Add a Spooky Look to the Winter Tree Frame by Jean Okimoto

Add spooky special effects to the new Winter Tree Frame to create the perfect setting for some Friendly Ghosts.  It begins as a beautiful, delicate tree  - and we're adding some Black Soot ink to highlight the frame and branches and make it a bit scary.  Hello, Jean Okimoto here with a quick Halloween design for you.

Pressure-emboss Winter Tree Frame onto 140-lb Cold Press watercolor paper using the plates and embossing mat required for your machine.  Ink the raised areas using a pod applicator and Black Soot Distress Oxides.  These sturdy applicators look like freeze-dried marshmallows - and are great for inking the top layer of embossed designs.  They don't squish down into the unembossed area.   Dry the ink.

Place a sheet of printer paper - between the inked paper and the cutting plate - to prevent the transfer of ink.  Cut it with the Winter Tree Frame.  

Use the larger outer frame to cut a 3-¼" background square of black cardstock.  Attach it behind the Winter Tree Frame.

Cut Friendly Ghosts from watercolor paper.

Cut accents strips from green cardstock (¾" x 3-¼"), orange cardstock (¾" x 3-¾" and crushed copper paper (¾" x 5").  

Attach everything to a side-folded black A-2 card.  Add black sequins.

The beautiful Winter Tree Frame isn't just for winter or fall.  It's perfect throughout the year.  Begin with autumn leaves now, then drifting snowflakes for December, hearts in January, lovebirds in February, cherry blossoms in March - and on and on.

 

If you're in the Seattle area and need some Halloween and fall inspiration - join us for a class, and the Impress Halloween Event on Saturday September 21st. The HALLOWEEN STASH CARDS class starts at 10:30.  We're making 5 cards and a treat wrapper - lots of techniques, diecuts and everyone gets a pack of 'extras' from my stash to make more class cards at home.   Enjoy demos (10:00-Noon), great samples, special displays and the best selection of Halloween papercrafting products for all of your projects.  

Thanks for visiting - see you again next week!

Supplies

 

94303 Winter Tree Frame craft die

94086 Friendly Ghosts craft die

Send Hugs with the Memory Box Simon Says Stamp’s Exclusive Stamptember Stamp Set by Jean Okimoto

Send a hug - and brighten someone's day - with a floral design from the Memory Box Stamptember Stamp Set for Simon Says Stamp.  It's a limited edition set celebrating the 10th anniversary of Stamptember and it's available while supplies last.  

Hi there, Jean Okimoto here with a simple design that's perfect when you need a quick card.  If you're busy or coloring-challenged like I am - this is your card!

Stamp the bouquet on the smoother side of Coral Creme cardstock with Morning Mist VersaFine Clair.  Dry the ink. Cut it with the large circle frame from the Stylish Frame Trio.  Save the delicate double outer circles too.

Cut three accent strips of Rock Candy (¾" x 4"), Easter Grass (1"x 5")  and Arroyo (¾"x 4-½") cardstock.  

Use Worn Lipstick Distress Oxides to  stamp "sending" from the Bold Friendly Greetings Clear Stamps near the bottom right corner of a 5-½" square white card.  Stamp "hugs" from the limited edition Fresh Cut Bouquet stamp set.

Diecut a heart from Arroyo using the Heart Board die.

Assemble the card.  Add peach gem stickers.  

Hope you like this quick and easy design.  Thanks for visiting...enjoy your summer weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplies

 

CL5236 Bold Friendly Greetings

94308 Stylish Frame Trio craft die

94104 Heart Board craft die

Simon Says Stamp’s Exclusive Stamptember Fresh Cut Bouquet by Jean Okimoto

The Memory Box Exclusive Fresh Cut Bouquet Set for Simon Says Stamp is great for the ink-lifting technique.  Pair it with warm Distress Oxide colors and crisp white diecuts from the Petite Leaf Frame Set.   The 10th Anniversary Stamptember Limited Edition stamp set is only available while supplies last - order your set soon and enjoy it for late summer and fall projects.

