Biggest Wish: Merriest Frames

Posted on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 by Debra Burgin

In the push to finish preparations and clean things up before last weekend’s Jingle Jump sessions, I rushed to complete three birthday cards, including this one:

Biggest Wish | Merriest Frames | OK, "technically" this die is a Christmas die (note the holly leaves), but coloring it with autumn colors transforms it! Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

Some of you have noticed my little pile of UnFinished Objects next to my laptop downstairs. (I shared the card from one of these pieces last week.) One of the UFOs was a piece cut with the Merriest Frames die and watercolored with various shades of green. Try as I might, I could not make it work on a card. To the recycle bin it went!

But when I saw Patty Bennett color this with Blending Brushes in autumnal shades, everything fell into place!

Biggest Wish | Merriest Frames | OK, "technically" this die is a Christmas die (note the holly leaves), but coloring it with autumn colors transforms it! Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I use this “hybrid embossing folder” differently than I’ve seen in others’ videos. Here I cut the piece first, used Blending Brushes to color the leaves (generally beginning in the center and brushing out to the edges), then ran it through the Cut & Emboss with the embossing folder. This gives me the greatest control over the embossing.

I was so thrilled with this card!

Click the images below to add 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!

Biggest Wish Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
[155052]
$17.00
Mango Melody Classic Stampin' Pad
[147093]
$7.50
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
[147086]
$7.50
Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad
[147104]
$7.50
Cinnamon Cider Classic Stampin' Pad
[153114]
$7.50
Merry Merlot Classic Stampin' Pad
[147112]
$7.50
Bumblebee Classic Stampin' Pad
[153116]
$7.50
Cinnamon Cider 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[153078]
$8.75
Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock
[144237]
$8.25
Blending Brushes
[153611]
$12.00
Merriest Frames Hybrid Embossing Folder
[156385]
$39.00
Posted in 2021 July-Dec Mini, Autumn, Birthday, Blending Brushes | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Biggest Wish: Merriest Frames

Seasons of Fun: Battle of the Books

Posted on Monday, October 25, 2021 by Debra Burgin

For the third year, I am serving as coach for the Battle of the Books team at Peter’s school. Schools in our district can choose to form teams of 3rd-5th graders who will compete “to demonstrate their abilities and to test their knowledge of the books they have read” from a list of 20 books chosen by our community library. (Here is the library’s BotB page with the standings. There is a link to the books on our list there; I encourage you to read them for yourself!)

Last week was our first battle, and here’s what it looked like:

Battle of the Books

You can see how the six-member team works together to agree on an answer (correct title and author) before the team leader announces it to the librarian. This is one of my favorite aspects of this competition, and the friends and family actually were chuckling as the heads immediately went down after the question was put on the screen. After each round of 12 questions, we send some students in from the bench to participate.

In addition to drilling on the facts of the books each week during practice, we also discuss the stories. I love to hear the students’ opinions and perspectives. Of course, we don’t know what the questions will be at the actual battle, but the school librarian and I write questions we think could be asked, as do the readers.

To celebrate our win and thank Peter for his part in it, I sent him this card:

Seasons of Fun | This host-only stamp set has images for fall, Halloween, and Christmas. If you love to color, this is for you! Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

He won’t be impressed by my stamping, but will love the cat hidden in the pile of leaves. I used too many Stampin’ Blends to list below, as I’m sure you can appreciate, and the gingham piece is retired. To achieve the greatest control over the skin color, I used the Early Espresso Watercolor Pencil.

Seasons of Fun | This host-only stamp set has images for fall, Halloween, and Christmas. If you love to color, this is for you! Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

Don’t overlook this host-only set in the back of the July-December 2021 Mini Catalog!

Click the images below to add 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!

