Learn to Stamp and Scrap with Lynn Larson

Parisian Damask Stenciled Cards

I know that I said I wasn't going to share any more stencil samples until next week but I couldn't help myself.  I thought that I would also share these card samples using Parisian Damask that coordinate with my Stenciled Canvas piece I shared yesterday.

 

This is a sample of a plain and simple card using only one layer of cardstock to create my card base.  I think that a cad like this would make a great set of notecards or thank you's for all types of different occasions.

Here is a sample of a swap card that I made for a new catalog / Big Shot swap back in late January.  The background of this card is done with the Damask Textured Impressions Embossing Plate.  The Top Note Die portion was cut out and then I stenciled my pattern on top of that.  I used Regal Rose, Rose Red, Bordering Blue, Night of Navy and Mellow Moss Craft Inks to stencil on the top.  I then took a Bordering Blue Stampin' Write Marker to add the faux stitching to the outside edge of the Top Note layer.  A half-back pearl from the Pretties finished off the card just perfectly. 

This is one of my favorite cards that I have made with my stencils.  I will have more stenciled cards to share with you during the Blog Tour on May 15th and 16th so be sure to mark your calendar!

Tomorrow I will be sharing some samples from my afternoon demonstration at Spring Fling on Saturday.

See you all back here tomorrow!

Lynn Larson - www.learntostampandscrap.com

Mother's Day Gift using Parisian Damask Decor Stencil

 

Are you ready to see my Mother's Day gift for my mother-in-law?  Well, here it is!  This is the very first project I made using my Parisian Damask Decor Stencils.  If you read yesterday's post, this is the first Decor Stencil that I purchased so this was the very first time I used Stampin' Up!'s stencils to create a project.

I did my stenciling on a piece of canvas that I painted first using acrylic paint.  I knew that I wanted to use wide grosgrain ribbon as an accent piece and I had plenty of Regal Rose ribbon to use up so I chose to use Regal Rose with Rose Red as my main flower colors.  I absolutely love how this project turned out.  I did this project also with a group of my downline at a Demo Class that I did back in February.  I have also been displaying it at a couple of events where I demonstrated using stencils and showcased a bunch of projects that I had created.  This is the first Mother's Day gift I have ever had ready three months early!  I usually create gifts better under pressure - you know, like the night before I need it:))

I hope that you have been enjoying my Decor Stencils projects.  I have plenty more to show you but I will wait until next week to share some of those samples.  I have a bunch of other items that I have been holding that I can't wait to share with you!

Happy creating,

Lynn Larson - www.learntostampandscrap.com

CRAZY FOR STENCILS - Tips for Using Decor Stencils

On Saturday, I demonstrated Decor Stencils at Spring Fling in Marlborough, NH.  This event was a blast and many people were amazed at the versatility of our Decor Stencils from our Decor Elements line.  I gave out a handout to people who came by my demonstration table that included some tips for using Decor Stencils and I thought I would share it with you as well while I am showcasing Decor Stencil projects on my blog over the next couple of weeks.

 

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CRAZY FOR STENCILS

Tips and Ideas for Using Decor Stencils

 

Shared by:  Lynn Larson – www.learntostampandscrap.com

 

 

Tips for using stencils:

• Use either stencil tape or a spray adhesive to hold your stencils in place when working with them (I prefer spray adhesive)
• You can use stencil brushes, a foam stencil roller, sponges or sponge daubers with your stencils
• Inks and paints to use:  I like using Craft ink on my craft projects.  You cannot use Classic ink to stencil as it soaks up into the cardstock too quickly.  Craft ink is a pigment ink which means it stays on the top of your cardstock and stays wet longer.  It is a nice ink to use for blending and spreading.  You do need to use acrylic paint or stencil creams on walls when stenciling those.  I use the Craft Inks on things like fabric, canvas and cardstock.
• Stencils are not only used on walls.  They can be used on things like:  Cards, Scrapbook Pages, Wooden Items, Notebooks, Pillows, Lamp Shades, Table Runners, Placemats, Baby Onsies, etc.  Let your imagination run wild!

 

When using stencils on craft projects:

• Use spray adhesive to hold your stencils in place.  I find it to work best when using intricate stencils
• It is best to have a separate stencil brush for each color you are using on your project.
• Pounce or move your brush in a circular motion on the craft ink pad to pick up your ink.  If your pad is juicy you might want to wipe a little ink off on a paper towel so you don’t end up with too much ink on your project.  Having too much ink or paint on your brush could cause the ink or paint to drip behind your stencil.  You especially need to be careful of this when using acrylic paint.
• Using circular motions apply your ink to the stencil starting from the outside edges of the stencil and working your way in.  Be careful on the small intricate portions of the stencil that you don’t move them or bend them up when applying ink.
• When stenciling mottled images look best.  Be sure not to apply ink or paint to heavily.  The goal is to have a light coating of ink with darker outsides and lighter middles.  You can shade using one color ink this way by applying color to the outside of the images and then moving to the center of the image when the ink is almost off the brush.

