Impression Obsession's Blog

The Day After

And I'm wondering around and what do I find.....but some Design Team Members that have Winter season and Christmas on their minds!!!  I thought I would give you a little peak and you can travel on over to their blogs and get the rest of the story.....

DT member Dina Kowal explains how she did this gorgeous layered Alesa Baker Poinsettia card HERE.  And take a look at the beautiful backgrounds too:

Poinsettia - H8301

On down the list I went and what did appear at DT member Julie Koerber's blog HERE, but a beautiful Winter card designed with Alesa Baker's Marshmallow Mug for holiday cheer!  Look further while there and you can also see the adorable card she designed for Thanksgiving!

Marshmallow Mug - E6755

I was almost to the end of the list, and discovered another beautiful Winter card created by DT member Laura Fulcher, using Alesa Baker's Snowy Tree Globe.  She also has a great tip for adding sparkle so it doesn't shed all over the place.

Snowy Tree Globe - D8285

So that was my fun trip today and I am off to play.  I know.....everything kind of rhyme's but that's what Christmas does to some people I guess.  Don't forget, our next Challenge, Dec. 3, is the color White with another $25 gift certificate to be won.

Thanks for stopping by to look and share.

 

 Shirley

 

Our New Winner Is

Our new winner is Melisa Waldorf at Art From My Heart.  Congratulations Melisa.  You will be getting an email today with you gift certificate.  Happy shopping!

A list of exciting new Challenges for December and Januaryare listed below:

• Dec. 3 -- WHITE (Mainly White) Challenge
• Dec. 17 -- VALENTINES/LOVE
• Jan. 7 -- SPRING
• Jan. 21 -- SHAPED card (anything but rectangle)

I hope you will join us in the next challenge.  If you would like to prepare early here are the guidelines:

• Impression Obsession stamps only.
• Entries will be accepted until the following Saturday at midnight, EST.
• You email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the sidebar to the right.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also permanently in our IO Customer Gallery.

Thanks for stopping by to look and share.

 

 Shirley

 

And Another Great Entry!

I can almost smell the coffee on this one.  The card is designed by JenMarie Taylor at Taylor Made By JenMarie!  She chose Coffee Bean Tree.  What a really clever and beautiful card, Jenn-Marie.  Thank you for joining in the fun and good luck in the drawing too!

It arrived just as I finished the last entry.  There is still almost 2 hours before the deadline, so keep those cards coming!!  Thanks for stopping by to look and share!

 

 Shirley

 

And Another Great Shaker!

From a past player too, Melisa Waldorf at Art From My Heart.  She used stamps from Cupcakes and another Clear Stamp Set Square Frames.  Melisa your card is beautiful and thank you for playing.  Good luck in our drawing too!

You all still have time so get those cards in the mail, email that is!!!  The rules are the same:

• Impression Obsession stamps only please.
• Entries accepted until tomorrow midnight.
• Email using the Email Shirley link at the top of the sidebar on the right.
• All participant cards are posted here and added permanently in our IO Customer Gallery.

We will have a WINNER of a $25 Gift Certificate chosen from participants, using Random.org.

I can't wait to see who plays next!!  Thanks for stopping by to look and share!

 

 Shirley

 

Another Entry - Wow!

I was so excited when I received this next card from Sandy Hulsart at Creative Moments With Sandy.  This is her second entry.  She told me what she thought of the Shake-It™ Pouches.  The first response she had was, "I think more people would try Shakers if they had IO's pouches.  They certainly make it easy." The second time she said, "I love these pouches." Thank you Sandy for the great comments and your lovely cards.

Sandy has used Round Fish.  She used great clear holeless beads and airbrushed her scene too.  Thank you Sandy for your second entry.

You can still email me with your card by midnight Saturday:

• Impression Obsession stamps only.
• Entries accepted until midnight Saturday.
• Email using the Email Shirley link at the top of the right-hand sidebar.
• All participant cards are posted here and added to our IO Customer Gallery in the very next sidebar over.

