Delight of my Art - Crafting paper, step-by-step tutorials and sharing life

Stamping with Friends Sneak Peek Blog Hop

Posted on December 18, 2021December 18, 2021 by debjoysmeak

I’m so excited for the new January – June Mini catalog and freebies with Sale-a-bration during January and February! I’m highlighting one of the FREE items you can get with any purchase of $100. It’s a stamp and paper bundle: Friendly Hello Stamp Set and Friendly Hello DSP! The colors are so soft in this DSP. I love to play with a new stamp set using the coordinating colors that artisan designers have already picked out in the DSP. It takes the pressure off of me to get the colors right. Later when I’ve played with it more I’ll try some bright and bold colors.

For my first play with this awesome bundle, I pulled out my Water Painters, which I sometimes forget about. It’s so easy to look like a pro with our Fluid 100 watercolor paper and some ink. When the lids are closed on our unique Stampin’ ink pads you can give them a firm squeeze to get some ink in the lid. Then when you open the ink pad you have a watercolor palette all ready to use for watercoloring! Simply lift the color up with the Water Painter and apply to the Stazon inked image on the Fluid 100 watercolor paper. I also picked up a bit of watery Granny Apple Green and flicked it across my card to get a splatter effect and then came in with very watered-down Granny Apple Green to go around the image to simulate the hint of a tree behind.

I used my Stamparatus to make sure I got a good imprint on my watercolor paper. Stazon dries very quickly and with the texture of the watercolor paper, it is sometimes hard to get a solid print the first time around. The Stamparatus is perfect for stamping exactly in the same place multiple times to get a perfect imprint.

Another new product I’m using on this card is the new Iridescent Rhinestones! They are beautiful. They are shown in the mini catalog along with the Sweet Talk suite on pages 8-9. Some other annual catalog favorites used on this card are shown in the links below. There is no link yet to the SAB items. They will only be available for free with a qualifying purchase between January 4 – February 28.

If you are in the US and do not already have a demonstrator I would be happy to send you a complimentary set of catalogs. Please fill out this CATALOG REQUEST FORM. Have a happy day and #spreadthejoy of card making by sending a card today!

Linda Moore
Tricia Butts
Karen Egan
Mo Rootes
Caron Bailey
Kelly Place Taranto
Mickey Moore
Deb Smeak ———–> You are here
Rachael Merrick

tams# 66601

Product List

Fresh Freesia 3/8" (1 Cm) Open Weave Ribbon

Faux Wood-Burning Technique

Posted on September 4, 2021September 4, 2021 by debjoysmeak

Welcome to another Stamping with Friends Blog Hop! We’re featuring techniques on this hop, which is such a FUN topic! I’m trying a new-to-me technique called the Faux Wood-Burning technique. Isn’t it cool?! It is impressive AND easy. My favorite kind of project. 🙂

To do this technique you will need: watercolor paper, one of our water painters (or paintbrush) and Early Espresso ink. Use a line art stamp, such as this wonderful one from Jar of Flowers.

Faux Wood Burning Technique

To do the faux wood-burning you just stamp your image in the Early Espresso ink straight onto dry watercolor paper. Take a wet water painter and drag from the center to the edges to drag the ink across the white parts of the paper. You can go over the entire paper or just around the image. I swiped from the center out to each side, only going left and right. Each time you do this the colors will bleed slightly differently to create a unique look on every piece. Try to just go over each area with one swipe so you don’t muddy your image too much.

When your paper is dry, run it through a wood textured embossing folder. That’s it! I used the Timber 3D embossing folder from the new July-December Mini Catalog. We used to carry Pinewood Planks embossing folder, but I really like that Timber 3D doesn’t have lines through it. Doesn’t it look amazing for hardly any effort?!

Finishing up the card

Then I just added this to a thick Basic White card base with DSP and two Early Espresso mats. I used DSP from the annual catalog, Beauty of the Earth. This paper has some really nice fall, winter and leafy patterns.

For my embellishments, I picked one of the colors used in the DSP: Misty Moonlight. I used Flowers for Every Season Misty Moonlight and Silver Baker’s Twine and some Misty Moonlight enamel dots, which I’m just now realizing are retired. Ha! We do have In Color square gems in Misty Moonlight that would also look good here, or you could color rhinestones or pearls with Misty Moonlight Stampin’ Blends. I love how the Blends help us match our embellishments if we don’t have the right color in our stash. While I’d love to buy every embellishment that’s just not realistic, is it? Hahaha!

