Rubber Romance Stamps

Christmas is Coming!

2010-12-11T13:06:00.000-08:00

Can't believe there are only two weeks before Christmas! Robin has some great stamps in her store for the holidays, so if you are a last minute crafter (like me), head over and order some for your holiday cards.

This card uses Kiss Me You Fool. Such a sultry image, isn't it? Perfect for a Christmas card for your significant other!

Thanks for dropping by. I'll be back in the next few days with more Rubber Romance holiday inspiration!

Design Team Call

2010-09-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

Are you a lover of Rubber Romance Stamps? If you are then this design team call is for you! Rubber Romance Stamps is looking for a few designers to join our DT for a six month term (November 1, 2010 through April 30, 2011).

Here are the requirements:

1. Must maintain an active blog and post one Rubber Romance project to your blog per week.

2. Post one project/tutorial to the Rubber Romance Blog per month, may be combined with the weekly posting on your own blog.

3. Participate in one extra project per month (could be a challenge or blog hop).

4. Link the Rubber Romance blog, Rubber Romance Etsy site and fellow designers’ blogs on your blog.

5. Upload your weekly projects to SCS, the Rubber Romance Yahoo group and PCP .

What’s in it for you?

1. Six Rubber Romance stamps of your choice the first month of your term and three stamps each month after.

2. A 30% discount on any other Rubber Romance Stamps you wish to purchase during your term.

3. Access to the Rubber Romance Yahoo group (a great place to share ideas and fun Rubber Romance projects).

4. Your blog linked on the sidebar of the Rubber Romance blog.

How to apply:

Send and email to Robin195708@yahoo.com (owner and illustrator of Rubber Romance stamps) attaching three of your favorite cards or projects (Rubber Romance Stamps are not necessary to apply, but we would love to see them if you have them).

Please also include:

1. Name and address

2. Email address

3. Link to your blog

4. Link to any online galleries you use

5. Other design team positions you currently hold

6. A bit about you and why you would like to join the design team

The call will be open until Wednesday October 6^th and the new members will be notified by the 10^th.

2-4-6-8 gift box

2010-08-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

Hi, Kathy here. I'm going to show you one of my favorite packaging items to make. I first made one of these 2-4-6-8 boxes at a stamp camp about eight years ago. It's named for it's equal 2 inch sides, but you can make the sides any width, as long as all four are the same you will end up with a square shape. I've been putting them together ever since for easy gift packaging. I'll show you how I did this one.I cut my card stock to 8.5 x 10.5. Then I scored it along the long side at 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 inches. I turned the card stock and scored one of the short sides at 2.5. Then you snip the scores along the short side (from the edge into the first score line).
Fold along all score lines. Apply a strong adhesive to the bottom squares and along the .5 inch edge. Fold up the box and tape together.Here is what the undecorated box will look like. I squeezed in the sides a bit to bring the top together.
Now the fun part! I decorated my box with some striped paper and Rubber Romance Judy (the atc sized one). I colored her with copics and cut and mounted her with some nesties.
I used a scrap of yellow card stock to make the topper. I punched a decorative edge along the bottom. Then I put it over the box and punched holes through all the layers with a crop-a-dile. Tied a bow and done!
Here is a look at the completed box again. I think it makes a cute little gift or party favor presentation.

Thanks for stopping by today, and have a great day!

Tutorial - Ink Embossing and Fake"Letterpress"

2010-08-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

Good morning. Happy AUGUST! It's Wendy here, and today, I'm playing with ink embossing and fake "letterpress."

I love the effect that texture adds to cards. But since cards are often meant for mailing, its important to keep mindful of the effect of both weight and heft. That's when embossing comes in, with such gorgeous and subtle effects.

Today, I'm taking it one step further, based on a technique that Tim Holtz demonstrated at the recent stamp show that I went to. He "letterpressed" a tag with distress inks. It was gorgeous. I wanted to experiment with it on a printed background to take a look at how much more depth it would offer. I started with a scrap piece of subtly printed Anna Griffin paper

Next, take a plastic embossing folder - this one is from Tim Holtz's line with Sizzix - I love them because they are just a little bit bigger, and will cover the a2 size with the emboss. If you look carefully, you can see that the left side has a raised/embossed image - and the right side has the mirror of the design, in deboss/recessed. When the paper goes through the machine, it is pushed out from the raised side, and into the recessed side, giving you the image on paper.

I used chalk in for this project because chalk in is much more opaque and I wanted the printed image to be somewhat covered. A dye ink, which is transparent, will not do that. Ink up the RAISED side of your plate with your chalk ink

Lay the printed sheet print side down CAREFULLY over the inked image and carefully close your folder, taking care not to shift your paper at all

Run it through your machine, and you end up with this gorgeous textured piece that no longer looks like the Anna Griffin paper, but the print from it gives the piece additional depth because it was not a solid

Now, stamp and color your rubber romance image - see how her lower back stamped poorly? When that happens with me, I normally just use the image like normal.

Then I go in with a pen and fix the line. It is important to wait in the very end to do this, because the pens do not always work with the color mediums and can smear depending on your ink

Now assemble your card and you are done.

Cutie Pie Onesie

2010-07-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

I've seen lots of onesie, tee shirt and dress cards. I thought the Rubber Romance Cutie Pie line would make great onesie cards. So I gave it a try, it was so quick and easy, I wanted to share the project with you.I know there are many templates out there, but I decided to just wing it. I have plenty of onesies in my house so I took a look at one and free handed a template. I then traced it on my desired cardstock. The fold is at the top and that is where the shoulders go (you don't cut this part) so the card will stay together. Here I've used PTI Spring Rain cardstock.
Next I embossed my card with the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder.
To add some decorative trim I cut some scalloped circles, then cut out the center with a regular straight edged circle.
I layered the scalloped trim around the leg holes and neck opening. After adhering them, I turned the card over and trimmed off the excess from the back.
Now, for the fun part! I added some eyelet (snaps) along the bottom edge. Then I stamped my Rubber Romance Cutie Pie Owl on white cardstock, colored him with some copics, then added stickles. He is mounted on a scalloped square. Isn't this a fun and easy project? These would make great thank you notes for a new mom, and it wouldn't take too long to make up a set.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you give a onesie card a try.

Tutorial: Decorated Snack Pack

2010-07-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!! It's Wendy here with a tutorial for a decorated snack pack, a great little pick me up for a gym buddy or a crop buddy.

Start with the Yoga Girl image, stamped on Bazzill Simply Smooth paper. To get a perfect "match" with your paper, stamp the pant part of the image on the paper, and then cut it out and paper piece it to your colored image (I am using some Basic Grey scraps).

Finish coloring image in, using matching colors to your paper scraps. After you're done coloring, cut her out and set aside.

Measure cardstock base to width of ziploc sandwich size bag

Fill your baggie 1/3 way full with trail mix

push out all the air, "zip" the top up, and fold it down twice and tape in back to secure

Fold your cardstock base in half, adhere a strip of coordinating striped paper to the back, a 1/2 oval cut from the same paper as the pieced pants of the image, then adhere the finished image to the top. Use letter stickers to spell your message, then staple to the top of your snack bag

Enjoy.

Rubber Romance Easel Card

2010-06-14T16:30:00.001-07:00

Hello stamping friends! I have been seeing lots of easel cards recently. I thought they looked difficult, so I resisted for a long time. I finally checked out this tutorial on SCS and realized how simple they really are to put together. Once you get the general idea, you can make them any size.

My mind started spinning with all the possibilities for easel cards with my Rubber Romance stamps. Rubber Romance offers such great sentiments as well as images, it makes for lots of great combinations. Here I used Katie and the "Birthday Diva" sentiment. I also made one with Hyacinth and the garden sentiment (here). I've got a few more combos up my sleeve that I'm working on, too.

Here is a view of the lower half of the card. You can see the sentiment inside. Katie is colored with copics, paper pieced and touched with glitter. Ready for a party!

If you haven't tried an easel card, give it a try. And check out the fun sentiments Robin has available here, they coordinate so well with the divas.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, hope this inspired you to try an easel card. If you get a chance to try a Rubber Romance easel card, leave a link in the comments, I'd love to stop by and check it out.

Tutorial - clear cards

2010-06-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone. It's Wendy here today. The Rubber Romance girls are so sophisticated and modern. What better way to send a hip handmade card than to make them clear?

It is easy to do, with the plethora of transparencies out on the market. Make sure they are thick enough to stand up on their own when tented.

The trick to clear cards is to remember you have to work with both sides of each addition so as to hide the adhesive tracks, etc. Thus, when cutting paper, remember to cut TWO, one for your image or element, and one for the back side.

Here, since it is the end of the school year and I need to make thank you cards, I chose the Teacher Teacher image.

Cut your card base just like any other card. Score in the middle, using a bone folder to make the fold extra crisp. Here, I am using a transparency from Luxe.

Color your image and cut into rectangle.

Matte the image to give it a frame on the clear card front. To make the letters look more chalk like, trace over them with a white gel pen. Cut a corresponding piece of paper of the same size.

Place your image to approximately where you want it on the card and punch a hole on the left side.

Weave your ribbon through the hole and tie a bow. Next, adhere the image to the top, and with your corresponding piece of paper, adhere THAT piece to the exact other side of where you adhered the image on the inside of the cover of the card - this hides the adhesive tracks. Cut a plain piece of white paper for the inside to write a message, and adhere. Adhere a corresponding piece to the backside of that sheet to hide the adhesive track. Finally, punch your message and adhere. Attach corresponding piece to back side to hide the adhesive.

You're done! A quick card, but unusual with visual punch.

Thanks for stopping by.

It's All About Me....or So I Wish.

2010-05-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi! This is Sherry from the Design Team and today I have a card for this week's Crazy4Challenges Sketch Challenge. I used the Rubber Romance Image, Brooke and a Book. I chose this image because Summer starts next weekend (Yes, I know technically Summer doesn't start until mid-late June...but the party starts NOW!) I really would LOVE to be at the beach or by the pool with a book and a margarita. But alas, I have responsibilities so I must live vicariously through Brooke. Hopefully, you can enjoy her sunshine too.

For my card, I started off with an image stamped on white card stock and I chose two patterns of paper (both from the Pink Paislee line 365 degrees) to stamp the image on as well.

Next I started coloring my main image with my Prismacolor Pencils. I normally use Light Peach to color fair-skinned people, but since Brooke IS sun bathing I used Seashell Pink to give her a little bit more color.

Then I finished coloring my image with the exception of the blanket and bikini top- which I am going to paper-piece with the patterned paper.

Next I added some Ranger Glossy Accents to the Margarita Glass.

Then I added some sheen to the sunglasses with a Sakura Glaze Black Embossing Pen

While the Glossy Accents and Sakura Glaze are drying I start assembling my card. I decided to machine stitch around the base panel- just because it was fun.

Then I did some paper-piercing and added ribbon and buttons. Finally my main image was ready to be added and this is the end result:

Aaaahh. Can't you just imagine relaxing in the sun with a book. I know I sure can. I hope you enjoyed the project today and I hope your Memorial Day weekend is Fun and Fabulous!

Sentiment Stamps that Inspire

2010-05-16T16:26:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been on a layout kick! I don't know about you, but I look for inspiration in a lot of different places. Stamps can even be a way to inspire. I was looking through my Rubber Romance stamps and I came across a fabulous sentiment. It inspired me to look through my photos to find one that would perfectly match. I stamped my sentiment right onto the cardstock. I then stamped the "sun" part on a small piece of pattern paper and placed it inside the other stamp. I created sun rays coming off of my stamp with pattern paper strips.So next time you are looking for inspiration, try digging into those sentiment stamps!
Designer~Julie Detlef

Little Pedi Kit

2010-05-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for tins. I have a whole box full of them ready to be altered and filled with fun. This cute little tin is super easy to make into a pedicure kit.

