Libby Fens, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Libby Fens offering original and creative paper crafting projects. I host monthly Card Buffets, specialty classes and weekly inspiration for card making.

Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack

I’m a Guest Tutorial Designer for Splitcoaststampers

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You read that right! I was asked a few months back about creating a tutorial and video for a Falliday Fest special event that Splitcoaststampers will have over the next few weeks!

Fall is my favorite time of year! And, I couldn’t be more excited to share this –

libbystamps, stampin up, nugget cake, Spooky Fun, Halloween Night Specialty, Circles Collection Framelits, Boo To You Framelits, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, nugget cake, Splitcoaststampers

Isn’t this just THE cutest????

I previously made nuggets cakes, one for my daughters birthday and one for Halloween last year.

Although I previously had a pictorial tutorial with last years’ Halloween cake, this time I added a video. Yes, my first video!

Here are a few more views of my finished design –

libbystamps, stampin up, nugget cake, Spooky Fun, Halloween Night Specialty, Circles Collection Framelits, Boo To You Framelits, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, nugget cake, Splitcoaststampers

One from the bottom looking up. (I have it sitting on a glass pedestal cake stand.)

libbystamps, stampin up, nugget cake, Spooky Fun, Halloween Night Specialty, Circles Collection Framelits, Boo To You Framelits, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, nugget cake, Splitcoaststampers

And from the top down. My decorations were quite simple but very effective in my design.

I’d love for you to leave a comment here on my blog before taking a peek at my first ever VIDEO for Splitcoaststampers on how to make this adorable nugget cake.

I cannot express to you just how excited I am to have been asked to participate in the Falliday Fest special event put on by Splitcoaststampers! Check out my tutorial as well as the others that will be available.

If you have any questions, please feel to send me an email, message, or text! I’d love to talk with you!

As a side note, the Circles Collection Framelits and the Itty Bitty Punch Pack used for this project are retired Stampin’ Up products. The Boo To You Framelits are retired, too, but are still available for purchase here on my shop site, libbystamps.stampinup.net. I’d be happy to assist you with your purchase!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Tears for Tea-riffic

· 2 Comments

I say tear because this extremely popular stamp set, A Nice Cuppa, and the Cups & Kettle Framelits are retiring after just a short run in the Stampin’ Up Mini Catalog. In fact, the framelits have sold out and are no longer available. Womp. Womp. Womp.

I was on the fence about getting this product suite. I pondered it and didn’t order it until recently. But, once I did, I have made several cards with them. My favorite framelits are the coffee cup and the silverware.

This card was from the recent Card Buffet –

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It’s a sweet card. Perfect for anyone!

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I like the little tea bag and how it just ‘hangs’. Well, it’s really secured with a Dimensional.

The DSP here, Have a Cuppa, was not my favorite, but here I loved it! The colors are just not my style in the 6×6 stack – but, I wanted the whole collection!

libbystamps, stampin' up, Card Buffet, A Nice Cuppa, Cups & Kettle Framelits, Have a Cuppa DSP, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack,

This was a popular card and I only had a few left after two classes!  I guess I’ll make those up and send those out! They’re in demand now!

I hope you were fortunate enough to get these framelits before they sold out. Maybe with enough pleading, they will be brought back!

It’s good ‘card-carma’ to leave a kind word about my card share today!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Just. . .Because It’s a Challenge

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I have really gotten over this large stamp fear I had using the Botanicals for You stamp set. It’s quickly becoming my favorite stamp set!

And, yes, I’ve made another card using it. And, yes, it’s for another challenge!

The challenge over at Create with Connie and Mary caught my eye this week –

CCMC395

It’s a great idea that really gets you to thinking. I did a lot of that before I came up with this –

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Botanicals For You, Pretty Petals DSP Stack, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, CCMC395, Sale-a-Bration 2016,

I went through lots of paper trying to get just the right look here. Wouldn’t you know it – my scraps on the table helped me decide what direction I would to go with this.
libbystamps, Stampin Up, Botanicals For You, Pretty Petals DSP Stack, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, CCMC395, Sale-a-Bration 2016,

I played around with different DSP’s until I liked the look of this one. I also had to find one that the stamping would show up on. Looks pretty good here, don’t you agree?

