Jessica Lamb Stamps

Kid Pirate Party Invitations

Arrrrrr, ahoy matey!

 

My son finally choose a theme for his birthday party and we are going all out pirate! While I was researching party ideas we came across these cool pirate party invitations that recycled 16 ounce water bottles. With his help we came up with our own version of a message in a bottle.

 

 

Aren’t they cool! We rolled up the invitation and tied it with some red ribbon. The kids had so much fun distressing the pirate invitations. Check it out!

 

 

I found that cool pirate font on dafont.com. It is called Rapscallion.  Check out the back of the invite. I found some free downloadable pirate clip art and came across this pirate map.

 

After we printed the invitations on our home computer, we distressed the invitations using the following techniques:

• Crumpled the paper and then smoothed out with our hands.

• We ripped each edge of the paper.

• Used the Tea Stain distressing ink on the paper edges (front and back) and rubbed it across the paper.

• Spattered a few drops of Tea Stain re-inker.

• Used the Color Spritzer tool along with an Always Artichoke and Early Espresso marker.

• Rubbed a little bit of Navy distressing ink over small areas of the invitation.

 

These pirate invitations were a lot of fun to make and a big hit with all his friends! I’d love to know what you think of these invites! Leave a comment below and let me know!

Join the Club! Stamp Set of the Month Club!

Did you know that I offer a Stamp Set of the Month Club? It’s true! With my stamp set of the month club there are no meetings, no driving, and no extra time out of your already busy schedule, but ALL the fun! This virtual club is the best of both worlds!

 

My Stamp Set of the Month Club gives you the opportunity to receive a brand new stamp set each month along with 2 exclusive card samples and the step by step card instructions. Plus you never leave your house! They are delivered to your door!

 

In addition my Stamp Set of the Month Club members receive member only bonuses such as video tutorials and designer series paper sample swatches!

 

To learn more and join my Stamp Set of the Month Club just click here or the link above!

Just 2 days left to get your Stampin’ Up! last chance items!

Have you ordered your last chance items yet? If not, no worries you still have 2 days to get your Stampin’ Up! last chance stamp sets, Décor Elements, and accessories. If I were you I wouldn’t wait; items are selling out. Before I get to all the details --- here is the most important piece of information:

 

Once these products are gone, they are gone; they are while supplies last. So if there is something on your Wish List that is being retired order them now via my website.

 

Today I am going to share several projects with you that all feature last chance items.

 

These two cards feature the retiring Berry Blossoms Designer Series Paper.

 

This card features the Kindness Matters stamp set along with the retiring Beau Chateau DSP.

 

This altered picture frame features the Inspiration Decor Elements and the Letters to Santa DSP.

 

The last card I'm sharing with you todat features the retiring Inspired by Nature stamp set and Paisy Petals DSP.

 

As a reminder the current Idea Book & Catalog will be retired this Thursday May 31! Shop my online store by clicking here. 

Introducing the new Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator Starter Kit!

Is crafting a big part of your life?

Wouldn't you love to earn money while doing something you enjoy?

How about the convenience of setting your own hours?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then Stampin' Up! is the perfect opportunity for you.

 

Doing what I love, and sharing what I love with others are just a few of the benefits that made me decide to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I love sharing my passion for paper crafting, scrapbooking, and  stamping with family and friends, meeting new people, and having the chance to build a great business doing so. I also get to set my own schedule and that is a definite plus!

And now the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Starter Kit is completely customizable! Build your Starter Kit your way! For just $99, you get

• Your choice of up to $125 worth of any current Stampin' Up! products!

• A business supply pack valued at $65!

That's a total value of $190!

For just $99, new demonstrators will get to choose up to $125 worth of any current Stampin’ Up! products—stamps, accessories, tools, digital downloads, and more! Each kit will also include a business supplies pack valued at $65, for a total kit value of $190. Better yet? The kit still ships for free!

 

 

Here are some reasons why you should become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator AND part of my team:

 

Reason #1: Product Discount:

• Demonstrators get a 20 percent discount on all Stampin' Up! products, including stamp sets, paper, and accessories. It's a great way to support your love of stamping, paper or digital crafting, home décor!

