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.

Number of Years

Happy 4th of July

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Happy 4th of July!!!

Got a festive card designed for Try Stampin’ on Tuesday!

Theme : Dainty and neat.

Well, I believe I got the neat part down. The dainty, I don’t know about that. I created a card to celebrate the 4th –

libbystamps, stampin up, Number of Years, Large Number Framelits, Stars Framelits, Eastern Palace Specialty DSP

Terrific card, right?

I miss the designer series paper stacks we had in color families. I did found this nice shade of Dapper Denim pattern paper from the Eastern Palace Specialty papers we currently carry. I love the way it looks with Cherry Cobbler.

libbystamps, stampin up, Number of Years, Large Number Framelits, Stars Framelits, Eastern Palace Specialty DSP

It makes for a very nice festive card wouldn’t you agree?

You can see what the other design team members created on our Try Stampin’ on Tuesday blog or on our Facebook page. You can also link up a card on either place too.  Join us – it’s so much fun to participate in card challenges!

Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Number of Years
  • Framelits – Large Number, Stars (retired)
  • Card Stock – Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Dapper Denim, Silver Foil, Silver Glimmer paper
  • Ink – Dapper Denim, Crumb Cake
  • DSP – Eastern Palace Specialty
  • Other – Rhinestone Basic Jewels
Happy Stampin’
Libby

The new JULY session will soon be here!

Our mini sessions include the instructions for 14 projects with full step-by-step tutorials:
  • Each mini session includes TWELVE unique cards featuring three stamp sets
  • Additionally, each mini session includes TWO 3D items perfect projects for your club, classes, stamp camps or gifts
  • All 14 project tutorials are available once the mini session opens so you immediately have all project tutorials right there at your fingertips
  • All designs and tutorials are EXCLUSIVELY for subscribers and will not be posted anywhere else online
  • Our FABULOUS design team members are – Connie Babbert, Mary Brown, Melissa Davies, Libby Fens, and Debbie Henderson. They always have such GREAT ideas that are perfect and easy to recreate!

Mini sessions are available the 11th of each month (and you’ll have access for up to a year).

Demos…did you know this is a tax deduction for your Stampin’ Up! business? But…you don’t need to be a demo to enjoy our mini-subscriptions!

 CREATE WITH CONNIE AND MARY

 

Happy Giving Thanks Day

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That’s right, Happy Giving Thanks Day! Conveneintly, it’s a Create with Connie and Mary challenge Day too!

This week we have a color challenge –

ccmc434

A very pretty selection of colors to create with!

I went with a Thanksgiving card using these colors –

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Cherry Cobbler, Gold and Crumb Cake.

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Something simple an elegant!

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I used  a masking technique to stamp the words for the background. In testing out ideas for this creation, I guess I got Cherry Cobbler ink on my ‘day’ stamp……still looks good!

Off to celebrate with family Giving lots of Thanks for family. My mother-in-law from Holland was able to join us! So grateful for that.

Please check out what the other designers have created at Create with Connie and Mary. Try to take some time for yourself to be creative this week and join us in our challenge.

Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Layered Letters Alphabet, Number of Years
  • Card Stock – Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
  • DSP – Fabulous Foil Designer Acetate
  • Ink – Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake
  • Other – Gold 5/8 Satin Ribbon
Happy Stampin’
Libby

Mouse, Cheese and a Nacho

· 23 Comments

Ahhhh, to just be playing with punches and framelits and stamps just for fun!

Long ago, I used to participate in Nacho Average Challenges and now their back with challenges! Yay!!!

Just look at this simply wonderful sketch –

I was drawn to it! I just had to play.

And, that’s just what I did –

libbystamps, stampin up, Large Numbers Framelits, Number of Years, Fox Builder Punch, Owl Builder Punch, NAC175, Layering Circles Framelits,

Isn’t this the cutest little mouse? It’s that new Fox Builder Punch!

libbystamps, stampin up, Large Numbers Framelits, Number of Years, Fox Builder Punch, Owl Builder Punch, NAC175, Layering Circles Framelits,

This just made for a simply adorable card!!

I used the new Layering Circles Framelits to make all the cheesy holes too. Couldn’t be any simpler.

libbystamps, stampin up, Large Numbers Framelits, Number of Years, Fox Builder Punch, Owl Builder Punch, NAC175, Layering Circles Framelits,

Since it does put holes in the card, it made it a little flimsy to stand tall for pictures.

libbystamps, stampin up, Large Numbers Framelits, Number of Years, Fox Builder Punch, Owl Builder Punch, NAC175, Layering Circles Framelits,

When the card is opened, you can fully see the back of the mouse and how he is assembled. He’s even cute from the back!

