Inside The Studio: Important Announcements

August Release

If you are wondering where the August release Sneak Peek posts are, don't worry, there will be an August Release! However, it will be delayed. Since I will be out of town at the CHA Super Show, we have pushed the release to begin with sneak peeks on August 5th.

But don't fret, August also marks Wplus9's 6 month birthday and we will be celebrating with 4 new stamp sets and lots of release sneak peeks and samples! It should be a ton of fun and I hope to see you there.

Order Delays

Also, just a quick heads up:

All orders placed July 28th-August 1st will ship on Tuesday August 2nd.

Thanks in advance for your understanding!

In the meantime, have a great weekend and I will try to schedule a couple of posts for while I am gone so that the blog isn't a ghost town.

The Cutting Cafe: Jot It Down

Happy Friday! Hope you all had a wonderful day. Mine was fantastic, progress at work, got my hair did after work, and then out to eat for all you can eat crab legs with the fam. Fantastic. I'm getting ready to watch a little Ghost Adventures with Hunter, but wanted to pop in and share a card with you.

This card uses the Jot It Down printable stamp set from The Cutting Cafe. This is a great set for scrapbooking with 43 images for creative journaling. Well, I'm not a big scrapbooker, but when I saw the "Hello my name is" image...I immediately thought of AA (don't know why, and boy is that sad!). Which in turn, made me think of being sorry. HA!! And out came this baby. Don't ask me why my twisted mind works like it does. ;o)

Thanks for stopping by, and hope your weekend is off to as good a start as mine!

Moxie Fab Challenge: Let's Do Classy & Elegant

So I've been trying to enter each of the "Find Your Style" challenges over at Moxie Fab World. So far so good. Today, I'm taking a crack at Let's Do Classy & Elegant.

This simple stunner is quick, easy to replicate, and the touch of aqua really pops against the rest of the earth tones. I think this would make a fantastic set of wedding Thank You cards, how bout you?

Project Supplies

STAMPS: Woodgrain Silhouettes Additions (Wplus9 Design Studio)
INK: Aqua pigment ink (Martha Stewart); Sahara Sand dye ink (Stampin' Up!)
PAPER: Kraft, Chocolate Chip cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Stamper's Select (Papertrey Ink); Vellum
FIBERS: White satin ribbon (O'ffray)
OTHER: Cricut; Crop-a-dile (for punching holes to thread ribbon)

Beautiful Disaster

Yes, my friends, today's card was created for the Moxie Fab Find Your Style Challenge: Shabby & Vintage, and to say the least...it is NOT my style. LOL While it is not hideous...it is my own personal beautiful disaster.

I will say, this may be the most fun I've ever had creating a card. I mean, usually there is a lot of thought and consideration that goes into a card. Since I was totally out of my element here, I just threw caution to the wind and kept adding and layering until I ran out of room. I am a minimalist, so to be able to just pile it on, with no regard was refreshing. Which I am sure is NOT the correct way to go about designing for this style, but hey, it was fun. That's all that matters, right? ;o)

The one piece I am really happy with is the music score bg paper. I stamped the Music Score stamp (Stampendous) onto rustic cream cardstock, inked all around the edges with Tim Holtz distressing ink in Walnut Stain, used my nails to rough up the edges, and then finished it by misting it with Chalkboard Glimmer Mist in Hot Chocolate. LOVE how that came out!

Thanks for stopping by today, and be sure to head over to Moxie Fab World to try your hand at Shabby & Vintage!

All Eyes On...Embossing

We all know it, and we all love it...embossing! Whether it's heat embossing or dry embossing, it's hard to beat the instant impact that it adds to a project. And this month all eyes are on embossing.

Myself and a few of the Design Team members are sharing some cards with you that all feature embossing. I chose to focus on heat embossing, specifically, the "emboss resist" technique. For those of you that are not familiar with this technique, it's very easy, and produces stunning results. You simply clear emboss an image, and then add ink using a sponge, q-tip, or applicator directly over top of and around the embossed area. The embossed area will resist the ink, causing it to stand out clearly from the areas you have inked. I apologize that I do not have step-by-step photos this month (sometimes life gets in the way), but I did take some close-up shots for reference.

