Artistic Mix Decorative Masks: Plaid birthday wishes

We had a lot of inky fun during the Heartfelt Inkspiration team meeting last week as we played with the Artistic Mix Decorative Masks. Some samples were designed for card fronts, like this one that I posted earlier this month using a two-step layered background.

But in my preparation for this masks class, I made some additional samples, like this layered background that used the two plaid-builder masks. (As with the pair of quatrefoil masks, they can each stand alone for a background variation. However, if you are using both of them, you need to make sure the second mask is perfectly aligned with the result of the first masl.)

Amazing Year | Artistic Mix Decorative Masks | I'd say this card qualifies as "simple stamping"!  Imagine making a plaid in any color of ink you have -- what would you choose?  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

First, I applied light color with a Blending Brush and the “detailed plaid” mask, then followed with a heavier application of ink with the “open plaid” mask. An interesting optical illusion resulted. I originally thought the sample was a bit too bold but, as so often happens, finishing the card provided some balance. Plus, I continue to be intrigued by Orchid Oasis. (I wonder what new combos will be coming in the 2023-2024 Annual Catalog?)

Amazing Year | Artistic Mix Decorative Masks | I'd say this card qualifies as "simple stamping"!  Imagine making a plaid in any color of ink you have -- what would you choose?  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I’d say this card qualifies as “simple stamping,” suitable for a guy’s birthday. Imagine making a plaid in any color of ink you have — what would you choose first?

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

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Artistic Mix Decorative Masks: Biggest Wish

In my Marvelous Masks class last year, we created a card using a pretty simple technique: daubing VersaMark ink through a mask and embossing the panel with clear powder. Here’s what that card looked like, using a retired Decorative Masks set and an also-retired fancy schmancy label:

I loved the way that card turned out, so we created a similar one at last week’s Heartfelt Inkspiration team meeting, this time using the Artistic Mix Decorative Masks from the Stampin’ Up! 2022-2023 Annual Catalog. (If these masks retire — I’ll know Wednesday — don’t miss getting them!)

Biggest Wish | Artistic Mix Decorative Masks | Daubing VersaMark ink through a mask, then embossing it in clear powder is positively magic!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

That Basic Gray panel is 2⅛” x 5½” — a very efficient use of cardstock, as you can get eight panels from a piece of 8½” x 11″ cardstock. The magic is the clear embossing, which makes any color of cardstock look so rich.

Biggest Wish | Artistic Mix Decorative Masks | Daubing VersaMark ink through a mask, then embossing it in clear powder is positively magic!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

It’s a little tedious to pounce the entire strip with VersaMark, so I wouldn’t do this on a panel that’s any larger. Also, it’s kind of difficult to tell if you’re applying enough ink, but it’s all wonderful, even if it’s not perfect!

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

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Artistic Mix Decorative Masks: Love for You

I need to begin this post by saying that this card is so much more lively and fun than it appears here! We have had so many gloomy days, and my little photo area downstairs simply can’t capture colors accurately. But there was a brief period of sunlight yesterday, and I braved the cold back porch to take a picture of this anniversary card for my husband’s daughter and her husband.

Love for You | Artistic Mix Decorative Masks | A lively, love-ly anniversary card!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

This card started as a sample for my team meeting earlier in the week, when we ran through several techniques using the Artistic Mix Decorative Masks. This particular sample was the result of tinting the matte Embossing Paste and scraping it through one of the masks. The effect is lots of texture and dimension — very cool IRL! I have found it best to use Thick Basic White Cardstock with the tinted paste, as it is able to handle the dampness.

You cannot tell it here, but the color of the Embossing Paste is a very close match to Highland Heather, not Orchid Oasis, which was the ink refill that I used to tint it. That’s the fun of being in a group and experimenting with various ideas and products; even if something did not end up as planned, it was only paper and a bit of time. It was all good!

I didn’t have time to complete this card before the team gathering, so it was fun to add the flowers and leaves later. I stamped each flower and set of leaves with the darker/smaller image in “full strength” ink, then stamped off for the larger image layered over the first. Although there are dies to cut out these images, the fussy cutting is not difficult.

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

Posted in 2023 Jan-April Mini, Anniversary, Decorative Masks, Technique | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Artistic Mix Decorative Masks: Love for You

Do you own this patterned paper?

I don’t think so!