The WINNER of another $25 Gift Certificate to be chosen from those customers participating in the Shaker Challenge, using Random.org.

 

 Shirley

 

 

Another New Entry in Our Shaker Challenge

In addition to that, don't forget we have the Design Team creations, you will find on their blogs below, to inspire you to join in the challenge:

• Deborah March
• Dina Kowal
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Kathy Menzies
• Kelli Richardson
• Laura Fulcher
• Shirley Ross

And now for the wonderful new entry from Sandy Hulsart at Creative Moments With Sandy.  She chose Cardinals for her image.  She used a Large Circle Shake It Pouch to enclose her beautiful Cardinals too.  Thank you so much for playing, Sandy.

I want to see what the rest of you have done, so don't forget to email me with your card by midnight tomorrow. The rules are below:

• Impression Obsession stamps only please.
• Entries accepted until tomorrow midnight.
• Email me using the Email Shirley link at the top of the sidebar on the right.
• All participant cards are posted here and added permanently in our IO Customer Gallery.

Join in the fun and get those cards to me too!  Thanks for stopping by to look and share!!

 

 Shirley

 

Shaker Challenge Time Is Here!!

Impression Obsession would like to welcome its newest Design Team Member, Rosemary Marino.  She is a very accomplished artist, who has been stamping and creating art for over 17 years.  Welcome, Rosemary!  We are excited to have you as a part of the team.

In addition to that great news the Shaker Card Challenge is on.  And we have the Design Team's creations, you will find on their blogs below, to inspire you to join in the challenge:

• Deborah March
• Dina Kowal
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Kathy Menzies
• Kelli Richardson
• Laura Fulcher
• Shirley Ross

Not only that, we already have 2 Customer designed Shaker Cards to share with you too! 

The first one is by Carol Cabezas at Scrap Just 4 Fun.  She chose Alesa Baker's Star Topped Tree for her main image and she used the new IO Shake-It Large Circle Pouch to enclose her shaker glitter.  Very beautiful card, Carol.  Thanks so much for joining the challenge.

Our next participant is Terri Dodd at Paper Scissors Stamps...Rock!.  She chose Toasty Treats for her image.  What a really beautiful and cheerful card, Terri.  Thank you too for joining us again for this challenge.

You are all invited to participate.  The rules are the same:

• Impression Obsession stamps only please.
• Entries will be accepted until the following Saturday, midnight, EST, November 21.
• Email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the sidebar on the right.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also permanently in our IO Customer Gallery.
• Random.org will be used to choose the winner of the $25 Gift Certificate for our online store, to be announced on Monday, November 23.

Thanks everyone for stopping by to look and share in the challenge.

 

 Shirley

 

Shaker Cards This Thursday And....

A list of exciting new Challenges from our DT Team Leader, Kelli Richardson, for December and January:

• Dec. 3 -- WHITE Challenge
• Dec. 17 -- VALENTINES/LOVE
• Jan. 7 -- SPRING
• Jan. 21 -- SHAPED card (anything but rectangle)

A final reminder of the about the Shaker Challenge coming this Thursday, November 19.  You can use your own shaker materials or ours found HERE.

As always, we would love to have you participate.  The guidelines are the same:

•  Impression Obsession stamps only please.
• Entries will be accepted until the following Saturday at midnight.
• You email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the second sidebar to the right.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also permanently in our IO Customer Album in the very next sidebar over.

We will have another WINNER of a $25 Gift Certificate to be chosen from those participating by Random.org.

Don't forget if you have any questions you can email me by clicking on the Email Shirley at the top of the right-hand sidebar.  I can't wait to see what you send this way!

Thanks for stopping by to look and share.

 

 Shirley

 

The Rest Of The Story

Ice Skates - F2354, Swirls - CC002, Thick & Thin - CC008

I finished my card using the background I created with the 2 Cover-a-Card™ stamps and the Mega Mount™ in my last post HERE.