Initially, I created this –

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Botanicals For You, Pretty Petals DSP Stack, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, CCMC395, Sale-a-Bration 2016,

After taking these pictures I noticed it lacked balance. So, I punched a flower and folded it in half to resemble a tiny butterfly. Just by adding that one simple element, it created balance!

I love this card. Simple. Clean. Crisp.

I did fussy cut the word ‘just’. I got real good at fussy cutting after this card. To get a good photograph, I had to add the kraft brown behind the Very Vanilla card so that it would show up more. Normally, I use a white board.

Such a wonderful card. I’d love to read what you think!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Snow Adorable!

· 6 Comments

Got a really cute one today.  I was inspired by a few blogs.

I like the clean simple layouts at Global Design Project. I just haven’t taken the time to play along until now. Here is their sketch  –

Nice, right?

And, great colors can always be found at Pals Paper Arts –

PPA-283-Jan14

So. How did I combine the two? I really liked the Snow Friends Framelits. Why not make a Valentine themed card with them –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, PPA283, GDP018, Snuggles & Smooches Stamp Set, Snow Friends Framelits, Window Sheets, Go Wild DSP Stack, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Washi Label Punch, shaker card, Valentine's Day

Gosh, isn’t adorable??? And, it’s a shaker too!!!

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Close up of my shaker frame. I made my shaker layers with a piece of Window Sheet, craft foam, and another Window Sheet. I used Tombow Liquid Glue to adhere the sheets to the foam. It works very nicely! Since this is a heavy card, my base is the Thick Whisper White Card stock. Much more supportive.

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, PPA283, GDP018, Snuggles & Smooches Stamp Set, Snow Friends Framelits, Window Sheets, Go Wild DSP Stack, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Washi Label Punch, shaker card, Valentine's Day

Such a fun card with lots of dimension, you agree?

I’d love to hear what you think!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Shakin’ It Up for a Birthday

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Taking a little time away from class prep to share this terrific shaker card.

A customer asked me to have a shaker card on the Card Buffet last month because she too was having trouble making them work.

I’ve tried lots of different ways. This, by far, has got to be the best.

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, shaker card, Big News Stamp Set, Project Life Cards & Labels Framelits, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Gold Fancy Designer Vellum, Banner Punch, Gold Foil Sheets, Gold Sequin Trim, Window Sheets,

I thinks this is just simply fun.

I did a different style of card last month at my class. This was me just testing the process.

If you’re interested in how I did this, leave me a comment.

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Window SWAP

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Ha! Ha! Window SWAP……I love this new Hearth & Home Thinlits set, aka, window frame die!!

I had this card on my last Card Buffet and I then decided to make them for a mail out swap I participated in.

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, Happy Scenes Stamp Set, Hearth & Home Framelits, Simply Scored, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Bird Builder Punch, Banner Punch, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Rhinestone Basic Jewels,

Although there is a coordinating stamp, I liked the alternate look here with looking into the house instead of looking out the window!

Up close, you can see the look of siding that I created –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, Happy Scenes Stamp Set, Hearth & Home Framelits, Simply Scored, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Bird Builder Punch, Banner Punch, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Rhinestone Basic Jewels,

I loved this detail. I also went with two different colors of flowers, accented with Rhinestones. I used a double stack of Dimensionals for added drama on the window box too.

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, Happy Scenes Stamp Set, Hearth & Home Framelits, Simply Scored, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Bird Builder Punch, Banner Punch, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Rhinestone Basic Jewels,

These did well on the Buffet – I’m sure my long distance swapping buddies liked them too! I even created a little poem on the inside in the event they wanted to resend the card!