Seasons Of Fun Host Cling Stamp Set
[156576]
$12.00
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
[132708]
$6.00
Shaded Spruce 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[146981]
$8.75
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[159276]
$9.75
Posted in 2021 July-Dec Mini, Autumn, Kids, Stampin' Blends | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Happiest of Birthday: Autumn leaves

Posted on Friday, October 22, 2021 by Debra Burgin

Even though we had some cooler weather last weekend, and it is starting to feel like fall, we don’t have dramatic color yet. So when nature doesn’t give you what you want, you use ink!

Happiest of Birthdays | Adding color to a black-and-white print can be done several ways. This may be the easiest one! Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

Applying the color was nearly effortless: blotches of three different colors were randomly applied with Blending Brushes on a black-and-white print from the Pattern Party pack. (That host-only product is a must-have for me!) Because of the black background, all you see are these bold, random pops of color on the leaves. And I needed bold color to balance the huge sentiment label — it’s just too bad it covered up so much of the pattern! We used the Stamparatus to ensure a solid image.

Happiest of Birthdays | Adding color to a black-and-white print can be done several ways. This may be the easiest one! Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I cut the tiny gold leaves using one of the Seasonal Swirls dies (one die cuts two leaves). A gem or other embellishment didn’t work for me.

The hardest part of this card was choosing the color of the card base — each one I tried looked so cool!

Click the images below to add 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!

Happiest Of Birthdays Cling Stamp Set (English)
[152539]
$19.00
Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad
[147085]
$7.50
Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad
[147087]
$7.50
Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad
[147095]
$7.50
Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[100702]
$8.75
Pattern Party 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Host Designer Series Paper
[155426]
$18.00
Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[101650]
$9.75
Copper Foil Sheets
[142020]
$5.00
Blending Brushes
[153611]
$12.00
Seasonal Labels Dies
[156299]
$38.00
Seasonal Swirls Dies
[156564]
$34.00
Posted in 2021 July-Dec Mini, Autumn, Birthday, Blending Brushes, Technique | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Happiest of Birthday: Autumn leaves

Pretty Pumpkins: Hello

Posted on Thursday, October 21, 2021 by Debra Burgin

Last Friday I took the day off, and DH and I took a boat trip down and back up the Mississippi. There was an unexpected shower when we first boarded the boat, but otherwise, it was pretty bright and breezy.

Specifically, it was a bus trip from here, the first one since COVID began. And although there were many faces I recognized (after the masks came off) from other community events, we had lunch across from strangers. As it turned out, they live around the corner about four houses from us and walk down our street frequently! We had a fun time getting to know each other — she’s a stamper, woohoo! And when I told our DIL about the day, she said she knows them from Network of Nations, the international student organization here.

Naturally, I couldn’t help but make a little notecard to send them:

Pretty Pumpkins | There's always a reason to send a "hello" card, isn't there? This went to new friends -- please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I started this card with the pumpkin and leaves that have been sitting on my table with other UnFinished Objects for a couple of weeks. I couldn’t quite work out a card for them, and I’ve already designed the last of the autumn camp projects. What to do? Start somewhere, that’s what.

Pretty Pumpkins | There's always a reason to send a "hello" card, isn't there? This went to new friends -- please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I included two of my favorite retired items: the gingham paper from several years ago and an all-time favorite embossing folder. The other retired product I love (and wish I had a lifetime supply of) is the glitter enamel dot on the tag.

Here’s to old and new friends!

Click the images below to add 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!

Pretty Pumpkins Cling Stamp Set
[156472]
$22.00
Pretty Pumpkins Bundle
[156478]
$45.75
Sweet As A Peach Photopolymer Stamp Set
[155050]
$18.00
Versamark Pad
[102283]
$9.50
Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad
[147111]
$7.50
Very Vanilla Note Cards & Envelopes
[144236]
$7.00
Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[101650]
$9.75
Neutrals 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
Neutrals 6″ X 6″ (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
[149614]
$11.50
Pumpkin Pie 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[105117]
$8.75
Pear Pizzazz 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[131201]
$8.75
Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[100702]
$8.75
Scripty 3D Embossing Folder
[149634]
$10.00
Basics Embossing Powders
[155554]
$18.00
Heat Tool (Us And Canada)
[129053]
$30.00
Detailed Pumpkins Dies 
[156477]
$29.00
Simply Elegant Trim
[155766]
$7.50
Seasonal Labels Dies
[156299]
$38.00
Gold Glitter Enamel Dots
[152155]
$8.00
Posted in 2021 July-Dec Mini, Autumn, Hello, Note card | Tagged , | 1 Comment

