I've another Oh So Eclectic card for you today! Still looking at the different ways you can use the diamond-patterned die in the Eclectic Layers Thinlits to create backgrounds - today's example is actually my favourite! Take a look: 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Create A Stencil - If you cut the diamond-patterned thinlit in the Eclectic Layers Thinlits set without the outline into a piece of acetate window sheet, you will have a permanent stencil that you can use to add even more interest to your backgrounds. You could use it with embossing paste - yes, that card will need to be featured in a part 4 blog post, to follow some time later when I've made the base into something! - or as I've done here, to create a blended coloured background using ink and sponges.

Tropical Colour Combo - I stuck with the Berry Burst and Peekaboo Peach colours that have featured on a number of my other cards featuring the Oh So Eclectic Product Suite and blended them with some Melon Mambo and Tangerine Tango, to give my card a bright, tropical feel. Here's my colour combination should you wish to save it for your future projects:

Gold Glimmer Flower Two Ways - I wanted to add a couple of hibiscus-inspired blooms to my sponged panel, so decided to choose two of the solid colours for the bases and accent each with both parts of the top layer diecut in gold glimmer. This really was easier than it looks to achieve: I adhered my gold glimmer paper to an adhesive sheet before running through my Big Shot, then having cut another top layer using a piece of scrap cardstock, used the this diecut as a guide to piece the small pieces into, before removing it. 

I think this card is one of my most favourite yet using this set; if I made it again though I would stencil my pattern more offset to the right rather than centrally, so that more of it would be visible once I'd added my embellishments. I still love it though!

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

This is the last of my cards for a while that uses the Oh So Eclectic product suite, but I assure you this won't be the last of it! If you need no further convincing as to the versatility of this set, do click on the link to it below that will take you to my online store to purchase your very own bundle - include this month's code for an extra thank you in the post from me. Orders place before the end of the month will put you only £2 away from receiving a £4.50 money off bonus days coupon too, so be sure to add in a little something extra in order to take advantage of this great saving!

Until next time, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock	Berry Burst 5/8" Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon	Peekaboo Peach A4 Cardstock	Berry Burst A4 Cardstock
Peekaboo Peach Classic Stampin' Pad	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad	Tangerine Tango Classic Stampin' Pad	Gold Glimmer Paper
Gold Metallic Thread	Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets	Gold Foil Sheets	Happy Birthday Gorgeous Photopolymer Stamp Set

I've another Oh So Eclectic card for you today! Still looking at the different ways you can use the diamond-patterned die in the Eclectic Layers Thinlits to create backgrounds - today's example is actually a CASE of a card featured on page 132 of the Stampin' Up! catalogue: 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Colour Above - This card uses the diamond-patterned thinlit in the Eclectic Layers Thinlits set, again without the outline, to add interest to the mat layer of the card. On today's card I've used a piece of Extra Thick Whisper White below the diecut layer and cut the diecut out of a piece of the lovely faux watercoloured paper from the Naturally Eclectic designer series paper pack - this time the Emerald Envy piece,which was the other end of the paper I used for the background on my previous card. I added further detail to this layer by stamping leaves and dots directly onto it and added texture by sticking some of the diamonds that had been cut out back onto the base layer. Waste not, want not as the saying goes!

Embossed Leaves - Did you realise that two of the leaf thinlits and one of the diamond thinlits in the Eclectic Layers set are actually for embossing not die cutting? I've highlighted them on the image below - so useful for adding in texture to your designs:

I used the sprig of leaves on the background layer, again another way to add detail and texture without adding bulk.

The Midas Touch - A few final gold elements - foil, mini sequins and metallic thread - finish the card.

As my regular readers will know, I'm not usually into 'fussy' cards, however I love this set: it makes freestyle collage cards so easy, without having to sacrifice too much of my clean and layered style. 

