Animate ANY Stamp & SVG Freebie!

Hi friends! Today I have a super fun tutorial that will allow you to animate the stamps you already have using a analog lenticular animation technique!

I have seen 2 companies come out with animated stamps and that’s pretty cool but you can also get the same effect using supplies you already have! You can use whatever colors you like to make this but black seems to show off the effect the most. Watch the video too see how!

Supplies:

• Dragonfly or butterfly clear stamp *The set I used is from Inkadinkado but I could not find it anywhere, this one is close.  Clear stamps work better than rubber only because they are squisher.
• Clear stamp blocks
• Lightweight cardstock (white and color of your choice)
• Craft knife *I love the new easy change knives from Fiskars!
• Metal edge ruler
• 1/8″ Scor-Tape 
• 1″ circle punch
• Cutting mat
• White pen *my favorite white pens!
• Low tack painters tape, masking tape or washi tape for securing you paper.
• Ink pad to match your colored cardstock
• Marker to make your colored cardstock

Time: Plan on spending 20 minutes on this project.

If you want to see the easier store-bought animated stamp sets you can find them here.

I also made an SVG template so I could cut them quickly with my electronic die cutter, you can grab it here. Directions: arrange in your die cut software so it will cut 3/8″ in from the top and left hand side of the mat and then place a 5.5″x8.5″ (half sheet) of cardstock vertically on the left side of the real cutting mat making sure it is aligned at 0″ in the upper LH corner.

You could also print a striped transparency like Uchi designs sells or use their kits for a very easy version!

If you like this tutorial please share it with a friend using one of the handy sharing buttons below! It really helps my channel grow and inspire more crafters! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

A Freebie! 50% Off Sale & a Quick Tip Video!

How’s that for a headline? It is true, I am having a 50% off sale now through Saturday at Lindsay’s Stamp Stuff. I have some cool new kits to check out as well as a free die cutting file so you can make this swing card! On this card I also used the Pretty Posies Digital Stamp Set on sale for $2!

If you want to see this interactive card in action then check out the video, there are some tips there too including how to use a regular paper punch to make seamless borders. I own very few punches but I still make them earn their keep!

Here is what the card looks like closed:

And all the way flat:

It is such a simple design but it holds a fun surprise for the recipient! The Free SVG kit also contains a printable file, I shared that back on this post along with a video on how to make it by hand with a paper cutter.

That’s all for today! Remember to visit Lindsay’s Stamp Stuff to snag your freebie and to save 50% on everything else! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

DIY Pull-Strip for Cards & WOYWW!

I have been having the brainstorms this week! I loved the look of the cards the Papertrey Ink design team had made that had a pull away strip (think of the pull strips on cardboard ice-cream boxes you use to open them) and I really wanted to try that technique. The PTI girls used a die which I don’t have. I am picky about dies and almost only buy ones that are thick and can cut a variety of materials such as foam, burlap, mat board, metal etc, so I was not really interested in buying a die for such a novel purpose. The good news is that you can replicate this look many ways. Here is my attempt at it:

I am quite pleased with the results. In case you are wondering the seed packet and flower stamps are from Papertrey and the pointing finger is from one of those old Making Memories magnet mount stamp sets and the letters to spell “pull” are from a $1 wood peg mout Studio G set. Here is a close up of the pull tab:

There are so many ways to make the pull strip.

• You can use a perferator wheel on your paper-cutter to cut two parallel lines and connect them on the pull end.
• You can use a cutterbee perforating bug (this is the method I wanted to use but I could not find my perforating wheel!) and proceed as above.
• You can use a Basic Grey Notch and Die tool to make 2 series of strait notch lines and connect then at the pull end with the tab notch.
• You can use an x-acto knife and a metal edge ruler to cut two lines of slits and connect them at the pull end.
• You can make a template in SCAL2 (or snag my free one here) so your electronic die cutter can cut it for you. For an explanation on how to make your own custom templates in scal2 please check out my screen shots:

