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    All content found at Stampin' by Genny is the sole responsibility of Genevieve Valdes, a Stampin’ Up! Independent Demonstrator. Stampin’ Up! does not endorse, edit, or otherwise contribute to this website.

Wishing for Autumn

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

Here in San Antonio we’ve had record high temperatures.  110 degrees on Sunday!  Unbelievable!  All this heat has made me wish for autumn.  Cooler mornings and days is what everyone in San Antonio is wishing.  I can’t wait.  Later this week the temperature should drop to 90 degrees which will be wonderful.  So much for the weather and on to my project.  Wanting for autumn to arrive I decided this would be my inspiration for this week’s card for Hand Stamped Sentiments Monochromatic Theme Challenge. I used one of my favorite stamp sets, Autumn Splendor to create the leaves for an autumn wreath.  I stamped the leaves with Versamark and Cajun Craze then heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  To add more color to the leaves I used my blender pen with Cajun Craze, Early Espresso and Calypso Coral.

autumn wreath card

Click image to enlarge

autumn wreath inside card

click to enlarge

To see more fabulous projects for  this monochromatic challenge go to Hand Stamped Sentiments.

All Stampin’ Up! supplies below may be ordered from my website or email me to place your order.

All products are Stampin’ Up! unless noted.

Autumn Wreath Card

Size:  5.00” H x 5.00” W

Stamp sets: Autumn Splendor, Day of Gratitude

Paper: Card base:  Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze; DSP; Digital Paper from Autumn Spice Digital kit, Digital Paper Craze stripe

Ink: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Calypso Coral

Accessories: Decorative Label Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Basic Rhinestones (colored with brown Sharpie), Metallic brads, 5/8″ Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon

Filed under: Day of Gratitude, Fall projects, Hand Stamped Sentiments Creative Challenge, Theme Challenge | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Playing with Pennants and Banners

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

This week Hand Stamped Sentiments is having a Banner Bash!  Create any paper craft project using banners or pennants.  I’ve been wanting to use my new Halloween stamp set Howl-o-Ween Creeps so here’s a sneak peek of one of the monster images and sentiments.  This set is so much fun!  I can’t wait to create more Halloween items with this set.  I stamped the Frankenstein image on water color paper then used a blender pen and ink pads to color him.  I punched him out with 1-3/4 inch circle punch and sponged the edges with Basic Black ink.  Since the theme for the challenge is pennants I decided to create one large pennant using the Perfect Pennants die for the front of my card.  I then printed with My Digital Studio the DSP layers.  I used Cast a Spell and the Night Owl Digital kit.  I hope you’re inspired to start thinking about your fall and Halloween projects.  The Howl-o-Ween Creeps stamp set will be available on September 1st.

Click images to enlarge

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Inside of card

Join us Hand Stamped Sentiments for our Banner Bash Theme Challenge!

Banner Bash #81

All Stampin’ Up! supplies below may be ordered from my website or email me to place your order.

All products are Stampin’ Up! unless noted.

Happy Howl-O-Ween Card

Size:  5.50” H x 4.25” W

Stamp sets: Howl-o-ween Creeps, Wicked Cool

Paper: Card base:  Pumpkin Pie, Card Stock:  Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry; DSP; Digital Paper Cast a Spell and Night Owl Digital kit, Watercolor paper

Ink: Basic Black, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Perfect Plum

Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Pennants Die, Scallop Trim Border Punch, 1-1/4” Square Punch, 1-3/8” Circle Punch,1-3/4” Circle Punch, Retired Bat Punch, 1/8” Pumpkin Pie ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Blender Pen

Filed under: Big Shot, Halloween, Hand Stamped Sentiments Creative Challenge, Howl-o-ween Creeps, Theme Challenge | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments »

A Stitched Up Thank You!

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

We’re in stitches over at Hand Stamped Sentiments.  This week’s challenge is to create a project using faux or real stitches.  This challenge was perfect for inspiring me to use my sewing machine.  I needed to create a thank you card for a dear friend so I combined both tasks.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA I used a zig zag stitching all around my card and used the Paisley Prints DSP along with one of my favorite stamp sets Nature Walk.  I hope you’re inspired to join us at Hand Stamped Sentiments.