• Plus as a demonstrator you will get new product sneak peeks! You get to pre-order new products before anyone else!

• You get paid to paper craft, make cards, and scrapbook– how awesome is that!

 

Reason #2: Tons and Tons of project ideas!

• As a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator you will receive a special demonstrator only monthly magazine called Stampin’ Success! It is filled with project ideas and business tips and information!

• As a demonstrator you will have access to the demonstrator only online community called Stampin’ Connection. It is filled with pages and pages of project ideas, message boards, information, and resources for demonstrators only!

• As part of my team you can join the INKcredible Impressions demonstrator group. These ladies are great! We have monthly swaps, share ideas, and regular get togethers!

 

Reason #3: Extra income!

• As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, keep 20% of the personal net sales you earn through workshop and customer direct sales!

• Earn an extra 10 percent instant income on your first order of $150 or more when you place your order in the first 45 days of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. That means you can earn up to 30% from your first order!

• Earn additional income (which we call volume rebate) on your monthly net sales of $400 or more.

• Earn free stamps within your first six months as a demonstrator through our Stampin' Start program-a program.

• Earn cash bonuses, product bonuses, incentive trips, and other awards as you achieve success through our awards and recognition program.

• You can use your extra income anyway you see fit – whether you want to pay the electric bill each month, your child’s preschool tuition or just have some extra spending money – it is up to you!

 

Reason #4: you will be on my Stampin’ Up! team!

• I’ll be your up-line! I’ll be here to help you and encourage you in your new business! I will be a resource for your business needs! Whether you need help coming up with a project idea or you are just not sure how to place your 1^st order, I will be here to help you!

 

Reason #5: Flexible schedule!

• This is your business! Being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator gives you the flexibility to work when it is convenient for you! You make your own hours and are your own boss!

 

So what are you waiting for? Join my team today! Click here for all the details and to sign up now! If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to email me. I will be sure to respond to you quickly.

 

How to order online from me!

Did you know that you can order online from me?

 

It's true!

and it's easy!

 

All you have to do is click on the button is this post or click here

 

Then

1. pick your products 
2. add them to your shopping cart 
3. check out

 

it's that easy!

 

While you are there be sure to check out the last chance retiring items as well as the clearnace rack. some items are up to 60% off!

 

If you have questions feel free to email me

Here Comes the Bride all Dressed in White

Anyone attending a wedding in the near future? If you are I have a beautiful handmade wedding card to share with you today. Each month I participate in a card swap with the INKcredible Impressions girls. The theme for May was Wedding or Father’s Day cards. This is the card I received from Donna R. Her attention to detail is meticulous!

 

 

I must say the photo doesn’t do this card justice. It is just beautiful; as soon as I saw it I just heard wedding music and thought of here comes the bride walking down the aisle. I’ve got weddings on the brain because it was just my wedding anniversary and last weekend we went wedding dress shopping with my sister.

 

I love all the layers in this card and that it is mostly white with a little bit of yellow and pink. The wedding dress is one of the stamp images from the Love & Laughter stamp set. Donna used the Big Shot along with the Square Lattice embossing folder and the Paper Doily Sizzlits die to add dimension to this wedding card. Around the edge of the paper doily she added a little bit of silver glitter – just stunning!

 

What do you like about this card? Leave a comment and let me know! If you’ve never left a comment before all you have to do is to click on the title of the post, scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your comment in the comment box. Sometimes comments may take a little while to appear. 

 

Sneak Peak at the New 2012-2014 Stampin’ Up! In Colors!

It’s sneak peak time! With 1 week to go until the release of the new 2012-2013 Stampin’ Up! catalog I thought I’d give you a sneak peak at the brand new In Colors! So with no further ado….drum roll please….the new 2012-2014 In Colors are:

 

Raspberry Ripple -- the perfect balance of red and pink

Gumball Green – a bold, fanciful shade of green

Summer Starfruit – a daring yellow that is not too bright

Midnight Muse – reminiscent of a dark summer’s night

Primrose Petals – a delicate and sweet dusty pink

 

To show off this brand new color collection I created this fun scrapbook page!