I also added a sentiment from Celebrate Sunflowers in white embossing on an Early Espresso strip, popped up with dimensionals. Celebrate Sunflowers is the ultimate complimentary set to use with Jar of Flowers.

I also decorated the inside and the envelope. May as well finish the whole thing when your stamps are out! I also put my cards in clear envelopes so they are protected until I’m ready to mail or sell them. Are you going to try this technique? Leave a comment below.

Thanks for hopping along with us! Keep on hopping along to see what card technique Tina Hewett has in store for you!

Libby Fens
Linda Moore
Donna Schnees
Tricia Butts
Deb Smeak——–You are HERE
Tina Hewett
Karen Egan
Caron Bailey
Sandra Roberts

tams# 63449

Product List

Celebrate Sunflowers Cling Stamp Set (English)

Beauty Of The Earth 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

Flowers For Every Season Ribbon Combo Pack

Ghirardelli Treat Packages

Posted on August 29, 2021August 29, 2021 by debjoysmeak

Do you need table favors, gifts for teachers, birthday treats or fun giveaways at work? I’ve got you covered! I made these treats Halloween-themed, but you can really make them for any occasion.

Instructions:

Cut a piece of DSP 3″ x 6″. For the treat to open on the side (as shown), have the 6″ side be “up.” To open from the bottom (ideal for table favors with names) then make sure you have the 3″ side be “up.”

Ghirardelli treats are nearly 3/8″ of an inch thick so that’s what the gusset should be. Place DSP in the trimmer long side up with the left side of the paper on the 3″ mark (in half). Move it over to the left 3/16″ and score and then back to the 3″ mark and to the right another 3/16″ to score. This gives a gusset of exactly 3/8″. Fold on these score lines.

Use a 1/4″ hole punch to punch 2 holes in the “open” side of the treat to tie it closed with a ribbon. Cut 10″ of ribbon, which will make a nice small bow. If you like bigger bows use 12″ or more of ribbon.

Use Stamp ‘n Seal+ on the inside to secure the treat down. Close the front flap, feed the ribbon through the back of the holes and tie the bow. Use the Everyday Label punch in coordinating cardstock colors to your DSP and decorate to suit your needs. I used stamps from the Cutest Halloween stamp set and the Halloween punch (or fussy cutting) to get images from the DSP. In the tutorial video, I used the cat punch to add a fun twist to this collection. There are also BONUS extra treats for other occasions shown at the end of the video. You can view the tutorial here:

Ghirardelli Treat Packages YouTube Tutorial

To order any of the CUTE Halloween products I used or get to my online store you can click on any of the links below. Remember you can earn FREE products right now during Sale-a-bration with every $50 increment. Use host code GPMG66KF for orders under $150.

Happy Stamping!

tams# 63397

Product List

Cute Halloween 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

Black & White 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Gingham Ribbon

Stamping with Friends Blog Hop – July 2021

Posted on July 24, 2021July 24, 2021 by debjoysmeak

The new *July-December Mini Catalog will be live on August 3! As a demonstrator, we are able to order nearly anything we want a whole month early. (I love being a demo!) This blog hop is showcasing NEW items that you can get from this new catalog AND some from the new Sale-a-bration catalog that begins the same date and runs through the end of September.

I chose to feature the adorable CUTEST HALLOWEEN suite of products. This is one of our new full suites and it includes a stamp set, triple punch, DSP, gingham ribbon, adhesive star sequins and these fun Tombstone Treat Boxes. As you can see, the punch can punch out 3 of the cute images from the stamp set and the DSP. The treat boxes are double-sided with a full tombstone on each side, with the backside being slightly smaller so it nests perfectly inside.

I thought it would be a great idea to make a new “back” side for the treat boxes so I could double my treat boxes! Since the fronts and backs nest together and are slightly different sizes, I have two measurements for the boxes to fit. For the bigger box in Basic Gray cardstock:

Bigger base: 5-7/8″ x 4-7/8″, score at 1-3/16″ all the way around, notch tabs

Bigger Box end cap: 3″ x 4″. (This will be glued to the flat surface of the new box to mimic the tomb shape on the front side)

Bigger Box white layer: 2-1/2″ x 3-1/2″

Ornate Frames die as shown.

