to go to my store to get more info

No embossing just stamp it in Whisper White craft ink.  Now it's time to just finish this piece off with a little border.  I used the white pencil from the Watercolor pencil set but you can also use the white crayon from the Watercolor crayons I have used both successfully. 

I love using my grid paper as a guide when doing this.  I place my image on the lines and using any straight edge (usually a scrap piece of cardstock on my desk) I draw from corner to corner but in this case I went just a smidge shy of the edge to give it a different look. 

I used the FREE Madison Avenue paper from the Sale A bration catalog folding the corner over to showcase both of these beautiful sides.  Why only show one I say?!  How do I get both of these items free M.E.?  For every $50 your order in Stampin' Up! merchandise (you need an embossing buddy, watercolor crayons, black paper, whisper white craft ink...sponges.  You get the point) you can choose 1 item from the Sale A Bration brochure.  So order $100 and you get 2 free items and so forth!  Don't wait these are not available after the 22nd of March.

 

My Paper Pumpkin~It's a Magical Paper Escape Every Month!

 

It's a Magical Paper Escape Every Month!

Sweep away the mundane-your creativity carriage awaits!

 

I'm Paper Pumpkin . . .

I come to your door each month (a fully decked-out creativity carriage). I'll help you to escape your life with some paper fun.

I come in a sweet box, but you'll really love what you find on the inside:

All the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create pinable projects. Create stuff like cards, journals, décor, and more!

Paper Pumpkin by Stampin' Up! is a new monthly kit program that anyone (even you) can enjoy!

Get Started

It's so easy to get started. Simply sign up for the program  by visiting www.mypaperpumpkin.com and click Get it. Select Mary Ellen Stites Saint Joseph, IL as your demonstrator. Every month a new, surprise project kit arrives at your doorstep. Just think of the anticipation of creating a fun project to pin, showoff, and share with your friends and family-every month!

The very first Paper Pumpkin will arrive on your doorstep starting in March-if you sign up before March 10.

Of course, you'll want to know more. So here's the nitty gritty:

• Each month we send you a unique, surprise kit with a project-cards, journals, décor, and more! (We've even color-coordinated, measured, and cut everything for you!)
• Each kit includes stamps, ink, paper, and accessories-everything but adhesive.
• Each kit gives you a 30-minute creativity escape.
• We will ship your Paper Pumpkin on or around the 15th of the month.  
• You need to sign up for a kit by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit. If you sign up on the 11th of the month, your first kit will come the next month. (Let's say you sign up on May 10th, we'll send your kit around May 15th. If you sign up on May 11th, we'll send your first kit around June 15th.)
• A Paper Pumpkin membership is $19.95 per month (and shipping is included!)  
• There's no commitment, you can cancel your monthly Paper Pumpkin at anytime. You can also skip a month if you want.
• Starting in early March, we'll offer a Try-It kit if you'd like to try Paper Pumpkin for one month.

Here's How You Order

Sign up for your monthly Paper Pumpkin by visiting www.mypaperpumpkin.com and click Get it. Make sure you specify Mary Ellen Stites Saint Joseph, IL as your demonstrator so I can assist you to my fullest with any questions, helps or creative ideas you might need!

Punch art~A little something silly

Ok do you ever need one of those cards as a "pick me up" and you hope your friend has a sense of humor?  This was one of those times for M.E.  My dear friend Meg fell a couple of weeks ago ice skating.  Now this is not someone who doesn't know what they are doing.  She used to be a figure skater.  (Really I've seen pictures! :) and now her beautiful daughter is taking up the art.  Well, Meg took a little (big) tumble on the ice and got her first broken bone ever! 

I finally got around to creating this silly card for her.  She has a fantastic sense of humor but is also one of the most "on the go" active women I know.  She is even doing a little kick boxing right now (well not right now :) so this probably really isn't that funny to her but she knows that laughing is all she can do.  I love her disposition inspite of the inconvenience and pain.

By The Tide~Sold M.E.!

When I first saw the stamp set "By the Tide" it was actually SUPER easy for me to just pass it right by.  'It's not my style' I thought.  I hardly ever get to the beach it's really the opposite of my lifestyle, not that I don't sometimes wish it was but living in the midwest I'm more trees, grass and livestock instead of sand, water and marine life! LOL

Recently I saw a card...somewhere (we will talk about that in a minute) and it sold me on this stamp set and immediately I had to have it but since I knew it wouldn't be a mainstay in my stamping repertoire I wanted it for FREE or at least a discount. 

So when Stampin' Up! said that I got a discount for my birthday I scooped this set up immediately! (Do you want a discount from Stampin' Up! for your birthday? Join my Create With M.E. team today!)  Here is my version of the card I think I saw because I can't find the card I really saw anywhere and I'm starting to think I just dreamed about it.

We are going to duplicate it tonight at my Forget-Me-Not card keeper class in Villa Grove.  Still room to join M.E.! Email M.E. now!

I really do love Pinterest don't you?  I think this time though Pinterest took advantage of me!  LOL  I have spent a lot of time looking on my boards and even other stampers boards to find the card that drew me to this stamp set in the first place. First so I could refresh my memory on the card and secondly to give credit. Darn if I can't find it anywhere. I think my version that was hazy in my head turned out pretty good!

I guess I have to stop taking Pinterest for granted.  Just because I see an idea or recipe somewhere doesn't mean it automatically goes on my boards. (that comes in the future I guess)  Like me on Pinterest to see many ideas I actually did pin! ;-)

Do you love the Beach and have to have this set now or just love this card? Order the By the Tide set today because it's in the spring catalog and will be gone soon! Click on the number below to go to my store to have it shipped right to your door.

#129120 By the Tide (clear mount)

 

Button Buddies~I'm here for you my friend!

I have a friend that is really getting attacked right now in the health department.  I just wanted to let her know how special she is to me and that I am here for her so I made this card for her this morning. 

I was taking my couple minutes on pinterest earlier (ok minutes might be an understatement when talking about pinterest :) and saw a card that really stood out to me.  It was created by Kari Webster a couple years ago. 

Like most cards that I am inspired by on Pinterest, so that I made them my own, I walk away from the computer. I usually sort some laundry, do the dishes, wipe up a counter and then go down to my studio and create from memory so I am making sure it's my own. (if you know me personally you know that the older I get the worse the memory is for M.E.! :) If you want to see the original go to my pinterest paper crafts board. Here is my version: 

I think what I like about it is not only the colors but it really is simple stamping, no layering but yet a very pretty card.  I love my Big Shot, don't get me wrong, but I just used the basics today for an effective look.

I used the Button Buddies #122735 stampset along with the saying from Blooming with Kindness #126420. I added a few bright buttons and finished it off with bakers twine. 

Card went out in todays mailbox.  Hope it brightens her day but mostly let's her know she's not alone in the battle.  I'm praying for her!