Second Sunday Sketches #10 Starts Today!

It is time for another Second Sunday Sketches challenge! If you are new to Second Sunday Sketches, please review the rules here or below. Each second Sunday of the month, I will post a card sketch. A sketch is graphic or drawing of how the elements of a card are layed out.

You will then use the sketch as a guide to create your own card. Your card must be a new creation and reflect the challenge guidelines. Your card must include the major elements of the card sketch, such as the number of layers and the general position of the embellishments and/or die cuts. You can rotate the sketch for a top-folding card or for a side-folding card.

You choose the occasion and the color palette as well as the stamp set(s) and the embellishments. I do ask that you use Stampin' Up! products (current or retired).

The measurements will also be included in the blog post for each Second Sunday Sketches sketch challenge. You can use the measurements as given or increase them or decrease them. For example, if a greeting is stamped on a 1" circle on the sketch, but the greeting you choose is 1-3/4", then increase the size of the circle to 1-3/4". You can also change the shape. Instead of a circle, you can use an oval, a square, a daisy punch, etc.

The challenge will run from the second Sunday of the month until the last day of that month.

Below is February's card sketch.

Challenge Dates

February's challenge will run from February 9th, 2020 until February 29th, 2020 at 5pm EST.

If you would like to participate in the Second Sunday Sketches sketch challenge, please create a card using the sketch above and email me a photo of your card by February 29th, 2020 at 5pm EST with the subject line Second Sunday Sketches Entry.

Prize Drawing

The day after the last day of the month (March 1st), I will place all of the names of the participants in a hat and randomly draw a winner. The winner will receive a prize! The prize each month will change and will be announced at the start of each challenge. January's Second Sunday Sketches sketch challenge prize is Item #151326 and three hand-made cards from me.

Winner Announcement

If you are the winner, I will notify you by email. Please respond to my email with your complete mailing address, and I will mail you your prize! If the winner does not respond to my email within 7 days, I will draw another winner.

I will also post all of the entries on my blog (with your names attached to the photos) and the name of the winner.

Card Sketch Sample

Here is a sample of how I interpreted this card sketch using The Gang's All Meer Stamp Set (Item #152294). The Gang's All Meer Stamp Set is a FREE stamp set that you can earn by placing a qualifying order $50 USD or more (before tax and shipping) during Sale-A-Bration 2020 (January 3rd-March 31st, 2020)! For more details and information, check out my blog post HERE.

I used Stampin' Write Markers to ink only one meerkat at a time from the group of meerkats image in each of the stitched circle die cuts.

I also used a Real Red Stampin' Write Marker to ink only the "happy birthday" part of the "happy birthday to a stand-up friend" image. Using the Stampin' Write Markers to ink stamps is a great technique to stamp only the portion of the image you want. It can also be easier than cutting a mask.

I used a Blender Pen to pick up ink from the bottom of the ink pad and add some fur to the meerkats. Blender Pens are a fantastic way to add a more transparent, lighter shade of the ink. I love that you can create even more shades of the same ink with just one ink pad!

Some Ideas on How to Make this Card Sketch Your Own

There are many ways to change this card to make it your own! You can rotate the card layout 90 degrees, change the hearts to another shape like flowers or letters, add a mat layer beneath the hearts, use embossing folders to add more texture to a mat layer, and more!

I am looking forward to seeing your personal take on the tenth Second Sunday Sketches sketch challenge! If you have any questions about this card sketch challenge, please let me know! I am happy to assist!

Happy Stamping!
Beth

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Host Codes & Current Promotions:
February Host Code - D4BRTTN4 When placing an order, please use host code D4BRTTN4 for orders under $150 USD. Please don't use the host code if your order is more than $150. Use Host Code D4BRTTN4 if you are attending the Stamp of the Month Class long distance to have your Stamp of the Month Bundle mailed directly to you.

The January-June Mini Catalog is now the new name for the Occasions Catalog. The January-June Mini Catalog will run from January 3rd, 2020 through June 2nd, 2020. It is filled to the brim with a multitude of stamping goodies for all kinds of spring and early summer holidays and occasions, including weddings, Easter, Valentine's Day, anniversaries, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and more! Visit my online store to see all of the January-June Mini Catalog products!