 

 

What do you think of these colors!! Aren’t they fun!

 

Did you notice those patterned papers??? Well, not only does this 12x12 scrapbook layout feature the brand new In Colors, it also showcases 2 brand new designer series papers! The Gumball Green polka dotted paper is from the new Be of Good Cheer DSP and the remainder pattern papers are from the new Patio Party DSP! Let me just say you will not be disappointed with the new designer series paper offerings – I seriously want each and every one!

 

I’d love to know what you think of these brand new In Colors and designer series papers – be sure to leave a comment below by clicking the comment button below this post.

 

Small changes make a big impact

Do you find that the cards you make are simple and you would like to take them to the next level?

 

Have you recently started to paper craft and are ready to take things up a notch?

 

If you answered yes to either of these questions today’s post is going to help you take your paper crafting up a notch or two! Even if you answered no, these principles will work for any type of project not matter what your skill level is – beginner to experienced.

 

The other day I was working on some card samples for an upcoming class. The first version of the card was pretty simple, and well let’s face it a little boring.

 

 

So I decided to make a few subtle changes, and voila! The birthday card went from bland to fun!

 

 

Really there was nothing wrong with the first card and I suspect my class attendees would have been fine with it. It is an easy card to make even with the couple of techniques involved. An experienced crafter would be pleased with it, the card just didn’t do anything for me.

 

So what did I do to change things up???  I added layers and texture – that’s it! Adding a little bit of texture and some layers will easily bring your project up a notch.

 

I added layers in 2 places:

• to the right of the Soft Suede strip of paper I added a very little bit of Very Vanilla card stock

• I matted the stamped birthday image on Soft Suede card stock

 

Texture in the second card takes form in 3 different ways:

• With the embossed cardstock (the card base and Soft Suede strip)

• By using Stampin’ Dimensionals to raise the stamped image block off the card base

• By slightly distressing the edge of the Very Vanilla card stock mat along side of the Soft Suede strip

 

Here’s the thing, none of these added elements took a lot of time and they give a more finished look! So how do these principles translate to your other projects? Try 1 of these techniques on your next project!

• If you don’t usually mat your photos on a scrapbook layout, mat your photos.

• If you don’t usually dry emboss any elements on your cards with the Big Shot, then add an embossed background.

• If you don’t usually distress any of your paper edges on your projects then break out a file and distress away!

 

Are you saying, um Jess I’ve tried these things, what else can I do? Try 1 or more of the above techniques along with 1 or more of the following on the same project:

• Distress all paper edges with brown ink

• Use the Color Spritzer Tool to add some ink spatter

• Double mat photos or stamped images

• Stamp a random all over background image and create your own custom patterned paper

 

I hope you can see how easy it is to take your project to the next level – don’t be afraid! You can do it! Step out of your comfort zone and try something new – I bet you will love the results! Hey, let’s face it, if you don’t love it you can try it again. After all it is just paper and ink!

 

I’d love to know which techniques you try on your next project or if you have any tips to share on taking your projects to the next level. Please leave a comment below and share your tips with us!

 

 

Card Class: stamp a stack of cards for him

Each month on the last Wednesday of the month I offer a fun rubber stamping card class for beginners to experienced stampers called stamp a stack of cards. This class is designed for you to quickly make a dozen assorted cards in just about 2 hours. Each month the card theme changes and this month we will be making “cards for him”!  During the class we will make 12 cards, 4 different designs, 3 of each design. I have everything pre-cut for you so all you have to do is the fun stuff – stamping and assembly!

 

Check out 2 of the 4 cards we will be making next week at the Stamp a Stack of Cards for Him Class. Both of these cards feature the Totally Tool stamp set.

 

In addition to these 2 cards we will also make a birthday card and a thinking of you card. After this class you will have all the cards you need for the guys in your life! Your class fee includes all supplies to make 12 cards and the envelopes. Class fee is $25. RSVP & Prepay by May 28 by using the PayPal link below.

 

I hope to see you at the class!

Last chance Definitely Decorative: Create Décor Element

Every Tuesday for the past month I have been featuring one of the last chance items. These are products that Stampin’ Up! will be retiring as of May 31 which means that there are only 10 days left to get your last chance items! This week we will be taking a look at the Create Décor Element.