I found the lime green pedicure essentials at Michaels' in the dollar bin. Added a bright bottle of nail polish and there you go, tin filled.

Now for the fun part. I decorated my tin with Trisha from Rubber Romance. I colored her with copics and added plenty of sparkle with stickles and rhinestones.

I think she would be a perfect party favor for a girls' weekend or spa themed party.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope all the moms out there had a wonderful day yesterday and were totally spoiled.

Recipe:

Stamps: Rubber Romance Trisha

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: PTI ssw, Only Orange, Tempting Turquoise, DCWV Citrus Stack

Embellishments: copics, nesties, stickles, rhinestones, SU ribbon

Wine Bottle Card

2010-04-19T05:57:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone. It's Sherry from the Design Team and today I want to share with you a card that I made over the weekend. I was just browsing the web and I stumbled across this site called Mirkwood Designs that has a page FULL of templates for card-making and boxes. When I saw the champagne bottle template, I just KNEW that I had to make a wine bottle card with my Rubber Romance stamps.

When I printed the template I increased the scale to 140% because the original scale was just too small for me. Then I cut out the wine bottle and started decorating!

I used the RR stamps Time is the Maker and the Vino. I chose this patterned paper from Webster's Pages because it reminded me of a wine bottle label and the colors blended with the color of my card base. The wine bottle cork is actually left over cork from when I was making tile coasters and using that for the backing. I cut out a little piece for the top.

I made the paper flower using the Webster Pages and cutting out different size blossoms with my Nestabilities. You could also use punches if you don't have the Nestabilities. I spritzed them with water and also with some Glimmer Mist, crumpled them up and then layered them on top of each other and put the brad through the middle. Then I attached it to the card.

I would love to know what you think! If you try out any of the templates from Mirkwood Designs, please share with us! I can't wait to see everyone's creations!

Stamping and Layouts

2010-04-11T15:20:00.000-07:00

I know we use our stamps for lots of card making, but don't forget about them for those layouts too. I love to use stamped images for embellishing my layouts. Sentiment stamps are wonderful to use in layout titles as well. I used Rubber Romance's Girly Girl stamp in this double page layut I created of my youngest daughter.Here is a close up to show the stamping details better:
So next time you are working on layouts, don't forget to pull out those stamps!!!

Match Book Gift Card Holder

2010-04-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone, Kathy here. I've got a quick and easy tutorial for you to fancy up a gift card. These are my favorite gifts to give, and I like to make them a bit more special with the holders to go along with them. A match book style card is just perfect to hold a gift card, because it already has a built in pocket.

First cut your cardstock to 4 1/4 x 11. Score it at 9 1/2 and 4 3/8. Punch the short folded end with a decorative border punch.

For the fun part, chose your image. I used my newest Diva stamp Denise for this one. She's perfect for any birthday project. I also chose a Rubber Romance sentiment "Birthday Diva" for the front. Check out all the great Rubber Romance stamps in the Etsy shop.

Add some decorative matting to the front of the card and bottom strip and add a sentiment. Fold up the bottom segment of the card and fasten it in place with either brads or eyelets. Make sure to go all the way through to the back of the card. This forms the match book slot.

Here is a view of the inside of the card, with a gift card tucked into place. See how perfectly the slot holds the gift card!

Now here is the full view again. The bottom of the image panel is tucked in place behind the match book fold.

Thanks for stopping by today, hope this gives you a fun idea for presenting a gift card.

Easter Place Settings

2010-03-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone! It is Wendy here, with a project for place settings for Easter.

I modified a tutorial I did last easter for this one.

Cut a piece of double sided cardstock weight paper to 6x6". (I am using Basic Grey's new Kioshi line).

Round the four corners.

Score at 2" and at 4" Take your paper, turn it one turn, and score again at 2" and 4". You should have a tick tack toe pattern of scores, with nine squares.

Fold at your score lines, and cut from side of paper 2" to middle score lines on the top and on the bottom.

Fold it up, punch a small hole

secure with mini brad

cut a .75" strip from the same paper, and adhere to top

Color your Rubber Romance Image - this is Marcie Has Something to Say.

Cut out colored image and adhere to basket

Use stickers or stamps to name the basket for your place setting. At the brunch, I will fill this up with some easter "grass" and jelly beans or something like that.

Enjoy!

Jan 10 Sketch Challenge

2010-03-19T13:23:00.001-07:00

Phew. I'm way overdue to post our winner for this.
The winner is: Jodi H
Please send your address to rubberromance @ gmail.com (no spaces) for your prize! Congrats!

Life is Sweet: Indulge

2010-03-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

March 15-21 is National Chocolate Week. I bet you didn't know that, did you? It's a great reason to indulge in some chocolaty sweetness- as if we needed one. ;) If you are looking for a calorie-free way to indulge, Rubber Romance has quite a few stamps that follow the theme. Now is the perfect time to get them out and create some stampy goodness.

For today's card I used the Diva Chef. She is one of my favorite images ever. She is holding a chocolate cake with a caramel topping. YUMMY. I colored the image with Prismacolor Pencils and I paper-pieced her hat and cuffs with designer paper. I kind of went a little crazy with the lay out, but I like how it turned out.
Fun Facts About Chocolate

Chocolate is America's favorite flavor. A recent survey revealed that 52 percent of U.S. adults said they like chocolate best. The second favorite flavor was a tie (at 12 percent each) between berry flavors and vanilla.
U.S. chocolate manufacturers currently use 40 percent of the almonds produced in the United States and 25 percent of domestic peanuts.
U.S. chocolate manufacturers use about 3.5 million pounds of whole milk every day to make chocolate.
Sixty-five percent of American chocolate eaters prefer milk chocolate.
The melting point of cocoa butter is just below the human body temperature (98.6 degrees) — which is why it literally melts in your mouth.
Older children are significantly more likely to prefer chocolate than younger children (59 percent of 9-11year-olds prefer chocolate vs. 46 percent of 6-8 year-olds), according to an NCA survey.

Hopefully I have inspired you to get out your Rubber Romance stamps and make a sweet, indulgent card. Thanks for stopping by today- Have a great weekend!

Making bookmark favors

2010-03-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

A while back I shared how to make birthday goody bags from regular brown paper bags. I used these for my daughter's 7th birthday party. We filled it with all kinds of party favors including these "Girly Girl" bookmarks. The girls just loved them. They are so simple and fun to make too!Instructions:

1. Cut the base of the bookmark out of pattern paper. Mine measures 2 inches by 6 inches.

2. Cut a 2 inch piece of pattern paper and adhere this to the base.

2. Stamp the Rubber Romance "Girly Girl" stamp on a separate piece of cardstock, diecut, or pattern paper. I used half of a diecut from Scribble Scrabbles. Adhere this to the right side of the bookmark. It should just overlap the bottom piece of pattern paper.

3. Cut a couple of flowers out of pattern paper. You don't want these to be too bulky since it will be a bookmark. Adhere them just over the piece of paper with the stamped sentiment.

4. Take a pen and detail around the pieces of pattern paper and the flowers.

5. Punch a hole in the top of the bookmark and add some fibers. I used 2 colors that matched my pattern papers.

6. Add a touch of stickles to the flower center. I also brushed some over the stamped sentiment.

I hope you enjoyed this and give them a try sometime!!

Cutie Pie Frame

2010-03-09T00:15:00.000-08:00

The Cutie Pie line from Rubber Romance is just perfect for creating baby gifts. I thought I'd share a quick gift idea with you. These frames are available at most craft stores. This one came from JoAnn fabrics and only cost a dollar! What a bargain.

I just gave it a few coats of black acrylic paint. The unfinished wood really drinks up the paint so it takes a few coats to cover well.

I stamped my image, this sweet little elephant from the Cutie Pie line, on white cardstock and added some shadowing with copic markers. Your can find these Cutie Pie stamps as well as other Rubber Romance stamps in the Etsy shop. I then stamped my image again on pink patterned paper from Making Memories. I cut out the patterned image.

I adhered the cut out elephant on top of the stamped one. Then I mounted the image on some nestability die cut ovals.

I added some ribbon trimmings. I layered some pale pink organdy and checked gingham ribbons. I used red line adhesive to hold the ribbon in place. Then I glued my image in place.

I personalized this frame using the Base Camp cartridge for the Cricut machine. You could easily use stickers or chipboard letters, too. And you can see in the finished photo at the top, I added some buttons just for fun.

This project came together quickly and makes such a nice personalized gift. You can easily coordinate with the colors in any nursery or room.

Thanks for stopping by, hope you are able to use this sweet little project idea.

window candy card

2010-03-05T07:23:00.001-08:00

Good morning everyone. It's Wendy today, and I'm making a just because window card, to give a pick me up piece of candy to a special someone.

Cut cardstock to 6"x12" and score at 5 7/8" and 6 1/8"
Fold at scores. (I use a straight edge to ensure a crisp fold)

Using a circle cutter (this is CM), cut a circle from top left quadrant of front of card

Make another circle to act as a frame, and adhere. Adhere flower, and candy piece (mine is caramel).
Stamp and color your Rubber Romance image. Since the cardstock is flat, a straight color on the present may make the card a bit too flat.
To fix that problem, paper piece the present part. Stamp image again on two printed patterned papers, cut and adhere. Adhere to your card with pop dots. Anchor the entire image with two strips of paper going both sideways and upwards (I am using a paper frill).
The card is a bit top heavy, so it does not stand up well. But that's not going to matter to the recipient, who will eat the candy... :)

Enjoy.

Portable Inventory

2010-02-22T22:20:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone!! I'm so excited because I have a great idea to share with you today! Have you ever gone to the store and found a great deal on crafting items but couldn't remember what you had at home? I've encountered that with brads, rhinestones, punches, etc. So I came up with an idea that I'm hoping will help me (and you!!) out - a portable inventory/notepad holder.

Here's what the finished product looks like:

Now for all the details, so you can start making one of your own!

You'll need:
- A sheet of cardstock
- Coordinating designer paper
- Your favorite Rubber Romance image (I used my favorite - Melanie the Shopper)
- A mini legal tablet
- Red line tape or scor-tape
- Inventory sheets (see below)
- Embellishments

Step One:
Trim cardstock to 8 1/2" by 10 1/2". Score at 5 1/8" and 5 7/16" along the long side. Crease and add mini legal pad with red line tape.

Step Two:
Add a strip of designer paper to the top binding of the legal pad. I used some dp from Basic Grey's Origins collection. Also create a pocket from a triangular piece of designer paper. Just glue on the two legs of the triangle not the hypotenuse (betcha didn't know you'd get a little geometry today, did ya?). I added this so I could tuck stuff here - specifically my Copics color chart that shows what markers I already own.

Step Three:
Time to add the inventory sheets. I created inventory sheets, so I could list the stuff I already have. This way I won't be buying duplicates when I go to the store. So far, I've made sheets for brads, buttons, gemstones, inks, felt, punches, Nestabilities, Cricut cartridges, and embossing folders. I made two different sheets - one allowing for two lists and another allowing for one longer list. I simply filled out my lists, stapled them together, adhered them with one strip of red line tape at the top, and covered the staples with a strip of designer paper.

Here's a photo of the inventory with two short lists:

and the inventory with one long list:

AND GUESS WHAT......I'M SHARING THE INVENTORY FILE WITH YOU!!

Step Four:
Dress the cover of your portable inventory/notepad holder. I added designer paper, ribbon, buttons, and this fabulous Rubber Romance image of Melanie the Shopper....I even paper pieced one of her bags as you can see in this close up:

So there you are...a portable inventory/notepad holder! I'd love to hear what you think of this idea or see your versions!

Have a great day creating!