The main image is Ice Skate Stockings.  It was:

• stamped with StazOn Jet Black on Neenah cardstock. They were painted with Twinkling H2O's Garnet+Rubilite, Olive Vine, Sweet Alfalfa, Moss Green, Royal Satin, and Solar Gold.
• For the tops of the stockings I used White Fun Flock on the left and Shimmerz Blingz Gold glimmer. I trimmed around the image before mounting it.
• The largest Spelllbinders Labels 4 die was used with my Cuttlebug, and then embossed with the Heart Dotted Swiss from CuttlebugLove Language set. I embossed the edges with the die and then painted with Twinks Solar Gold.
• The bow is a triple bow done with the Bow-Easy.
• The white frame you see is a leftover from the Spellbinders Frameabilities Scalloped Frames.
• It was mounted on top of the background.
• Stencil, Doodle Dots from The Crafters Workshop, was used for the faux stitching done with an SU Old Olive marker.

Supplies:

• Stamps: IO - Ice Skate Stockings and IO Cover-a-Cards™ - CC002 - Swirls and CC008 - Thick and Thin
• Inks - StazOn Jet Black, VersaMark, SU Old Olive or Adirondack Pesto, Twinkling H2O's Garnet+Rubilite, Olive Vine, Sweet Alfalfa, Moss Green, Royal Satin, Solar Gold and Shimmerz Blingz Gold Glimmer
• Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
• Accessories - Mega Mount™, Clear Embossing Powder, Niji Waterbrush, White Fun Flock, Mark Richards 2 and 3mm pearls and 2mm clear rhinestone stickers, Glossy Accents, Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Four, Remnant from Spellbinders Frameabilities Scalloped Frames, Crafter's Workshop Doodle Dots Stencil, Michael's Ribbon, Bow-Easy, Jolee's Snowflakes - Dimensional Stickers

That's it for today.  Have a great week and see you back here bright and early on Thursday for the Shaker Challenge.  Look HERE for how to participate.  Thanks for stopping by to look and share!

 

 Shirley

 

Me And My Mega Mount

I was showing my Mega Mount™ to a friend and she immediately said, "How do you hold it?"  I showed her and of course she was sold.  So I thought maybe I should do a mini tutorial on how I use mine.

I did the background below using 2 Cover-a-Card™ stamps and the Mega Mount™.  Below is a quick pictorial of how I use my Mount and how I did it.

Supplies:

• Mega Mount™
• Cover-a-Card™:  CC002 - Swirls and CC008 - Thick and Thin
• VersaMark Pad
• Clear Embossing Powder and Heat Gun
• Ink Pad Color of your choice - Adirondack Pesto is shown
• 8.5"X11" piece of cardstock

Click on the photo and take a look at how I mounted it.  It is actually sitting on the handle in the photo.   All of IO's Cover-a-Card™ stamps are 5.75"C5.75".  As you can see the sides on the left and right have a little more acrylic block showing.  That comes in really handy when you are lining up with the bottom of your cardstock.  There is a tad on the top and the bottom and that really helped me line up the left edge.

You get another really good idea from looking at the back too.  Now for how easy it is to ink up the stamp.

• For me it's easiest to let it sit on the handle.
• I put my left hand through the handle to keep it in one place and then I ink the top portion first moving from right to left, etc. 
• Then I switch ends to ink the bottom that will now the top.  Topsy Turvy!!  It is so easy.

• Next I lay the 8.5"X11" piece of cardstock in front of me.
• I line up my stamp with the left and bottom sides of the cardstock.  It's like a right angle.  When I have done that:

• I put it down on the cardstock and simply roll it forward.  (When I first started doing this I thought, "It can't be that easy.  I am going to rock it back and forth a little. I wonder if I will mess up the image."  I have to honestly say I have not had a bad image yet.  If your ink pad is dry, don't expect a good solid image. This applies to any stamp with any mount.
• I also find it is a lot easier to clean the stamp by sitting it on the back of the handle, holding it in place with my left hand and cleaning it with my wipee.  I use the alcohol free type and have for years.
• I always replace my backing on the stamp.  It helps it keep its cling for the next time I use it.