Go make a card and make someones day!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

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Merry Latte Gift Card

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I am sharing yet another SWAP from the other day. This was my first one I made.

Quick. Easy. Fun. And, because everyone needs a gift card holder ready to go.

I thought the July Paper Pumpkin, Thanks a Latte was perfect for this. And, the Petite Pairs stamp set paired quite nicely inside the cup too!

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Isn’t it just the cutest?

I have made another one here, and a vertical one here. As you can see, I really like to make these. They are just too fun!

Best part, you can get 3 from one sheet of card stock. Each one measures 2 3/4 x 11, scored at 3 3/4 and 7 1/2. One the shorter end, make a diagonal cut from the end to the score line. Super easy!

I have a few of these undecorated and ready to go for whatever occasion.

Go make a card and make someones day!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

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Built for Free Using:  My Stampin Blog

Thanks a Latte

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I have another card from m Card Buffet to share today. This one was fun and quick.

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, stampinup, gift card, Thanks a Latte, Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set, Cherry on Top Designer Washi Tape, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Paper Pumpkin

I used the stamp set from the July Paper Pumpkin kit too. It was just too adorable not to.

To make it easy to cut the cup handle out, I showed the group how to punch a hole in the area first, then cut around the inside of the handle. Do this first, then the outside of the cup. Worked like a charm!

The inside of the card holds a gift card, cash or a check –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, stampinup, gift card, Thanks a Latte, Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set, Cherry on Top Designer Washi Tape, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Paper Pumpkin

It’s rather plain on the inside because it’s rather small.

Best thing about this idea? You can make three of these from one sheet of card stock!

You can subscribe to Paper Pumpkin for half off until September 10th. At that price, it’s totally worth a try. Have you seen the August kit?

 

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Happiest Birthday Wishes, Janie

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I made a card today without a challenge! And, without direction, can you believe it?

I guess I might have had a little direction, it’s my aunts birthday, Janie. She has been such an influential person in my life.

I played around with the beautiful Garden Bloom set. It’s one of those 2-step sets that can be a bit tricky. I managed to make it work and made this. Of course, I used the stamps from the Watercolor Wishes set. It really matches the style of these flowers.

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, stampinup, Garden in Bloom Stamp Set, Watercolor Wishes Card Kit, Project Life Cards & Label Framelits, Decorative Label Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Silver Foil Sheets, Here is another view to try to show off the Silver Foil Paper. Straight on, its difficult to see that what I used.

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I love it! And, since I loved it so much I decided to use it as a Card Buffet selection for this weekend.

Happiest Birthday Wishes, Janie! Miss you.

Go make a card, or buy one, and make someones day!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Cherry on Top, Flower in the Middle

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I used this new, wonderfully sweet, Cherry on Top 6×6 DSP Paper Pack. And, my card has a flower from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack here.

See for yourself –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, stampinup, Something to Say Stamp Set, Cherry on Top DSP, Washi Label Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack,

This is a catalog CASE (Copy And Share Everything), not going to lie. The Stampin’ Up catalog has so many terrific ideas and samples to go from. It’s great for beginners and beyond.

I also wanted to share another little tip here –

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When I create my cards, sometimes I create these little paper template pieces to go with them. I do this for future use. When I go to create from scratch. I can just lay these template pieces down until I get a pleasing arrangement. Since I have measurements on the template pieces, it’s easier to cut my paper!

I file these along with my ‘blue paper. patterns as well. It’s a great personal reference to have. Just another shortcut to getting to a finished card quicker.

Happy Stampin’
Libby

It’s a Bunny Monday

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Yes. Easter is right around the corner. Have you made your cute treats for everyone yet? If not, I have an idea for you today.

When this Curvy Keepsake Box came out, it did not appeal to me. Until. Until I saw a pumpkin made with it. I was sold. Since then, I have made lots of other cute little things with this thinlit die.