This box will fit perfectly snug inside the bigger of the Tombstone treat box halves. I stamped the spider on the white layer and drew a straight line with a black Stampin’ Write marker. The smaller box is 1/4″ smaller:

Smaller Box base: 5-5/8″ x 4-5/8″, still score on all sides 1-3/16″

Smaller Box end cap: 2-3/4″ x 3-3/4″

Smaller white layer: 2-1/4″ x 3-1/4″ d

Ornate Frames die cut

Bonus! These two boxes FIT TOGETHER to make their own box as well as fit snugly into each side of the Tombstone Treat boxes, stretching your crafting supplies!

Showing both sizes of the box halves that match with the Tombstone Treat Boxes.

I also added a FREE Sale-a-bration item: Be Dazzling 6″ x 6″ DSP. It’s sooo shiny! It is covered with tiny silver sequins. I wasn’t sure I could stamp on it. The Memento is a little pale, but Stazon ink worked perfectly. I held it there a bit so the ink soaked in. I used the adorable ghost face after punching out the ghost shape with the punch. The paper is super thick, but still punchable. I attached them with a glue dot. Aren’t the ghosts so cute?! You can earn 8 sheets of this specialty paper for free with a $50 order.

The label dies on the front are new as well. They are called Seasonal Labels Dies and have 6 labels plus more to coordinate with another stamp set, featured on the cover of the new catalog.

The skeleton face is the only image not on the punch, but it was really easy to fussy cut.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and sneak peek! Keep hopping along to see more sneak peeks available on August 3. Make sure you request a new catalog from your demonstrator. If you don’t have one, I’d be happy to send you a copy.

Linda Moore
Caron Bailey
Libby Fens
Jo Blackman
Karen Egan
Tricia Butts
Polly Crouch
Sarah Bullen
Tracie St-Louis
Nancy Reynolds
Betty Bickford
Donna Schness
Tina Hewett
Deb Smeak <——-You are HERE
Mary Knabe

*Interesting note: If you noticed, the catalog name is July-December Mini but it doesn’t start until August 3. There were multiple delays on products due to covid. To avoid frustration with so many items on backorder or unavailable status, Stampin’ Up! chose to delay the catalog one month. I think this was a smart decision, but the name of the catalog stayed the same.

Snailed It Stationery Set

Posted on June 19, 2021June 19, 2021 by debjoysmeak

I’m so glad you stopped by to check out this stationery set using the soon-to-be retiring Snailed It bundle. I included a mini paper pad, 2 note cards & envelopes and a velcro booklet to hold them all together. I’m sorry to say the DSP is already sold out. But it’s still super cute and you could make this with your own handmade DSP using the stamp set or other paper you have so I’m still going to share it. Be sure to grab a copy of the stamp set and dies (the dies are half off!) before they sell out too!

First take one sheet of 8-1/2″ x 11″ cardstock and cut it down to 7-5/8″ x 11″.

You will cut this on the long side at 4-9/16″ to get the two pieces below.

Score the piece on the left at 3/8″ along the right side and 2″ up from the bottom for the pocket. Keep the little tab on the bottom right and fold and glue on that panel to add a little gusset to hold the cards.

The other piece on the right should be 6-7/16″ wide by 7-5/8″ tall. Score that piece at 3/8″ along the left side, 1-1/2″ from the right side and again 3/8″ in from that, and also 2″ up from the bottom for the pocket.

Snip off the bottom right corner on the right panel.

See the tabs on the bottom of the right panel on both sides? Snip those off too, it was too loose to put in the notebook with those still on. You’ll be using a thin line of liquid glue to fold up the pockets. Add an extra line of glue along the bottom of the right pocket, where the fold is. That way the notepad is more centered on the panel and doesn’t “sink” too low.

I got the notepads from the Dollar Tree in a stack of 5. I just used one of the notepads and slipped the cardboard backing in the pocket after it was glued and dry. This way the notepad can be replaced once it runs out of paper.

I added DSP to the front cut at 4″ x 5-1/2″ and 1-7/8″ x 5-1/2″ using the Snailed It DSP. I also punched some patterns from this paper using the Rectangular Postage Stamp Punch. The envelope die in these dies is so stinking cute! That envelope die and the stitched postage label die used below are worth getting the die set alone, especially at half off. Such useful pieces.

