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 Shapes Punch Pack

Sew, This Pulls Up?

· 1 Comment

Yes. yes it does!

I love to have a little crafting ‘me’ time in between planning for my classes and Card Buffets. With my Paper Pumpkin monthly subscription, I can!

Here is another card I created with a previous kit –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, stampinup, Paper Pumpkin, Sew You, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, pull up card

And, look, you pull it up –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, stampinup, Paper Pumpkin, Sew You, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, pull up card

Nice for a gift card or money or a nice little sentiment.

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, stampinup, Paper Pumpkin, Sew You, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, pull up card

I really liked this kit because of the sewing. I used to cross stitch. I’ve had fun just stitching the words.

Here was the other nifty card I made and posted with this kit. I actually made more, I just didn’t blog about them.

This kit, Sew You, came with all the supplies needed to make at eight cards! Lots of stamps, ink spots, dimensionals and even envelopes! Of course, here, I’ve added minimal items from my stash.

This is a monthly subscription that is currently on sale! It ends up being around $10 plus tax, shipping is included in the price.

And, once a subscriber, you can order past kits too. Like this one!

I just got my May kit in. I think it’s time for a little ‘me’ time.

Go make a card and make someones day!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Modern Medley Congratulations

· Leave a Comment

Ah, the elegant combination of black and cream.

This was another choice on my November Card Buffet this past weekend. I love the elegant simplicity of it. It was a popular card too.

I started by embossing only the top inner portion of the Very Vanilla card stock. The paper was perpendicular to the folder. I used the bottom portion of the folder for this technique. After the embossing, four of the shapes were punched out in a row.

In doing so, it removed a slight embossed raised edge around each Mosaic shape. Lovely pieces left over – not sure what I’m going to do with them, something I’m sure.

A strip of DSP was added and a stamped greeting on this card. The addition of the itty bitty punched shapes with a rhinestone added that finishing touch. Done. It was a quick card. It would be great to remake for a variety of different occasions.

Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment about what you’ve seen. Love to read from you!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

libbystamps

Leafing for Christmas

· 8 Comments

That’s right, ‘leafing’ for Christmas!

But, why? Of course, I just have to play along with Stamping Peaches Paper Challenge this week. The theme, LEAVES!

I decided not to go with what would be the traditional thought around this time of year and this theme of leaves, Thanksgiving.

This stamp set I used was, believe it or not, is Gently Falling. It’s about as fall themed leaves as you get! It’s unexpected though. Just like my card designs, unique. And, a bonus, the set is on sale for 25% off currently. Score!

Back to my beauty. My card base is one of the new heavier Notecard & Envelopes. I stamped several of the long leaf shapes in Garden Green on Garden Green. Then, got to cuttin’. Fun, let me tell you. But, the result? Nice.

I added the Red Glimmer Paper Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack for the berries. The greeting is from More Merry Message, which is still available!

I am totally thrilled with the way this card turned out. Can you imagine receiving this at Christmas time? Or, sending it out? How impressive!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

libbystamps

Flippin to say, ‘Hi’

· Leave a Comment

I know, I know, corny title. It’s early. I couldn’t come up with anything more catchy!

This is one of the cards from my Card Buffet this past weekend. I love black and green – they go so well together!

I tend to do a few ‘hi’ or ‘hello’ cards because many of my customers have college students or children that live far away. And besides, isn’t nice to just send a card for no reason? It thrills me to no end when I hear someone say they are sending out a card to someone. That is really important to me. Pass on the snail mail!

This is really a basic Label Card Thinlit just decorated. I used the Modern Medley DSP and that’s about it. Sometimes simple is best.

Thanks for stoppin’ by! You’re this far, now, how leaving a comment?

Happy Stampin’
Libby

libbystamps

Congratulation, Mr. & Mrs. Lange

· 2 Comments

Ah, weddings. Don’t you just love them?

They are such a special time in a person’s life. And, of course, so should the card and or gift! My post today is no different.

A longtime friend, Carolyn, now lives in Iowa. She used to live in Texas where we met through our daughters who attended preschool together – oh wow, some nearly 20 years ago! (Did you know that Carolyn??) It just literally dawned on me as I am writing this post! Gah!