Sale-A-Bration is a three month long special promotion that for each qualifying purchase you can earn FREE products from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog! From January 3rd, 2020 through March 31st, 2020 for every $50 you spend before tax and shipping, you can earn a Level 1 product from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog. For every $100 you spend before tax and shipping, you earn a Level 2 product from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog. For more details and information, check out my blog post HERE. View the Sale-a-Bration products in my online store HERE.

 When you host a workshop or place a single order of $300 USD or more during Sale-A-Bration 2020, you earn a FREE Little Lady Bug Stamp Set (Item #152384). This is an adorable lady bug stamp set that is sure to bring cheer to every project! The Little Lady Bug stamp set is not for purchase and can only be earned on qualifying orders during Sale-A-Bration 2020. For more details and information, check out my blog post HERE.

During Sale-A-Bration 2020 (January 3rd, 2020 through March 31st, 2020), when you join Stampin' Up! as a new demonstrator you also receive a Mini Paper Cutter, a sampler pack of 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper, and the stamp set of your choice (excluding host sets and Sale-A-Bration sets) in addition to the $125 USD in product for $99 USD, free shipping, a free Paper Pumpkin Kit, and free business supplies! This is one of the best joining specials that I have seen since I became a demonstrator!  For more information, check out my blog post here or contact me today. I would love for you to join my team the Purrfect Stampers!

Get a sneak peek of February's Paper Pumpkin Kit! February's kit theme is A Lovely Day. This month's kit is all about celebrating! It will make 9 cards and 9 coordinating envelopes. February's kit also coordinates with the Happy Birthday to You Stamp Set (Item 152308) in the Sale-A-Bration Catalog, providing even more versatility! Sign up for Paper Pumpkin by February 10th to receive February's Kit! Click here for more information about February's Paper Pumpkin kit!

June 4th, 2019 - June 2nd, 2020 - Shop from the 2019-2020 Annual Catalog for all of your stamping needs! This catalog is bursting with must have stamp sets, dies, embossing folders, ribbons, rhinestones, and more! I love the entire catalog! I think you will too! Check out all of the new products today!

Are you new to stamping? The Beginner Brochure may be the right place to start! The Beginner Brochure features a collection of stamp sets, kits, and bundles that are specifically designed to help you build your stamping skills! Check out our Beginner Brochure today! View the Beginner Brochure products in my online store. Download the Beginner Brochure here.

P.S. If you are a Magnolia Lane Product Suite Fan, there is a companion stamp set Magnolia Blooms (Item #152729) in the Beginner Brochure!

Custom Stampin' Write Marker Storage

I recently updated my Stampin' Write Marker storage when my previous organizational cardboard drawer unit collapsed after all these years! I am so excited to share with you my custom Side by Side Marker unit from Stamp-n-Storage!

I wanted something that was easy to access for current Stampin' Write Markers that would store my retired Stampin' Write Markers and other coloring tools as well as be more durable.

I really like the Storage by Stampin' Up! customizable units. The ink pad and marker combo trays are fabulous! However, I organize my crafting supplies by type. I have stations and areas for die cutting, stamping, cardstock, coloring tools, etc in different parts of my craft room.

So, the next place I thought of was Stamp-n-Storage! They have quality, hand crafted organizational units for papercrafters of all types!

I really liked the Side by Side Marker unit, but didn't want ALL of my Stampin' Write Markers on display. I set to work making modifications. I drew a line version on my computer of what I was thinking of. I modified the original Side by Side Marker unit by widening it and changing 8 of the rows into 2 removable drawers. Widening the unit made it possible to store some of my markers in drawers instead of in rows without making the unit too deep to access the markers that I did want to display.

I sent my line drawing and request to Brett, one of the owners of Stamp-n-Storage, inquiring if these modifications were possible.

I am a big fan of Stamp-n-Storage! I love my Color Collection Ink Pad Holder and Stampin' Blend Units! They have made working in my craft room more efficient, tidier, and prettier! So, you can imagine how overjoyed I was when Brett said yes to my custom request!

I was overjoyed even more when my package arrived! Seeing my modifications come to life and knowing that someone made this with their hands was just amazing!

The top drawer holds my retired Stampin' Write Markers. This drawer can hold up to 54 Stampin' Write Markers! Wow! I sure tested it! It can also hold ink refills, Stampin' Blends, smaller ribbon spools, washi tape, and more!

The bottom drawer holds my spritzers and my Aquapainters. Because I hold a lot of classes, I have multiple packs of Aquapainters. You can never have too many spritzers either! Once you fill one with ink refill or shimmer paint, you need another one to fill with water!