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I'll be back soon with my final card (for now!) that uses the Oh So Eclectic product suite. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle	Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock	Gold Foil Sheets	Gold Mini Sequin Trim
Emerald Envy Classic Stampin' Pad	Fresh Fig Classic Stampin' Pad	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad	Night Of Navy 5/8" Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon	Gold Metallic Thread
Vellum A4 Cardstock

Here's another Oh So Eclectic card from my technique class last week. One of the things we looked at was the different ways you can use the diamond-patterned die in the Eclectic Layers Thinlits to create backgrounds in a number of different ways. As such, I'm going to do a series of posts that each show an alternative example. Here's the first one: 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Colour Below - The diamond-patterned thinlit in the Eclectic Layers Thinlits set, like the flower and diamond dies, can be used with or without the outline piece. Used with the outline it creates a delicate cutout, perfect for layering. Used without, it adds interest to the mat layer of the card and can be used to add detail to a background from which to add additional detail. On today's card I cut it out of a mat of Extra Thick Whisper White and placed a piece of the lovely faux watercoloured paper in Night of Navy from the Naturally Eclectic designer series paper pack behind it, allowing the graduated colour to show through.

Naturally Eclectic - The Naturally Eclectic designer series paper really is one of my favourites - I love the colour combinations and whilst some of the patterns are rather bold, the watercolour washes on the reverse are gorgeous. Here's a shot of these papers in all their glory:

Mini Sequins For Maxi Impact - The last thing that I want to highlight on my card today is the addition of some of the new gold mini sequins. Perfect for embellishing cards without adding a lot of bulk, these add a touch of glamour to any project and are the perfect addition to a collage-style card such as this one. I just love these and think I might be addicted to them! 

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Just a reminder too about this month's Bonus Days promotion: If the Oh So Eclectic bundle is on your shopping list, or any of the great bundles that Stampin' Up! has to offer, July is a great time to purchase; not only will you save 10% off the individual item prices by purchasing as a bundle, for every £45 you spend you will also receive a £4.50 coupon that can be used against next month's purchases too. A win-win! Furthermore, remember to add this month's hostess code JG7PHQKR to your order if shopping with me online to receive an extra little thank you in the post from me. 

I'll be back soon with another card that uses the Oh So Eclectic product suite. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle	Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock	Gold Mini Sequin Trim	Emerald Envy Classic Stampin' Pad
Night Of Navy A4 Cardstock	Berry Burst A4 Cardstock	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad	Powder Pink Classic Stampin' Pad	Powder Pink 1/2" Finely Woven Ribbon
Fresh Fig A4 Cardstock	Embossing Buddy	Versamark Pad	White Stampin' Emboss Powder	Happy Birthday Gorgeous Photopolymer Stamp Set

I've a quick clean and simple Oh So Eclectic card for you today! This one uses the diamond-jewel thinlit and the co-ordinating bejewelled paper from the Naturally Eclectic designer series paper pack. Take a look: 

There's really not much to say about this card - I wanted a quick design that showed a use for the paper and the jewel-shaped diamond thinlit and this is what I came up with! Nothing fancy and nice and easy to reproduce. This thinlit co-ordinates with the stamps in the 'You're Priceless' stamp set on page 160 of the Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue which offers lots more creative options and some great sentiments, but since I didn't have this to hand, I used a sentiment from the Oh So Eclectic stamp set which would work to send to someone as a thank you. You don't need this stamp set to get mileage out of this thinlit though; I have a few other ideas for this particular thinlit too that I'll be sharing another time. 

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I'll be back soon with another card that uses the Oh So Eclectic product suite. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle	Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper	Lemon Lime Twist A4 Cardstock	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock	Gold Mini Sequin Trim
Gold Foil Sheets	Night Of Navy A4 Cardstock	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad	Subtles Enamel Shapes	Sweet & Sassy Framelits Dies

Today I have another Oh So Eclectic card from this month's technique class which is the second CASE from the front cover of the current 2017-18 Annual Stampin' Up! catalogue.

As I mentioned in my previous post, the eye-catching front cover was in part what attracted my ladies to the Oh So Eclectic Bundle in the first place, so it seemed only right that we should make some of the cards showcased. This card is so very detailed though even for a technique class and I'm sure at one point my ladies were wondering what they had let themselves in for! Here is my version of the card:

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Step It Up - This cover card embodies for me, a rather clean and layered kind of gal, what is the ultimate in stepped-up cards. It uses the Oh So Eclectic suite of products to the full and whilst its roots are in the Oh So Eclectic stamp set, it also utilises a number of other tools, accessories and techniques in its construction, including:

• Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper
• Die Cutting using the Eclectic Layers Thinlits and the Lovely Words Thinlits
• Dry embossing using the Eclectic Layers Thinlits
• Textured background using embossing paste and the Pattern Party Decorative Masks
• Heat embossing using Versamark and white embossing powder for the sentiment
• Rock and roll ink technique for the flower centre
• Lot of accessories including gold foil, mini sequin trim, Berry Burst Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon and wooden Touches of Nature Elements.