Background Instructions:

1.  I inked CC002 - Swirls with VersaMark ink and stamped it on the lower left-hand corner of an 8.5"X11" Neenah Solar White piece of cardstock.  I applied Clear Embossing Powder and heated it with my heat gun.  I do not trim my cardstock yet.

2.  CC008 - Thick and Thin was inked with an Olive Green ink and stamped over the first image.  I gently took a piece of tissue ( I use Kleenex), and blotted the top.  Ink will lay on the embossed swirls because they are plastic and can't absorb it.

3.  You will probably notice that I was a little off on each stamp.  It really doesn't matter.  I picked the lines I liked and trimmed around it.  I trimmed the 4.25 piece first and the other side.  I save these for stamping images, punching borders, or for dies.

Time to finish my card with my new background and then get on to my shaker for the challenge coming up.  If you have more questions about the Mega Mount™, please ask by posting here and I will answer here so others can see too.  If I don't have the answer I will, of course ask the designer of the Mega Mount™ and owner of Impression Obsession Inc., Mitra Friant!!!

Thanks for stopping by to look and share!

 

 Shirley

 

The Next Challenge Is Coming

Don't forget everyone, the Nov 19 Challenge is Shaker Cards - You can use your own shaker materials or ours found HERE.  The measurements for ours are listed at the bottom of this post.

As always, you are invited to participate.  The rules are the same:

• Impression Obsession stamps.
• Entries will be accepted until the following Saturday at midnight, EST.
• They are to be emailed to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the sidebar.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also permanently in our IO Customer Gallery in the very next sidebar over.

On our next challenge we will have another WINNER of a$25 Gift Certificate to be chosen from those participating, using Random.org.

I've had a couple of people ask me for the sizes.  They are listed below.  My measurements are for the shaker area only and do not include the rim.  They can be purchased as just the Shake-It Pouch™ or they also come in a kit with 10 cards, envelopes, and colored overlays.

1. Just stamp your image,
2. Place your shaker inclusions on top and stick the pouch on top!

Quick & easy!  You can check them all out HERE. If you have more questions, please feel free to email me by clicking on EMAIL SHIRLEY in the upper right hand side bar.

• Large Circles are 3"
• Small Circles are 2"
• Large Squares are 2.5"
• Small Squares are 1 7/8"
• Large Squares are 2.5"
• One size Oval is 2.75" in length

Thanks for stopping by and happy shaker making to you all.

 

 Shirley

 

Our Winner For The Wreath Challenge

Sandy Hulsart at Creative Moments With Sandy is the winner of our drawing for the $25 Gift Certificate.  She was the fifth participant in our Wreath Challenge.   Congratulations Sandy!!  Happy shopping.

I want to thank all of you for the wonderful art and eye candy.  I can't wait until the next challenge.  Below is a list of the date and topic for the next challenge following this one:

• Nov 19 --Shaker Cards - You may use your own shaker materials or ours found HERE.

Don't forget that all of you are invited to participate.  The rules are:

• Impression Obsession stamps only.
• Entries will be accepted until the following Saturday at midnight, EST.
• They are to be emailed to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the sidebar to the right.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also permanently in our IO Customer Gallery in the very next sidebar over.

On our next challenge we will have another WINNER of an $25 Gift Certificate to be chosen from those participating, again using Random.org.

A big thanks to the Design Team members with their beautiful works of art and to all of you who participated in our challenge too with your gorgeous contributions.  And a big thanks to all of you who came by to look and share.

 

 Shirley

 

The Wreath Challenge Is Still On

And we are still getting cards and entries for the $25 gift certificate.  Check out our latest card from Terri Dodd.  She also chose Welcome Wreath to create her beautiful Fall card.  Thank you for the card, Terri, and good luck on the drawing too!

