Kween Bee Kreations

Soft Suede

Soft Suede struts its stuff on day two of my Parade of In Colors. 

"Gentle and smooth, this subdued yet on-trend neutral is comfortable with almost every other color.  Try it out with your favorites and see which combinations you like best". 

~ Quote taken from the July 2009 Stampin' Success

 

Today's card shows off the heat embossing technique. 

To allow the Soft Suede paper to take the spotlight, I dipped my Sweet Stems and Dreams du Jour (butterfly) stamps into some Versamark ink.  Before the ink dried, I covered the images with clear embossing power, and finally heat set the powder to it's shiny finish.

The card base is also Soft Suede and tied around it is some luscious 1/2" polka-dot grosgrain ribbon (available July 1).  

Below is the color comparison for Soft Suede.  You may notice a hint of green in the paper and ink.  To show just how different the colors are, I also stamped an Always Artichoke image on the far right.

All colors are mounted on a piece of Soft Suede textured cardstock (stamp image is from the new Circle Circus stamp set - avail Jul 1).  Colors from left to right are as follows:  Soft Suede, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip & Always Artichoke.

This color swatch is the perfect way to show how versatile this new In Color neutral can be.  It also allows you to compare Soft Suede to similar/current Stampin' Up! colors.

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Next in line - Bermuda Bay!

Stamps:  Sweet Stems (113726), Dreams du Jour (11624)
Paper:  Soft Suede Textured 8 1/2" x 11", (115719 - avail Jul 1 in an asstd pack), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Versamark Ink Pad (102283)
Accessories:  Silver Brads (104336), Soft Suede 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115612 - avail Jul 1)

Tiny Tassel

Today's project is for my favorite person in the whole wide world!

Even though he's little and just starting out his educational career - I wanted to celebrate his Pre-K Graduation as much as I will when he reaches his high school and college milestones.

Yep, you guessed it - this gift card is for my son, Devlin.  I treasure every minute I spend with him.  He makes me beyond proud to say that I am a Mommy - his Mommy.

A great tutorial for this gift card holder, can be found at Sweet Impressions.




In my post yesterday, I recycled the tassel that was on a graduation invite we received.  However, I made my own custom tassel this time around using Real Red grosgrain ribbon.

 

How?

• Using your scissors, cut the ribbon lengthwise 
• After cutting you will be able to pull the ribbon fibers apart
• Bend the fibers in half and voila you have a custom tassel

I hope to create a step-by-step photo tutorial to explain this further, but for now, I hope this explanation gets you started.






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Hive Sweet Hive

What you are seeing here is my first attempt at watercoloring.

I typically prefer solid image stamps vs. images that are meant to be colored.  But how could I pass up the "Just Buzzin' By" stamp set when my blog is named Kween Bee Kreations?

With Stampin' Up! blender pens, watercoloring is easy (even for newbies to the technique, like me).

Check out the watercoloring tutorial provided by Stampin' Up!  I used part D of the technique (but I used blender pens, not an aqua painter).

If you want to purchase the blender pens, make note that they come 3 to a pack for $9.95.  But, did you know they are included in the Demonstrator Starter Kit?  

The kit is 15% off until March 31st and during Sale-a-Bration, you'll also get a FREE stamp set (value up to $47.95) and an item from the Kween Bee Exclusive Demonstrator Giveaway.

I used Taylored Expressions cupcake sketch #57 for this card.  You'll start to see more creations on my site using simple sketches like this one.  I think you'll find them useful in your own projects. 

My first attempt at watercoloring was successful (I think) ... but more importantly, what do YOU think?  Leave a comment on this post, I love reading your comments.

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Celebrate You

I'll be flat out honest here - today's card is not one of my favorites.  To me, all I think of when I see it is those old rotary dial phones.  BUT I did try a new technique, so I am proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone.

The technique was to create a decorative circle medallion.  Check out the details of this challenge over at Splitcoaststampers.

Using the stamp set "Party Hearty", I stamped the center image in Pacific Point.  The base of the card is also Pacific Point, and layered on top is a piece of Designer Series Paper (DSP) from the Hawaii Papaya collection. 

I chose a contrasting color - Tangerine Tango to use on this card as well.  I do love the bold brights collection.

TIP:  Use this handy chart to help you coordinate cardstock with DSP.  I use this chart nearly every time I sit down to stamp.

I am my worst critic... so, what's the Buzz - what do YOU think about this card?  Bee honest!  Constructive criticism is always helpful.

Reminder:  Register your wish list with me today! 

Get exactly what you want for the upcoming holidays or your birthday.  Check out this post for more details.

Baby Wipe

Did you know that a baby wipe has more than one use? 

Well, I had seen a technique called "baby wipe" for some time now over at Splitcoaststampers.  But this weekend, I finally tried it out at a stamping event.

I came home yesterday after making 12 cards at the event and couldn't wait to try out the new technique. 

