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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.

Winter Wonderland Snowflake Wreath

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

This week at Hand Stamped Sentiments we have a Winter Wonderland inspiration challenge.  When I saw the inspiration photo it made me think immediately of snowflakes so I created this snowflake wreath card.

I’ve been stuck on wreath cards because of the simplicity and elegance.  I used my Northern Frost Snowflake strip and Snow burst embossing folder along with silver glimmer paper for the snowflake theme. The sentiment is stamped with Island Indigo and heat embossed with Iridescent Embossing powder.

Snowflake wreath card

click to enlarge

Let’s see what inspires you in the photo below.  Go to HSS for more inspiration from our talented design team.

Wnter Wonderland Inspiration photo

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.

Snowflake Wreath Card

Size:  5.00”  H x 5.00” W

Stamp sets: Four the Holidays

Paper: Card Base:  Shimmer White; Card Stock:  Shimmer White; Silver Glimmer Paper

Ink: Island Indigo, Versamark

Accessories: Big Shot, Snow Burst Embossing Folder, Northern Frost strip, 1-1/4″ square punch, basic rhinestones, White Satin Ribbon, Rhinestone brad

Filed under: Christmas, Four the Holidays, Hand Stamped Sentiments Creative Challenge, Inspiration Challenge | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Christmas Cards Galore

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

This is a reminder about my Christmas Cards Galore class.  Come have a stamping good time and get all your cards done.  Each year I offer this class to create all your Christmas cards.  The class is on November 27 (and “to go kits”) where you would have all of the supplies to make 30 cards (envelopes included). Cost will be $35 and includes everything except adhesive. 

You must RSVP and pre-pay no later than Saturday, November 19 to ensure your project kit for the class.  You may pay online below.

Guests are encouraged to participate in a cookie or baked goods exchange. Christmas music, Christmas cards and stamping friends oh what fun!

Below are the cards you will be creating.

LAST CHANCE TODAY TO RSVP and prepay for the Sunday, November 27 class 2 pm to 5 pm.

$35 November 27 class

If you’d like to purchase a project kit and have it shipped to you pay online below.

$35 + $4.95 Project Kit with shipping

If you’d like to purchase a project kit and live in San Antonio, Texas I can make arrangements with you for pick up. You may pay online below.

$35 Project kit – no shipping

I am also offering instructions for how to cut the paper in the Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin’ kit and photos of each card with card recipes for all 30 cards at $5.95.

$5.95 Christmas Lane Instructions PDF

Filed under: Christmas, Classes | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Paris and Bargello Technique

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

This week on Hand Stamped Sentiments we have a technique challenge and the technique is Bargello.  Bargello is actually a  type of needlepoint embroidery.  It consists of upright flat stitches laid in a mathematical pattern to create motifs. The name originates from a series of chairs found in the Bargello palace in Florence, which have a “flame stitch” pattern.  Such interesting patterns can also be made with paper strips.

Bargello needlepoint examples

Bargello needlepoint examples taken from Wikipedia

I knew I wanted to use Bravo Burgundy and Old Olive so I came up with this card using the Artistic Etchings and Established Elegance stamp sets.  The paper strips are from the Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.  Love all the pretty patterns.    I also used the oval frame from the Set Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die to frame the Eiffel tower image.  The image is stamped with Early Espresso, Versamark and heat embossed with Iridescent Ice embossing powder.  The rosette is finished with Dazzling Details to add some sparkle.  The bow is centered with an antique brad.

Bargello Paris card

click to enlarge

Are you inspired to try the Bargello technique?!  If you are then head on over to HSS to upload your project.  To find out how to do the Bargello technique there’s a great photo and video tutorial on SCS .

Bargello technique 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.

Paris and Bargello technique Card

Size:  4.25”  H x 5.50” W

Stamp sets: Artistic Etchings, Established Elegance

Paper: Card Base:  Whisper White; Card Stock:  Bravo Burgundy; DSP:  Paisley Petals

Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Old Olive, Early Espresso, Versamark

Accessories: Big Shot, Set Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die, Basic Pearls, Bird Punch, Antique Brad, Old Olive Satin Ribbon, 1-3/8″ circle punch, Versamark, Iridescent Ice Stampin’ Embossing Powder, Dazzling Details.

Filed under: Artistic Etchings, Bargello, Established Elegance, Hand Stamped Sentiments Creative Challenge, Shabby Chic | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Over the Top Pewter Gilded Frame Christmas Card

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

This week’s challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments is to create an over the top Christmas card.  Inspired by a project I saw in the November Stampin’ SUCCESS magazine I created this over the top pewter gilded frame Christmas Card.

Gilded Frame Over the Top Christmas Card

Click image to enlarge

The embossed snowflake background is heat embossed with Iridescent Embossing Powder.

The frame is die cut using Sizzix Frame die.  I used the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder and inked up the inside of the embossing folder with Versamark then ran it through the Big Shot.  I then heat embossed it with Pewter Stampin’ Emboss Powder.  I love how the frame looks antiqued!

I used the Blossom Petals Builder punch to make the white poinsettia.  I used the three narrow petals to create the layers then used the Simply Scored to score the petals then adhered them to a 1″ circle with glue dots.  For some extra sparkle I applied Versamark and heat embossed with Iridescent Embossing Powder. For more shine I used  basic rhinestones for the center of the poinsettia.  The Blossom Petals Builder punch made it so easy!  The sentiment is stamped and heat embossed with Iridescent Embossing Powder on a 3/4″ strip of Whisper White card stock.