I started by stamping my focal image from Woodgrain Silhouettes Additions (Wplus9 Design Studio) in the center of my cardstock panel. Going in, I knew I wanted to frame the focal image and create an old worn/burned out look around the edges. And it was so easy.

I used the Music Score rubber background stamp by Stampendous. This is a large 4x5 inch stamp so all I had to do was ink all around the edges of the stamp, avoiding the middle, with Versamark ink and stamp directly over my focal image panel. This left my focal image clean. I then used clear embossing powder and shot it with my heat tool to set. Now it was time to add the contrasting ink. Using a Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Ink Applicator and Tim Holtz Distress Ink in walnut stain, I applied the ink in circular sweeping motions all around the edges of the panel directly over the embossing. To create the halo effect around the center stamped image I came in closer all around, using different amounts of ink and pressure here and there to break it up.

I absolutely love the effect this created and will be experimenting with it more in the future. Maybe I'll try using some Maya Mist etc. I finished the card using a sentiment from Mehndi Medallionsa (Wplus9 Design Studio), and framed that with buttons wrapped with some twine. Kind of a rustic elegance, don't you think?

Now let's check out what some of the the design team did. Just click on the pics to visit each blog and check out their cards.

Thanks for stopping by today! Don't forget, if you've got any requests for an All Eyes On...feature, be sure to leave it in the comments. Now...go get your craft on!

Project Supplies

STAMPS: Woodgrain Silhouettes Additions, Mehndi Medallions (Wplus9 Design Studio); Music Score (Stampendous)
INK: VersaMark; Canary pigment ink, Dark Brown fluid chalk ink (Colorbox); Walnut Stain distress ink (Tim Holtz by Ranger); Sahara Sand dye ink (Stampin' Up!)
PAPER: Rustic Cream cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Kraft cardstock (Stampin' Up!)
FIBERS: Rustic Twine (Papertrey Ink)
OTHER: Clear embossing powder (Stampendous); Alcohol Ink Applicator (Tim Holtz Ranger); Vintage buttons (Papertrey Ink); Heat tool

Color Cue {6} Challenge

Details

Create a card, scrapbook page, digital layout, tag, whatever...just make sure to use the above colors. For the coral, Papertrey Ink's Berry Sorbet or Stampin' Up!'s Cameo Coral are good equivalents. But anything you have on hand close to the colors will do.

Create your project and post it to your blog or online photo gallery such as Flickr or SCS. Add a direct link to your project (not your homepage please) by clicking the "add your link" button below.

Deadline

You have until August 7th at 10:59 pm EST to play along. You will know the deadline has passed when the link to add your project is no longer available.

Bonus

If you have Wplus9 stamps in your stash already, now would be the time to bust them out. I will be collecting lucky participants to feature as "On Cue with Color" here on the blog and at The Studio. If you don't have any yet...don't worry I still want to be inspired by you and you will still be featured here on the blog!

Here's some inspiration from the Wplus9 Design Team to get you started. Just click on each name to visit their blog and get the details on their projects.

I used Wplus9's Woodgrain Silhouettes and Woodgrain Silhouettes Additions for this soft and elegant Thank You. I have discovered that I LOVE to use Copic markers on Kraft paper...so much more forgiving than white.

Heather Pulvirenti

Hannah Craner

Savitri Wilder

Maile Belles

Now it's your turn! Add your link below.

Card Style Week: Clean & Graphic

Cath over at Moxie Fab World is celebrating Card Style Week. She is issuing challenges all week with each day focusing on a different card style. When I saw that today's style was "Clean & Graphic", well, you guys know I was on that like white on rice. LOL

Clean & Graphic is all about simple lines, shapes, and white space with pops of bold. It's definitely my "go to" style. I love every style, and try almost anything, and really envy those who pull off Shabby Chic & Vintage so well. But if I need to produce, and produce fast. Well...Clean & Graphic it is.