I like that these drawers are removable and wide enough to hold a variety of stamping supplies, so that as my needs change, this side by side marker unit can grow with me.

Here is how I filled the bottom portion of my customer Side by Side Marker unit. Starting with the first row and going down, I placed

• the Brights Collection Stampin' Write Markers and chalk markers, 
• the Subtles Collection Stampin' Write Markers and retired metallic markers,  
• the Regals Collection Stampin' Write Markers and journaling pens,
• the Neutrals Collection Stampin' Write Markers,
• the 2019-2021 In Colors Collection Stampin' Write Markers and the 2018-2020 In Colors Collection Stampin' Write Markers,
• Basic Black Stampin' Write Markers,
• and the Blender Pens.

There even is an empty row at the bottom of the unit for any duplicate current markers or future purchases!

I cannot say enough good things about Stamp-n-Storage! I am so thankful to Stamp-n-Storage for customizing their Side by Side Marker unit for me! I have been working hard reorganizing my craft room lately and plan on purchasing a few more Stamp-n-Storage pieces!

You can see the original Side by Side Marker unit and all of Stamp-n-Storage's products in their online store. Check what else they have to help you organize your craft room!

I hope you enjoyed this post! Please leave a comment below (click on the pencil icon)! I would love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by!
Beth

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Shop Online 24/7 in my Online Store
Check out the Clearance Rack
Sign Up for Classes, Events, and Retreat Days
Sign up for my newsletter and mailing list or request a catalog
Sign Up for Paper Pumpkin
Join my Stampin' Team - the Purrfect Stampers!

Host Codes & Current Promotions:
July Host Code - WMKPWCCH
When placing an order, please use host code WMKPWCCH for orders under $150 USD. Please don't use the host code if your order is more than $150. Use Host Code WMKPWCCH if you are attending the Stamp of the Month Class long distance to have your Stamp of the Month Bundle mailed directly to you.

Bonus Days are here! From July 1st through July 31st, 2019, you can earn Bonus Days Coupon Codes with each qualifying order! For every $50 USD you order, you earn a $5 Coupon Code to redeem from August 1st - August 31st, 2019! Check out the promotion flyer here and more details here.

Extra! Extra! There is a new promotion for demonstrators who join Stampin' Up! from July 1st through August 31st, 2019! New demonstrators receive $30 additional USD in their Starter Kit and then another $10 USD Coupon Code the following month to redeem on their first order! That means, for $99 USD plus tax, demonstrators who join during this promotion receive $155 USD in product towards their Starter Kit, a FREE Paper Pumpkin Kit, FREE business supplies, FREE shipping, and a $10 USD Coupon Code (the following month)! WOW! That's an incredible way to start your Stampin' Up! demonstratorship! I would love to have you join my demonstrator team Purrfect Stampers! Check out the promotion flyer here and more details and exclusions here.

Stampin' Up! is launching a NEW line of storage solutions called Storage by Stampin' Up! for ink pads, Stampin' Write Markers, Stampin' Blends, and accessories! Each of the modular cubes, trays, and bins are stackable and can be configured in hundreds of ways! Check out the new storage solution on my online store. Check out the product flyer here and the configuration idea flyer here.

Paper Pumpkin is giving us a sneak peek into August's Project Kit! Fall will soon be here! Let Paper Pumpkin help you get ready for the fall with August's Gift of Fall project kit! It gives you everything you need for autumnal paper crafting bliss. Each kit comes with the supplies to make 6 gift bags and 12 gift tags. The coordinating colors are Blackberry Bliss, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake, Crushed Curry, Merry Merlot, Mint Macaron, Old Olive, Pretty Peacock, Soft Suede, and Whisper White. If you want to convert your gift bags and tags to cards or want to make it all, starting August 1st, 2019, Paper Pumpkin subscribers can purchase an Add On Card Bundle (Item #152885) for $10 USD! This add-on card bundle includes 24 note card bases with coordinating envelopes that you can use with your Gift of Fall Paper Pumpkin project kit. The Add On Card Bundle will be available starting August 1st while supplies last. Sign up for Paper Pumpkin by August 10th to receive August's Kit! Shop starting August 1st to purchase the Add On Card Bundle.

June 4th, 2019 - June 2nd, 2020 - Shop from the 2019-2020 Annual Catalog for all of your stamping needs! This catalog is bursting with must have stamp sets, dies, embossing folders, ribbons, rhinestones, and more! I love the entire catalog! I think you will too! Check out all of the new products today!