I created two note cards using the DSP and the stitched label die. The snails are cut out from the DSP too. There are stamps that match these exact images in the stamp set since the DSP is sold out. I stamped the notepad with the mushrooms to add some extra cuteness. That’s stamped in Calypso Coral. I was going to do Blushing Bride to match the DSP but I didn’t want it to be too subtle. I thought the Real Red would be too harsh.

Can you see the velcro dot on the inside of the right panel? It’s clear so it’s pretty hard to see. I like those small velcro dots as they don’t add a lot of bulk to papercrafts. I could have put a small magnet under the DSP on the front sides instead, but I haven’t used my velcro dots in a while. You can also see the two 1/8″ holes I punched in the front panel to secure the Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon. I thought it added a nice flair to the front.

Thank you for stopping by! Be sure to keep hopping along to see other retiring favorites by others on the Stamping with Friends Design Team. Don’t forget to place your order before your favorites are gone for good. Happy stamping!

Linda Moore
Tricia Butts
Donna Schness
Caron Bailey
Deb Smeak ——You are here!

New online kits!

Posted on June 1, 2021June 1, 2021 by debjoysmeak

Our kit selection is getting an upgrade: new kits available online! They are while supplies last, but new ones will be continually added so the selection should always be fresh and fun! All of them are all-inclusive kits. There are two levels: those with stamps/ink and those with pre-printed words. The kits with stamps come with an acrylic block, mini ink spot and a mini photopolymer stamp set and are $19. The others have die-cut word pieces and are only $12. They all make multiple cards so you really get a great value for the cost. You can see the current selection below.

Check out all the included items in the available kits by clicking on each picture.

How could you use these?

*These would be great to do multiples as a group party (think bridal shower, girls wine night or kid’s birthday party).

*Put together a fun craft night for the family.

*Great gift idea since they’re all-inclusive.

*Take one on vacation with you to do while you relax.

There are endless ways to enjoy these simple kits. They are created with the beginner crafter in mind so sit back and make something beautiful. ❤ Order yours today!

Gift Wallet for the guys

Posted on May 28, 2021May 28, 2021 by debjoysmeak

This wallet is perfect for Father’s Day, graduation, birthday or really anything “manly.” I must give credit where credit is due; I got the cutting directions for this from Dannie Hussey’s YouTube video from 2008. Since it’s 13 years later and we have different products now I thought it would be a great time to bring it back.

Fill it with homemade “coupons,” nice sentiments about why you’re proud of them, money, a check, tickets, a gift card, you name it! I’d love to see what you do with it. Send me an email at debjoysmeak@delightofmyart.com with your project picture!

Cinnamon Cider cardstock:

9″ x 3-1/2″ – score at 4-7/16″ and 4-9/16″ and all corners rounded

8-1/2″ x 3-1/4″ – score at 4-1/4″

(2) 4-3/16″ x 2″

(2) 4-3/16″ x 1″

Card Inserts:

3-1/2″ x 2″

Follow along with the video for instructions on how to sponge on the color to really make the cardstock look like leather. Add some gold embossed details on Early Espresso to add some jazz without losing that manly feel.

I’ll be making a girly wallet soon so stay tuned! Happy stamping!

To place an order, click on any product listed below. Thank you for choosing me!

tams# 60455

Product List

Whiskey Business Cling Stamp Set (English)

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

New 2021-2022 Annual Catalog is LIVE!

Posted on May 4, 2021May 4, 2021 by debjoysmeak

Not only is today “May the 4th be with You” for Star Wars fans, but it’s also the launch day of our new annual Stampin’ Up! catalog. Hooray! There are so many gorgeous new products that you are going to love – stamps, dies, punches, papers, ribbons, gems and so much more! Please leave a comment below on which products are your favorites. ❤

You can request a catalog by filling out the form HERE AND to view the new catalog online click HERE.

Ready to SHOP my online store? Click HERE.

Please use host code VTZPZGZV for orders under $150. For orders over *$50 that use the host code, I’ll send you a surprise in the mail!

*If your order is over $150, DON’T use the host code because you qualify for Stampin’ Rewards (FREE money towards products) and I’ll still send you something. 😊

If you need help with ordering please message me on Facebook HERE or email me at debjoysmeak@delightofmyart.com.

SAVE THE DATE: Friday, May 21, 2021 8 am – 8 pm

Join me on my Facebook page to see:

*Facebook LIVE Tutorials using new products

*New kits coming soon

*Samples you can duplicate

*Video Catalog walkthrough

*Current Specials

*Ordering special just from ME!