Now, I’m excited to go ‘play’ with more stuff!!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Stepped Up Sunday, Lolli

· 2 Comments

Did you see my post yesterday? I was a simple card that I created.

Today, I took the same card and ‘stepped it up’, made it a little fancier –

ibbystamps, stampin up, Swirly Bird, Number of Years, Playful Palette DSP, lollipop

It’s amazing how just one detail can really give a card just what it needs!

ibbystamps, stampin up, Swirly Bird, Number of Years, Playful Palette DSP, lollipop

Don’t you agree? Just by adding one piece of Emerald Envy card stock – it makes all the difference!

libbystamps, stampin up, Swirly Bird, Number of Years, Playful Palette DSP, lollipop

Both cards I made using candy sticks from the craft store for these cute lollipops!

So, which one is your favorite? Saturdays or Sundays?

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Simple Saturday, Lolli

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The title says it all. Simple Saturday.

I made two cards, one simple and one stepped up trying to decide what I liked for a mail out swap.

Here is the simple one –

libbystamps, stampin up, swirly bird, playful palette, Number of Years, Lollipop

Nice, right? Very similar to the one I made here on the first of the month.

libbystamps, stampin up, swirly bird, playful palette, Number of Years, Lollipop

I love this idea of the ‘lolli’ – so, I’ve used it several times now!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the ‘stepped up’ version of the same card tomorrow, Sunday.

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Great News

· 10 Comments

Today is an exceptionally special day.

First and foremost, it’s my husbands birthday.

So, H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y   E D !!!!

Secondly, I am so honored to have become a Design Team member for Create with Connie and Mary!!!! This is my first design team submission for them. Big, big smiles!

Getting right to it, here is their sketch for the week –

CCMC401

I was nervous before I knew what I’d work with. After all, it’s my husbands birthday. And, I always make everyone cards. And, I wanted to go by the sketch.

But, things fell right into place. See for yourself –

libbystamps, stampin' up, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, It's My Party DSP, Silver Fancy Foil Vellum, Softy Falling Embossing Folder, CCMC401

Wouldn’t you agree?

This was a bit tricky to photograph with the Silver Foil Paper. Even embossed, it still shined beautifully!

libbystamps, stampin' up, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, It's My Party DSP, Silver Fancy Foil Vellum, Softy Falling Embossing Folder, CCMC401

It has lots of dimension as you can see.

libbystamps, stampin' up, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, It's My Party DSP, Silver Fancy Foil Vellum, Softy Falling Embossing Folder, CCMC401

The words are from the stamp set Number of Years. They were curvy, but since they are the photopolymer, they straightened out pretty good. It fit nicely into the little banner.

Well, as you can see I’ve got some party festivities to attend too. We have a fun day of celebratin’ to do!

Although, I think I’m the one who got the big gift today! These are some real talented designers over at Create with Connie and Mary. Go check them out and play along with us! You’ll be hooked before you know it!

You know, it’s good ‘card carma’ to leave a comment before moving on!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Happy Anniversary, Rose

· 8 Comments

I’m guessing by now you figured out it’s not a multiple card friday! Sorry, I know those are fun – lots of cards in one place.

I do have a card share today! And, yes I was inspired by Create with Connie and Mary again today. Sort of a weekly thing these days! And, no, no fussy cut words, lol!

Here is their fabulous sketch –

CCMC397

Of course, my mind went to thinking.

I had a request for an anniversary card. This was the perfect layout. After a little flying card stock, a few snip of paper, and gluey fingers, I came up with this –

libbystamps, stampin up, Wildflower Fields DSP, Rose Garden Thinlits, Numbers of Years, CCMC397, Anniversary, Sale-a-Bration 2016

And, yes, I used this Rose. Again. It’s just a great thinlits set. After trying a few different focal points for this card, I just came back to the Rose Garden Thinlits one.

libbystamps, stampin up, Wildflower Fields DSP, Rose Garden Thinlits, Numbers of Years, CCMC397, Anniversary, Sale-a-Bration 2016

Initially, I thought these angled lines in the sketch were going to be an issue – hah, they were not. I even figured an easy way to execute multiples of this design. And not getting a headache from cutting angled lines!

The Silver Sale-a-Bration Washi Tape added just the right balance the card needed. And, the sketch called for it. Either way, it looks great!

I hope you like my take on the sketch as much as I do! I’d love to hear what you think!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Anniversary Love

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I don’t normally post on Saturday, but I just had to get this in before the deadline.

A challenge being the deadline. I so loved this challenge over at Stylin’ Stampin’ INKspiration –

It’s simply my favorite!

I had some swaps I needed to get finished. This was the perfect inspiration I needed to get these done. And in the mail!

IMG_6789

I had made these fronts but could not think past them. So I cut them. And framed them. And topped them.