 

Décor Elements are decorative vinyl that you can use to jazz up pretty much any smooth surface from a wall to window to serving platter and much more! I used the Create Décor Elements to decorate my paper tote.

 

 

I must confess I didn’t come up with the idea to decorate the paper tote with this Décor Element; my friend and scrapping buddy Barbara did. She used the Create Décor Element to decorate her own paper tote and after I saw it at a crop I immediately wanted to do the same to my paper carrier! So I completely copied her idea – thanks Barb!

 

Appling the Décor Elements is very easy to do and each 1 comes with a step by step instruction sheet. When you apply the Décor Elements keep these tips in mind:

• They apply best to clean, smooth, non-textured surfaces such as walls, glass, and ceramic.

• Take your time and work slowly when applying the vinyl to your project.

• Make sure your surface is clean and dry before you start working.

• Measure the space to make sure your image will fit properly.

• I have a YouTube video which shows the step by step instructions for applying the Décor Elements to a wall. You can check it out below

 

 .

 

Check out these other projects I created with the Definitely Decorative Décor Elements – they are not just for walls!

• On flower pots  

• On picture frames here and here

• On home décor projects

 

The last chance accessories and Definitely Decorative are while supplies last.  Once these products are gone, they are gone. So if there is something on your Wish List that is being retired just click here to order them now via my website.  

Scrapbooking with the Well Worn Designer Series Paper

Today I have a fun scrapbook page to share with you using the Well Worn Designer Series Paper. I am trying to catch up with some of my scrapbooking backlog from 2010 and I came across these photos of my son when he lost his 2^nd tooth while at pre-school. They couldn’t find the tooth so the teacher made this adorable note for the tooth fairy!  

 

 

Isn’t he toooo cute! Don’t you just want to pinch those checks! The note says:

"Dear Tooth Fairy, Sorry I am leaving a fake tooth. I lost the real one at school"

 

The Well Worn DSP is perfect for all of your masculine scrapbook pages and paper crafting projects.

 

In addition to the Well Worn DSP I used a little bit of First Edition Specialty designer series paper for this 3 photo 12x12 scrapbook page. I distressed the paper edges with the cutter kit. The red, white (well off white) and blue color scheme with all of the star accents would work well for a patriotic 4^th of July scrapbook page too! Speaking of the stars, I used the Stars #2 Big Shot die to make all of the stars. This die as well as the Well Worn DSP are retiring on May 31 (insert sad face) – I LOVE this die – so be sure to get yours before it is gone!

 

Click here to check out another scrapbook page I made with the Well Worn DSP! How would you use this scrapbook layout sketch? Leave a comment below and let me know!

Father’s Day card featuring the Best Dad Ever stamp set and the new 2012-2012 In Colors

Father’s Day is right around the corner and nothing says I love you more than a handmade card! Whether your dad frequents Home Depot or the golf course, he is sure to love this card!

 

 

The finished card size is 3” x 6” and features the Best Dad Ever stamp set.

 

 

Even though this set is named “Best Dad Ever” don’t be afraid to use the happy birthday and thinking of you greetings on feminine cards as well. This set is super versatile!

 

What do you think of this color combination?

 

I used 2 of the brand new, 2012-2014 In Colors along with Whisper White and Marina Mist. The green is called Gumball Green and I think it is a deeper shade of Wild Wasabi. I really like this green. I used the new Gumball Green stitched satin ribbon as well. I’m pretty sure I’m going to need this ribbon in every shade! You understand right?! Lol The darker blue is called Midnight Muse. I really like this color as well. Check out how this shade of blue compares to Night of Navy and Not Quite Navy.  

 

 

I think the Midnight Muse is a medium navy shade – what do you think? I have a feeling I’ll be using these 2 new colors often!

Scrapbooking with the Letters to Santa designer series paper

The last chance Stampin’ Up! stamp set list for 2012 is here and you have just 2 weeks left to get these products before they are gone for good! Every Tuesday through May 31 I will be sharing with you projects made from items on the last chance list. These are some of my favorite Stampin’ Up! products.

