TappStampers

2012 – another new year already??!!

Interesting, we all say it: ‘Where does the time go?’

And with a new year comes – new resolutions. Mine will be a challenge…to post more often!

I will begin by sharing this past year – it has been a truly amazing year:

· adding a recruit;

· 5 stamper winners at the 2011 NC State Fair; and

· blessings from the Ronald McDonald House.

My first two recruits, Laurie Meier and Celia Pierce, joined in 2010, both having moved to this area from Texas and Arizona, respectively. Laurie began to grow her business by displaying her work at the local Curves, which gained an invitation to display at a local art event, which grew into stamping classes. You never know where SU! will take you! Celia combines her SU! tools and stamps with her love for paper making and soap making. Celia moved here to be with her mom during recovery, but ended up settling properties both here and in Arizona, packing up both places, and moving hubby here and her mom into a nearby residence. What amazing woman you are, Celia! Maria Marquez joined my team in 2011; she and I have had a long-term friendship; she and her husband are both in service, and Maria is interested in teaching friends to stamp. I am a blessed upline. I’ll share their work soon.

In the fall of 2011, five of my club members entered the Rubber Stamping category at the NC State Fair – and ALL FIVE won ribbons! One of the stampers won a ‘Best of Show’ award!! I’ve never seen that award for this category and was very proud of all of my stampers! I won only one ribbon – a blue ribbon for my Angry Birds sound card. What a fun year!!! I’ll share pix soon.

Each month, a group of stampers stamp with the families at the local Ronald McDonald House. This past fall, we met an awesome family: Johnny & Kelley Rose, and their 3 children. Their fourth child, Buck, was premature and the family is dealing with the issues of a premature baby. You can read Buck’s journal at www.caringbridge.org – just sign in and visit as often as you like. I promise, you will be blessed. This is an amazing young faith-based family. God blesses them each day, and has greatly blessed us through knowing them as a result of our sharing what we love at the RMH every month.

Happy New Year – and I look forward to sharing what we all love (stamping!) and pix soon

It's a giving thing...

Brenda

Paper Cutting Table - too cool!

This 'paper-cutting chart' is just too cool a tool; took me a bit to figure it out, but with a little help from my friends... Download PAPER Cutting Table Info-pdf

By using this chart, I can EASILY determine how to get the most out of my cardstock when making multiple cuts -- it even includes 12" cardstock!!  It is very easy to use; here are instructions

1. FIRST, note that the table continues from the top section, to the middle section, to the end.
2. NEXT, notice that each cell along the top row tells you the SIZE you want to cut.
3. FINALLY, notice that each column is in sequential increments of the # at the top (i.e., 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 -- each column is increments of the top # (measurement)

Now, let's see how to use this table.  A simple example is perhaps you want to cut something 2" wide x 2" wide, and you want to see how many 2" wide pieces you can cut out of your cardstock...

• Look along the top rows to find 2". 
• Now, look DOWN that column and you will see other sizes in INCREMENTS of 2".  The one below 2 is 4, the one below 4 is 6, etc. -- increments of 2.
• Sooooo, as you continue to look down the column under '2', you will eventually come to a measurement closest to the length of your paper and the width of your paper. 

• Look down that column and see that you can cut ...

  • 4 pieces out of a 8 1/2" piece of CS (see, closest # is 8), or
  • 5 pieces out of an 11 1/2" piece of CS (see, closest # is 11), or
  • 6 pieces out of a 12" piece of CS(you do see '12' here)
    • all, depending on which direction you cut your 2" wide pieces

Now, if you want to cut a different size, for example 2 x 2 1/2, look for BOTH numbers and see which direction to cut your card stock to get the most cuts...IS THIS COOL OR WHAT?! 

BIG TIPS FOR THE NEW SU! CLEAR BLOCKS

Well, those new CLEAR BLOCKS are all the buzz among us stampers!!!  Here are a few tips to get your stamp to adhere well to the blocks as you use them...

 

--BREATHE on the block just before applying the rubber stamp (like when you breath/huff on your rubber stamp after coloring with markers...breath from your lungs, don't just blow...). 

 

--Press the stamp against the clear block and try to 'get the bubbles out'.

