Eclectic Means Easy

As you know Stampin' Up! has a big, HUGE, promotion every January through to March offering free gifts with purchases and the gifts are always amazing stamp sets, papers or embellishments. Most are never available to buy, but they are all very desirable and one of this year's fab gifts is Eclectic Expressions which to look at as a stamp set image doesn't possibly grab you, but the crafting and stamping possibilities are endless and really simple when you are stuck for a quick card.

All you need are basic supplies stamps, paper and ink and if you have them you can then embellish with ribbon and/or rhinestones, dots or whatever you have in your stash.  Although I haven't used it here white ribbon is a great staple to have as you can always use your Stampin' Blends alcohol markers to colour it to match your project.

In my card today I've used inks in pear pizzazz, bermuda bay and island indigo.  I've added night of navy ribbon and old olive and dapper denim enamel spots.  I used my new Stamparatus which is the best stamp positioning tool to hit the market (coming very soon for ordering)  to stamp my thank yous perfectly on my white card and then I've added the circles which are made in such a way as to appear watercolored. The stamps are textured and therefore give some subtle definition and texture to your stamping.  The stamped piece is then matted onto pear pizzazz and island indigo card.

You could make it even simpler by just tying the ribbon around the stamp white card, but I chose to add a strip of tear and tape (double sided sticky tape) to the card making sure to overlap it top and bottom to tuck the ribbon ends away.  You can then just remove the backing from the sticky and work down pinching the ribbon as you go and pushing it onto the sticky strip.  I've added a bow separately with a glue dot.  If you don't like bows have you tried the 'bunny ears' technique?  Just make two similar size loops in your ribbon and then tie them in a single knot.  It might need a little tweaking but it's by far the quickest and easiest way to tie a bow.

Remember that this stamp set is free with a purchase of £45 from my Stampin' Shop through until 31 March 2018.

Have fun with this abstract set that has all the basic sentiments you need too!

Hugs Zoe x

Super Mum with Stampin' Up! Everyday Hero

Stampin' Up! Everyday Hero is a fun set for girls and boys and even for big kids like me to make a change from the usual flowery mother's day card. My Mum loved this card yesterday and really it says exactly what she is on the tin!!! As Olivia would say 'She's a babe and ain't she cute!"

You can't see well in the picture, but the cape is covered in sparkle from my Wink of Stella clear pen and the gold star is one of Stampin' Up! 's enamel shapes which I really love for adding a little dimension and bling to my cards.  I've used this fun set at parties and coffee and a card recently and it has gone down well.  It's great in primary colours of red, yellow and blue but looks just as good in Melon Mambo. 

Our Mothering Sunday was fun.  My folks came for Sunday lunch and Olivia and Charlie treated me very well with stunning flowers, cards, chocolates and a framed print with such fabulous words on that had been personalised.  I was so touched I cried!  I'm a very lucky Mum.  

Now today it's back to work, but as I love my job #stampinup it doesn't seem too hard.  For readers in the UK I hope your Mothering Sunday remembering someone special, sharing a special day or just relaxing was at least half as good as mine.  

Here too is an Everyday Hero card made for me by my nephew who's mum hosted a Stampin' Up! party last week.  I thought he was crafting for his mum but in fact he gave it to me the next morning to say thanks for letting him join the Stampin' party.  He's cute too. 

Hugs all Zx