The file I designed will cut 4 cardfronts for a 8.5″x11″ paper, if you are using a smaller cutter like a Cricut Personal just delete the bottom two designs and use a half sheet of paper. I am using SCAL2 and a Cricut Expression and the oval end perforations did not cut all the way through but I think it has more to do with my finicky Cricut than the cutting file 🙂

***FYI SCAL3 does NOT work with Cricut Machines****

Now Let’s put it together! You want to decorate the cardfront with the strip first. Then you need to stamp your sentiment on the card base. For placement I centered my cardfront on the card base and made little pencil marks on the edge at the top and bottom of the strip. Then I stamped my sentiments.  Put a strip of adhesive on both sides of the pull-strip, this will keep the card from tearing when the strip is removed.

Since it is What’s on Your Workdesk Wednesday I snapped a pic of mine:

I hope you try this technique it is so much fun! Thanks for stropping by and til next time happy crafting!

An Easter Freebie, a 40% Off Sale & WOYWW!

Boy, it seems like I have a lot going on today! I have a 40% off sale going on at Lindsay’s Stamp Stuff now through Friday so stock up on your crafting goodies! Also I made this cute little Easter basket freebie and you can snag it free in my shop. It is a really fun project to do with the kids. It is just the right size to hold an Easter Egg:

The directions are included in the freebie kit. Also there is a smaller version that I used to make this basket with a class full of 2nd graders when they studied Native Americans. The smaller basket is about 1.5″-2″ wide. Perfect for Barbie or GI Joe to play with. 😀

Since it is Wednesday I had to snap a pic of my desk for What’s On Your Workdesk Wednesday. I am starting a knitting group at my local library today (it’s the first meeting) and I am going to make a headband with a big honkin’ flower on it as a first project. They can pick that or a coin purse to make cuz it’s just to warm for scarves!

Be sure to check out all of the new stuff at Lindsay’s Stamp Stuff today so you can save 40% and make sure to grab the freebie while you are there! Here is a look at some new and Easter kits:

Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

A Kid’s Craft, a Freebie & a 40% Off Sale!

I was going to aim this craft to all of the teachers and moms out there but after I made it I have to say it was a ton of fun and I urge everyone to try it! I am teaching a craft program at the local library next week and I thought it would be fun to do Chinese New Year. I planned on the kids decorating “lucky money” envelopes, coloring dragon masks {for the preschoolers} and for the big kids we could make dragon puppets:

Wow, it was so fun to make the samples. The lucky money envelopes are freebies. I used the SVG in the kit to cut my envelopes from red paper but there is a printable version too if you do not have a die-cut machine. Also There is a full color printable with a Chinese dragon (2012 is the year of the dragon) on the back if you just want to print them and not have to decorate. BTW {shameless plug} Everything at Lindsay’s stamp Stuff is 40% off now through Sunday so after you snag that freebie be sure to have a look around at all of the new products I have added this month!

When I went looking for inspiration on making a dragon puppet I did an internet search and came across a cute template on the Martha Stewart website, well, there was no need to reinvent the wheel there!

Did you know you can cut PDF files with SCAL?

Oh yeah! I saved the PDF dragon template and imported into scal2 (click file-import-then pick the pdf file you want) and with a little tweaking (there is a rogue node on the dragon’s head, just drag it over to the node next to it and click union to make it one shape) I had a great file to cut! Note: I enlarged it and moved it around on my mat to make best use of space. I’d love to share the SVG but I don’t know if that would be cool with Martha.  😀 You can check out her template and instructions here.

I love how the body is jointed so it wiggles and moves when you hold the sticks. I made a few changes in my puppet: I added crepe paper party streamers, they fly wonderfully when you are using the puppet and the pleated crepe paper adds more bulk without weight. I used skinny sticks because I had no chopsticks and I added glitter, sequins would be nice too I think;)

Here is a look at the  Lucky Money Envelopes Freebie:

In the preview you see the color version of the money envelope, for my project with the kids I am cutting them from red paper and they can stamp Chinese characters with gold pigment ink. The stamps I used are from About Art Accents. I heat embossed mine, I think I will let the kids try that too as long as I have an adult to man the heat gun 🙂

And be sure to snag lots of goodies at Lindsay’s stamp Stuff for 40% off! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

50% off at Lindsay’s, a freebie and new Christmas products!