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 If you have any questions about stenciling your own projects, please feel free to email me.  I have done a lot of stenciling with a variety of our stencils over the past four months and can help you out with your projects.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by and happy stenciling!

 

Lynn Larson - www.learntostampandscrap.com

 

"Parisian Damask" Decor Stencils

 

I am sharing another stencil sample with you today, this one uses the Parisian Damask "two-step" stencil from Stampin' Up!'s Decor Stencils line.  This was the first stencil that I purchased and had such a blast using it on all kinds of projects that I had to increase my Decor Stencils collection! 

This is a pillow that I purchased for something like $4.00 on clearance at Walmart.  I was looking for something cheap to practice stenciling on and this fit the bill just fine.  You can see in the photo that the flowers, blueberries and leaves all have a second color over them which is done by using the second stencil included in this set.

Tomorrow I will show you another fun home decor item that I created for a Mother's Day gift for my mother-in-law.  She loves Victorian looking items and when I completed this project it had her name written all over it.  I can share it with all of you here tomorrow because she doesn't own a computer and doesn't access the internet at all so she will never know that I shared it with all of you first!

See you all tomorrow!

Lynn Larson - www.learntostampandscrap.com

Decor Stencils "Cheap Talk Branch" Scrapbook Pages!

I have been going crazy the last couple of months playing around with the Decor Stencils in Stampin' Up!'s Decor Elements line.  I have had such a blast creating all sorts of items and haven't been able to share a lot of them with you yet until all my presentations and classes were over.  I didn't want to spoil any surprises at my events by posting my samples here first!

Since it is National Scrapbooking Month, I thought I would share a two-page layout featuring "Cheap Talk Branch" stencils with you today.  The bird, branch and flower are all stenciled and the blue squares on the second page have embossed polka dots on them using the Small Dots Textured Plate and my Big Shot.  I plan on adding my photos and journaling to the white squares.

I have TONS more samples to share with you using Decor Stencils so stay tuned!  I will be sharing some samples with you over the next week but I will be highlighting the "Flowering Flowers Flower with Stems" stencil on the May 15th Blog Tour.  Mark your calendars for that tour, you certainly don't want to miss it.  In the meantime, keep checking back for samples I will be sharing using my other stencils.

Happy crafting!

Lynn Larson - www.learntostampandscrap.com

In Color Combinations and other additions to my blog...

While waiting for the online version of the new Stampin' Up! Spring / Summer Idea Book and Catalog, I decided to update and change a couple of things on my blog.

First addition is the In Color - Color Combinations chart in the left column of my blog.  Just click on the color chart and the color combination pages will download for you to either view or print off and keep to reference when using your In Color inks, papers and ribbons.

The next thing I changed was updating the Decor Elements catalog.  This is phase 3 of the additions to this line and when you click on the catalog you will see the entire line, including a level 1 and a level 2 hostess set.  There are some fabulous items in this catalog, including our new STENCILS - that's right, stencils!  I am going to be using the stencils in an upcoming class so stay tuned for that.

The last addition was the sample supply list for the projects that are inside of the Stampin' Up! Spring / Summer Idea Book and Catalog.  This supply list is no longer included in the catalog.  The version on my blog has a photo of the project, lists the page number it is on in the catalog and gives a list of the supplies used to make that project.  You can always come back to my blog to pul up the supply list for a particular project, or print one out for your reference again.  It is a great inspiration reference guide since the projects are in color and list the supplies.  Find something you like, just change the colors or the stamp set to make your very own creation!

As soon as the Idea Book and Catalog goes live online, I will add it to my blog.  It should be up and running by Tuesday in the late morning at the latest.

I will see you back here tomorrow.  In the meantime, have fun peaking at the new additions to my blog and using the In Color - Color Combination chart! 

NOTE:  If you have not already signed up for my monthly newsletter, please be sure to do so today.  The sign-up box is in the upper left corner of my blog.  I have a newsletter going out by Wednesday and you won't want to miss it!

Lynn

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New Photo Albums Added to Blog

In case you haven't already seen them, I wanted to let you know that I have added two new photo albums to my blog over the last week.  One contains photos of my Cabin Scrappin' Retreat and the other contains Home Decor idea photos using the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine with Dies and also using Decor Elements by Stampin' Up! 

Most of the photos from the Home Decor album are photos that I took while at Convention this year.  I absolutely love the displays that Stampin' Up! shared with us while we were there.  I have had these photos on my password protected downline/group blog and thought I would share them on my public blog now that Phase 2 of the Decor Elements has been released.  I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do!  The photo album shows some samples of different ways to use the Decor Elements.  There are some glass jars, shadow boxes, picture frames, glass door panels, etc. shown in there besides the photos of them being used on walls. 