All Stitched Up

All Stampin’ Up! supplies below may be ordered from my website or email me to place your order.

All products are Stampin’ Up! unless noted.

Stitched Up Thank You Card

Size: 4.25” H x 5.50” W

Stamp sets: Nature Walk, Ornate Blossom, Three LIttle Words

Paper: Card base:  Always Artichoke, Card Stock:  Marina Mist, Whisper White; DSP; Paisley Prints and Digital printed  First Edition

Ink: Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Digital DSP printed on ink jet printer

Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Clear Embossing Powder for embossing bird image, VersaMark, Basic Rhinestones colored with Sharpie, 1/4” Whisper White grosgrain ribbon, non-Stampin’ Up! thread

Filed under: Feminine Thank you cards, Nature Walk, Ornate Blossom, Thank you cards, Three Little Words | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments »

Strength & Hope Class

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

This is a reminder that today, August 15th, is the last day to sign up for the Strength & Hope Class. 

This class will give you the opportunity to make beautiful cards and a 3D item and have the option to take your own stamp set home.  Do this and help the BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION earn money.

For every Strength and Hope stamp set that is sold from now until the end of August $2 will be donated to the BCRF!!! Everyone can help, and you get to go home with awesome projects.  There are a few options you have to choose from-

Click here to see class options.  For your convenience you can pay online!

I hope you’ll join me for this cause.

Filed under: Strength & Hope | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a comment »

BTS so soon!

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

It’s back to school time again! Where did the time go?! This week at Hand Stamped Sentiments the challenge is to create a school themed project. I remembered I had some pictures of my niece’s first day of 2nd grade so I created a matchbook album. This album was so easy to create.

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Album open with cards inside

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Other cards for the album

 Ariel Matchbook Album

Step 1: Start with card stock 3-7/8″ x 9-1/4″. Score at 4″ and 8-1/2″ and fold both flaps in so that the long flap tucks under the short flap.

Step 2: Create cards for the inside by cutting card stock into 3-5/8″ x 4-3/8″ pieces. You can make as many as you like, but four or five is recommended. More than five and the book will get a little too full.

Step 3: Adhere photos and embellish!

So easy! Check out Hand Stamped Stamped Sentiments for more BTS inspiration and join our challenge.

All Stampin’ Up! supplies below may be ordered from my website or email me to place your order.

All products are Stampin’ Up! unless noted.

Matchbook Album

Size: 3-7/8″ w x 4-1/2″ h

Digital stamp sets: My Digital Studio School Days, Schoolbook Serif Numbers

Rubber Stamps: Itty Bitty Bits

Paper: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Real Red

Ink: Inkjet printer , white gel pen

Accessories: Stripes Textured Impressions Folder, Big Shot, Naturally Serif Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die, retired Real Red grosgrain ribbon, silver brads, Punch Pack Trio, 1″ cirlce punch, 1-1/4″ circle punch, 2-1/2″ circle punch


Filed under: Matchbook Album, My Digital Studio, School Days, School Projects, Schoolbook Serif Numbers, Scrap book Projects, Theme Challenge | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

NEW Class – Strength and Hope

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

CLASS:  Strength & Hope Card Class – for Breast Cancer Research Foundation

DATE:  August 26

TIME:  6 pm to 8 pm (Central)

LOCATION:  2811 Stokely Hill, 78258

This class will give you the opportunity to make beautiful cards and have the option to take your own stamp set home.  Do this and help the BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION earn money.

For every Strength and Hope stamp set that is sold from now until the end of August $2 will be donated to the BCRF!!! Everyone can help, and you get to go home with awesome projects.  There are a few options you have to choose from-

Option 1 is $20: Class & Projects – this option will allow you the opportunity to make the class projects (4 cards of different designs) and a package of pearls to be used on your projects.  Envelopes are included with this class fee.

Option 1 - $20

Option 2 is $33: Class & Projects & Clear Mount Stamp Set– this option will give you the following.

  • projects (4 cards of different designs includes envelopes)
  •  package of pearls (150, 3 sizes)
  • clear mount Strength & Hope stamp set

With this option you are getting a $5 discount off the basic class option.  PLUS Stampin’ Up! will donate $2 to the BCRF thanks to you!!!