Stephanie

Tutorial- Classy and Sassy Post It Note Holder

2010-02-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

Hi, everyone. This is Sherry from the Design Team. I wanted to share this yesterday however I have been under the weather. Thankfully I can get it posted today- I can't wait to share this with you! Today I am making a Classy and Sassy Post It Note Holder using the ATC Size Babs in the Bath.

Supplies you will need include:

Adhesive(s) of your choice
Clear, Acrylic Frame (for today's project I used a 5x7 Frame)
Ink of your choice PLUS a permanent Ink such a Stazon
Ribbon and embelishments
Coloring tools (I used Prismacolor Pencils and OMS)
Patterned Paper, Scrap paper and White for main image (I used patterned paper from Everafter line from Cosmo Cricket and Papertrey Ink White)

Next I slid in a 5x7 piece of patterned paper

Then I stamped my image on both white card stock AND on a piece of paper so I could paper-piece part of my image:

Now it's time to color the image. I used Prismacolor Pencils here:

Then I blended it with my paper blending stump and Odorless Mineral Spirits:

Since I wanted to paper-piece the bath tub, I cut that out of my patterned paper and glued it on:

Once my image was colored and ready, I used Nestabilities to cut it out and then mat it on gray card stock:

Next I added Glossy Accents to the bubbles for that little extra something.

Glossy Accents take some time to dry, so I set my image aside while I worked on the rest of my project- the actual holder.

Next I added ribbon. I chose to tie mine around the holder, but an alternative way would be to use sticky strip or another adhesive and attach it more permanently. It's all about personal preference.

Then I did my best attempt at a bow.....Lol

Now I am ready to stamp my sentiment. It is very important to use an ink such as Stazon. Be very careful when stamping that you do not move the stamp or smear the ink. BUT if you do smear it (as I did) then you can clean it right away with Stazon Cleaner and try again. But you must clean it right away, before it dries.

Here my holder is after my SECOND attempt.

Now all you have to do is add your image and your post it notes and you are finished! I used mounting tape for my image. I felt it would look better if it wasn't flat, and the mounting tape will hold it securely even on the acrylic frame.

For the post-its, I just used the sticky on the back of the last Post-it Note BUT if you want to make sure it doesn't move feel free to use some sticky strip or Scor-tape.

Here is my finished project- ready to give away OR sit on my own desk. :)

Thanks for stopping by today- I hope I gave you some good ideas for using your Rubber Romance Stamps! Have a great day!

Using Stamps to Enhance Birthday Goody Bags

2010-02-15T15:02:00.001-08:00

My daughter's birthday is coming up soon. We are beginning to plan what she wants. She will be turning 7 and wants to have her a "girly" party with her friends. We decided for the goody bags we would make each of her guests these cute little "girly girl" bags. Steps:

1. Take a regular lunch size brown paper bag. Fold the top edge down 2 1/2 inches as shown.

2. Use a circular lid as a template for a rounded edge. Trace and then cut the excess off as shown.

3. Trace pieces to cover the front, back and the "lid." My front and back pattern paper pieces measures approximately 7 3/4 x 5 inches. 4. Adhere the pieces to the bag. The front and back are shown below.5. Cut 2 pieces of ribbon approximately 3 inches long. Fold them over and pierce a hole in them so you can put a brad through.

6. Place a brad through both ribbons making a bow. Cut a scalloped circle out and punch your brad through. Finally place a pop dot on the back of these and place them on the "lid" of the goody bag.

7. Stamp the Rubber Romance Girly Girl stamp in VersaMark onto another piece of pattern paper. Use black embossing powder and emboss the sentiment. Adhere this to the goody bag. I added some other small scalloped circles for decoration. Fill and enjoy!

Cute Little Valentine Treat

2010-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, Valentine's Day is only 7 days away. I have a sweet little project that would be great for classroom treats. They are fast and inexpensive, perfect to mass produce for those class parties. Turn a plain little box of candy into a special treat.

To start measure your candy box and make a wrap around piece of cardstock or patterned paper to fit around the box. Tape the paper together, but not to the box, so the candy can slide out. I used a small box of conversation hearts, but any little box of candy will do.

Next embellish your box. I added a coordinating bow. Then I stamped, cut and colored an image. For my project I used the owl stamp from Rubber Romance's Cutie Pie collection. Check them out in the Etsy shop. I added some crystal effects to the eyes and some stickles to the hearts. I kept it pretty simple, since these are going to four year olds, who will probably discard the wrapping immediately! Hope you'll give it a try.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you have a sweet Valentine's Day.

Little Messages

2010-02-04T07:08:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!! It's Wendy here with a cute Valentines day gift for your significant other, a little packet of love notes.

First, cut a piece of plain white copy paper in half length wise, then into strips.

Write on each strip a reason what you love about your significant other.... I think handwriting is best here for the personal nature of it but you certainly could write it on a computer, print it out, then cut into strips after.... Fill up your strips, and roll each message up.

Print the Button Box template from Mirkwood Designs on the backside of a piece of double sided printed paper.

(here's the front side of the paper so you can see what it looks like...)

Cut out your template, score along the score lines. (**note: the print and score lines don't bother me because they are on the inside. If it is an issue for you, print the template onto a white piece of paper, and then use your print out as a template/guide over printed cardstock. You can trace with pencil or simply hold it on top of the paper as a cut guide.)

Tuck your rolled message into the base of your little box/envelope. DON'T adhere your edges. You want it to open up like a cute little packet of notes.

Use stickers to spell "I love..." and adhere to the top flap:

Color your Rubber Romance Image - this is "You Shouldn't Have".

Mat your stamped image, and use same stickers to spell a title. Tie the whole thing with a bow tied string.

On Valentine's Day, it's just a matter of a pull, and all these cute little notes roll out with reasons why you love your special someone...

Enjoy.

Romantic Tutorial - Love Notes

2010-01-26T04:53:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone! Are you having some unusual weather in your neck of the woods, too? I live in western Pennsylvania, and we've gone from unseasonably warm to rain to snow. That's okay because it's nice and cozy in my craft room.

I thought about what I wanted to share with you today and decided on a super simple sticky note holder. This is great to toss in your purse or to give to a friend. I'm also going to share a quick tip about drawing teeny tiny hearts with you in the tutorial.

You'll need:
- Strip of cardstock 3 1/4" x 7 3/4" (I used SU! Mellow Moss)
- scoring tools
- colored and matted Rubber Romance image (I used the versatile Cutie Pie Home Tweet Home stamp)
- coordinating ribbon

1. The first thing that you'll want to do is score your strip of cardstock. Score at 1", 1 1/4", 4 1/2", and 4 3/4" - crease.

2. Peel backing off the sticky note package and adhere to the cardstock between the 1 1/4" and 4 1/2" score lines.

3. Fold the cardstock to enclose the sticky notes. Add your colored and matted image to the top panel. Tie a simple knotted ribbon to the bottom panel - you'll be able to slide the image panel under the ribbon to keep the holder closed.

Cute, simple, and great to have!

Here's how I created my little heart posies: Using a brush tip marker, draw a V to make little hearts. I start on the left and make a dash toward the center then finish up on the right by making another dash toward the center.

Don't you love this image - I can totally see this little image used for all seasons. I'd add some liquid applique for a wintery branch or some glossy accents on bright leaves for a summery image.

Enjoy the tutorial and enjoy your day!

Tent Topper Card Tutorial

2010-01-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hi, this is Sherry. Today I am going to show you how I made this Tent Topper Card using the Diva Chef from Rubber Romance. It's just as easy as a regular A2 size card, but it's fun and just a little something extra.

The supplies you will need are very basic:
4.25" x 8.5" piece of card stock
Patterned Paper and Scraps of CS for decorating and embellishing the front of your card.
Rubber Romance Diva Chef (or Rubber Romance image of choice)
Adhesive
Foam Tape (optional)

First, you take your 4.25" x 8.5" card stock and score it at 4.25" to make a 4.25" square base for your card.
Next, trim your patterned paper and decorate the front of your card as desired. For my card I used Basic Grey Lemonade patterned paper and the Fiskars Threaded Water Border Punch.

I layered my pieces and added some ribbon.
Next, I colored and cut out my Diva Chef image. Here I used my Circle Nestabilities to layer card stock with the image. The image was colored with Prismacolor Pencils and blended with Odorless Mineral Spirits.
Once your image is ready, attach adhesive to the LOWER half of the image panel, on the back. I used foam tape to give it added dimension, but any adhesive will work also. Now it's time to attach the main image to your card. The image will go over the edge to make the card 5.5" tall-and it will fit in a regular A2 envelope.

Once everything is put together, this is what the finished product looks like

That's all for today- Have a great day and I hope you are inspired to try something different.

Cute Doggy Treat Bag

2010-01-19T02:30:00.000-08:00

Do you have a friend that has a special furry friend? These cute little treat bags would be the perfect little something to say you are thinking of them! Steps to make the doggy bag:

1. Adhere a 5 inch x 3 inch piece of pattern paper to a paper bag. (These are the lunch bag size) Then cut a 5 inch x 1 1/4 inch piece of pattern paper. Ink the edges of this last pattern paper and adhere it over the first one like shown below.

2. Stamp the Rubber Romance "Claire and Charley" stamp on white cardstock.

3. Color the stamped image. I used colored pencil. Cut it out in a half circle as I did below. Ink the edges and mount it on cardstock.

4. Adhere it to pattern paper.

5. Adhere this circular piece to the paper bag. Add your sentiment and then fill your bag with doggy treats. Fold over the top edge. Give this to your friend and watch their face light up! Enjoy!

Online Class Featuring Rubber Romance Stamps

2010-01-15T17:10:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
I'm a teacher over at My Creative Classroom and i'm teaching a class this semester featuring Rubber Romance Stamps called "Sassy Stamping" -- hope to see you in the classroom!

http://www.mycreativeclassroom.com/course/info.php?id=274

Sassy Stamping with Samantha Star

Sassy Stamping is not for the faint of heart! In this class we will create 8 tongue in cheek cards, sassy party favors and we’ll create a chic chalkboard from scratch! So if you enjoy sarcasm, and are looking for edgier cards and projects, join me in this class!

Prerequisites: Basic stamping skills.
Start Date: Feb. 24th, 2010
Course Length: 4 weeks
Cost: $40.00 US

Easy Embossed Card Tutorial

2010-01-12T00:10:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone. I thought today would be a good day to show you a tutorial to make a quick and easy embossed Rubber Romance card. I talked to my good friend on New Years Day and she asked for a set of cards for her birthday which is January 19th. I knew I had to come up with some cards that I could create quickly. So here is what I came up with. I plan to create a set of ten using the Rubber Romance ATC sized divas.

To start, cut a piece of cardstock to 8 1/2 by 5 1/2, and score at 4 1/4. Use a decorative border punch to punch the bottom front of the card.

Stamp your image on the front of the card. I used Babs here, stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. Note to self, clean that acrylic block!

Now chose a nestability that will frame your image nicely. I thought this label fit the image well. To emboss the card only (not cut through it) this is the sandwich I used: Plate A, Plate B, nestability with cutting side up, card front, two cardstock pieces, tan mat and Plate B. That is from the bottom up, using a Cuttlebug machine to emboss. It may vary with different die cutting machines.

After embossing, while the die is still in place sponge some ink around the inner edges of the die. Here I used SU Bashful Blue ink. I love how this gives the card a layered effect, yet you only have one layer.

Color your image however you like. I used copic markers on mine.

To embellish my card I added some stickles and ribbon. I also adhered a strip of cardstock behind the bottom edge to peek through the scallops of the border punch.

I'm really happy with how fast and easy it was to create this project. Using only one layer makes it easy to mail, too. One stamp should do just fine. I'm off to create the rest of my set. I just might get this gift in the mail on time.

Thanks for stopping by!