BIG TIP #1:  I store my new clear block stamps IN their case - and then sit the case on a shelf (like books on a shelf) or in a 'CD' storage container (I cannot imagine storing them out of the pkg., as I would never find which stamp I wanted !!).  To make it even easier on me, I actually keep photo copies of each stamp set in a 3-ring binder.  I give each photo and each set a corresponding number.  Then, when I want to stamp, I just browse through my notebook, decide on which stamp set(s) I want to use, and then reach for that # on my shelf.  When I am through, it goes right back on the shelf.  EZ-PZ  : )

BIG TIP #2--How to mount your stamp arrow-straight:  Have you noticed how EZ it is to affix the words STRAIGHT when using your clear blocks?  First, place your clear blocks on your GRID paper.  When you put a word stamp on your clear block, you can just follow that grid line right through the clear block underneath the beginning of your word to the end of your word...and it is arrow straight every time!!  I actually do that with my wood block stamps too -- only the 'line' has to be sort of imaginary since I cannot see through the wood - lol!!

 

 

BIG TIP #3--What size clear block do I need?:  Make a template out of acetate for each size clear block.  Hold your template together with a key ring.  Now you can use your template to help you decide which size block you need to use or purchase for a particular stamp. 

 

Any questions?  Contact me:  Brenda / 919-929-1412 / btapp@msn.com

 

HAPPY STAMPING!!

Making a PUNCH Template !!

I am sure many punches can fit many sets.  So, this is how I made my own template...

• I ought a pack of 8 1/2 x 11 sheets that has pockets to hold biz cards (you can buy individual pockets, like name holders, but this was cheaper and took up less room and was EZier to use.  Each of my sheets holds ten cards).
• I cut scrap pieces of CS to fit into each pocket.
• Then I punched out a shape on a scrap piece of card stock for each punch I have (sometimes, I was able to punch more than one on punch on that size CS).  I also wrote the size/name of each punch on the front and back of each piece of CS.
• I have 3 pages and hold the pages together with 2 key rings.

Now, I have a template for every punch I own.  I simply slide the template over any stamp in the IB&C or stamp that I have to see which one best bits.  This actually did take me a bit of time, but it was worth it many times over!!! 

 

Since a picture is worth a thousand words: 

 

Now you all just contact me with any questions:  Brenda / 919-929-1412 / btapp@msn.com

EZ-PZ EASEL CARDs

I actually did NOT case this card!  : )

I've fallen in love with the EASEL CARDs.  I know the title on this post says EZ-PZ, but I had to convince my little brain that they were indeed EZ!  If you look at the card, you will see that when it is folded for mailing it actually LOOKS like a real card.  That's the FIRST tip.  I know that some easel cards are smaller and some are full-sized, but the CONCEPT is EXACTLY the same as making a real, regular card. 

Going with that thought, look at the card below.  See?  It looks like a normal card, when folded flat.  This one is a 'portrait' card.  So, keeping that in mind, you will cut  your main card and mats accordingly:    

For a portrait card, you probably know that you cut the main card 4 1/4" x 11", with your score at 5 1/2".  Now keeping your main card open, make a 2nd score mark between the middle score line and the top of your card.  This is your SECOND tip:  on an EASEL card, you must also make that 2nd score line.   This 2nd fold will make it stand up like an easel.  I'll show you...

 

 

Here is the side-view of the card, standing;  this will help you see the actual placement of your card front onto your main card.  Notice how that 2nd fold forms the 'stand' for your card.  See which direction the fold is?  Also, see how you only glue the TOP HALF of your card front to that fold?  (If you do like I did, and put SNAIL adhesive all around the four sides -- out of habit -- just use your Adhesive Remover (page 192, in the 2009-2010 Ideal Book & Catalog) to remove the extra glue.  Live and learn, right?)

Did you notice that I only used a ribbon to keep the card in the stand-up (easel) position?  I used a Crop-a-Dile to reach further into the card than a normal hand-held punch might reach to make the holes for my ribbon.  I just used the faux bow technique (put both ends of your ribbon DOWN through the holes, cross over in the back, and bring both ends back up through the holes - voila!).  I have seen folks perhaps add a circle punch and words in this area and pop it up with dimensionals to hold your card in place...but this ribbon was easier and served the same purpose.  (Look on this blog for my Valentines to see how words can be used.)

Now, here is a pix of the Easel card.  THIS IS A GREAT IDEA FOR DEMONSTRATORS to either (1) send to your  hostess as a thanx -- and attach your business card, or (2) use as a place to showcase work AND sit a stack of your business cards for guests to pick up.  I LOVE TESS!!  She does a great job demonstrating my work AND spreading the word to would-be stampers!   : )

Any questions?  Contact me:

Brenda / btapp@msn.com / 919-929-1412

(OH YES!  Did you notice the 'fix' of the words on the front?  Yep - I miss-stamped something and just covered it up!  HA!  Betcha couldn't tell.  There is ALWAYS a fix of some sort on most of my cards...and I've been stamping a LONG time!!)