This little number is extremely simple. I stamped the butterflies from Woodgrain Silhouettes (Wplus9) in aqua and green pigment inks (Martha Stewart) first. I then pre-pierced my card stock and then came back in and hand stitched between the butterflies with black DMC floss. I punched the butterflies from vellum and added black pearls down the bodies. All that was left was to add a nice bold sentiment.

Stop by Moxie Fab World to add your own, or just to check out all of the other entries...you are sure to leave inspired!

Project Supplies

STAMPS: Woodgrain Silhouettes(Wplus9); sentiment from Giga Guidelines (Papertrey Ink)
INK: Aqua and Green pigment ink (Martha Stewart); Onyx Brilliance ink (Tsukineko)
PAPER: Stamper's Select white card stock (Papertrey Ink); Vellum (Stampin' Up!)
FIBERS: black floss (DMC)
OTHER: black pearls (Kaiser Crafts); butterfly punch (Martha Stewart)

On Cue With Color {5}

Lynn
Lynn is our On Cue feature as well as Elise's personal pick.

Boy, you guys just keep making this harder and harder! I just fell IN LOVE with all of the projects and ideas ya'll (yes I said ya'll) came up with for this color combo. And from the sounds of it, a lot of you unexpectedly loved this combo.

Be sure to check out all of the entries if you haven't already. The Color Cue is always packed with tons of talent and inspiration!

Congratulations Lynn, you will be featured on the homepage at the Studio, www.wplus9.com!

Thanks again to everyone who played along, the next Color Cue will be up on the 15th, I hope you find some time to play again!

Being a Friend

I just love long weekends, they make the work week go by so fast. I mean tomorrow is Wednesday already...and I'll be doing the "tomorrow's Friday" happy dance on Thursday. The weekend will be here before we know it!

Now that we are all in a good mood, I thought I'd drop in a share another Paper Craft's mag reject.

I got my color inspiration for today's card from the current Color Cue challenge. Most of the time I randomly pick the colors and create my project after I've selected the colors, just like you all playing along. At first I wasn't too sure I would be adding this combo to my "go-to" list, but after this card and the one I created for the challenge, I really really like the colors together.

I stamped Wplus9's Background Builders: Hearts in dark brown ink evenly spaced apart on a white panel. I used DMC floss in aqua, orange, and green to hand stitch in between each row of hearts and adhered the panel to the card front. I cut a 2" circle and inked one of the hearts from the same set using aqua ink and then stamped directly over it using sentiments from Funky Flowers. I then adhered that half on and half off of the panel. I double stacked the dimensionals on the the side the hangs off of the panel so it would lay flat.

Another CAS card that packs enough visual interest to stand out in a crowd. Or maybe not. LOL BTW, speaking of Color Cue, you still have until tomorrow night to participate if you have not already. Even if you don't, you should certainly check out all of the inspiration and stop by and show the participants some love!

Project Supplies

Thanks For Being a Friend

Card Dimensions: 4.25" x 5.5"
Stamps: Background Builders: Hearts, Funky Flowers (Wplus9)
Ink: Aqua pigment ink (Martha Stewart); Dark Brown fluid chalk ink (Colorbox)
Paper: Stamper's Select white cardstock (Papertrey Ink)
Fibers: DMC floss
Other: Circles Scissors Plus (EK Success); Corner Rounder (Fiskars)

Cutting Cafe: Bee Mine

I wanted to stop in and share some exciting news. I'm joining the super talented Design Team over at The Cutting Cafe for the next 3 months. Regina has some great images and cutting files and if you've never stopped by you really should!

For my first project, I just knew I had to use the Cute Critters digital stamp set.

There are some super cute images is this set, over 58 of them, for just $12.99! I had so much fun coloring in this little tree and the bees with Copics. This is a great way for me to practice my coloring skills as well. The images are all laid out in a pdf file, so I was able to just open and print the whole sheet, and color them all in at once. Now I have a few great focal images ready and waitin' to go.

I paired this image with the fun White Out collection papers by We R Memory Keepers. I just love how bright and cheerful this card turned out, and glitter...who could pass up the opportunity to add a little glitter just for good measure. ;o)

I also wanted to say thanks for all of the comments this weekend. And I hope it didn't sound like I was upset, because honestly I'm not. I'm cool either way, I really do just enjoy creating and sharing with all of you. Published or not!