Jan 10th Card Sketch

2010-01-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

First off, let's announce our winner from our last Sketch Challenge:

Julie - Big congrats, please get in touch with me rubberromance @ gmail.com (no spaces) with your mailing address

Here's our Jan 10th Card Sketch Challenge:

Here's how to play and win!

1. Create a card using a Rubber Romance Stamp

2. Post your card in a gallery or on your blog

3. Link that post here

You'll be entered in our draw to win!

Good luck!

Tutorial - Magnet Board Stand

2010-01-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone! It's Wendy here, and today, we're making a magnet board stand.

This is a sheet of roofing flashing that you can buy at the home improvement store for under $5 a sheet. It's approximately the same size as letter sized paper. Be careful when handling - the edges are sharp.
Put the bottom edge of it over your table and carefully push down, creating a fold.

Now, your flashing is a "stand"

From there, its on to decorating. Adhere paper to the front, and then wrap it around like a present. You need to wrap those sharp edges.
Cover the gap in back with another sheet of paper.
Now, color your rubber romance image - this one is Diva Chef
And then simply decorate the top of the board any way you wish. I'm using mine for recipes, so I'm keeping it flat because it has a sealant over it to protect the paper.

And here it is in action - with a recipe magneted up. Enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by.
-Wendy
(original concept to use the flashing for magnet base is the brilliant idea from crystle torvinen)

Bunnie Girl Giveaway Winner!!!

2010-01-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks for all the great comments! We take it you guys love free stamps??? lol. Winner was picked by Random.Org with Min being 1 and Max being 20, the result was 1!!! (I don't know if I have ever had 1 picked!!!! Congrats to GWEN! Email me your address at sammyejo@62cards.com and CONGRATS! We hope you will use your new stamp to join in our challenges and maybe win more stamps!!!!!

Easy Packaging and a GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-12-31T21:38:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!! I am SO excited to start a New Year here at Rubber Romance Stamps! Today I have a super QUICK and EASY neato favor to share along with a GIVEAWAY to celebrate the New Year!

Well, every January I host a sleepover for a few of my best friends from high school and all their kiddos. We all have such a good time. I love having a little basket of favors and gifts to give each of the girls that come. (We live about an hour and a half from all of them now, so it's a little vay-cay for them!)

I found some adorable *pink* hot chocolate packets at Target and knew I had to use them! So I made quick and easy, but festive, packaging for them!

Here is what I used:

Rubber Romance Stamps: Sweet Dreams Sentiment & Bunnie Girl

Cardstock (Martha Stewart & Bazzill Bling)

Trimmer (Fiskars)

Embellies (Opaline Half Pearls by Basic Grey)

Ribbon (May Arts)

Scissors (Martha Stewart)

Ink (Memento)

Markers (Copic Ciao)

Paints (Smooch)

Punches (Marvy Uchida)

Hot Chocolate Pouch

First, cut your paper. (Measure your hot chocolate pounch). I cut mine 12 inches by 4.5 inches. I wanted some of the pink to stand above the packaging to add color.

Next, cut your patterned paper 1/2 an inch shorter than the cardstock on each side. Adhere the PP to the cardstock front.

Next, stamp your images and color. I stamped a few so after they dried I could see which wouldlook best with my PP.

Using my punches I punched out the image and then punched a larger circle to frame the image on the packaging.

Then, I adhered the image to the front of the packaging and stamped my sentiment right onto the patterned paper. I then added my half pearls to each side of the sentiment.

I added a dimensional to the back of the hot chocolate to help it stay in place.

Then I placed it inside the packaging pressing the dimensional to the cardstock well.

Finally, I tied coordinating ribbon around the top to close the package. These are all ready to go into my guest baskets and the image of Bunnie Girl couldn't be more perfect!!!

So, who out there would like to win Bunnie Girl? I have one Bunnie Girl Stamp up for grabs! ALl you need to do to have a cance to win is be a follower of this blog and leave a comment on this post!!! Winner will be announced next week, so check back!!

Happy new Year everyone! We can't wait to share it with you!!!

-Sammye Jo

New Year's Resolution - Gum Holder Tutorial

2009-12-29T07:40:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Are you getting ready for 2010? I can barely believe that we're about to embark on a new decade!! It seems like yesterday when the whole world was worrying over Y2K. I've already thought about things I'd like to change in myself for the new year. At the top of that resolution list is to spend less time procrastinating. With that said, I figured that I'd get started now by working on Valentines' treats.

The following tutorial will show you how to make a fun gum slider. You'll need:
- package of gum (the type with the foil slider of gum - I used Eclipse)
- double-sided cardstock
- scoring tools
- Terrifically Tacky Tape
- Rubber Romance images (I used Cutie Pie Bird & You're Tweet sentiment)

First measure your gum package to determine how much cardstock is needed for the cover. With the Eclipse, the package was 4" x 2.5".

Using the dimensions, cut cardstock to size. I cut mine 4" x 5.75" - to determine the long side, double the width (2.5) and add .75.

I have a Scor-Pal, but it doesn't always have the increments that I need. I find using a grid mat, T-square, and bone folder is super easy. For the Eclipse gum slider, I scored at .25", 2.75", 3", and 5.5".

After scoring, go back over with the bone folder and crease all scored lines.

This is what it should look like after you've creased all of the scored lines.

Add Terrifically Tacky Tape to one of the edges. I always use my bone folder to press the tape and make a secure bond. Do not adhere it to the other end yet.

Decorate the front of the gum slider. you can see that I added some paper piecing and a fun googily eye. Then remove the paper of the Terrifically Tacky Tape and adhere the two ends. Slide in your gum and Voila!!

Happy New Year and here's to keeping up with our resolutions!!

Gift Card Tutorial

2009-12-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come and gone, but birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions will still be around the corner. You may find yourself in a pinch for a last-minute gift I am going to show you the easiest gift card holder to make that I have found yet. You will still have to buy the gift card, but you can whip up the perfect way to present it in minutes!

Supplies Needed:
Card Stock 4.25 x 10"
Patterned Paper (for outside of GC Holder) 2 pieces 4 x 2.75" and 1 piece 4 x 1.75"
Patterned Paper (for inside of GC Holder) 2 pieces 4 x 2.75"; 1 piece 4 x 1.75" and 2 pieces 4 x .75"
Scoring tool
Glue Dots and/or Sticky Strip
Adhesive of choice
Corner Rounder or other Corner Punch (this is optional but gives a nice finish to the project)
Stamps, Ribbon, Scraps (for stamping on) and other embellishments.
Score your 4 x 10" card stock at 3, 4, 5, and 8 inches.

If desired, use corner punch on the four corners of the card stock.

For both the inside and outside of the holder line up patterned paper (if using striped paper align the stripes for a more cohesive look). Then you can use the corner punch on the patterned paper on the ends and glue down.
Fold on score lines. Please note that the 1" sections will fold the opposite direction- this will be where your gift card fits.
Flip your gift card holder so that the outside is facing upwards. Place strong adhesive (sticky strip is used here but glue dots could be substituted) on one of the 1" sections.

Once adhesive is applied fold the paper so that the sides stick together.
In order to create a slot for the gift card, place the fold you just created in the paper cutter. Cut between 1/8 and 1/4" off. This will allow you to fit various sizes of gift cards in the holder.
I don't have an actual gift card but I used a white piece of card stock to show how a gift card would fit in the slot.

Your gift card holder is now ready to add stamped images, embellishments and your choice of closure.
For this gift card holder I use ribbon to close it- I wrapped it tightly and used glue dots to secure it. You could also use Velcro or magnets to secure the flap. Whichever you closure you choose, the recipient is sure to be delighted with the gift card AND the holder.
Thanks for stopping by today and have a Happy New Year!!

Sketch Challenge - Dec 21

2009-12-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

THREE SLEEPS TILL CHRISTMAS.

Hehehe... now that that's out of my system, let's announce the winner for our last Sketch Challenge:

Debbie Harris - Come on down! You're the next contestant on... Ok... So i'm feeling a little cheesy tonight. Congrats Debbie, please track me down and send me your mailing address!

Here is our next sketch. You have until January 9th to complete a card using it.
Winning is easy!

1. Your card MUST use a RRS stamp
2. Upload your card and link it back here by Jan 9th
3. Have fun :)

Quick and Easy Gift Card Holder

2009-12-19T12:11:00.000-08:00

With it being so close to Christmas, some of you may still have some last minute shopping gifts to purchase. Gift cards seem to be crowd pleasers. I like to personalize them with a special holder. They are the perfect way to let your friends and family know that you spent a little extra time on their gift. Steps:

1. Cut 2 identical ornament diecuts. I used my QuicKutz Silhouette to cut mine. You could make your own pattern or just use circles. Cut one of the ornaments in half. You will also need to cut a small white strip to go across the top of the cut ornament.2. Adhere the cut ornament and the strip of white paper on top of the whole ornament. Be sure to just adhere around the edges so the gift card will fit in. I put the gift card in while the adhesive was drying so it would easily fit afterwards. 3. Using the Rubber Romance stamp "Kiss Me You Fool," stamp her on a white piece of cardstock. Punch the image into a circle. 4. Color the stamped image with markers or colored pencil. Ink around the edges and adhere to the ornament center.

5. Add stickles to the furry part of the hat on the stamped image.

6. Add stickles on the ornament top and the white strip across the middle. Attach a ribbon hanger. Hang on the Tree and wait for Christmas Day! HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

10 Days Until Christmas!

2009-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

I can't believe there are only 10 shopping and crafting days left before Christmas. As you can see I'm still making ornaments. I have another simple ornament to show you how to make this month. These are quick and easy. Perfect with so little time left before the holidays!

I found these ornaments at Michaels. You stamp the image on the ornament with Stazon ink. Stamp gently as the ornament has a glossy surface that is a bit slippery. If you make a mistake, just spray the ornament with stamp cleaner and wipe off immediately.

Here I used "Merry" from Rubber Romance. You can get her here. While you are in the etsy shop checking out Merry, take a look at all the new Divas! Fabulous gift to give yourself or perfect stocking stuffer for your favorite stamper.

After the ink dries, color the image with markers. I found Sharpies worked best for this.

I added some stickles for sparkle and some Kaiser adhesive pearls.

Add cording to hang the ornament from and a bow for decoration. You are now ready to hang it on your tree or give it as a gift.

Here is a second sample using different colors. On this one I added a bit of liquid applique to her collar and hat. It puffs when heated with a heat gun and looks fuzzy and soft.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my tutorial! Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!

Kathy

December 10th Sketch Challenge...

2009-12-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

First off, let's announce the winner of our Nov 20th Sketch Challenge.

Big congrats to : Stacie

Here's today's Sketch, remember the Rules:

1. Your card MUST contain Rubber Romance stamps

2. Upload your card before December 20th

3. Post a link to your card below

4. Have fun :)

Winner will receive a RRS gift!

Good luck!

tutorial - Double Embossing

2009-12-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

This was a cool technique I learned from the stamp show that I just had to share.

First, pick out two embossing folders - one with a tight design, and one that has bolder lines.

[tighter lines]

[bolder lines]

take the tighter design template, and emboss a piece of cardstock running your "sandwich" through your machine ONLY ONCE - front to back and STOP.

Remove your cardstock. Now, take that SAME embossed cardstock, and place it into your bolder lined template. Run it through THREE times - front to back, back to front, front to back (i.e. crank it forward, crank it backward, and crank it forward again). Doing it 3 times gives you a deeper emboss.

When you are done, it looks like this... COOLIO!!!

And here's my card. TFL! Wendy

Resist This!

2009-12-08T19:14:00.001-08:00

Here's an easy technique to create unique stamped images

Gather white paper, your stamp, clear embossing powder and clear ink. Stamp your image on th white paper with clear ink, and cover with clear embossing powder

With your heat tool, heat emboss your image.