24 hours of the biggest stamp sale of the year!

Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 by Debra Burgin

Can’t stop staring at a certain stamp set (or two, or three)? Stock up on stamp sets at a stellar price! For one day only, you can snag select cling stamp sets at a 15% discount. This short and “stamp-tacular” sale only happens once a year, so get in gear—it’s time to shop ’til you drop! Here are the details:

  • The sale will run for 24 hours, on Wednesday, October 20, from midnight-11:50 p.m. Mountain Time.
  • The 15% discount will apply to select stamp sets only. Download the list of discounted stamps here.
  • Every cling stamp set from the 2021–2022 Annual Catalog (excluding the Host stamp sets) will be discounted!

On Wednesday, October 20, you can place your order directly through my online storefront where you’ll find a category titled “Stamp Sale” that displays every stamp set on sale. I’d love it if you’d shop with me using Host Code UQZCSM3P. I’ll send you a pack of #150457 Holiday Rhinestone Basic Jewels when your product total is at least $30 as a way of saying thanks!

Posted in Stampin' Up! Promotion | Tagged | Comments Off on 24 hours of the biggest stamp sale of the year!

Intricate Leaves: Thinking of You

Posted on Monday, October 18, 2021 by Debra Burgin

If you need an example of the power of Stampin’ Up!’s color coordination, it’s this September camp card. I changed the patterned paper of Mary Brown’s card, but in both cases the Beauty of the Earth prints are perfect and beautiful with Misty Moonlight paper.

Inspired Thoughts | Intricate Leaves | This print doesn't scream "fall," but I love the way it implies the changing colors of leaves. Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I love this print — it seems to imply the changing seasons, even though it’s a lot less “fall” than some of the other prints. These two pieces of DSP each measure 3½” x 2¼”.

Inspired Thoughts | Intricate Leaves | This print doesn't scream "fall," but I love the way it implies the changing colors of leaves. Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I used Shimmery White paper for the intricate leaf just to give it something special, and many tiny pieces of Stampin’ Dimensionals to lift it up. The Stitched Greenery background panel adds one more coordinated layer; it is so easy to add to lots of card different designs.

Click the images below to add 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!

Inspired Thoughts Cling Stamp Set
[155536]
$19.00
Versamark Pad
[102283]
$9.50
Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[153081]
$8.75
Beauty Of The Earth 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper
[155841]
$11.50
Shimmery White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[101910]
$10.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[159276]
$9.75
Stitched Greenery Die
[155451]
$32.00
Basics Embossing Powders
[155554]
$18.00
Heat Tool (Us And Canada)
[129053]
$30.00
Ornate Frames Dies
[150664]
$34.00
Intricate Leaves Dies
[153566]
$28.00
Posted in 2021 July-Dec Mini, Anniversary, Birthday | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Intricate Leaves: Thinking of You

Gorgeous Leaves: Changing Leaves

Posted on Friday, October 15, 2021 by Debra Burgin

I had such a good time this month re-introducing stampers to the Baby Wipe Technique! This is the card we made at October camps:

Knit Together | Gorgeous Leaves | Beauty of Tomorrow | The Baby Wipe Technique created these beautiful autumn leaves -- simple to do and stunning! Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

This technique — basically creating a custom-colored ink pad — is simple:

