Welcome Joni Nina Andaya

I am so excited to start formally introducing our new Wplus9 Designers! Over the next several weeks, they will be making special appearances here on the blog where they will share a little about themselves and what they've been cooking up for us with our April 2014 release.

Let's meet Joni Nina Andaya:

"Hi Joni here, I am a mom to a 9 year old girl with a very supportive husband. I also just recently acquired my Bachelor of Science in Information System concentrating on Software Engineering degree last month. I recently am working as a Web Developer at the moment.

I started venturing in making cards when my daughter was born, but did not really create my blog until the year of 2012. I love to use bold colors and dimensions on my projects. I also love to use different elements that are available that can be incorporated on my projects as well. Most of all I love creating my own backgrounds.

I am so excited and honored to be working and be given an opportunity to work with Wplus9, for this has been my dream to work with them for a long time now. My dream is now a reality that my hope is to inspire you more on using their amazing products."

Joni's personal blog: Papell With Love.

Joni will be here all week to share a ton of inspiration featuring our April 2014 release. And, she's given me the pick of the litter to feature here today.

This was a hard decision, as she has really delivered her signature style in all of her creations. Highlighting the very thing that caught my eye and made me fall in love with her designs.

After waffling back and forth, I choose two.

Her use of the Birds & Branches Die is incredible in this wedding card.

She has such a knack for fully utilizing her Wplus9 stash. I particularly like the way that she has worked the delicate branches from Heartfelt Holiday into this design. And the font from Fresh Cut Wreaths reinforces the overall mood of the card perfectly.

And notice how she's taken some creative license to stack and add color to the extra little flowers included in the Birds & Branches Die. It's these little details that take the die cuts to a whole new level. This creates a solid focal point for the birds, pushes the branches into the background and keeps the birds from getting lost or overpowered by the branches.

One of the things that I really think you all will enjoy about Joni's work is her technique work. It's not always obvious, but the way she peppers techniques into her design is amazing. I often analyze her cards and try to figure out "what is it" about this design that is capturing my attention so keenly. This is a great exercise in design. And 9 times out of 10 it's in the details. Like above, that simple flower detail and the soft inking in the background creates depth and captures the attention. It's subtle, but it's unmistakably there.

The next card that I chose is another example. I just kept coming back to look at it. Trying to figure out what was it that was making it so memorable.

And for this one, it was the unexpected combination of genre.

She's taken what appears to be a very feminine set, Spring Blooms, and turned it into an eclectic little bouquet of blooms. She's given this set edge by stamping and over-stamping it, and even over-stamping it again with the backside of the stamp. This created such a unique style that it is now able to pair up nicely with the bold and playful style of the "epic" stamp and die from Epic Dad.

She kept the playful and eclectic style going by adding some splatter to the background using Ink Splats. The vibrant and bold color choices offset by the softer tones is the icing on the cake.

These are wonderful examples of Joni's signature style. I always learn something new, am reminded of something that I had forgotten, or encouraged to push myself a little further through Joni's work.

I hope you all are as excited as I am to have Joni share her work, her ideas, and some of her techniques with us!

Wplus9 April 2014 Release Day 4

It's almost time. All of the products we have been previewing will be available purchase on April 5th at www.wplus9.com as well as at many of your favorite retailers.

If you are just joining us, be sure to check out Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 to catch up.

Before everything officially goes on sale, we have two more products to preview. Let's jump in the way back machine and take a look at a set that gives a nod to graffiti.

Epic Dad

Details

• is a 4x6" clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 13 individual stamps; 7 sentiments, and 6 images
• will be available for purchase April 5th for $14

Epic Dad Companion Die

Details

• contains 7 individual dies that can be easily separated if desired
• Approx. Measurements: (A) - 1 3/5 x 4/5", (B) - 2 3/5 x 1 1/2", (C) - 2 1/4 x 1 1/10", (D) - 3/4 x 3/5", (E) - 3/5 x 1/2", (F) - 2 7/10 x 1 1/2", (G) - 2 3/10 x 1 1/10"
• will be available for purchase April 5th for $13

Ironically, I was most excited to use this set, but ended up with the least time to devote to it. I have so many ideas for this set, but most are technique driven. The companion dies provide a ton of opportunities for inlaid die cutting. Given the little time I had left, I've opted to share some quick and easy samples.