This is what they became –

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, Happy Heart EF, Red Foil Sheets, Rose Garden Thinlits, Circles Framelits, Heart Framelits, SSINKC30

Isn’t this just stunning?

These just turned out to be some fabulously beautiful anniversary cards!

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, Happy Heart EF, Red Foil Sheets, Rose Garden Thinlits, Circles Framelits, Heart Framelits, SSINKC30

A nice sort of side view to see that I adhered the vellum with Dimensionals behind the banner on the card. Vellum. Adhesive always shows through. This was a great hiding trick.

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, Happy Heart EF, Red Foil Sheets, Rose Garden Thinlits, Circles Framelits, Heart Framelits, SSINKC30

See the finished array of them!

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, Happy Heart EF, Red Foil Sheets, Rose Garden Thinlits, Circles Framelits, Heart Framelits, SSINKC30

To make this flower…..Grumble. Grumble. I’ve seen these all over. And some great tutorial “how to’s” as well. Nothing worked for me except a layer with the Magnetic Platform, clear plate, face up card stock (here, Red Foil), dyer sheet, the Rose thinlits, and the other clear plate.

Once I made a few passes back and forth, I removed the whole flower, die and all.

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, Happy Heart EF, Red Foil Sheets, Rose Garden Thinlits, Circles Framelits, Heart Framelits, SSINKC30

(Oooppps, petal came out.) I added the thinnest line of Tombow Liquid Glue to all the parts of the flower except for the outline. Too much glue here and it will ooze out onto your thinlits!

I placed the whole glued up flower on my card stock , glue side down, and pressed firmly with my finger and the stylus in the intricate parts. Sometimes even using the piercer to make sure everything was adhered nicely!

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, Happy Heart EF, Red Foil Sheets, Rose Garden Thinlits, Circles Framelits, Heart Framelits, SSINKC30

I carefully poked through the holes in the die to release it.

What came out was the flower outline and the little pieces of dryer sheet. The inside of the flower remained adhered to the panel.

Whew. It really was so much better for me.

Take a look at this beauty. Again.

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, Happy Heart EF, Red Foil Sheets, Rose Garden Thinlits, Circles Framelits, Heart Framelits, SSINKC30

It’s so pretty, isn’t it? Leave me a comment, I’d love to read what you think!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

 

Supply List

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Twenty One

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To be 21 again! Those were the days……

I have a very special birthday post today for my second cousin and godchild, Kirbie! Yep, you guessed it.

She’s turning the big TWENTY ONE!

libbystamps, 21 Birthday

She is such a silly girl! We have lots of fun hanging out!

And, you know me – I just had to make a special card for her!

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, Stars Framelits, Circles Framelits, 21 Birthday

It’s all her favorite colors. Makes it so personalized.

This card was effortless to make. However, the photographing of it, not so much. I took several shots before I got ones that I could use. The Gold Foil just never looked right.

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, Stars Framelits, Circles Framelits, 21 Birthday

The fun part, it has lots of dimension too. Four layers to be exact! Everything in the focal point is popped up. In person, this card is stunning!

I am sure glad they came out with this framelits set. It really is a must have!

libbystamps, Stampin Up, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, Stars Framelits, Circles Framelits, 21 Birthday

Kirbie girl – go shine on your birthday and win big today! Have fun and live it up!

Happy, happy, happy Birthday girl!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

29, Again?

· 2 Comments

Heck yes! 29 for a few years and counting……

What a funny saying for these older birthdays.

I follow many bloggers. One of which, I just love her style. She recently created a challenge portion to her wonderful cards, called Pocket Sketches. I’m glad – her cards always look effortless. I’ve been meaning to play along with Julie’s Stamping Spot….but haven’t. Until now. This is her current sketch –

PSC05 Pocket Sketch Challenge #5: Card Layouts to Inspire your card-making + Play along for a chance to win free card layout book! www.juliedavison.com

Her sketches are terrific because she gives you the measurements that she uses. No guesswork required!

She inspired me to come up with this –

libbystamps, Stampin Up, PSC05, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, It's My Party DSP, 2 1/2 Circle Punch,

Something quick, fun and great for one of these older birthdays! Don’t you agree? And, it’s also a gender neutral card. These are hard to pull off.

libbystamps, Stampin Up, PSC05, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, It's My Party DSP, 2 1/2 Circle Punch,

I’m lovin’ the new products from the occasions catalog.

libbystamps, Stampin Up, PSC05, Number of Years, Large Numbers Framelits, It's My Party DSP, 2 1/2 Circle Punch,

Such fun to create with! Can you imagine receiving one of these cards?

I’d love to hear what you think about my take on the sketch.

Happy Stampin’
Libby

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