And don't forget if you need some inspiration you can look HERE and below at our Design Team's creations:

• Daniela Dobson
• Laura Fulcher
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Dina Kowal
• Deborah March
• Kathy Menzies
• Shirley Ross
• Jeanne Streiff

For those of you who haven't participated before, here are the guidelines for your card:

• Impression Obsession stamps only.
• Entries will be accepted until this coming Saturday at midnight, EST, (Nov. 7).
• They are to be emailed to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the sidebar to the right.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also in our IO Customer Gallery.

The drawing will be on November 9 and the WINNER will receive a $25 Gift Certificate chosen by Random.org.

Okay everybody, get those cards to me and thanks for stopping in to check out our Wreath Card Challenge.  You will love what you see at all of the Design Team blogs too!!  Thanks for stopping by.  See you back here soon.

 

 Shirley

 

It's Wreath Card Challenge Day

How exciting!  We have 2 more participants in the challenge.  The first bright and cheerful card is from Armie Cuaresma.  Armie used clear stamp sets Wreaths And Garlands - Fall/Winter and Fancy Ornaments  to design her card.  She has a see through acetate window in the front to show her sentiment stamped on the inside.  Beautiful, Armie!  Thank you for participating and good luck in the drawing too.

Next we received the beautiful card below from Nancy Baier.  She used Welcome Wreath for her main image and Small Poinsettia and Holly for her background.  A really bright and beautiful card, Nancy.  Thank you for sending it and good luck on the drawing too.

We have 2 more participants in the challenge and the day is just beginning too!  The next one arrived from Carol Cabezas at Scrap Just 4 Fun.  Thank you for your wonderful card, Carol.  Carol chose 2 stamps from Fancy Ornaments Clear Set to create this really pretty and cheerful card:

The next one arrived from Sandy HulsartCreative Moments With Sandy.  Sandy used Seasons Greetings Mailbox to design her warm and wonderful Christmas card.  Thank you once again, Sandy. for another really lovely card:

Good luck ladies in our drawing, as you join the other 2 Participants in the drawing for the $25 gift certificate.  If the rest of you still need some inspiration, check out their cards and those of the Design Team members blogs listed below:

• Daniela Dobson
• Laura Fulcher
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Dina Kowal
• Deborah March
• Kathy Menzies
• Shirley Ross
• Jeanne Streif

Now let's take a look at the beautiful entries that had already been sent. The first comes from Melisa Waldorf at Art From My Heart  She used Merry Christmas - B4603 for her sentiment and Holiday Home - E6746 for her image.  What a lovely Christmas card.  Thank you for your wonderful entry, Melisa.

The next is from Suzanne Czosek at Suzanne's Stamping Spot.  She chose Poinsettia Wreath -F2234.  I think it is just beautiful.  Click on it to get a good look at the wonderful background too.  Thanks for participating, Sue!

Thank you ladies for the beautiful cards and once again, good luck in the drawing.  For those of you who haven't participated before, here are the guidelines for your card:

• Impression-Obsession stamps only are to be used.
• Entries will be accepted until this coming Saturday at midnight, EST. (Nov. 7).
• Email your entry to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the right-hand sidebar.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also in our IO Customer Gallelry.

The drawing will be on November 9 and the WINNER of a $25 Gift Certificate to be chosen by Random.org.

Okay everybody, get those cards to me and thanks for stopping in to start the celebration of our Wreath Card Challenge.  You will love what you see at all of the Design Team blogs too!!  Thanks for stopping by.  See you back here soon.

 

 Shirley

 

 

 

The Thursday Wreath Card Challenge

Is almost here!! Don't forget to stop by and/or enter.  If you enter email me your card.  Here are the guidelines for those who haven't joined in the fun before:

• Impression-Obsession stamps.
• Entries will be accepted until the following Saturday at midnight, EST (Nov. 7).
• They are to be emailed to me using the Email Shirley link provided near the top of the right-hand sidebar.
• All participant cards will be posted here and also in our IO Customer Gallery in the very next sidebar over.

The winner of each challenge is chosen by Random.org and receives a $25 Gift Certificate for use in our online store.

So I'm off to work on my wreath card and I'll see you all here on Thursday!!  Thanks for stopping by to look and share!

 

 Shirley