 

 

The annual catalog will now run from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013. Which means the current Idea Book & Catalog will end on May 31, 2012 NOT June 30^th!!

 

This week’s featured retiring product is the Letters to Santa DSP.

 

I love the vintage feel of these papers. Today I used them to create this 2 page scrapbook layout about playing Wii rockband. The finished size is 12x24.

 

 

The colors (Early Espresso and Riding Hood Red)  in the Letters to Santa DSP matched perfectly with what everyone happened to be wearing during the jam session – hey even Grammy got in the action! By adding the stars and using the striped and dotted patterned paper, the DSP doesn’t really have a Christmastime feel. My journaling will be included on those white blocks. This layout is based on a sketch from the Got Sketch 107 workshop.

 

As a reminder, the last chance accessories and Definitely Decorative are while supplies last.  Once these products are gone, they are gone. So if there is something on your Wish List that is being retired order them now via my website. Just click here or the shop now button above (oh and be sure to check out the clearance rack while you are there!)

 

Next week I will be featuring a project using a Definitely Decorative product – be sure to come back and check it out!

 

 

Registration is open! NJ Crop Weekends Summer Crop 2012!

Would you love to have some time scrapbooking and crafting without your kids or husband interrupting you? Would you like to catch up on some of your backlog of scrapbooking pages to do list? If you answered yes to these questions, then I have the event for you!

 

 NJ Crop Weekends Summer Crop 2012!

 

 

 

Registration is OPEN for our Summer Crop Weekend from August 10-12, 2012 at the Dolce, Basking Ridge, NJ!

 

A paper crafting getaway is sooooo much fun! There are classes, contests, games, great food, and of course great company! This is 1 scrapbooking retreat you won’t want to miss! Our all inclusive scrapbooking events are top notch! You will be pampered while scrapping and cropping away!

 

I’d love to have you join me for the whole weekend or just 1 day. Several packages are available.

 

Early bird pricing ends June 30!

 

Plus we have a referral program! If you refer a NEW friend to NJ Crop Weekends, take $10 off* your package price and $10 off* your friend’s price!!  (*Save $5 on packages D, E & F.)

 

All packages include:

• Ergonomic seating 
• Use of Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Center
• Power strip at every table
• Complimentary Punch & Die-cut Table
• Goodie Bags Filled with Products!!
• Free Wireless Internet & Free Wireless Printing
• Coffee, Tea, Water, Juices, and Snacks 24/7
• And much more!

 

For more information and a registration form click here. Space is limited so reserve your spot today! Early bird pricing ends June 30!

 

I hope to see you at the crop!

 

 

Sneak Peak: May Technique Thursday Class

I am so excited for this month’s Technique Thursday class! We will be learning 2 very cool techniques!

 

rock and roll stamping technique

and

basic masking

 

The Rock & Roll technique is a super cool way to add multiple colors to a stamped image and masking allows you to omit portions of a stamped image. Both of these techniques deliver a big impact and all your friends will be impressed!

 

Check out the card sample we will be making using the Fabulous Florets stamp set which combines both the rock & roll and basic masking techniques!

 

 

I know you want to learn how to make this card! Let me tell you a little bit about my monthly Technique Thursday class. Each month we learn 2 or 3 techniques and create a project using those techniques. At your very first class you will create a cute little technique book using the Big Shot. Each time you attend the Technique Thursday class you will add technique samples to your technique book. This book will become a great little reference guide!

This month Technique Thursday is actually on a Friday May 18. To register and learn more click here. Be sure to RSVP by May 14 – look forward to seeing you in class!

 

Color Combo: Marina Mist, Pretty in Pink, Early Espresso

This week’s color combo challenge for the INKcredible Impressions includes a pretty pastel like combination of  Marina Mist, Pretty in Pink, and Early Espresso. Once again I used My Digital Studio to create my card.

 

 

The background paper for the card is from the Beau Chateau designer series paper and the butterflies are from the Wonderful Wings Digital stamp set. I love the Beau Chateau DSP – check out these pretty patterns!