This first card cracks me up every time I look at it. Do you remember the "Archie" comics? That little crown makes me think of the character Jughead. I loved that comic strip as a kid.

I started this card by stamping some ink splats in the background and then stamped the "dad" paint outline in black. I could have stamped the solid "dad" inside, but since I did not mask off my area before stamping the ink splats, I opted to add the the die cut "dad" in instead.

To emulate the graffiti look for the letters, I stamped "dad" onto my die cut once in Lake House Dye Ink. I gave the color a second to completely settle, then I inked up the bottom half of my stamp in the same color and over-stamped directly on top again. The ink is dry to the touch immediately after stamping and will not smear. But since dye in absorbs into the paper as it dries, I wanted to give it a minute to completely cure. This will give me the maximum color pay off on that second impression. For those wondering...a stamp press is a must for this technique. You will LOVE your Fiskars Stamp Press and never stamp another die cut without it again. I promise.

To finish off the card base, I embossed the large dot pattern in Borders & Backgrounds 4 in clear onto a black card base. I'm digging clear embossing on black card stock lately. It adds such great subtle texture and adds instant sophistication.

Wplus9 Supplies:
Stamps: Ink Splats (available 04/05/14), Borders & Backgrounds 4 (available for pre-order 04/05/14), Epic Dad (available 04/05/14) // Inks: Wild Mango Dye Ink, Cranberry Crush Dye Ink, Lake House Dye Ink // Dies: Epic Dad Die (available 04/05/14 // Cardstock: White, Black

Next, I wanted to show you a fun use for this set that could be for Father's Day, or a birthday, or any big day occasion. And, it passes as a masculine card, thanks to the color scheme. Who said masculine has to be boring or kitschy?

I used the same techniques on this card, except I embossed the outline in white this time. I'm telling you, I could make this exact card in every color combo I could possibly think of. I love it that much. And I'm usually an "ok, done that, what's next" kind of person. I just love that paint streak.

Wplus9 Supplies:
Stamps: Epic Dad (available 04/05/14) // Ink: Wild Mango Dye Ink, Lake House Dye Ink, Appletini Dye Ink // Dies: Epic Dad Companion Die (available 04/05/14 // Cardstock: Dove Grey, White

That's all the projects that I have to share with you today. But I do have something else to share.

I couldn't be happier with our new PURECOLOR dye inks. In fact, we have a new collection of colors on the way already!

For a limited time, we will be giving away the 3x4 Ink Splats stamp set as a FREE Gift when you purchase the Original 10 Collection! No coupons necessary, the set will be automatically added to your order when you purchase the Original 10 Collection. Offer is valid from 04/05/14 through 04/12/14.

And, be sure to keep checking back in here frequently. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but things have been much more active around here lately. And starting on the 7th, the new designers will be making their formal appearances here on the blog. They are so excited to share their creations with you. I had to hold some of them back, as I wanted to give them each their own proper debut! ;O)

We have one last giveaway for this release. If you'd like a chance to win today's featured products: Epic Dad and the Epic Dad Companion Die, just leave a comment by 10:00 PM EST tonight, April 4th to enter. I will select one random winner from all comments. Winners will be posted here.

Thanks for joining us!

Wplus9 April 2014 Release Day 3

Hey guys! We're back for another packed day of inspiration featuring our April 2014 Release!

For those of you that are new to Wplus9, we will spend the next couple of days getting up close and personal with the products that we will be releasing this month. All previewed items will be available for purchase on April 5th at www.wplus9.com as well as at many of your favorite retailers. If you are just joining us, be sure to catch up with Day 1 and Day 2 to get the details on what we'll be releasing.