Amazing Year | Artistic Mix Decorative Masks | Never run out of patterned paper that matches your project!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

That’s because it’s a custom-made pattern, created with two of the Artistic Mix Decorative Masks. I used just one ink for the background, varying the intensity of the application with a Blending Brush.

Amazing Year | Artistic Mix Decorative Masks | Never run out of patterned paper that matches your project!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

It’s kind of a magical process — and much simpler than you may think. I hope the Heartfelt Inkspiration team members agree when they are here to learn and practice tips and techniques using these masks.  I doubt we’ll have time to complete any cards, but I have been making simple cards to show them the possibilities for the samples they’ll make.

I’m kind of excited about the next Annual Catalog — it goes live on May 2! The color I used on this card, Orchid Oasis, is a 2022-2024 In Color, and it’s always fun to see what new colors we’ll be working with for the next two years. In addition, I will be thrilled if we have a new set of masks, as I love the process of creating custom backgrounds.

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

Posted in Birthday, Decorative Masks | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Register now for the next All-Occasions Stamp-a-Stack!

Registration for the 2023 April All-Occasions Stamp-a-Stack is at the bottom of this page — keep reading!

Gear up for all kinds of events with this all-occasions camp.  This is a “stamp-a-stack”:  come and make 10 all-occasions cards (several of the same or a variety) for just $22.  There will be six different designs to choose from in different styles, so you will have cards for everyone on your list. You’ll love using products from the Mini Catalog — it retires May 1!  The cards are designed to be completed quickly (in about 10 minutes or so) and have lots of interest but not a lot of fuss, in order to keep the cost low.  These cards can be mailed with no additional postage.  This event is perfect for the new stamper, as you will work at your own pace—invite a friend to join you!

Session 1:  Friday, April 21 — 1:00-5:00 p.m. (come any time) Sorry, full!
Session 2:  Friday, April 21 — 6:30-9:30 p.m. (come any time)
Session 3:  Saturday, April 22 — 9:00-noon (come any time)

Place:  My DeKalb home (322 Fairmont DrPlease note there are stairs to the lower level

Note that registration is limited to 10 stampers at each session and will close Wednesday, April 12, or when full.

Need more than ten?  Each additional card you make is $2, payable during the camp.  I’ll supply envelopes and Stampin’ Dimensionals, but you need to bring your own scissors and adhesive (I suggest bringing several types and refills).

Paid registration of $22 must be received by Wednesday, April 12.  I’ll just need your name/contact information and your session choice in addition to your check, mailed to me at 322 Fairmont Dr, DeKalb, IL 60115.  You may also register belowPlease note that if I do not have your payment,  you are not registered.

Session:
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Potted Geraniums: Flirty

This version of Potted Geraniums is a little edgier than the other one I made for the Stamp Review Crew blog hop, but I think our granddaughter will appreciate it. More late-20s, less granny!

Potted Geraniums | I love geraniums in this color -- Flirty Flamingo!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

As with my other blog hop card, I used this sweet vellum trim. The dark silver frame (holding an oval of vellum) turned out pretty cool. It is not the darkest or lightest piece of Silver Foil Specialty paper, but the Goldilocks piece (just right). So pretty!

Potted Geraniums | I love geraniums in this color -- Flirty Flamingo!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I chose patterns from two different packs of animal-themed Designer Series Paper — I won’t quiz you, in case they don’t look familiar. And that’s my goal, and reason enough to keep looking through your own stash for something just perfect for your project!

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

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Potted Geraniums: Celebrate life

This card, which was part of the Stamp Review Crew blog hop this week, came together so easily, even with all the details. I am such a sucker for gingham (as in the black and white gingham shade on my desk lamp), but it’s a perfect pairing with this geranium. Because this set is photopolymer, the two-step stamping of the leaves and blossoms is easy to accomplish; for these flowers, I started with Cherry Cobbler ink and followed with Sweet Sorbet.

Potted Geraniums | A little bit country, a little bit sweet!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I had an oval in my Basic White scraps folder that worked here (although I’d really welcome some bigger ovals), but I added an embossed layer of vellum to soften it.

Potted Geraniums | A little bit country, a little bit sweet!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

The embossing on the Mossy Meadow panel provides some botanical interest, and the die-cut vellum trim gives a nice transition. You can see how the brittleness of the vellum caused the trim to curl up so prettily — I have no illusions that it will remain that way through the mail!

