Flowerbug's Inkspot

Watercolor Shapes Fun Fold cards - FB Live Replay video

On my weekly FB Live I shared many ideas for the Watercolor Shapes stamp set.  The cards below are just one of the three card versions I shared.  Scroll down to catch the video.  Or click here to see it. 

I offer frequent Creative Card Challenges for my Flowerbug's Team and this is the one we're currently working on: 

Here's a closer view one card. I love how the solid images stamp with multiple hues of color without any effort!  It may look like my ink pad wasn't inked enough but this is on purpose. These Distinctive stamps are wonderful and provide a lot of dimension effortlessly! 

Which do you prefer?  Pale Papaya or Fresh Freesia? 

There are so many possibilities with this set; I just scratched the surface! Click here to see it in my store. 

Below is the video where I share all three of my cards; click on it to watch!

June Specials:

The last chance list is out!  Check out the retiring and discounted products here. 

Host code: MMCUKBSX  Click here to order

Use this host code if your order is under $150. If it's over you'll still get the embossing folder but you'll also earn host benefits! Better yet, choose the Starter Kit and choose $125 in product and FREE Shipping as well!  Click here!

*All online orders in May receive a free PDF full of project ideas with 2 new catalog suites! 

Fun AND Easy layout you'll use for Quick Cards!

Here is the card design for Monday night's Stamp with Me Live.  It uses a 1 1/4" strip of designer paper and a few layers.  A quick & easy card! 

The above card features Crushed Curry with Black & White.  The embossing folder is the new Macrame 3D and the greeting is from Plentiful Plants. 

I chose to use the Pattern Party designer paper pack on page 171 of the Annual Catalog.  It's FREE & only available with host rewards!  It has 48 sheets of double sided 12 X 12" paper.  One side of each is black and white and the other is fun patterns.  See it here. 

Share your version of this fun card layout here on my FB group.  You'll be entered in the drawing for a free embellishment!  Drawing is June 21st! 

Which one do you prefer?  Yellow or Green? Tilted or straight? 

Click on the photo below to watch the video: 

You can see all of my videos here on my YouTube channel. 

June Specials:

The last chance list is out!  Check out the retiring and discounted products here. 

Host code: MMCUKBSX  Click here to order

Use this host code if your order is under $150. If it's over you'll still get the embossing folder but you'll also earn host benefits! Better yet, choose the Starter Kit and choose $125 in product and FREE Shipping as well!  Click here!

*All online orders in May receive a free PDF full of project ideas with 2 new catalog suites! 

Dragonfly Garden Quick Fun-fold Card with video!

We made this pretty dragonfly card at last month's Card Clubs.  

I knew I wanted to use the new In Color shimmer vellum and thought the Dragonflies punch would work perfectly.  It sure did!  I wish you could see the shimmer in person; it's beautiful! 

They had a choice of Polished Pink or Fresh Freesia for their card and could punch a variety of colors for their dragonflies.  

We used the Dragonfly Garden stamp set which is bundled with the Dragonflies punch in the bundle seen here. See how the wings are curled?  The bone folder works beautifully for this.  *Watch the video below to see how it's done. 

Tip: I recommend using Stazon Black ink when stamping on the vellum so it dries quickly. Vellum paper doesn't 'absorb' ink easily so it can stay wet a long time. 

Below are the measurements for you and Download May Dragonfly Garden fun fold here

• Black base 4 1/4" X 5 1/2"
  Fresh Freesia or Polished Pink 3 1/4" X 11" scored at 5 1/2"
  In Good Taste Designer paper 3" X 5 1/4"
  White strip 1" X 3"
  Shimmer Vellum scraps for Dragonfly punches

Click on the photo below to watch the short video. 

June Specials:

The last chance list is out!  Check out the retiring and discounted products here. 

Host code: MMCUKBSX  Click here to order

Use this host code if your order is under $150. If it's over you'll still get the embossing folder but you'll also earn host benefits! Better yet, choose the Starter Kit and choose $125 in product and FREE Shipping as well!  Click here!

*All online orders in May receive a free PDF full of project ideas with 2 new catalog suites! 

Inked Embossing Folder technique; it's SO pretty!

I decided to play with an old favorite technique where you add ink directly onto an embossing folder 'before' you run it through the die-cutting machine.  I shared how on the FB Live video here.

This first card features the Polished Pink CS & ink.  

I used two new products in our 2021-22 Annual Catalog; the Pretty Embossing folder and the Create with Friends stamp set seen here.  That pretty die-cut label is from the Potted Succulents dies seen here. 

This Pretty Embossing folder seen here is my free giveaway for online orders over $50 this month (before tax & shipping) using the host code seen below.  

I made one in each of our newest In Colors; Evening Evergreen, Fresh Freesia, Pale Papaya, Soft Succulent and the Polished Pink. 

I shared a video with other techniques using the Pretty Embossing folder my FB Live here.  Or click on the photo/link below.

