Since I received my new copy of the Stampin’ Up! Idea Book & Catalog (affectionately known as the IBC), I’ve been studying it ever soooo carefully! The first time I look through the IBC, I usually start by looking for what’s new — stamp sets, papers, tools & accessories — to make my wish list. Then, I highlight the stamp sets that I own. On the next few passes, I look for samples that I find inspiring and mark them with sticky notes or write notes next to the photos. Sometimes I’m inspired by the color combination and sometimes it’s the layout that gets my attention.
Over the weekend while I was grilling, I spent some of the waiting time going through my IBC and on page 160 I discovered a sample that inspired me. So I immediately (yes, right in the middle of grilling) challenged myself to see how quickly and easily I could recreate the card that I liked.
I was able to make a decent window focal point on this card on the second try … AFTER I got out a ruler and a pencil AND while grilling…I must admit, though, that I finished the card tonight. (Use the 1-1/4″ Square punch to create the “windows.”) I am still contemplating using the first window focal point that I made even though the windows aren’t lined up perfectly nor are the square punches straight.
This evening I finished up by punching out some retired Designer Series Paper (DSP) using the 1-3/8″ Square punch. I also added texture to some of the DSP squares by using the Texturz Plates and Embossing folders with my Big Shot. The flower on the right center panel comes from some discontinued rub-ons that I have in my stash. I suggest using an image stamp set and greeting stamp set and some ink to take the place of the rub-ons. I will sometimes show samples like this so you can see how YOU too can use an inspiring sample and find some cool supplies to improvise. Here is a photo of my sample next to my inspiration.
Have you discovered a sample in the new IBC that inspires you?
What I used:
8-1/2 x 11″ Chocolate Chip Card Stock (item # 102128)
Designer Series Paper
1-1/4 Inch Square Punch (item # 119865)
1-3/8 Inch Square Punch (item # 119877)
Bone Folder (item # 102300)
Paper Cutter (item # 104152)
SNAIL Adhesive (item # 104332)
Ribbon
Backgrounds 1 Stampin’ Up! Texturz Plates (item #114512)
Perfect Details Texturz Plate Die (item # 115962)
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Estella Banks
Creativity Coach
Inspiring, Nurturing, Sharing Creativity