That's a lot of activity for one card and whilst time-consuming to create, results in a beautiful, multi-layered card that in addition to needing a box rather than an envelope to send it, also creates something with so much detail you can spend ages looking at it and truly admiring the level of skill that has gone into it.

We had a lot of fun making this card in our extended class and everyone was justly proud of the end result. 

Join A Class - If you are local to me and would like to know more about my classes, you can find details here on my website or here under 'events' on my Crafty Owl Facebook business page.

My next technique class is on Tuesday 1st August and features the Beautiful Bouquet Bundle, followed by one the following week on Monday 7th August featuring the Eastern Palace Suite. Booking for my Beautiful Bouquet class closes next Monday and there are still a couple of spaces available - why not join me?

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I'll be back soon with another card featuring the versatile Oh So Eclectic product suite. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle	Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock	Night Of Navy A4 Cardstock	Emerald Envy A4 Cardstock
Gold Foil Sheets	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad	Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad	Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad	Emerald Envy Classic Stampin' Pad
Palette Knives	Pattern Party Decorative Masks	Embossing Paste	Heat Tool (Uk)	Versamark Pad
Embossing Buddy	White Stampin' Emboss Powder	Blender Pens	Touches Of Nature Elements	Berry Burst 5/8" Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon
Gold Mini Sequin Trim	Lovely Words Thinlits Dies

Today I have another Oh So Eclectic card from this month's technique class which is actually a CASE of the card on the front cover of the current 2017-18 Annual Stampin' Up! catalogue:

The eye-catching front cover was in part what attracted my ladies to the Oh So Eclectic Bundle in the first place, so it seemed only right that we should make some of the cards showcased. I thought I would use today's post to actually talk about ways in which you can use the catalogue to help you on your creative journey and inform the sets that you buy when you shop for Stampin' Up! products.

Here's the low-down on today's card:

CASE The Catalogue - The catalogue is not only the place to find the details for all of the products that Stampin' Up! sells, it is also a valuable resource of tips, tricks and ideas and serves as a source of inspiration in and of itself. It's choc-full of great examples of how many of the products can be used and I always encourage my customers to use their catalogues to their full potential, whether in doing a 'Copy and Share Everything' or 'Copy And Selectively Edit' (both fit the acronym CASE) or to use the ideas as inspiration to create something different entirely. Today's card is my CASE of the one that sits in the middle of the front cover page. I changed out the sentiment for one that I have - I used one from the 'Butterfly Basics' stamp set, a 'go to' for me - but otherwise stayed pretty true to the sample.

A Sample For Everyone - The catalogue might seem a little overwhelming at first glance, with so many stamp sets, tools and accessories and lots of colourful images showing samples galore. The trick is to look out for the clever signposts that are dotted throughout the catalogue that help you navigate your way, whatever type of crafter you are. On pages 6 and 7, there are lots of useful pointers of things to look out for as you browse, whether you are new to crafting or someone looking for more creative freedom. Either way, the catalogue has you covered. Particular signposts that I would encourage you to pay attention to are the 'quick and easy' icon:

Equally, the 'step it up' icon shows how you can start with a simple project, then 'step it up' with additional tools and embellishments:

There are also lots of tips and information panels that describe how to do lots of techniques - invaluable if you don't get to attend a class and benefit from the knowledge of your Stampin' Up! demonstrator in person or aren't able to get online to look something up, read their blog or watch a YouTube video. Last but not least, the 'You Can Make It' panels show you a project and are accompanied by a shopping list of the supplies you will need in order to recreate it yourself. Stampin' Up! really does try and make it easy for you!

One Step Up - So the card above is the first or interim stepped-up version using the Oh So Eclectic stamp set. The central panel is stamped, however it also includes a stamped and diecut flower, a label printed with the Pretty Label Punch and a sentiment from an alternative set, along with some Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper, some Pool Party Solid Baker's Twine and some Emerald Envy ribbon. If you are a regular stamper and have lots of supplies, this card is a great example of how you can bring various sets and tools together, yet is still relatively quick and easy to produce. 