Before we get to today's products, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you, to all of you. Your comments - your incredibly kind words, they just leave me speechless. Thank you so much.

I'm anxious to share today's projects with you. I had so much fun creating these. We've been in a very feminine mode the last two days. Well, the next two days will be more eclectic and expressive, moving into masculine, but with an edge. Ready? Let's go!

Borders & Backgrounds 4

Details

• is a 4x6" clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 6 individual stamps; 2 border/background building strips and 4 accent/background building images
• will be available for pre-order April 5th for $14

Quick Note: This set has been delayed by a few days. We are not guaranteed that the full batch will arrive by Saturday. We are expecting it as early as next week. However, we are allowing pre-orders for this item. We will NOT hold your order back if it contains this set. We will ship all in stock items and ship Borders & Backgrounds 4 as soon as it arrives, at no extra cost.

Ink Splats

Details

• is a 3x4" clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 4 individual stamps
• will be available for purchase April 5th for $6

And, we have re-released the previously retired So 80's stamp set for a limited time. This set is perfect for the mixed media, artsy/grungy look this is so popular again!

So 80's

Let's take a look at these in action.

For my first sample, I've used all of the featured sets and some previously released dies.

Ink Splats has quickly climbed it's way to the top of my "It List". At just $6, it's a perfect staple. I do like to splatter ink on my projects the traditional way, but you just can't achieve quite the same effect as you can with stamping. I love the way I was able to stamp out some random ink spots and then die cut the "26" from it.

The block sentiment from So 80's and the off kilter arrangement of "happy" from the Happy Trio die compliment the free-form style of the this card. It all looks just kind of thrown together. Although we all know that I arranged, and re-arranged, swapped out and brought back, and re-arranged these elements countless times. :)

To add some interest to the right side, I stamped the large dot chevron border image down the right side and embossed it in white.

Wplus9 Supplies:
Stamps: Ink Splats (available 04/05/14), Borders & Backgrounds 4 (available for pre-order 04/05/14), So 80's // Inks: Wild Mango Dye Ink, Cranberry Crush Dye Ink, Lake House Dye Ink // Dies: Happy Trio Die, Clear Cut Stackers: Hearts Die, Timeless Tags 2 Die, Modern Numerals Die // Cardstock: Cashmere, Dove Grey, White

This next duo of cards features that large ink smear I used to swatch out our inks that so many of you inquired about. And of course, Hand Lettered Hello. I think I already warned you about my over use of this set.

I liked this layout so much, that I made two.

Okay, so maybe it was because I couldn't decide whether to stamp the sentiment in white or black...so I did both.

Can you blame me?

Wplus9 Supplies:
Stamps: Hand Lettered Hello (available 04/05/14) So 8o's // Ink: Wild Mango Dye Ink, Sweet Nectar Dye Ink // Dies: Clear Cut Stackers: Circles // Cardstock: Black, White

So many of the products in this release work so well with our previous releases. I usually like to showcase new items on their own. To show their potential and give as many ideas using just that set. But, I was so inspired to pull out several of our older items while creating my samples. I wanted to show how you can really work these items into your existing stash, and to show their versatility.

The sentiments in Hand Lettered Hello fit perfectly into the Conversation Bubbles Die. To create the speech bubble with the negative heart, I used the heart in Seasonal Sentiments. I die cut the speech bubble, die cut the heart out of the speech bubble and then embossed it in silver.

Wplus9 Supplies:
Stamps: Hand Lettered Hello (available 04/05/14), Ink Splats (available 04/05/14) // Ink: Lake House Dye Ink, Nautical Navy Dye Ink, Sweet Gelato Dye Ink // Dies: Hand Lettered Hello Die (available 04/05/14), Conversation Bubbles, Seasonal Sentiments Die // Cardstock: Sweet Gelato, Lake House, White

We're down to my last sample for today. There's just something about this one that speaks to me. Maybe it's those vibrant colors against that black backdrop?