Are you new to stamping? The Beginner Brochure may be the right place to start! The Beginner Brochure features a collection of stamp sets, kits, and bundles that are specifically designed to help you build your stamping skills! Check out our Beginner Brochure today! View the Beginner Brochure products in my online store. Download the Beginner Brochure here.

P.S. If you are a Magnolia Lane Product Suite Fan, there is a companion stamp set Magnolia Blooms (Item #152729) in the Beginner Brochure!

Stampin' Blends are here!

I am so excited I can barely contain myself! Stampin' Up! debuted their new alcohol based markers Stampin' Blends today!

Stampin' Blends are a fantastic new line of alcohol based markers to help you add color, shading, depth, and blending to your stamped images.

 

There will be 12 different colors that coordinate with existing Stampin' Up! colors.

Each of the 12 colors will have 2 shades - one lighter shade and one darker shade.
 

In addition, there will be a bronze, an ivory, and a colorlifter marker. In total, there will be 26 markers.

Stampin' Blends are dual-tipped with a brush on one end and a fine point on the other end.

They are more square than round and will lay flat on the table instead of rolling. The caps will nest. So, no worries about losing a cap easily.

The Color Lifter Marker can take some of the saturation away and almost "erase" small mistakes. It reminds me of the sun collages with the special light reactive paper or a slight bleach effect.

Notice how the two shades of Rich Razzleberry remain distinct even when the darker shade is applied directly on top of the lighter shade.

The bronze and ivory Stampin' Blends are designed to be used to create skin tones. You can combine the two colors together, use them singularly, or with the color lifter. 

Why are alcohol based Stampin' Blends so special?

• The alcohol base allows for more shading and blending when coloring stamped images. It creates a smoother gradient between the shades to make highlights and shadows without clouding the colors
• Alcohol based markers also do not react with your paper, avoiding tears and felting you often see with a blender pen.
• Alcohol based markers on permanent on most surfaces.
• Alcohol markers have dye-based pigments that have a more vibrant color saturation.
• Coloring books for adults have become more and more popular over the last few years. Many stamps have also changed to include more opportunities for coloring and shading. Waterbased markers are amazing. I use them quite a bit in my stamping and will continue to do so, for sure. However, they can be limiting when it comes to finer shading and blending. So, the need for a more specialized marker is apparent. If you enjoy coloring with shading and blending, these are definitely markers to have in your craft room.

Here are tips to remember when using and storing your Stampin' Blends markers.

• Store your Stampin' Blenders markers horizontally so that the ink saturates both ends
• Place the cap on as soon as you are finished using the marker to avoid evaporation. Push the cap completely down. You should hear a click.
• Alcohol markers dry quickly, so work in small areas on your stamped image at a time
• If coloring heat embossed images, avoid coloring over the embossed lines. If you do, wipe quickly with a paper towel or soft cloth.
• Place the cap on tightly and securely to avoid evaporation
• Alcohol markers like many other markers are UV light sensitive, so be sure to keep them and your projects out of direct sunlight to avoid fading
• Use Stampin' Blends Markers with ink pads that will not run or smear such as Tuxedo Black Momento Ink. Tuxedo Black Momento Ink is a quick-drying, combination water and dye based ink pad that is water and light resistant. It is also archival quality. Wait a few moments before coloring to allow the ink to dry.
• Use thicker paper such as Thick Whisper White cardstock and Watercolor Paper to avoid the markers bleeding through the paper but experiment with vellum, glossy cardstock, and other colors of cardstock to achieve the look you want
• Stampin' Blends are not refillable
• Protect your work surface with grid paper or other protective mats

Most of all, have fun. Stamp a bunch of images such as flowers, trees, animals, etc and try out different color combinations and shading angles.

I created a sample chart template to see all of your Stampin' Blends colors at a glance and practice blending. Print out the template with Thick Whisper White cardstock (make sure your printer can accept this weight of paper before printing).

To help you practice using your Stampin' Blends there is a card kit and stamp set called Color Me Happy. It features several of the new Stampin' Blends markers to create 16 gorgeous cards.

Click here to download the Stampin' Blends brochure.

I will have all of the Stampin' Blends markers and the kit samples available to view and try on Saturday, November 4th during my Annual Birthday Sale.

Thanks for stopping by!
Beth