Use an ink blending tool, and Tim Holtz Distress Inks of your choice and in circular motions, go over your embossed image and the surrounding areas until you're satisfied with the results:

here is my finished card, I spritzed the entire thing with Shimmerz mist... just to give it more... shimmer! :)

Gift Tag Tutorial

2009-12-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I got together with my stamping pals, and we exchanged our Secret Santa gifts. My secret santa Mandy made the coolest gift tag, and I couldn't wait to create one of my own and share it with you!!

To create the tag, you'll need:
- 5.5" square sheet of cardstock (or heavy designer paper printed on both sides)
- Your favorite Rubber Romance stamp...I've used Merry the Christmas Diva on my tag
- 1/8" hole punch
- bone folder
- twine or string
- designer paper and other embellishments

To begin, fold your square in half on both sides.

Open the square and fold it in one direction diagonally.

Open up the square and fold it into quarters with the diagonal sides pushing inward as shown in the photo.

Now you can start decorating!! With my tag, I added pattern paper from Cosmo Cricket's Jolly By Golly line to the outside and the inside. I 'glam'-ed up Merry with some fun flock and glitter after coloring her with my Copics. I added an ornament & some ribbon for the name of the gift recipient.

BIG TIP: When punching the hole for your twine/string, fold the whole square on the diagonal fold and punch only through the front & back squares not the sections that push in on the sides.

Here's a photo of the inside of my tag.

This tag is perfect for a gift bag, wrapped box, or your favorite bottle of wine or bubble bath.

It's super simple & quick to make, yet everyone will be impressed when they see it. Happy tag-making!!

Glitter Window Tutorial

2009-11-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi, this is Sherry! Today I am going to show you how I made this card using the Glitter Window technique.
You will need:
Plastic Packing/Box Tape
Double-sided tape
Punches or Dies (for your window)
Card stock
Glitter
Ink and Stamps

First thing I did was stamp my image on the main panel.

Then I used my rectangle Nestability die to cut out the window. You could also use a punch or even a craft knife if you do not have a die or the ones you have are not the right size.

Next place the piece card stock you will be using underneath your main image panel. Do NOT glue yet. This is for placement only.

Then stamp the image(s) you want to appear underneath the glitter window. Set aside the bottom piece of card stock.

Your next step is to take your clear packing tape and put it over your window with the sticky side facing out (towards the stamped side).

Next turn over your main image panel and pour glitter over the front.

Use your finger to spread the glitter evenly over the window.

Next use the double-sided tape to attach the bottom panel to the back of the top panel.
Now you can finish coloring your images, embellish as you like and assemble your card!

Thanks for stopping by today- I hope I inspired you to try something new.

Coupon Book Tutorial

2009-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is a tutorial for altering a 4x6 picture album into a "fashionable" coupon book. They make perfect gifts too. I will be giving one to my mom for Christmas.

Steps:

1. Purchase a 4x6 photo album. I went to Walmart and bought mine for $1 (shown below). Take the front cover insert out and measure it for your paper base.

2. Stamp Melanie the Shopper onto white cardstock. I also stamped her "bags" onto 3 different pieces of pattern paper. You do not need to reink the whole stamp for this step, just the area of the purse you are stamping.

3. Use colored pencils or markers to color in Melanie's hair and flesh. I used colored pencils.

4. Cut out the purses and headband. Adhere them with liquid glue onto the stamped image on the white cardstock. Mat this with black cardstock and then onto the pattern paper that was measured the same as the 4x6 insert. Slip this into the protective cover.

5. Make a list of categories that you want for your coupon book. Punch out enough tabs for each of your categories. Write the categories on each of the tags and then fold them in half.

6. Staple the tabs onto the outer right edge of the album pages.
7. You can now start sorting coupons and enjoy!

Nov 20th Card Sketch.

2009-11-21T17:22:00.000-08:00

First off, the winner of our Nov 10th Card Sketch Challenge is...

Ashley Nguyen Newell - Congrats! Please email me so I can get your mailing addy.

Now, for Nov 20th's Sketch:

Here is my interpretation of the sketch:

Origami Box Tutorial

2009-11-21T05:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!!! Ok, so it's really Saturday....but this post should have been up yesterday, but because I'm such a flake with my days lately with all the holidays and vacation days at work this week, I forgot that yesterday was the 20th until about 10pm at night. Ugh! Sometimes I think I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached to my body!!!!

Ok....so I have a quick and easy project for you today that's perfect with holiday giving just around the corner. It's an Origami box that requires no adhesive.

You'll need:
11"x11" cardstock for the bottom
11.5"x11.5" DP for the top
bone folder

Start by folding the cardstock into half in each direction. Next, fold each of the corners to the middle.

With the corners still folded in, fold each of the sides into the middle.

Open the folds leaving the opposite corners folded into the middle.

Next, bring up the sides and fold in the ends. The corner point folds up and over the sides and lays flat in the bottom of the box.

Repeat with the other side and your box is complete. Repeat these same steps with the top.

And here's my finished box! I added a tag to it using the Peace & Pointsettias stamp. I stamped with Dazzle Versamark and embossed with clear detail embossing powder. I them sponged on the blue inks working with the lightest color in the middle.

Happy Stamping,

Shannon

Holiday Ornament Tutorial

2009-11-17T00:10:00.000-08:00

I love the holidays especially decorating for them. My favorite part of this is decorating the tree each year. I love to look through all my ornaments and remember who they came from or where I bought them or even when I made them. I love to give ornaments with my gifts, too. Very often I give gift cards, which I think people really love, but adding a hand made ornament really makes it a bit more special.
So, how would you like to learn how to turn this plain little tin into a Christmas Ornament? I found these little tins at Michaels' in the bridal favor section. They are quick and easy to transform into ornaments.

Pick an image to use. Here I chose the Martini Girl Rubber Romance ATC sized Diva. I stamped her on white cardstock. I found a punch that fit the dimensions of my tin and punched her out.

Use a small hole punch to put a hole through the tin, it punches very easily. Tie a bit of cord or twine through to make the hanger for your ornament.

Use red line adhesive to adhere ribbon to the edge of the lid. Add some ribbon to the hanger as well.

Color and decorate the image. I used Copic markers. I added a bit of sparkle to her eye shadow, lipstick and earrings with Copic Spica pens. I covered the martini glass with a glossy glaze pen and added a rhinestone "cherry".

Place some foam dimensionals into the tin. This will raise the image a bit so it doesn't look lost in the tin.

Add the image to the inside of the tin.

I added some pink dew drop embellishments to make it a shaker type ornament. They reminded me of the cherry in a cosmo. Put the lid on the tin, you may want to add some mini glue dots inside the lid if it doesn't seal tightly.

There you go! Now this is a perfect little gift for you cosmo loving friends. You can change up the images to make lots of variations. It is quick and easy and best of all made from the heart.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you will try these!

New Divas Have Hit the Internet!!!

2009-11-15T14:34:00.000-08:00

They are finally here! I promised and now they have arrived! I thought it would never happen, but I got my act together and we have new designs! 10 new Divas and some quirky new sayings to! I have attached a picture or two but to see them all you have to go to www.burntcookie.etsy.com and they will all be there.

I LOVE all the wonderful projects the design team have shown us! What fun and how creative! Keep email me with any new Diva design ideas you may have, or anything else for that matter!

Have a wonderful day!

Robin Ireland
RRS

Tutorial - Get Well Soon Soup Holder

2009-11-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

We are knee deep in cold and flu season, and there are little sickie bugs going around everywhere. Here is a tutorial for a little "care package" to send to wish good health. (You will need one of those chicken soup mix packets from the grocery store).

Cut 12x12 cardstock to 11"x 5.5". Keep that 1" strip on the side.

Score it at 2.75" and 7.75"

Take your scrap 1" strip and adhere it to the top of your soup envelope packet.

Trim off the overhang on the left and right edges. Set aside.

Color your Rubber Romance stamp (Bunny Girl), and set aside.

Now, take your scored card, and adhere something to that left edge to give it some interest. I added a paper frill. Adhere a large flower, then on top of that, a button to the right flap. Adhere another button to the left flap. These buttons will be the base for your string tie closure for the packet.

On TOP of those buttons, now adhere two more flowers.
Embellish those flowers with anything you want to. I used more buttons.

Weight it down with something heavy til it dries.

Take your soup packet, adhere to the inside of your card, and add the cooking instructions.

Adhere your rubber romance image to the left side of the card. Use twine to close the packet just like a regular string closure (wrap one end of twine around left button, wrap other end of twine around right button)

Here's the finished project. Enjoy. Thanks for stopping by today. Wendy

Adding a little something...

2009-11-11T02:22:00.000-08:00

Card Created using Nov 10th's Card Sketch

When I first created this card, I looked at it for a long time. Something was missing. Hours later, it still sat there, waiting for me to have an epiphany... Finally I sneezed, and reached for a kleenex... and that's when I had the idea!

I cut small pieces of Kleenex and added it to the card, with Glossy accents glue.

here are some suggestions on jazzing up other Rubber Romance Stamps:

Perhaps you could use some FlowerSoft or cotton balls to add texture to Trisha's towel.

Bunnie Girl would benefit from some Velvet Flock Powder on her robe and slippers

Puffy Velvet markers would make Diva Chef's cake look delish!!

no matter how you chose to jazz up your stamped images, I'd love to see them!
Happy Creating!
Samantha

Sketch Challenge - Nov 10th

2009-11-10T08:19:00.000-08:00

Winning is easy:
1) Create a card with the sketch using Rubber Romance Stamps
2) Post it to your blog or gallery
3) Link your post here, using the mister linky tool below
you have until Nov 19th! Good luck

Our Sept 20th sketch Challenge Winner is...

Stacie
http://craft-princess.blogspot.com/2009/11/hi-ya.html

BIG Congrats!

Holiday Gift Bags!

2009-11-05T22:31:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! Hope you all are gearing up for a wonderful Holiday season! There have been some AMAZING ideas and tutorials here on the blog and I hope you all have found them helpful, fun, and inspiring!

My fellow Design Team girls ROCK!

Today I just want to encourage you to use your stamps this holiday for more than just cards! You have seen wine charms, gift card holders, and candles, but you always need something to put those things inside!!! Here I have a super cute Rubber Romance Stamp (See the selection here), a holiday patterned paper (Smitten mitten by Cosmo Cricket), Copic Ciao Markers, American Craft Ribbon, Stickles by Ranger, and a 59 cent gift bag from Michael's.

First I cut and adhered my patterned paper to the gift bag.

Next, I stamped my image and colored it with my copics to match my paper. I then accented my image with stickles to give it a little bling!

I then attached the image to my gift bag and tied my ribbon at the top.

For a super easy gift. I bought a glass bottle at Michael's and filled with red and green candy and tied some coordinating ribbon and tulle at the top of the corked bottle.

Place your bottle in the bag and you don't even need tissue paper! The adorable Rubber Romance image decorates the gift bag perfectly!

Put your Rubber Romance Stamps to work this holiday season and encourage those around you to tap into their creative side too! Happy gift giving!

Tutorial - Gift Card Holder

2009-11-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I think gift cards are one of the best things available to gift buyers (and recipients!!). I love coming up with easy ways to dress up a gift card, and I thought I'd share one of those ways with you!

You'll need:
- 4"x12" strip of patterned paper
- 4 1/4" x 8 1/4" strip of cardstock (in a coordinating color)
- Word Window punch
- Stamped Image: I used Judy is Giving Gifts - which is so wonderful for these holders...Judy works well for so many gift giving situations!
- ribbon
- embellishments/pattern paper/cardstock
- gift card

To start, score the 4"x12" patterned paper at 4", 6", and 8". Fold so it looks like this:

Fold paper in half. Using your gift card as a guide, place marks on both sides of the card for where you should punch the opening.