 

The Spooky Spider Decor Elements that was put on a large jar and used for candy was a bit hit at Convention.  People have been going NUTS over that item this month.  If you haven't ordered yours yet, be sure to check out the flyer to decide which size you would like.  This item is available until October 31st, but you will want to order yours in time to get it for your Halloween decorating!

 

If you are interesting in looking at our complete line of Decor Elements, click here to view the entire catalog.

Home Decor Anyone?

I thought that I would share some more photos of Decor Elements displays with you today.  The ones that Stampin' Up! has in their Riverton Facility are just beautiful.  They also brought some to Convention to display is mock rooms there as well. 

Above is a shot taken in the mock bedroom that uses both Chocolate Chip and Kraft roses in the display.  I just love how they added a rose right smack in the corner of the room so it is applied on both wall. 

Another cool thing that they did with one of the roses was to put one on an old piece of luggage and add it to the corner of the room for more accents.  I think it is just beautiful applied to the dark piece like that. 

I have a whole new obsession with Decor Elements after seeing these room settings.  I am planning where in my home I am going to add these fun decorations.  The possibilities are endless.  Where would you put Decor Elements in your home?  Leave a comment and give me your thoughts and ideas.

More tomorrow,

Lynn

Check out this Decor Elements Display!

While on the Stampin' Up! Riverton tour, we got to walk through the Legacy Room which included decorated areas that look like rooms.  There was a sewing room, bedroom, nursery, etc. there for us to see.  I LOVED the way the rooms were decorated and thought I would share some of my favorite areas with you.  Today, since I am sitting in the airport in Charlotte, NC, I thought I would share my favorite item in that area - a glass door panel decorated with our Decor Elements and hung on the wall in the bedroom area.

 

I absolutely love this piece!  I like the way they incorporated some photos into the panel to make it more personalized.  I know that I will now be on the lookout for items like this to alter using my Decor Elements!

I've got to run and get ready to board my next flight now...more tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn

NEW Product Line - Decor Elements

Stampin' Up! has introduced a brand new product line for 2008-2009 called Decor Elements.  As a demonstrator, I was able to purchase them a couple of weeks ago and now everyone else can order them for the first time TODAY!

You can check out the Decor Elements Brochure here or click on the image to the right of my blog.

Do you want to learn how to use our Decor Elements Self-Adhesive Vinyl Graphics?  Check out this link to see the instruction sheet!

You can also see an instructional VIDEO on how to apply the new Decor Elements to your walls!  How cool is that?!  This is the first time Stampin' Up! has offered a video demonstration for our customers and I think it is just wonderful - don't you?

Check out the following Questions and Answers about Decor Elements:

Q: What is the best surface to apply Décor Elements to?
A: Décor Elements images work well on the following surfaces:

• Smooth, nontextured, drywall walls painted with matte or glossy paint
• Other smooth, non-textured surfaces, such as glass or metal
• Smooth, nontextured wallpaper
• Flat, smooth, finished wood surfaces, such as paneling or doors

We do not recommend that you apply to Décor Elements images to textured or uneven surfaces, brick, or oil-based surfaces.

Q: What should I do if I have a hard time removing the transfer tape from the image during application?
A: Try spraying the transfer tape lightly with water. This helps to break down the adhesive. However, it makes for a messier application, and you may need to wipe your Décor Element image clean after application.

Q: How easy is it to remove Décor Elements images?
A: Decor Elements images are designed for easy removal. Simply take your Décor Elements applicator tool and slide it gently under the surface of your image. Remove images carefully as we cannot guarantee that your wall works well with Décor Elements. If you are having a hard time removing your image, heat the image with a hair dryer to help release the adhesive.

Q: How long will Décor Elements images stay up?
A: If Décor Elements images adhere well to your wall, they should not come down before you want them to. However, it's hard to guarantee the life of your images, as several factors affect product performance. For example, if the drywall was not cleaned or dusted before painting a newly constructed wall, the product may be able to remove paint from the wall. Picking at the image edges may make them come off more easily, so we recommend children not play with them.

Q: I removed my Décor Elements from a glass surface, and there's an adhesive residue left. What should I do?
A: Window cleaner should remove the residue.

Q: Do you recommend using Décor Elements and Definitely Decorative stamps together?
A: Absolutely! This is one reason our new product line fits in so beautifully with our existing product! For the best results, you may want to try stamping on a small portion of your wall first to make sure the paints you are using work well with Décor Elements.

As always, if you have questions about this product line or any other Stampin' Up! product, feel free to contact me at lynn@learntostampandscrap.com. 

If you would like to place an order, I accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Paypal.  You can just email me with your order and I can get your payment information from you once I total up your order.