Hi, Jean Okimoto here, using a popular technique that's been around for several years -  but creates unique results each time.  Sponge or brush the smoother side of watercolor paper with overlapping layers of  Worn Lipstick and Picked Raspberry Distress Oxides.  Set it aside to air-dry.  Have a Kleenex tissue and another stamp block ready for the next step.  

Spritz the clean Fresh Cut Bouquet stamp with water and press it firmly onto the inked watercolor paper for about a minute. Carefully remove the stamp and lay the tissue flat on the watercolor paper.  Press it with the stamp block to absorb the excess water.

Dry the watercolor paper then trim it with the 3-½" x 4-¾" Rectangle Basics die.

Stamp the greeting - also from the set - on a scrap of watercolored paper with Morning Mist VersaFine Clair.  Trim it with the smallest Rectangle Basics die.

Cut the leaves and pods from the Petite Leaf Frame set from white cardstock.

Attach everything to an A-6 card of textured white cardstock - use foam dots for the greeting.  Add yellow gem stickers.

Hope you'll try this technique with different designs from our 2019 Holiday Collection.  It would be great with the evergreens, leaves and wreaths.

Thanks for visiting...see you tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

Supplies

 

94318 Petite Leaf Frame craft die

30086 Rectangle Basics Set

Add a Speckled Background to a Holiday Greenery Card by Jean Okimoto

 

Give a classic Christmas design a unique autumn look with the new Holiday Greenery Clear Stamps.  Invert the poinsettia and berries then watercolor them in warm colors on a caring card for someone special.  Hi, Jean Okimoto here with a fall card - and an easy way to add controlled splatters to any design.  

Color the smoother side of watercolor paper with a watery wash of Bundled Sage Distress Oxide.  Dry it with a heat-tool - alternately heating the back and front of the paper to minimize curling.

Stamp it with Pinecone VersaFine Clair and emboss it with detail clear powder.  Press the inks from Tomato Vine Kaleidacolor onto a large acrylic block.  Use it as a palette to paint the design.

Stamp the greetings on scraps of the tinted watercolor paper with VersaMark.  Emboss them with detail clear powder.  When they're cooled, brush them with Shady Lane VersaFine Clair.  Remove any residual ink on the embossing with a tissue.

Cut  Speckled Background from stencil plastic - the 12" square sheets from The Crafters Workshop are great for this.  Remove the diecut, rotate it 180 degrees and cut it again.  This adds a second set of holes in different areas. The diecut stencil in the background was cut once.  The stencil taped to the paper was cut, rotated and cut again.  

Brush or sponge Spanish Moss VersaFine through the stencil onto the stamped paper.  Move the stencil around to fill in any areas that need more spots.

Ink-splattering is cool - but my splats don't always land where I want them to.  Stenciling lets you control the location and intensity of those little dots.  You can even multi-color the dots with different sections of the stencil.

Trim the paper with the 3-¼" Square Basics die.  Cut a 1-½" x 3-¾" strip of dark green cardstock.  Cut a ¾" x 3-¾" strip of the new crushed copper paper from Shizen Design, sold at Impress.

Attach everything to an A-6 (4-½" x 6-¼") card of Candy Corn cardstock - use foam tape for the greetings. Punch and attach ¼" circles of the crushed copper paper.

Big thanks to everyone from last week's SIMPLY ASIAN and AWESOME BLOSSOM(s) classes at Impress!  I appreciate your driving - and flying - to join us.  Thanks Jenny - for those flowery bowls of great chocolates - all 6 varieties of them!  And thanks to Erin and Lynne for answering all of our questions and finding everything we needed.

No classes this weekend -  I'll see everyone again at the HALLOWEEN STASH CARDS class at the Impress Halloween Event on September 21st.  We're using great dies, inks and stamps - and mystery items from my stash.  Everyone gets some stash extras to make more cards at home.  We'll make 5 cards and a treat wrapper.

Thanks for visiting...