Today, I’m sharing my little bunny –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, Curvy Keepsake Thinlits, Flower Fair Framelits, Easter, treat holder

Isn’t it adorable? And just look at the back –

ibbystamps, Stampin' Up, Curvy Keepsake Thinlits, Flower Fair Framelits, Easter, treat holder

The little bunny ‘tail’……too cute!

No. This is not a new unseen creation. But, my take on it is. I used the Naturals White Card Stock for starters. And, I used the Flower Fair Framelits for the ears and tail. My ear inserts are the retired Small Oval Punch.

These can be created in no time. And, they hold a nice amount of treats!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Word Bubble Pumpkins

· 5 Comments

H A P P Y   H A L L O W E E N  !  !  !

Need a last-minute idea for a Halloween card but have nothing Halloween? Well, if you have the Word Bubble Framelits (on sale, weekly deals) then look what you can do –

libbystamps, Word Bubble Framelits, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Confetti Stars Punch, And Many More

Aren’t these just the cutest?

I made these in a flash in a couple different oranges, then just embossed them. The leaves are from Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack. Love them!!

And, just had to share this too –

libbystamps

Cats and cards. It’s the puuuurfect combo!!

Be safe and have a H A P P Y   H A L L O W E E N  ! ! !

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Owl Be Just Fine

· 2 Comments

Happy Friday! Got that Friday dance going?

Halloween is just a week away, can you believe it? I’ve got a bunch of treats I’m making for various people. Not sure if we will do the traditional pass out candy after last year. I figured I’d just mail special people stuff.

At my Card Buffet last weekend, I had a few treat holders and a Halloween card. Those are posted on my Facebook page if you’d like to see the whole Buffet board selection.

The most popular item was this little guy –

libbystamps, Curvy Keepsake Box, Fancy Fan Embossing Folder, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, 3/4 Circle Punch, 2 3/8 Scallop Circle Punch, Tangelo Twist 3/8 Stitched Satin Ribbon, Coordinations Card Stock

And, he had a buddy in the box. Actually, my other sample.

libbystamps, Curvy Keepsake Box, Fancy Fan Embossing Folder, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, 3/4 Circle Punch, 2 3/8 Scallop Circle Punch, Tangelo Twist 3/8 Stitched Satin Ribbon, Coordinations Card Stock

Cute. Cute. CUTE! Right?

He is made from Early Espresso card stock and of course the Curvy Keepsake Framelits. Now his chest and wings are the retired Coordinations card stock (still available on the Clearance Rack in a multi pack). It was sanded slightly to give it some texture. It worked perfectly for this guy.

His eyes are 3/4 Circle Punch. His beak is the new heart punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack. I just love the way he turned out.

You’re dancing happy now, right?

I’d love to hear what you think of him?

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Celebrate Chevrons

· 2 Comments

What a fun card for Friday I have to share. It was from my last Card Buffet, I just forgot to show you.

It’s a great card for a boy or suitable to be a manly card! See for yourself –

libbystamps, Fabulous Four, Chevron Punch, Word Window Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack

Quite simple and quick.

Although, lining up the Chevron Punch and not punching too far was a bit tricky to explain in words. Of course, I had a template! You punch 3 times to get just the right amount. This was done on the bottom of the card. As well as the Whisper White panel for the middle. It was just rotated after punching to go in the opposite direction.

And, surprise – it’s a gift card holder as well! Nifty, nifty, right?

ibbystamps, Fabulous Four, Chevron Punch, Word Window Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack

This gift card slot was made using the Word Window Punch. The card stock pushed all the way in and punched 3 times across to achieve the wide slot. I also flipped this piece to have the slot near the top. Sticky strip was placed on the sides and about an inch below where the gift card would slide in. This prevents it from going in too far.

So, what do you think? Pretty nifty, huh? And, now you know how to convert any card you’ve made into a quick ‘gift card’ holder!

Comments appreciated.

Happy Stampin’
Libby

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