  • Fold a wet baby wipe in quarters and place on a plastic lid.
  • Create spots of color (smaller than the size of a dime) with drops of ink refills. (I used five colors.) Do not allow spots to touch or colors will get muddy.
  • As the ink spreads, the spaces between spots will close up; add more ink if necessary.
  • Firmly press stamp into baby wipe and stamp on paper.
  • It’s not necessary to clean stamp when making multiple images.
  • Pad should last for at least 10 images.
Knit Together | Gorgeous Leaves | Beauty of Tomorrow | The Baby Wipe Technique created these beautiful autumn leaves -- simple to do and stunning! Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

Aren’t those leaves beautiful? Ink up your stamp in different areas of the pad so you don’t deplete the ink too quickly and so the images don’t look similar. For this card, we also used the smaller leaf image on the inside of the card and the envelope.

I must admit that when stampers first saw their leaves stamped on Very Vanilla, they were impressed, but only a bit. The WOW! occurred when the leaves were cut out and adhered to the Merry Merlot background. So often, it’s the context that makes the difference!

There are many products I love from the July-December 2021 Mini Catalog, but this background stamp is one of my favorites. When seeing the sample, more than one stamper asked where the embossing folder was — that’s how beautifully detailed it is and how impressive the faux texture is! I have created some Christmas cards with this stamp, but I am looking forward to something special for winter. This is a stamp I will keep using!

Click the images below to add 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!

Knit Together Cling Stamp Set
[156416]
$17.00
Gorgeous Leaves Cling Stamp Set
[153365]
$21.00
Gorgeous Leaves Bundle
[158609]
$44.00
Beauty Of Tomorrow Cling Stamp Set (English)
[156459]
$22.00
Merry Merlot Classic Stampin' Pad
[147112]
$7.50
Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad
[147115]
$7.50
Merry Merlot Classic Stampin' Ink Refill
[147170]
$3.75
Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Ink Refill
[119790]
$3.75
Bumblebee Classic Stampin' Ink Refill
[153122]
$3.75
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Ink Refill
[100531]
$3.75
Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Ink Refill
[115663]
$3.75
Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock
[144237]
$8.25
Bumblebee 8-1/2X11 Cardstock
[153077]
$8.75
Merry Merlot 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[146979]
$8.75
Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[101650]
$9.75
Intricate Leaves Dies
[153566]
$28.00
Stitched Rectangles Dies
[151820]
$35.00
Posted in 2021 July-Dec Mini, Autumn, Technique | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Gorgeous Leaves: Changing Leaves

Gorgeous Leaves: Happy Birthday

Posted on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 by Debra Burgin

In September, three out of four camp cards featured a maple leaf cut with the “detailed” die from the Intricate Leaves set. You’ve already seen this one, and here’s another one, inspired by Amanda Mertz.

Gorgeous Leaves | Best Year | This card, inspired by Amanda Mertz, would make a lovely sympathy card or, as I used it, a birthday card for a guy. Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

Do you remember when River Rock was an In Color? It was a great partner to Old Olive, but since it left the ballroom, I’ll let Sahara Sand step in and dance. The Very Vanilla sentiment keeps it from looking muddy, I think.

Gorgeous Leaves | Best Year | This card, inspired by Amanda Mertz, would make a lovely sympathy card or, as I used it, a birthday card for a guy. Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

It’s funny how this card uses some of my all-time (so far) favorite things: a monochromatic scheme, diagonal/tumbling/repeating images, a tag, checks, and stitched elements. I wonder how many times I’ve used these?

This card will be in the mail to grandson #1 soon!

Click the images below to add 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!