Option 2 - $33

Option 3 is $37: Class & Projects & Wood Mount Stamp Set– this option will give you the following

  • projects (4 cards of different designs includes envelopes)
  • package of pearls (150, 3 sizes)
  • wood mount Strength & Hope stamp set

With this option you are getting a $5 discount on the basic class option, PLUS Stampin’ Up! will donate $2 to the BCRF thanks to you!!!

Option 3 - $37

Space is limited for this class and due to the need of product for this class a PRE-PAID registration is required no later than August 15th.  Be sure to RSVP TODAY for your spot.  You may pay via PAYPAL  or mail a check/money order to me at 419 Misty Water Lane, San Antonio TX 78260.


Filed under: Classes, Strength & Hope | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Getting Fancy

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

It’s getting fancy at Hand Stamped Sentiments.  Fancy as in fancy fold cards.  This week’s challenge is to make your favorite fancy fold card.  There are so many it was difficult to choose.  I decided to make an accordion card because I wanted to use the stamp set, Established Elegance, I earned with my  Sale-a-bration sales.   There are 10 stamps in this set so it was perfect for my project.  I love this set because it has a vintage feel and since Puns from the Past retired this filled its place nicely.  I also used the stamp set Timeless Treasure which coordinates beautifully with Established Elegance.  They are both perfect for creating your shabby chic or vintage project.  I went for a vintage feel and used the new In-Color Wisteria Wonder.  Love this color.  It reminds me of Wisteria and Lavender all at the same time.  Here’s my project.  I photographed the panels and the back of the card so there are lots of pictures.

Click image to enlarge.

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To make this card you can start with an 8.5” x 11” sheet of card stock.  I cut it to 10.5” x 4.25” then scored it at 3.5″, flipped it and scored at 7″ to create my valley and mountain folds. Then I marked where I wanted to to make the angled cuts and cut them all at the same time.  I’ve included a template for the base and the Very Vanilla layers so you don’t have to figure out the angle cuts.  See card recipe below for template.

To create a weather-distressed look I sponged the Very Vanilla layers with Soft Suede then sponged with Wisteria Wonder and more Soft Suede.  For more antiquing and aging also used the Color Spritzer Tool with the Soft Suede Marker.  The edges of the card base are sponged with Wisteria Wonder ink.

I hope my card inspires you to get fancy with us at Hand Stamped Sentiments.

Fancy Fold blog image

All Stampin’ Up! supplies below may be ordered from my website or email me to place your order.

All products are Stampin’ Up! unless noted.

Vintage Wisteria Accordion Card

Accordion Card template:  Click here for template.

Size: 4.25″ H x 3.500 W″

Rubber Stamps:  Established Elegance, Timeless Treasure

Paper:  Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake

Ink:  Wisteria Wonder, Soft Suede

Accessories: Basic Rhinestones (colored with a Sharpie marker), 1/4” Very Vanilla grosgrain ribbon, 3/8” Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, 5/8” Victoria Crochet Trim, Antique Brad, Dazzling diamonds, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, 1-1/4” Square Punch for punching ends of banner, Textured Impressions Designer Frames Embossing Folder, Color Spritzer Tool

, Big Shot,

Technique: Stamping, Die Cutting, Embossing

Filed under: Accordion Cards, Established Elegance, Friendship, Hand Stamped Sentiments Creative Challenge, Paper Flowers, Theme Challenge, Timeless Treasure | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments »

Flourish Fever

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

This week at Hand Stamped Sentiments we have Flourish Fever!  What is a flourish you ask?  Well for our challenge it is a decorative image with sweeping or fanciful curves or lines.  I immediately thought of the flourish in the Strength and Hope stamp set and the digital background papers.  I went for the shabby chic style and this is what I created.

Click image to enlarge

I stamped the solid heart in Pretty in Pink from the I (heart) Hearts stamp set then for that sparkle I covered it in Dazzling Diamonds and added the pearls.  I distressed the edges by sponging them with Soft Suede and also using the Cutter Kit to tatter the edges.  The flower layers were scrunched and the edges sponged to distress it.

Inside of card - Stamped with the flourish from Strength and Hope

I invite you to catch Flourish Fever with us and participate in the Hand Stamped Sentiments Flourish Fever challenge.