 

This DSP is available as traditional paper and as a digital download. If you are interested in the paper, it is on the last chance list and will be retired as of May 31. Be sure to get it before it sells out. The digital version is not retiring. That’s the cool thing about using My Digital Studio, the products you love don’t retire so you can always get the digital version!

 

If you are interested in learning more about My Digital Studio check out the details at www.mydigitalstudio.net and order your FREE 30 day trial of My Digital Studio Express by clicking here! Oh and by the way – a My Digital Studio 2 is on the way – there are some great new features! Check out this video for some of the details!

 

 

 

I’d love to know what you think of My Digital Studio and my color combo challenge card. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know!

Last chance stamp set: Thank You Kindly

The last chance Stampin’ Up! stamp set list for 2012 is here! Every Tuesday until May 31 I will be sharing with you projects made from items on the last chance list. These are some of my favorite Stampin’ Up! products and they will be retiring; the current Idea Book & Catalog will be retired on May 31 NOT June 30.

 

 

The annual catalog will run from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013. Which means the current Idea Book & Catalog will end on May 31, 2012 NOT June 30^th!!

 

This week’s featured retiring product is the Thank You Kindly stamp set.

The Thank You Kindly stamp set is my “go to” thank you set. I use it ALL of the time! It is one of my favorites. If you ever received a thank you card from me, chances are I used this set to make it. Here are some cards featuring this stamp set.

 

 

 

As a reminder, the last chance accessories and Definitely Decorative are while supplies last.  Once these products are gone, they are gone. So if there is something on your Wish List that is being retired order them now via my website. Just click here or the shop now button above (oh and be sure to check out the clearance rack while you are there!)

 

Next week I will be featuring the Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper. Be sure to check it out!

How the heck do I re-ink my Stampin’ Up! Classic ink pad?

Do you have the same question? How the heck do I re-ink my Stampin’ Up! Classic ink pad? Well this is a question that I frequently get from my clients. There is no need to throw out your Stampin’ Up! ink pad once it gets a little dry, all you need is a bottle of re-inker and you can bring that ink pad back to life in no time!

 

How can you tell if your Classic Ink Pad needs to be refreshed?

There are a couple ways you can tell your ink pad may need some more ink. First you will notice the pad seems drier than usual. You will also notice that your stamped image doesn’t have good coverage even after using proper stamping technique. If that’s the case then you should refresh your ink pad.

 

Why should I re-ink my ink pad? Isn’t it messy? Why don’t I just buy a new ink pad instead?

Re-inking your ink pad properly is not a messy process. It literally takes minutes. And you could certainly purchase a new ink pad instead but a bottle of re-inker is about half the price and lasts a long time. You will be able to refresh your ink pad several times before you run out and in the long run it will save you some money.

 

How do I re-ink my Classic Ink Pad? How often do I need to do this?

It is easier than you think to re-ink your ink pad and it literally takes 5 minutes. All you need is a Stampin’ Up! re-inker in color and type of ink you are using. (Stampin’ Up! craft ink uses craft re-inkers and classic ink uses classic re-inkers). So if your Basic Black Classic Ink pad needs refreshing then you need the Basic Black Classic Re-inker. I recommend that you re-ink your ink pads once a year. If you use a color more often then you make need to re-ink it more frequently.  I put together a quick YouTube video for you with the step by step instructions.

 

 

 

See nothing to worry about – super easy to do! And the process for re-inking a Stampin’ Up! craft ink pad is exactly the same.

 

But I thought I heard that Stampin’ Up! is coming out with new firm foam ink pads?

That is true, in June 2012 Stampin’ Up! will be introducing new firm foam ink pads. I am pretty certain the re-inking process is exactly the same. But no worries if it is not, because I will make another video for you guys! But note – with the new foam ink pads 5 colors had a slight reformulation: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Marina Mist, Perfect Plum, and Tempting Turquoise – for these colors only – starting in June 2012 with the new firm foam ink pads to refresh them you will need a re-inker with the new formulation. The current re-inker is not the same formulation. For all other colors, the current re-inkers will work with the firm foam ink pads.

 

If you have any questions about how to refresh your ink pads or the new firm foam ink pads just leave your question in the comment section below.  And if you need any re-inkers you can order them from my website by clicking here.