Using a baby wipe allows you to make a custom ink pad.  You'll notice in my Kreation above that my leaves from the "Best Wishes & More" stamp set are multicolored.  I achieved this look by using my reinkers and a baby wipe.  It is a super simple technique that packs a WOW effect.

What do you think?

See the instructions for the Baby Wipe Technique here.

Grid du Jour

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Today’s brightly colored Kreation was made for the Splitcoaststampers.com, Try a New Technique challenge (TLC177).

The challenge was to use the grid technique, which is something I have never done before.  It recommended using a Scor-Pal, however, I do not own one.  So, I used my trimmer and bone folder to make the score lines instead.  You can download a tutorial for making grids, by clicking here.

I started my Kreation by scoring the Very Vanilla card stock at every inch.  I then randomly stamped in Kiwi Kiss the beautiful butterfly from the upcoming release “Dreams du Jour”.  On top of that, I dragged my Kiwi Kiss and Tangerine Tango (new In Colors) ink pads across the top of the Very Vanilla to create a bit of a distressed look.

Last night, for the first time, I pulled out my twill tape.  Using the same ink colors and butterfly stamp, I alternated stamping on the twill.  This resulted in a “worn look” and I am really happy with the outcome of the ribbon I created.   I mounted the twill across a 1 ½ inch piece of Kiwi Kiss, and added some adhesive pretty pearls.

To complete the card, rather than doing a basic sentiment, I chose another stamp from the “Dreams du Jour” set. It was inked in Tangerine Tango, stamped on Very Vanilla and mounted atop a small piece of Kiwi Kiss.

I was a bit iffy about this card and wasn’t sure if I was going to post it or not.  However, I have decided to go with it and post my work.  Every one has different tastes and maybe this card will appeal to one of my readers.  I may re-work it later, but for now, I share with you my Kreation titled “Grid du Jour”.

Bee Surprised

Today's Kreation titled "Bee Surprised" was completed for the Try a New Technique challenge (TLC172).  You can find a tutorial on how to make the surprise pop-up card by clicking TLC172 above. 

I started this card by trying to use the “blades of grass” stamp from Papertrey Ink’s Honey Bees collection as a tree branch.  It was inked up in Stampin’ Up!’s Chocolate Chip and the flowers were inked in Regal Rose.  My Bee was also done in Chocolate Chip with his bee-hind colored in with a Stampin’ Write marker in Summer Sun.

It turned out much better than I imagined, I've had this idea Buzzing around in my head for a while now.  So, I am glad I finally went with my vision to turn grass into a tree.  The Regal Rose flowers get a bit of bling with some summery yellow rhinestones. 

This card is made for my readers!  A BIG thank you for visiting my blog, commenting on my posts, and for all the positive feedback I have received.  I love what I do and having support from all of you makes it that much sweeter (sweet as honey, in fact). 

I am sure my readers are well aware that I am a demonstrator for Stampin’ Up!.  But are you aware that you can purchase Stampin’ Up! products from me 24 hours a day/7 days a week? 

There is no need to hold a workshop in your home, instead you could order through me by:

• Browsing the online catalog(s)

            Spring-Summer Collection 2008 
            Occasions Mini Collection 2008

• Browse your hard copy catalogs 

You can get your own Spring-Summer Collection 2008 catalog and Occasions Mini Collection 2008 catalog for only $4.80 (cost of priority shipping).  Retail value of the Spring-Summer catalog alone is $9.95!!  If you’d like a hard copy, please contact me. 

• When you run out of product whether it be card stock, ink, or accessories, simply re-order through me. 

What else could you ask for?  Shopping in your PJ’s in the middle of the night – how great is that!  So, don’t wait for a workshop, simply visit my Order Stampin’ Up! page and get your products delivered to your door.

More reasons to order through me are found on my Order FAQ's  page.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  (Yep, that's me in the photo to the right, happy to help you in any way I can)

NOTE:  Don’t forget that you can be your own hostess by placing a qualifying order.  See my hostess benefits page for more details. 

COMING SOON:  Tutorial on heat embossing using classic inks and Kween Bee Kreations exclusive, Mini Medley offer.

Spectacular Spotlights

IMPORTANT REMINDER:  The Paper Lover’s Dream Blog Candy ends in less than 3 hours.  A winner will be announced tonight at 8 PM (CST).  There is still time to enter, visit this post to leave your comment.

For today's Kreation, I took part in the Featured Stamper challenge at SCS (FS70).  

I CASE'd (Copy and Share for Everyone) Cindy's idea of making some basic cards using similar stamps.  For my set of cards (click image to enlarge), I chose to use the Hostess Level 1 set called "For a Friend" (page 21 in the Spring-Summer Collection).  NOTE:  The hostess stamp sets that are currently in the catalog, will retire with the new Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog.  Check out my hostess benefits page to see how you can earn this set and other exclusive hostess sets. 