 

Supplies

 

CL5244 Holiday Greenery clear stamp set

99473 Speckled Background

30088 Square Basics Set

Add Sketch Blooms to the New Jovial Wreath by Jean Okimoto

 

The new Jovial Wreath is perfect for fall cards - it doesn't need to wait till Christmas.  Diecut it from watercolored paper and add a trio of Sketch Blooms  for a quick Thanksgiving card, birthday or thank-you card in fall colors.

Hi, Jean Okimoto here with a versatile design you can use throughout the year.  A quick color change would transform this into a holiday card with layered poinsettias and sparkly snowflake or star gem stickers.  

 

Paint watercolor paper with diluted Kaleidacolor dye ink refills.  Heat-set the inks.  Cut it with Jovial Wreath and Sketch Blooms.

 Cut dark green cardstock with Jovial Wreath and layer it behind the watercolored wreath for dimension.

Attach pieces of green glittered cardstock behind the flower centers.  

Stamp the greeting - from the new Fern and Berries Clear Stamps Set - on a scrap of white cardstock with Sunshine VersaFine Clair.  

Attach everything to a side-folded white A-2 card/  Add orange gem stickers.

Thanks for visiting...hope you're enjoying the designs from our 2019 Holiday Collection as much as we enjoy sharing our ideas with you.  

If you're in the Seattle area - join us for two classes at Impress this Saturday.  It's Simply Asian at 10:30 and Awesome Blossoms at 1:30.  We're using the best of Memory Box, Birch Press Design and Poppystamps - and some beautiful new artpapers from Shizen Design.  See you!

Supplies

 

94305 Jovial Wreath craft die

94250 Sketch Blooms craft die

CL5249 Fern and Berries clear stamp set

The Chandele Snowflake and Shining Star Set by Jean Okimoto

Create holiday magic with the beautiful new Chandele Snowflake and layers of the Shining Star Set.  Two stars - one brushed with glitter - adhere and accent the delicate snowflake.  It's a happy day when glittering and attaching a detailed die can be accomplished in one easy step!

Hi, Jean Okimoto here with another quick-glittered design that would be great for mass-production.  Chose your favorite colors - winter pastels, jewel tones or tradtionals - or make personalized cards in the recipients' favorite holiday shades.  

Cut the largest Shining Star from white cardstock.  

Attach Diecut 'n Bond  tape to white cardstock and cut the second-largest Shining Star.

Scrunch some waxed paper and rub it briskly over the Chandele Snowflake die - this helps release the little bits and pieces from the die.  Cut the snowflake from white cardstock.  Save the offcut for another beautiful project.

Attach the snowflake to the adhesive-covered star - save the tape liner.  Use the tape liner as a presscloth to secure the detailed design.  Brush ultrafine iridescent glitter over the exposed adhesive.  Press it again with the liner.

Cut ¾" x 3-½" and 4" strips of Flintstone and Easter Grass cardstock.  Cut textured pink cardstock with the 2-⅛" x 3-⅝" Pinpoint Rectangle Layers die.

Prep a scrap of white cardstock with the embossing powder tool.  Stamp the greeting - from the new Holiday Greenery Clear Stamps Set - with VersaMark.  Emboss it with detail silver powder.  Trim it with the 1" x 2" Pinpoint Rectangles Layers die.

Attach everything to a white A-6 (4-½" x 6-¼") card.  Add pink gem stickers.

Special thanks to everyone from Monday's SIMPLY ASIAN class at Impress!  I appreciate how you braved the holiday traffic on ferries and freeways to join us.  Thanks too - Ann and Shari - for helping everyone fill those shopping baskets again.  

Thanks for visiting - see you tomorrow...

 

Supplies

 

94319 Chandele Snowflake craft die

94321 Shining Star Set craft die

CL5244 Holiday Greenery clear stamp set

30065 Pinpoint Rectangle Layers

New Release Blog Blitz! by Jean Okimoto

 

Have you noticed this week that we have been posting from the new release?  You can find a link to the entire release here. There are stamps as well as dies and items for Fall as well as Christmas.  Hopefully you will be inspired for the upcoming seasons!  