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I'll be back soon with another 'CASE The Catalogue Cover' card, this time showcasing the bells-and-whistles fully stepped up version using the Oh So Eclectic product suite. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle	Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper	Emerald Envy 5/8" Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon	Pool Party Solid Baker’S Twine	Metallics Sequin Assortment
Night Of Navy A4 Cardstock	Whisper White A4 Cardstock	Pretty Label Punch	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad
Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad	Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad	Emerald Envy Classic Stampin' Pad	Butterfly Basics Clear-Mount Stamp Set

I've had a few days of rest from blogging as I'm currently taking a well-earned vacation, hence no Paper Players post from me yesterday - the rest of the team have been busy though so do check out their cards for this week's Clean And Simple challenge here.

Today sees the resumption of my holiday blogging schedule - I still have some Oh So Eclectic cards to share with you, so whilst I can't promise to blog every day as I usually do, I will be sharing every few days so do pop by if you are enjoying this series showing the versatility of the Oh So Eclectic stamp set and the co-ordinating Eclectic Layers Thinlits.

Here's another Oh So Eclectic card from my technique class last week featuring a fun technique that I introduced my ladies to for the first time: 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Faux Textured Embossing - Are you wondering which embossing folder I used to create my Oh So Eclectic embossed flowers? You'll be guessing for a while - as the answer is none at all! Texture is an important feature on a card, with the layers and crinkled ribbon additional textural components, however it can be achieved in other ways too. I introduced my class to the concept of faux texture embossing, where you create a pattern, usually using a repeating shape, from lots of diecuts. This gives the suggestion of embossing and adds an additional layer of texture. The trick is to ensure your shapes are adhered securely to your base. Running the whole piece through a Big Shot with new cutting plates also helps to embed the diecuts into the base.

A Crinkle of Berry Burst - I added some pleats of the new crinkle ribbon in Berry Burst to my card; this ribbon is so soft and ties beautiful bows. I like the effect of the crinkle ribbon but always feel like I need to iron it before use!

A Pop Of Lime - Again I used one of the sentiments from the Oh So Eclectic stamp set on my card, this time stamping in Night of Navy on Lemon-Lime Twist for a pop of colour.  

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I'll be back soon with another card that uses the Oh So Eclectic product suite. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle	Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper	Peekaboo Peach A4 Cardstock	Night Of Navy A4 Cardstock	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad
Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad	Whisper White A4 Cardstock	Lemon Lime Twist A4 Cardstock	Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad

Good evening one and all! I've spent today officially doing 'boy's things' but just wanted to check in with you for a quick share of another of the sample cards from my technique class earlier this week using my Oh So Eclectic Bundle - take a look:

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Many Eclectic Layers - As I showed you in the card I shared with you on Monday, the Eclectic Layers Thinlits can be used in a number of different ways: a number of them can be used nested, or alternatively just the border edge can be used  - as I've done with my pair of blue stamped flowers here - or even just the detailed section can be used alone. If you cut the detailed dies out of acetate, you can use your diecuts as re-usable stencils for either sponging or creating texture with embossing paste. Here I used mine as a stencil to sponge a two-toned flower pattern across my background to add some colour and interest. There really are so many different options when it comes to creating with these thinlits! 

Two-Tone Watercolour Flower - To create my two-tone blue flower, I inked my stamp in Soft Sky then added some Night of Navy with a sponge dauber to the centre of the stamp before stamping it. This produces a blended, almost watercoloured effect, similar to the flowers on the panel of Naturally Eclectic paper that runs down the centre of the card. 

Three Little Words - I used one of the sentiments from the Oh So Eclectic stamp set on my card and placed it straight across the middle of my card front. Sentiments aren't the main focus for this stamp set, however it's useful to sometimes have some small ones to balance out the other busier elements of a card.

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I'll be back tomorrow with another card that uses the same set with a different technique. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle	Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper	Peekaboo Peach A4 Cardstock	Peekaboo Peach Classic Stampin' Pad	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad
Night Of Navy A4 Cardstock	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad	Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad	Embossing Buddy	Versamark Pad
White Stampin' Emboss Powder	Whisper White A4 Cardstock