More basic rhinestones were added to the frame and background to send this card over the top with sparkle.

HSS Over the Top Christmas Card Challenge

I hope you’re inspired to join us this week.  For more over the top inspiration go to Hand Stamped Sentiments and see what our design team has created for this week.

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.

Over the Top Pewter Gilded Frame Christmas Card

Size:  5.00”  H x 5.00” W

Stamp sets: Four the Holidays

Paper: Card Stock:  Whisper White

Ink: Baja Breeze

Accessories: Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Embossing Folder, Snow Burst Textured Embossing Folder, Frame Sizzix Die, Blossom Petals Builder Punch, 1-1/4″ square punch, Basic Rhinestones, Versamrk, Pewter Stampin’ Embossing Powder

Filed under: Christmas, Four the Holidays, Hand Stamped Sentiments Creative Challenge, Paper Flowers, Theme Challenge | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments »

It’s not too early for Christmas

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

This week at Hand Stamped Sentiments we have a technique challenge.  You have your choice of making a project with a shaving cream, crayon or pastel technique  I chose to do the poppin’ pastel technique.  This is a very easy technique.  You stamp your image then use a sponge dauber with pastels and color away.  So easy!

For my card this week I chose to do a Christmas card with the Christmas Collage background stamp.  I inked up the stamp with Versamark then used Real Red, Always Artichoke and Chocolate Chip pastels to add color.  I distressed the edges then sponged with Soft Suede.

click image to enlarge

I then stamped again just the 25 with Versamark and heat embossed with gold.  I punched it out with the 1-1/2″ circle punch then glittered the edges with Champagne glass glitter.  I had some leftover scraps of retired Deck the Halls dsp and punched with my Decorative Label punch.  I used the Versamark pen to outline the edges then heat embossed with gold.  I made a lollie from another scrap of 1″ x 12″ scrap of retired Deck the Halls DSP.  I then assembled my 25 then adhered to my card.  To frame the image I used the Eyelet border punch and punched some scraps from retired Deck the halls and heat embossed the edges with gold.  Such a pretty detail.

The sentiment Seasons Greeting is from Snow Swirled and I also heat embossed with gold.

click image to enlarge

Hop on over to HHS and see more inspiration for this challenge from our talented Design Team.

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.

Christmas Collage Card

Size:  6.5o”  H x 5.00” W

Stamp sets: Christmas Collage, Snow Swirled

Paper: Cherry Cobbler Card base, Very Vanilla, retired Deck the Halls DSP

Ink: Versamark pad and pen, Stampin’ Pastels – Real Red, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Basic Pearls, Champagne Glass Glitter, Gold Embossing Powder, Decorative Label Punch, 1-1/2″ inch circle punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Heat tool, Simply Scored

Filed under: Christmas, Christmas Collage, Hand Stamped Sentiments Creative Challenge, Poppin' Pastels, Poppin' Pastels, Snow Swirled, Technique Challenge | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments »

Established Elegance

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

This week at Hand Stamped Sentiments we have a color challenge.  Let’s see what you can create with the colors of Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie and Night of Navy.  I was inspired by the rich colors to use the Established Elegance  stamp set.

Click image to enlarge

I stamped the dress form image on a tag made with Very Vanilla card stock.  The DSP is printed using My Digitial Studio.  I also used the frames embossing folder to frame the bust form.  Hop on over to Hand Stamped Sentiments and see more inspiration from our design team.

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.

Established Elegance Card

Size:  4.25” H x 5.50” W

Stamp sets: Established Elegance

Paper: Very Vanilla, Textured Cherry Cobbler, MDS printed DSP

Ink: Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Designer Frames Embossing folders, Big Shot, Basic Pearls, Heart Punch, 1-3/8″ circle punch

Filed under: Established Elegance, Feminine Thank you cards, Friendship, Thank you cards | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments »

A Charming Thank You

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Genevieve Valdes

This week at Hand Stamped Sentiments we want to be impressed.  Create any project with dry or heat embossing.  For my project I was inspired by a gift from a dear friend.  She brought it over this evening and I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful friend.  I had a different card planned for this week’s challenge but I’ll show you that card for next week’s challenge.

This card I CASED from my upline Tara Bazata.  I basically used the same layout but changed up a few detail.  I used the Charming stamp set which hasn’t seen ink for a few months.  I stamped the medallion and  embossed the background and used torn edges and sponging to the layers to add more texture.

Charming Thank You card

click image to enlarge

Hop on over to Hand Stamped Sentiments and see all the wonderful inspiration from our design team.  We’re prepared to be impressed by your projects.

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.

A Charming Thank You

Size:  4.25” H x 5.50” W

Stamp sets: Charming, Tiny Tags

Paper: Card base:  Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Daffodil Delight, Very Vanilla

Ink: Cajun Craze, Soft Suede; Flower and stems were inked with Cajun Craze, Daffodil Delight and Soft Suede markers

Accessories: Hemp Twine, Antique brads, Jewelry Tag punch, Sponge Daubers, Dimensionals, Big Shot, Square Lattice Embossing Folder

Filed under: Big Shot, Charming, Dry Embossing, Hand Stamped Sentiments Creative Challenge, Theme Challenge, Tiny Tags | Tagged: , , , , , | 7 Comments »

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.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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 »

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