HAPPY STAMPING!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOVE LOVE LOVE the Heart of Hearts die !!

Have you tried Stampin' Up!'s newest Embosslits Die?  It's called 'Heart of Hearts' and is in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catty (January 5-April 30, 2010) on page 15.  Just choose your card stock and then run it through your Big Shot (using the Multi-purpose Platform and both cutting pads-- which come with your Big Shot when you order it) with your Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die ... and it comes out all decorated AND punched!  It is that EZ! 

What I've ALSO done here is run a piece of card stock (Lavendar Lace) through the NEW Textured Impressions Folder, 'Perfect Polka Dots' (also in the Occasions Mini, page 35).  I used the SU! Full Heart Punch to punch it out, and it fits PERFECTLY on the Heart of Hearts die cut, making a beautiful border.

...but my sweetie liked red better (love those easel cards!!), so guess what he got : )  ...

 

You may also notice that I've used the beautiful Scallop Trim Corner punch (Occasions catty, page 11) WITH the Scallop Trim BORDER punch (FREE in the current Sale-A-Bration) catty.  You cannot use all corner and border punches to make this beautiful all-around edging, but you can do this with these two punches.  CONTACT ME AND I WILL SHOW YOU HOW!!!  -- until next time, you can contact me at...

Brenda Tapp, 919-929-1412, btapp@msn.com

...and remember, when any of these items retire, you can use these ideas for your own creative ideas. 

2009 - a year in review

It was a busy 2009, so here is a sampling of paper crafting during the past year for you to enjoy!  (I promise to do better in 2010!)

My first MDS project!!  What fun -- and EZ!    LOVE IT!!    

Flowers during the year...      
 

I doubt I have posted all of the photos, but I was so excited to have 3 of the stampers in my stamping
group win RIBBONS at the 2009 NC State Fair!  Congratulations ladies - fantastic show!

   

Love that Matchbox Die; there's soooo much you can do with this!!!  

More 3-D items; LOVE these bookmarks and 'purse' gift card holder - just s-u-h-weet!!!: 

   

Used punches to make this adorable brownie/girl scout for my special young friend: 

Christmas 2009 samples:  I was  just trying to figure out how to 'fill' that extra white space on the right corner - got the job done!

   

From the SU! website idea spot: 

My Christmas Card - 'The Holy Night is Near'  (water color/easel card) 
  

One of my favs:  Scallop portion and adding brads (cased, of course!)   

Simple.  Easy -- ALWAYS winner in my book! 

 
 
 
 
 

Wood Grain Technique...and more!

This is just the coolest 'look' -- looks like real wood planks!  AND it's EASY!  Here's a photo, and here's how to do it!

Recipe: 

• CS (choose your size):  More Mustard
• CLASSIC INKS (use direct to paper technique, and apply in this order):  More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip.  CRAFT INK:  White.

Now, using the Basic Black Marker, draw horizontal lines about 3/4" apart. Then draw vertical lines (staggered somewhat).  Then place 'dots' on each side of the vertical lines to simulate nails.  DONE.  THAT'S IT!  EZ!!  Watch this video from DAWN. 

NOW, this is what I did using this technique:

 

Isn't this just the cutest chubby little owl?  He is made from various punches, specifically, the head is the Round Tab punch, the wings are the Scallop punch (you can make both wings from one Scallop punch), and his feet are from the Boho Blossoms punch.  I think I would re-do his beak, using the My Way Arrow punch.  His house is made using the Photo Corners punch. 

The background is the same wood technique:  Using Very Vanilla CS, I applied only Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip classic inks, and White craft ink.  Just too cute!!  hmmmm...I think I may go back and add GOOGLY eyes on him...

Always remember that even though some colors or stamp sets or embellishments may have retired, you can ALWAYS SUBSTITUTE YOUR OWN ideas!!

Coneflowers - my new favorite!

I am addicted to both the stampset, Inspired by Nature, as well as the coneflower itself.  What a cool flower this is!  I have seen this set used a LOT of recent, and just could hardly wait to give it a try myself.  I did use this same set on a recent post, but here is yet another one...