Howdy folks, I know it is a bit too early to start thinking about Christmas…well, unless, that is, you are selling at craft fairs and in that case you need cute packaging ASAP! And today is the perfect time to grab your needed supplies because it is 50% off today at Lindsay’s Stamp Stuff! I was asked by a crafty customer to come up with some printables for her to sell her movie gift kits at craft fairs so I came up with the Holiday Bazzar set. How cute would it be to wrap a few bags of microwaved popcorn, soda bottles and candies and package them in one of those large plastic popcorn boxes from the dollar store, you could throw in a DVD too for a super cute and inexpensive gift!

If you wanted to really spread some holiday cheer you could leave the baskets on a friends doorstep with a note saying “You’ve Been Elfed!”, the 5″x7″ notes in the kit would be perfect for that! You can also used the cards for invitations to a cookie swap and recipe cards!

If you want a cute gag gift for the folks in the office how about some reindeer poop? I found this funny poem online that you can print and slip in the bag:

I woke up with such a scare when I heard Santa call…
“Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!”
I ran to the lawn, and in the snowy white drifts,
those nasty reindeer had left “little gifts”.

I got an old shovel and started to scoop
Neat little piles of “reindeer poop.”
but to throw them away seemed such a waste,
So I saved them, thinking you might like a taste!

As I finished my task, which took quite a while,
Old Santa passed by and he sheepishly smiled.
And I heard him exclaim as he rose to the sky~~~
“Well, they’re not potty trained, but at least they can fly!”

 

For the kids you might like to send them to school with “Snowman Soup” for their teacher and classmates! I found a poem for this too:

Snowman Soup
Was told you’ve been real good this year.
Always glad to hear it!
With freezing weather drawing near,
You’ll need to warm the spirit.
here’s a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick.
Add hot water, sip it slow.
It’s sure to do the trick!

Isn’t that cute! Both of the poems I found at The Organized Home.com.

Here is a look at the new printable kit and some other Christmas products you might enjoy, remember they are 50% off today only and two of the below products are freebies!

It’s been a while since I had a freebie so here are 2 sheets of tags you can use for your holiday gifts and packaging:

click the preview to download;)

While you are on the topic of holidays Halloween is right around the corner. Check out these spooky sets also 50% off today:

Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Lindsay’s Stamp Stuff Design Team Projects & new STAMPS!

It  has been a treat to open my email this week, so many gorgeous projects from my design team, have a look and you will see what I mean. The ladies really outdid themselves this week using products from Lindsay’s Stamp Stuff. Two of the sets used are freebies too!  But first I want to show you a brand new set of digital Stamps called Halloween doodles:

It’s been a while since I designed some new stamps, it was fun to get the old sketchpad out!

Design Team Projects!

First up is Tracey with a gorgeous tag made with Sewing Bits SVG, Sew Much Fun stamps and the Shipping tag freebie:

Here is a cheerful card by Cindi using the Fancy Flower set:

I love the funny card from Micki using the Crafty Tools and Puns set…do you feel lucky punk?

Karin’s card this week uses a freebie you can snag on this post that coordinated with the Coffee Talk digistamp set:

Make sure you stop by Karin’s blog because the made the most beautiful party favors, check out this 3-D cake!

Jennifer made a sweet tag using the chickadee digital stamp:

Diane has been busy with the card crafting, she has two cards to share today! This one used the Sewing Bits SVG on this card:

And I LOVE the punch of graphic goodness of this card using Mod Summer Papers and this eye chart freebie also by Diane:

Here is a look at the Lindsay’s Stamp Stuff sets the designer’s used today:

You can find out more about the projects featured here today by visiting the designers blogs (you might as well make a pot of coffee, relax and plan to spend some time because these girls have brilliant projects all throughout their sites, just to warn you). thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Be the “Light” of the party!