Using the Word Window punch, create a slit for the gift card to slide through.

Fold the 4 1/4" x 8 1/4" cardstock in half. Adhere ribbon across the center.

Adhere patterned paper to cardstock atop the ribbon as shown. Place gift card in slot.

Decorate the front of the gift card holder with cardstock, patterned paper, and embellishments.

With these few simple steps, you'll have a fabulous gift card holder that will be enjoyed just as much (if not more) as the gift card!

Enjoy!
Stephanie

Romantic Tutorial- Coloring your Rubber Romance Images

2009-10-30T06:04:00.000-07:00

One thing about Rubber Romance images is that most of them require coloring. I know a lot of stampers use Copics to color images but if you are like me, those just aren't in the budget at this point. I am going to show you is how to use Prismacolor Pencils with Odorless Mineral spirits to color your images. This way you can have coloring and shading at a fraction of the cost of Copic markers. I was able to find the 120ct. set at my local craft store and used a 50% off coupon. It is one of the best investments I have made for crafting.

Supplies Needed:
Prismacolor Pencils
Odorless Mineral Spirits (OMS,artist grade)
Paper Blending Stumps (the ones made in Taiwan are the best)
File or sanding block
A Good Permanent Ink that will not bleed (recommended Memento Ink)
Good quality cardstock

First, Stamp your image. If you are using Memento ink, there is no need to let it dry- it is ready immediately for coloring. I am using my all-time favorite Rubber Romance Image. I love this Martini Girl!

Next choose a color and start coloring. For best results in shading keep your color to the outer edges of the image

Next, take your blending stump and dip and soak the end with OMS. Use the blending stump to pull the color from the edges towards the middle using circular motion for best results.

When you are done blending this is what it will look like. You can do more or less depending on your desired result.

Continue to use the same technique on the rest of the image. *** Make sure you file the blending stump between colors to prevent mixing of colors.

Here is the image colored and blended.

Now you can add fun accents to make your image more unique. I chose to add Stickles to the earrings and Crystal Effects to her lips to look like lip gloss. :)

Now my image is ready to be added to my project. I hope I inspired you to try something new today! Be sure to be on the lookout for my finished project on my blog.

Thanks! Sherry Campbell- Rubber Romance DT Member. :)

Cute Stamped Canvas Bag

2009-10-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

My daughter is in her first year of Brownies. At her first meeting, she came home with this cute little canvas bag. Her assignment was to decorate the bag that would be used at each meeting. I was so excited. I told her we would get out the stamps and make a fun creation! Here is what we came up with:The bag was super easy and fun to make. First we took our Rubber Romance "Fashionesta" stamp and brown Staz-on ink. We stamped all over the canvas bag.We even stamped the straps. It was so fun working with my daughter too! Next we added a sheer brown ribbon to one of the straps. Finally we added 2 silk flowers with a large brad. My daughter couldn't wait to put it on and show it off!
These would make such cute favor bags for girls birthday parties!

Tutorial - Stamping on a Candle

2009-10-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!!!!!! I have a fun technique to share with you today....stamping on candles. It's super easy and makes a great gift for any occassion.

You'll need......
Your favorite Rubber Romance stamp....here I used Denise has a Birthday
Candle
Tissue Paper
Wax Paper
Black Ink
Coloring medium....here I used Copic Markers
Heat Gun
Embellishments

I start by stamping my image in black ink onto the tissue paper. I then colored her with Copic Markers. Make sure you have a piece of paper under the tissue paper to absorb the bleed thru.

Then, you cut out the image as close as possible.

Next, grab your candle and lay your cut out image onto it.

Wrap the wax paper over the image and around the candle creating a handle in the back for you to hold onto. Using your heat gun, heat the wax paper over where the image is. The area will turn shiny and the tissue paper will disappear once the wax adheres to the candle.

Here's what the candle looks like once the image is adhered.

To finish the project, I stamped "Birthday Diva" onto some ribbon using Staz-On ink and wrapped it around the bottom of the candle adhering it to the back using a brad than I pressed into the candle.

I hope you'll make your own candle for your next handmade gift!!!!

Happy Stamping,

Shannon

Oct 20th - Card sketch Challenge

2009-10-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

Here's your card sketch for Octo 20th, made by the fabulous Julie!

and here's my take on it!

Here are the rules:

-Complete a card by Nov 9th at midnight eastern with this sketch, and Rubber Romance stamps for your chance to win a great Rubber Romance prize.
-Post your card on your blog or public gallery and link it here, using the Mr Linky below.
-Please link to your actual post and not your entire blog.

A winner....

2009-10-20T14:43:00.001-07:00

A winner has been drawn for our Sept 20th Card Sketch Challenge and it is....

Christi Snow
http://alteredambitions.blogspot.com/2009/09/final-day-of-sketchfest.html

Please contact myself or Robin with your mailing address, congrats!
Stay tuned for Oct 20th Card Sketch Challenge!

Diva Wine Charms Tutorial

2009-10-20T00:15:00.000-07:00

If you've ever visited my blog or know me personally, you'll know that wine is one of my loves! I enjoy a glass of red wine many nights while I'm stamping. I often give wine as gifts when I go to dinner somewhere, also. When I have girlfriends over or have parties, wine is always served. One problem we always come across; which glass is mine? Wine charms are the perfect answer to this. I'm going to show you how to make your own wine charms with a few readily available craft items. These make great hostess gifts, along with a bottle of wine. Make some now and you'll be all ready for the holidays!

Here you can see how the charm looks on the stem of a wine glass. For non wine drinkers, they can be used on the handles of mugs, too.

You'll need shrink plastic to get started. Cut your shrink plastic to the desired shape. I used my circle shaped nestabilities to cut the plastic. Scissors work fine also.

Next, stamp your images onto the rough side of the shrink plastic. I find Staz-on ink works best for this. The up close image uses Wendy, one of the Rubber Romance Divas. The other Divas I used for this set of charms include: Babs, Diva Artist, Diva Chef, Lulu, and Jane. You can check out the Rubber Romance Divas here. The Divas are perfect for this project, they make such fun and sassy wine charms. Your girlfriends will love picking out a charm to use, that most closely represents them.

After stamping your images, color them in. You color on the rough side of the shrink plastic. I used Prisma color pencils and Sakura stardust pens for my coloring.

Punch a hole in the plastic before shrinking. Shrink them according to package instructions. I like to do mine in the oven, but you can also use a heat tool. Don't walk away from the oven, they shrink pretty fast. Don't worry if they look all curled up, they will flatten out, just give them a little more time.

This is how they look after shrinking. They shrink to about one quarter of the original size.

Add a jump ring to the pre-punched hole in each charm. Jump rings are found in the jewelry making section of craft stores.

Thread the charm and some beads on a wire hoop earring. Here is the whole set together. I usually make six or eight as a set.

I tie a ribbon through all of them to hold them together, then on to packaging.

I packaged mine in a little cello bag with a topper. I computer generated the words, so the recipient would immediately know what they were. Added some prima flowers and bling for sparkle.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you enjoyed this little tutorial and will try it out!

Tutorial - Solid Image Stamping

2009-10-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

When you have solid image stamps like the dress on Melanie the Shopper, you don't have to be limited to ink colors for your choices - you can still have patterns. How? Dye inks are slightly sheer. Choose a light color that will still show up over a subtly patterned print. Be sure to test it out on a scrap to make sure your ink will show up and that your print is not so busy that it overwhelms your image.

Here's a close up of Melanie:

The pink actually doesn't look all that hot on the slightly gray-ish background like that. But after you cut the solid parts out and piece your image - its really pretty...

Its still a little "floaty" on the edges so outline with a black pen to confine it a bit

Then make up your card like always....

Enjoy. Wendy

Creating Clouds

2009-10-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

A background pattern can add a lot to your stamped image. One of my favorite techniques is creating clouds with either a stipple brush, an ink blending tool or an airbrush:

Step 1) Cut clouds out of cardstock to use as your masks.

Step 2: Place your mask on your background and use your tool of choice to apply ink above, and to the sides of the cardstock mask

Step 3) Move your mask down and to the side and repeat until desired pattern is achieved

You can create similar clouds with other tools such as an ink blending tool:

or an airbrush (with COPIC markers)

I hope you'll try this technique on a card and pair it with a great Rubber Romance stamp! There are plenty that would be awesome such as Lets Walk the Baby, Tiffany in April Showers and Cutie Pie home Tweet Home (Pictured below)

Sketch Challenge - Oct 10

2009-10-09T20:29:00.001-07:00

Here's your sketch for October 10th!! Winning is easy:
Complete a card by October 20th at midnight eastern with this card, and Rubber Romance stamps for your chance to win a great Rubber Romance prize.
Post your card on your blog or public gallery and link it here, using the Mr Linky below. Please link to your actual post and not your entire blog.

Here's my sample:

Turning Your Stamped Sentiments Into Something More!

2009-10-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

When I started stamping I bought and stuck with sentiments because was afraid of images with people or animals. I had a fear of coloring those images and them not turning out “right”. As I have progressed in my stamping skills, I have learned to try new things and broaden my horizons! However, my love for short and sweet sentiments makes sure that I keep those stamps close at hand!
Aside from the usually stamping sentiments onto cards and such, I love to use sentiments added to handmade embellishments to add a bit more to my cards and scrap layouts! It’s a great way to get so much more out of that sentiment stamp you have just sitting there and adds detail, character, and your own personal touch to a card or layout. Today I am going to show you how to make some great little fan flower sentiments for your next project! Be sure and read to the end for a sweet little giveaway!
First, gather all the supplies you will need for the project. Choose your sentiment stamps. Rubber Romance has some great sweet sentiments that are the perfect size for these type of embellishments! You will also need, your ink pad, glue, round and/or scalloped paper punch, adhesive dimensional, stapler, and your paper of choice. I have 5, ¾ inch strips, of 12 inch paper I pre cut with my trimmer.

Second, stamp your images on the paper you have chosen and punch them out and trim them to the size you want. After you have punched the sentiments, punch out 5 circles to use as the backs of the flowers. These can be from plain white cardstock as you will not see them.

Third, fold one strip back and forth into an accordion like pattern.

When it is all folded squeeze it all together in your fingers to help it hold its shape.
Next you will staple the two ends together as best you can as the ends sometime make it tricky!
You can now lay that part down and get one of your circles you punched for the backs and apply a large dollop of glue to the circle.

Then you will take the folded paper and push the inside corners down into the center of the circle into the glue. Work with it for a minute as you will need to position and hold carefully. When all the edges are down, you will see the shape of the flower . Place something heavy, in my case I used a full glue bottle, on top of the flower to hold it into place as the glue dries. After the glue has dried, use an adhesive dimensional to adhere your sentiment to your flower.

A peak at the backside:

Place on a card or layout of your choice for a unique, dimensional look!

And now for the giveaway part- become a follower of Rubber Romance Stamps Blog and comment on this post for a chance to win 3 of these sentiment embellishments I have made. I’ll happily send them on their way to one of you guys for helping us spread the word about Rubber Romance Stamps. Post about this tutorial or any of the great tutorials from the amazing DT girls, with a link back to this blog and you will be entered twice more! (Leave us a comment on where to see your post!)

Christmas...Organized, On Budget, and Oh So Chic!

2009-10-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's October already? The months sure do go by quickly, especially those leading up to Christmas. So I try to carve out some time now to start working on those Christmas projects.

I don't know about you, but I always have a hard time staying on budget around the holidays. I typically find some 'little' items after I purchased my gifts and end up buying them. Those 'little' purchases can really add up. This year I'm going to try to stay on budget with this chic little organizer for my purse.

This little organizer is made up from envelopes. An envelope with tab is designated for each person on my gift list. In the envelope, I'm placing the amount of cash that I'd like to spend on that person. This way when the cash is gone, I know that I'm done shopping. I can also use the envelopes to place the receipts for that person's gift. Voila - on budget and organized!!

