Dad's Cards

Here's another one from Dad's stamping lessons. He had planned to color in the branches and blossoms, but his hand shook too much. I could see he was getting frustrated, so I showed him how to make a perfectly lovely card without coloring.

This was a stamp he bought at the craft store, and the wood is warped (something you'd never see on a Stampin' Up! stamp). We figured out that after inking it up thoroughly, placing a pad of paper under the cardstock, and pressing firmly while slightly rocking the stamp back and forth took care of the problem. (Personally, I'd take it back and get my $10 refunded - BOTH of those stamps on the shelf had warped wood blocks.)


Stamps: Three Little Words (greeting), unknown (tree branch)
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Early Espresso
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Antique Brad, Hemp Twine

The Old Salt Stamps!

Apologies for the long absence - I've been in Montana checking that Dad is okay since his return from wintering in New Jersey. Great news! He is in much better shape than when I saw him last summer. His appetite (and capacity) is great, so I'm not nearly as worried about him wasting away.

While up there, we spent some quality time together, and that included "hands-on" lessons in stamping. Even though I had made videos for him, it's just so much better when there is someone there to answer questions. He is a fast learner, and we even went into town to the local craft store to shop for stamps. He hit the dollar bin pretty hard, lol!  Bless his heart, he also ordered some things from me. I gave him the demo discount, of course. He's also getting a big box of retiring stamps and paper from me next week.

The only trouble I foresee is he has a bit of problem with his hands shaking. Some days are better than others, but for the days he needs a little help, I've sent him my old (non-SU) Stamp-A-Ma-Jig. I think it will help him get the stamp on the paper without getting a double, or triple, image.  Unless that's the look he's going for!  I did show him how to stamp two or three times, without re-inking, to get that misty look. :)  But this lesson covered masking, and making background paper with a small stamp. Easy-peasy!


Stamp: Sail Away, The Open Sea (what better stamps for retired Navy?)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Midnight Muse (new In Color!)
Ink: Midnight Muse, Marina Mist
Accessories: Stampin' Sponge, sticky notes for mask

SUOC44 - MOTHER'S DAY!

What better excuse does one need to get out the stamps and ink, than to create a card that Mother is sure to treasure? That's the challenge this week at SUO Challenges - create a card (or gift) for dear ol' Mom!

My momma's favorite color is red, so I grabbed Cherry Cobbler, since it most closely resembles the rubies she adores. Since the card needs to be mailable, the gorgeous 3D flower originally created as an embellishment had to be left off.  But that's okay - it can be used for another project that doesn't have to be mailed. :-)  I'm sure you'll see it in the not-too-distant future!

This technique of coloring the stamp with markers and then stamping on the First Edition DSP was demonstrated at the SU Retirement Party last Friday. Since the Inspired by Nature set is another one getting the old heave-ho to make room for new stamps, we used this for one of the make & takes, bidding it a fond adieu.

Now, let's see your beautiful tribute to Mom! If you want to share it at SUO Challenges, please be sure that ONLY Stampin' Up! products are used. That includes punches and dies, as well as stamps and cardstock. If SU didn't make it, please don't use it on your submission!

And, if you need inspiration to participate, SUO Challenges is going to start periodically inviting contributors to a special edition Guest Designer Challenge!!! Every so often, a select group from our regular contributors will be invited to be Guest Designers. Even if you've never been chosen as one of the top three in any of the challenges, you can still be invited if you participate fairly regularly!

Note: Retiring items are in red.

Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Broadsheet Alphabet, Just Perfect Alphabet, Fabulous Phrases
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Basic Black, First Edition DSP, White Vellum Cardstock
Ink: Cherry Cobbler Classic, and Cherry Cobbler, Regal Rose, and Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Elegant Lines embossing folder, Pearls Basic Jewels, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Stampin' Dimensionals