When I came up with my new Party Lantern set I knew that I was going to have fun with it. The thing I love about it is that it’s quick to make and so fun and there is very little waste. I can cut 2 lanterns from one sheet of 12×12 cardstock using my Cricut machine and SCAL software:

 

But then I can take the leftovers and make invitations, cupcake toppers and place cards!

So, do you want to know how to make these? Well it is so simple, you get all the directions and scoring guides on the printable templates in the kit and you can cut the templates out with your die-cut machine too. Here are some step by step photos to help you out:

Gather Your Supplies-You Will Need:

Here are the kits I used on this set. I die cut the lantern templates with my Cricut and SCAL software but you can use MTC or fairy cut if you prefer. There is a plain lantern in there too so if you want to put your own custom shape in it you can (like maybe a monogram letter or a heart or whatever.)

I printed the diamond pattern from this kit, I was able to fill the windows on 3 lanterns with the paper I printed on one 8.5″x11″ sheet of vellum. I get plain white vellum in a 50 sheet pack at JoAnns (The Paper Co. brand) for about $10.

And for fun I cut a cupcake wrapper from this free set, YAY, freeeeee!

This set qualifies for the following challenges: ABC Challenge –  U is for Underneath(we see the underside of the lanterns in the tutorial), Crafty Creations, Digistamps 4 Joy , Penny’s Paper-Crafty andSisterhood of Crafters  – Let it Shine (the lanterns shine al right;)

 

BTW, how do you like the blue backdrop? I just repainted my kitchen yesterday a fabulous bright blue…I’m thinking that’s a good enough reason to have a party, don’t you?

Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

5 Photos you should take this Easter!

My favorite holiday to scrapbook is Easter. I love the frilly Easter dresses, brightly colored plastic eggs, fresh flowers popping up out of the ground and pretty pastel candy! this feast of springtime color is perfect to capture in photos. Before you head out (or host) this years Easter Celebration here are some photo tips for you!

Tip 1: Don’t Pose…Compose!

When photographing kids capture them being kids, chasing after eggs, playing and having fun. Check out this photo I tool last Easter of my nephew. My sister set him in frount of her flower garden and let him play and I got a great natural shot!

Don’t forget the candid action shots too:

Of course when you do have the family together and all dressed up it is a great time to…

Tip 2: Get a semi-posed family photo!

Tip 3: Do some still life photography:

Notice the photo of the baskets of eggs only, this after the hunt photo make a perfect embellishment for the page. Also consider taking photos close up in macro mode of jelly beans, easter grass and other candies for nearly free scrapbook embellishments and they will be authentic too!

Tip 4: OK this is a scrapbook tip-try kraft colored paper for your scrapbook pages, it looks great with pastel springtime shades (see above photos) a swipe of pastel paint adds a nice touch too and best of all you keep the focus on the photos!

Tip: 5-Photo the Pre-Easter Events.

This year I bout a Spin-an-Egg (Target/ $5) and we used that to color our eggs, what fun, get a photo of the pretty colored eggs:

Note: If I had to do it over I would have taken the photo outside with no flash 😀 Sometime your photos are not perfect but you should still scrap them, that’s what is important. You kids will not care that the lighting isn’t perfect, they will be glad to have the memories. Here I took a bunch of egg dying shots and used a egg-shaped puzzle template to make this page. Also I saved the egg-dipper and used it as an embellishment!

Here are some of the digital products from Lindsay’s stamp Stuff I used in the above pages and some other springtime goodies:

And some freebies for you!

These projects qualify for the following chhallenges: Amber’s Crafts and Stuff, Creative Belli, Creative Card Crew, Creative Craft World & Papercraft Star (recycled egg-dipper on last page), For Fun Challenges, Paper Pretties, Sisterhood of Crafters, and Going Grey With Scrap-Creations (digistamps)

Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!