Here's how I created it:

Determine how many pouches you need - one for each person on your gift giving list. Add one (for a miscellaneous pouch) and gather that many standard envelopes - I used 3 5/8" x 6 1/2" envelopes. Seal all of your envelopes.

Trim all the envelopes at 4 1/4 inches - you could adjust this size to your liking.

Apply glue runner down the center - and only down the center - of the envelope. It does not matter which side because you'll be covering the exposed ends.

Adhere two envelopes together. This is what it will look like.

Adhere the remaining envelopes together. You will create an accordian of envelopes.

Cut two pieces of designer paper - 3 5/8" x 4 1/4"

Add layers and ribbon to both pieces of designer paper.

Adhere paper to both ends of envelope accordian.

Punch tabs from coordinating cardstock. I used the round tab punch from Stampin' Up!. You'll need one less than the number of envelopes you used.

I find it easier to score the punched tabs before folding them. My Scor-Pal makes it super easy.

Write names on your tabs. This will be easier to do before attaching to the envelopes.

Attach tabs to envelopes. When doing this, be sure to attach each tab to only one envelope as shown in the photo. Alternate sides to allow for quick reference. Avoid placing tabs in the center to allow for ribbon tying. I did not attach a tab to my first envelope - this will be for miscellaneous items such as to do lists or receipts.

Color your image and mount on cardstock - I used the oh so chic Melanie. Doesn't she look like she's out Christmas shopping with all those bags! I love using nontraditional colors for Christmas projects - burgundy, green, and blue is one of my favorite combos!!

Add the image to the organizer and tie the ribbon into a bow.

I printed my sentiment on my computer directly onto the cardstock. I then punch it out using the Modern Label punch from Stampin' Up!

Add brads to the each end of the label. When working with tiny brads, I find it easier to simply pierce the cardstock and add my brads that way.

Attach the label to the organizer - I used dimensionals to give it a little lift.

So there you have it! Hope it keeps us all organized and on budget this holiday season!

Happy Stamping,

Stephanie

Romantic Tutorial - Adding Dimension To Your Project

2009-10-02T02:00:00.000-07:00

Hi. My name is Sherry and I am very excited to share my project with you today. I made a card using the image Babs in the Bath. I love this image - there are so many possibilities. I am going to share with you how I made my card "pop." I added dimension to the image to give it a 3-d effect.

First I stamped the image twice on white card stock. Next I colored the images. One image should be colored entirely. On the other image you can just color the parts you want to accent on your finished image or if you aren't sure, you can color the second one completely as well.

Once you are done coloring, cut out each piece that you want to accent on the main image.

Once the smaller pieces are cut out, add pop dots or dimensionals to the back and then layer them on the main image.

With this image I decided to add glitter and sparkle to the bubbles to accent them even more.

Once the glue has dried you can assemble your card. Here is my finished project. I think popping up the bubbles makes them look like they are floating in the air. I really wish I could relax like that in the tub!

I hope this helps you get the most out of your Rubber Romance Images.
Happy Stamping!
Sherry

Pleats for a dimensional look

2009-09-29T00:15:00.000-07:00

I love the look of dimension on scrapbook pages and cards. Pleating paper is a fabulous way to add dimension. To add a pleat, simply take a piece of pattern paper and fold it back and forth and adhere to the layout or card. You can be precise with your folding, or you can just wing it as I did for this card. You can see in the first picture how I did my pleats. I didn't want all my folds to be exactly the same so I wasn't worried about the spacing. If you want to be precise you can measure.

I tore the bottom of my folded pleat. I then used this small pleated paper as well and layered it over the original piece. I just love the versatility of double sided papers!

Steps in assembling the card:

1. Cut a piece of cardstock for your base card 4 3/4 inches by 8 inches. Fold this in half to create your base. Ink around the edges of the front of the card base.

2. Adhere a piece of 1 1/4 inch by just shy of 4 3/4 inch piece of pattern paper to the top part of the card front.

3. Cut a 1 3/4 by 2 1/4 inch of cardstock. Ink the edges. Stamp the Rubber Romance "Hi" stamp towards the bottom. Adhere this in the bottom left corner of the card front.

4. Fold a double sided pattern paper as described above. Tear the bottom edge of it. Adhere the first piece to the bottom of the pattern paper mentioned in step 2. Take the small piece of torn pleated pattern paper and adhere the opposite side just over the top edge of the first pleated piece.

5. Add an embellishment like the felt snail above the stamped sentiment.

Box in a Bag Birthday!!!

2009-09-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ugh, it's been such an amazingly long week for me. I just love making these box in a bags, so I created this quick one for you today. I started out with a piece of cardstock measuring 4.5" square, and scored it 1 inch in from each side.

Then, fold up the sides creating a box. Cut a piece of designer paper to 5/5" x 11".

Wrap the box "inside" of the designer paper. Firmly adhere the DP to the box using tacky/stripy strip.

This is what it will look like once the paper is rolled around the base.

Punch out 2 handles and a strip of paper (1" x 11") for around the bottom of the bag.

Here's another look at the finished project.

I colored the image with Copics and cut the image and mat out using oval nesties.

Happy Stamping!

Shannon

Halloween Treat Tutorial

2009-09-22T00:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Kathy here with a tutorial for you. I’m going to show you how to make these little treat holders. They are perfect for party or shower favors. I’m thinking I’ll do some baby shower favors using the Rubber Romance Cutie Pie line. I’m planning to make a bunch of these Halloween ones for my children's teachers and bus drivers. I like to give them a little something sweet at Halloween. These holders are quick to make and inexpensive, too. Hope you enjoy the tutorial and give them a try!Cut one base color of cardstock, the black one is the base here, to 3 1/4 X 11 inches. Score the cardstock at 4, 6 and 10 inches. Cut a coordinating piece of cardstock (the orange piece) to 3 1/8 X 3 7/8 inches. Cut one piece of patterned paper to 3 x 3 ¾ inches. This polka dot patterned paper is from My Mind’s Eye.
Stamp your chosen image on to cardstock. I’m using Sabrina from Rubber Romance Stamps; you can find her as well as other fabulous Rubber Romance stamps here. Isn’t she just the cutest witch ever? I stamped her with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Papertreyink Stampers Select White cardstock. Crop the image down to fit on the front of your holder. Best to crop the image down before coloring, so you won’t waste time coloring parts of the image you won’t need. I cropped Sabrina down into a circle using nestabilities. I also cut an orange piece to mat the image with.Color and decorate the image. I used copic markers and some Stickles for a bit of sparkle on my image.
Fill a small cellophane bag with your choice of treats. Here I’m using Pumpkin Spice Hershey’s Kisses. The great thing about these small treat holders is that one bag of Kisses will fill 5-6 cellophane bags, depending on how many you sample along the way!
Fold your long piece of cardstock along the score lines. Add the small piece of cardstock and patterned paper to the front of the holder. Embellish the holder if you wish. I added some orange mini brads, and a scrap of cardstock punched with the Martha Stewart Drippy Goo border punch.Line up the cellophane bag inside the holder. Punch holes through all the layers. I used a Crop-A-Dile to get through the cardstock and cellophane bag all at once.
Tie a ribbon through the holes, to hold everything together. Adhere your image to the front and you are finished. Here is a side view of the holder, so you can see it with the treats in place.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Sketch Challenge - Sept 20

2009-09-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Here is September 20th's Card Sketch. Here are the rules for your chance to win:

1) Create a card using Rubber Romance Stamps, based on the sketch above and post it on your blog
2) To be entered into the random drawing link your blog post (link to the actual post, not your entire blog) by using our Mr Linky below.
Deadline Sept 27th at midnight eastern.

Here is my take on the sketch:

Tutorial - Gift Holder - Earrings

2009-09-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone!! It's Wendy Chang here, and I'm excited to share with you a project to make a gift holder. I have a pair of earrings I made that I wanted to send to a friend for her birthday. Wanting to do something a little different for packaging, I modified a birthday card. I loved how it turned out, so I thought I'd share.

Stamp Jane with Bling Bling stamp with Memento ink onto Prism's Simply Smooth cardstock.

Color with copics (my favorite skin combo is E000, E00, and E11)

Pick copics to match with the colors of the paper you will be using for the project and finish coloring Jane in. This paper is My Minds Eye, Abbey Road.

[I mostly use double sided cardstock for my cards. I love the finished look it gives to the card].

Next, take your sheet of base cardstock, and cut it at 5.5", then cut it at 9" - You should have a 5.5x9" piece.

Next, score the card at 4.25" and 4.75." I used the groove of my fiskars cutter and a stylus. (One day I will get the scor-pal, but for now, this works)

Here you can see the score lines more closely (this is the backside of the paper I just scored)

Fold the scores. Take what is remaining of your cardstock and punch a tag. I had some die cuts from the same line, and this ribbon holder was perfect to hang the earrings... This is the inside of the project (and the gift).

Cut another piece of cardstock from your scraps from the main base cardstock, and emboss. This piece is approx. 3.5x4.75"

Adhere to front of card base.

Mat your Jane image, then use another scrap to give the image a base, with a equal mat around 3 sides, and about 1" on the bottom. Punch the bottom edge with a border punch. Wrap a ribbon around the bottom and adhere. Slip a smaller piece under the first ribbon and just tie a knot.

(as you can see, I used the cheater method to attach the ribbon in the back)

Doing it in the two step way leaves a nice flat knot

Cut a coordinating piece of cardstock to 2.5"x12". Score this piece at 4.25, 4.75 and 9.25"
Use a border punch on both sides

Fold and adhere where the ends meet. Now you've got a nice binder thingie to slip around your card.

Adhere Jane over the overlap in the paper

Then slip the entire wrapper around your card. Attach a sentiment.

To make sure that the wrapper fit, around the card easily, it is slightly loose. You need to anchor it on one side. I just wrapped a ribbon through a regular office binder clip.
Next, apply some stickles on the bling to make it pop

Voila! You are done...

enjoy! Thanks for stopping by.

Getting to know... Robin

2009-09-13T18:15:00.001-07:00

It was always my dream to own my own business and that dream came true in 1997. I started Rubber Romance Stamps with my cousin Carlyn Hampton Causer with a few designs and allot of hope! We discovered there was a void for romantic, girly type designs. About 6 years ago I designed the first DIVA, Melanie, and the rest is history as they say! Carlyn left the company 2 years ago to join her husband in their family business. I continue to keep the Rubber Romance Style alive and fresh with my designs and new ideas from other artists as well. I would call my own style sophisticated with a bit of whimsy. I love to work with different color combinations and girly embellishments. I have a very talented daughter, Alexandra, who has started to design for the company as well. She hopes to be a fashion designer one day and I believe she will be if she can just put down that surf board! I love to stamp and I love beautiful things. With stamping you have the opportunity to create our own little "works of art". My stamping motto---"think outside the box". I am honored that you have taken a moment to visit our blog!

Getting to know the Design Team - Stephanie J

2009-09-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

Hi! I’m Stephanie Jake, and I’m so excited to be a part of the first Rubber Romance Design Team. I’ve always enjoyed crafting. In fact, my mom owned a small craft and candy store when I was younger which allowed me to explore many things from jewelry making to decorative painting. About 10 years ago, I was invited to a Stampin’ Up party. I fell in love with stamping at that moment! It was so great to create cards, but I mainly stuck to my Christmas cards until about 2 years ago when I came across Splitcoast Stampers. From that point, I’ve been hooked! Christmas cards are just the tip of the iceberg!! I really enjoy creating all types of projects from cards to gifts to altered items. I especially love the people I’ve met through the many online galleries/discussion boards I belong to and through blogging.