Gorgeous Leaves Cling Stamp Set
[153365]
$21.00
Gorgeous Leaves Bundle
[158609]
$44.00
Best Year Cling Stamp Set (English)
[152568]
$20.00
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
[147090]
$7.50
Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad
[147104]
$7.50
Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[100702]
$8.75
Sahara Sand 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[121043]
$8.75
Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[133676]
$8.75
Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[101650]
$9.75
Tailor Made Tags Dies
[155563]
$22.00
Checks & Dots Embossing Folders
[155432]
$8.00
Intricate Leaves Dies
[153566]
$28.00
Stitched Rectangles Dies
[151820]
$35.00
Posted in 2021 July-Dec Mini, Autumn, Birthday, Masculine | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Gorgeous Leaves: Happy Birthday

Christmas Quilt: Ho Ho Ho

Posted on Monday, October 11, 2021 by Debra Burgin

It’s a day off from school for the 5th grader, but he is at home today. We will have him tomorrow, and I have a list started of activities for us, including craft projects. I know how quickly a full day can deteriorate into lots of screen time. This is true for the adults here, too.

Meanwhile, I have started cutting for next week’s Jingle Jump sessions in order to clear the decks (and tables) for camp week here. I have always enjoyed prepping for group events. Somehow it seems easier to finish and put things away than when I am working on my own things!

This was a September JJ card. I love this Designer Series Paper; I have several sheets left of the red print, but I can’t quite come up with the best use for it for a November camp project.

Perfectly Plaid | Tidings of Christmas | I didn't create this using scraps, I cut into full sheets of this paper to make this card! Of course, I was cutting for *lots* of them! Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

This card might look fussy, but it’s actually fast to cut those little strips. I made myself a note for which pattern was cut to which width — I need that kind of help when I am cutting lots of pieces for Jingle Jump cards!

The key to taking advantage of the paper is to make these strips 3″ long. The strips are adhered to a 4″ x 3″ panel, which could be trimmed if my cutting wasn’t spot-on. An optional step is to emboss the pieced panel to give it a quilted texture.

Perfectly Plaid | Tidings of Christmas | I didn't create this using scraps, I cut into full sheets of this paper to make this card! Of course, I was cutting for *lots* of them! Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I thought the front sentiment added some playfulness. The inside of this card uses another stamp from the Perfectly Plaid set. These stamps are stained from lots of use!

Click the images below to add 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!

Perfectly Plaid Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
[158335]
$17.00
Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad
[147083]
$7.50
Soft Succulent 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[155776]
$8.75
Tidings Of Christmas 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
[155718]
$11.50
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[159276]
$9.75
Tasteful Textile 3 D Embossing Folder
[152718]
$9.00
Seasonal Labels Dies
[156299]
$38.00
Posted in Christmas, Jingle Jump | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Christmas Quilt: Ho Ho Ho

Next week is camp week in October

Posted on Friday, October 8, 2021 by Debra Burgin

I am super excited about welcoming stampers to October camps! (Perhaps the fireplace will be on here!) When will I see you?

Monday, October 11 (2nd Monday) — 6:15-8:45 p.m. — at Pat’s home (548 S 2nd St, Rochelle).
Tuesday, October 12 — 6:30-9:00 p.m. — at my home (322 Fairmont Dr, DeKalb).
Wednesday, October 14 — 6:30-9:00 p.m. — at my home (322 Fairmont Dr, DeKalb).
Thursday, October 13 — 12:30-3:00 p.m. — at my home (322 Fairmont Dr, DeKalb).

Stamp camps – creative workshops using rubber stamps, ink, and paper — are open to anyone who is interested, whether experienced or new to this paper crafting hobby.  You’ll always find friendly and helpful stampers who will welcome you.

To register, contact me by Sunday the week of camp, so I can be sure to have enough materials.  Pre-payment is not required.  Your $15 registration fee covers all supplies and materials for four projects, envelopes for cards, and step-by-step printed instructions.  Make one additional set of projects for just $5 more — let me know when you register so I am prepared.  Remember to bring your poly envelope for your completed cards, as well as your own adhesive and scissors.  It is your choice not to wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, but you are responsible for your own health; the homeowner is not liable for your welfare.  Hand sanitizer and wipes will be available for everyone to use.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments Off on Next week is camp week in October