Can’t watch LIVE? Watch the replay.

Happy stamping and #spreadthejoy

Deb Joy Smeak

Delight of my Art

Stamping with Friends Blog Hop – April 2021

Posted on March 27, 2021March 27, 2021 by debjoysmeak

Welcome back! April 8 is National Zoo Lovers Day. We have four school-age kids and we love visiting the local zoos. My kids are avid animal lovers. I had to use the Zoo Globe stamp set and coordinating dies: Snow Globe Scenes. Both of these will be retiring May 3, 2021 and the Snow Globe Scenes dies are 60% off right now.

I stamped and colored images and fussy cut so I could move things around to see how I liked them. This will do nicely to invite family to go to the zoo with us!

The globe and base were stamped together before being cut out. Everything is fussy cut or die cut which helped create all the layers. The cardbase is Poppy Parade and the wood paper is the Natural Touch Specialty Paper available in the Butterfly Bouquet release online. I used Stampin’ Blends and Memento ink to add color.

If you look close you can see that I color with the light Blend and then go back and add shadows with the dark Blend. Sometimes I add dots in various shades colors to add shading, such as in the tree. The Blends are by far my favorite coloring tool. I use them ALL the time.

Are you feeling in the mood to visit a zoo now? I will be planning a trip with the kids with this nice spring weather. It was 70 degrees here in mid-Michigan recently and I’m looking forward to more of those days.

Thank you for hopping along. Make sure you click NEXT to visit the next blog celebrating another National Day. Happy stamping!

Linda A Moore – Moore Fun Stamping
Donna Schnees – Cupcakes & Lattes Stampers
Tricia Butts – Tricia’s Stamping Creations
Mickey Moore- 2 Moore Stampers
Deb Smeak – Delight of my Art
Deb Smeak – Delight of my Art – YOU ARE HERE
Adrienne Hughes – The Victoria Paper Shaper
Mickey Moore – 2 Moore Stampers
Linda A Moore – Moore Fun Stamping

tams# 58241

Product List

Zoo Globe Photopolymer Stamp Set

[153303]

Snow Globe Scenes Dies

[150655]

Natural Touch Specialty Paper

[156825]

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

Poppy Parade 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[119793]

Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[121045]

Basic White Medium Envelopes

[159236]

Paper Snips

[103579]

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

Petal Pink Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154893]

Flirty Flamingo Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154884]

Poppy Parade Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154958]

Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154883]

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154885]

Old Olive Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154892]

Mossy Meadow Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154890]

Pool Party Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154894]

Balmy Blue Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154830]

Crumb Cake Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154882]

Soft Suede Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154906]

Bronze & Ivory Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154922]

Gray Granite Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154886]

Smoky Slate Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154904]

Stamping with Friends Blog Hop – March 2021

Posted on March 27, 2021March 27, 2021 by debjoysmeak

We are creating cards using the National Days as listed on the National Day Calendar online as inspiration. For March I’ve chosen March 13, “National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day.” It just made me giggle. To read more about it you can click HERE. It’s an experiment to see if bad luck really happens when you do things that are supposed to cause bad luck. I am in two of the posts this hop so stay tuned to see what I did for April.

I used the Under My Umbrella stamp set and the Umbrella Builder punch. This is a wonderful set for springtime; sending cards to friends when we are unable to visit in person, perfect for right now! Look at those great sentiments. These are both retiring on May 3, 2021 and the punch is on sale right now for $7.20. What a steal!

To jump-start my creativity, I always start by stamping each image and coloring with a limited amount of colors. Since we have a theme, I researched what the lucky colors were for 2021 and went opposite of those, haha! These cards turned out quite bright and cheery if I do say so myself.

The Stampin’ Blends I used are Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Poppy Parade and Granny Apple Green. I did a quarter sheet of flower background and then cut it down to fit on a notecard. That left me with some strips to decorate the envelope flaps.

I was going to stamp and punch the umbrella images out of the background piece but realized the pattern would extend beyond the edge of the stamp. I wanted the nice white border on my punched image.

So I created my own mask using Post It Super Sticky Notes (fabulous for creating masks since the whole sheet is sticky!) Then I stamped on a clean piece of Basic White and laid my mask over the top. Now the punched images are perfect! I will keep my masks in the stamp case for future use.