I live in western Pennsylvania, about 1 hour from Pittsburgh. I teach gifted students in grades K – 12, which I love and keeps me on my toes! I have a sweet & energetic cat (Coco – short for Coconut) who thinks the best hangout spot is on my craft table – ugh! Besides papercrafting, I love to shop (besides pattern paper, shoes may be my biggest weakness), cook & bake, watch reality TV, read, and tend to my flower garden. I’m very honored to be a part of the Rubber Romance team and delighted to be working with such talented ladies!

My Blog: http://papercrafterthoughts.blogspot.com/

Getting to know the Design Team - Julie D

2009-09-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

I have been scrapping for over 12 years now. I love to scrapbook my family. I have been married to my best friend, Don, for 12 years. We have a 6 year old daughter named Sydnee and a 2 year old daughter, Shay. Of course I scrap the “big” moments, but I mainly just scrap those special everyday moments. My family is the main reason I scrap, and they are the main subjects of my layouts. I have had the honor of being published in Creating Keepsakes, PaperCrafts, CardMaker and Memory Makers. I am super excited to be working with the Rubber Romance Team!! Thanks for this amazing opportunity.

My Blog: http://julieslife-lexea.blogspot.com/

Getting to know the Design Team - Sherry C

2009-09-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

Hi! I’m Sherry and I am Mom to an 18 year old son (really!). I work in management for a regional trucking company and I live in Suffolk, Virginia just west of Virginia Beach. I started stamping in February 2006 when someone invited me to a workshop. Once I tried it I was addicted and haven’t stopped since. In addition to stamping I enjoy cooking, reading, going to the beach, shopping and spending time with my family, friends and my big and fluffy dog, Dixie. I am passionate about life and the ones I love. I have loved Rubber Romance stamps for some time now and I am excited to work with this team.

My Blog: http://workingandstamping.blogspot.com/

Getting to know the Design Team - Kathleen C

2009-09-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I’m Kathy. I’m so excited to be a part of Rubber Romance’s first design team! I’ve been stamping for about 5 years and really love it. I started off as a scrapbooker and after attending a SU workshop I was hooked on stamping. I’ve been married for 8 years and am a stay at home mom to three little guys. They keep me hopping all day, but at night when everyone is sleeping, that is my free time. I hole up in my office and create! My crafting style is girly; I love sparkle, shine and bling. I especially love stamped images that can be colored. I am really looking forward to creating some fun projects with Rubber Romance stamps.

My Blog: http://willstampforwine.blogspot.com/

And the winner is....

2009-08-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

Ashley!!!!
Thank you to everyone who played along. Our next sketch challenge will be on the 10th!
Ashley... please send your contact info to rubberromance (at) gmail.com

Getting to know the Design Team - Wendy C

2009-08-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

am a 38 year old mother of 2, my son is 9, my daughter is 7. I am married to my high school sweetheart. I am a full time working mom in a high stress job, and crafting is my stress release. I try and get up early and so a little every day before work. It is not always possible, and I can always feel the difference in days I don't get my meditation in. I've been a memorabilia saver and crafter all my life, and discovered formal scrapbooking and stamping after my son was born. I love all things crafty, and will try everything once. I do not consider myself to have any one particular style - by choice. I never want to stop growing in my crafting. I am so excited to be part of the Rubber Romance design team, and look forward to getting to know everyone better.

My Blog: http://justwen.blogspot.com/

Getting to know the Design Team... Shannon B

2009-08-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

My name is Shannon Bracken and I'm a hopelessly addicted stamper. I've been paper crafting for the last 15 years off and on, and jumped back in with both feet in Aug 2008. I've been able to meet alot of great people thru this hobby and have had alot of great opportunities to share my skills with others. I live in Michigan with my 2 cats and 1 very highly energetic beagle. By day I'm a cost analyst so my crafting allows me to express my creative side, as well as provides me with mental theraphy I often need after a long day. I'm super excited to be working with the Rubber Romance team. I look forward to creating inspiring projects with these fabulous stamps and to be inspired by those around me.

Blog: shannonssentiments.blogspot.com

Getting to know the Design Team... Sammye Jo

2009-08-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the Bluegrass State. I am a twenty something wife, mommy, and self proclaimed Southern Belle who has a passion for paper crafting & sweet tea :) I love the quick satisfaction of completing a beautiful card for a loved one to enjoy, the methodical planning of a scrapbook to be sent down the family line, and the creative venture of altering items to make them something new and exciting! My style is simple, bright, clean, and fresh. I have been stamping for a few years now and love trying new techniques. I recently found a love for stamping on clothing for children! (It is amazing what you can do with a plain white Onesie and a cute stamp!) I love any opportunity to create, learn, and inspire!

Blog: www.62cards.blogspot.com

Sketch Challenge - August 20th

2009-08-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

Do you want to win awesome Rubber Romance Stamps? It's easy just do the following:

1) Create a card using Rubber Romance Stamps, based on the sketch below

2) Upload it to your gallery at Rubber Road Adventures with the tag: RRSK1

3) To be entered into the random drawing a second time, post your card on your blog along with a link to this challenge. Then post the link to your blog post in the comments for this post.

Deadline August 27th at midnight eastern.

Here's your sketch: (figured we'd warm up with something easy!)

Here's a sample:

Stamp is Flutter Fly by Rubber Romance
Made using My Mind's Eye papers and die-cuts

Tune in tomorrow...

2009-08-19T09:30:00.001-07:00

For a card sketch challenge.
On the 10th and 20th of every month you'll have the chance to win great Rubber Romance Stamps prizes, by completing our card sketch challenge... mark it on your calendars and see you there!

Cutie Pie is ready to go!

2009-08-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

The Cutie Pie collection is now available in the Etsy store

Rubber Romance's FIRST Design Team

2009-08-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

Robin an I would like to take the time to thank everyone who applied. We received DOZENS of applications, and we looked at every single one of them. She was really touched by how many of you are fans of her stamps, which made the decision even harder. At the end of the day she said "Samantha, can I pick 7 instead of 5 " and since she's the boss I said "Of course!" ;)

and here they are..... Drumroll please.... please help me in congratulating.....

Sherry C

Stephanie J

Sammye Jo S

The announcement you have all been waiting for...

2009-08-12T13:27:00.000-07:00

Will happen on Friday.
Tomorrow is my birthday, so i'm taking the day off.
;)

Super cute!

2009-08-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

This is my last sneak of the day. Remember all of these AND more will be available in the Etsy store soon!

tick... tock...

2009-08-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

Time for another sneak!

and another....

2009-08-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

Here's something else to keep you entertained as we sort through the DOZENS of DT applications we received!

here's another sneak!

2009-08-11T08:06:00.000-07:00

Coming soon.... more sneaks!

I guess begging works!

2009-08-10T20:05:00.001-07:00

Some of you begged and pleaded... so here's another sneak of the Cutie Pie collection. Robin tells me these will be available in the Etsy store on Wednsdays

A Little Sneak of a Cutie Pie

2009-08-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Robin sent me a BUNCH of images of the new stamps coming out soon. The Divas are on vacation till September... and with enough bribing I might share some of the other images too ;)

Last Call

2009-08-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

You have just over 24 hours to get your applications in. Robin and I will then immediately begin looking everything over to decrease waiting time. I know how it feels, I have no patience either. I can't wait to welcome the new members and get to work. So .... the clock is ticking... Could you be part of our first Design Team?

One Week!

2009-08-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

There is ONE week left to get in your entries. I'm a real stickler about rules and such and no entries will be taken past the deadline. We have received some AMAZING stuff so far, and I'm busy sorting through it all for Robin. I cannot tell you how excited she is to have a Design Team keeping this blog hopping. Yay!

Here's a fav Rubber Romance card of mine. I can't part with it... also... I have no one to give it to. I just loved the sentiment! Hahaha.. :)

Keep those submissions coming,
Happy Creating,

Samantha

I owe someone a stamp!

2009-07-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your comments! I used the random integer generator and selected number 5

Susan aka "Crunchy" said...
Well, since I own so many already, I would say that Katie and her balloons is next on my list!

Congrats Susan, i'm going to try to track you down, unless you find me first. I'm heading to bed for the night ladies! Have a great week, I'll be back in a couple of days with another great RRS project!

Hello!

2009-07-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

I made this last night, it's one of my favorite RR stamps. The paper is Stampin Up, and I used Copic Markers to bring everything to life. I wrote "hello" on the flowerbox... figure this can go into my stash as an all occasions card (meaning next time my fiancé says "I need a card NOW" I'll have this ready to go)
Thanks for looking,

Samantha

An Introduction and some blog candy

2009-07-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone
Welcome to the Rubber Romance blog.
My name is Samantha, and it's my job to keep things hopping around here. Of course that will be much easier once we have an AMAZING Design Team in place. I look forward to their challenges, tutorials, inspiration and more! The applications have already started rolling in and Robin and I are very excited!

I thought I'd start things off with a give-away! Hop over to Rubber Romance's Etsy store and leave a comment on here about what your favorite Rubber Romance stamp is. I will do a random drawing next Sunday, and that person will win the stamped they've named! Easy as pie! Remember to post your favorite here before midnight on Saturday!

I hope everyone has a great Sunday, and a beautiful Monday,
Samantha

Rubber Romance is looking for its first design team!

2009-07-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

Robin needs your help, inspiration and enthusiasm to promote her amazing stamps on forums, Rubber Romance's blog and your personal blogs. We are looking for 5 rubber stamping artists. This call is open to anyone in North America, with or without experience.

To apply, please send your submission by August 10th 2009, at midnight eastern time. New members will be contacted by August 15th. This term will run for 6 months from September 1st 2009 - February 28th 2010.Please send an email containing the following to: rubberromance@gmail.com

1. Name & Address:
2. Email:
3. Phone number:
4. Blog or website address:
5. Links to any online galleries you may have:
6. Related forums/message boards that you like to visit and participate (we do NOT need your forum nickname):
7. Three (3) items, cards, layouts or altered art piece using stamps as the main focus. Your submissions don't need to contain Rubber Romance stamps, although seeing some samples using our stamps would be greatly appreciated. We just need to see your stamping abilities.
8. Tell us about yourself in a few sentences. Where you passions lie, what your favorite project have been, how long you have been stamping - stuff like that.
9. Let us know if you are a current or past design team member for other companies. (We do not expect you to work only for us).

Design Team Benefits
1. Opening welcome pack full of great Rubber Romance goodies, and new releases as they become available.
2. 20% off all Rubber Romance stamps
3. Profile on the Rubber Romance Blog.

Design Team Expectations
1. Complete 4 projects per month with your Rubber Romance stamps. Originals may be requested by Robin for tradeshows. We are looking for a variety of projects. A maximum of 2 per month can be cards.
2. Promote Rubber Romance on your blog and forums you frequent.
3. Complete one tutorial a month featuring the stamps, which will be featured on the RR blog.

Thank you for your interest and good luck!
Visit Robin and her stamps at: http://www.rubberromancestamps.blogspot.com
http://burntcookie.etsy.com

It's DIVA TIME!!!!

2009-05-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a new idea from Rubber Romance Stamps. As you can see we have taken our shopper Diva Melanie and placed her on the face of this sweet little clock! It was so easy and a lot of fun! We found this nice kit a few years ago at a show and thought it would make a great class!

You can find this kit at our etsy shop at http://www.burntcookie.etsy.com/. It would make a great gift! The instructions are included with the kit. You get the metal base, the clock mechanism, clock hands (don't forget to embellish them too!), circle template and the instructions. Other items you will need as follows:

* x-acto knife

* craft paint in colors of your choice

* sponge brush

* stamp pad in colors of your choice

* Diva stamp and Diva saying

* various ribbon scraps in coordinating colors

* Rhinestones, die-cuts, various embellishments

* AA battery

* Glue Dots

Have a great time and let us see your artistic results!