Would you like to flip for through the new look books?  There is the one for Halloween as well as Christmas.  

We will be celebrating the new release on the blog this week from Monday, August 26th- Sunday, September 1st.  There will be a new sample each day as well as a chance to win a prize each day this week.  

Hi - Jean Okimoto here with the first blog blitz project and a chance to win a great prize.

Cut watercolor paper with the 3-¼" Square Basics die.  Sponge it with Worn Lipstick, Picked Raspberry and Spun Sugar Distress Oxides.  Spritz it with a light mist of water, then heat-set it.  Splatter it lightly with Imagine Crafts Gold Sheer Shimmer Spritz.  Set it aside to dry.

Cut Chandele Star from white cardstock.  It's a great new design that's not just perfect for Chrismas - use it throughout the year for celebrations and special events.

Stamp the greeting - from the new Merry and Bright Mistletoe Clear Stamps Set - on white cardstock with VersaMark.  Emboss it with detail clear powser.  Sponge it with Rocket Red Gold Brilliance.  Wipe the residual ink off with a tissue.  Cut it with the ¾" Square Basics die.

Pressure-emboss the dried watercolor paper with Chandele Star using the plates and embossing mat required for your machine.  

Cut a stencil from vellum using the Chandele Star.  Vellum is great for disposable stencils because it keeps a crisp edge and doesn't get saturated with ink.   Sponge Rocket Red Gold Brilliance through the stencil onto the pressure-embossed star.

Attach the diecuts to a side-folded A-2 card of textured white cardstock.  Add ¼" circles punched from gold glitter cardstock.

Want a chance to win the new Chandele Star ?  Leave a comment on this blog post anytime before Sunday, September 1st at 11:59pm EST.  One comment will be selected at random to win the prize.  All contest winners will be announced on the Outside the Box blog on Monday, September 2nd at 6:00pm EST.  Good luck!

Thanks for visiting.  Stop by again tomorrow for Donna's project and another chance to win a prize from our latest collection!

Supplies

 

94317 Chandele Star craft die

30088 Square Basics Set

CL5246 Merry and Bright Mistletoe clear stamp set

Celebrate with the Simple Poinsettia Frame from the 2019 Holiday Collection by Jean Okimoto

Pearlescent inks highlight the beautiful details of the new Simple Poinsettia Frame and a holiday message from the Mistletoe Swag Clear Stamps Set.  Add gold gem stickers - and that's it!  Hello, Jean Okimoto here...hope you're enjoying your weekend. We're excited about our 2019 Holiday Collection and can't wait to share more designs and ideas with you!

Cut Simple Poinsettia Frame from watercolor paper - it makes the beautiful details stand out.  Cut the four additional petals.  Cut an extra petal from the framed poinsettia - it's the one on the right.  

Brilliance inks are great for coloring diecuts - they're easy to blend, then dry quickly.  I've used Rocket Red Gold and a bit of Sunflower Yellow for the petals.  Pearlescent Thyme colors the leaves and stem.  Use a Post-it to mask the edges where the leaves and stem are attached to the frame.  

Attach the large extra petal from the frame die first, then add the other petals.  Use a small amount of glue at the bottom of the petals and crease them gently before assembling the poinsettia.  

Stamp the greeting with Rocket Red Gold.

Attach everything to a top-folded A-2 card of smooth white cardstock.

Add yellow gem stickers.

Add texture and dimension to your projects with the detailed designs from our 2019 Holiday Collection.  Find your new favorites there - and be inspired by the holiday idea books filled with Dave Brethauer's beautiful cards.  

Thanks for visiting...see you again tomorrow!