Anyway, we’ve been friends for a long time. Her three girls have grown, my two have grown. Her middle daughter is getting married today! I am so happy for them. All the photos and writings of the couple to be – they seem so happy – so in love. He has been an active part in all the wedding planning too, it’s just been so sweet.

When I received the lovely wedding announcement I went into creative mode. I always like to match my cards as much as possible to the theme of whatever the occasion is. This is no different. And, it’s a wedding, so it has to be special.

I went with something simple. Something elegant. Something freakin’ gorgeous! I used the Pop’n Cuts Base to create a gift card holder. Take a look below. It matched the wedding announcement and response card perfectly. I was so thrilled with how it turned out. I think they will be as well.

A little on the making of the card. The base of the flower is a punched scalloped circle. It’s layered with little flowers from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack until it was all filled. I curled them up on the tip of a pen for added dimension. Tombow helped secure them to the base. The Bird Punch made for some nice leaves to add to the flower. And, you can’t go wrong with the Designer Frames Oval as a background. It’s just stunning.

A very special card for a very special couple. Hears to many blessed years of marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Lange! I am so happy for you Allison and Patrick. And, for my dear friend Carolyn, and Dale, that their  daughter found her special someone!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

libbystamps

libbystamps

Everything will be OK

· 10 Comments

Everything will be ok? Yes, even if we can’t see what OK is yet.

What a wonderful quote/greeting for a card. It’s from Really Good Greetings. It’s a new stamp set. I had the card sentiment in mind for a while now, just needed to find the right avenue to create it in.

Since returning from Convention, things have been rough, really rough. Each day brings something new. I am so missing the energy I received from my trip. It was zapped pretty quickly. An expression in a card should be a positive step in the right direction, correct? One can only hope! I need some positive mantra to grasp!

Ok, back to the card. My sketch design comes from an old favorite, Freshly Made Sketches. This is number 97, just getting it in under the wire! It’s a clean design to work with as always. It seemed perfect to showcase the sentiment I was feeling.

Now, the colors. I had originally played along with colors more somber. Then, I thought, heck no. I’m trying to feel better here. So, I was going to peruse other blogs for a color challenge. First one I came to, Dynamic Duos! That works. Strawberry Slush and Daffodil Delight. Perfect. Seems several of my cards lately have been these colors! You can add one neutral, so I went with black and the chalkboard technique. Which, I have not quite mastered as beautifully as others.

I am pleased with the outcome of this card. Simple. Clean. Makes a statement. Now, it goes visible to where I can see it. Sometimes card makers need a card too!

Leave a comment. Comments are nice. Comments make us feel good!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

20130805-082004.jpg

A Day All About You

· Leave a Comment

Happy Day! Oh, happy day!

I made a fun card to share with you today! It’s a shaker card, I believe.

I saw this technique/idea at Convention. I say ‘technique’ because it uses Washi Tape to border the edges and keep everything in its place. I’ve made these types of cards before, just not using Washi Tape.

I’m really taking a liking to this stuff! Have you tried it?

For this card, I punched shapes out of various scraps – great way to use a few up! I cut a Whisper White baking and a Clear Window sheet the same size. I ran Washi Tape around four sides. Placed my punched pieces inside, btw, could not find the glitter, and sealed up the last edge. That is all. That easy.

Each time I went to photograph this, the card literally changed. Yellow cards are also difficult to photograph. Oh well. You get the idea.

Happy Stampin’
Libby

20130729-082822.jpg

Gee, Thanks

· 2 Comments

What a cute sentiment, right? Gee, thanks.

Love it. It’s new from the set, Really Good Greetings. And, they are, really great greetings! This is a must have new set I think. I’ve used it a few times.

I made this card to add to my stash of grab’n go cards and for two challenges. One is for Nacho Average Challenges, #51, for the cool banner-style layout. And the other one is for a ‘Bring on the Bling’ challenge over at The Paper Players.

I made my banners by cutting strips of card stock then slipping them through the Mosaic Punch partially. Made such a nice decorative edge. I also added whole shapes from the same punch. I went with the new In-Colors so I didn’t have to guess on a color scheme. I added the little ‘pluses’ from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack.