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

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Stamp Review Crew: Potted Geraniums

Hello! Welcome to the first Stamp Review Crew blog hop of the month of March! You can expect a hop from SRC on the first and third Monday of each month. Missed one? Go to the Stamp Review Crew site and you will see them all (and search for specific stamp sets); barring technical difficulties, you can access the posts long after the hop went live. Today we’re featuring Potted Geraniums and coordinating Geraniums dies, part of the Potted Geraniums bundle (available at the bundled savings of 10% off). It is so fun to stamp with these two- or three-step images!

Potted Geraniums | #159056

Directly before me on today’s hop is Mike Funke at Stampin’ Style, and his blog is aptly named! (See all the blogs in this hop by clicking the SRC banner above.)

It’s way, way too early to put out real geraniums in north central Illinois, so I was happy to work with the paper versions on these two cards. First up is a birthday card for a stamper, using lots of texture in the Twigs & Sprigs and Timeworn Type embossing folders. The vellum trim, cut with a die from Delicate Edges, adds a touch of sweetness.

Potted Geraniums | Geraniums and gingham are a perfect pair in this Stamp Review Crew blog hop card.  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

My second card is also for a birthday — the timing of this hop was perfect for all the cards I need in March! Here I used that same vellum trim (and there’s a piece hiding somewhere on my work table for another project) and contrasted it with a metallic oval frame. I chose Flirty Flamingo for the flowers, as this pink/coral shade is what I prefer in my planters.

Potted Geraniums | Flirty Flamingo was my choice for these flowers in this Stamp Review Crew blog hop card.  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

Note that I will be posting each of these Potted Geraniums cards individually this week so I can give you some additional information and share the product lists.

Thank you for visiting Heartfelt Inkspiration! You’re ready to move on to the next blog for this hop, Cindy Elam’s Heart’s Delight. Her work is an endless source of creative inspiration for me, so I know you will enjoy it!





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Petal Park: Hello

As I was making the Petal Park birthday card I showed you yesterday, I went ahead and made more flowers. This vintage muffin tin is where I keep pieces as I am working on multiple cards. It keeps things from disappearing on my stamping table!

But first I started experimenting with the Artistic Mix Decorative Masks; attendees at this month’s Heartfelt Inkspiration Team meeting will be learning some tips and techniques for using these masks. There’s not enough time to make a lot of cards at the meeting, just the pieces that can be used later, so I will have a card like this as a sample.

Petal Park | Biggest Wish | A spring note card -- please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

This note card, which will be sent to stampers who have earned a free stamp set as part of my Burgin Bucks program, is a good example of why masks are so great to use. The Designer Series Paper I had to choose from was just too much for this design, but by applying ink lightly through the mask (which is basically a stencil), I got just the result I wanted.

Although the product list below looks pretty extensive, I made several of these cards (and two of yesterday’s designs) in one morning!

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

Posted in 2023 Jan-April Mini, Blending Brushes, Decorative Masks, Hello, Note card, Stampin' Blends | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Petal Park: Hello

Petal Park: Happy Birthday

Once again I saw a card online I absolutely loved, then (1) did not make note of the originator’s name so I could credit him or her, and (2) took my design in a slightly different direction. I try to avoid the first and pursue the second! It is a thrill to see the beautiful work stampers are doing using this bundle, and although I resisted yet another floral set, Petal Park has so much potential. And of course, its companion bundle, Sentimental Park, offers even more creative possibilities. So I gave in and have enjoyed both bundles tremendously.

Petal Park | Peaceful Moments | Don't stop at three flowers!  Stamp, color, and punch a bunch of them for an explosion of spring color!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

Although I enjoy shading and blending when coloring with Stampin’ Blends, these flowers are pretty small for that. Using the blunt (smaller) tip of the marker makes this fast and easy, especially if you’re not looking for complete coverage. I like to leave some areas of the flowers uncolored to look more realistic.

Petal Park | Peaceful Moments | Don't stop at three flowers!  Stamp, color, and punch a bunch of them for an explosion of spring color!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I don’t seem to get tired of using shades of purple, and I’m glad Stampin’ Up! has so many. There’s a feeling in the stamping community that we’re due for a color “refresh,” when Stampin’ Up! adds colors to the standard lineup and removes others. Having experienced this in other new catalogs, I understand the need to keep things fresh and to offer a wide spectrum of color. But please don’t tamper with my purples!

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

Posted in 2023 Jan-April Mini, Birthday, Spring, Stampin' Blends | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Petal Park: Happy Birthday