Fancy Flare Shaped Card

Here is a card using the new embossing plates from Dies Direct, this one is called Foliage.  I inked the plate with Shades Dye ink Forest, then embossed Stardreams text weight paper.  The card base and the green panel behind the image are die cut using my French Flair dies from Dies Direct, the card is a full 5.5" square.  I stamped the Entwined Roses image with Memento Tuxedo black ink on Cryogen paper.  Copics used:
Roses - R81, R83, R85
Leaves - G21, Y15
Background - G20
The Stardreams paper was an off white which is why I added the background around the roses with G20.  But then the background was too green, so I simply airbrushed YG01 onto the Stardreams foliage embossed panel and everything matched.  I also airbrushed both the roses (Prima) and the gems to match with R85.  The shimmer from the Stardreams paper as well as the Cryogen I stamped on really makes this card beautiful.

Sweet Stamps Poinsettia

SweetStamps is now carrying cutting dies and embossing plates from Dies Direct.  These dies are heavy metal dies and unlike other companies which are made in China, these are made in the USA.  For this card, I have used my new E129 Poinsettia embossing plate, it will emboss an area that is 5-7/8 x 7-3/4 inches.  So you could make a background for a 6" square card with no seams.  Incredible! 

I began by rubbing Shades™ Duchess Rose ink all over the die.  Because it is metal, you don't have to worry about the ink getting in the recessed areas as the die does not bend like plastic ones.  Then using a piece of Stardreams Opal text weight paper, I embossed it using my Cuttlebug.  There are two great things about using text weight paper for embossing; one, you get a really detailed embossing, two, it keeps the weight of the card down.  And the really fun thing about Stardreams is the shimmer to the paper, it is iridescent.  Next, I stamped Sweet Stamps Poinsettia large and Merry Christmas large with Memento Tuxedo black ink onto Stardreams Opal card stock.  Copics used:
     Petals - R81, R83, R85
     Leaves - G21, G28
     Berries - YR15
I cut out the poinsettia and popped it up above the sentiment.  Finished size is 5.5" square.

Finally, a blog!

Welcome to the official SweetStamps blog (FINALLY)!  I've only been wanting to get this started for a year or two now, but as you may know I've been on a bus with the family traveling from trade show to trade show in a different city each week.

The purpose of this blog will be to share exciting news, samples, specials, products and techniques from SweetStamps.com and many talented ladies who love to stamp and paper craft. I have always believed in educating our customers which is why we're traveling the rubber stamp show circuit to bring our company to a city near you. In 2011, I hope to be able to teach classes at each convention or a nearby store. I'll be counting on you, our valued customers, for some insight to make sure we are giving you what you want in terms of product mix, education and value. Please feel free to email any suggestions or comments to me at info@sweetstamps.com.

When you see a link in a post (like this: www.shop.sweetstamps.com) clicking on it will open a new window and take you to our store site to make ordering easier. You can also link to our store by clicking on the SweetStamps.com logo in the upper left side of this blog.

Last but certainly not least, I'd like to thank Sandy Fredrick and Sandy Hulsart for all their help: at shows, behind the scenes, making samples, packaging, labeling, etc.  I'd be lost without my Sandys, they are truly PRICELESS :)

Happy stamping,
Stacey Richardson
SweetStamps.com