To bring on the bling here, I added Basic Rhinestones to the small shapes. Before, the card was sort of boring. This was just enough added *pop* for the card.

What do you think? Leave me a comment. I love comments!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

20130621-151008.jpg

Teddy Bear Baby

· 6 Comments

Teddy Bear Baby was made for welcoming a new baby. A new baby of a blogging friend of mine, Nicole! We post about the same time everyday and send each other nice comments on our cards. I have even used a design of hers or two. She has inspired me to take part in more card challenges. And, I just found out they had a new little boy. So, she was part of my inspiration for today!

The other parts of inspiration come from Dynamic Duos color challenge. This time around the colors were Daffodil Delight and Baja breeze. Perfect baby boy colors! And, my layout design comes from Techno Stamper. It’s the Monday Lunchtime Sketch, #262. Combine the two and what a great combination to create a sweet little number like my card here.

I am pleased with my stamped background paper, it’s cute little teddy bears! I just added scraps of the colors required for the challenge and I’m done. That’s a real good reason not to throw those little pieces away!

Congratulations again Nicole on your newest family member! Enjoy my interweb baby happiness!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

20130509-084305.jpg

Get Well, My Dear

· 4 Comments

Happy Lemonade Day! Get well my dear!

I got up this morning deciding to make a card for Freshly Made Sketches card challenge #84. I pulled my card stock and paper and was just pondering my options.

Then, I got a few text messages. It was my daughter. She is sick. She has finals this week. She is not feeling well, at all. Being so far away, there is not too much you can do other than just call them, and stay on the phone with them. Makes it seem as though you are sort of close. But, non the less, you are still there for them.

So, this means as I was on the phone with her, the direction of my card changed. I was still going with my inspiration from FMS, just a ‘Get well” instead of my original plan. No biggie. But, a very nice result.

So, my dear, GET WELL. Get through those finals! Love you –

Happy Stampin’
Libby

20130505-105650.jpg

Ears to Print Poetry Paper

· Leave a Comment

Ears to you, that’s right. This was one of the Easter card choices at my March Card Buffet. Cute, huh? Not one of your traditional color styles for Easter, but it sure works!

The patterned paper is from the Spring Mini, Print Poetry Designer Series Paper Pack. I just love this little versatile pack of paper. So many uses. So many colors. Patterns galore. No big paper commitment. Priced right.

Quick post for today as I have been caught by the allergy bug. Ugh.

Did I inspire you anyway?

Happy Stampin’
Libby

20130327-213052.jpg

Happy Birthday Tiffany

· 2 Comments

Did you get your Happy Hello Simply Sent Kit? Today is the last day to take advantage of Sale-a-Bration free stuff. Today is also my niece  Tiffany’s, birthday.

So, Tiffany got her Happy Hello in the form of a Birthday Card. Happy Birthday girl!

I love the way this came together. A bit elegant with the mix of colors. The base is one of the newer In-Colors, Raspberry Ripple. Ribbon too. It’s a purse style card. Very sweet. And, the ‘niece’ stamp – just adds that special touch.

So, from the interweb world, Happy Birthday Tiffany!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

20130321-172123.jpg

Welcome Home

· 4 Comments

Welcome home. That’s right. I made this card for my nephew, Eddy and his wife. They just joined the home buying world!

I wanted to do something a little ‘different’, card style – and I think this card unique.

Take a look at how cute it is. I got the ‘door’ at a scrapbook fair a few months ago with Carolyn. You know, one of those impulse purchases. Didn’t really know who or what this was going to be used for – I just thought it was stinkin’ sweet. And, once I figured how to use it, well, it is!

I thought the addition of the flower pots with the brightly colored flowers was just the right touch. Not to mention the ‘welcome’ sign on the screen. I just love it. Hope they will too.

I used Stampin’ Up supplies/card stock and a retired punch to create this. It turned out to be a rather thick card and a little more difficult to photograph. Even after I tried to secure it shut. Oh well, you get the idea and see it is a true card, not just a front.

I hope they like this little ‘best wishes’ in card form on their latest endeavor  – a home of their own! Congratulations to you!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

20130321-090052.jpg

Freshly Made Fridays, #26

· 3 Comments

Ah, getting into some more card designing. I have my Card Buffet next weekend, so I am still creating cards.