This one shows how a few "randomly" stamped and embossed images from Borders & Backgrounds 4 creates the most interesting background for that big bold "hello".

Wplus9 Supplies:
Stamps: Borders & Backgrounds 4 (available for pre-order 04/05/14) // Dies: Conversation Bubbles Die // Cardstock: White, Black

And that's, that. We have some edgy masculine stuff coming your way tomorrow. As usually, I've tried to take that "occasion" set and make it into something that can be useful all year round.

Ready for the giveaway? Ready for a chance to win today's featured products: Ink Splats, Borders & Backgrounds 4 and the limited edition So 80's stamp sets? Just leave a comment by 9:00 AM EST April 4th to enter. I will select one random winner from all comments. Winners will be posted here.

I'll be back tomorrow!

Wplus9 April 2014 Release Day 2

Welcome Back! For those of you that are new to Wplus9, we will spend the next couple of days getting up close and personal with the products that we will be releasing this month. All previewed items will be available for purchase on April 5th at www.wplus9.com as well as at many of your favorite retailers.

We have a wonderful variety of products to add to the Wplus9 store this month. And from the sound of things, so far...you guys think so too!

This may be my favorite release to date. And today, I'm sharing my favorites of the newest products. Including some gorgeous exclusive dies that you will only be able to get at wplus9.com!

Birds & Branches Frame

Details

• contains 6 individual dies wired together that can be easily separated if desired
• available exclusively at www.wplus9.com
• frame covers a full standard A2 card front
• Approx. Measurements: (A) - 4 1/4 x 5 1/2", (B) - 2/5 x 9/10" (small bird); 1 1/10 x 1/2" (large bird), (C) - 3/5 to 1/2
• will be available for purchase April 5th for $18

Foliage Frame Die

Details

• contains 2 individual dies wired together that can be easily separated if desired
• available exclusively at www.wplus9.com
• frame covers a full standard A2 card front
• Approx. Measurements: (A) - 4 1/4 x 5 1/2", (B) - 2 x 3"
• will be available for purchase April 5th for $18

Hand Lettered Hello

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Details

• is a 4x6" clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 18 individual sentiment stamps
• will be available for purchase April 5th for $14

Hand Lettered Hello Die

Details

• contains 1 die
• Approx. Measurements: 3 3/10 x 1 1/5"
• will be available for purchase April 5th for $5

You are going to love the detail in these large, full card front frame dies. They are wonderful alone, but amazing when paired together! I took my inspiration from paper cutting, specifically the 3-dimensional ones with layers of detail that build upon each other, and came up with this.

I started with a single base of the Birds & Branches Frame cut from our Soft Honeydew card stock. This die has five additional dies to further embellish if you'd like. I decided to highlight some of the flowers on the branches by adding them in Cashmere. I didn't waste time trying to exactly line up the flowers to the base. The suggestion of flowers already exists thanks to the silhouette, I just wanted to reinforce it.

I then die cut the Foliage Frame from Soft Honeydew card stock and another layer in vellum, adhered them together with Tombow Mono Multi Glue. To add further dimension, I attached the this layer to my card base with foam tape.

The branches provide the perfect spot to nestle two little love birds. The results are so striking in real life and I decided that the message was pretty obvious and left it sentiment-less. The final design reminds me of a shadow box.

Wplus9 Supplies:
Stamps: Dockside Backgrounds // Inks: White Pigment Ink // Dies: Birds & Branches Frame (available 04/05/14), Foliage Frame (available 04/05/14) // Cardstock: Cashmere, Dove Grey, Soft Honeydew

Next, I wanted to take it a little more bold, and add even more depth to the design. The colors are still soft and neutral for the most part. But the stark contrast in the details really makes it pop.