Hope everyone had a happy and safe weekend.

Always There

WooHoo! It's Friday, it's officially after work hours, AND it's a three day weekend! Can you tell I'm just a little excited? ;o)

I wanted to drop in and share a quick card that I made for the last Paper Crafts call. It didn't get picked up (nor did the other 9) so that means I can share them here with you. Yea! I've come to the conclusion that PC hates me. Just kidding, it's all good. I like being able to share my creations with you right away anyway, so here goes.

I paired the MME "Quite Contrary" patterned papers with some Kraft cardstock. Yes, I am still loving this stuff, I swear, I may just use every last bit and scrap of that paper! For the border above the paper panel I used the bee trail image from The Birds & The Bees. You can stamp it end over end to create a long border if you just overlap the last 3 or so dots. If you look closely you can see where where they overlap in the pic.

For the sentiment I used an old alphabet set I've had for ages, I don't have the packaging anymore and can't remember who makes it. I wouldn't recommend it anyway, as it is an acrylic stamp set and I had to rub it with an eraser & stamp it in Versamark before inking it to get it to stamp clearly. Definitely not photopolymer! but it is what I had on hand. Note to self: buy or design an alpha set. I finished the sentiment by writing "for always being there" on a piece of rustic cream cardstock.

For the flower embellie, I used one the crocheted flowers I made awhile ago and layered it on a piece of scalloped brown felt and topped it with a button.

I am so looking forward to this long weekend. I got Practicing Creativity's Barefoot Summer set in the mail today and can't wait to ink it up. Hopefully, I will get some time to craft between all of the 4th of July festivities. How about you? Any big plans?

Project Supplies

Always There

Stamps: The Birds & The Bees (Wplus9); Alphabet (unknown)
Ink: Dark Brown fluid chalk ink (Colorbox); Soft Suede Stampin' Write marker (Stampin' Up!)
Paper: Kraft cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Rustic Cream cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Quite Contrary patterned paper (My Mind's Eye)
Fibers: crochet thread (Royale); button (extra from clothing)
Tools: Scallop border punch (Stampin' Up!); Big Shot (Sizzix)

Inside The Studio: International Shipping

Just a quick note. Due to popular demand, Wplus9 has expanded shipping to include all international locations!

Thanks, and I hope everyone is have a wonderful Friday!

July 2010 Release: Group Post Day

Today is the day! Mehndi Medallions and Hooked on You are now available at www.wplus9.com. And Release Day happens to be my favorite day because I get to see and share with you all of the wonderful projects the Wplus9 Design Team has created.

Click on their names or pics to visit their blog for full details and supplies, and don't forget to leave a comment while you're there. Everyone loves a comment!

Kerrianne Gwin

Kerrianne shows off her patriotic side with Mehndi Medallions. I love the glitter and embossing, it sure does remind me of fireworks.

Heather Pulvirenti

Heather really embraces the Indian influence of Mehndi design with her use of color and gold. I love the rich feeling she's created with the gold embossing and the added bling!

Maile Belles

Maile shows us the softer side of her unmistakable signature style. Here stamping of the leaves from Woodgrain Silhouettes Additions over the Medallion really caught my attention. And the wonderful intricate pattern she's created with the border stamp? Love it.

Hannah Craner

Oh, can I just first say, that I love this layout?! Hannah shows us just what cute little flowers can be made from Mehndi Medallions. I just love those leaves, and is that a the Spellbinders Blossom nestie I spy back there? Fab!

Elise Durenberger

I just love how Elise has truly embraced this stamp set! The colors, that patterned paper, the rhinestones, all the true essence of the inspiration for this set. I especially love what she has done with the border image. Notice how she stamped it at the top and the bottom giving the illusion of a much wider image. What a fantastic way to frame that paper!

As always, I just want to thank you for joining me this month, and for all of you that leave such sweet, encouraging, and inspiring comments. Now...go get your craft on!