 

Supplies

 

94297 Simple Poinsettia Frame craft die

CL5247 Mistletoe Swag clear stamp set

Winter Tree Frame from the 2019 Holiday Collection by Jean Okimoto

Combine a snowy Winter Tree Frame - from the 2019 Holiday Collection - and bright Resting Birds for a classic Christmas scene.  Add a greeting from the new Merry and Bright Mistletoe Clear Stamps Set.  Hello, Jean Okimoto here with a simple holiday design from our latest collection.

Prep the frame dies by rubbing them briskly with a wad of scrunched waxed paper.  This helps the dies release the diecuts.  Cut the tree frame and outer frame from smooth white cardstock.  

Here's a tip - keep the outer frame in the die.  Attach narrow strips of tape.  Press the diecut (still in the die) firmly onto a textured white A-6 (6-¼" x 4-½") card.  Carefully remove the die, leaving the diecut attached to the card.  

Pressure emboss Patina cardstock with the tree die.  Trim it to 3" square.  It adds dimension and texture to the design.

Squeeze a bit of Zinc White Gouache onto an acrylic stamp block.  Blend it with a small amount of water.  Splatter a few drops of it onto the embossed square.  Set it aside to dry.  Attach it behind the white tree frame.

Stamp the greeting - from the new Merry and Bright Mistletoe Clear Stamps Set - on smooth white cardstock with Turquoise Gem VersaMagic.  Quickly emboss it with detail clear powder.  Trim it with the Rectangle Basics die.

Attach Couture Creations double-stick tape behind glittered red craft foam.  Cut Resting Birds.

Assemble the card - use foam dots for the greeting.  Add light gold gem stickers.

Hope your favorite retailer has ordered the 2019 Holiday Collections of Memory Box and Poppystamps.  The dies and clear stamp sets reflect a wide range of styles and themes.  We're busy creating and sharing fall and winter cards for everyone on your list.  

Thanks for visiting - see you again this weekend!

Supplies

 

94303 Winter Tree Frame craft die

30086 Rectangle Basics Set

98527 Resting Birds

CL5246 Merry and Bright Mistletoe clear stamp set

Sparkling Snowflake Trio from the 2019 Holiday Collection by Jean Okimoto

The 2019 Holiday Collection of dies and stamps has arrived!  It's a wonderful fall and winter mix of frames, snowflakes, botanicals, holiday icons and greetings.  Hello, Jean Okimoto here with the first of many cards featuring our latest release.  

View the collection and holiday idea books here.

Prep the delicate dies by rubbing them briskly with waxed paper scrunched into a loose wad.  This makes it easier to remove the diecuts.  It also makes it easier to release pinpoint and stitched dies - and detailed frames.  

Cut the Sparkling Snowflake Trio from white cardstock.  Cut Joy Airy Script from silver metallic cardstock - save the little piece over the "j."

Here's an easy way to attach delicate diecuts to a background.  Attach Diecut 'n Bond doublestick tape   to pink cardstock.  Cut it with the 4" Square Basics die.  Carefully attach the snowflakes and greeting to the adhesive background - save the tape liner.  Use the liner to firmly press the diecuts to the background.  Brush ultra-fine iridescent glitter onto the remaining exposed adhesive.  

Cut three ¾" cardstock accent strips - 4-½" of Rock Candy, 3-¾" of pink and 3-¼" of Easter Grass.

Stamp the greeting - from the new Merry and Bright Mistletoe Clear Stamp Set - on smooth white cardstock using a clean VersaMark inkpad.   Emboss it with detail clear powder.  Sponge Starlite Black Brilliance over the greeting so it resembles a label-maker tape.  

Attach everything to a side-folded 5-½" square card.

Big thanks to everyone from last weekend's COLORS OF CHRISTMAS class at Impress!  Hope you enjoyed creating cards with the new Memory Box and Poppystamps releases.  Special thanks to Jenny too - for the great ginger cookies and chocolate mints!   Thanks to Ann, Erin and Lynne - for helping everyone shop and find those great new designs.

See you again on Friday!  

 

Supplies

 

94325 Joy Airy Script craft die

94287 Sparkling Snowflake Trio craft die

CL5246 Merry and Bright Mistletoe clear stamp set