Instead of doubling up the outer Foliage Frame, I opted to double the branches. I cut two Birds & Branches Frames from white card stock and then layered them on top of each other. I cut the top and bottom off of the bottom frame so that I could offset the branches and put them exactly where I wanted them. To add a little depth, I added two foam squares between the layers and adhered the edges of the frames together with Tombow Mono Multi Glue.

The extra foam squares allowed me to add the birds on the branches at different depths and levels. There is plenty of space built into the design to add your sentiments as well. For this one, I kept it nice and simple and stamped mine in the lower right hand corner. Yes, I was holding my breath at this point, praying not to make a mistake! LOL

Wplus9 Supplies:
Stamps: Pretty Patches: Apple // Dies: Birds & Branches Frame (available 04/05/14), Foliage Frame (available 04/05/14) // Cardstock: Cupid's Bow, Dove Grey, White

Next, I wanted to show you how versatile these frames can be. You could use them beyond just a frame - stenciling or misting, partial die cutting, spotlighting - just to name a few.

I decided to use just a portion of the Birds & Branches Frame, omitting the the outer frame altogether.

For the sentiment, I used the new Hand Lettered Hello stamps and die. Now, I did not hand letter this myself. Just wanted to clarify. LOL But it is a font in a hand lettered style... This set is so versatile, and you'll be seeing more of it this week. I have used it in some way with every other product being released.

Because the design is intersected in several places, it all stays together when using just a portion and you don't have to do any tedious piecing back together.

Wplus9 Supplies:
Stamps: Hand Lettered Hello (available 04/05/14) // Dies: Birds & Branches Frame (available 04/05/14), Hand Lettered Hello Die (available 04/05/14) // Cardstock: Nautical Navy, Dove Grey, White

And finally, I had all of these left over pieces laying on my desk and wanted to see if could put together something quickly. And you know what...it worked! And no stamping!? This might be a first EVER for me.

Wplus9 Supplies:
Dies: Birds & Branches Frame Die (available 04/05/14), Foliage Frame Die (available 04/05/14) , Timeless Tags 2 // Cardstock: White, Sweet Gelato, Dove Grey

So what do you think so far? I told you, we have lot's of great stuff for Spring! And, we have some Father's Day stuff that I can't wait to show you as well.

How about a giveaway? Are you ready for a chance to win today's featured products: Birds & Branches Frame Die, Foliage Frame Die, Hand Lettered Hello and the Hand Letter Hello Die? Just leave a comment by 9:00 AM EST April 3rd to enter. I will select one random winner from all comments. Winners will be posted here.

As always, thanks for stopping by, I'll be back tomorrow!

Wplus9 April 2014 Release Day 1

It's Release Week! For those of you that are new to Wplus9, we will spend the next couple of days getting up close and personal with the products that we will be releasing this month. All previewed items will be available for purchase on April 5th at www.wplus9.com as well as at many of your favorite retailers.

Are you ready to see what's headed your way? I'm very excited to share everything with you. Today, I'll be focusing on these two stamp sets and companion die.

Spring Blooms

Details

• is a 6x8" clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 26 individual flower building stamps
• will be available for purchase April 5th for $21

Spring Blooms Companion Die

Details

• contains 6 individual dies wired together that can be easily separated if desired
• coordinates with the Spring Blooms stamp set
• Approx. Measurements: (A) - 1", (B) - 3/4 x 4/5", (C) - 1 1/5 x 1", (D) - 1 3/5", (E) - 4/5 x 3/4", (F) - 1 x 1/2", (G) - 1 x 3/4", (H) - 1 x 4/5", (I) - 2 1/4 x 1 2/5", (J) - 2 1/2 x 1 1/4", (K) - 1 3/5 x 1", (L) - 1 3/4 x 1"
• will be available for purchase April 5th for $17

Strictly Sentiments 4

Details

• is a 4x6" clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 10 individual sentiment stamps
• will be available for purchase April 5th for $14

With Mother's Day just around the corner, these two stamp sets make a wonderful pair. Strictly Sentiments 4 has you covered with plenty of sentiments for the occasion. And, it features that gorgeous font from Valentine Wishes that you guys have been requesting more of! Let me show you how great it pairs with the florals in our new Spring blooms set.