I cannot stop playing with these fabulous new In Colors.  They are my absolute favorite grouping for many years!  And that ribbon!!! See the entire new 2021-23 In color line here. 

Measurements:

• White card base 4 1/4" X 11" scored at 5 1/2"
• Evening Evergreen CS 3 1/2" X 4 3/4"

*Below is the video to see how to do this and get my tips on being successful. 

June Specials:

The last chance list is out!  Check out the retiring and discounted products here. 

Host code: RB3VHBUK  Click here to order

Use this host code if your order is under $150. If it's over you'll still get the embossing folder but you'll also earn host benefits! Better yet, choose the Starter Kit and choose $125 in product and FREE Shipping as well!  Click here!

*All online orders in May receive a free PDF full of project ideas with 2 new catalog suites! 

Coloring Techniques with the Pretty Flowers Embossing folder! With video!

Have you ever added color/ink directly onto your embossing folder?  It's actually fun and the results can be amazing!  I shared three different techniques on my weekly FB Live Tuesday.  Here's a link to it on my FB page or on YouTube here.  Or scroll below to see it here.  

This first card is done by coloring on your folder with markers.  These are regular water-based markers; not Blends.  I share tips for success on this technique in the video.  

Each card features the stamp set Create with Friends seen here.  I love this set! The embossing folder is called Pretty Flowers; it's my free gift for online orders over $50 in June! *see it here

I chose to use Soft Succulent on both cards adding Pale Papaya on the left and Fresh Freesia on the right.  Love our newest In Colors!!!  The greeting layer is from the Tasteful Label dies. 

Next is a sponging technique.  I embossed the White CS with the folder in the die-cutting machine first.  Then used sponge daubers to color the White CS.  I highly recommend you use pastel colors for this for the best results. It's much more forgiving! 

I used the Poppy dies for the greeting layer. 

And the last technique is to add ink directly onto the folder itself; before you run it through.  Press your ink pad lightly to the side of the folder you want inked.  Do this lightly to avoid getting ink in the recesses of the folder.  Again; watch my video for more tips! 

The pretty die-cut for the greeting is from the Potted Succulent dies seen here.  

*Below is the video with lots of specific tips on being successful with these techniques. Click on it to watch.

June Specials:

The last chance list is out!  Check out the retiring and discounted products here. 

Host code: RB3VHBUK  Click here to order

Use this host code if your order is under $150. If it's over you'll still get the embossing folder but you'll also earn host benefits! Better yet, choose the Starter Kit and choose $125 in product and FREE Shipping as well!  Click here!

*All online orders in May receive a free PDF full of project ideas with 2 new catalog suites! 

Two In Symmetry cards; bright & colorful

Here are a few more cards I made with the In Symmetry bundle on last week Tuesday's FB Live.  These are also cards I made for some online swaps I joined. 

The colors are Calypso Coral, Night of Navy & Just Jade.

Products used: *click on the item to see it in my store

• Images are from the In Symmetry stamp set & bundle
• the little leaves are from the Symmetrical Stems border punch
• The Designer Paper is the Sweet Symmetry DSP
• That pretty stitched leaves texture is made with the Stitched Greenery die seen here. 
• The white greeting label is from the Hippo & Friends dies here 

Measurements: 

• Card base 5 ½” X 8 ½”
• Just Jade 2” X 4 ¼”, Navy strip ½” X 4 ¼”
• DSP strips are 1” and ¾” X 5 ½”

Next is the other card I created using the same colors and In Symmetry stamp set.  

Products used:

• Inks - Calypso Coral, Just Jade, Night of Navy
• embossing folder - Checks & Dots
• greeting tag - Tailor Made Tags dies

Measurements:

• Card base 5 ½” X 8 ½”
• White square is 2 ½”, Just Jade is 2 5/8”
• DSP 1 ¼” X 5 ½”, Coral strip 1 ¾” X 4 ¼”

*Below is the FB Live replay/video for these two cards and more. 

June Specials:

The last chance list is out!  Check out the retiring and discounted products here. 

Host code: RB3VHBUK  Click here to order

Use this host code if your order is under $150. If it's over you'll still get the embossing folder but you'll also earn host benefits! Better yet, choose the Starter Kit and choose $125 in product and FREE Shipping as well!  Click here!

*All online orders in May receive a free PDF full of project ideas with 2 new catalog suites! 

In Symmetry Fun-fold card with video

I played with the In Symmetry bundle on last week's Facebook Live and wanted to share this neat fun fold card.  I got the idea for it from my good friend Susie Wood.  Here's a link to her card. 

It's a standard A2 size card but the unique fold makes it special.  The nice thing is how easy it is to make!  And it really showcases the designer paper and Pretty Flowers embossing folder I used.  

I chose the Navy, Calypso Coral and Bumblebee color combination because of the colors in the Sweet Symmetry DSP seen here.  The cute Navy leaves are from the Symmetrical Stems punch. I fussy cut the flower.

You can see this bundle here. 

