Thank you for your friendship

I just recently got a Stampin' Up! order in, so I used a few things from that order on this card: the stamps, the punch, and a marker.

I haven't done a strictly Stampin' Up! card in a long time! One set I've liked since I first saw it is Upsy Daisy. It's just one image and 3 sentiments, but that one image really has impact. I'm a sucker for really nice flower stamps and silhouette flowers really grab me.

I wanted to do a card in monochromatic tones. That suits my mood right now. I wanted something elegant. And I really wanted to stamp that flower field in black to maximize its silhouette effect. So that's how this card got started.

After running the Basic Grey Granola paper through the Cuttlebug using the Argyle embossing folder, I sponged black ink over it. After stamping and coloring in the flower image (I didn't get as good ink coverage as I had hoped and had to fix it with my SU Basic Black marker), I ran it through the Cuttlebug using the Script folder and then sponged Antique Linen Distress Ink over it.

I used my new SU Scallop Trim border punch to create a lace effect on top and bottom of the focal piece. I have to say that I love this punch! It cuts beautifully! I think EK Success makes it, and I am thinking that I need more of their punches now! I wish Martha Stewart would give her punch business to them. I love how the punch locks closed for easier storage.

I once again made the bow using my homemade Bow Easy. It's a double bow and unfortunately, I didn't check its position before snapping this shot. I took way too many pics of this card trying to get the lighting right to bring out the natural colors, so I'm not up to a retake just now.

Have a lovely day and thanks for looking!

Stamps: SU Upsy Daisy

CS: Black, Basic Grey Granola designer papers, PTI white

Inks: Versafine Onyx Black, Antique Linen Distress Ink

Other: SU Scallop Trim border punch, Cuttlebug Script and Argyle embossing folders, black satin ribbon, thin, black grosgrain ribbon, homemade Bow Easy, clear gems, white button (Basic Grey), SU Basic Black marker, Stamp-a-ma-jig, 3D-Dots, foam mounting tape, sponge daubers

Loving my ATG 714!

I posted on SCS recently about the smell issue I had with the 908 adhesive and was advised to air it out when not using it. So I opened the applicator up and left it that way on my stamping table. It has made all the difference! So, if the smell bothers you try airing your applicator out and see if that helps.

I am really happy with the strength of this adhesive. The applicator is getting easier to use, too. And the size isn't even bothering me anymore. I highly recommend this great gadget!

ATG Adhesive allergies

Anyone have any allergy issues with the Scotch ATG Gold adhesive? It's bothering me a bit. And the smell is annoying. Very strong. My lips feel a little tingly like when I blow up too many balloons. My head feels a tad fuzzy, as well. I've never had an adhesive do this to me.

I made a card with it today and had to move it away from me because the smell of the adhesive was so strong on the card (will post the card soon). Dern! I hope I can resolve this issue.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Loading your ATG 714

There are many videos on YouTube that show you how to load the ATG 714. One thing I had trouble with was getting the tape to stay on the empty reel. They mentioned a sticky part, but mine wasn't sticky there, and there's no mention of it in the paper instructions. Here is a video that addresses this issue in case you also are bewildered by it. She also mentions avoiding the off brands of adhesive.

On the ATG 714, its refills and the place I bought it from

I can highly recommend framingsupplies.com to anyone who wants to buy the ATG 714! They got my order to me super fast and it was very well packaged. In fact, it was thoroughly encased in a pillow of bubble wrap! It was a sight to behold! Nothing could harm my stuff! Ha!

As you can see from the pic it will be much more economical to refill the ATG 714 than it was to fill the Mono Adhesive applicator. Mono usually goes for between $2 and $4, usually closer to $4, for 13 yds.. The ATG Gold adhesive I bought is around $3.50 per roll for nearly 3 times the amount of adhesive (36 yds.).

Yes, I think my ATG will pay for itself in no time!

I have played with it a bit on scraps and am, so far, impressed with the adhesive. I will try to get in some creative time soon and will let you know what I think of it. Only time will tell on how strong the adhesive proves to be, but it seems to be accepted in the stamping community that the adhesive is very good. So I'm hopeful.

Making a scalloped border

I've seen so many cards with nice scalloped borders that I thought there must be a scalloped border punch out there. And there may well be, but until I find it I can make a border by hand. I did a quick Google search and found several links to ideas on how to create one.

This one uses a circle punch and connects the circles on the back for a pseudo scalloped circle. I imagine any size circle punch would work if the circumference of the big circle you attach them to is just right.

This one uses a corner rounder punch without the guide attached.

This one uses a slit punch.

Ah, I found a scalloped border punch by Fiskars called "Threading Water" or "Treading Water", not sure which. Pic below.



It's nice, but I think I'd prefer a plain scalloped border if I can find it. I can always add the holes myself.

Now, I just need to try some of these methods. Do you do any of these?

How to use a Stamp-a-ma-jig

I can't live without my Stamp-a-ma-jig. It truly is a must-have stamping tool. Dawn Griffith has just come out with a new YouTube tutorial to show you how to use it. I use mine a bit differently in that I put the wider end closer to me. But either way works, and hers is probably the proper way.

If you've never gotten a Stamp-a-ma-jig, I highly recommend it! No more crooked stamping!

Scor-Pal :: new to me

Every time I get back into the stamping groove I find out that there are the neatest new gadgets that are must-haves. On Splitcoaststampers I've heard the name Score-Pal batted around and decided to check out just what it was. I found this demo on YouTube and I can see what all the hubbub is about. It's a bit pricey ($39.95), but I can see that it would pay for itself just in making it easier to do different projects with ease. This video shows some of the projects you can do with it. Pretty neat! I wonder if I can find a cheaper deal?