One of my stamp clubs made this lovely card.  It is interesting that when I make a card, it somehow 'evolves' -- in this instance, I reached for Chocolate Chip CS, but ended up grabbing Elegant Eggplant - and liked it better!  I also intended to have the Elegant Eggplant CS a larger mat...but when I stamped the coneflower, there was a smudge on the left side...so I just whacked it off!!!...and thus reduced the size of both the focal point piece and its mat  : )   I think it turned out much better.  Just hafta work with whatcha got, right?!!

Here's the recipe:

SS:  Inspired by Nature, Wonderful Words
CS:  Old Olive, Only Orange, Elegant Eggplant
INK:  Elegant Eggplant, Versa-Mar
Stampin' Pastels:  Elegant Eggplant, Only Orange, Old Olive
Accessories:  Ticket Corner Punch, Stipple Brush (with Elegant Eggplant), sponge (edges, Only Orange)

Always remember that even though some colors or stamp sets or embellishments may retire, you can ALWAYS SUBSTITUTE YOUR OWN ideas!!

The Best for the Best

Well, it's taken me a bit of time (months, actually!!) to figure out what I'm doing wrong re uploading photos to my blog...you know how figuring out such tech-y schtuff takes such a BLOCK of time; it does for ME anyway!!  I tease that I am always looking for something that I can never find and because it is big, it should not be so hard to find:  what I am looking for is that BIG BLOCK OF TIME!!  lol!!  Well, it appears that I've found that block of time as well as success in uploading a few photos. 

Here is a card I cased for my sweet SIL, Myrtle.  She has such character and strength and has survived a very difficult and trying year.  The whole family wanted to celebrat her!   This card was made especially for you, Myrtle -- congratulations!  You made it!  We are soooo proud of you - The Best is Yet To Be!

As usual, this card was cased.  Here is the recipe:

CS:  More Mustard, Basic Black, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Basic Grey. 
SS:  Inspired by Nature, Best Yet (Hostess Level I*)
Inks:  Versa-Mark, Basic Black (embossed, clear)
Stampin' Pastels:  Close to Cocoa, More Mustard, Old Olive. 
Accessories:  Chocolate Chip ribbon, Horizontal Slot Punch

Hostess Level I stamp set from the 2008 Fall-Winter IB&C, Best Yet.  This set has a great ollection of words for many uses...but the only way you can have it is to have a workshop of at least $150, or purchase $150, or place that total of orders from friends and family (without having an actual workshop), or join a club and be a hostess at one of the club meetings -- lots of ways...just ask me!

Always remember that even though some colors or stamp sets or embellishments may retire, you can ALWAYS SUBSTITUTE YOUR OWN ideas!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY (or birthday, or...) !

I have loved seeing the variety of 'wallets' stampers have created on the web.  The first one I saw used a Cuttlebug folder...but I do not own a Cuttlebug (yet!).  Then I came across Dannie Grave's video with a different take on how to make this adorable handsome wallet for the guys. 

In her video, Dannie used the Stampin' Up! wheel, Rough Texture.  Shucks!  I didn't have that either...so I rummaged through my arsenal of stamps and found the Weathered Background Stamp - it worked perfectly (be careful to watch the direction of the grain for the leather) and made an adorable gift card for my daughter and son-in-law who have just bought their first home.  It looked like REAL leather (well, as close as I could get).  Dannie, I so much appreciate your work and your awesome tutorials!!

I decided to order the Rough Texture wheel, because the wheel is MUCH easier to use than a background stamp for this size project.  Danny used Bravo Burgandy with her wheel (there is not a Chocolate Chip jumbo cartridge).  Hmmm, I don't have the Bravo Burgandy cartridge either, soooooo, I (again!) checked out my stash -- and found an UNINKED jumbo cartridge and Chocolate Chip REFILL.  After this aha moment, I inked up my new-found cartridge and went to work.     

What can you put inside this.  A gift card.  A 'hand-stamped by...' card (of course!).  A mini-birthday card (or other happy thoughts and wishes).  A note to 'meet for lunch or dinner'.  Money always works (but don't think I'd mail that!).  You can also print out a mini-photo of a significant person...  Anything to make it personal and something someone might actually put in their wallet.  This was a fun project, and I've got more in the making as  Father's Day is just around the corner!!

The front is 'faux stitched.'  A stamped envelope makes you want to hurry to open and see what's inside! 

The inside of this wallet for a friend's birthday holds a mini-card birthday card and my own personal hand-stamped 'label.'    I think my next challenge just may be to kick this up a notch for the gals!

Always remember that even though some colors or stamp sets or embellishments may retire, you can ALWAYS SUBSTITUTE YOUR OWN ideas!!