I opted for the larger 4x6" set versus a 3x4" set to accommodate the larger scaled sentiments in this set. I don't think you will be disappointed! They really stand out and hold their own against the large scaled florals in Spring Blooms.

I stamped several of the flowers and leaves using our new PURECOLOR dye inks, creating a frame to encase my sentiment. This set is so easy to use - from simple stamping to fun and creative techniques.

Wplus9 Supplies:
Stamps: Spring Blooms (available 04/05/14), Strictly Sentiments 4 (available 04/05/14) // Inks: Appletini Dye Ink, Bloomsberry Dye Ink, Wild Mango Dye Ink, Sweet Nectar Dye Ink // Cardstock: White

Speaking of techniques...I can not get enough of them lately! I find myself going through what seems like reams of paper just experimenting and trying new things. Which is how I ended up with the next two cards.

First up, how about some water coloring? These images are perfect for it!

Say what?!

I am in love with how this little cheat resembles an actual water color painting! And it is so easy. I stamped my images in Peeled Paint and Fired Brick Distress Inks onto 140lb water color paper. Then I used water and a paint brush to paint over the images. The negative lines in the five petal flower created the perfect amount of break in the color. Once the initial wash was dried, I came back in and added some additional washes of color with a brush.

The centers of the flowers were added using the same technique with Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink. For the sentiment, I knew I needed something big and bold. The largest "hello" from Hand Lettered Hello fit the bill. I will formally introduce that one tomorrow.

To finish it off, I distressed the bottom edge of the water color paper with edge of my scissors and adhered it to a Soft Honeydew card base.

Wplus9 Supplies:
Stamps: Spring Blooms (available 04/05/14), Hand Lettered Hello (available 04/05/14) // Cardstock: Soft Honeydew

My next card is the product of another experiment.

I've shown you guys how to use the Copic Colorless Blender to faux water color with our inks. That got me wondering if possibly they had similar properties...could you use them with the colored Copics as well. You know, lay down your base color with a solid stamped image, and then add deeper shades to add definition and detail?

Well this was the result:

Now, I've used Copics with other inks before. But the Copic color just lays on top of the ink. With our PureCOLOR dye inks, they actually blend together for a smooth blended transition. And, since you can blend them, you can manipulate the shape. The poppy-like flowers were created using the rounded flowers in Spring Blooms.

I die cut all of my pieces from white card stock using the Spring Blooms Companion Die. I then stamped the flowers with our Sweet Nectar dye ink, and stamped the different leaves with Old Gold and Appletini. I allowed them to dry completely and then started added additional color and details using a few Copics.

I didn't want to take away from the flowers, so I finished this one off very simply. I added some white wood embossing to the background. Once I had stamped the wood and added the embossing powder, I took a brush and knock off an area to stamp my sentiment and then created some irregular edges as well. Then I heat embossed as usual.

Wplus9 Supplies:
Stamps: Spring Blooms (available 04/05/14), Strictly Sentiments 4 (available 04/05/14), Dockside Backgrounds // Inks: Appletini Dye Ink, Old Gold Dye Ink, Sweet Nectar Dye Ink // Dies: Spring Blooms Companion Die (available 04/05/14) // Cardstock: White

So there you have Day 1, I hope that you have enjoyed today's products. I still have more, but I'll be sharing them in videos later this month.

How about a giveaway? Are you ready for a chance to win today's featured products: Strictly Sentiments 4, Spring Blooms and the Spring Booms Companion Die? Just leave a comment by 9:00 AM EST April 2nd to enter. I will select one random winner from all comments. Winners will be posted here.

Thanks for stopping by, I'll be back tomorrow!