I've been wanting to make a simple, yet stand out set of cards and this was the perfect opportunity to do so.  The lines in this stamp set make it easy to create a Kwik & Kool collection that would be great to give as a gift.  Anyone would love a set like this when they are searching for a last minute card.  You can see individual photos of each card by visiting my Kreations located on the right hand side of my blog. 

The How To:  I started by stamping the image in Basic Black using the stamp-a-ma-jig, to assure proper placement.  I then used Versamark ink and stamped on top of the Basic Black ink (a stamp-a-ma-jig (SAMJ) is a necessary tool when doing this).  You can find a tutorial on using the SAMJ here - Download SAMJTutorial.pdf

Personally, I only own the craft ink in Whisper White.  So, the alternative to embossing with craft ink (for me) is to "double stamp" with Versamark, then set with Stampin' Up!'s heat tool. 

With a sprinkle of clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (page 187), I used my heat tool to set the ink - giving it a glistening shine.  To create the focal point or "spotlight" on each card, I used sponge daubers inked in Real Red, Yo Yo Yellow, Lovely Lilac, & Tempting Turquoise.  Each card front is trimmed down and mounted on the matching colored card stock (sized to 3 1/2" x 5").  The cards wouldn't be complete without a bit of bling - three colored rhinestones along the bottom.

I think the cards deserve to be in the spotlight.  Don't you?  I'm very happy with the results. 

COMING SOON: Tutorial on heat embossing using classic inks. 

Holy Guacamole!

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Today’s Kreation titled “Holy Guacamole!”is for the SCS - Try a New Technique challenge (TLC171).  The challenge title is “The Whole Enchillada” and I realized when I started creating, that mine was leaning more towards Holy Guacamole!

This was indeed a challenge for me as I’ve never created the whole she-bang in one sitting before.  After 2 ½ hours of persistent work, I was able to come up with this set – and I am very happy with the outcome.

I started by cutting out the box template (Three Inch Box Template.pdf) in Old Olive.  My inspiration for colors came from the Spring Break designer paper collection (lovingly received from Auntie M, thank you).  I then chose my coordinating color to be Not Quite Navy based on the colors in the Spring Break Designer Paper (DP).  I pulled out my Fresh Cuts note cards and gently trimmed them down to 2 ¾” squares so I could mount them to the front of the 3x3 Old Olive cards. 

The hardware used is from the Hodgepodge Collection in Pewter, and I also used two Build-a-Brad 's (also in Pewter).  NOTE:  Hodgepodge Hardware in Aged Copper, Antique Brass, and Pewter finishes will retire with the Spring-Summer Collection.  TIP:  Get yours before it's too late, or buy a set for a gift!  Take advantage of my free standard shipping offer before June 7^th (a savings of $6.95).

For each card, I wanted to create a distinct design, yet tie them together as a collection.  I achieved this by unifying the designer paper peeking through the Fresh Cuts notes, and in using the same hardware on the cards and box.  The envelope was made using the template provided on SCS, which you can also download here (3x3 Envelope Template).

COMING SOON:  Paper Lover’s Dream – Blog Candy!

Cotton Candy Dreams

NOTE:  Yesterday's post contains a Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog sneak peek!!  Scroll down for more details.

Today’s Kreation was completed for the Splitcoast challenge Try a New Technique (TLC168). The first part of the challenge was to emboss your image. So, I started with a base of Going Gray and spun that through my Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots embossing folder. I used Whisper White craft ink on top of watercolor paper, then sprinkled silver embossing powder over the ink. I then used my Stampin’ Up! heat tool to set the embossing powder which dried to the shiny silvery finish you see here (click image to enlarge for a better view).
 
The second part of the challenge was to watercolor. Now, I have to admit, I don’t have all the necessary supplies required to watercolor. Guess, I better add a few things to my wish list!  (Feel free to print your own wish list by clicking SU Wish List to the right)  I keep a blank one in my catalog at all times so when inspiration hits, I'm ready!  I took a shot at watercoloring and improvised using my Stampin’ Pastels in Regal Rose.  Picking up bits of color with my blender pen, I blended the color onto the paper.  I’m happy with the outcome, however, I will place an order for an Aqua pen soon!

To finish off, I added some Regal Rose wide grosgrain ribbon underneath, silvery brads to compliment the ticket punched corners, and added the sentiment popped up on two punched ovals.  Then off to bed I went in hopes of having "Cotton Candy Dreams". 

Product information: Watercolor paper is sold on page 166 of the Spring-Summer catalog; you'll get 20 sheets of 3.75" x 5" paper for only $6.95 (perfect for layering on your card front).  Embossing powder and the heat tool ($26.95) can both be found on page 187.  You'll get .5 ounces of powder for $4.75 and it is offered in a variety of colors; including clear. 

You can view more cards created for this challenge, by visiting the TLC168 gallery

Coming soon:  A sweet treat - blog candy