All Stampin’ Up! supplies below may be ordered from my website or email me to place your order.

All products are Stampin’ Up! unless noted.

Flourish Fever Card

Size: 5.00″ H x 5.00″

Rubber Stamps:  Strength and Hope, I (Heart) Hearts

Digital Background Paper:  Strength and Hope digital DSP

Ink:  Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede

Accessories: Basic Pearls, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Scribbles, Swirls Sizzlits Die, Perfect Pennants Bigz Die, Fun Flowers Bigz L Die, Big Shot, Large Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Antique Brad, 5/8 Inch Crochet Trim Victoria, Dazzling Diamonds, Sponge Daubers

Technique: Digital Crafting with My Digital Studio, Stamping, Die Cutting

Filed under: Birthday, Feminine Birthday, Hand Stamped Sentiments Creative Challenge, I (Heart) Hearts, Paper Flowers, Stamp Sets, Theme Challenge | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments »

Summer Birthday Party Celebration

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

click image to enlarge

This week at Hand Stamped Sentiments we’re continuing with the summer theme.  For my project I created this invitation post card with My Digital Studio.  I love that Stampin’ Up! has new images almost every Tuesday.  There’s so many images to choose from and now we also have the new 2011-2013 In-Colors.  For my invitation I used the Fabulous Florets digital stamp brush set and rhinestones to embellish.  It’s so easy to create with My Digital Studio!  To see all the newest downloads click here.

All Stampin’ Up! supplies below may be ordered from my website or email me to place your order.

All products are Stampin’ Up! unless noted.

Celebrate Birthday Party Invitation

Size: 3.50″ H x 5.00″ W

Digital Stamps:  Fabulous Florets digital stamp brush set

Digital Background Paper: Peach Parfait

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Poppy Parade

Accessories: Circle Punch, Rhinestones

Technique: Digital Crafting with My Digital Studio Software

Filed under: Birthday, Invitations, My Digital Studio | Tagged: , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Kick-Off Party Post Update

Posted on July 17, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

Thank you to my customers that attended the NEW Catalog Kick-Off /Customer Appreciation Party!  A  great time was had by all.  There were lots of giveaways, eats & treats, make-n-takes and a Free copy of Stampin’ Up!’s New Idea & Catalog Book.   I also would like to thank Minnie Cieslak for helping me with my event and her only request for helping me with my party was she wanted to stamp.  Well stamp we did!  I wish I would have taken pictures of my event but sadly I did not.  However here are pictures of the make-n-takes.

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Above card CASE’d from Amanda Mertz

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I do want to say THANK YOU again to all my stamping friends that were able to make it.  It was so much fun and I truly enjoyed talking and stamping with all of them.  I hope you all had as good of a time as I did.  I can’t wait for next year’s event and I’m looking forward to seeing my stamping friends at upcoming events and classes.

All Stampin’ Up! supplies below may be ordered from my website or email me to place your order.

All products are Stampin’ Up! unless noted.

Wish Big  Card

Size: 4.25″ H x 5.50″ W

Stamps:  Pennant Parade

Paper: Card Stock:  Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight

Ink:  Island Indigo, Riding Hood Red, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Petite Pennant Builder Punch, 3/4″ circle punch, 1″ circle punch, 1/2″ circle punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Big Shot

Technique: Die cutting, stamping

Hello Card

Size: 4.25″ H x 5.50″ W

Stamps:  Posy Punch (hostess set)

Paper: Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Poppy Parade, First Edition Digital DSP printed from My Digital Studio

Ink:  Basic Black, Poppy Parade

Accessories: Fancy Flower Punch, Two Step Bird Punch, 1″ punch, 1-1/4″ punch, Punch Pack, Black Grosgrain Ribbon

Technique: Die cutting, stamping

Need for Speed Card

Size: 4.25″ H x 5.50″ W

Stamps:  Need for Speed, Word Play

Paper: Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Poppy Parade, First Edition Digital DSP printed from My Digital Studio

Ink:  Basic Black

Accessories:  3/16 Inch Corner Punch, Black Grosgrain ribbon

Technique: Die cutting, stamping

Filed under: Birthday, Hello cards, Make & Take projects, Need for Speed, Pennant Parade, Spring, Stampin' Up! Workshop | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

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