Measurements: 

• Navy card base 5 1/2" X 8 1/2" scored at 2 1/8" and 4 1/4", layer is 2 3/4" X 4 1/4" 
• Bumblebee 3 3/4" X 5"
• DSP 2 1/2" X 4"
• White strip 3/4" X 3 1/2", inside is 4" X 5 1/4"
• Calypso Coral strip is 7/8" X 3 3/4" 

Here's the video from the Facebook Live with two more projects featuring this suite.  If you want to see this card only, scroll to about 24 minutes in.

Follow me on Facebook here so you don't miss a thing! 

June Specials:

The last chance list is out!  Check out the retiring and discounted products here. 

Host code: WB2EX96R  Click here to order

Use this host code if your order is under $150. If it's over you'll still get the embossing folder but you'll also earn host benefits! Better yet, choose the Starter Kit and choose $125 in product and FREE Shipping as well!  Click here!

*All online orders in May receive a free PDF full of project ideas with 2 new catalog suites! 

2 more beautiful scenes with the After the Storm stamp set with video

Yesterday I shared the details on two cards featuring the After the Storm stamp set seen here.  Today I'm sharing two more.  

Creating scenes is one of my favorite stamping techniques and this set features distinktive images we've never had before. 

My color scheme here is So Saffron, Balmy Blue, Black & White. I did use our fabulous Blending Brushes to achieve the sky background.  They really do help you get a smooth finish.  Although here I wanted the sky to be slightly imperfect with light and darker areas for a cloudy look. 

Here I created a mask for the sun using a 1 1/2" circle and sponged in So Saffron ink.  Then I stamped the sun's ray's.  To accent them I added the thin lines using 2nd generation Balmy Blue ink.  You can sponge the sky before or after you stamp the sun's rays. Since it's a light color ink it really doesn't matter.  

For the card below I used the rock & roll technique for the clouds.  You can see how this is done in the video below.  I used Smoky Slate and Balmy Blue ink on the cloud images.  

Within the clouds I sponged a hint of a 'sun' with a sponge dauber & So Saffron ink and added the sun rays from that.  All images are from this stamp set except for the trees; they are from the Beauty of Friendship stamp set.  The White greeting is 3/4" thick and the left end is punched with the Treasured Tag Pick a Punch. 

Below is the video for both of these cards & two more! 

 ~~~

May Specials & Promotions!

Get $55 in free product with purchase of the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit!  Choose $155 in product of your choice for just $99 and get FREE SHIPPING as well! 

Earn an extra $25 in free product if your order is over $250!  That means you get $50 in free product!  *combine your order with a friend.

Get a NEW embellishment from the Annual Catalog with an online order

over $50 before tax & shipping. 

Host code: WB2EX96R  Click here to order

Use this host code if your order is under $150. If it's over you'll still get the jewels but you'll also earn host benefits! Better yet, choose the Starter Kit and get $55 in FREE product and FREE Shipping as well!  Click here!

*All online orders in May receive a free PDF full of project ideas with 2 new catalog suites! 

Beautiful stamped scenes & video with After the Storm set

Since I cannot draw, sketch or paint I stamp.  My husband, Mom, sister and cousin have all painted beautiful scenes and I have many of them hanging in my home.  I think this is why I love creating stamped scenes.  Scene builder sets are some of my favorites; it truly makes me feel like an artist!  I made these cards on a recent FB Live. *video is posted below

The After the Storm stamp set (seen here) is France Martin's Million Dollar Achiever stamp set.  It caught my eye right away.  I had a play with it one afternoon and created these cards. 

I'm sharing two today and will give the details on the other two tomorrow. 

You might wonder where I got the hills/mountain image.  Well it's the clouds stamp!  I love finding new ways to use stamps to create something beautiful yet unexpected! 

The colors here are Fresh Freesia, So Saffron and Garden Green.  I used a direct to paper technique, swiping my ink pad across the White CS for the horizon.  I stamped the clouds using Fresh Freesia ink. 

I did add just a bit of Pale Papaya ink at the top and swiped my White Craft ink pad across it at the end. 

For this next card I used a totally different technique with the Blending Brushes.  

I used the following inks: Old Olive, Pool party, So Saffron and Calypso Coral. I used Blending Brushes for the Pool Party and So Saffron inks and for the sunset I used a sponge dauber for the Calypso Coral.

Again I used the large cloud stamp to create the hills. 

Below is the video for both of these cards & two more! 

~~~

May Specials & Promotions!

Get $55 in free product with purchase of the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit!  Choose $155 in product of your choice for just $99 and get FREE SHIPPING as well! 

Earn an extra $25 in free product if your order is over $250!  That means you get $50 in free product!  *combine your order with a friend.

Host code: WB2EX96R  Click here to order

Use this host code if your order is under $150. If it's over you'll still get the jewels but you'll also earn host benefits! Better yet, choose the Starter Kit and get $55 in FREE product and FREE Shipping as well!  Click here!

*All online orders in May receive a free PDF full of project ideas with 2 new catalog suites!