Will this one make the buffet?

I wanted to incorporate either Sale-A-Bration products or the Occasions Mini Catalog. The Occasions Mini won out. I went with the Twitterpated DSP, Mixed Bunch, and Blossom Punch.

My design inspiration came from Freshly Made Sketches, of course, it’s Friday. Sometimes as stampers, we need the nudge. Here was what I worked from –

Well, what do you think? I love to read your comments!

Supplies. Mixed Bunch Stamp Set. Fabulous Phrases Stamp Set. Island Indigo Ink. Pool Party, Riding Hood Red, and Whisper White Card Stocks. Vellum Paper. Twitterpated DSP. Blossom Punch. Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch. 2 1/2″ Circle Punch. Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack. 3/8″ Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon.

To make my flower, I stamped once in Island Indigo onto Whisper White, then inked up my stamp again and stamped onto Vellum Paper. All the layers are popped up with lots of Dimensionals!

Happy Stampin’

Libby

shoppin’

Freshly Made, Mondays

· 6 Comments

It’s challenge time again.

I am, and have been sick. I had to work a real job. I had a Giftables Class this weekend (with 5 projects!). I had to put out my Christmas decorations. And, I had to play along with Freshly Made Sketches this week –

Oh, what a fun challenge.  

Pulled out a box of kleenex and my stampin’ supplies and this is what I came up with –

Well, what do you think?

I love it. I loved this set. Sad to have seen it retire.

Supplies. Cold Play Stamp Set (retired). Pool Party, Peach Parfait, and StazOn Ink. Very Vanilla and Pool Party Card Stocks. Silver Glimmer Paper. Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack. Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch**. Snow Burst Embossing Folder. Basic Pearls.

**Sidenote. I punched Silver Glimmer Paper using the Martha Stewart Punch. I had the same issues with my punch sticking as I did when I used the Stampin’ Up Snowflake Punch. So, it IS the punch design that sticks, NOT the poor quality.

Have I inspired you to play along in these challenges yet?

Happy Stampin’

Libby 

12 Weeks of Gift Card Ideas ’til Christmas

· 1 Comment

Week 6.

 6 more weeks ’til….

Christmas!

Wow.

A bit of a challenge to photograph, but, here is this weeks gift card holder –

Kind of simple. That’s *my* style. Above, the card actually in an open state. When it is removed from an envelope, here is how it appears –

But, wait. You slide it open it to reveal its simplistic beauty –

Nice how it pops up and unfolds to reveal……the gift card slid into a slot.

This is my take on a free-standing pop up card. It’s just a classy look in Real Red and Garden Green.  

This shot shows how this flat appearing card is really a 3 dimensional card that stands on its own –

 

This last picture is a flat side view –

Quite a *fun* fold! I enjoyed creating this interesting flat to 3D beauty!

Supplies –

  • 122497 Petite Pairs
  • 101406 StazOn Jet Black Pad
  • 102482 Real Red Card Stock
  • 100730 Whisper White Card Stock
  • 100712 Brushed Silver Card Stock
  • 117154 Regals Collection DSP Paper Stack
  • 119857 Word Window Punch
  • 118309 Itty Bitty  Shapes Punch Pack
  • 114508 Lots of Tags Sizzlits
  • 124116 Mini Jingle Bells
  • 124262 White Baker’s Twine

Well, how are you liking these gift/money holder ideas so far? Have they inspired you? What have you tried? I would love to know.

Several have asked for tutorials on these works of heart. If you are interested in pattern or templates, just leave a comment and I will email you back. Or, just email me, libbyfens@yahoo.com .

Happy Giving

Libby

Nugget, Where’s my Mummy?

· 1 Comment

These are some cute little guys we made for Halloween in September (I know, I know – I’m just getting around to posting them….) But, look how sweet –

They are SO easy and quick too! See the nugget candy inside? It fits perfectly!

I used the Petal Card Double Punch, Sticky Strip, Word Window Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (circle), Basic Black & Whisper White Card Stock. To hold these together, Tombow or Sticky Strip works best.

Although this is not an origional idea of mine, but, my stampers had not seen these.

Happy Stampin’

Libby

Give us your email to have updates and articles delivered directly to your inbox. You may opt out at any time.